Friday 15, Feb 2013 The Guardian Nigeria by The Guardian Newspaper

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Friday, February 15, 2013

Vol. 29, No. 12,468

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Jonathan not backing Maina, says Presidency From Madu Onuorah, Abuja ONTRARY to the position C of the Senate, President Goodluck Jonathan does not support the failure of the Chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, Mr. Abdulrasheed Maina, to appear before the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly for an investigation over an alleged N195 billion pensions fraud, according to the Presidency. The Presidency said that all issues concerning Maina should be allowed to be decided along laid-down civil service rules. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, said that the silence of Jonathan on the summons by the Senate did not mean he was backing Maina against the Senate. According to Abati, because Maina is a civil servant, “the President does not have to be disciplining civil servants personally. It is not an issue for the President. The appropriate office to do the right thing and ensure that due process is followed is the of-

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Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi (left); Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III and Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Abdul Azeez Arisekola-Alao, during Sultan’s visit to Alaafin over his burnt palace in Oyo… yesterday. PHOTO: NAJEEM RAHEEM

Reps in rowdy session, accuse Deputy Speaker of dictatorship From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh and Terhemba Daka, Abuja

• Move to ban use of foreign currencies for transactions

MILD drama ensued on the A floor of the House of Representatives yesterday as an-

for the purpose of empowering the fund to design, set up and operate guidelines for training and certification nationwide at state, local council and ward levels and to establish area registries for maintaining up-to-date registers of certified artisans and technicians in all fields and in all parts of the federation. Besides, citing the need to shore up the naira, the House

gry members protested against what they termed “a dictatorial “ruling by the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, who presided over a session of the plenary. The subject of discord was the debate for second reading on a bill for an act to amend the Industrial Training Fund (ITF)

yesterday moved to ban the use of foreign currencies as a means of exchange in local transactions. This came following the adoption of a motion introduced on the floor of the House by Nadu Karibe who lamented the growing trend in the use of some foreign currencies in the country. The development, according to the parliament, is con-

tributing seriously to the weakening of the naira against such currencies, with its resultant negative effects on the country’s economy. The bill to amend the ITF introduced by Chudi Uwazuruike is aimed at setting standards for artisans so as to expand the scope of industries. It attracted vehement opposition from lawmakers who

argued that the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) was taking care of the functions sought by the new bill. Trouble started when the deputy speaker called for a voice vote on the bill after an exhaustive debate. After the first call, he opted to take it a second time, explaining that the difference was not discernible. He, therefore, put

the question again, during which, according to the lawmakers, the nays again overwhelmed the ayes. However, after conferring with the deputy clerk of the chamber, the deputy speaker ruled in favour of the ayes. As soon as he ruled, those who were against the bill stood up and were about walking out of the chamber before he appealed to them to take their seats. Ali Madaki (PDP, Kano) im-

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Nigerian foreign missions’ activities for public scrutiny From Oghogho Obayuwana (Abuja) and Bola Olajuwon (Lagos) S part of on-going efforts to A make the ordinary Nigerian understand how the nation’s foreign policy affects his or her life, the Federal Government said yesterday that the activities of its diplomats at home as well as those in its high commissions and embassies would now be thrown

• Govt sets fresh global policy goals • Carrington tasks citizens on unity open for direct public scrutiny. For the first time since its establishment as a unit in the office of the Prime Minister in March 1957, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday pub-

licly presented its yearly report in Abuja. Making the public presentation, Foreign Affairs Minister, Olugbenga Ashiru, said the nation gains if the envisioned openness brings about a

change of perception allowing the practice of foreign policy to become more relevant to the lives of Nigerians in terms of its contribution to national development. But he admitted that many

Nigerians are intrigued and unsure of the ministry’s role in national development, with ostensibly no tangibles that demonstrate how the country’s foreign exertions directly touch their lives. Ashiru explained that the cloud over foreign policy projection stems “from the very nature of diplomacy itself as well as insufficient knowledge about the activities and role of the ministry and its missions

abroad.” “For Nigerian diplomats at home and abroad, especially the ambassadors and high commissioners, the publication of the yearly report is a clear signal that their activities are now open for public scrutiny, which can henceforth hold them to account on how far and how best they have succeeded in discharg-

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

2 NEWS

Government sets fresh foreign policy goals CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ing the mandate given to them on behalf of the Nigerian people,” he said Addressing the heads of the Senate and House of Representatives committees, former foreign affairs ministers, the dean and members of the diplomatic community as well as former ambassadors and under-secretaries of the ministry yesterday at the Tafawa Balewa House on the substance of the yearly report, the minister said the fresh foreign policy goals now being thrown open for participa-

tion in the public interest include an aggressive pursuit of foreign direct investments, transfer of skills and technological know-how from friends, partners and Nigerians in the Diaspora. According to him, taking the path highlighted means “we would have contributed to the task of job creation that are central to the transformation agenda of the present administration... it is therefore intended that the yearly report will enable Nigerians to better understand and appreciate the role and responsibilities of the ministry and

missions abroad... and build a vibrant constituency, a critical mass of Nigerians who will have no hesitation in supporting Nigeria’s foreign policy endeavours.” Meanwhile, former United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Nigeria, Walter Carrington, has canvassed the need for Nigerian ethnic groups to come together and resolve all tribal, religious and political stereotypes serving as clogs in the wheel of the nation’s development. Carrington gave the counsel yesterday while delivering a lecture on African-American

Jonathan not backing Maina, says Presidency CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 fice of the Head of Service of the Federation (HoSF).” The Senate had on Wednesday given Jonathan a two-day ultimatum to sack Maina from the Federal Civil Service or have a frosty relationship with the upper legislative body. Abati stated that even though

the Senate had the constitutional right to summon anybody within the ambit of the law, Jonathan, based on his commitment to the rule of law, believed that only laiddown procedures should be followed in addressing all the issues involved. According to the presidential spokesman, it is the HoSF that can take a decision concern-

ing a civil servant in line with civil service rules. Abati said: “The Senate has constitutional power to summon anybody. If such a person failed to appear before them, the lawmakers are also empowered to issue a warrant of arrest against the person. The President has not in any way stood in the way of the Senate in inviting Maina. You will recall that the police even declared him wanted. Maina is a civil servant. If he has done something that amounts to a breach of civil service rule, the appropriate office to do the right thing and ensure that due process is followed is the office of the Head of Service of the Federation. “Nobody should suggest that the President is backing Maina. It is not an issue for the President. There are laid-down procedures for handling situations like this. The President believes in due process. It is a matter for the civil service to handle. The President does not have to be disciplining civil servants personally.”

History at University of Lagos (UNILAG) Auditorium, Lagos. The former diplomat posited that from his experience, Nigeria is a unique and important country on international stage with two major religions along with others and over 250 tribes with history of cohabitation for many decades. According to him, the inherent diversities of Nigeria must be sources of its strengthen and Nigerians from all parts of the country must come together and work for its development after the brutal experience of the past military dispensation. He said he had on many occasions drew the attention of many people to how Lagos exemplified the unity of Nigeria with many people from all parts of the country living together in peace and harmony. To him, the Lagos example is

his larger dream for Nigeria, where everybody will live in harmony and work for the development of the country. Maintaining that the yearly report is consistent with the spirit of democracy, openness, and transparency in the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy useful to students, researchers and planners, Ashiru expatiated the fresh goals in the new time to include: • Maintenance of the unity, peace and security of Nigeria, particularly in the wake of the current security challenges; • job and wealth creation for Nigerians; • promotion of trade and investment; • welfare of Nigerians both home and abroad; and • the implementation of government’s transformation agenda. Looking at specific issues,

Ashiru also stressed that in maintaining Nigeria’s foreign policy, strategic partnership has been sought with the rest of the world, particularly those with huge potential for the realisation of Nigeria’s economic and social objectives. “With these frame-works, we have been able to engage our friends and establish models of partnerships that reflect our shared values and aspirations while also seeking to deliver practical benefits for our people. I, therefore, urge all members of the diplomatic corps to re-energise its efforts to get their countries to partner with us in ensuring that the various joint commissions between Nigeria and their countries are activated and made to work for the good and benefit of our peoples...”

General Manager, Eko Transport Services Limited (ETSL), Babatunde Edu (left); Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and the state’s Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa, during inspection of ETSL in Lagos… yesterday.

Reps move to bar use of foreign currencies for transactions CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 mediately raised a point of order drawing attention of the deputy speaker to the House Standing Rules, in a situation like that. According to the House Rules, the members would have to be divided to arrive at a decision. The deputy speaker ignored the point of order and ruled that “this bill has been referred to the committee on industries.” The ruling infuriated the majority of the lawmakers who started protesting. Before the House Leader, Mulikat Akande-Adeola, would move for an adjournment, the members walked out and were waiting for the deputy speaker to come out. As he made to step out of the chamber, a member, Tijjani Abdullahi Jobe, was heard telling him: “You cannot continue this type of attitude in this House. You have to respect our opinion because we are all representatives of the people.” The lawmakers who supported the bill such as Friday Itulah (PDP, Edo), Patrick Ikhariale (PDP, Edo), Sekonte Davies (PDP, Rivers) and the sponsor of the bill, Nwazuirike (PDP, Imo) tried to intervene. But Aishatu Dahiru (PDP, Adamawa) who had laid a solid foundation for opposition against the bill on the floor said: “We cannot sit here all day and our opinion will not be taken into consideration by the presiding

officer. Nobody was elected as presiding officer from his constituency; they were all voted here on the floor. This is bad and it has to stop.” The deputy speaker walked pass them but as he was leaving the main building known as “White House” for his office in the new building, he was again accosted by the aggrieved lawmakers who expressed displeasure at the way he handled the ruling on the bill. It was at this point that the deputy speaker rebuked Babale, shouting at him: “Keep shut! Keep shut! You impugn the motive of everything we do on the floor of the House. We don’t have any interest in this bill.” But the lawmaker replied: “The way things are done in this House is wrong, you cannot continue to treat us this way.” At this point, the deputy speaker who was visibly angered by the comments charged at Babale, saying: “Don’t portray us in the way we are not.” Meanwhile, threatening further action, Madaki who fielded questions from reporters on the matter said: “We will not accept this. This will not stand, it must be revisited next Tuesday. We are not anybody’s children. We voted three times rejecting the bill and that is our stand.” Leading the debate on the use of foreign currencies, Karibe had argued that “every country has its currency

which serves as a means of exchange, a symbol of identity, a source of pride and a sign of independence and economic stability. “ The lawmaker also observed that “without equivocation, the naira is the only means of exchange for local transactions known to law in Nigeria. “There is a growing trend in the use of foreign currencies, especially the United States (U.S.) dollar for payments of school fees, hotel bills, real estate, rent and purchase in bars, night clubs, luxury good shops, in Nigeria. “This trend has led to the high demand of these foreign currencies, especially the U.S. dollars in Nigeria.” Contributing, Warman Ogoriba said: “I was in South Africa where I wanted to pay my hotel bills in dollars and they were rejected. “Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised because here Nigerians freely use the dollar. “I urge members to support the motion and the CBN to ban the use of foreign currencies in local transactions.” Buba Jibrin described the motion as a timely intervention, adding: “In foreign lands, we are made to change dollars into local currencies using our passport as an identification mark. “But here in Nigeria, even in our shopping malls, dollars are freely used, that is wrong. It is only the high and mighty that spend dollars the way they like.” But in his contribution, Ali

Madaki said: “If Nigeria is really serious and they want investors, we need to use dollars. “If we look at Dubai today, dollars are openly used and just in the 1970s, they came here to borrow money from us. “They wanted to borrow $10 million; but the then Obasanjo administration was told the place was a desert, but look at Dubai today, is it not better than Nigeria? We need investors to grow our economy.” Speaking against the motion, Aminu Sulayman described the motion as a glorified one, adding that it was only an inconsequential number of Nigerians that use the dollar in Nigeria. “This matter should be left for the appropriate authority to handle or the motion should be thrown out through the window.” 0gbuefi Ozomgbachi, however, in his contribution said: “There is an existing Act of Parliament that forbids Nigerians from using foreign currency for marketing purposes. “ But while rounding off the debate, Karibe said the motion was not against the sale of foreign currencies but its use in local transactions in Nigeria. When the Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal put the question to the motion titled “Need to ban the use of foreign currencies in domestic transactions in Nigeria”, it was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers in a voice vote.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

News Leaders not doing enough on graft, insecurity, says Obasanjo

Customs arrests fake recruitment syndicates From Mathias Okwe, Abuja

From Alemma-Ozioruva Aliu, Benin City N what seems like giving up on the twin challenges of security and corruption bedeviling the country, former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday in Benin-City, stressed that enough was not being done on the scourges by those in charge. Obasanjo stated this yesterday in the Government House shortly after a courtesy call on Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He was in Benin City to

deliver the first memorial lecture in honour of the late chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Dr. Abel Guobadia, organised by the Women’s Health and Action Research Centre (WHARC). On the issues of corruption and security, he said: “How many times are you going to flog this horse, I have flogged the horse of corruption, I have flogged it internally, externally, I flogged it every day, some people go along with me, they agree that it is a problem that we

have to face it squarely, some people abused me, some people did all sorts of things but the point is that when you have a problem and you attempt to cover it, you are not solving the problem, if anything you are complicating the problem. “Even security, I have talked about it, I have been called names I have gone out on fact-finding moves, I have found out what is there and what is not there, I have talked, I have reported, I have nothing more to

hide.” Obasanjo also said the indigenisation policy under the military administration did not work and that necessitated his ambitious drive for privatisation and market driven economy as President in 1999 just as he commended Oshiomhole on his efforts to develop the state. He described Oshiomhole as one who had developed from radicalism to realism, adding: “I now see a governor who once lived a life of radicalism but he is now

living a life of realism but we all do that. I was Head of State and I believed that there was no way to manage the Nigerian economy except by indigenisation and we went out for indigenisation but the truth is that indigenisation did not succeed the way I wanted it to succeed so when I had the second opportunity, when God gave me the second chance, I learnt from my past and I became an apostle of genuine private sector, direct foreign investment, free market

HE Nigerian Customs ServT ice (NCS) has smashed syndicates that have been defrauding unsuspecting members of the public with fake promises of securing employments; auction papers and contracts for them with the Service. Parading the suspects yesterday in Abuja, the ComptrollerGeneral of Customs, Dikko Abdullahi, said the cyber crime gang created fake customs websites and facebook accounts for the purpose of luring applicants with the aim of defrauding them. He added that the gang was carrying out the nefarious activities with high-level collusion with a commercial bank (name withheld). However, Abdullahi said that the Customs was able to crack the syndicates through the deployment of forensic experts in collaborations with the Independent Corrupt and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Canada and United States. Represented by the Assistant Comptroller General, Headquarters, Tahir Musa, the Comptroller General said that the manager of the colluded commercial bank with four other workers have been arrested

Jonathan pledges support for African unity From Madu Onuorah, Abuja RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday stated that Nigeria strongly believes in Africa’s unity, pledging to continue to work for mutually beneficial relationships in the continent. President Jonathan, who spoke while receiving the outgoing Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Msuya W. Mangachi, at the State House, Abuja said that “African countries must work together for the overall benefit of the continent, and we believe we can play a positive role in strengthening Africa.” Jonathan said Nigeria was concerned about peace and stability in the continent, adding that the proliferation of small arms was contributing to the crisis.

Youth Corps members protesting against the non-payment of their allowance in Lafia, Nasarawa…yesterday.

Gowon, ex-minister want decline in unity schools halted From Mohammed Abubakar, Abuja ORMER Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and former Education Minister, Igwe AjaNwachukwu, have lamented the systemic decline in the federal unity schools over the years and called for urgent steps to stem the tide. Gowon and Aja-Nwachukwu made the call on Wednesday at a lecture/dinner organised by the old students of the Federal Government College, Ilorin in Abuja as part of the activities to mark the 40th anniversary of the school. Gowon specifically decried the current practice where 70 per cent of students in the unity schools are admitted on the basis of placement or catchment areas. He cautioned that the noble intentions of establishing the schools was not only as tools to unite young Nigerians, but also as centres of excellence and would be defeated if such practice continued. He also noted that the prevalent insecurity in some states had also made parents to stop their children and wards from attending schools in those volatile areas; a development, which may also defeat the purpose of the unity schools. Gowon and Aja-Nwachukwu were in agreement that the

main objective of creating the unity schools was to bring together people of diverse tribe and tongues in a unifying spirit. “It is disheartening that for some inexplicable reasons, many of the Federal Government colleges and unity schools have ceased to be models of excellence with decaying infrastructure, hostel facilities, learning equipment, not to talk of the food,” he said.

Gowon also pointed out that disruptions and inconsistencies in education policies of successive governments had not helped the schools and the education system in general. There is however hope, he said, in acknowledgement of efforts by the current administration to revitalise the ailing schools across the country. Aja-Nwachukwu, whose tenure as Education Minister

during the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s government reversed the attempted privatisation of the administration of the unity colleges, noted that if the policy were allowed to succeed, the original concept of setting up the unity schools would have been defeated. For him, fighting to preserve the legacy had become a personal task, because apart from being one of the major beneficiaries of the establish-

ment of unity colleges, his late father was the first Nigerian Education Minister in the late Balewa regime when the first three unity colleges were established. However, the Minister of State for Education, Nyesom Wike, assured that the current administration was aware of some of the declining features and had taken steps to correct them, with a view to restoring the schools to their old glories.

Court freezes oil marketers’ assets over subsidy scam By Bertram Nwannekanma and Yetunde Ayobami-Ojo USTICE Adeniyi Onigbanjo of the Ikeja High Court yesterday ordered an interim forfeiture of assets belonging to an oil marketer, Mr. Oluwaseun Ogunbambo. The order secured by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was sequel to an ex parte application filed yesterday by the anti-graft agency. Ogunbambo is one of the oil marketers being prosecuted by the EFCC for the subsidy scam running to the tune of N4.5 billion. Although the worth of Ogunbambo’s assets, which the EFCC sought to freeze, was not disclosed, the commission

however said that the affected assets were mostly in the United Kingdom, five Nigerian bank accounts and a landed property at Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos. Five of the bank accounts bear the names of his companies, Fargo Petroleum Gas Limited, Arnage Oil and Gas Limited and Seatac. Also, the account of Nassaman Oil Service Limited, belonging to Mamman Ali, son of former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Ahmadu Ali, was among the assets frozen at the instance of the court for alleged fraud linked with Ogunbambo. EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Francis Usani, who moved the application for forfeiture, said: “The property and bank

accounts set out in the schedule hereto, property of the persons currently standing trial for conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence, obtaining the sums of over N4.5 billion by false pretence, forgery and uttering of a documents in Charge Nos ID/116C/2012, ID/133C/2012 and ID/122C/2012 all pending in this judicial division (Ikeja), be in the interim forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria pending the determination of all the pending proceedings against him”. Two of the charges are pending before Justice Onigbanjo. In the other charge involving Ogunbambo and his firm, Adeline Investment, pending before another judge, Justice Olabisi

Akinlade, the accused was alleged to have used forged cheques and false claims to defraud Stanbic IBTC Bank up to the tune of N430 million in 2010. According to the other two charges involving Ogunbambo, Habila Theck and Fargo, the accused were said to have defrauded the Federal Government under the fuel subsidy scheme up to the tune of N976.7 million. In the other matter involving, Ogunbambo, Mamman Ali, Christian Taylor as well as Nasaman Oil Services, the defendants were charged for defrauding the Federal Government the sum of N4.5 billion under the subsidy scheme.

Sultan urges monarchs to shun politics From Iyabo Lawal, Ibadan HE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, yesterday counselled traditional rulers in the country to stay away from partisan politics in order to preserve their dignity. The Sultan who spoke in Oyo during a sympathy visit to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi over the fire incident in his palace, however added that monarchs could support their friends in politics but should not do it brazenly. “Once we put your two eyes and mind in partisan politics, we lose respect. Government believes in us and in the traditional institution and that is the reason we have to be apolitical.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

4 NEWS

Russians for trial over arms importation

Ogbulafor wants conspiracy charge quashed From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja FORMER National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Vincent Ogbulafor, wants charges of conspiracy and award of fictitious contracts charges preferred against him by the Federal Government for which he is standing trial quashed. Ogbulafor made this known through his counsel, Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN), yesterday shortly after the prosecution closed its case against him and two others. Prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), had barely close his case when Gadzama informed the court that “the first accused person (Ogbulafor) will file a no-case submission before the next adjourned date.” It is Gadzama’s argument that prosecution has failed to establish a strong case against the accused person. Justice Bello adjourned the case to February 28 for adoption of arguments in respect of the no-case submission. The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting Ogbulafor, who was Minister of Special Duties along with Emeka Ebilah and Jude Nwokoro on a 17-count charge of conspiracy and award of fictitious contracts to the tune of N107 million.

By Joseph Onyekwere

Three journalists get bail in Kano From Murtala Muhammed, Kano MAGISTRATE’S Court in A Kano yesterday granted bail to two Wazobia FM reporters, Yakubu Musa and Mubarak Mohammed Sani, and a former Executive Secretary of Kano State Censorship Board, Abubakar Rabo Abdulkarim, who had been arraigned on Tuesday on alleged criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, intentional insult, obstruction, defamation of character and injurious falsehood, contrary to Sections 97, 85, 114, 399, 148, 392, and 393 of the Penal Code. All the accused persons however had pleaded not guilty to the charges. At the resumed hearing yesterday, Senior Magistrate Ibrahim Bello Muhammed granted them bail to the sum of N100,000 each and two sureties for each accused person, one of who must be a community leader or head of the organisation in which the accused person is working. The three were seized by the Kano State Police Command on Sunday for allegedly airing a programme on Wazobia FM that condemned polio vaccination in the state and defaming the character of the District Head of Tarauni in Tarauni Local Council of the state, the Dangoroban Kano, Ado Kurawa. The matter began when Sani had a misunderstanding with the traditional ruler over polio vaccination at Abubakar Rabo’s house, which later degenerated when the producer of the programme, Yakubu, raised the matter on his “Sandar Girma” a popular vernacular programme, which the police considered derogatory and defamatory to the district head and inimical to the polio immunisation exercise. The case took a turn for the worse and dominated public discourse following the shooting to death of nine female polio vaccinators three days after the airing of the controversial programme.

HE Federal Government of T Nigeria will on February 19 arraign 16 Russian nationals

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru (left); Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa; President, Association of Retired Ambassadors, Isaac Sagay and former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jibrin Chinade, during the launch of the maiden edition of the ministry’s yearly report in Abuja… yesterday.

FG, states, councils share N575.464b From Mathias Okwe and Emeka Anuforo, Abuja

• Presidency presents revised electricity roadmap today

HE Federal Government and the states in the country yesterday met and distributed N575.464 billion being the federally-generated revenue for the month of January this year. Crude oil mineral contributed the highest level of revenue as it pooled N552.663 billion while nonoil contributed N98.602 billion to bring the amount generated all together to N651.265 billion, over and above the targeted amount of N502.566 billion for the month and also higher by N70.206 billion the amount generated in the previous month. Besides, following a directive from the President, the Presidential Taskforce on Power (PTEP) and the Ministry of Power will today present the draft revised power sector road-map to stakeholders. The Accountant-General of the Federation, Jonah Otunla, explained the improvement in the revenue generation: “This was due to the significant increase recorded in the Petroleum Profit Tax for the month of January as a result of upward

review of estimates and payments by the NNPC (PSC and MCA) and other oil companies. “The distributable statutory revenue for the month is N453.452 billion. There is augmentation of N3.545 billion, which brings the total statutory allocation to N467.007 billion. Also distributed is the N7.617 billion refunded by the NNPC. In addition, the sum of N35.549 billion is proposed for distribution under the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SUREP). The total revenue distributable for the current month, including VAT, is N575.464 billion.” A breakdown of the amount distributed indicates that the Federal Government got the lion share of N216.52 billion of the statutory revenue, representing its 52.68 per cent equity of the revenue sharing formula and another sum of N9.402 billion from the VAT revenue source, representing its 15 per cent share. The 36 states on the other hand are to share N109.818 billion, representing their 26.72 per cent share of the revenue formula and anoth-

er N31.340 billion from the VAT revenue, representing their 50 per cent share, while the 774 local councils across the country are to share N84.665 billion from the statutory revenue, representing their 20.60 per cent under the revenue formula and another sum of N21.938 billion from the VAT revenue, representing their 35 per cent equity. The VAT collection increased by N7.756 billion to reach N65.291 billion for the month of January this year. Other recipients from the revenue included the oil mineral-producing states, which are to share N 47.432 billion being their share of the 13 per cent derivation under the revenue sharing principle and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Customs Service, which both share seven per cent of non-oil taxes collection and four per cent of Customs duties collected during the period respectively. Head, Media and Communications at the PTFP, Mrs. Awele Okigbo, said yesterday that the PTFP had been collaborating with sector operatives collating data and IT

was now ready to present a proposed “Power Sector Reform Road-map Version 2.” The draft revised road-map, Awele said, would be presented to a technical retreat to discuss, challenge and obtain valuable feedback from industry stakeholders prior to being presented to the Presidential Action Committee on Power, chaired by President Goodluck Jonathan. The Guardian had last week reported government’s intention to review the “Power Sector Reform Road-map” quoting copiously from a detailed review of the power sector that highlighted the key challenges and achievements of the sector in the year 2012, including the projections for the year 2013. The document, obtained by The Guardian, had spoken of government’s intention to review the power sector road-map developed in 2010. Meanwhile, the PTFP has said that discussions are still ongoing in respect of the management contract with Manitoba Hydro International. Chairman of the task force, Beks Dagogo-Jack, said at a consultative meeting in Abuja that government was in discussion on the matter, but he refused to give details.

before Justice Okechukwu Okeke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, over alleged unlawful importation of firearms and ammunitions into Nigeria. They are Myre Seadiver, Zhelyazkov Andrey, Savchenko Sergel, Chichkanov Vasily, Varlygin Igor, Komilov Alexander, Lopatin Alexey and Baranovskly Nikolay. Others are Mishin Pavel, Llia Shubov, Dimitry Bannyrh, Alexander Tsarikov, Kononov Sergel, Korotchenko Andrey, Vorobev Mikhail and Stepan Oleksiuk. They are to stand trial on a four-count charge bordering on illegal importation of firearms and ammunitions into the country. In the charge, the accused are alleged to have entered into the Nigerian territorial waters without due clearance and licence. They are also charged with non-declaration of the goods carried on board their ship named MV MYRE SEADIVER.

NDDC commissions N94.8m projects From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri IGER Delta Development N Commission (NDDC) has commissioned water and electricity projects worth about N94.8 million in three communities in Oguta Local Council of Imo State. According to the Imo State Director of the commission, Mrs. Osato Iyasere Arenyeka, the projects are in Mgbele, Egwe and Orsu Obodo. He urged the people to report to the commission’s office any case of shoddy work instead of taking up arms and law in their own hands. The monarch of the Egwe autonomous community, Eze Pius Ezejiofor, expressed gratitude that the commission executed such projects in their areas. Meanwhile, the commissioner representing Edo State at NDDC, Henry Okuarubo, has hailed the vision and dedication of its managing director, Dr. Tarilah Tebepah, and other officials of the interventionist agency in the discharge of their duties. He spoke in a chat with Mr. Bemigho Eyeoyibo, Head (Worldwide) of the NeoBlack Movement (NBM) of Africa.

Two feared killed in drivers’ union clash in Ogun From Charles Coffie-Gyamfi, Abeokuta WO people were feared T killed and about 20 vehicles seriously damaged when members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Ogun State Chapter, yesterday once again engaged in violence over leadership tussle. The battlegrounds yesterday were the Kuto and Ita-Oshin Motor Parks, two major motor parks in Abeokuta, the state capital. The Lateef Oriola and Mugisu Akinpelu factions

have for over a decade been engaged in battle for supremacy. At the end of yesterday’s brawl, 20 vehicles were seriously damaged. The police confirmed that seven people were seriously injured. However, an eyewitness told The Guardian that two people were killed. Dangerous objects used by the combatants were said to include guns, charms, axes, cutlasses, clubs and others. As of now, the Akinpelu faction is in control of the parks but the Oriola faction in attempt to seize the leadership position from them resulted in yesterday’s violence.

During the fight, travellers, traders and passersby at both parks scampered for safety. The fight at the Ita-Oshin Motor Park was less severe because of the police armoured tank stationed there, as the police were quick to quell the violence. The injured were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, for treatment. Fourteen suspects were said to have been arrested by the security agencies, which included the State Security Service (SSS), Special AntiRobbery Squad (SARS) and

the Police. There was also heavy police presence in Kuto Motor Park shortly after the violent attack. The Chairman of RTEAN, Mugisu Akinpelu, while narrating the ordeals of his members in both motor parks, said seven persons sustained injury at Kuto Motor Park but no one sustained any attack at Ita-Oshin Motor Park. According to the chairman, six of the suspects were arrested by the officials of the SSS, three were nabbed by SARS and policemen from Ibara Station arrested five.

The State Police Command’s Spokesman, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that five people were injured and warned members of the union to shun hooliganism. Adejobi in his statement said: “Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Ikemefuna Okoye, has warned the transport unions in the state to maintain law and order as the command would not condone acts of hooliganism or violence”. The police spokesman, however, said that there was no death recorded.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Obasanjo, Mark, others for Olowo’s book presentation tomorrow By Abiodun Fanoro ORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo; Senate President, David Mark; erstwhile Vice President, Alex Ekwueme and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, would tomorrow grace the public presentation of a book written by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Victor Folagbade OlaterunOlagbegi, as part of activities to mark his 14th year on the throne. It is billed to hold at the auditorium of the Nigerian Law School, Victoria Island, Lagos. The book, titled: In the Wilderness Of Life: An autobiography of Oba Victor Folagbade OlateruOlagbegi, Olowo of Owo, captures the Oba’s early life, his public service days at the Nigerian Law School as director of administration and secretary to the council, among others.

NEWS 5

Govt cleans up lead poisoned Zamfara communities From Florence Lawrence, Abuja ICTIMS of the lead poison V in Zamfara State now have something to cheer as the Federal Government has sent experts to the state to treat them and clean up affected communities. No fewer than 400 children exposed to the poison died and thousands were badly affected when the tragedy first reared its ugly head about two years ago. Government officials were at the beginning of this week in Bageda community to begin work on preliminary remedi-

ation activity. Simba Tirima of TerraGraphics Environmental Engineering, in a release, informed that the team was seen testing compounds where they and members of Doctors Without Borders will be staying. Bagega has a population of about 7,535 and 1,500 children are awaiting urgent treatment there. Tirima Consulting, partner for the remediation of Bagega, reiterated that the only longterm solution to lead poisoning crisis in Zamfara is institutional control and not a total

ban on artisanal mining. “We would not want to be called again in five years for the remediation of a community in Zamfara. As such, the three arms of government should come up with a policy framework that will encourage safer mining practices among the artisanal miners,” it said. The Federal Government had on January 28 approved the release of about N850 million from the Ecological Funds to be distributed among the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of

Mines and Steel Development, mainly for the remediation of communities affected by lead poisoning in the state. Head of Mission of Doctors Without Borders in Nigeria, Ivan Gayton, affirmed that the medical team of Doctors Without Borders started moving into Bagega on Tuesday to prepare for screening of children under five years. The Follow The Money (FTM) team, a non-profit group that has been advocating for the release of funds to remediate Bagega since October 2012, urged all stakeholders to keep

Anambra orders three firms to repair damaged pipelines From Uzoma Nzeagwu, Awka HE Anambra State government yesterday gave three construction companies one month ultimatum to repair water pipelines they destroyed during their road construction in the state. The Commissioner for Public Utilities, Emeka Nwankwu, who disclosed this to newsmen while on a fact-finding tour of the areas, lamented that the three construction companies (names withheld) damaged many pipelines. “The practice everywhere is to inform the state government or people in authority of the water pipelines, PHCN and NITEL lines on the road they intend to construct in time to enable their removal or relocation to a safer area,” Nwankwu said. According to him, one of the companies destroyed and uprooted pipelines laid from Nimo/Enugu-Ukwu to Abagana Water Supply scheme built in 2000 by the Anambra State government and the European Union.

Glo/CNN African Voices features Jibunoh N line with the philosophy Isponsored of the CNN African Voices by Glo to show-

Court hears Anosikes’ application on Daily Times March 4 By Joseph Onyekwere and Tunde Akinola FEDERAL High Court in A Lagos has fixed March 4 to hear the application brought by the Anosike brothers and Folio Communications Limited over what they described as the recycling of charges in different courts against their ownership of Daily Times. The case was fixed for hearing yesterday but could not hold because of absence of the trial judge, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke. When the case came up earlier, counsel to Fidelis and Noel Anosike, Morrison Quaker, had raised preliminary objection challenging the service of the charge. He said the charge on which the prosecution sought to arraign his clients was not served on them and, therefore, argued that non-service of the charge disqualified the court from assuming jurisdiction in the case. Quaker told the court that the case for which his clients were being maligned has been heard in a previous court and quashed by Justice Archibong. He asked the court to jettison the charges because listening to them in the court would amount to abuse of court processes.

up with the momentum at which remediation has started in order to avoid any delay, as the clean-up exercise should have started in October 2012. “As much as we are grateful to the Federal Government and everyone that ensured the release of funds, and the start of clean-up, accountability and transparency should be upheld, otherwise remediation might be stalled and we will have to start all over”, said Oludotun Babayemi, co-creator of the group.

President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Theo Okonkwo (left) and the Director General, Emeka Okereke, during a courtesy visit to The Guardian in Lagos…yesterday PHOTO: FEMI ADEBESIN-KUTI

Court refuses to dismiss failed contract suit By Joseph Onyekwere USTICE Morenike Obadina Jruled of the Lagos High Court has that she has jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by Atlas International Engineering Services Limited against Field Offshore Design Engineering Limited over a failed contract deal. Ruling on a notice of preliminary objection filed pursuant to the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990 and Order 1 of the High Court of Lagos State Civil Procedure Rules 2004 filed by the defendant’s counsel, Anthony Idigbe (SAN), Justice Obadina said the fact that the defendants were not properly served is not enough to invalidate the process. “I uphold this leg of objection. I hold that there is no proper service of the originating processes on the defendant. I accordingly set aside the service”, she ruled, adding that the amended originating writ should be properly served on the defendants. “It has been held that an amended original writ by addition or subtraction of a party, is equivalent of a new writ that party and the claimant have to serve the amended writ in accordance with the rules for service in the Rules of Court”, she added. She also held that for the fact that the claimant sued a wrong name which its coun-

sel, Theodore Ezeobi (SAN), admitted was done in error and had applied to correct it, it (the court) could not dismiss the suit. “The application of the claimant dated March 30, 2012, to correct the name by which the defendant was sued is granted as prayed. I rely on my findings in respect of the first ground of objection. The amended writ of summons and statement of claim and all other originating processes shall be filed accordingly and served on the defendant within 14 days”, she ordered and subsequently adjourned to Febru-

ary 18, 2013, for further directions. The defendants, through their counsel, had filed the objection dated March 12, 2012, saying that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit because there is no entity known as Fode Field/Offshore Design Engineering Limited, instead of Field Offshore Design Engineering Limited. The claimant had filed the suit in that name which was written in the contract document, not knowing that it was not the registered name of the company. They also objected to the suit

on the ground that the originating process was not served according to the CAMA and the rules of the court, a position the judge, however, agreed with and ordered a reservice. Atlas International Engineering Services Limited had filed the suit claiming that by an agreement in writing made between the parties effective from May 26, 2008, the parties had a contracted. According to the firm, it involves the claimant providing engineers to defendants on terms and conditions, which include remuneration, set out in the agreement.

case personalities who are shaping the African continent, the programme will this weekend feature Nigeria’s foremost environmentalist, Chief Newton Jibunoh. He will be the star guest on the 30-minute show today at 9.30 a.m. and tomorrow at 4.30 p.m., with repeat broadcasts at 10.00 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. on Sunday. There will be further repeats at 11.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. on Monday and at 6.30 a.m. on Tuesday. Jibunoh is one of Nigeria’s trailblazing explorers who has witnessed extreme drought and famine on solo expeditions across the Sahara desert and has dedicated his life to curbing the scourge of poverty caused by desertification, a phenomenon where fertile land becomes desert. He thrice crossed one of the world’s largest deserts. Jibunoh undertook his first Sahara crossing as a youthful adventurer and his second journey as an environmental crusader. He is trying to raise awareness on desertification/ environmental degradation in subSaharan Africa. This week on African Voices, CNN’s Vladimir Duthiers talks to Jibunoh about his discoveries and how he is helping his fellow Africans. Jibunoh, who is a soil mechanic expert, also talks about his pet project, FADE (Fight Against Desert Encroachment), a non-governmental organisation.

Reps’ panel summons Attorney-General, SSS boss over Oyerinde’s murder From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja HE House of RepresentaT tives’ Committee on Public Petitions yesterday invited the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, the Director-General, State Security Service (SSS), Ita Ekpeyong, to appear before it to explain their roles in the investigation of the murder of the Principal Private Secretary to Edo State Governor, Olaitan Oyerinde. They are to appear on February 27 alongside Oyerinde’s

widow and her brother, who witnessed the killing. Chairman of the committee, Uzor Azubuike, said the appearance of the parties would help unravel the mystery over the murder. He decried what he described as the politicisation of a purely criminal matter, saying the next sitting on the matter would help unravel the mystery behind Oyerinde’s death. Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole had recently accused the police of shoddy handling of his aide’s murder, prompting the House to refer

the matter to its committee on public petitions. Appearing before the House committee, the petitioners, Conference of Civil Society Groups, faulted the way the police have been handling the investigations, particularly in the prosecution of one of their members, Rev. David Ugolor. The petitioners described the police prosecution of Ugolor as a ploy to divert attention from the real killers. Counsel to the police, JoeKyari Gadzama, however, declared that the petitioners were merely misleading the

committee and the general public. He said the police had adequately responded to the legal opinion of the Edo State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which a Magistrate’s Court that tried Ugolor relied on. Gadzama insisted that the police did a thorough investigation and that as the person who was last seen with Oyerinde on the night of his death, there was nothing wrong with investigating Ugolor.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

6 | NEWS

Jonathan, at passing-out parade, tasks corps members on job creation From Abiodun Fagbemi (Ilorin), Tunji Omofoye (Osogbo), Ujunwa Atueyi (Lagos) and Murtala Muhammed (Kano) RESIDENT Goodluck P Jonathan yesterday charged members of the 2012 Batch ‘A’ of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) across the country to skillfully put all the innovative training they had received in the course of their one year national service to good use by becoming employers of labour. He gave the advice at the

passing-out ceremony held for corps members, who were officially disengaged from the NYSC nationwide, having completed their programme. Jonathan, whose address was read in Lagos by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Wale Ahmed, on behalf of Governor Babatunde Fashola, said his administration was not ignorant of the high unemployment rate in the country, thus its continued passion to address the challenge using various programmes, including SURE-P

and You Win. He said it was against this background that the 2012 Batch ‘A’ corps members were offered special training through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED), carefully designed to address the unemployment crisis in the country. The president said: “The various forms of experience garnered during the one year service programme should guide you in the pursuit of life goals. I have been briefed that the SAED programme

aimed at empowering corps members to become self-employed started with your batch and has recorded appreciable success. “The present administration remains resolute in tackling unemployment, insecurity and corruption headlong to ensure that there is conducive atmosphere for sustainable economic growth. I therefore implore you to cooperate and support this administration by putting everything you have learnt to good use and help reduce the current level of unemploy-

Kwara initiates scheme to boost healthcare services From Abiodun Fagbemi, Ilorin WARA State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to extend the provision of affordable healthcare services to over 60 per cent of the state population through the community health insurance scheme. Ahmed spoke yesterday in Abuja when he signed a memorandum of understanding, on behalf of the state government, with the Health Insurance Fund for expansion of Kwara Community Health Insurance Programme over the next five years. The governor, who described the poor state of the nation’s healthcare system as a major challenge that must be addressed by all stakeholders, disclosed that the programme would run from 2013 to 2017 in all the council areas. He said the recruitment of more medical personnel and renovation of more hospitals and health centres would

Gov tasks drivers on insecurity soon begin across the state to address critical needs in the health sector. Ahmed explained that the essence of the agreement was to expand access to healthcare delivery, promising that no resident of the state would go beyond 500 metres from his or her residence before having access to medical services in order to improve healthy living of the populace. “Many people, especially at the grassroots, have not been able to afford medical bills in the hospitals and what we are trying to do is to assist not less than 60 per cent of Kwarans in accessing affordable healthcare services,” Ahmed said. Revealing that the scheme, which started with about 200 patronages in 2007 in Shonga, Edu local council, would be increased to between 2, 000 and 3, 000 with the new community health insurance

scheme, the governor said that Kwara State and the Dutch Government, in partnership with Hygeia Group, would pay the premiums to enable the people enjoy healthcare services at affordable rates. Meanwhile, the governor has urged members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to assist security agencies in apprehending criminals posing as passengers. They include those with strange luggage, the ones who often discuss security-related issues inside the vehicles and those who usually disembark at non-residential areas. Already, security telephone numbers were said to have been circulated to the relevant drivers’ groups to facilitate arrest of suspected passengers. He said yesterday in Ilorin that the Nigerian professional drivers have a crucial role to play in ensuring security of

lives and property in the country. Speaking during a tripartite programme of Advocacy/Awareness on HIV/AIDS, distribution of Road Accident Health Insurance Scheme (RAHIS) cheques to beneficiaries, and promotion of made-in-Nigeria buses to members of the NURTW, Ahmed said the vigilance of the drivers was essential to security issues in the country.

From Isa Abdulsalami, Jos HE Federal High Court sitting in Jos has adjourned till March 6 for judgment in a case of alleged academic fraud and illegal termination of appointment. A former graduate assistant in the Department of Languages and Linguistics of the University of Jos, Mrs. Augustina Otori, has dragged the institution to court alleging fraud, illegal termination of her appointment and sex-

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2013

Politics Of Merger, Alliances IGERIA has a long history of failed proposed mergers and/or alliances dating back to pre-independence in 1960. But promoters of the opposition All Progressive Congress (APC) (code-named Armoured Personnel Carrier) say the new baby has come to stay. Really? We report on our findings.

PLUS HE Igwe Twins... From dropping out of school to becoming entrepreneurs changing the face of eatery and impacting on the lives of many.

Prince Bola Ajibola @ 79 T

their carrier-based environment. Three of the corps members that served in Kwara State lost their lives during the service. The state NYSC Co-ordinator, Ngozi Ezekwe, who disclosed this yesterday during the passing-out ceremony at the Ilorin Metropolitan Square, said the NYSC regretted the death of the youths. No fewer than 20 corps members in Osun State were sanctioned and would repeat their service year due to alleged misconduct. 10 others, who performed outstandingly in their places of primary assignment, were given award by the state government. The Co-ordinator, Mrs. Marry Eboagwu, who gave this hint at the passing-out ceremony in Osogbo, noted that the 2012 Batch ‘A’ corps members generally performed well, adding that the erring corps members would re-take their service year for their failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the

Ex-lecturer alleges illegal sack by UNIJOS

TheGuardian

ORMER Judge of the International Court of Justice at The Hague reflects on his upbringing, his life as a Muslim at a Baptist School, his father’s influence and ambition to be a lawyer, his relationship with MKO Abiola, the idea of setting up a university, his wife and children and how he spends a typical day.

ment.” Meanwhile, the Lagos NYSC Co-ordinator, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi, said that 28 corps members would face disciplinary actions ranging from two to four months extension of service to repetition of service. She regrettably announced the passing away of five courageous patriots during the service year. She also commended the seven corps members who received State Honours. In Kano State, the low key ceremony, which was devoid of its usual passing-out parade due to insecurity, only witnessed decentralised issuance of discharge certificates to corps members in the four zonal offices of the scheme at Bichi, Wudi, Kura and Kano Municipal. Kano State NYSC Co-ordinator, Alhaji Salisu Yakasai, said the scheme was re-evaluating its previous posting policy that restricted corps members to four key sectors considered cardinal to national development to enable them be deployed to

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Court rules on suit March 6 ual harassment. After listening to the adoption of the final written addresses by both the plaintiff’s counsel, Mr. Pius Akubo (SAN), and defendant’s counsel, Mr. Ninman Denden, the trial judge, Mr. Justice Ambrose Allagoa, fixed March 6 for judgment on the protracted matter. Akubo explained that in September 2007, the university claimed that Otori’s employment had expired on the pretext that she had not completed her master’s degree programme. He said: “However, the testimony of the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Prof. Emmanuel Ajulo, as far back as November 2, 2006, was to the effect that the plaintiff had already completed her programme and all that was left was for her to defend her master’s thesis. “That was all, when he was making recommendations for confirmation of appointment. Curiously, sometime in October 2007, the plaintiff was verbally informed that one Dr. Eke said she failed his examinations in two different courses. “Strangely enough, the plaintiff and this same man had been having a running battle right from her undergraduate days. This man was at it again, especially when the plaintiff came for her master’s degree. He made overtures but the plaintiff told him she was a married woman.” Akubo further stated that the plaintiff thereafter insisted that she could not have failed the subjects and therefore demanded to see her scripts. He quoted the plaintiff as saying, “it is not possible. Let me see my scripts. I have been lecturing here for over three years, how can I fail my exams? Why would you release the results more than three years after I have been lecturing?” The counsel added: “When Otori demanded for her scripts, it was later confirmed to her that her scripts were actually missing and that she should help them out by agreeing to re-write the examination so that they

would have some record to preserve.” Akubo said his client refused to re-write the exams to the extent that her project supervisor had to go and beg her. He stated: “He went to her husband’s house to beg him to beg his wife to come and re-write the exams in order to bail them out. That is how they pressured her; they mounted pressure on her so much that the plaintiff reluctantly agreed to re-write the exams. This was indeed a trap by the university.” Akubo said that six months later, “they claimed that the results had been released but that the plaintiff failed. She wrote many letters of complaints that the department should produce the scripts and let fresh external examiners mark the scripts to determine the veracity of their claims, and if corroborated that she actually failed the examination, she would apologise to the university authority and withdraw her services. But they never produced the scripts.” He submitted that Otori’s employment was subsisting, adding that the university had no right to stop her salaries, noting: “The labourer deserves his wages. They must pay her all the accumulated salaries from March 2008 till date because she kept lecturing in the university.” He argued that Otori’s employment was covered by statute. In his final submission, the defendant’s counsel, Denden, argued that Otori’s appointment had no statutory backing, pointing out that it is only when the university confirms an appointment that it becomes statutory. He also submitted that the fact that Otori was a lecturer did not make her a special student, and that while the controversy raged, it was agreed that the examination be re-written. He urged the court to look at the matter dispassionately. The judge said the court has to study the matter carefully before arriving at a decision, stressing that it was for that reason he gave a long adjournment for judgment on March 6.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

NEWS 7

FG plans N800m 2013 demographic health survey

APGA may sanction Okorocha, Annie Okonkwo over merger

From Florence Lawrence, Abuja

From Chuks Collins (Awka) and Seye Olumide (Lagos)

O ascertain the trend of HE new leadership of the T health status of Nigerians and the quality of its indica- Tembattled All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) may

tors, the Federal Government has concluded plan to conduct a N800 million National Demographic Health Survey 2013 from February to May 30. The National Population Commission (NPC) assigned to conduct the exercise with support from development partners, including United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) United States for International Development (USAID) Department for International Development (DFID), among others, had 312 trained personnel to start off from six states of the geo-political zones. Meanwhile, to forestall the incidents of security threat to the lives of the workers designated to the northern parts of the country, the Federal Commissioner from Enugu State, Dr. Felix Uzor, who represented the Chairman, National Population Commission, Mr. Eze Odimegwu, disclosed that mobile policemen are being wooed to cover them.

NACCIMA lauds Ajimobi for transforming Ibadan HE National Association of T Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has commended the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi for the transformation of Ibadan into a modern state capital, which will facilitate the industrial growth of the state. The NACCIMA President, Mr. Ademola Ajayi, said during a courtesy call on the governor in his office in Ibadan yesterday, that “Our observation is that this state is moving very fast on the path of transformation. We also noticed that Oyo State, and particularly Ibadan, the state capital, is getting cleaner and neater. We also want to congratulate you on the inauguration of the Secretariat/Bodija Bridge, which will further ease movement of the people of the state and improve on their living standard. We have also observed the various developmental projects currently going on, such as the Mokola fly-over, road dualisation and others. “This will no doubt go a long way in actualising your dream of ensuring the rapid socioeconomic development of Oyo State,” the NACCIMA president said.

AIT begins operation in Bauchi From Ali Garba, Bauchi OVERNOR of Bauchi State, Isa Yuguda, has commended Da’ar Communications Plc for the take-off of African Independent Television (AIT) broadcasting in the state. Yuguda, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Sagir Saleh, said the establishment of the station in Bauchi presented an opportunity to consolidate on the performance of the federal and state media in the state in promoting peace through their various programmes. In his keynote address, Chairman of Daar Communications, Dr. Aleogho Dokpesi, commended Governor Isa Yuguda for supporting the establishment of the Bauchi broadcast complex of Raypower FM and African Independent Television (AIT).

consider sanctions on some of its leading erring members, including the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and Senator Annie Okonkwo. The duo are the vocal representatives of the party that led other members to the merger talks, which resulted in the formation of a new political group called All Progressives Congress (APC). APC is the fusion of four existing political parties in the country. Reacting to the merger, which came almost at the same time the verdict of an Enugu High Court that invalidated and sacked the APGA national executive led by Chief Victor Umeh, a key stakeholder of the party in Anambra and the Chairman of Peter Obi Campaign Organisation, Sylvester Nwobualor, said the party would challenge the APC if registered. According to Nwobualor, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already turned down their request for registration, except they drop the name of APGA”. He said the issue of the ongoing merger moves was not worth discussing at all because it’s an effort that was bound to fail. And that all the participating political parties must surrender their former certificates, after ratification of the new move by their parties through a convention. He, therefore, wondered whether

Lagos ACN seeks support for APC the participants knew the details. Nwobualor, who was the immediate Special Assistant to Governor Peter Obi on Parks /Markets, admitted that Governor Okorocha and Senator Okonkwo are free to associate with any group, but not on the guise of representing APGA, especially when they were not so mandated. He frowned at the failure of Okorocha to have failed to discuss or liaise with Obi on the issue before embarking on the far-reaching journey. On the choice of Obi’s replacement, Nwobualor noted that both Obi and APGA have chosen to allow Anambra-North Senatorial zone decide, except when they fail to present a credible marketable candidate. The political think-tank of APGA told journalists that the verdict of the Enugu High Court on the leadership of Umeh was a vindication of his initial stand on the issue since 2010 when his tenure expired. He also welcomed his readiness to go on appeal, but counselled him not to bother because it would be an uphill task to controvert the truth. Meanwhile, Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria has affirmed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to stay and salutes the dexterity with which the leaders of the new party are handling the task of midwifing the party. In a release in Lagos signed by the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbok-

we, the party said that for Nigeria to make meaningful progress and for democracy to survive the many challenges it is facing now, Nigerians must rally round APC to reposition the country for progress. The party expressed its pleasure at the progress made so far by the merger committee, which it says, portends that the country can weather its present tortuous challenges if sincerity of purpose is employed. It urges the committee to go the whole hog and come out with beautiful, practicable and cost-effective ways of rescuing the country from the pit of irrecoverable decay the PDP has ran it into. “We are particularly pleased that the leaders of the APC have worked with an uncommon spirit of sacrifice and seriousness so far. The early results of their efforts are already running PDP and its allies ragged as all their efforts to sow discord and strife among the component parties have come to naught. We salute them and also salute the mass acceptance that has trailed the formation of APC. We see it as enough proof that the country is tired of the burden the PDP has been for the past 14 inglorious years. We see the massive endorsement the APC is receiving through the length and breadth of the country as proof that Nigerians urgently want change from the rotten and decadent order that has weighed them down for the past 14 years. We see these as an endorsement

Soyinka, activists, kick against First Ladies’ project By Kamal Tayo Oropo and Tunde Akinola OBEL laureate, Professor N Wole Soyinka, pro-democracy group, Women Arise (WA), activists and other women under the aegis of the Women Arise for Change Initiative, yesterday besieged the Office of the Lagos State Governor in Alausa, Ikeja, to register their displeasure over the allocation of N4 billion in the 2013 budget for the proposed building of an office for Patience Jonathan’s African First Ladies’ Mission Initiative. Prof. Soyinka, who backed the protest of the women in a letter read by President of Women Arise, Dr. Joe OkeiOdumakin, described the proposed budget as a mind-boggling fiscal misappropriation. The protest march took off from the premises of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja, to the State House, Ikeja, where a letter of grievance was delivered to Governor Babatunde Fashola for onward transmission to President Goodluck Jonathan. In his letter, Soyinka said the latest move by President Jonathan to set up such initiative for his wife and legalise the office of the First Lady was another “egregious conspiracy to drain the Nigerian treasury, mounted in the name of a high-flying member of your gender.” “I have, therefore, elected not to lend my affection to any one individual, but the entire bevy of First Ladies of the African continent - and that includes First Male Spouses. What, after all, is to stop these male consorts from developing ‘pet projects’ and setting up missions? Even if they number no more than one or two, there is a saying that

goes: What is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander. The Nobel laureate said the move was an attempt to legalise illegality through a debasement of the democratic process and wastage of public funds for such project. “A mind-boggling fiscal misappropriation: N4 billion, no less! - Is being attempted in your names - openly, in an attempt to institutionalise an illegality through a debasement of the democratic process. It is no longer secretive but in your face, and damn public opinion! “Your names (women) have been invoked as the ultimate beneficiaries, and thus, you are vicariously implicated. In the name of St. Valentine and the love I bear for you all, please dissociate yourself from this display of shameless avarice. I shall not go so far as to ask you to denounce what you probably know nothing about, but if you ever get to hear of it, distance yourselves from the gross impropriety.” Soyinka added that there was no such thing as an African First Ladies’ Mission in the Nigerian appropriation list, saying that any claim remotely like it is the conspiracy of sycophants, jobbers, masters of impunity, a desperate clique that unfurled a continental umbrella as cover for private aggrandizement. He urged women not to be part of it as “the people of this nation are fast losing patience.” Dr. Okei-Odumakin, in a letter addressed to President Jonathan, said women were scandalised by the culture of waste that had become the hallmark of governance in Nigeria, especially in recent

times. She stated that the latest of such fiscal waste was the N4 billion allocated for the building of an office for Nigeria’s First Lady, Patience Jonathan’s African First Ladies Mission Initiative, an allocation which was provided for in the Federal Capital Territory’s 2013 Budget, adding that the move was an affront to Nigerians and should be vehemently resisted by all right-thinking

of the efforts of the leaders of the APC and urge them to do more. “APC is an idea whose time has come. We restate that no amount of desperation by a fading and decadent order can stop it. APC is a child of history and history has taught us that nothing stymies a move that is historically correct. The rightness and historical correctness of the APC find meaning in the continued state of sleaze Nigeria has been under the PDP since 1999. We believe that the continued regression of the nation under the corrupt and incompetent watch of the PDP assisted tremendously to midwife the APC. APC will fulfill its historical mission of redirecting the sinking ship of the Nigerian state and steer it to safety from 2015. “Lagos ACN notes the unsettled and clearly disoriented state the PDP had been thrown into since APC emerged. We note that the PDP is in great disarray on how to handle the present challenge thrown but the APC and this disheveled state could be gleaned from the way and manner the party has so far reacted to the emergence of the APC. The rank and

file of the PDP is caught on a crisis engendered by its wellknown notorious value to the present democracy where it has excelled in looting, impunity, incompetence and all other forms of inefficiency. “We note that since PDP found out that it could not stop the formation of APC, it has been mobilising its members and allies to sow falsehood, rumours and gossips with a view to engendering hatred among the leaders of APC. That they have failed woefully in distracting APC shows that Nigerians are determined to do away with the nuisance the PDP has constituted in Nigeria for 14 years. “We believe that Nigeria is worth dying for and this worthiness obtains in the prospects of future responsible governance, which the APC is poised to give. We urge Nigerians who desire change from this prolonged state of rot to mobilise themselves in their immediate communities and neighbourhoods and align with APC as its braces itself for the task of salvaging the state of decadence the PDP has levied on Nigeria for 14 awful years”.

Govt to tighten security around anti-polio workers From Abba Anwar, Kano INISTER of Health, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, has said the security of polio vaccinators and all other health workers would be given special priority as their lives come under serious threat. Pate spoke when he visited Kano to commiserate with the government and the people over the killing of anti-polio officials in the state recently by gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram members. He said the delegation was in Kano from the Federal Government to emphatically note that what the gunmen did to the polio workers was unfortunate and highly inhuman. “We came with a letter of condolence from the Federal Government to condole with the families and the people of the state over this heinous crime.

We are also bringing the sum of N1 million to each of the affected families of those that lost their loved ones. And the sum of N200,000 to each of the families of those that are receiving treatment in hospital,” he revealed. Earlier, the governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, commended the effort of the government for sending a special delegation to commiserate with the government and people of the state. He also described the killing of the polio workers as wicked and unfortunate. “We are still assuring Mr. President that this killing will not deter us from going ahead with the fight against polio disease. Your coming is very encouraging,” he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

AfricanNews Kenyan presidential contender wants ICC trial postponed HURU Kenyatta, a Kenyan terday. Speaking at a hearing in The U presidential candidate, has asked for his trial on crimes Hague, they said that stalling

U.S. lauds ‘successful’ French intervention in Mali, seeks polls

against humanity charges to be delayed to allow time to prepare his defence given prosecutors’ late disclosure of evidence, his lawyers said yesterday. Kenyatta, a former finance minister and the son of his country’s founder president, is one of four accused at the International Criminal Court (ICC) of orchestrating bloody clashes in which 1,200 people died and thousands were uprooted from their homes after disputed elections in December 2007. While his lawyers said a trial delay was needed to let them respond to evidence disclosed at the last minute by prosecutors, many analysts said Kenyatta would benefit if the trial were postponed until well after the March 4 presidential election, Reuters reported yes-

HE United States (U.S.) SecT retary of State John Kerry UNESCO chief worries over Timbuktu heritage yesterday praised the “suc-

by ICC prosecutors had left them with only a hazy idea of the charges Kenyatta and his co-accused faced. They also requested that suspects be allowed regularly to attend via video link, and asked judges to explore moving the trial location to Arusha in neighboring Tanzania, where there is an existing United Nations court trying suspects in the Rwandan genocide. “Let us investigate these allegations properly,” said Steven Kay, the British lawyer representing Kenyatta. “I have not even been able to read the evidence.” Also accused is Kenyatta’s one-time political rival and now running mate, ex-higher education minister William Ruto. Kenyatta is running a close second to Prime Minister Raila Odinga in election polls.

UN reports looting, empty villages in CAR UNITED Nations (UN) A spokesperson has said that a humanitarian assessment mission sent last week to Bambari in the Central African Republic (CAR) by the UN refugee agency found looting and empty villages. “The joint mission by the refugee agency and Mercy Corps found that villages along a 100-kilometer stretch of road between Grimari and Bambari were almost completely deserted, with most residents hiding in the bush,” Xinhua quoted Martin Nesirky, the UN spokesman, as saying at a daily news briefing. “In Bambari, there has also been widespread looting, including of the UN Refugee Agency’s own warehouse,” Nesirky said. “The assessment mission was the first to the region since the mid-December takeover last year by the Seleka rebel coalition of the major cities of the north and center of the country, includ-

tremist groups in the north,” Kerry said. Mali’s army is struggling to restore security after a Frenchled military intervention helped it push out Al-Qaedalinked rebels who had seized the country’s north last year and brought in strict Sharia Islamic law. The West African nation imploded after a March coup by soldiers who blamed the government for the army’s humiliation at the hands of north African Tuareg rebels, who had launched an uprising in the north two months earlier. With the capital in disarray, Al-Qaeda-linked fighters hijacked the Tuareg rebellion and took control of the north. France launched its intervention on January 11, after

We urge the government to continue the political transition process towards elections and to step up negotiations with the non-extremist groups in the north

Mali’s interim government called for help fending off the Islamist insurgents as they began to make incursions into government territory. The United States has provided airlift support for French troops, and worked to train and organize an Africanled force which is due to move in to take over from the French. But the U.S. administration came under fire from lawmakers yesterday for what the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Ed Royce, called its initial “tepid” response “in answering our ally’s call.”

“It seems the bureaucracy slowed our pace of support,” Royce told a hearing called to investigate the US response to the crisis in Mali. “This is a NATO ally fighting Al-Qaeda-linked terrorists — it shouldn’t be that hard.” And he cautioned against “an abrupt turnover” to a UN force which would be “a disaster.” But the top U.S. diplomat to Africa, Johnnie Carson, said the transition to a UN-supervised force would not be done “hastily” and that African forces would be “better managed and organized under a UN peace-keeping regime.”

ing Bambari and Kaga Bandoro,” he said. The CAR has a history of political instability and recurring armed conflict. The country saw renewed fighting in December, when an alliance of rebel groups — known, collectively, as “Seleka” — launched a series of attacks and took control of major towns before agreeing to start peace talks under the auspices of the regional group known as the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). The rebels had seized control of nearly a third of the country before a peace agreement was signed on Jan. 11 in Libreville, capital of Gabon. Additionally, last week, the Government of National Unity in CAR was formed, propelling the peacebuilding process forward. Despite this progress, Nesirky quoted the refugee agency as saying, “access for humanitarian work in the Central African Republic remains limited as a result of the lack of security guarantees.”

Sudan denies army buildup on border with South Sudan UDANESE army has denied months have seen an unSthatSouth Sudan’s accusations usual buildup of forces along it is mobilising troops on the common border between the joint border. “We have not mobilised any troops on the border. We have not sent a single soldier there. These are baseless accusations. I think South Sudan is seeking to create a crisis from nothing,” AlSawarmy Khalid Saad, Sudanese army spokesman, told Xinhua. “Why should we mobilize forces on the border?” Saad said, “We are not in a state of war with the south and we do not see any reason for mobilizing forces on the border.” The remarks came with a new wave of exchange of accusations, which indicate an increasing tension between the two sides. South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Defense Majak D’Agoot was reported Tuesday to have said that the last two

cessful” intervention by France to root out Islamic rebels in northern Mali, and urged Malian leaders to organise elections, Agence France Presse (AFP) reported. Kerry came as UNESCO’s chief, Irina Bokova, warned yesterday that ancient manuscripts from Timbuktu are at risk of being trafficked out of Mali and pledged to help restore the fabled city’s heritage damaged by radical Islamists. Speaking ahead of talks with UN chief Ban Ki-moon, Kerry said Mali would be among issues discussed during their first meeting at the State Department. “We urge the government to continue the political transition process towards elections and to step up negotiations with the non-ex-

Sudan and South Sudan. He added that South Sudan’s forces are in the state of maximum readiness to repel any attack by Sudan, adding that they would keep up to the agreements signed by the two countries. On September 27, 2012, Sudan and South Sudan signed a package of agreements on various issues during a presidential summit in the capital of Ethiopia. Witnessed by members of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan (AUHIP), the two sides inked three deals on cooperation, security and post-secession matters. However, the signed agreements did not tackle the issues of Abyei and border demarcation.

South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma (right) watches a guard of honour forming part of the Parliament opening in the city of Cape Town, South Africa…yesterday.

PHOTO: AFP

Zuma urges unity to tackle South Africa’s rape crisis RESIDENT Jacob Zuma of P South Africa during his yearly state of the nation address yesterday called for “unity in action” to end the scourge of rape, which plagues the country. “The brutality and cruelty meted out to defenceless women is unacceptable and has no place in our country,” Zuma told parliament, just days after the rape and disembowelment of a 17-year-old girl shocked the nation. “The brutal gang rape and murder of Anene Booysen and other women and girls in recent times has brought into sharp focus the need for unity in action to eradicate this scourge.” The teenager was found at a construction site after her attackers reportedly slit open her stomach, took out her in-

testines and broke her legs. Booysen was buried at the weekend after dying in hospital. Hundreds of mourners attended the funeral. A sober Zuma said he had instructed law enforcement agencies to treat these cases with the “utmost urgency and importance.” “Such acts will not be tolerated.” Around 65,000 sexual offences were committed in South Africa last year, according to official figures. But police estimate only one in 36 rape cases is reported. Activists complain that only a fraction of reported cases result in sentencing. Zuma said that was improving, with family violence, child protection and sexual offences units securing 363 life sentences in the last financial

The brutal gang rape and murder of Anene Booysen and other women and girls in recent times has brought into sharp focus the need for unity in action to eradicate this scourge year and a conviction rate of over 70 percent. But the scale of the problem is bewildering. An estimated 28 per cent of South African men have committed rape, according to data from the Medical Research Council of South Africa and the International Centre for Research on Women. Based on statistics from Gauteng – which encompasses Johannesburg and Pretoria – researchers have shown that almost 89 percent of reported rapes involve black women, who are predominantly poor. Meanwhile, Zuma yesterday

said mining taxes will be reviewed in a move likely to renew uncertainty in the key sector hit by wildcat strikes and nationalisation threats. Zuma’s announcement is the first clear indication that royalties were up for review in the mining sector — the bedrock on which Africa‘s weathiest economy was built. “Later this year, the minister of finance will be commissioning a study of our current tax policies, to make sure that we have an appropriate revenue base to support public spending,” Zuma told the opening of parliament.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

WorldReport White House demands vote on defence nominee HE White House raised the T stakes yesterday in its battle to appoint a new defence

Couples inside a public pool during a mass wedding on Valentine’s Day in Lima…yesterday. Over 200 couples participated in a community civil marriage organised PHOTO: AFP by the municipality of Comas, northeast of Lima.

Gunmen killed Iranian commander, rebels shoot down Syrian fighter jets UNMEN have killed an G Iranian commander in Syria and rebels shot down two fighter jets and overran a town yesterday, dealing further setbacks to President Bashar al-Assad’s forces. The ambush that killed the Revolutionary Guards commander, the downing of the aircraft in the northwest and the seizure of the town of Shadadeh near the Iraqi border amounted to four

straight days of battlefield successes for the rebellion. The insurgents overran a military air base in Aleppo province on Tuesday, after taking control of Syria’s largest dam in the neighbouring province of Raqa the day before. The latest setbacks came after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Assad needed to abandon hopes of riding out the war and accept the

“inevitability” of his departure. Yesterday, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said one of its commanders, Hassan Shateri, was “martyred... at the hands of Zionist regime mercenaries and backers” while travelling by road between Damascus and Beirut. The Guards said he had headed the Iranian Committee for the Reconstruction of Lebanon, and the Iranian em-

African-American History: February 16, 1951

New York City Council passes bill prohibiting racial discrimination in public housing developments N February 16, 1951, the African American tenants York City, making racial disO New York City Council and dispossessed residents crimination in public houspassed a bill prohibiting dising developments a crimination against AfricanAmericans in city-assisted housing projects. The bill was directed mainly at the Stuyvesant Town housing project, which was a public-private partnership project owned by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company and the City of New York. Managers of the housing development prohibited

who had been active in the campaign to end racial discrimination. As the racial discrimination continued, lawsuits were filed on the basis that the project was public- or semipublic, and thus violated antidiscrimination laws for New York City public housing, which were rarely enforced. One month later, the BrownIssacs Bill became law in New

misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine and prison term for the owner of any housing development constructed with public assistance to discriminate on account of race, color, or nationality. Thus, Stuyvesant Town, long a symbol of discrimination, was barred from using race as criterion in tenant selection.

Israeli lawyer sheds light on Australian spy mystery NE of the lawyers to an O Australian immigrant, reported to have been recruited by Israel’s Mossad spy agency, revealed yesterday that the man was charged with grave crimes before he committed suicide in an Israeli jail. The closely guarded case has raised questions in Australia and Israel about the suspected use by the Mossad of dual Australian-Israeli nationals and the circumstances behind the 2010 detention and death of 34year-old Ben Zygier. Israel on Wednesday broke its silence over an Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) report which said that Zygier, who moved to Israel, was jailed in isolation over suspected misconduct while spying for the Mossad. Partially lifting a gag order on the case, an Israeli court said a dual-nationality citizen had been imprisoned secretly

under a false name for “security reasons”, and found dead in his cell in what was eventually ruled a suicide. Israeli criminal attorney Avigdor Feldman said he met with the man, dubbed “Prisoner X”, a day before his death. “I met with a balanced person, given the tragic outcome, who was rationally weighing his legal options,” Feldman told Channel 10 Television. He said the detainee was charged with “grave crimes” and that there were ongoing negotiations for a plea bargain. The attorney did not elaborate on the allegations, which he said the prisoner denied. Reporting in Israel on the case is still subject to strict government censorship. The Kuwaiti newspaper Al Jarida quoted yesterday unidentified Western sources as saying Zygier took part in

the killing by a Mossad hitteam of Hamas operative Mahmoud al-Mahbouh in Dubai in 2010. Zygier, the newspaper reported, offered Dubai information about the operation in return for the emirate’s protection. Offering a different version, Australia’s Fairfax Media said Australian security officials suspected Zygier may have been about to disclose Israeli intelligence operations, including the use of fraudulent Australian passports, either to the Canberra government or to the media before his arrest. “His interrogators told him he could expect lengthy jailtime and be ostracized from his family and the Jewish community,” Feldman said. “There was no heart string they did not pull, and I suppose that ultimately brought about the tragic end.”

bassy in Beirut gave a similar account. Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi strongly condemned the killing as a “terrorist act” and paid tribute to “this commander of Islam and his tireless efforts in reconstruction.” A strong ally of the Damascus regime, Tehran often refers to rebels fighting Assad’s troops as “terrorists” with ties to arch-foe Israel.

secretary, accusing Republican lawmakers blocking the appointment of sending a bad signal to United States (U.S.) war allies. It, therefore, demanded a vote to confirm President Barack Obama’s pick for Pentagon chief this week and blasted Republicans for sending a bad signal to U.S. allies by delaying his appointment. As a political standoff escalated, a top Democrat told told Agence France Presse (AFP) that his party may not have the votes to drive through Hagel’s nomination as defence secretary before the Senate goes into a weeklong recess. White House spokesman Joshua Earnest said the delay had jeopardised Hagel’s planned appearance at a NATO ministerial meeting next week in Brussels with U.S. NATO allies to discuss the pull-out from Afghanistan. “It is difficult to explain to our allies exactly why that is happening. It also sends a signal to our men and women in uniform,” Earnest said. “We need our new defense secretary to be there,” he

said, branding the Republican procedural tactics “unconscionable.” Before allowing a vote, the Republicans opposing Hagel’s nomination want more information on his finances and also on Obama’s role in responding to an attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi last year. Senate Democratic majority leader Harry Reid has responded by forcing a vote on the nomination, but will need five Republicans to get to the 60-votes needed to overcome the blocking tactics. Without such a filibuster, presidential nominations require a simple majority of senators in the 100 seat chamber. Reid accused Republicans of acting like children over Hagel, saying it was “shocking” they would do so while the United States was at war. “The filibuster of senator Hagel’s nomination is unprecedented,” Reid said. “For the sake of our national security, it’s time to put aside this political theater — and that’s what it is.” Carl Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee told AFP that it was unclear whether Hagel would get the 60 votes.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Politics ‘Abia has suffered enough distractions’ Chief Cosmas Ndukwe, who is the Chief of Staff to the Abia State Governor Theodore Orji told GORDI UDEAJA in Umuahia that the government is determined not be distracted by recent criticisms and attacks by individuals and other political parties. He noted that the government is set on making up for lost time in developing the state. Excerpts: OW would you describe the security sitH uation in the state after the era of kidnapping? The security and peace in the state is a major point on the scorecard of the state. The state achieved the present state of security with the assistance of President Goodluck Jonathan. What exists is genuine security and we don’t have a peace of the graveyard. People actually sleep with both eyes closed. The state has surmounted the challenges the kidnap saga brought and people don’t want to go back to that time. Everything is under control and people move around at anytime. The presence of soldiers is just part of the security like in most states and is not an evidence of insecurity. Why did the state government postpone the council elections after all the preparations? The council election would have been conducted in January but for some crucial issues. The council election was postponed because the State Electoral Independent Commission and the House of Assembly felt there was a need to enhance the process and ensure that all structures were in place. Right now the State Electoral Commission has started ward verifications and this was not properly done earlier. The other structures are in place and the process that will lead to the election is on. During the preparations, it was discovered that almost all the councils owed staff salaries, and the governor cleared the debts because he wants to ensure that the new chairmen won’t have much problems. What do you make of allegations that the councils had problems paying staff salaries because the state government confiscated the council funds? These are fallacies by other parties or individuals to put the government in bad light. The only reason that the council election was postponed was because the state is putting necessary structures in place to ensure a credible election. The governor was recently accused of having some of stakeholders on a payroll as compensation for their support… There is no money to be shared. Why should the governor share money and to whom? What amount of money will the governor give to Ambassador Maduekwe or Prof. Joe Irukwu or Prof. Anya O. Anya or Gen. Ike Nwachukwu or Dr. Ezeikpe, the chairman of the Council of Elders? These are men of character and integrity who are also desirous that Abia should be like other states in terms of development. Should the governor pay them to share his aspirations with theirs? They want him to know that he is not alone, but he is not bound by their suggestions. It is part of the new unity in the state, but detractors are ever ready to impute wrong intentions in the place. Is it not worrisome that all the speculations about funds could be the reason for suggestions that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should come to Abia? The state runs a transparent system, so there is nothing to worry about. Should anyone be worried that the governor is corrupt or that the state is doing shady deals? No senior government official in the state is fazed. Let the EFCC come any day. But let them come with their facts but not anonymous petitions.

Ndukwe

The government has often said that it has no money and that the volume of internally generated revenue is low. Despite that the government is embarking on so many projects. How is the government getting the funds? The state is just trying to be prudent. We have curbed all the excesses to ensure that governance is provided to the people. It is only with prudent management of resources that we can get results. There is nothing to lie about the financial status of the state. There is a huge difference between what the governor did in his first term and what he is doing in his second term. Did he just wake up to the reality of developing Abia? What informed his inability to do so much in the first term is what we are trying to avoid now. He was distracted so much; he was preoccupied with issues that have nothing to do with developing the state. That is in the past now. The present envoy to Canada, Chief Ojo Maduekwe once said that during the era of Orji Kalu, the people of Abia lost their manhood. They were all chased away from Abia to Abuja and Lagos. They were called Abuja politicians and they were made irrelevant. But today they are all back; everyone is back into one big umbrel-

la. The governor is in a hurry because in his first term, he was constrained. There is a difference between previous governments and the incumbent government. There have been two civilian governors in the persons of Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Orji Uzor Kalu. This issue of godfather hampered the incumbent governor. Things he was supposed to do for the people could not be done because there was a godfather somewhere dictating what was happening. There were difficulties appointing even his commissioners because his choices would have to be checked against the list of someone else. He could not even embark on some projects because of conflicts. Maybe, someone thought that if he were allowed to do so much he would raise the question on the performances of previous governors. But all that is in the past now, he left the PDP and he is working for the state. Abia people like it that way and that is why he is called the liberator. Before the advent of the present administration, the state played football for eight years with Enyimba and even at that, the state was not able to build a befitting stadium for the people that won the laurels. What does the state government have against the return of the former governor

What informed his inability to do so much in the first term is what we are trying to avoid now. He was distracted so much; he was preoccupied with issues that have nothing to do with developing the state. That is in the past now. We are only hoping and praying that we manage the peace in the state ahead of 2015 and that the state is not engulfed in any sort of political confusion.

Orji Kalu to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and why so much anxiety over this? I don’t think it is causing any anxiety in Abia. It is just in the nature of the former governor to make issues out of situations like this. He won’t be the first person who left PDP and wants to return. Why should his return be a source of anxiety to the state? The concern is simply that he should not use the occasion of his return or anticipated return to cause confusion in the state. The government does not want to be distracted anymore. Recently, the former governor said in a newspaper that he was returning to the PDP because the leadership of the party is currently in the hands of animals. What can anyone say to that? He also said at another time that he promised the founding fathers of PDP that he would return when the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo had left the seat as chairman of the Board of Trustees. Does he want to return to PDP to cause confusion or to pursue the objectives of the party? His return is not an issue for the government, but it is obvious that he wants the attention of the government on that. And the government’s response is that he should act like a statesman and not create confusion in Abia. The government gains or loses nothing politically wherever Orji stays and pursues his political desires. He should not distract his successor, who is striving to make up for lost time in accomplishing some developmental projects. There seems to be some confusion over what was shown to the Good Governance team that recently toured the state on inspection of projects. What is the confusion about? There is no confusion. The Good Governance team led by the Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, noted that Abia was under reported considering what they saw. The governor has embarked on foundation projects like a State Secretariat for civil servants, a Government House because what serves as the governor’s residence is a rented structure. All the projects we showcased were either ongoing or already completed by the present administration. The old commissioner’s quarters is undergoing expansion. The state capital is undergoing transformation; it is no more a rural capital. There is no reason for old projects to be shown when there are several new ones going on. Is the state worried that the return of Orji will probably raise the stakes in the 2015 election? Where will the stakes be raised? Is it in the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) or the PDP? The PPA is a dead party in Abia. Why is Orji leaving it if it is still relevant? The issue of PPA as a party in opposition cannot be raised. All the stakeholders are in one team and nobody wants any sort of confusion in Abia. We are all witnesses to the confusion in the PDP in Anambra State and the stakeholders do not want it in Abia. This is a PDP state. We have 24 members of the House, 17 council chairmen, eight members of the House of Representatives and three senators. If any other party was that popular they would have secured at least a councillor’s seat or a seat in the House of Assembly. For example, the member of House from Bende South state constituency representing Orji is not from PPA. The former governor contested and lost in the last election on the platform of the PPA. Politics in our environment is measured by your ability to win elections. Some people have pointed out that considering his antecedents, his return to PDP will be a plus to the party in the state. The attitude of the government is that he can be anywhere he chooses to be; the government has nothing to say about that because even in his absence, the party won elections and controls every elective seat in the state. A lot has changed. We are only hoping and praying that we manage the peace in the state ahead of 2015 and that the state is not engulfed in any sort of political confusion. We have seen the damage such ego trips can cause elsewhere.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

POLITICS 11

‘We need a leader who is not in any caucus’

Adedipe From Niyi Bello, Akure OW can a citizen of a country that as H endowed as Nigeria suffer as much hardship and lack? How can a country malfunction

in almost all fronts judging by its failure to fulfill some of its basic obligations like security to its people? Mr Ifedayo Adedipe, a lawyer and a civil right campaigner simply said, “The problem with us as a nation is bad leadership oiled by corruption. This is not limited to the political leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, private sectors leaders etc. In the private sector we see the rot in the banking sector and the stock market. We had a Central Bank that looked the other way when atrocities were being perpetrated. The rogues were doing all manners of things, the prices of stock skyrocketed and all of a sudden, the whole thing crashed and people lost their fortunes; the economy and the people paid dearly for it. Adedipe however believes that the country’s problems have not defied solutions and that solutions abound within the country. His words, “ As the year 2013 rolls on the leadership particularly those at the level of decision making must put a mechanism in place to have a society that respects the rule of law. Of course they must do this by beginning to lead by example. We need total adherence to the rule of law to regulate our electoral system. If we do this, we would have succeeded in putting in place a reliable electoral system that would enable us to elect a leader that truly emerged from the genuine wishes of the people. The moment we get the issue of leadership right, all other things would fall in line. Nigerians are amenable people. Let us ask ourselves who are behind the major crimes denting the country’s image. We have crimes such as corruption, extra-judicial killings, non-implementation of budgets, high profile assassinations, genocide etc. They are not the common Nigerians. “The leader needs to take us out of this quagmire; we need a selfless and determined leader who is not in the caucuses; a leader who is ready to make the difference. You don’t need a whole

The leader needs to take us out of this quagmire; we need a selfless and determined leader who is not in the caucuses; a leader who is ready to make the difference. You don’t need a whole multitude to make the change. If you have one strong and committed political leader, he can change the course of history for good or for ill. Unfortunately, in a system like ours where people come into office through crude means, it is very difficult getting good leaders

multitude to make the change. If you have one strong and committed political leader, he can change the course of history for good or for ill. Unfortunately, in a system like ours where people come into office through crude means, it is very difficult getting good leaders”. The constitutional lawyer said that the problem is not in the type of government the country practices or the constitution it operates but purely in the implementers. According to him, “some people said that presidential system that we practice is too costly but I disagree because it is the way we devolve power and authority that matters most in any system of government. For instance why should we give more than 50 per cent of national resources to the central government when people relate more with states and councils? It is the way we are structured that is causing the problems of this country. We need to address that instead of going back to the parliamentary system. If we use the parliamentary system, we will be changing government every other day and no one can imagine the effect of that on our polity. Under that system, it would be easy passing a vote of no confidence on the Prime Minister. Britain and other countries that operate the system have a long history of politic and have mastered the system over the years”. Adedipe, an advocate of state police said that maintaining the present police structure makes the government at the centre not only too powerful, but unable to fight crimes at the many culturally and structurally different communities scattered across the country. “ If we have state police, it would be easier managing security challenges. Although many argue that state police would be abused by governors, but I ask, don’t we have state judiciary? Let states have their independent commands or we could have a regional police that will be fashioned in line with the Six geo-political zones. The idea is that if an unknown face shows up in a neighborhood, the local police, who are members of the immediate community, will spot him and ask questions”. The lawyer also advocated for the convocation of a conference of the ethnic nationalities, just as he canvassed fiscal federalism. “The Yoruba, the Ijaw, the Hausa and all the others should say what they want in this federation. I subscribe to the principle of revenue derivation. All these contributions should be put together and sieved before we are able to arrive at an acceptable constitution. Our constitution that is not working, all the ethnic groups in this country have their different ways of doing things and the leaders should get together and agree. “The leadership of this country must agree that we have problems. For instance, eliminating state or regional Courts of appeal can be debated because I believe that there are some cases that should terminate at the Court of Appeal but political cases should go as far as the Supreme Court,”

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

TheMetroSection Lagosians swing with Valentine

Briefs Endless Love holds tomorrow in Lagos HE maiden edition of "EndT less Love", a programme designed to re-ignite, re-connect and re-kindle the passion in every relationship, organized by My Lifestyle. Com, holds on Saturday, February 16, at Road Runners, No 25, Ibikunle Road, off University Road, Yaba, Lagos at 3.00p.m. Fee is N10,000 for regular and N20,000 for V.I.P. A statement by one of the organizers, Tosin D'Almeida, said guest speakers would include Dr. Bamidele Ogaga, an expert in nutrition and Funmi Akingbade, sex and intimacy columnist in The Punch and TVC. For sponsorship and enquiries, call: +234-0803-8639-466; 0805667-1776.

African Praise at Miracle Centre ll is set for the first quarter A of this year’s edition of African Praise tagged “Oleku” PHOTOS: CHARLES OKOLO

Lagosians celebrating Valentine’s Day...yesterday

By Eno Bassey HE world is awash with art on love, be it syrupy or crude. Young men and women chose to wear red, which is believed to be ‘the colour of love.’ Many eateries and fast food joints were not left out. Banks surprised their customers by sending out love messages to their numerous customers. Musicians and artistes organize different shows to commemorate this season of love. All in the name of celebrating Valentine’s Day. Meanwhile, a United States top television personality, Kim Kardashian, is expected to join Nigerian music sensation, Darey Art Alade, who is organising a St. Valentine’s concert in Lagos. Kardashian, who will be visiting Nigeria for the first time, will co-host the

show with Darey, and also partake in an exclusive VIP pre-event dinner at Eko Hotel & Suites on Sunday, February 17. Darey, fondly called Africa’s R&B king, is staging a star-studded act he calls “Love…Like a Movie” concert. The church has also joined in the celebrations. But pastors have not stopped telling the youths to shun pre-marital sex, especially while celebrating Valentine’s Day, but to show genuine love to the less-privileged and the needy. But, who was this mysterious Saint? “The history of Valentine’s Day is shrouded in mystery but lovers only know that mid February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as was marked yesterday, “contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient

Roman tradition’. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite? According to research: “The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to

death.” “Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and—most importantly—romantic figure…Many all

Amaechi to establish 10,000 hectare agricultural farm project in Oyigbo HE Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said the government is ready to establish an agricultural farm project on 10,000 hectare of land in Oyigbo Local Council of the state, if the council and the people of the area provide the land. This will boost food production in the state and create employment for the people of Oyigbo. Amaechi also disclosed that the model secondary school in Oyigbo being built by the government, would be ready for academic activities later this year. The governor spoke during a Town Hall meeting with the people of Oyigbo Local Council in the Oyigbo Council Headquarters, Afam on Wednesday.

“I want Oyigbo people to give me 10,000 hectares of land and I will give you an agricultural project that will employ people here. The first step to solving economic crisis, especially crime, is to provide people with a source of livelihood. So, you need to provide for them a source of livelihood and for unskilled labour, that is those who did not go to school, they constitute the highest number. The easiest way to engage them is in the area of agriculture.” Amaechi spoke on projects the administration was embarking in Oyigbo. “ By September this year, just like we opened Eleme Secondary School, we will open the secondary school in Oyigbo”.

Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi

He also assured the people of steady light in the coming days. “You know we are working on power in Port Harcourt, one assurance I will give you is that I will direct them to come to Oyigbo and

find out why you do not have light. We are working on that, again give us one month”. Amaechi said he had constructed some internal roads in Oyigbo Local Council including Anambra Street, Ijeoma Andy Street, Oga Imo Street, Obuchi road among others. Among the completed model Primary Schools in Oyigbo, he said included Community Primary School; Obeakpu, Community Primary School; Egburu, Community Primary School, Ayama; Community Primary School, Oyigbo North; Primary School, Oyigbo; Community Primary School, Obeama; State School, Oyigbo West; State School, Okpontu, among others; with two recently in Ajuo Ndoki and Okoloba.

He also promised to build one model primary health care centre in Afam for the people there. The governor said education at the primary and secondary school level was free and gave instruction for suspension of school principals found to have collected any form of fees from pupils and students. Earlier, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Council, Prince Uche Felix Nwaeke, noted that Amaechi’s administrative policies have had positive impact on all Rivers people. He said, “On behalf of the traditional rulers and the good people of Oyigbo Local Council, I heartily welcome you and your entourage to this very important Town Hall Meeting. You have positively impacted the lives of Rivers people, including Oyigbo.

EFCC arraigns Kano travel agent over N 1.2m scam From Lemmy Ughegbe, Abuja HE Economic and Financial Crimes CommisT sion (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned the Managing Director of TIC Travels and Tours, Auwalu Mohammed, before Justice Farouq Lawal of the Kano High Court on a - five count charge of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence. According to an electronic statement released by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, Mohammed pleaded not guilty to the charge, causing Prosecuting Counsel, M.M Gambo to pray the court to remand him in prison custody and fix a date for trial. Uwujaren said, however, defence counsel, Ibrahim Salisu presented a for-

mal bail application, urging the court to admit his client to bail as he was already on administrative bail granted by the EFCC. Justice Lawal adjourned the case to March 18, 2013 for ruling on bail application and remanded the accuse person in EFCC custody. The charge against Mohammed reads, in part, “that you Adamu Shuaibu and Auwalu Mohammed Abubakar (trading under the name of TIC Travels and Tours Limited) sometimes in 2007 in Kano State, did conspire to commit an offence to wit: obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 8(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006”. Auwal Mohammed Abubakar and Adamu

Shuaibu( still at large) allegedly defrauded one Mai-Unguwa Shuaibu of over N1,100,000 in June 2007 by falsely representing to him that the said sum was payment for Umrah travels. The accused person, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, prompting prosecuting counsel M.M Gambo to ask the court to fix a date for trial and remand the accused in prison custody. But defence counsel, Ibrahim Salisu presented a formal bail application, urging the court to admit his client to bail as he was already on administrative bail granted by the EFCC. Justice Lawal adjourned the case to March 18 and March19, for ruling on bail application and remanded the accused in EFCC custody.

at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Miracle Centre at 19, Bello Folawiyo Crescent, off Mr. Bigg’s along Ikosi Road, Ketu, Lagos. It i will hold on Sunday, March 4, 2013. Host is Pastor Abiodun D. Doherty .

Old students meet HE first meeting of IjebuT Jesa Grammar School Old Students Association(IJGSOSA), Lagos and its Environs chapter holds tomorrow at Plot 22, Lateef Salami Street, Mega Building, Ajao Estate, through Osolo Way or Mutala Mohammed International Airport Road, Oshodi at 2.00pm .

FGGC Sagamu holds interhouse sports HE 34th yearly Inter-House T Sports competition of Federal Government Girls College, Sagamu, holds on Saturday, February 23, 2013 with wife of Ogun State Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Funmi Adesegun as Distinguished Special Guest of Honour. The Principal, Mrs. A.O. Ogunbekun said Otunba Omooba Leye Ashaye, will chair the event, Mrs Efuwape Funmi, Mother of the Day, Special Guest of Honour D.C Uwaezuoke and Justice Onibokun Adedotun as guests of

Soeze wins PTI’s award HE Petroleum Training InstiT tute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria recently organized long service awards (LSA) for its deserving and dedicated staffers. One of the recipients was Mrs. Felicia Anwuli Soeze, Supervisor (Administration) in the Engineering and Technical Services Department (ETSD). She bagged a long service award.

Soeze

METRO 13

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

At Pa Reuben Abudu Ogunyomi’s Service of Songs in Lagos...on Wednesday

The eldest son, Chief Oluyemi Ogunyomi and his wife, Mrs. Titilola Ogunyomi at the Service of Songs...on Wednesday

The choristers of the Prayer Link Evangelical Ministry, Surulere, Lagos at the Service of Songs...

PHOTOS: SUNDAY AKINLOLU

NSCDC arrests two suspected fraudsters in Bauchi From Ali Garba, Bauchi

HE Nigerian Security and T Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Bauchi State command, has arrested two persons for allegedly defrauding people under the pretence of providing them with employment. Parading the suspects along with two victims at the command’s headquarters yesterday in Bauchi, the state Commandant, Shuayb Jibril, said the fraudsters were capitalizing on unemployment situation in the country to defraud unsuspecting Job seekers. He explained that the two suspects were arrested in two separate raids by men of the command following a tip off, when one of the

victims, Suleman Abdu, came to the command with an appointment letter. Jibril said the deal was exposed when Abdul was discovered to have carried a fake appointment letter during a documentation, which led to the arrest of the suspect, Hassan Abdulahi. Hassan, who was paraded alongside another suspect, Yusuf Mohammed allegedly collected N50,000 from Abdu as part payment for N100,000 demanded by the suspect for employment. Speaking to journalist, Hassan claimed that he added N30,000 to the N50,000 he collected from Abdu and sent N80,000 to one Segun and Rabilu at NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja, who se-

cured the appointment letter for Abdu with the promise to pay the balance of N20,000 when he assumes duty. Another victim, Okechukwu Dike, alleged that Yusuf Mohammed demanded N150, 000 from him to assist his younger brother, who completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) last year with a job in the Civil Defence. Okechukwu said he gave Yusuf an initiate deposit of N26,000 with a promise to pay the balance after he secure a job. The NSCDC boss advised people to be cautious of fraudsters who promise to help them secure jobs by demanding outrageous amount of money.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi (right), Head of Service, Ekiti State and Chairman/Publisher, "The Fountain Bureaucrat" Mr. Olubunmi Famosaya, Managing Director, Roosco Resources, Nig. Ltd, Mr. Marcel Roussel and Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaye during the launch of the State's Civil Service journal, in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

NYSC member wins car for maintaining virginity till marriage From Gordi Udeajah - Umuahia. HE Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, has commended the Purity Organisation for promoting purity among youths and called on singles to strive to keep their virginity, which he described as their enduring priceless legacy. The governor spoke in Umuahia on Wednesday while welcoming to his office the winner of the 2013 World Purity Queen, Mrs. Nwanyieze Prosper, who also won the car prize donated by the Purity Organisation, as a reward for maintaining her virginity till marriage. “I challenge our youths to jealously preserve their virginity until they get married as the benefits of chastity are far reaching,“ he said.

He assured the organization of the continued support of government in its activities. Orji represented by the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr. Nkwachukwu Agomuo, said the consequences of pre-marital sex are enormous, adding that the ideals of the Purity Organisation were in line with the goals of his administration. President of Purity Organization, Mr. Prosper Tochukwu, said that the car prize donated by his organization was in fulfillment of an earlier pledge it made that the car would be given to any girl certified as virgin before marriage and described it as an “ enviable gift”. According to him, only two persons registered for the con-

test since last year and were both certified as virgins by medical experts, indicating that the second person would also be given a car soon. The winner of the contest, who is a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member in Bayelsa State, urged single ladies to strive not to lose their virginity despite all the lures and pressures even as she counselled those that lost theirs not to wallow in shame and regret but to resolve to begin to live life of chastity. One of the medical doctors that examined and certified her virginity on the eve of her wedding, Dr. (Mrs.) Ifeyinwa Uma- Kalu, urged parents, churches and government at all levels to help promote

Mrs. Awomailo Patience Omoikhefe (middle) with her friends after she bagged a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education Administration at the Unversity of Lagos (UNILAG) during the convocation ceremony ... PHOTO: PAUL OLOKO

Finance Manager, Friesland Campina WAMCO Nig. Plc., Jelle Kleefstra (left), Corporate Affairs Manager, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Managing Director, Peter Eshikena; Marketing Manager, Sharman Jha and Human Affairs Manager, Robert Madukwe during the company’s fitness walk in Lagos...at the weekend

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia state (middle), state Commissioner of Works, Mr Kingsley Mgbeahuru and other offials during the governor’s inspection tour of Abiriba-Nkporo Road in the state ...on Wednesday

TheGuardian

Conscience Nurtured by Truth

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

FOUNDER: ALEX U. IBRU (1945 – 2011)

Conscience is an open wound; only truth can heal it. Uthman dan Fodio 1754-1816

Editorial ‘Mystery’ corpses on Ezzu River HE discovery of floating corpses on Ezzu River in Amansea, a town T bordering Enugu and Anambra states, has again embarrassingly brought to the fore, the low premium placed on life in this country. Reportedly numbering between 22 and 40, the floating corpses, whose origin is yet to be substantiated, rudely shocked the nation, just as they constituted a traumatic spectacle to people of the neighbouring communities of Amansea and Ebenebe, of Awka North Local Council of Anambra. Moreover, the seeming inability of the authorities to unravel the puzzle of the dead bodies has made the incident a national calamity. Different accounts of the probable source of these corpses, comprising mainly able-bodied men, have been traded between the police and the community. While the police claimed that preliminary investigations are yet to produce any lead, since there was no mark of violence on the bodies, villagers, among them fishermen who claimed to have examined the corpses closely, reported that some of the bodies had their hands tied behind their back with bullet wounds behind their necks. Amidst the conflicting accounts, there have been no report of mass evacuation of corpses at any mortuary; there has also been no news of internecine fighting in Anambra recently that would warrant such carnage and deposition of corpses. Furthermore, speculations and strong suspicion emanating from the human rights community are that the dead are victims of the preponderant extra-judicial killing in the area. On this, a number of questions arise to make the claim quite reasonable. If this was not the case, then where did these corpses come from? Did the police get reports about missing persons? Did they work on the reports? How did these people die? What happened to them? Who, or what is responsible for this? Where were the police in the state when such a sordid act was carried out? Why have they not got any lead? Or are they complicit in the act? Also, why did the police hurriedly bury the 18 corpses they discovered before autopsy? How were they able to conclude that the three bodies autopsied bore no mark of violence, while the others were too damaged for autopsy? The high command of the Nigerian Police and the government should be embarrassed by the dubious and woolly responses to these queries. It is a slight on the collective intelligence of Nigerians that an incident that demands the routine task of diligent investigation is still dubbed a ‘mystery’. This tardy law enforcement approach is unacceptable, and should attract the opprobrium of all Nigerians. Once again, government has failed in its duties. As constitutionally stipulated, the duty of government to its people is security and freedom, for according to Chapter 2, section 14, subsection 2b of The 1999 Constitution: “It is hereby, accordingly, declared that: the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” That the abysmal, sub-human condition of the nation’s police barracks and foremost training college for law enforcers is unfit for human habitation has been well documented. Yet the products of this institution have been vested with the enviable task of law enforcement. In this regard, the Federal Government has failed the police; and the police service, confined to such appalling conditions, has failed the people whose welfare it is supposed to safeguard. What has happened by this show of shame is a vicious cycle of systemic failure, which in turn is responsible for the low premium placed on life. If this is what the nation is confronted with on the Ezzu River corpses, it must be unequivocally stated that extra-judicial killings for any reason whatsoever is inexcusable. Like every fundamental human right, the right to life is not granted by governments, but rather it is inherent in the being of the individual. This right expresses the distinct inviolability and intrinsic worth of the human person; and for this reason, it is universal. The Federal Government should set up a thorough and credible independent investigation into the matter. With the slow and shoddy preliminary investigation it carried out, the Anambra State Police Command cannot be trusted to progress into a credible finding that will bring to book the perpetrators of whatever led to the Ezzu River corpses.

LETTER

Support Nigerian youths on science and creativity IR: Nigeria needs perhaps a Sfightmassive youth project to a war against poverty and disease. I am making a case for youths to be put in charge to rescue Nigeria from poverty and disease. But the youth must also have plans for the elders they are supposed to succeed. So far it has been the elders’ planning for

Looking at Nigeria as well, Benjamin Osuntokun made his most seminal contribution to Medicine at the age of 34 to be described as the worlds’ greatest Black Neuroscientist. Oladipupo Akinkugbe was already a Professor of Medicine at 35 to become the Father of African Hypertension. Sam Okoye narrowly missed the Nobel Prize for Physics for work he did in his late 20s and according to the Wikipedia, Alexander Animaliu’s PhD thesis published at 27 became, by 1983, a citation classic, having been cited more than 729 times between 1965 and 2001. He is the only African in Physics to have earned such a record of citations, his paper being the best among the best 12 cited papers from the University of Cambridge in 50 years (1930–1980).

the youth, but I feel things need to be reversed. According to “Scholarship Reconsidered: Priorities of the Professoriate” by Ernest L Boyer, the peak of the creative prowess of the physical scientist has been found to be around the age of 34. Only on July 4, 2012 we read about the discovery of Higgs Boson as postulated 45 years ago by a 27 year-old Physicist, Peter Higgs, so far the greatest discovery of the 21st century. Einstein was the greatest scientist of the 20th century by age 26 and James Clerk Maxwell became the greatest Theoretical Physicist of the 19th century by age 33 and at Cambridge University during the times of Maurice Dirac, a founder of Quantum Mechanics who influenced Peter Higgs, it used to be said that you are useless as a theoretical Physicist after the age of 32. Looking at Nigeria as well, Benjamin Osuntokun made his most seminal contribution to Medicine at the age of 34 to be described as the worlds’ greatest Black Neuroscientist. Oladipupo Akinkugbe was already a Professor of Medicine at 35 to become the Father of African Hypertension. Sam Okoye narrowly missed the Nobel Prize for Physics for work he did in his late 20s and according to the Wikipedia, Alexander Animaliu’s PhD thesis published at 27 became, by 1983, a citation

classic, having been cited more than 729 times between 1965 and 2001. He is the only African in Physics to have earned such a record of citations, his paper being the best among the best 12 cited papers from the University of Cambridge in 50 years (1930– 1980). It is of interest to note that four of these 12 most cited works from Cambridge have subsequently won the Nobel Prize in Physics. But we now have a problem of the sometimes overbearing influence of elders; this has been explored in the book “The Trouble with Physics” by Lee Smolin. If such problems exist in the U.S., then it might even be worse in Nigeria. Our youths, scientists and engineers in various universities and research institutes are perhaps not getting enough of the research resources. It seems it is a generational thing and you have to wait until it’s your “turn” especially in present day Nigeria where academics do not want to retire at 70 years! Perhaps, the youth have to do a lot of waiting before they can lay their hands on significant resources allocated to their departments or faculties. I do hope with time we would channel more of our resources towards creativity and productivity of our youth, including our Junior Engineers and Scientists (JETS) clubs in secondary schools. • Augustine Togonu-Bickersteth, London, England.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2012

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Oil prices rise above $97 a barrel HE price of oil rose above T $97 per barrel yesterday, reversing Wednesday’s small drop. In morning trading in New York, crude rose 52 cents to $97.53 per barrel. Brent crude, which is used to price oil that many U.S. refineries buy to make gasoline, was unchanged at $117.88 in London. Crude rose sharply in early January, then began to waver between $95 and $98 per barrel, where it has stayed for the past month. But just as oil prices began to flatten, retail gasoline prices began to take off. The average U.S. pump price has risen every day since Jan. 18, adding 34 cents over the period. Thursday it rose a penny to $3.63, the highest ever for this time of year. Americans may be able to offset higher gasoline bills with lower heating and electricity bills. Natural gas futures fell 4 percent to $3.17 per thousand cubic feet Thursday after the Energy Department reported natural gas supplies remained well above their 5-year average. Oil prices rose despite data showing continuing weakness in the European economy. The eurozone economy shrank by 0.6 percent in the final quarter of 2012 from the previous three-month period, more than the 0.4 percent drop expected by markets, according to Eurostat, the EU statistics office. Germany, Europe’s largest economy, shrank by 0.6 percent for the period. Addison Armstrong, an analyst at Tradition Energy, said oil prices have remained high because investors are using the cheap credit brought on by low interest rates to invest in commodities. Also Saudi Arabia has reduced its output somewhat, shrinking world supplies slightly. And the U.S. and Chinese economies appear to be getting healthier. Armstrong does not expect oil to continue to rise, however, because supplies are ample and demand is about flat. “I don’t expect we’ll revisit the highs we saw last year,” he said.

Second Vice- President of Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), Hajiya Muheeba Dankaka (left); First Deputy President Alhaji Awwalu Makarfi; and Director- General, Mallam Usman Garba Salauwa, at the press briefing to announce the forthcoming 34th yearly Kaduna International Trade Fair in Lagos on Wednesday. PHOTO; SUNDAY AKINLOLU

Nigeria negotiates $300m job creation scheme with World Bank From Najeem Raheem, Ibadan

NIGERIAN delegation to the World Bank Office in Washington DC, USA, yesterday successfully negotiated a $300 million (N47billion) International Development Agency facility, to support the youth employment initiative of the Federal Government. The fund, which is a concessional credit, is to support the effort of government to “increase access of the poor to youth employment opportunities, social services, and strengthened safety net systems in participating States.” Specifically, the scheme is expected to strengthened safety net system that would have a common targeting system and unified registry of potential beneficiaries as major elements to facilitate

basic services for poor households. The 20+ man delegation comprising state governments officials, mainly Commissioners of Finance and Justice; and Heads of Planning Commissions, took part in the negotiation, by video conference connection to the Abuja office of the World Bank. The Negotiation lasted for two days, Feb 11 and 12, 2013. Prominent among the states that took part were Cross River, Osun, Niger, Borno, Bauchi, and Ekiti. According to the Leader of the Nigerian Delegation, Haruna Mohammed of the Federal Ministry of Finance, during the negotiation as relayed to the Country office Abuja, “negotiating this project at this time is very crucial for the Nigerian team. This

The partnership with the World Bank will help to scale up the impact – especially for poor household in remote areas and this is very much welcomed. We strongly believe that this is a wise use of concessional borrowing – taking care of the future of Nigeria. project is important. It is a direct support to the transformation agenda of the Federal and State Governments in Nigeria. “Youth Employment is a key element of Mr. President’s agenda and a major initiative is already in place and yielding good result. “The partnership with the World Bank will help to scale up the impact – especially for poor household in remote areas and this is very much

welcomed. We thank the Bank for this facility. We strongly believe that this is a wise use of concessional borrowing – taking care of the future of Nigeria”. The Task Team Leader of the Project in the World Bank, Prof. Foluso Okunmadewa, reiterated the strong commitment of the World Bank to support the Government and people of Nigeria to fight poverty in all ramifications. He said that during the

negotiation, it was appreciated that since poverty in Nigeria is exemplified by lack of jobs –especially for youth from poor and vulnerable families – a situation that threatens the social, economic and political stability of the country, the World Bank stands in partnership with government to address the challenge. This assistance is a major support in the partnership. The Acting Country Director of the World Bank in Nigeria, Jens Kristensen welcomed participant to the office in Abuja and also participated briefly in the negotiation. The project is to be presented to the Board of the Executive Directors of the World Bank in June, for approval and would be effective in Nigeria immedi-

NACCIMA wants govt to boost infrastructure with foreign reserves HE Director-General, T Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr. John Osemede, has urged the Federal Government to invest a part of Nigeria’s foreign reserve on infrastructure. Osemede, who gave this

advice at a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum on Thursday in Lagos, explained that the reserve should be invested on critical infrastructure of the economy. He stressed that it was expedient to invest a part of the reserve because of the inconsistency in foreign exchange

rate, which could bring about depreciation in the value of the currency in subsequent years. ``There should be a minimum import cover for three months in Nigeria, and the government should invest in areas like agriculture and job creation. ``There are so many areas where Nigeria has comparative

advantage, which are not being optimally utilised. ``For instance, there is a huge production of onions and garlic in the northern part of the country, yet most Nigerians import onion and garlic powder. ``Also, Benin and EbuteMetta in Lagos are rich in all

kinds of wood, yet we import foreign wood materials from abroad,” he said. He stressed the need for a value-chain in agriculture, where mechanised farming would bring about a wider expansion, processing of agricultural products and provide more jobs.

He also advised that a part of the reserve should be channeled toward the development and creation of more functional research centres. According to him, the increase in the volume of the foreign reserve should be visible in the per capita income of the average Nigerian.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

16 BUSINESS

Importation of N1tr fake products worries SON IGERIANS spent over N1 trillion on the importation of fake and sub-standard products last year, the Director-General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Joseph Odumodu has said. Odumodu disclosed this yesterday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. He listed the imported items to include electrical accessories, switches, batteries, used refrigerators and air conditioners and other environment degrading materials and junks. Odumodu said the agency seized and evacuated about 20 trucks of fake energy saving bulbs, substandard iron

rods and fake tyres. He expressed concern at the rate at which fake tyres are imported into the country, and said that most importers of second hand tyres ``do not usually buy them but are paid to help dispose them off by foreign countries. Odumodu said that all countries have challenges with disposing off expired tyres. ``The life span of a tyre in Europe and America ranges between four years and five years, and an average European or American will remove his tyres, even if they have not covered 10,000 kilometres, for safety reasons.

The life span of a tyre in Europe and America ranges between four years and five years, and an average European or American will remove his tyres, even if they have not covered 10,000 kilometres, for safety reasons. Our people go to those sites where they keep tyres to pick them; actually they don’t buy them. ``Our people go to those sites where they keep tyres to pick them; actually they don’t buy them. ``I am even told that they pay them to help them dispose of the tyres and where do they dispose the tyres but in Nigeria; so they bring them to us,’’ he said. The director general said the agency was saddled with the challenge and task of how to dispose of the seized tyres

and had resolved not to burn them because of the impact

on the environment. ``We don’t want to burn

them as we will be polluting the environment; nor can we throw them into the sea; we must protect the aquatic life,’’ he said. Odumodu, however, said the agency was discussing with investors on the possibility of setting up tyre shredding plants in the country.

Matron, Ibadan Home for Motherless Babies, Mrs. J. Oke (left); and Corporate Affairs/CSR Manager, Fan Milk Plc, Mrs. Olayide Bello, carrying one of the inmates of the Home, during the company’s visit and donation to mark Valentine’s Day, in Ibadan, yesterday.

DPR shuts 23 petrol stations in Abuja, Kogi By Roseline Okere HE Department of T Petroleum Resources (DPR) has sealed about 23 petrol stations over alleged sharp practices. The department said in a media statement on Wednesday that during the

course of its recent routine surveillance and inspection of petrol stations under its Abuja zone, it sealed three petrol stations in Benue State. According to the Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Belema Osibodu, Prime Power and Aptro Nigeria

Limited were sealed for six months for sale of adulterated diesel, whilst Mitano Nigeria Limited, was sealed for one month for under delivery of Premium Motor Spirit. She added that 20 additional petrol stations within Lokoja and other parts of Kogi State found operating without licences were sealed accordingly. She stated: “Since this exercises, 10 of the petrol stations have come to regularize their licences with the DPR. The essence is to ensure that all operators are licensed to operate within the law. “Also, following a recent exercise in Idah and Ayingba in Kogi State respectively, Total Nigeria Plc, Oando Plc, Sylet Nigeria Limited, Yaman Nigeria Limited, NEGS Nigeria Limited, Alfa Allied Nigeria Limited, Du Muktar Petroleum and Asta Petroleum Limited, were found to be engaged in product diversion, selling above approved price and operating without licence”. She said that in line with the agency’s mandate to maintain standards and eliminate sharp practices in the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, DPR will continue to engage in surveillance of petrol stations and ensure full sanction of any of them found to be involved in sharp practices.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

18 INTERNATIONAL ECONOMY

EU, U.S. to start free trade talks soon HE United States and T European Union aim to start negotiating a vast Transatlantic free trade pact by June, though the plan confirmed on Wednesday faces many hurdles before it might help revive the world’s top two economies. A deal would be the most ambitious since the founding of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 1995, embracing half of world output and a third of all trade. It reflects impatience with the lack of a new global agreement to cut tariffs and ease commerce. But after a year of preparatory discussions between Brussels and Washington, major differences remain, such as EU resistance to importing U.S. foodstuffs that are genetically modified. “This is potentially a very big deal,” said Michael Froman, White House deputy national security adviser for international economic affairs, a day after President Barack Obama endorsed talks with the 27nation bloc in his State of the Union address. In Brussels, EU Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said: “These negotiations will set a standard, not only for our future bilateral trade and investment, including regulatory issues, but also for the development of global trade rules.” Once the U.S. Congress is notified and all 27 EU states assent to the talks going ahead, the sides hope for a deal by the end of 2014 - a tight deadline in international trade talks. A decade of

argument among all world governments in the Doha round of trade negotiations has so far resulted in deadlock. “If we want to go down this road, we want to get there on one tank of gas and we don’t want to spend 10 years negotiating what are well known issues and not reach a result,” Froman said in a conference call with journalists. The collapse of Doha disappointed hopes that a worldwide cut in tariffs and other barriers to trade could boost the global economy. Creating preferential trade agree-

ments (PTAs) between states, such as an EU-U.S. deal, may achieve some of the same ends, but many experts are concerned that breaking the world into blocs could end up creating new obstacles to global trade. “The more problematic side of myriad different PTAs is that they create a hodgepodge of different regulations, standards and norms that can evolve into serious non-tariff barriers,” said Keith Rockwell, chief spokesman at the Geneva-based WTO. He said it was too early to say what the impact of an EU-U.S.

deal would be. U.S. and EU officials countered the criticism by saying their deal would set global standards for the world to follow in lowering a wider range of trade barriers. However, creating jobs and economic growth on either side of the North Atlantic provide the main rationale for their alliance, given both economies are struggling to break free from almost five years of downturns and stunted recovery as well as increasing competition from China and other emerging economies.

The deal has support at the highest level, give an name check by Obama in his speech to Congress on Tuesday and cast as a central pillar of Britain’s presidency of the G8 this year. Under an agreed outline for the deal, the two sides expect it to add 0.5 percent to the EU economy and 0.4 percent to the U.S. economy by 2027, or 86 billion euros ($116 billion) a year for the Europeans and 65 billion euros for the Americans. But EU Trade Commissioner Karel De Gucht has warned that the talks will be tough,

with no “low hanging fruit”. Import tariffs between the two are already not high - an average of 4 percent. Negotiations will focus on harmonizing standards, from car seat belts to household cleaning products, and regulations governing services. These help ensure exporters can compete. But fleshing out the negotiating plans could cause friction - last year it took EU trade ministers four months to persuade the European car industry to let Brussels officials talk to Japan about creating a similar free-trade pact.

U.S. Airways leads AMR merger to create largest airline .S Airways Group Inc., U spurned in three prior merger attempts, will combine with bankrupt AMR Corp.’s American Airlines in an $11 billion deal to create the world’s largest carrier. Chief Executive Officer Doug Parker of US Airways will run the new airline, which will retain American’s name, as AMR CEO Tom Horton becomes chairman, the companies said today in a statement. AMR creditors will own 72 percent of the stock, while 28 percent will go to US Airways shareholders. The merger caps a wave of consolidation that swept up five of the 10 biggest U.S. airlines since 2005. Along with United Continental Holdings Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc., Fort Worth, Texas-based American will be one of just three U.S. full-service carriers with trans-oceanic routes.

“One of the really nice things is how complementary the route networks are,” Parker, 51, said in an interview. “Of over 900 routes, only 12 have any overlap, which is phenomenal. We are going to need to keep all the hubs in place, the cities we fly to we will need to continue to fly to.” Blending American, the third-biggest U.S. airline, and No. 5 US Airways will produce annual savings and new revenue totaling more than $1 billion by 2015, the companies said. One- time transaction costs for the merger will be $1.2 billion spread over the next three years. The deal has to be approved by the bankruptcy court, federal regulators and shareholders of Tempe, Arizonabased US Airways, and is expected to be completed in the third quarter, the compa-

nies said. A transition team drawn from both airlines will craft an integration plan. “Until the transaction is completed, American Airlines and US Airways will remain separate companies and it will be business as usual for all of us,” Parker told US Airways employees in a message today. For Parker, taking over at American completes an 11year ascent to the top of the global industry. America West Holdings Corp. was the eighth-biggest U.S. airline when he became CEO there in 2001, four years before he combined that carrier with US Airways. Bids to buy Delta and two efforts at a United Airlines merger all fell through in the past six years. Parker began pursuing American shortly after it sought bankruptcy protection on Nov. 29, 2011. He

wooed AMR’s unsecured creditors committee, an ad hoc bondholder group and American’s unions as the airlines agreed in August to swap confidential data as a prelude to a tie-up. After initially pushing to have AMR exit bankruptcy as a stand-alone carrier before weighing consolidation, Horton said that a combination emerged as the best outcome from “months of exhaustive analysis and a thorough review of all alternatives.” US Airways stockholders will receive one share of the new company for each share they now hold, according to the companies. Horton said AMR’s shareholders will recover “at least a 3.5 percent aggregate ownership stake” under an agreement with creditors. The new board will have 12

members, with Horton and two others from American, four from US Airways, including Parker, and five appointed by AMR’s creditors. Horton, 51, will be chairman through the combined airline’s first annual meeting. US Airways rose 1.4 percent to $14.87 at 7:33 a.m. in New York before regular trading. Investors already had been betting on a deal, almost doubling the price since Jan. 25, 2012, when the company confirmed its interest in a merger, through yesterday. The merger returns American to the top spot in global passenger traffic, a spot it secured with the 2001 purchase of Trans World Airlines Inc. It fell to No. 2 when Delta bought Northwest Airlines Corp. in 2008, then slid to third in 2010 when former United parent UAL Corp. merged with Continental Airlines Inc.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Weekend And The Vatican gropes for new Pope

Arts & Culture P. 27 Sikiru Ayindeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music as commentary on the society

Autowheels P.42

2013 highest resale value cars

Business Travels P.46 Lifeline for airlines as new aircraft maintenance hanger beckons

20 WEEKEND

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Three cardinals from Africa, Canada and Italy While the entire world is yet to fully recover from the shock of Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, a next pope must take over in the next few weeks, and speculations are already rife on who is the eligible cardinal to succeed the pope. However, a few cardinals are being tipped for the papal position By NIKE SOTADE (with agency reports) The Pope’s decision to go into reHE shocking news came like a thundertirement and devotedly serve the bolt out of the blue on Monday as Pope T Holy Church of God in the future Benedict XVI, during a meeting with the cardinals in Rome, announced his resigthrough a life dedicated to prayer, nation from the exalted papal office. should serve as a great lesson for In the announcement read to cardinals in Latin, the German-born pope, 85, said: those in positions of authority, es“Well aware of the seriousness of this act, pecially political office holders in with full freedom I declare that I renounce Africa and other parts of the world, the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of St Peter ...” to resist the temptation of clinging “As from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours to power at all costs including the (2 p.m. ET) the See of Rome, the See of St. Peter will be vacant and a conclave to elect murder of the very people they the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be want to govern. convoked by those whose competence it is.” He gave his reasons for standing down: “ After having repeatedly examined my conscience before God, I have come to the certainty that my strengths, due to an advanced age, are no longer suited to an adequate exercise of the Petrine ministry. I am well aware that this ministry, due to its essential spiritual nature, must be carried out not only with words and deeds, but no less with prayer and suffering.” “However, in today’s world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me.” As expected, the exalted Pope’s announcement shook the entire Christian world like a quake with the seismic after-effect vibrating everywhere and everyone expressing their opinion about the Catholic pontiff’s action. The Pope’s decision was viewed by many as unprecedented as he is the first to resign since Gregory XII in 1415, a period of 600 years, but no Pontiff in history has stepped down on health grounds as the vast majority of incumbents die in office. Known as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, the German became Pope Benedict XVI when he took office at the age of 78 in April 2005, succeeding Pope John Paul II, who continued serving right up until his death despite suffering a number of health problems including cancer, osteoporosis and Parkinson’s disease. Paul II also survived two assassination attempts, one of which left him severely injured. Italian Prime Minister Mario Monti said on the sidelines of an event in Milan on Monday that he was very shaken by the unexpected news. However, the Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins has said that the proposed resignation by Pope Benedict XVI is very much in order and would not in any way jeopardize the smooth administration of the Universal Church. In a release signed by the Director of Social Communications, Msgr. Gabriel Osu, he said the Pope acted in humility and love for the Church. His decision to “renounce” his esteemed position on realising his declining physical ability was in conformity with the Canon Law and in obedience to the dictates of his conscience. According to Archbishop Martins, “We do not have this sort of event happening everyday but at the same time we know that the Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1983, makes provisions for the resignation of the Pope if he becomes incapacitated or, as with Benedict XVI, if he believes he is no longer able to effectively carry out his official functions as the head of the Roman Catholic Church due to a decline in his physical ability. “This is not the first time that a Pope would resign. In fact we have had not less than three Popes who resigned including Pope Celestine V in 1294 and Pope Gregory XII in 1415. Pope Benedict XVI was not forced into taking that decision. Like he said in his own words, he acted with ‘full

Pope Benedict XVI on Ash Wednesday

freedom,’ being conscious of the deep spiritual implication of his action. Archbishop Martins said the Pope’s decision to go into retirement and “devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer,” should serve as a great lesson for those in positions of authority, especially political office holders in Africa and other parts of the world, to resist the temptation of clinging to power at all costs including the murder of the very people they want to govern. The first pope to resign in 600 years, he told the cardinals: “With regard to myself, I wish to also devotedly serve the Holy Church of God in the future through a life dedicated to prayer. The pope, who gave slightly more than

the standard two weeks’ notice for quitting a job, will retreat to Castel Gandolfo, the swank papal vacation residence, after his last day as pontiff on Feb. 28, according to a Vatican spokesman. His primary residence, according to the spokesman, will be a monastery within Vatican territory. So, while Pope Benedict XVI’s announcement on Monday was a shock, it is not entirely unprecedented. Other popes, under different circumstances have also resigned from the exalted office. Benedict IX Back in 1045, the irredeemably outrageous Benedict IX – the only man to be pope more than once, and the only one ever to sell the papacy – stepped down, essentially

Pope Benedict IX

Pope Gregory XII

for the cash. Accused by St Peter Damian of “feasting on immorality”, by Bishop Benno of Piacenza of committing “many vile adulteries and murders” and by Pope Victor III of being a pope “so vile, so foul, so execrable, that I shudder to think of it,” Benedict ostensibly resigned to get married – but not before he had sold the office to his godfather, who became Gregory VI (and had to resign himself the following year because, even by the standards of the 11th century, buying the papacy wasn’t really on). Celestine V Saint Celestine V was originally called Peter of Morroni, from a mountain near Sulmona where he led a solitary life. He was born near the castle of Molisa in the territory of Lavoro, in the year 1215, and was the eleventh of twelve sons of Angelerio, a farmer. He was first a Benedictine monk in the monastery of Faifoli, in the diocese of Benevento, which he entered at the age of 20. He left in 1239, with the permission of the abbot, to go and do penance in the caves of Morroni, where he spent five years. Thence he went to the mountain of Majella, in Apulia, where he founded the order of the Celestines. He was prior of the order when he was elected pope at Perugia, on the 5th of July, 1294, principally at the solicitation of the cardinal-bishop of Ostia, a Roman of Malabranca family. This cardinal, to put an end to the discords which rent the Sacred College, proposed that they should choose this hermit, well known for his sanctity, and who was then at Rome on a visit to a house of his order, which had just been founded there. More edifying is the case of Celestine V in 1294. A former Benedictine hermit, Celestine had never wanted to be pope. After a mere five months in office he issued a solemn decree declaring it permissible for a pope to resign and then promptly did so himself, citing “the desire for humility, for a purer life, for a stainless conscience, the deficiencies of his own physical strength, his ignorance, the perverseness of the people, his longing for the tranquility of his former life”. His successor, Boniface VIII, however, refused to allow him to return to a life of solitary contemplation and instead had him locked up in the castle of Fumone, where he died in May 1296 (some suggest Boniface had him murdered). Gregory XII Pope Gregory XII’s reign began in 1405 and ended 10 years later in 1415, at the end of a period known as the Western Schism. Born Angelo Correr or Corraro, he was Pope from 1406 to 1415. He succeeded Pope Innocent VII on 30 November 1406. His forced abdication ended the Western Schism. Although the Catholic Church considers him to be the one true pope for this period, he spent most of his papacy as one of three men making claims of legitimacy. In the end, he stepped down at the urging of the Council of Constance, which was more or less a church task force assembled by Gregory himself to find a way to bring an end to the schism. So how’d they get to three popes in the first place? Essentially, a political split in the Catholic Church during the 1370s resulted in two papal courts: one in Rome

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

WEEKEND 21

among those being tipped to succeed Pope

Cardinal Peter Turkson

Cardinal Marc Ouellet

Cardinal Angelo Scola

and one in Avignon, in modern day France. Because popes are supposed to call a council themselves to handle issues of succession (as Benedict XVI has done, in accordance with canon law), the double popes continued for decades. When Gregory XII was pope in Rome, his so-called “antipope” was Benedict XIII. And the Council of Pisa’s 1409 attempt to end the schism only made things worse: they elected a third pope. So in 1415 there were three popes: Gregory XII in Rome, antipope Benedict XIII in Avignon, and John XXIII, successor to the third papacy created in Pisa. Gregory XII and John XXIII agreed to resign in order to clear the playing field and allow for a new election of single pope. Benedict XIII, meanwhile, refused to resign, and was excommunicated in 1417. Gregory XII died two years after his resignation. Although papal resignation was more common before the schism, it’s never been taken lightly. As the Washington Post notes, the papacy is considered a paternity (in fact, the word for “Pope” has its roots in an ancient Greek term for “father”), and it’s difficult to theologically handle a resignation. But perhaps even more importantly, as the paper notes: “the option of papal resignation could open the door for competing factions within the church to pressure popes to resign prematurely.” The contenders for Vatican’s top job With Pope Benedict XVI’s resignation, speculation about who might succeed him when the conclave meets in March has begun. Any baptised Roman Catholic male is eligible for election as pope, but only cardinals have been selected since 1378. Among those who have been mentioned as potential successors are the following: Cardinal Peter Turkson A TV star, “people’s person” and a “wonderful” priest, the Ghanaian cardinal emerging as a strong favourite for the papacy is described by colleagues in glowing terms. Peter Turkson, who is president of the Vatican’s pontifical council for justice and peace, was made a cardinal by Pope John Paul II in 2003 after serving for almost 30 years as an ordained priest. Turkson was born on October 11, 1948 in Nsuta-Wassaw, a mining hub in Ghana’s western region, to a Methodist mother and a Catholic father. He studied and taught in New York and Rome before being ordained to the priesthood in 1975. In 1992 he was appointed archbishop of Cape Coast, the former colonial capital of Ghana and a key diocese. As archbishop, Turkson was known for his human touch, colleagues said. “We love him,” said Gabriel Charles Palmer-Buckle, the metropolitan archbishop of Accra, who was made archbishop in Ghana at the same time as Turkson and has known him since school. “For Ghanaians he was our first cardinal, and to be made cardinal in his 50s was a big feather in our cap. Since then he has shown

himself to be a church leader and a young cardinal breaking new ground.” The Rev Stephen Domelevo, from the Ghana Catholic communication office, said: “Cardinal Turkson is a wonderful person, very down to earth and humble. He lived in a simple way, and he was someone people felt very comfortable with. He is excellent at communicating scripture in a way that people really understand. He speaks many local languages – as well as European languages – and uses jokes and humour to really portray messages to people. He has that human touch.” Turkson speaks his native Ghanaian language, Fante, as well as other Ghanaian languages and English, French, Italian, German and Hebrew, as well as understanding Latin and Greek. “Cardinal Turkson likes to be able to joke with people in their own languages,” said Domelevo. “It would not surprise us in Ghana if he were to be the next pope. He has what it takes. It would really be a gift to the church.” Turkson’s popularity in West Africa has been boosted by his regular television appearances, particularly a weekly broadcast every Saturday morning on the state channel Ghana TV. He has maintained strong ties with his native country while carrying out his duties in the Vatican. “Cardinal Turkson has kept up his links with Ghana,” said Palmer-Buckle. “He comes home as and when his duties allow. He has served as chairman of the national peace council, he has been on the board of our university – he is a very Ghanaian cardinal.” However, Turkson has not been immune to controversy. He sparked outcry last year when he screened a YouTube film at an international meeting of bishops featuring alarmist predictions at the rise of Islam in Europe. The clip, titled Muslim Demographics, included claims such as: “In just 39 years France will be an Islamic republic.” Benedict XVI also attracted the ire of Muslims after a 2006 lecture in Regensburg, his former university, in which he used a quotation to suggest that contributions made by the prophet Muhammad were “only evil and inhuman”. Ghana, whose population is roughly 63% Christian – including around 11% Catholic – and 16% Muslim, is known for its relative tolerance and peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians. Colleagues in Ghana voiced approval for Turkson’s stance on social matters, but said he would be unlikely to take the church in a radical direction on contentious issues such as abortion and contraception. In the past Turkson has not ruled out the use of condoms but advocated abstinence and fidelity, and treatment for HIV-infected people above spending and promoting the use of contraception.

sees the handing out of mitres, the multilingual Canadian cardinal Marc Ouellet is one of the most powerful men in the Vatican. The 68-year-old former archbishop of Quebec, who was appointed to the third most important job in the Vatican three years ago, has the power to make or break careers. His position makes him a natural candidate for the papacy, although he was careful to downplay any talk of promotion when he was chosen to lead the congregation in July 2010. “I’m surprised to be today in this position,” he said at the time. “And I don’t think that I will become a pope someday, I don’t think so.” Born in Quebec in 1944, Ouellet studied at Laval University, the Grand Séminaire de Montréal and the Université de Montréal before being ordained in May 1968. He has spent many years living and teaching in Colombia, which would make him an attractive figure to Latin American Catholics should one of their number again be passed over as pontiff. He was ordained as bishop by John Paul II and is seen as a close ally of Benedict XVI. Despite his reputation as a traditionalist, in 2007, Ouellet issued an open apology for the church’s pre-1960s attitudes, saying they had contributed to “anti-Semitism, racism, indifference to First Nations and discrimination against women and homosexuals“ in Quebec. Three years later, however, he caused outrage after telling an antiabortion conference in Quebec City that aborting a pregnancy was a “moral crime”, even in rape cases. Cardinal Angelo Scola The election of Angelo Scola as Benedict XVI’s successor would delight Italians keen to see one of their own back on the papal throne after Polish and German popes. Scola, the son of a truck driver, was born on November 7, 1941 in Lombardy. Ordained in 1970, he holds doctorates in philosophy and theology and was professor of theological anthropology at the John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family. He was appointed bishop of Grosseto in 1991, patriarch of Venice in 2002, proclaimed cardinal in 2003, and appointed archbishop of Milan in 2002. In spite of his place at the top of the Vatican hierarchy and his academic pedigree, he has urged the church to do more to appeal to the modern world, arguing it needs to build on the second Vatican Council of the 1960s, which proved a landmark moment in Roman Catholic history. An ardent believer in the church’s role at the centre of society, Scola has publicly bemoaned its inability to clearly communicate its message on matters such as marriage. “One reason for the misunderstanding is that we Christians often propose this moralistically instead of giving reasons, instead of convincing,” he said in 2005. “This is a weakness of ours.”

Cardinal Marc Ouellet As prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, which over-

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

23,24_Layout 1 2/15/13 9:41 AM Page 1

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

ExecutiveBrief In association with TRIPPLEA ASSOCIATES LIMITED

EDITION 249

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT INFOTECH4DEXECUTIVES CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE EXECUTIVE FINANCE Leadership is not a Title

Just the Touch of a Screen

ofo Olaosebikan, the Group Managing Director/Chief

KExecutive of KOFSOL Group, a one stop branding company, is an astute administrator that has contributed to the growth of the service industry. She had her early education at Christ’s School Ado-Ekiti and the University of Ibadan. She has also attended the Lagos Business School as well as numerous technical and management seminars globally. Her quest for spiritual fulfillment also led her to undertake a post-graduate course in Theology. The organization is structured purposely for service delivery. The Group is made of diverse companies working to serve humanity in different fields. In this interview with Nnamdi Nwokolo, the proponent of 360 degree Leadership culture at work spoke on a wide range of issues including the vision of making KOFSOL a household name in the country. What is the story behind KOFSOL group of companies? It all started from Daily Fashions way back in 1983 when I first decided to step into the business world as an entrepreneur, aside my employment with the Federal Government; I remember holding a ‘family conference’ to consult with my children, at that time all were less than 10 years old. So they helped with the concept and eventually the name DAILY FASHIONS was adopted. We started with about N200, 000.00 to equip the business with the required machinery, a generator and also rent a shop at Popo Mini Market at Tejuosho. Over the years, DAILY FASHIONS evolved into KOFSOL, a group of service providers such as KOFSOL CONCEPTS which does branding for corporate promotions, uniforms, parasol

Service Excellence: Memorable, Valuable, and Relevant

All Factors of Wealth and Reality Creation

The Service Entrepreneur and T-shirt making and basically everything branding! That is why Kofsol is referred to as ‘Brands’ Bus Stop. PRECISE CLEANING SERVICES is into Corporate Cleaning, daily Janitorial, Post Construction Cleaning as well as Sales of Cleaning Equipment and Consumables. A relatively new addition to the group is HANES ‘N’ DAVE, a company focused on training and capacity development for all our operations. The company’s name is a derivative of the combination of my parents’ names, my mum’s Hannah and my father, David. Both of them were great educationists so it is a fitting tribute to their legacy.

this issue? At Kofsol, we see customers as the lifeblood of the company because our very existence is dependent on the patronage of our clients. Many companies pay lip service to this but we are guided by an unwavering commitment to customer service standards. It is a cardinal philosophy of our company that customer expectations must not only be met, but surpassed. Apart from our daily focus on this objective, we have also engaged the services of a leading firm of management consultants called Ashton & Layton and they help us to maintain our individual and collective focus on customer service in accordance with world-class standards.

How well would you say these businesses have fared? All the companies have done well, to the glory of God, but we have a vision which inspires us to strive for even better performance standards. Doing business in Nigeria is tough but we have a passionate commitment to excel and thus far we are tracking quite well on the path we have set for ourselves as a company. All the three companies share a common vision for growth and profitability and the fundamental business principles of the Board of Directors.

What are the challenges you face as a company? One of the major draw-backs is the non availability of human resource, equipped with the skills and capabilities to achieve the world-class standards we have benchmarked at Kofsol. In order to bridge the gap, we continuously embark on capacity development initiatives to upgrade the capabilities of our staff and other service providers. There are also constraints occasioned by fiscal and economic policies, infrastructural challenges and generally the cost of doing business in Nigeria is rather steep.

Customer Service standards is a major problem for many Nigerian companies. What is your company’s position on

Could you talk about the distinction between when you were an employee and an entrepreneur? There is a world of difference because as an employee, you had your own specific remit of responsibilities and worked within a collective but as a CEO, you are totally responsible for inspiring the vision and leading the mission to achieve it. Everything about the company is your responsibility down to the smallest detail. It is a massive responsibility but to the glory of God, everything is going well. What is the unique selling point of KOFSOL? What differentiates you from your competitors? There are a whole range of factors which makes KOFSOL a tremendous value proposition to both current and prospective clients. I spoke earlier about our unwavering commitment to excellence in customer service. Our charges are also very affordable even for the premium services we offer and we deliver to time and quality specifications. We have a very good rapport with our customers because we always put them first. How does Kofsol rate within its sector? We have been able to establish a track record of excellence and our reputation for consistently delivering or even surpassing clients’ expectations has stood us in good stead. We are certainly one of the leaders in the sector and we have a medium to long term plan to ensure that we remain at the very top for years to come. What does the future hold for KOFSOL? Our organizational strategy for growth and expansion involves first consolidating on our existing business and also explore the opportunities available in both associated sectors and totally new markets. We are finessing our business processes because the vision is for KOFSOL to grow into an institution to serve future generations of clients. Can you recall the most profitable business decision you ever made? It was the decision we took to be engaged in more than one business sector and to excel in all. That is why; even now we are constantly seeking opportunities for entrepreneurial engagements in different sectors. Also making business training a major pillar of our Organizational strategy has paid off handsomely for us. Which book have you read that impacted you the most in life? The Bible, which I call the Book of All Books, is the one that has impacted the most in my life. Everything needed to run your life and business is contained in the Bible. How do you juggle the family affairs with your time-demanding business? It is all about planning and multi-tasking and with God all things shall be possible! I have an incredibly supportive family, my husband, Dr. Bola Olaosebikan is a business man, and three of our four children are now grown up and are entrepreneurs in Canada and USA, so I have the benefit of global perspectives in addition to the wonderful team of dedicated staff in Nigeria. I must have mentioned earlier about establishing the relevant structures to ensure that the company functions seamlessly with or without me. However, my primary responsibility is to my husband and family.

Kofo Olaosebikan For Advertisement E-mail:editor.executivebrief@trippleagroup.com

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rTHE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Executive Management By Tim Connor he receptionist can have a leadership mindset about his or her roles and responsibilities or they can just wait to be told what to do and when and how. The president can have a leadership mindset or stay in a reactionary mode waiting for things to change or get better. Leadership is about leading not waiting. Yes, leadership can have management responsibilities, but real leadership is about a personal vision to excel regardless of roles or responsibilities. Here are a few things to consider when it comes to leading as a function of your position whatever it is:

Leadership is not a Title

responsible to people not for them. This simple concept applies to all relationships customers, employees, friends and family. Essentially it means that you are responsible to offer or give - kindness, understanding, compassion, love, friendship, support, direction, guidance etc., however you are not responsible for what people do, how they react or their decisions or behavior. In a leadership role, again regardless of your position or title, you are responsible for bringing your opinions, suggestions, guidance etc. to the other person, but it is their responsibility to either use or accept these or not. You are not responsible for the actions, Purpose - The purpose of any organization is to serve others. behaviors or attitudes of others or the consequences of Yes, if it’s a corporation or these. business it needs to be profitable, but if in the end it does- Co-operation - A co-operative n’t effectively serve its memmindset does not mean that bers, customers or partners it you should forfeit your values, will eventually fail. The purbeliefs or philosophy, keeping pose of every employee is to; in in mind that yours are not betsome way contribute to this ter or worse than someone ultimate and higher purpose. else’s (they are just different) If employees put the agendas just to create an environment or motives of their departof co-operation, however it ment or themselves above this does imply that you are willing higher purpose they are doing and open to change or the the organization and the peo- acceptance of new or different ple or organizations it serves a ideas or approaches. Conflict disservice. generally occurs when people are stuck in their views or Responsibility - You are

and yes disappointments and frustrations. Whether you are the President or the Mail Clerk you have or will have to deal Connection - Humanity is with different circumstances about relationships. I have pre- that you don’t like viously written about the pitor even wish falls of overuse of technology would not in other Boosters so I won’t enter your life. belabor that point again. But, What everyone keep in mind that when a needs during times of adversity human connection is not or challenge is a caring attitude established and maintained from others whether people that is grounded in mutual they work with side by side goals, desires, needs and every day or only interact with understanding eventually they from time to time. will fail to meet the expectations of one or all of the partici- Integrity - Words are words and actions are actions. The pants leading to conflict, disappointment and often failure. question in every relationship is always “Can I trust Vision - Life is about vision - for your words?” One of the oneself, a relationship, a high- major issues when it er purpose or an organization. comes to integrity, If people fail to see beyond regardless of the relationtheir present challenges, cirship is trust and truth. If cumstances, successes or even either or both are missing in failures they will tend to any relationship sooner or later remain stuck in mindsets that someone is going to be set up. If will limit what can be maniemployees for whatever reason fested and developed in the are unable or unwilling to future. The role of every always come from a position of employee is to bring vision to truth and/or trust (not necessartheir roles and responsibilities ily their opinion or interpretafrom the Janitor to the CEO. tion of an event or circumstance) sooner or later an Compassion - No one is employee, customer or member immune in life to troubles, adversity, challenges or failure. will be misled, disappointed or at a minimum frustrated. Sooner or later we must all face the realities of life with all Communication its successes, achievements opinions with the irrational belief that they are right and others are wrong.

are kidding ourselves when it comes to the purpose of real communication. Communication is a complicated issue when it comes to human behavior as there are so many factors that contribute to the integrity of shared messages or infor-

Communication is the common denominator that connects all humans regardless of their connections, length or the purpose or parameters of their relationship. Communication is not about sharing information, but in sharing understanding. When we believe that effective communication is when you have given all of the facts or details that another person needs, we

mation, but in the end it is a two way process. If only one person in an exchange ‘gets it’ then communication has not taken place. Yes, there are many others, but if you practice these in a timely, effective, consistent and appropriate way, you will be amazed at the results you can achieve when it comes to the relationship between you and your roles and your relationships with others.

Infotech4dexecutives

Customer Experience

Just the Touch of a Screen

Service Excellence: Memorable, Valuable, and Relevant

By Henry Lorris f you have ever used a smartphone, then you know about using your fingers to navigate the screens. Whether watching the news anchors use them on TV news or noticing that teachers are using touch displays in their classrooms, it seems that replacing the computer mouse in this way is not only stylish, but it is simple and convenient. With touch screen technology, you can do anything from ordering postage at the local post office, to making choices on a computer screen at the local museum, to searching the internet.

you use more than just one finger at a time. For instance, if you want to zoom in, you might use two fingers to make the screen picture spread out or shrink. The multi touch screen monitor makes it easy to do presentations for large crowds as well as simplifying individual computing. What is different about these kinds of screens now, as opposed to when they were first introduced, is that they have the capability to understand and respond to multiple fingers and motions. Unlike a mouse that requires several clicks or a function procedure to enlarge a screen or move around a webpage, the new technology is many times just a one tap procedure.

of smartphones, people have become more mobile. Smartphones have become miniature computers without all of the gadgets that plug into them. Even typing on a keyboard is done by typing right onto the screen. Some people wanted a slightly larger option than the smartphone, so the demand caused the tablet to be invented. Tablets allowed for more serious computing and with a larger screen than the smartphones, but still kept the touch capability that was available.

Now, all kinds of computers can be adapted to the touch screen technology just by having a special monitor and Now, there are computer the right kind of software. monitors that allow for More and more this new touch screen display that technology will be incorpomake computing easy just rated into businesses and it by tapping the screen with Touch screens have changed will help to improve produceither an object or your finthe way computing is done. gers. Windows 8 enables the No longer is casual comput- tivity. Anywhere that the public can be assisted easily with screen to be used more like a ing done on a large bulky it, there will be a need for it. tablet or smartphone. The computer. With the advent multi touch monitor lets

By Bryan K Williams t the end of the day, service is really about making someone feel cared for. That’s it. We can talk about steps of service, touchpoints, and exceeding expectations until we are exhausted, but if your customers don’t feel like you genuinely care about them (or their issue), then true service really has not taken place. To make that point clearer, I propose that for service to be special, it must be three things: Memorable, Valuable and Relevant. The customer should remember it, find it valuable, and be relevant to their specific issue.

The Birthday A friend of mine was travelling on business to Minneapolis and stayed at the Sofitel Hotel. His birthday happened to be during this trip, and while his clients remembered and wished him, happy birthday, some of his family members back home didn’t. Suffice to say, he was a bit depressed that evening. While at dinner, a server noticed his demeanor and inquired if he was OK. He decided to share his story, and she immediately wished him a happy birthday. Also, the server went and told all of her colleagues in the restaurant and throughout the hotel about his birthday. Enterprise Rent-A-Car On a trip to Denver, Colorado, I met a textbook example of someone who works like he owns it. He is a shuttle bus driver for the Enterprise Rent-a-car location at Denver International Airport. When I left the main airline terminal and walked outside to the Enterprise shuttle, he was eagerly waiting to greet the approaching passengers, and said, “Welcome to Denver!” One passenger had a baby and a baby stroller, so before

beginning to drive, he reminded her to ensure that the stroller wheels were locked in place. He then inquired if it was anyone’s first trip to Denver. He followed up by announcing the weather forecast for that evening and the following day. When I say that he gave the weather forecast, I don’t just mean the high and low temperatures. The driver went into full TV meteorologistmode and gave the wind conditions, precipitation, chance of snow, etc. He then inquired if anyone was planning to go skiing while in town. One gentleman answered yes, and he then told him the phone # (and specific phone extension) for the “roadside conditions hotline.”

do to develop a team of people who deliver engaging service. The first thing I tell them is to make service the most important thing on the team. It cannot be equal to any other objective, and it certainly can’t be an item on a todo list (i.e. Service will be a key focus this year). Every process on your team has to be anchored in service. Basically, anyone should be able to look at ANY of your team members, and see that exceptional service is how the team measures its success. Furthermore, any new employee should be able to immediately tell from the interview that “this team is different from any other team that I’ve been a part of.” The immense power of a kind word, gesture or action can have lasting effects that transcend your company’s mission. In order for customers to feel deeply cared for, your team has to deeply care about service. So go ahead and create memorable, valuable and relevant experiences for as many people as you can. Your customers will appreciate it and you will create a competitive advantage that is hard to imitate, match or beat.

Give Anyway Sometimes you will serve with all your heart, and not get a “thank you.” Give anyway. Not only may they not thank you, but in the MIDST of you serving, they may complain about something else. Give anyway. As difficult as it may be sometimes, your genuine service to others should not be dependent upon whether they say thank you or not. Of course, we are all human and have feelings so a little appreciation would be nice. But do not make your service delivery contingent upon other peo- Dr. Bryan K. Williams is the ple’s gratitude. Give anyway. Chief Service Officer of B. Williams Enterprise, LLC. He is a Culture service expert, who has facilitatOften times, people ask me ed workshops and delivered about the first thing they should keynotes all over the world for

Action is the foundational key to all success. Pablo Picasso

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

ARTS

Theatre

Ijudiya,

A community in transcendence Happy at the bounties and Samisa brought to him, Ero ba ni se imprisons the recalcitrant HE issue of global leadership, especially as it king and adds his daughter, the wife of Elisa, concerns the African continent, whose lead- to his harem of women. ers tend to be despotic and want to remain in Feared by his subjects, including his chiefs, power forever, was brought to the purview of Ero ba ni se is always praised by the Queen theatre lovers by the Thespian Family Theatre, Mother, as the strongest and greatest King on who recently staged a play titled The Mad Man earth. Extending this arrogance to herself, the Of Ijudiya. Queen Mother, who also procures women for The play, an adoption of the Nativity story, her son, treats the wives of the Ero ba ni se as mirrors the different character traits of African maids, a feature that makes her to be held in leaders and the political socialisation of the high esteem by the women. As the King torpeople. ments his subjects, so does the mother malDemanding for taxes and loyalty as a way of treats his wives, telling them how their imposing his leadership over King Samisa king- cooking are worthless, tasteless and not fit for dom — a small kingdom with weak army — her son, King Ero ba ni se. As each wife craves King Ero ba ni se becomes aggrieved when for the kings attention, the Queen Mother Samisa rejects his entreaties with impunity. He stands as a blockade, because whosever she orders his army to overrun the kingdom and desires to see the king, sees him. She cleverly bring its people and Samisa as slaves to him. makes Ero ba ni se throw elaborate party to Coinciding when King Samisa is giving out announce to the chiefs and his subjects that his daughter in marriage to Elisa, Ero ba ni se’s the daughter of Samisa is his new wife, as a soldiers strike, disrupt the elaborate marriage way of belittling the King’s wives, especially celebration and take those, including Samisa, Queen Abeni, whose beauty is thrilling Ero ba who could not escape from the invaders as ni se. slaves. Silencing all voices that could check him, By Omiko Awa

Scenes from the play

Ero ba ni se becomes power drunk and does what he wants. However, his ego was pricked when a-three man group from the east pays him a courtesy visit on their way to pay homage to a child-King, whose star glitters in the sky. Confused that the would be child-ruler lives in his domain without his knowledge, Ero ba ni se asks the eastern strangers to visit him on their way home, but they never did. Since the strangers did not bring him words as to the whereabouts of the child-king or the gods telling him anything concrete about him, Ero ba ni se fearing that he would soon be dethroned, sends out his soldiers to kill all the male child in his territory from two years old down. Though the child-king escapes this punitive measure, Ero ba ni se and his household know no peace, as on two occasions, he collapsed under strange circumstances. To regain his peace, he accepts the coming child-king, locates and worships him. Written by Ayodele Jaiyesimi and directed by Abiola Segun-Williams, the play unveils Ijudiya, as a type of African state, where the leaders are engrossed in power and splendour that they be-

come self-seeking tyrants, crushing oppositions and taking government as their private estate. The play also highlights the apathetic nature of the citizens, who are too timid to demand for good government, because many a time, they are blinded by tribal, religious or class divides. An attitude that has relegated the people to living in subservient conditions instead of taking total control of their resources and destiny. Aside from showing how governments in most parts of African continent are shrouded in secrecy, the play also mirrors the issue of hordes of sycophants that is almost always associated with African leaders. It unveils how these leeches attach themselves to the leaders courtyards, forgetting their mandates and the voices of the downtrodden. Not downplaying the roles of women in governance, the play reflects how women, in the character of the Queen Mother, directs affairs in the palace and a times in the community; encouraging the ruler to take decisions, which their chiefs ordinarily could not bring up in the palace. Spicing of the scenes with folklore, the play celebrates the African native intelligence of telling serious matters in parables, proverbs or animal stories. This aspect celebrates the African story-telling culture as employed by the chiefs to explain Ero ba ni se’s love for power. Juxtaposing Ijudiya with our country, Nigeria, it would not be out of place to say it highlights the nation’s anti-colonial struggle and the bane of post-colonial disenchantments that have befallen the people since independence in 1960. Viewing the play from the Yoruba platform, the playwright stands to tell the African adaptation of the birth of Jesus, it would be proper to point out that in the traditional Yoruba setting, the king is highly venerated, rarely seen in public, and if he appears in public, conducts himself with decorum; but Ero ba ni se collapsing twice in public queries that aspect of the Yoruba ethos and the powers of the kingmakers, who would have offered the poisonous calabash to the king, on discovering that he has an incurable illness. Despite this, the playwright is worthy of commendation for adapting Jesus’ birth story into the African socio-political situation, especially as Nigeria is preparing to undergo another change of baton in government with 2015 election by the corner. It, then, calls for the citizens to be mindful of

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

ARTS 27

ABLE…

Revue

for legacies of Fuji music idol to endure By Kabir Alabi Garba F he had lived, he would have clocked 65 last IofSaturday. But fans, relatives as well as associates the late Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister would

plinarian – both in terms of his being reserved among his close friends as well as his reluctance to take advantage of any of the situations that often presented themselves to him. The one explanation for this particular nature of his would appear to be his deep commitment to music, which was his first and only love. Another explanation would seem to be his deep knowledge of human nature which he sang about so copiously nearly all his life. With the benefit of hindsight, it may be added that he lived his admonitions and found the real Yoruba cosmology as his guiding principle in lifeii Barrister used his vast and unadulterated knowledge of Yoruba language to deliver very poignant messages to his audiences and it was in this sphere that those whose profession is to undertake research into the connotative meaning of Barrister’s music should direct their attention. It can be said, conveniently, that Barrister’s most profound contribution to the Yoruba music genre is in the area of the construction and protection of the Yoruba cultural and linguistic identity. Barrister was one of the manifestations of God’s love for Yorubaland as his contributions to the preservation of the authentic Yoruba language remains unparalleled in the annals of popular culture in the Yoruba public space. His use of different types of idioms and proverbs exemplified the original language usage by traditional Yoruba people. He stood out head and shoulder above all his contemporaries who rather than preserved the nuances and purity of the

not allow February 9, 2013 pass without remembering the creator and originator of Fuji music, as they organised a post humous birthday gig for the one they called Alhaji Agba. And the gathering, which attracted guests from far and near, was designed for a specific mission: the launching of the Ayinde Barrister Legacy Club (ABLE). With the objective of “mobilizing human, material, financial and intellectual resources towards the sustenance and institutionalization of the imperishable legacy of Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister,” the promoters of the club are confident that their dream would be realized through series of activities including lectures, charities, concerts, art exhibitions, and most importantly, staging of Barry Day yearly on the birthday of the late music icon, February 9. The size and quality of guests at the maiden Barry Day held last Friday at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers underscored how beloved the musician was, even two years after his passage. Presided over by the former governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, dignitaries at the launch included Chief Adisa Osiefa; Gbonka Olubadan, Oloye Lekan Alabi (who represented Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Arisekola Alao); Oyasola Oyadeji; Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Otunba Segun Runsewe; Legal Adviser to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Dr. Muiz Banire and his friend, Alhaji Misbaudeen Oyefeso. The list is inexhaustible. And from musicians’ cult were King Sunny Ade; Waka Queen, Salawa Abeni; Adewale Ayuba; Abass Akande Obesere among others. In attendance also were members of Barrister family – wives, children such as Al-Maroof and Rasak, as well as his younger brother, Alhaji Gani Balogun, including his former band members. In his remarks as the chairman, Chief Osoba commended the organisers for immortalizing Barrister. “I have to be here for so many reasons. I am very close to Ayinde Barrister in his lifetime. Barry and I were involved in the promotion of music right from my day as editor of Lagos Weekend. I was involved in the development of musicians such as Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey etc,” said Osoba. According to the journalist-turned politician, he is always enthralled with Barry’s music, because of its philosophy, native wisdom and prophesies. He reminisced, “In 1988, while I was still in Daily Times, Barrister prophesied that I would be governor and I became governor. On sighting me at an event, he began to sing: Emi n f’Osoba o/ Emi n f’Osoba/ Gbogbo wa n f’Osoba o/ Eni un f’Osoba ko wi o…/ Awa n f’Osoba o… “His song became my campaign slogan. When his house was gutted by fire in 1996, I was there to commiserate with him. In 1991, I wrote the forward to his autobiography. I am the chairman of today’s occasion as friend and supporter. I am happy that even in death people came to celebrate him. His music is culture, wisdom and teaches education. I am happy that even in death, Barry remains larger than life.” Osiefa described the late musician as “God sent” to preach the gospel of Fuji to the whole world. “Alhaji Agba, as he was fondly called, was an extremely different person. Maybe he knew he would not live long. He was not after wealth; otherwise, he would have left a billion behind. “I watched him carefully, and whenever I introduced anything that would yield money, even when he had the opportunity, he would just waived it aside. Dok was a contented man. He always tried to please people. He was generous to a fault. He could spend all his money on other people. As a musician, Barrister was the only one I knew would take money from his house and spray his host. He was a disciplined and calm gentleman. And in terms of education, he tried his best for all his children,” Osiefa noted. Oyadeji commended Barrister’s detribalised virtue, noting, “We used to spend Christmas together and did most of his Xmas in my house. Barrister never discriminated.” In his goodwill message, Oloye Lekan Alabi thanked everyone for recognising the son of the soil, being a native of Ibadan. He underscored the deep love the Fuji maestro had for Ibadan, as Barrister never got tired of declaring musically that he was born in Ayeye area of the city, while prominent names such as Alhaji Saliu Adetunji, Chief Mufutau Ajadi Olaninhun, Oke Popo,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

The late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister

Sikiru Ayinde’s music as

commentary on the society By Olakunle A. Lawal

What appeared like the high point of Barry Day celebration held at Lagos Sheraton Hotel and Towers last Friday was the colloquium featuring Prof. Olakunle A. Lawal of the Department of History, University of Ibadan, as guest speaker. Titled Music as a Commentary on the Society: the Life and Times of Chief (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde ‘Barrister’ Agbaje Balogun, the lecture was supported by the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC). An excerpt from the lecture is published below. HE late Alhaji Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was T born in Lagos on February 9, 1948. He was the penultimate child of Madam Shifawu Subuola Odee, about whom he sang severally. His father, Salami Alamu Agbaje of Ayeye Opoyeosa area of Ibadan, was also a musician who died when Alhaji Barrister was a young boy. Going through the hardship which life in the Lagos society of the 1950s imposed on a typical subaltern must have taken its toll on the young Sikiru as he tried to cope with the ups and downs of living in a rapidly growing

urban metropolis. This hard life must have influenced his entire life even when Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister became a star and a household name across Yorubaland and the Yoruba diaspora. His life was a reflection of his early childhood. His music was a reflection of these personal experiences. His background and personal experience prepared him for the challenges he was to face later in life. Like other great men before him, his life is full of history of good and bad moments. The acceptability of his music beyond the geographical space of South Western Nigeria shows the humanity in his music. For it will not be an exaggeration to say categorically that Barrister would perform as much as any musician and then did his own without any other musician being able to do as much as he could.i It will probably be surprising to hear that Ahaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was an introverted personality. This much I have come to discover from my own close interactions with him, especially towards the end of his earthly life. Barrister was not a garrulous person as he was known to be quiet in the midst of people. He was not the usual loud person who, because he was a star, would want his presence to be noticed. This character trait could be said to be responsible for Alhaji Barrister’s refusal to diversify into any other business apart from music. Even when he performed for the extremely wealthy individuals or met very influential business persons at occasions to which he was invited to perform, he would not entertain any admonition by his many close friends to take advantage of this. This was probably because he was a great disci-

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

28 ARTS

Otunba Segun Runsewe and Aremo Olusegun Osoba

Oloye Lekan Alabi and Chief Sunny Ade

Abass Akande Obesere (left) Salawa Abeni; and Adewale Olaniyi

Mrs. Yetunde Balogun and Hajia Mujidat Balogun

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 proto-Yoruba language and its usage, tend to follow the bastardization of the language and dialect by infusing into it, some common and meaningless concepts in the guise of and context of popular culture. Much more than this, the way and manner Alhaji Barrister used the Yoruba language would seem, to me, to depict the most flowery and most appropriate use of the correct diction and language most befitting of any issue he was singing about. I have a typical example of this in his use of his song about ‘Koledowo’, a local actor who was given to being garrulous about his many off-springs and the unfortunate fate that befell him when he eventually lost all of them through some occultory powers of some evil-inclined personalities in his community. Propagation of Islamic Religion Another major feature of the music of Alhaji Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was the use of his vast knowledge of Islam to support the messages, which he wanted to convey. Although this particular feature had been noticeable in his kind of musical rendition from the beginning, Alhaji Agba devoted most of his later productions to the espousal and propagation of the Islamic faith. This should not be surprising, considering the fact that he was not only a practicing Muslim but he started his musical career from Were the convention of using some Islamic songs to wake people up for the early morning pre-fast meal during the month of Ramadan. Well before his death, Alhaji Barrister had revealed in one of the numerous interviews he granted that he was then devoting his entire life to the propagation of the Islamic faith and to the espousal of the virtues inherent in the life of the Holy Prophet of Allah (SAW). Indeed, he was quick to refute a misleading report even on his sick bed that he had apostated! The beauty of Barrister’s music was in his using his knowledge of the Islam to preach peace, understanding as well as enjoining the doing of good to all without fear or favour. The vehicle through which Alhaji Barrister did his own moral teaching through music was the Islamic religion. This should not be surprising. Alhaji Barrister was a graduate of the Islamic school system and he usually repeated to anybody who cared to listen that he was very good at Arabic language. Thus Alhaji Barrister was usually at home using the basic niceties of the Islamic religion to do his moral preachings. In particular, Barrister offered many Quranic verses to buttress his persuasions. If there was any issue about which Alhaji Barrister discussed without stint, using Islamic precepts, it was death! In fact, he declared openly that ‘E o ripe Iku to se waasi” Death is worthy of being used as an admonition. Although he was a musician, Barrister’s musical lyrics were always philosophical, political and laden with moral lessons. As a source of entertainment Aare (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister has produced

his own brand of music for all occasions. He has sung about the yuletide season so that this particular record stands good every yuletide season. He did produce a masterpiece on birth and naming ceremony that will always stand the test of all seasons. In the same manner, he has waxed a record specifically on “love”, which even at the risk of being accused of over-patronizing, remains unbeatable in the annals of Fuji rendition of all time. There is no doubt whatsoever that Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister sang the praises of all the movers and shakers of Yorubaland and indeed, the entire world. Did he not sing about all the heads of governments in Nigeria? Did he not sing about the Queen of England, Mandela of South Africa and the OluAiye of the whole universe, Bill Clinton of the United States? Let us simply make a pronouncement on the quality of those who benefitted from his unbelievably natural ability to praise-sing people. As far as I know, Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister did not release any record on any controversial personality or of dubious disposition throughout his musical career. This did not mean that he did not acknowledge the presence of a few such personalities in some of his numerous live shows. Much as Barrister was cautious enough to avoid controversial personalities in his outright praisesinging, he did not fail to mention the nefarious activities of some of our brethrens who might have walked out of turns from the basic conventional wisdom of the Yoruba society. Some of these did not escape the carefully guided remarks of the Fuji maestro. Even at the peak of his musical career, Alhaji Barrister did not fail to release records on the socio-political situation in Nigeria, which in a personal discussion with this speaker in 2006 almost caused him his life. It is also important at this juncture to point out that Alhaji Barrister almost turned his music into a kind of protest one judging from the issues of social justice, economic determinism and democracy with which Alhaji Agba devoted his time towards the twilight of his earthly sojourn. Lest we forget, his musical treatises on the nature of political development in Nigeria, especially since the advent of General Ibrahim Babangida (the Maradona) through the regime

of the General with the dark goggle, his scathing critism of the state of social services in Nigeria remained unequal when judged against the tendency of the musician in Nigeria to avoid controversial subjects or those issues that are likely to bring them on a collision course with the authorities. Certainly, Alhaji Ayinde Barrister deserved his Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) National Honour which the government of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo bestowed on him almost four years before his death. As a source of information Quite distinct from all of his contemporaries and who were not in the same class with him, Alhaji Barrister has turned out to be a master musician who has used his music to offer valuable and unforgettable information to his fans and lovers of Fuji music. He sang about current affairs in ways that were different from most of his contemporaries. At anytime that he chose to sing about an issue of public interest or that became topical or controversial, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister never wasted his time or for that matter, the time of his listener by merely singing about the issue. He took his time to provide the temporal dimension as well as the background information that would help any good listener to trace the history of the issue he sang about. A few examples are relevant at this stage. When the NITEL building was gutted by fire in the early 1960s, Alhaji Agba sang about this in a manner that would leave any careful listener wondering if this was simply music or music as history. Not only did Barrister trace the history of similar disasters in the country, he did in fact offer significant prayers in the three religious preferences that were prevalent in Nigerian society. Similarly, during the run-up to the controversial 1983 general elections in which the different political parties were threatening fire and brimstones, the masterful way in which Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister rendered his song seemed the most matured way of handling a sensitive issue. In the first place, he traced the history of political developments in Nigeria since the colonial

It can be said, conveniently, that Barrister’s most profound contribution to the Yoruba music genre is in the area of the construction and protection of the Yoruba cultural and linguistic identity. Barrister was one of the manifestations of God’s love for Yorubaland as his contributions to the preservation of the authentic Yoruba language remains unparalleled in the annals of popular culture in the Yoruba public space. His use of different types of idioms and proverbs exemplified the original language usage by traditional Yoruba people.

days up until independence before making considered comments on the power inherent in the ballot box. He ended the section of the record that had to do with the elections with some fundamental advice to the ruling class. As it turned out, the record that followed this was done in commemoration of the take over of government by the military early in 1984! Without doubt, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister’s rendition of historical developments was always magisterial and these were masterfully done. A typical example of this has been given by a foremost fan of his who is now a doctoral research student in China in space science and technology, Mr. Sikiru Yommy Aiyeola who told this speaker in a recent discussion about Alhaji Ayinde Barrister: ‘During a General Studies Examination when I was in LASU as an undergraduate, the question was asked as to who was the Opposition leader during Nigeria’s First Republic? I just started rendering Barrisster’s song about the 1983 election in which he traced the history of the commencement of political activities in Nigeria from the First Republic up until the eve of the 1983 election. There is no doubt that Ayinde Barrister was the master story-teller in the musical world of Yoruba traditional scene. Hardly was there an event, which was topical or even contentious that he did not sing about. Is it SAP, or the ‘maradonic’ exploits of General Ibrahim Babangida, or the rather vexatious and brutal adventurism of General Sani Abacha? As a source of education Education in Africa can be either formal or informal. In traditional African societies in the pre-colonial times, education took the form of informal training whereby the young ones were taught the basic nuances of the society either through observation of the elders by the young ones or through formal training in which case, the elders were expected to take the young ones through the idiosyncrasies of the society. At any rate, the music of Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister fulfilled these basic features of education. Without doubt, Ayinde Barrister was a world class musician, whose unusual natural gift was acknowledged both locally and internationally. Locally, Barrister was crowned the King of fuji music by all the centres of musical appreciation in Nigeria. However, his international stature was boosted in far away United States of America when the City University of Los Angeles (C.U.L.A.) awarded him a honorary doctorate in music for his effective rendering of his experience at the Disney World in Florida in his epic record,

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

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How Ayinde’s music lifted humanity CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28 Aiye. It was this record that stood Ayinde Barrister out from the multitude of his contemporaries as he displayed an usual ability to weave music as if he was weaving a basket! Or what else can one say in this lifetime record when he wondered aloud: “Monkigbe mother mi Odere Sifawu, Alade (Oloto) npe Tawa Juda, Oyinbo npe my mother…” It is important to note that apart from the rhyme used in this song, Alhaji Barrister was actually referring to the concept of mother in three different ways but using the most appropriate figure of speech. For the avoidance of doubt, Odere was the name of Barrister’s late mother while Tawajuda was the name of Alhaji Buhari Oloto’s mother while the English word for one’s mum is mother! Barrister was rewarded with the honorary doctorate, not in fuji, but music in general! For a society that cherished hard work and creativity and judging from the sudden increase in the number of Nigerians who visited Florida’s Disney World on account of the masterful way in which the fun parks of the Disney World were rendered by Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister he truly deserved this honour. An epitome of moral education From his epic record on family planning; the efficacy of patience as a desirable human virtue; the need and the desirability of leadership of the country to offer unstinting and honest service to the people; to special commentaries on various social malaise, the contribution of Alhaji Chief (Dr.) Sikiru Ayinde Barrister to the upliftment of human society through an improvement in its social fabric is phenomenal. The dexterity with which he handles sensitive subjects of socio-political significance is rather unprecedented mainly because unlike many musicians who are likely to sing praise those in authority for commercial purpose, Ayinde Barrister usually inserted cautionary words, even when he sings to acknowledge the power structure in the society. Imagine his admonition to President Olusegun Obasanjo during his second coming as a civilian President: “Opa Eru Nse La nfi” meaning please be cautious in the use of your executive powers! And the clincher, “B’Oba base dede t’Oba ni ma se, bi Oba ose dede mi oni se t’Oba (My support for government is conditional on the government satisfying the people) As Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was reaching his twilight in the music business, he was more emboldened to take frontline position on many social issues of the day. Indeed, Barrister turned out many political

It is also important at this juncture to point out that Alhaji Barrister almost turned his music into a kind of protest one judging from the issues of social justice, economic determinism and democracy with which Alhaji Agba devoted his time towards the twilight of his earthly sojourn. treatises often offering constructive criticism on many a policy of the government. This trait, it can be suggested, seemed to have been opportuned by the prevailing socio-political ferment that was unfolding in Nigeria, especially during Bisi Jolaese, Otunba Adisa Osiefa and David Dosumo the Babangida’s days. Clearly, Alhaji Barrister started as a non-partisan commentator on social issues, restricting his observation to some social parlances that became the vogue at the time. However, with the annulment of June 12, 1993 general elections which was won by Bashorun Moshood Olawale Abiola (a major fan and supporter of Barrister), the wheel turned full circle as Barrister was transformed from a carefree bystander into a foremost critic of the military. He started his criticism with a record in which he critiqued the specter of inexplicable promotions by the top brass of the military, juxtaposing this unfair disposition with the paucity of social amenities in the country as well as the indignities which the poor people were made to face in the face of excessive wealth by the country’s rulers. The climax of Barrister’s activism would seem to be his outright warning to the military to steer clear of politics by declaring unequivocally that “te Hassan Razaq Bamu and Alh. Lanre Issa- Onilu batun se coup kan a o ni faramo” (If you dared staged another coup d’etat, we i.e. the people - would not take kindly to such adventurism. He was a talented and divinely gifted musician. No doubt, Barrister was as political as they come. Indeed, towards the end of his life, he became fearlessly outspoken. Unlike the dexterious way he sang about political issues during the 1980s when he was clearly inclined towards the conservative political camp and which ran counter to the preference of his operational milieu, by the 1990s, Barrister seemed to have turned full circle as he now identified with the progressive camp, thus effectively locating himself within the Yoruba political agenda of the South Western Nigeria. Although he had his reservation about Chief MKO Abiola getting into the partisan ring, he nevertheless still sang and called for all Nigerians to vote for him massively. Certainly, Barrister lived his last days fighting for a better Nigeria.

Rain of tributes on Mr. Fuji CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27 from the guests. Molete echoed regularly in his songs. For Bonsue Fuji crooner, Adewale Ayuba, he never met Barrister until the day he accompanied a friend to his house. “He did not only call me by my name, he also cooked for me. When I started playing, I didn’t want to be like anybody else but Ayinde Barrister,” recalled Ayuba. As representative of the Federal Government and specifically, arts and culture sector at the occasion, Otunba Runsewe appeared to have stolen the show. In addition to distributing two pamphlets that detailed the life and times as well as some evergreen labels of Ayinde Barrister, his emotion-ladden remarks raked in loud applause

Runsewe said, “If he was born in the English world, I am sure he would be called ‘Ayinde the Edifice.’ Barrister was one of the greatest artistes Nigeria ever produced, but our greatest problem is that we don’t celebrate our own.” He pledged to support ABLE to actualise their projects. Earlier in his welcome speech, the chairman of Legacy Club, Mr. Kayode Bello had listed some of the projects the club had set out to embark upon. “We are set to achieve greater strides in our quest to immortalize our Barrister. We want to stage yearly Barry Day; publish books and documentaries; endow academic chairs and

scholarship… all in the bid to take the Barry name and legacy further and farther in glory.” Bello also used the occasion of the launch to call on Federal Government to honour the late artiste, as he described Barrister as a patriot to the core. “There is no album recorded by Barry where he did not express his love for Nigeria one way or the other. He celebrated Nigeria and didn’t bring shame to the country. With his legacy, I think Museum should be built in his name. What types of music are they studying in the university? The time to inculcate his type of music into our curriculum is now. I call on the Federal Government to honour him as a foremost Nigerian ambassador.”

Alhaja and Alhaji Mojeed Mayabikan

Cutting of Sikiru Ayinde’s 65th post-humous birthday cake

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Events BANKY W STAGES R&BW: THE GRAND LOVE CONCERT

Date(s): 15/02/2013 Location: Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe, Road, Victoria Island, Lagos. Promoter: Empire Mates Entertainment The singer, songwriter and businessman has spent the last few years grooming protégées like Wizkid, Skales and Niyola; running the EME label- currently unarguably Nigeria’s number one music powerhouse. More info: www.afritickets.com

THE MAGIC FLUTE

In partnership with Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

TheGuardian LOVE and ART: A Valentine Enchanted Evening Date(s): 15/02/2013 Location: BC Garden Cafe Promoter: Virgonova Limited

More info: www.afritickets.com

VALENTINES’ DAY… For some, it’s just a day like every other. For others, it involves days of intense planning and elaborate romantic gestures. And for us, it’s a very good excuse to help you celebrate the passionate art of love! Virgonova in collaboration with PhatVibes Entertainment brings you a night of Love and Art! …The evening is sectioned into two parts to cater to couples and singles:

DAREY PRESENTS... LOVE LIKE A MOVIE

Date(s): 17/02/2013 Location: EKO HOTEL CONVENTION CENTRE Promoter: SOUL MUZIK

Date(s): 17/02/2013 Location: Shell Nigeria Hall Promoter: The Musical Society of Nigeria More info: www.afritickets.com

DAREY PRESENTS…LOVE: LIKE A MOVIE AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENING OF MUSIC DANCE AND THEATRE THAT TOUCHES THE SOUL: More info: www.afritickets.com

“VALENTINE’S WITH MAXWELL” Date(s): 16/02/2013 Location: Ocean View grounds, Eko Hotel and Suites Promoter: CLASSIC FM Valentine’s Day is here again, and in the spirit of the season of love, Radio Station of the year Classic fm 97.3 in its tradition of being at the forefront of Classy events and bringing exciting international acts to Nigeria, have announced plans for “Valentine’s with Maxwell”, the coolest and most exciting evening to remember this quarter of 2013; headlined by Grammy award winning American R&B, funk and neo soul singer - Maxwell! More info: www.afritickets.com

2013 Social Media Week Lagos

Date(s): 19/02/2013 Location: Porsche Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos Promoter: SMW Lagos Pan-African Civil Society Organization Africa 2.0 in partnership with Social Media Week Lagos will be co-hosting an event themed An Evening with the Leaders. The event will be held at the prestigious Porsche Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday 19th February 2013. Former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the Africa 2.0 Advisory Board, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo will head a delegation of leaders whose aim is to foster inter-generational dialogue during the event while exploring the possibility of leveraging social media and digital tools to move Africa forward. More info: www.afritickets.com

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

VisualArts Amid hope of restitution, Nigeria hosts foreign museums Stories by Tajudeen Sowole

As Nigeria hosts some representatives of holders of the country’s looted cultural objects as part of efforts towards the return of the controversial artefatcs, the country’s dialogue or diplomatic approach is once again on the spot. to hold next week, significantly, in Benin, Edo StookCHEDULED State, where the largest looting of Africa’s cultural objects place in 1897, the meeting would be the third of its kind between the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) and some museums in Europe. In 2010 and 2011, the NCMM had engaged a number of major museums in similar meeting held in Vienna, Austria and Berlin, Germany. The Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief Edem Duke had hinted about the scheduled Benin meeting during the repossession ceremony of some stolen Nok pieces from French Embassy, held in Abuja, few weeks ago. Unspecified volumes of pre-19th century artefacts of Nigerian origin are currently in illegal possession of museums and individuals across Europe and the U.S. Among the most important cultural objects in this context are the two Queen Idia masks, each in the British Museum, U.K and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, U.S. In recent years, other works of perhaps similar values had been brought into the public glare. For example, in 2010, Sotheby’s attempt at auctioning six pieces of Benin origin, including a pendant mask of Queen Idia from the descendants of Lionel Galway – the British colonial army who led the 1897 expedition – was stopped by formal protest from a Nigerian group in the Diaspora, Kayode Ogundamisi-led Nigeria Liberty Forum (NLF). More recent in the restitution issue came last June when Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) Boston, U.S received donation of 28 bronzes and six ivories from Mr. Robert Owen Lehman who is the heir to the vast collection of a famous American banker and collector, Philip Lehman. The late banker and great-grand father of Robert, according to sources, was one of the immediate beneficiaries of the 1897 Benin Punitive Expedition. And as the donation also generated heated reactions from Nigerians, home and the Diaspora, NCMM sent a protest letter to MFA. The museum’s’s Associate Director of Public Relations, Karen Frascona, via email chat over Nigeria’s protest relayed the response of the museum: “Director, Malcolm Rogers responded to Mr. Usman (on August 30, 2012), that after careful deliberation, the Museum decided to accept the gift as a way of sharing this private collection, giving access to these long-hidden objects to our more than one million annual visitors.” Rogers, according to Frascona, “conveyed his desire that the gift inaugurates fruitful dialogue with colleagues locally and abroad, and further opportunities for cultural exchange.” Although, as at press time, it was unclear if MFA, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum were listed among the participants for the Benin dialogue, but the NCMM’s past romance with some museums seemed not to be yielding much progress in returning Nigeria’s priceless artefacts. For example, the British Museum has been involved in the retraining programme of NCMM’s staffs while Museum of African Art, New York offered similar trainings during the tour of a collaborative exhibition Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria. Although the return to Nigeria, by France, of the stolen and in.S-BASED Nigerian artist, Nnenna U Okore makes her first major solo art exhibition at home with Flow, opening from Monday, February 18 and ending April 15, 2013 at the Wheatbaker Hotel in Ikoyi, Lagos. Supported by the Wheatbaker Hotel and Sterling Bank, Okore’s artist statement says: “I am drawn to uniquely tactile characteristics of the collective physical world. I am astounded by natural phenomena that cause things to become weathered, dilapidated and lifeless - those events slowly triggered by aging, death and decay and subtly captured in the fluid and delicate nature of life. I desire to heighten through my works, the perception of textures, undulating contours and movements that exist within our ephemeral world; and

Iyoba Mask (Queen Mother), a 16th century Benin piece, speculated as Ivory, iron and copper and donated by Nelson A. Rockefeller to The Metropolitan Museum of Art, U.S in 1972.

Iyoba Mask, 16th century AD, currently in the British Museum, U.K.

tercepted Nok pieces was a laudable one, but the ultimate restitution, which Nigerians look forward to eagerly, in the return of the Idia masks, currently under incarceration in the U.K and U.S. And as NCMM keeps going into these collaborations, observers noted that the real issue of restitution has been beclouded. It has also been noted that such collaborations gives strength to the holders of Nigerian artefacts to maintain the status quo. While the Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mallam Yusuf Abdallah Usman insisted that Nigeria’s “diplomatic approach” may not be on the table forever, he had argued that if Nigeria’s agitation for return of its stolen artefacts must enjoy consideration of the holders, it is important to demonstrate to the rest of the world that whenever the looted works are repatriated “we would share” with other people across the world. It is of note that under the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the prohibition of illicit trade in Cultural property as well as the 1995 International Institute for the Unification of Private Law otherwise known as UNIDROIT Convention on unauthorised exportation of cultural objects, positive gestures have been coming from some countries. Before France’s return of Nok pieces few weks ago, the Homeland Security investigation (HSI) of U.S, had in July last year, returned some Nok terracotta to Nigeria’s Consulate. It was reported that the U.S. authority had been on the trail of the objects since 2011 after French customs

officers spotted the statues during a routine inspection at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris. It has been observed that the UNESCO convention’s covert silence on the pre-1970 dispute artefacts could make the return of major and contentious works such as the Idia masks difficult. The Director-General of NCMM categorized the illegal movements of Nigerian artefcats into three categories: the colonial period of invading forces by imperial Britain and other western anthropologists who carried out field work in various parts of the country; collections in the 1960s and 1970s when the civil war provoked large exodus artefacts outside Nigeria; the post-civil war and current movements of work through the porous borders. “Within the last three years the Commission has embarked on several sensitization programme involving law enforcement agencies, media, local communities and traditional rulers at Abuja and Kaduna and also in the rural areas especially at Nok and Janjala,” Usman said. The NCMM, he argued, has been consistent in protecting the endangered areas where artefacts are prone to illegal exportation. He disclosed that “Six hundred security personnel and craftsmen to police our heritage sites is awaiting cash backing from the Budget office.” What he described “a special repatriation Unit to handle issues of illicit trafficking, repatriation and restitution,” he added, has been approved by the government.

In Flow, Okore comes home to evoke some reflection about how we can better preserve and care for our earthbound surroundings.” Raised in Nsukka, Nigeria, Okore has emerged as one of the foremost artists of her generation. Her largely abstract works are inspired by textures, colors and landscapes of her milieu. Finding reusable value in discarded materials, Okore enriches her work with layers of meaning through familiar processes. Both in her home country Nigeria and the United States, she relies on the use of flotsam or discarded objects, which are transformed into intricate sculpture and installations through repetitive and labor-intensive techniques.

Some of her processes include weaving, sewing, rolling, twisting and dyeing, which she learned by watching local Nigerians perform daily tasks. Most of Okore’s works explore detailed surfaces and organic formations. Okore is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Art Department at North Park University, Chicago. Her works have been exhibited internationally in museums and galleries in Chicago, New York City, London, Paris, Cancun, Sao Paulo and Copenhagen. She is a recipient of the 2012 Fulbright Scholar Award; and has also been recognized by the Chicago Tribune, BBC and New York Times,

among dozens of media outlets, for her exceptional use of materials, textures and colors in her works. Nnenna Okore, who returns to her native Nigeria from the United Sates, is one of the foremost artists of her generation. She is celebrated internationally for her largely abstract works, which are inspired by textures, colors and landscapes created mostly from discarded materials in her environment. Okore relies on the use of flotsam or discarded objects, which are transformed into intricate sculptures and installations through repetitive and labor-intensive techniques. Most of Okore’s works explore de-

tailed surfaces and organic formations and her art processes include weaving, sewing, rolling, twisting and dyeing fabric and intricately shaped pieces of ceramic into impressive, tactile wall-hangings. Nnenna Okore studied art at the University of Nsukka under the tutelage of Africa’s most celebrated artist, Professor El Anatsui, before pursuing her graduate work abroad. Besides being an active studio artist, she is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Art Department at North Park University, Chicago, and is currently lecturing and mentoring students at the University of Lagos, as part of a Fulbright Scholars award.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013 ELILI Atiku’s Araferaku was first noticed, late Jgroup last year as one of the contributions to the art exhibition titled The Progress of Love, held at Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, It was later re-enacted into full performance art. Performed in Ejigbo, a Lagos Suburb, it’s a retrospection of elastic love between a son and his departed father, even though they never met in the physical realm. Atiku explans: “It is known that lost, sadness, pains, loneliness, nostalgia and several other feelings and states of human conditions are associated to the feelings when one lost loved ones. For about 45 years I have lived the foregoing feelings and the presence and yet absence of my father, Badiu Olorunfunmi who died while I was two months in the womb. Hence, I have carried a wish to restore and feel the freshness/wellness of his love by physically manifest his presence. I have been so attached to the only three things that served as objects reminder/link between him and myself. These objects include a book: A New Geometry for Schools by Clement V. Durell, his personal photograph (in his army uniform) and his wife, my mother. “It is against the above background that I enacted and developed social rapport-spaces and social intervention performance in both private and public spaces in Ejigbo. Titled Araferaku (A performance in two acts namely Biofeedback and Isin’pari Baami, the performances employed techniques of theater and written-words in expressing the theme of absence of presence of love, lost, memory and spatiality. Through the process of presence of audience and my body as a performer in a space, I projected an embodiment of absence in the Yoruba philosophy of Araferaku. “In Biofeedback, I was in an enclosed-space for forty-four hours. A wall paper, which was designed with the picture of my father (used as repeated motifs), was pasted on the space’s wall. I created a sculptural piece, which stands as a replica of my father. The sculpture was placed on the floors while 94 bottles were arranged in semi dome-like beside the sculpture’s head and 12 bottles were suspend in criss-cross manner above the sculpture. For forty-four hours I was enacted several actions that signify a connection between my father and myself. At the last hour of the time my mum came into the performance and thus reconnected to my father. This was done through woolen-threads, which was attached to my mum’s hair and the sculpture’s fingers and toes. At some moments I wrote (copied) words and figures from A New Geometry for Schools on the floor and wall. I also made several choreographic actions that symbolize the idea of One-Same-Body, during the performance. “Isin’pari Baami is processional performance, which involve a special mini-burial ceremony. The ceremony consists of three phases namely (1) Come Walk With Me at Ease - which connotes burial procession, (2) Supper with Eledumare / Oju Eree – connotes Reception / laying in State; and (3) Passage to Iwale Asa – connotes Interment. “The ceremony kicked off at No 29 Ifoshi Road, Ejigbo with fun fair procession. The sculpture was placed on special fiber-carriage and carried on delicately with drumming and singing. We waded through Ifoshi Road, Fadu Avenue, Ashogbo Goloba Street, Coker Road, Lafenwa Street, Moshalasi Street to Ido Odofin where the special 44 guests were hosted and the sculpture was put in State and buried thereafter. The costume I wore during the performance, Isin’pari Baami and other objects; especially

ARTS 37

Araferaku… Atiku’s visual

tribute to an unseen mentor

Isin Pari Bami, a section of the performance Araferaku. the Yowos (especially currency) were created out of two popular concepts in Yoruba social burial culture. One of the concepts is “Omo Oloku o s’oja morun” and Omo Oloku da Oti w’owo lo.” Bisi Silva, the artistic Director of CCA, in her curatorial notes writes: “Over the past four months CCA ,Lagos has presented a dynamic and diverse perspective on the idea of Love through performances, performative and interactive installations, videos and films. The public programme has included a roundtable on Performance Art in West Africa with artists from Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast. A literary perspective was provided by authors, poets and a playwright, highlighting the different variations of Love. As this unprecedented transatlantic collaboration with The Menil Collection, Houston and Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, St Louis comes to a close at the Centre for Contemporary Art, Lagos, Love is cel-

World Press Photo… winners emerge today The jury awards first, second HE award-winning photos secretary without voting and third prizes in all cateof the 56 th annual World T rights safeguards the fairness gories. First-prize winners in Press Photo Contest will be re- of the procedure. The contest vealed today at 11.00 a.m. CET. Following the announcement, the awarded images will be published online. Currently in its 56 th year, the annual competition is the world’s leading contest for professional press photographers and documentary photographers, setting the standard for the profession. The jury, led this year by Santiago Lyon, vice president and director of photography at The Associated Press, is now entering the final days of judging. The judging is conducted at the World Press Photo office in Amsterdam. All entries are anonymously presented to the jury, who discuss their merits over a twoweek period. The jury operates independently and a

draws entries from professional press photographers, photojournalists and documentary photographers across the world. By the midJanuary deadline, 103,481 images had been submitted by 5,666 photographers from 124 countries. A group of 19 internationally recognized professionals in the fields of photojournalism and documentary photography convened in Amsterdam from 2 to 14 February 2013 to judge all entries. The first and second rounds of judging concluded on 7 February and the final rounds started on 8 February. Video interviews with the chairs of the four specialized juries, with observations from the early rounds, can be viewed in the video library.

each category receive a cash prize of €1,500. Winners of second and third prizes and those awarded an Honorable Mention receive a Golden Eye Award and a diploma. The premier award, the World Press Photo of the Year, carries a cash prize of €10,000. In addition, Canon will donate a professional DSLR camera and lens kit to the author of the World Press Photo of the Year 2012. The annual Awards Days, a celebration of the prizewinners, takes place in Amsterdam from 25 through 27 April 2013. The prize-winning pictures are presented in an exhibition visiting more than 100 cities in over 45 countries. The first 2013 World Press Photo exhibition opens in Amsterdam on 26 April 2013.

ebrated through the performance of Jelili Atiku in a moving tribute to a father that he never had the opportunity to meet. “Commissioned as part of The Progress for Love, the two part performance piece Araferaku (2013) loosely translated from the Yoruba means A Part of Me is Missing triggers personal emotions which manifest as an eulogy of a son to a father who died seven months before his birth. Araferaku takes place over three days. The first part is a forty-four hours durational meditation invoking the memory of his father. Taking place in an empty space covered floor to ceiling with wallpaper of the only fading photograph of his father, Atiku invokes the memory of an presence that is absent. Alone throughout most of the 44 hours representing an hour for each year of his life, the only person that is allowed - albeit briefly to share in the moment is his mother creating a trilogy that is almost transcendental. The 2nd and final part of the performance mimics the Yoruba traditional final burial rites ceremony blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction as an attempt is made to attain a state of closure through the public depiction of a universal emotion.” “Well The Progress of Love project went down with a big bang with the closing performance by Jelili Atiku. It was an incredible experience. Taking the project from the rarefied confines of the ‘sanitised’ white cube into the rambunctious and electrifying atmosphere of the streets of Ejigbo has left an indelible impression on my mind. The crowds, the children, the adults, the old, in fact everyone was part of the presentation. We - from the art world - mingled with the people of the community and as the boundaries between art and life blurred so did us and them. We became unified as we all stretched our necks to see better, to position ourselves to take those pictures. We became part of a processional performance as we followed members of the family carrying the sculptural ‘corpse’ of the artist’s father who died over 44 years ago through the streets to the final resting place. The family and friends were resplendent in their commemorative aso-ebi. Some people believe it was a real corpse others knew that it was not. As we walked through the streets ‘spraying’ the people with the

fictional Yoruba money prepared for the event, people shouted give me dollar, give me dollar. Even those of us who knew it was art got drawn into its reality. Well done Jelili. May you continue to create. One couldn’t wish for a more spectacular and exhilarating closing of a key exhibition in the emerging contemporary Nigerian art landscape”.

Badiu, from Araferaku.

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Showblast Waiting for the Classic groove with Maxwell, as Billboard convenes in Lagos Stories by Chuks Nwanne a company that runs three successful FandOR radio stations in Lagos – Classic FM, Beat FM Naija FM – it is no surprise the level of media hype for the upcoming valentine show tagged Valentine’s Day with Maxwell. Organised under the Classic FM brand, the massive publicity, which is very visible online, has left many wondering, ‘who is this Maxwell?’ But for fans of the Grammy award winning American R&B, funk and neo-soul singer, this is surely a perfect package to celebrate this year’s Lovers Day. However, considering the ticket price for the event holding tomorrow at the Oceanview Ground, Victoria Island, Lagos, it is obvious the concert is conceived as a classy event for a select group of people, who are willing to pay for quality entertainment. To accommodate Nigerian fans, who seem to be more interest in dancing to local beats these days, the organisers have included Yinka Davis, Bez, Omawunmi and Black Magic on the bill. For sure, these are artistes that would always hold their grounds on big stage. A talented vocalist, Maxwell, who will be visiting the country for the first time will be treating the audience to the best of his recordings, including hits such as Ascension, This woman’s work and Pretty wings. Speaking on the concert, the Programme Director, Classic FM’s, Chico said, “we are delighted to bring to our listeners this fabulous Valentine’s gift. It’s going to be a fantastic night.” According to the General Manager, Megalectrics Limited (operators of Classic fm) Mr. Deji Awokoya, the company is totally committed to catering for its audience and lovers of great music in general. “We will continue to keep to our promise of providing first class entertainment, good music and a platform to encourage friendship and love. Like our previous events, Valentine’s with Maxwell will still be talked about months after, that’s our promise,” he said. Meanwhile, the sister radio station, the Beat 99.9 FM has announced plans to host the Billboard Music Conference in Lagos. The session, which will take place within the Social Media Week, on Wednesday, February 20, at the Porsche Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, will take a critical look at ‘Business and Entrepreneurship’ during a session to be chaired by the CEO of Megalectrics Ltd, Chris Ubosi; Social Media Week Lagos Chairman and Dragon Africa Chief Executive, Obi Asika and Chairman Billboard Africa, Colin Gayle. Speaking on the project, Obi Asika described the opportunity as a blessing to the country’s music industry. “I’m really excited about this partnership with Billboard and Beat Fm to deliver the Billboard Music Day at Social Media Week Lagos. And with the lineup of senior executives, this will be a momentous occasion for the Nigerian music industry.” Keynote Speakers for the event include the Global Deputy Editor, Billboard, Yinka Adegoke, who will be speaking on the topic, ‘The business of music and how the Nigerian industry can engage global markets. Stephen Newton, former CEO Napster and Google Africa and Marcus Glover, who will be delivering on the topic ‘Brands and music’ (with a case study of rapper Jay Z and Reebok, Lil Wayne and Pepsi etc), are also on the bill. Briant Biggs, Director Mobile Strategies of Roc Nation and Mark Redguard, CMO of Spinlet, will also be having a discussion on how mobile technology is impacting Africa’s music industry and redefining the music scene. Senior panelists include Efe Omorogbe, Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, Eldee, Segun Demuren, Banky W, Sasha and other players in the music industry. As part of the project, there will also be a master class on music production at the Beat FM Studios, with American record producer Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs and Nigeria’s Cobhams Asuquo. Briggs is famous for producing the TLC’s hit No Scrubs and songs from Destiny Child’s album, The Writing’s on the Wall. He has also produced and wrote hits for Mariah Carey, Pink, Whitney Houston, and

Maxwell

Nigerian Idol… Top 12 finalists in victory dance By Florence Utor HE tears, the disappointment and hope all boiled down to one moment for the seven contestants hoping to take the final three spots for the top 12. It has been an agonising journey for the contestants thus far; they had been eliminated and then given the chance to redeem themselves in the Wild Card round and now Moses, Dan, Oweck, Modele, Abasiakan, Micheal and

the top twelve, leaving the judges to pick their two favourite contestants from the remaining six. As the lights dimmed, seven contestants stood on the stage knowing the next few minutes would decide either see their dreams come true, or their hopes crushed. And with what was probably the biggest surprise of the evening, Abasiakan proved to be a quiet stunner as he won the voters’ pick. In short order, Danny Angus and Moses became the 11th and 12th singers to make it to the top twelve, vowing to give the show their all. Having gone through the rigorous process of trimming down the long list of applicants for the reality show, organizers have finally unveiled the list of 12 contestants that made it to the next stage of the music competition. Out of the 12, the final winner will emerge in weeks to come. Meanwhile, the 12 lucky shortlists made their first public appearance recently at the Palms Shopping Mall, Lagos, where they had the opportunity of interacting with fans and admires, who supported them through votes. Aside from meeting the people, the contestants entertained the crowd with songs, coupled with well-choreographed dance steps that got the audience cheering in excitement. Moses, one of the contestants said, “Nigerians do not believe in the voting system therefore they like a contestant but do not take time to vote for them.” Top 12 contestants in a choreographed dance at Ozone Cinema On his chances in the contest, the singer simply said, “I’ve been to other reality shows, but I think have different structures. Here, we have Judges put Bolarinwa, Damilola on probation they quite some things that we didn’t have on the other shows, which have made me to understand T was another exciting rooms are high in riboflavin. episode of the Knorr Taste Couscous, which is pasta not a what is expected of me. However, they are both great shows, just differently planned and Quest last Sunday. The judges, grain, has the most superior arranged.” as usual, did not make it any vitamin content of all pastas.” Chidiebere Ijomah, is another contestant with easier for the hopefuls as the On the green bananas, so much confidence. Popularly called Vicci, Chidi ingredients for the task was as Roberts said, “it contains vitawas selected at the Port Harcourt audition and unexpected as possible. The mins as well as a starch that contestants were given pine helps to manage weight; good has started shimming for votes. Already, he has nuts, baby carrots, green for cholesterol levels, and man- printed over 40,000 flyers and distributing to over 7 higher institutions of learning in Port bananas, mushrooms and ages blood sugar.” Harcourt, Rivers State, Ugheli, Auchi, Sapele couscous to make a starter and The guest judge for the among others, canvassing for support. However, main course meal, and they episode and TV personality, he wants people to vote for him based on his perhad only 60 minutes to Kemi Adetiba noted that she formance and not by his campaign. achieve this. was a “foodie”, and was going “I believe I have what it takes to win,” he said. Speaking on the choice of to judge for taste, great use of On their own part, Oreoluwa Liyeli and ingredients, Executive Chef, Dr spices and interesting textures Immaculate Victoria, who came all the way from Roberts described them as sim- in the meals presented. the United States, are hopeful of shooting to starple and basic with nutritional The moment of truth came dom through the platform. Also, Angus Okafor, benefits. when it was time for the presDani Angus, Amagode Kome, Job Emmanuel “Pine nuts are very high in entation of dishes. The judges vitamins and essential oil, had mixed reviews on the taste Idoko, Joe Emmal, Safiya Ramat Idachaba, baby carrots, which are sweet- and presentation of the differ- Safeeyat, Debbie Olu-Rise, Abasiakan Hanson, Joshua Enathimion and Efezino Akpo are all looker than normal carrots contain ent dishes, but they however Saratu ing forward to clinching the grand prize. vitamins C, B6, A and K, mush- seemed to agree on the best

Knorr Taste Quest…

Okey Jazz were ready to leap that final hurdle, and face the three who would decide their fate. Nigerian Idol Season 3 has had a fantastic run so far, from dramatic splits to emotional tortures; it has been one of the most exciting seasons of the show. It was a nail-biter episode and the fates of these contestants were handed out in typical dramatic fashion, as the Nigerian voting audience chose one of the seven they want to see in

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

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Literature In defence of public service The Accidental Public Servant; Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai; Safari Books Ltd; Ibadan; 2013 By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu N The Accidental Public Servant, Nasir Ahmad Ibreak El-Rufai sets out to do more than merely the unwritten rules of ex-political office holders in Nigeria; he utterly annihilates them. For a vocal politician with somewhat activist credentials who only turned 50 in 2010, the motives of his narrative will be the subject of speculation for some time to come irrespective of whatever he says or believes are his own reasons for putting this out. By this book, this author says in effect that Nigeria is bigger than any one person and he cares more about Nigeria than any temporary benefits from partisan politics. In setting out this tale, El-Rufai manages to serve up a memoir whose principal characters hark back to Udoji’s title; whose narrative evokes Fatayi Williams; and whose title could also easily have been Adebo’s. The book has three organizing themes that indeed resolve into one. It is a story about how, in Nigeria, “governance outcomes really depend on a series of accidents rather than any meritocratic or rigorous process.” This is the origin of its title. There is a bigger theme, however, which the author goes back to repeatedly in the book: in Nigeria, “we are pretty much the same everywhere.” Indeed, it is possible to read the title as only an illustration – for good or ill - of this larger Nigerian condition. In terms of its message, The Accidental Public Servant is also a passionate advocacy for firm, equal and non-discriminatory application of rules to everyone irrespective of status or other irrelevancies. It makes a solid case for the normalization of processes in governance. Although the author makes his entry into public service appear like an accident, in reality, it was anything but. This was a case of opportunity meeting preparation. His guardian, Mallam Yahaya Hamza, who insisted on sending the author to “the elite” Barewa College for his Secondary education, knew why he did so. Our author honestly admits that his “four and a half years in Barewa remain the most significant in shaping” his “future life, friendship, and person.”i Barewa has produced at least three Nigerian Heads of State, countless Ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments. The author is just one in this production line. In Tweet-bite The Accidental Public Servant is the story of a bright young man who graduated in Quantity Surveying at the top of his class, made early money and got called into public service where, under three different masters/principals, his brief was successively to help transfer power from soldiers to civilians; undertake the sale of government assets (privatization); and then, administer the allocation and sale of arguably the priciest real estate in Africa (Abuja). The book is an account of the people whom he met along the way, mostly in the inner sanctums of Nigerian power, how they bonded, fell out, suffered betrayals and what they learnt about one another, before he would be hounded, first into exile and then into opposition politics. Many people after this experience would become soaked in money and lives of vulgarity. It is a tribute to the author’s values that he chose after this experience to go back to school and to write a book. This summary does not nearly enough do credit to the audacity of the story or the sweep of its narrative. The book has multiple identities, unfurled in multiple trinities, each like a little diamond – with a pointed and racy beginning; a somewhat portly, sometimes didactic middle section; with an equally breathless and pointed ending. The trinities in The Accidental Public Servant are many. It is an account of public service mostly undertaken under three institutional

acronyms: the PIMCO (Programme Implementation and Monitoring Committee); BPE (Bureau of Public Enterprises); and FCT (Federal Capital Territory (a.ka., Abuja). The author unfolds in three persons – an activist professional/technocrat, a politician, and a family man. The story is a tale of service with three successive principals and Heads of State: a serving General, Abdulsalami Abubakar; a former General, Olusegun Obasanjo; the brother of a dead General, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. There are some other significant characters, none more so, perhaps, than Atiku Abubakar, President Obasanjo’s Vice, whose Teflon qualities are evident in the account. The dysfunctional chemistry – or lack of it – between the author, Atiku and Obasanjo is indeed another of the book’s trinities. It also produced perhaps its memorable line when President Obasanjo tells the author: “my short friend, I have a duty to train you… to make sure you learn to work with everyone, not just people you like.” The book is also a story of bonds formed, betrayed and in various stages of re-constitution in the racy cauldron of Nigeria’s messy politics. And it is a story of the three options confronted by Nigeria in the transition after President Obasanjo’s Third Term debacle. At the personal level, the narrative fulsomely acknowledges the support of the author’s three spouses in the making of an outstandingly readable tale and career. The story is told in 17 chapters over 627 pages, including 38 pages of source notes; 90 pages of appendices and 490 pages of the author’s own narrative. There are another 60 pages of prefatory, introductory material, including a captivating insider account of the drama of President Obasanjo’s Third Term project as a prologue. The Accidental Public Servant is both a bold story and a spirited defence of a tenure in Nigerian public life, sometimes perceived as controversial. Perhaps a little over half of the book is dedicated to the author’s tenures, first as the Director-General of the BPE and then as the Minister for the FCT. Six of the 17 chapters are dedicated to various aspects of the latter and the various controversies that were to arise during that tenure. The story has many sharp edges and the author does not leave the reader guessing about his positions on most issues. For

instance, he thinks that Obasanjo is consistent “in putting his personal interest before that of the nation,” complains that Atiku Abubakar “actively undermined me and accused me of inappropriate behavior simply to get contracts for his friends”, and found the manner of the fund-raising for the Obasanjo Presidential Library simply “disgusting”. It is a tale told with committed clarity. It provides ample information as to not just decisions taken but also the reasons behind them. The reader does not have to agree with the conclusions. The author marshals ample material in support of his story and, in all fairness, provides evidence to support his occasional use of adjectives. The Accidental Public Servant offers a forceful defence of the policies and decisions that the author took as Minister responsible for Abuja. Notable gaps, however, exist in the narrative; several aspects of this narrative could be argued; and some unevenness in cadence invites close attention. Among the omissions, three are notable. First, the author narrates that he quit the ruling Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in 2010 and rather laconically mentions elsewhere in the book that “as Ministers, we were given overnight party membership cards”, without providing details as to time, place or rationales. If Ministers could be appointed without party affiliation, why could they not serve out their terms without party affiliation and what were the reasons for their being whipped into a party? Did this affect their subsequent performance? Second, the author recalls that in the run up to the 2007 general elections, he was “doing more or less whatever the President usually assigned the Vice-President to oversee, like serving as a liaison with the electoral commission….” Given the appalling perversions committed by the electoral commission in 2007, the narrative could have provided greater information to explain what happened or enable the reader to exculpate him from or inculpate him in the crimes of electoral mis-management that characterized those elections. Thirdly, with ample space devoted in the book to the defence of the idea of Abuja, the author missed an opportunity to interrogate the Abuja project or examine whether any aspects of it could have been open to rethink. For instance, how proper is it to make the governance of such a limited resource as land (in Abuja) subject to the Ministerial caprice through the political economy of “allocation”? Should a political appointee such as a Minister have monopoly of decision making on such allocations? If not, how do you eliminate such an inherent architecture of abuse? Should there be specific rules governing conflicts of interest of the administration of various aspects of the FCT? Equally troubling is the story in the book of the meeting with the FCT judiciary led by a man fondly described by the author as “my Barewa senior”, “for their support” and the confession that following this meeting, “the FCT judiciary supported us strongly throughout my tenure.” In the absence of more details about what manner of support this was, readers may ask legitimate questions as to whether this crossed the line into compromising the independence of judicial decision making. The role of the judiciary, after all, is not to support anyone as such but to administer the law fairly and impartially. Many of the commendable enforcement actions initiated by the author through the courts in the FCT remained uncompleted at the time of publication, long after he had left office, calling into question the institutional wherewithal of the FCT High Court. The most obvious differences in cadence are in the treatment of four characters in the book that, by reason of death, are no longer around to speak for themselves. These are: Waziri Mohammed, late former Chairman of the Nigerian Railway

Corporation and alleged arrow-head of President Obasanjo’s Third Term bid, who was tragically killed in an air crash; Chief J.U. Igweh, proprietor of Bolingo Hotels in Abuja, who, was killed in the same air crash with Waziri; Justice Bashir Sambo, former Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal; and President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, also the author’s senior at Barewa. To these four, the author applies three different narrative standards. He introduces Waziri into the narrative on Third Term namelessly merely as “an Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) alumnus and friend who chaired the board of a federal parastatal and was very close to Obasanjo.” Most readers would struggle to identify who this is about. With respect to Chief Igweh, the author limits himself to a narration of the official interaction. Similarly, with Justice Bashir Sambo, the author acknowledges that following his death in April 2007, he (the author) “remained silent because the man could no longer defend himself”, and tastefully limits himself to disclosure of the official correspondence in the matter. Although, it is possible to deduce possible reasons from the text, the author offers no explicit explanation, however, as to why he fails to extend this standard of restraint to the parts of the narrative relating to President Yar’Adua, whose High School nickname, the author discloses, was “Bad Man.” In hind-sight, he may consider that this could have been essential to a better understanding of this part of his story. In recalling the public statement issued on 2 December 2010 by the collective initially known as G-55 which later became G57 asking President Yar’Adua to vacate office, the author narrates that this was followed by “initial set back, when, under pressure from the NSA, Abdullahi Sarki Mukhtar, some of the people dissociated themselves from the statement claiming that ‘they did not sign’ any statement.” This contains a factual inaccuracy. This Reviewer is one of the people that “dissociated” themselves from the statement. No one called me about this and, surely, no one put any pressure on me to do so. The fact is I thought it was plainly poor organizing and utter bad manners for anyone to associate me with a document – no matter how well intentioned whose contents no one had made any prior effort to inform me about. I still think so. The production of The Accidental Public Servant is professionally done. The book is not marred by habitual editorial slippages that often mar a lot of our books, although a few slippages nevertheless intrude. Anoraks may wish that the Indexing at the end of the book could have been a little more comprehensive and the appendices were better clustered. The quality of the product nevertheless is excellent. On the whole, this is a book by a brother who must make many of us feel proud to be Nigerian and which must restore our faith in the project of nation building. Anyone considering public service in Nigeria would do well to consult this book, or, if you have access to him, its author. You do not have to agree with everything in it but it is a compelling read with jawdropping disclosures on every other page and compelling lessons dripping from most of its paragraphs. The disclosures in this book will surely inform and possibly affect the landscape of Nigerian politics. Even if they don’t, this book is likely to inspire spirited conversations that should enrich citizenship and political participation in Nigeria. For this and more, the author deserves our gratitude for memorializing his record of public service and for courageously inviting public scrutiny of that record. Many more who preceded him in public life and all who do so after him should do well to accept his invitation to “document their experiences and tell their sides of the story.”

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

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Heritage

Performance by a dance group at a cultural festival

Ibu Ogudu festival of Umuede Nkpa community By Nwachi Joy Ogudu is a festival display that is peculiar ItoBU to Umuede Nkpa Community. It is observed satisfy the need for entertainment and also social control. The origin of the festival was traced to the travail of a woman who went to fetch firewood in the bush, but unknowingly to her, she fetched the Ogudu wood among the bundle of wood. This wood (ogudu) led her astray, she could not find her way out of the forest and for three days she was missing. This forced the community to organise a search party for her, eventually she was found, and as was the custom of the people, the oracle was consulted. It was then discovered that she mistakenly fetched a mysterious wood, and it was henceforth revealed that the ogudu is a special wood of the deities. Sacrifices were performed and the Ogudu was hence adopted as a festival to prevent a re-occurrence. The Ogudu Ogudu is considered a supernatural, hollow wood with opening on both ends. Its length is about 6m long. One can see through the hollow, but one end is usually covered with white cloth and tied with raffia leave at the back. The ogudu body is usually decorated with white chalk and camwood (uhie) for beautification. The ogudu wood does not dry, it neither shrinks nor gets eaten up by insects. It has a house constructed for it that is adjacent to the big communal talking drum (lkoro). The difference is that the platform where ogudu is being kept is higher than that of the Ikoro. Also, while passers-by can easily see Ikoro, ogudu is covered round with dried raffia mats. The festival

Ogudu festival is usually celebrated every two years. The year of its celebration is regarded as (Afor ukwu), an odd year. Before its displays, sacrifices are carried out in its shrine at the ‘Ihuala’ shrine. It is then decorated by the oldest woman in the clan, who must be a mother of 12 children. Items of sacrifice include yam, fowl, alligator pepper, camwood, white chalk, kolanuts of four cotyledons. All these are placed on the ground with wood and cordage. After this, two men of same height would carry the ogudu at both ends and two other men would be on both sides whose duty would be to ensure that the ogudu does not slip and fall down on the ground, as this will portend calamity for the society. However, before the ogudu is put on display, these men must undergo some cleansing and have to fulfill certain conditions, which include being legally married, having a male child, but not twins. They must also be pious and must not doubt the potent of ogudu; they must not be persons of doubtful character and must not wear any kind of charm on them; they must not sleep with their wives a night before the ogudu rituals. If any one fails any of these conditions, the person is exposing himself to severe danger and curses. The lead carrier at the front would hang a life fowl across the shoulder and all of them would place (omu) fresh palm frond in their mouth to keep them from talking to people or to each other; they can only express themselves through signs if they experience any difficulty or discomfort during the process. The ogudu controls their movement and dictates their direction as it can lead them to public toilets, bush full of thorns etc. where, ordinarily sane people dare not go and the carriers

cannot be harmed. This is to display the extent the ogudu can go to protect the people of the community. The ogudu would move from one village to another round the villages that make up the clan, displaying its prowess. The next market day, the ogudu would move to another village. This routine is performed on the third and the last day. During the celebration, it will visit homes of the bereaved, and important landmarks and shrines. It also visits homes of the people and no one dare run away from it. If one does, it will destroy whatever it deems fit in that home. And any yam barn it touches will be confiscated. No one doubts the magical powers of the ogudu. The ogudu performs with music from the talking drum (ikoro) which seem to sound like - ‘ogudu ukwu’, ogudu ukwu’, which interprets as ‘mighty ogudu, mighty ogudu’. In the course of display, the ogudu would visit one of the small lakes called ‘lyinta’ where it takes in water. In this lake are dangerous reptiles but none will harm those that carry the ogudu, at times, they will come close to drowning, yet they will emerge unharmed. If anyone of them slips, an egg is provided which is thrown on the body of the wood to appease it to move again. At the last market day, the ogudu display at the market square of ‘Nweke’ and that will signify the end of the festival. Two weeks after the display is rested and retired to its abode, the whole Umude community would converge at Agbiyi village square to celebrate a successful outing for that season. This outing becomes another celebration

entirely where the members of the community would sing and dance, display colourful attire and dressing styles. The age grades are not left out as they are also dressed in George wrappers with different colours to differentiate each age grade. Members of the community dress in ways to distinguish segment of the society. Women that delivered within the period of the last ogudu ceremony and the just concluded, would tie two pairs of wrapper, one above the breast level and the other on the waist and decorate their body with camwood ‘uhie’ and white chalk ‘Nzu’ on their necks, with beads on the legs. Decoration is done according to groups. They all dance to and fro the market till evening to mark the final rite. Significance of the festival The ogudu is used as an instrument of social control. It does not condone evil as it exposes evil people during performance. It serves as a unifying factor, as it unites the people of the community and aid their aspiration and goals as one people. It also helps to foster peace and unity among the people, and protects them against their enemies and from natural occurrences. It portrays fertility, in that a mother of twelve would have a hand in beautifying it. It also portrays harvest season. The advent of modernity and Christianity has watered down the celebration of Ibu Ogudu, as adherents have upheld other faiths. However, it is still observed as a cultural landmark inherited from the ancestors. Joy discussed this topic with the National Museum Study Group, Port Harcourt recently

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THe gUARDiAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

ArtHouse NICO holds matriculation for culture workers From Bridget Chiedu Onochie, Abuja He fifth matriculation ceremony for diploma and post-gradT uate diploma students in Cultural Administration holds on February 22. Organized by the National institute for Cultural Orientation (NiCO), the exercise marks the commencement of the 2012/2013 academic sessions of the institute’s training school in lagos. Minister of Tourism, Culture and National Orientation, Chief edem Duke, will be the Special guest of Honour while the Vice Chancellor, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Professor Shamsudeen O.O Amali, will serve as the guest of Honour. The event kicks off at 10am. executive Secretary, NiCO, Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, said the training School is in line with the institute’s vision and mission of consistently spearheading the provision of innovative training, research and documentation of the country’s cultural heritage and assets. According to him, the initiative is aimed at making culture the vector for national development as well as train cultural development officers, motivators and communicators, who would be grounded in Nigerian cultural practices, realities and philosophies that are essential for national integration, peace, unity and development in a multi-ethnic nation. “Courses offered in the Training School are designed to orientate, re-orientate and equip cultural workers, cultural attendants, cultural assistants, senior cultural assistants, assistant cultural officers etc, in the civil and public services, the private sectors and other culture related organizations in Nigeria with basic background and knowledge of cultural administration to enhance their performance in their work environment”, he said.

Members of Ayinde Barrister Legacy (ABLE) Club… at Barry Day 2013 celebration last Friday … in Lagos

Cool FM to re -file suit against MCSN over collection of royalties By Bertram Nwannekanma OllOwiNg the strike out of its suit against Musical FCopyright Society Nigeria

From left, Managing Director Multichoice nigeria, John Ugbe. Managing Director MNET Africa, Biola Alabi. and Marketing Manager Non alcoholic drinks Nigerian Breweries plc, Adodo Tokunbo. At the 2013 africanMagic Viewers choice award Nomination in lagos. PHOTO; SUNDAY AKINLOLU

dren and home matters, made it difficult to extend her banking career job beyond her 17years ReVeAliNg new novel, ‘The Steel Her feminist and determination to Bankeress’, a story on the unsagive women folk a place in history, vory details of the modern day corporate slavery in banking, the bully- despite the encumbrances encountered in working environments, espeing and also the sexual exploits of a cially the banking industry, galvafew marketers including their dog eat dog business ethics and extreme nized her into producing this work of desire to climb the ladder of success literature. The book details various characters in the banking sector has been prewe come across in real life, but sented to the public. uneasy lies the head that wears the The 65chapter/600 page book writcrown. ten by Mrs. Mojisola Mofat Fahm, a seasoned banker who was motivated Pamela is portrayed as the typical ruthless boss who runs her branch to write the book on account of her deep-rooted experiences in the bank- with hands of steel and her staffs ing industry for 17years was present- with mental whips. Here is also a woman who is naturally obsessed ed at the Ajibulu Muniya gallery, with conceding to the needs of the Surulere, lagos state. bank customers and her employers. Though, she was never a victim of Coupled with that is her callous harassment, but she had a clear knowledge of challenges inherent in ambition as her devious scheming puts her far ahead of her other colthe banking industry. leagues. The trauma of not having time to She desperately desires to be elevatattend to family needs, and being a ed to the position of Business woman who has passion for chil-

By Kenechukwu Ezeonyejiaku

(MCSN) by Justice Mohammed idris of a Federal High Court, lagos over the collection of royalties, the company is to refile the suit. globe Broadcasting and Communication limited (owners of Cool FM, wAZOBiA and Naija info FM) has approached the court urging it to restrain MCSN from demanding and taking legal action against it for the payment of copyright royalties for the broadcast of music from its repertoire on its stations. The matter was however struck out by the judge following a preliminary objection filed by MCSN’s counsel,

Development Manager in anticipation of the approval of the commercial banking license for the bank. But the promotion she desires will ultimately push her over the edge of normalcy as she goes too far in her pursuit, which is fired by haunting nightmares of secret and shameful past. Three other main characters of the novel, former contemporaries now Pamela’s subordinates, the weak minded Rachael who is Pamela’s deputy and tooth pick. like the proverbial sheep that devours the faeces of the dog it follows aroung, she is desperate to succeed to Pamela. On the verge of a nervous breakdown, an additional burden of guilt could finally cause her mind to collapse completely. The third character is the heavily pregnant but stubborn enitan who is the third in branch hierarchy and Pamela’s major headache. enitan is not the threat as she desires a complete change in her personal life and

Dada Awosika who contended that the suit having commenced by way of originating summons failed to present any question of law for determination by the court. But Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) , whose counsel represented the broadcasting house said the matter struck out on technicalities would be refiled because MCSN is unlicensed and has no authority to collect copyright royalties in Nigeria. According to a statement by COSON’s Head, Communications, Media & Strategy, Chibueze Okereke, no Nigerian court has okayed MCSN to collect royalties. He said: “Any right thinking person who has followed the misfortune that is MCSN ought to wonder why despite the

career. it is the fourth character, Pamela’s protégé, the pretty and vivacious Adeola, a relatively junior officer in the branch but virtue of being a marketing staff, she is the one who could jeopardize Rachel’s ambition. The fifth character is Dr. Mayowa who struggles to push a medical business proposal around the banks in lagos. She eventually finds her way to Foundation bank which is used as the setting and causes havoc in the professional and personal lives of the other characters. According Fahm, “the novel through the five characters makes a compelling read for those who desire to know the behind the scene events and activities in the banking sector. “The story also revolves around the men in their personal and professional lives, their customers, their parents, their backgrounds and the future they desire themselves. it tells a story of a bank tottering on the edge of a management upheaval. The

often touted successes of MCSN in the about 50 cases it has in Nigerian courts, six MCSN operatives are still facing criminal trial in Nigeria and the organization remains unable to do any meaningful royalty collection or distribution”. He also said that COSON’s Chairman, Chief Tony Okoroji, has recently stated that it was false and fraudulent for MCSN to say that it is owner of copyright works. “Neither MCSN nor COSON is a copyright owner. A CMO does not collect money on behalf of itself but on behalf of the copyright owners. The assignment made to the CMO is not to make it the owner of the works but to give the CMO the legal rights to manage the works.”

reader is exposed to corporate harassment at its best. “it is a story that will evoke strong feelings. The reader may have intense pity for the tormented Pamela, the villainess, respect for enitan’s show of maturity and compassion, irritation at Adeola’s naivete, repulsiveness at the unscrupulous Dr. Mayowa and probably deep empathy for the mentally disturbed Rachael. “Pamela and enitan as characters in the book revealed vividly the human being in each one of us and how bad it could be when the pendulum of human mantra comes to play. “No doubt, Pamela exhibited human inadequacy when nursing ambition for her prosperity. “To our women folk, the sky is the limit. Determination and the willingness to take risks are the hall marks.” The author does not leave us in doubt of what her experiences have been, what life is all about and how to be assertive with one’s choice; one’s goals are clear and achievable.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

AUTOWHEELS

AutoWheels 2013 highest resale value cars By Taiwo Hassan with agency report N important measure of a vehicle’s value and appeal is what it’s expected to be worth three and five years on the road. These figures are the estimated price a auto dealer would pay if you traded in the vehicle, expressed as a per centage of the original sticker price. Resale values come from a complex set of calculations based in part on historical data and economic predictions, as well as competition in each automotive segment, how appealing a car’s brand is, and supply (including fleet sales and leases) versus demand. To win best resale plaudits, the model must first be selected as one of the top 25 vehicles in its category. From that group, we pick the vehicle with the highest three-year resale value. A model is not eligible for the award if another trim level of the same model has won best resale in a lowerprice category. Cars under $20,000: Ford Focus S Resale value: 3-year: 62 per cent; 5-year: 45 per cent. Sticker price: $16,995 (manual sedan). Invoice price: $16,064. TrueCar national average price: $16,672. MPG: City: 26; Hwy: 36. In addition to nabbing the highest resale value in its class, the Focus walks away with best in Class honors just one year after its 2012 redesign. It’s an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Top Safety Pick, too. Cars $20,000-$25,000: Mini Cooper Hardtop S Resale value: 3-year: 68 per cent; 5-year: 53 per cent. Sticker price: $24,000 (manual). Invoice price: $21,670. TrueCar national average price: $23,094. MPG: City: 26; Hwy: 35. The original Mini Cooper ties with the Mini Cooper Coupe for the top resale value of any vehicle in our rankings. The Cooper Hardtop S has go-kart-like driving dynamics and a turbocharged 1.6liter engine that produces 181 horses (which allows the car to zip from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds), but it still gets 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Cars $25,000-$30,000: Mini Cooper Coupe S Resale value: 3-year: 68 per cent; 5-year: 53 per cent. Sticker price: $25,450 (manual). Invoice price: $22,975. TrueCar national average price: $24,500. MPG: City: 26; Hwy: 35. Mini’s outside-the-box styling routinely defies expectations. The Mini Cooper Coupe, introduced last year, shares the body of the Cooper Hardtop — but adds a sloped, sporty roofline. In John Cooper works trim, the two-Coupe gets from 0

to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Cars $30,000-$40,000: Volvo S60 T5 seater Resale value: 3-year: 61 per cent; 5-year: 43 per cent. Sticker price: $32,795. Invoice price: $30,881. TrueCar national average price: $30,884. MPG: City: 21; Hwy: 30. Volvo’s S60 adds high resale values to its reputation for stellar safety, and this year IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ (a new designation that means it did well in the new small overlap test; only midsize models were tested). The 2013 model year brings more advanced technology with standard Tunnel Detection, a feature that automatically turns on your headlights when you enter a tunnel. Cars $40,000-$50,000: Infiniti G37 Journey Resale value: 3-year: 62 per cent; 5-year: 45 per cent. Sticker price: $41,195. Invoice price: $38,223. TrueCar national average price: $38,096. MPG: City: 19; Hwy: 27. Every member of Infiniti’s G series is fun to drive — with a sporty suspension and plenty of power, but the model that’s tops for trading in is the base level G37 coupe. Cars $50,000 and over: Audi A7 3.0 Premium Plus Resale value: 3-year: 58 per cent; 5-year: 41 per cent. Sticker price: $64,695 Invoice price: $60,231. TrueCar national average price: $62,424. MPG: City: 18; Hwy: 28. The hatchback version of the A6 tops the luxury charts for resale value for the second year in a row. Though it shares powertrains with its sibling, the A7 has the edge in cargo space it claims 11 cubic feet more, for a total of 25.

2013 Volvo S60T5

2013 Ford Focus

2013 Mini Cooper hardtop

AUTOWHEELS 43

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

15 million Škoda vehicles produced since 1905 By Taiwo Hassan KODA motors have Šmillion announced that about 15 cars have been produced since its inception in 1905. Meanwhile, the company has launched a jubilee vehicle – a silver third-generation ŠKODA Octavia, which rolled off the assembly line at company’s main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The vehicle will be used as a VIP sedan at the ŠKODA Technology Center in esana. The 15 million cars produced underline the dynamic growth of the brand. At the beginning of last year, ŠKODA had produced the 14-millionth car. In the past six years alone, one third or approximately five million vehicles rolled off the assembly lines. The car manufacturer wants to increase worldwide sales to at least 1.5 million units per year by 2018. In 2012, ŠKODA sold 939,200 vehicles, more than ever in one year. “The entire ŠKODA team is very proud of the million jubilee,” says ŠKODA’s Chairman of the board, Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland. “15 million produced cars are a symbol for the great development of the ŠKODA brand. We have been building vehicles for 118 years and automobiles since the year 1905. Thus we are among the automobile brands with the richest traditions in the world,” Vahland added. For future outlook, ŠKODA wants to continue to speed up development and sell at least 1.5 million vehicles per year by 2018. Launching the Citigo, Rapid and the new Octavia, the greatest model offensive in company’s history has had a successful start. In total, ŠKODA will launch

eight new or reworked models later this year. The company said that the new ŠKODA Octavia will be launched in the Czech Republic and Germany, while other markets will follow in a few weeks. “The ŠKODA Octavia is the brand’s core product and outsells other ŠKODA models by far,” says the ŠKODA boss. In 2012, the Octavia accounted for about 44 percent of the brand’s worldwide sales. Like no other car, the Octavia symbolizes the rapid success story of the brand over the past two decades. Since 1996, about 3.75 million Octavias have been delivered to customers.” For the production of the new Octavia generation, ŠKODA set in motion one of the most comprehensive modernisation and expansion projects in the history of the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. The core of the measures consists of an increase of the capacity of the assembly line for the ŠKODA models Octavia and Rapid in Mladá Boleslav, namely from 800 to 1,200 vehicles per day. For this purpose, a new body shop and a fully-automated paint shop for interior car body parts were installed at the plant in Mladá Boleslav, among others. And this very month will see the ground-breaking for a new, particularly environmentally-friendly pressing line. Besides the ŠKODA Octavia and the ŠKODA Rapid, the ŠKODA Fabia is produced on another assembly line in Mladá Boleslav as well. At the ŠKODA plant in Kvasiny, the production capacity for the ŠKODA Yeti was recently doubled to 100,000 vehicles per year. Furthermore, ŠKODA modernized the plant in order to manufacture the ŠKODA Roomster, which began in January 2013. Until the end of

2013 Skoda Octavia 2012, the Roomster had been produced in the ŠKODA plant in Vrchlabí. The company invested about 7.2 million euro in relocating the production. The relocation of the Roomster production to Kvasiny took place within the framework of the conversion of the ŠKODA plant in Vrchlabí into an exclusive component factory. Since October 2012, it has been producing the direct shift transmission DQ200 with dual clutch, ‘DSG’ in short, for the Volkswagen Group. Together with the Volkswagen Group, the Czech manufacturer invested about 170 million euro in the preparation of the plant for the DSG

production. In order to prepare for the planned growth, ŠKODA has also been expanding its capacities in China, Russia and India: In China, the ŠKODA Yeti will be built in cooperation with Shanghai Volkswagen from the end of 2013. This year, the Middle

for wholesale dealers nationwide. In a press statement made available to The Guardian, Coscharis Motors said it will launch the Quick lane service at its Yaba office, which is already dedicated for the service on 28th of this month, while it also plans to open more Quick lane centres nationwide, to further get the vehicles’ parts and service closer to its customers. The statement said the centre is specifically aimed at ensur-

ing satisfactory after-sales experience for Ford owners by bringing the vehicles parts and service centres closer to their doorsteps. According to the company, it met late last year with some spare parts dealers drawn from the Lagos and Western flanks of the markets to inform them about the Quick lane service project which is aimed at taking care of the customers and provide them with a great service experience that would make them

ITH a record number of W customers buying both the Honda Civic and the Honda CR-V last year, it’s obvious that each vehicle is attracting a steady stream of new customers as time goes by. But what’s just as important

continue to come back. Consequently, the company has made arrangements to ensure that the parts are imported regularly by air and delivered daily with dedicated vans. Quick Lane is an American automobile service centre brand with over 600 outlets in the USA and Canada. Quick Lane tyre and auto centre provides all the services a car or truck needs most, including an in-depth vehicle check-up report on every visit.

Consumers list for top 2013 auto brands By Taiwo Hassan with agency report HEN it comes to how people perceive car brands, Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Chevrolet stand above all others, based on the 2013 car brand perception survey, conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. The survey indicated how consumers perceive each brand in seven categories: quality, safety, value, performance, design and style, technology and innovation, and environmentally friendly or green. Combining those factors gives us the total brand-perception score, as shown in the chart below. While the scores reflect a brand’s image in consumers’ minds, they do not necessarily represent the

actual qualities of any brand’s vehicles. Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Chevrolet scored well above the second-tier performances in our survey. When looking past sixthranked Volvo, many brands are clustered close together, showing that consumers are identifying with more brands than before, making it harder for most car companies to stand out from the competition. It also signals that buyers may be seeing merits in more brands, rather than so closely identifying single brands as “owning” a given category. As the full report on the 2013 car brand perception survey shows, some brands are well respected in several categories, while others rest their brand image on excelling in

fewer factors. For instance, Volvo’s score is based quite heavily on its dominating the safety category. For consumers placing a top priority on safety, this brand

2013 Ford Fusion

plant will also manufacture the new ŠKODA Octavia for the Russian market. For the spring of 2014, the manufacture of the new ŠKODA Rapid for the Russian market has been planned. In India, the compact sedan Rapid is besides other models being produced for the local market at the plant in Pune

Honda Civic, CR-V Pick up win auto awards

Coscharis Motors launches ultra-modern auto service centre By Taiwo Hassan N sustenance of the rising demand for Ford vehicles in the local market, Coscharis Motors Limited, in conjunction with their partner, Ford Motor Corporation, United States of America, has concluded arrangement to introduce Quick lane tyre and auto centre into the Nigerian auto industry. According to the company, the two centres would also be appointed as certified parts

Kingdom will also see the introduction of the Chinese version of the ŠKODA Rapid, followed by the new ŠKODA Octavia. In Russia, the compact SUV ŠKODA Yeti has begun to roll off the assembly lines at the Russian GAZ plant in Nizhniy Novgorod a few weeks ago. Beginning in mid-2013, the

stands out. In reality, many companies offer excellent occupant protection and just as many cutting-edge safety features. Overall, the top brands excel in many areas and aren’t as

is that drivers who already own Civics and CR-Vs keep coming back for more as well. As a result, the two hot-selling Honda vehicles recently earned Polk Automotive Loyalty Awards for “superior performance in owner retention.” “Honda’s wins this year are a great example of their commitment to owner loyalty,” said Brad Smith, director of Polk’s Loyalty Management Practice. “Retaining customers in a competitive marketplace is extremely challenging and Honda’s product offerings, combined with their customer engagement strategies, have resulted in high rates of repurchase loyalty.” In addition, Honda also was singled out for its appeal to Hispanic buyers; with recognition as the top brand in

2012 for “Hispanic Market Loyalty to Make.” Honda has now won that acclaim for two straight years and three times overall. Of course, it certainly helps that the fun-to-drive Civic and CRV offer some of the highest values and best fuel-economy marks in their segments, as well as strong evidence of the automaker’s commitment to continuous improvement. “Honda has never taken owner loyalty lightly, and it’s been an honor to see so many owners return for a new Honda during the last year,” said Tom Peyton, assistant vice president of Advertising and Marketing at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Winning three awards from Polk in these hard-fought segments validates Honda’s commitment to high vehicle quality and long-term customer satisfaction.”

pigeonholed as the more single-factor-focused brands. Toyota and Ford, for instance, stand out in several categories, giving them strong overall scores. But across the board, competition for brand mindshare is

tough. Because perception often differs from reality, it is important for shoppers to research the makes and models carefully, rather than rely on fuzzy impressions and wordof-mouth recommendations.

2013 Toyota Camry

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

BusinessTravel Lifeline for airlines as new aircraft maintenance hangar beckons Proper aircraft maintenance is a recipe for air safety all over the world. In Nigeria, lack of a standard maintenance hangar had, over the years, been an operational challenge to the nation’s aviation industry. WOLE SHADARE, who was on tour of facilities at the Ibom Airport, writes that the Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) could take the shame off the country if the Federal Government partners with the state to assist the airlines. OR many years, Nigerian airlines operated Ftional and continue to operate without a funcand efficient Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar. For successive government, it does not matter if Nigeria exist without one. For the airlines, the huge amount required to ferry their airplanes abroad for periodic heavy maintenance check is not only killing, but a huge drain pipe on their meager revenue. The completion early next year of the MRO facilities at the Akwa Ibom International Airport (AKIA), regarded as the fastest growing and the most modern airport in Nigeria could provide a succor for the operators in Nigeria and some neighbouring West African countries. It would also be a huge source of revenue for the state and the Federal Government any time it’s ready to partner with the state to support the project. The gigantic MRO facility could actually be a gift to the country considering that effort to site one had been enmeshed in controversy and intrigues and wanton corruption which has continued till today. Aircraft maintenance facilities in the country are limited, both in number and scope of services that can be properly executed. The national hangar project is yet to be realised, while the few hangar facilities available belong to private airlines and offer only rudimentary services. Available hangars are, in any case, not usually available for third party maintenance, just as a major distinctive to setting up more hangar facilities is the high cost of land at the airports. At the last count, Nigeria reportedly lost over N200 billion in capital flight, through offshore aircraft repairs due to the non-availability of a functional national hangar in the country. The private sector is also very uninterested in investing in aviation because of the fragile nature of doing business in the country, particularly in aviation for obvious reasons. The previous attempt in the past including Vision 2020 included the expansion of the then Nigeria Airways hangar to a full wide body hangar that could handle Boeing 747. Attempts were also made for the construction of a national hangar in Lagos as part of Vision 2020. Private sectors participations include one hangar in Kaduna and two in Lagos for their structures with no equipment.

A world class aircraft maintenance hangar

The Paul Dike Presidential Task Force on aviation industry, report in 2006 after the Bellview and Sosoliso crashes recommended the speedy construction of a national hangar to tackle the challenges associated with ferrying aircraft abroad for major maintenance checks. Six years after government white paper on the report of the Presidential Task Force on aviation recommended that the Ministry of Aviation should see to the early completion of the national hangar project, the government is yet to lay a foundation stone for the project that could help to save the country billions of naira for ferrying their aircraft abroad for maintenance. The Task Force in the White Paper stated that another problem reported to be militating against safe aircraft operations in Nigeria was the non-availability of aircraft spares, noting that airlines complain of substantial revenue losses due to prolonged aircraft down-time. For a C-Check on B737 classic, it cost $1 million to carry out such comprehensive maintenance in Europe or the United States or in Cairo, Egypt, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. For Next Gen aircraft like the B737-700/800, the same maintenance is put at close to $2 million. A very proactive Akwa Ibom State Government seems to be taking away the shame for the country as the state plans to commission a multi-billion Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Akwa Ibom International Airport (MAKIA) early next year. This facility, after completion would conveniently contain three wide body aircraft or six mid size airplanes like the B737 and about eight small size airplanes. The State Government had appealed to the

The State Government had appealed to the Ministry of Aviation to come and partner with the state to ensure that airlines benefit from the facility, as it would help them to save a lot of foreign exchange that would have been used for aircraft repairs abroad. Ministry of Aviation to come and partner with the state to ensure that airlines benefit from the facility, as it would help them to save a lot of foreign exchange that would have been used for aircraft repairs abroad. Besides, the hangar will become another source of revenue generation for government. Airlines from the neighbouring countries will be willing to fly their aircraft down here for maintenance, which means more revenue into the coffers of government. Possession of aircraft hangar would have given rise to the birth of many aeronautical and engineering schools for the purpose of training more personnel that will greatly reduce the present shortage of manpower. A hangar will also assuage the economic loss suffered by airlines during bird strikes, as airlines spend a fortune to replace engines or carry out repairs on an aircraft which are damaged by bird strikes. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Obot Akpabio told The Guardian after the tour of facilities at the airport, that his vision for the aviation industry was to make Akwa Ibom a major attractive private hub for Nigeria,

adding that unless the Federal Government shows interest in partnering with him on the maintenance hangar, otherwise it remains a private enterprise of the state government. His words, “As a state, we believe we should partner with the Federal Government to develop the maintenance repair and overhaul facility; It will achieve a lot in terms of reduction of air accidents”. “If that MRO is made a national hangar and is operational, within 45 minutes you can quickly jump in and do your check and go back and continue your operations. Aircraft is all about maintenance. It is not about age, it is all about maintenance. If the maintenance is scheduled, the aircraft will work well. So I think that is the major contribution my state is making”. “The idea was mooted by the last administration that the state will have an MRO but I did the ground breaking, I started the foundationjust like I started the foundation of all the buildings in the airport. What I met on ground was 10 per cent, and the 10 per cent was because the land was acquired and they were clearing the area for the runway”. For now, the government had expended more than N10 billion on the MRO facility which is already at 70 per cent completion stage, while Akpabio is making serious arrangement to make sure that the funding of the project does not suffer because, there has been a timeline set for this project to be completed. The governor stated that if the consensus reached between the government and the handling contractors comes to fruition, they are hoping that by the first quarter of next year, the project should be inaugurated and become operational.

Air France deploys B777 on Port Harcourt/Abuja, Paris routes By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi

UROPE’S mega carrier, Air France has cited 18 per cent in capacity increase as reasons for its decision to introduce E B777-200 on the Port-Harcourt/Abuja/Paris route starting from March 31, 2013. The capacity increased by 18 per cent translates to more than 270 additional seats offered per week. According to the airline, on board the Boeing 777, customers will have the choice of four cabins with the highest standards of comfort. The wide cabin offers passengers additional space and comfort in all cabins and allows Air France to introduce La Première service on the Port Harcourt /Abuja route. The Air France La Première service redefines the codes of luxury to satisfy customers for whom attention to detail is a priority. The three watchwords are consideration, discretion and anticipation. From the moment they arrive at the airport to the personalised welcome by the crew on board the aircraft, having their baggage check-in formalities taken care of, customers benefit from personalised assistance throughout their trip, making their experience a pure moment of well-being and comfort. On board the aircraft, La Première cabin offers service com-

bining both comfort and prestige. The seat, which converts into a 2-metre seat-bed, comes with a duvet and is positioned at an angle so as to give passengers direct access to the aisle. The in-flight dining service becomes an occasion for La Première customers to relax and be pampered. Air France cultivates the “French fine art of entertaining”, both in terms of the quality of the cuisine as well as in its choice of elegant tableware and linens. Air France has redesigned its service and menu with the great icons of gastronomy in mind. To meet that level of perfection, Air France called on the “Servair

culinary studio”, overseen by Joël Robuchon, the world’s “most starred chef” in 2009, alongside Guy Martin, the Michelin-starred chef of the Grand Véfour in Paris, and Jacques Le Divellec, Servair’s culinary consultant. At each stage of their trip, customers benefit from constant attention on the part of Air France staff. Consideration, discretion and anticipation are the three essential qualities illustrated by staff at the airport and the 1,500 pursers, stewards and stewardesses who are specially chosen from among 15,000, cabin crew to meet the needs of La Première passengers.

SAA maintains 4-star rating for 11 years in a row By Wole Shadare OUTH African Airways (SAA) has been awarded the 4-Star Airline ranking for 2013 by Skytrax, the independent, global airline rating organisation. The 4-Star Airline ranking recognises continued quality improvement in South African Airways onboard product and service, together with a number of changes to the home base airport customer experience in terms of product and service levels.

Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax said: “South African Airways have managed to maintain quality levels throughout the past year, and are delivering a solid product and service standard to their customers, making their 4-Star ranking well-deserved. The Skytrax Star Ranking audit examines more than 800 areas of product and service delivery, across all areas of the airport operations and the cabin experience, and demonstrates that South African Airways passengers can look forward to a high quality of product and service”.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

BUSINESS TRAVERL 45

IT to improve air travel in 2015, says survey By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi IR travel will change significantly by 2015, going by the increasing innovation in information technology (IT), which would make flying more enjoyable in the future for airlines, airports and passengers. Over the next three years, according to SITA report, a provider of global information and telecommunication solutions for the air transport industry, the industry will see a major transformation in the way passengers buy travel services and use selfservice along their journey. Also, it added that air travel would take place in a fully mobile and social environment with airlines and airports intelligently using vast quantities of data to deliver real service and operational improvements. The Director Market Insight, Nigel Pickford, said, “Information technology has already had a major influence on air travel. And with the number of global travellers expected to double by 2030, it will

continue to lead the way for the industry. “Our survey analysis shows four major IT trends which will shape the entire travel experience, from how we book flights to how we interact with airlines and airports during the journey, to the kinds of services we expect”. “Passenger needs and preferences are changing. Today’s passengers want more control throughout their journey. They expect transformation in both the kinds of services airlines and airports offer, and the way they communicate with them. At the same time, the industry is investing in business intelligence solutions and collaborating more to increase operational efficiency and improve customer service and loyalty,” Pickford added. According to SITA’s most recent surveys of airlines, airports and passengers worldwide, there are four major trends, which will shape the future of global air travel. It cited that the way passengers buy travel will

change by 2015, which both airlines and airports expect the web and the mobile phone to be the top two sales channels. Passengers would be asking for a more personalized buying experience. For instance, Alaska Airlines is one of several airlines with a travel app that alerts fliers to airfare deals from their hometowns and to cities where their friends live. Also, passengers will take more control as 90 per cent of airlines will offer mobile check-in - up from 50 per cent today. Passengers will use 2D boarding passes or contactless technology such as Near Field Communications (NFC) on their phones, at different stages of their journey, such as at boarding gates, fast-track security zones and to access premium passenger lounges. Japan Airline’s Touch & Go Android is one example of an app, which will allow passengers to pass through boarding gates using their NFC-enabled phones. France’s Toulouse-Blagnac Airport is piloting a similar service.

Overland introduces online booking, payment for passengers By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi VERLAND Airways has O introduced online ticket booking and payment for its

customers’ convenience. According to the airline, by logging on to www.overland.aero, customers can book and pay for flight tickets to any of their desired Overland Airways destinations. With the online ticket booking and payment option, it explained that customers now have the opportunity to make reservation and pay for their flight tickets from any part of the country using any of the following debit cards: Interswitch Verve, VISA, Mastercard and E-tranzact. The Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Aanu Benson stated that, “the introduction of the online ticket reservation and payment will create convenience for our customers as they can now book and pay for their tickets online from the comfort of their homes, offices and any other location they find themselves. Benson noted that after the payment, passengers will receive their electronic ticket with their unique booking reference number or Passenger Name Record (PNR) via their email addresses for presentation at the check in counter”. In the statement by the company, recently in Lagos, it added that in ten years of excellent flight operations in Nigeria, Overland Airways has continued to deliver efficient and reliable flight services to her numerous customers.

NAHCO modernises Kano warehouse Cristian Vera, Head of Sales, Sub-Saharan Africa; Randy Buday, Managing Director, Anglophone Africa and Chrys Okereke, Commercial Manager, Anglophone Africa, all of DHL, during the Company’s launch of a new Boeing 737-400 cargo aircraft in Lagos recently

SKAL marks 54th milestone, tasks IATA on air travel sanity By Tosin Fodeke MIDST celebration of its 54th milestone of existence, international travel and tourism professionals in the country have stressed the need to sanitise the practice of travel agencies. The professionals under the

aegis of SKAL International, Lagos, while marking it’s 54 anniversary celebration stressed that incidents of travel agents who default in payment and follow unfair trade practices had become rampant and called on International Air Transport

Association (IATA), to help check the trend. Skal members also called on IATA to name and shame the chronic defaulters and particularly frowned at incident whereby a travel agent owes persistently and still goes on operating their business.

President of the association Mr. Daisi Olotu while addressing members called for closer tie to be established among member even as this is key to building a stronger association. “Let us reach out more to our colleagues and find out how

they are doing financially and emotionally as you never can now how you could be of help or how other can help you,” he added He also added that the branch is targeting March this year to hold its annual general meeting as well as executive election.

Autonomous accident investigation agency: The Nigerian example By Wole Shadare IR accident is not peculiar to one country. Hundreds of accidents occur throughout the globe. The failure of people, equipment, supplies, or surroundings to behave or react as expected cause most of the accidents. Accident investigations determine how and why these failures occur. By using the information gained through an investigation, a similar or perhaps more disastrous accident may be prevented. Investigations are not to place blame. An accident is any unplanned event that results in personal injury or in property damage. When the personal injury requires little or no treatment, it is minor. If it results in a fatality or in a permanent total, permanent partial, or temporary total (lost-time) disability, it is serious. An accident is any unplanned event that results in personal injury or in property damage. When the personal injury requires little or no treatment, it is minor. If it results in a fatality or in a permanent total, permanent partial, or temporary total (lost-time) disability, it is serious. In spite of their complexity, most accidents are preventable by eliminating one or more causes. Accident investigations determine not only what happened, but also how and why. The information gained from these investigations can

prevent recurrence of similar or perhaps more disastrous accidents. In Nigeria, there has been claim and counter claims that the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) lacks the autonomy that could make it investigate accidents without interference from the government. There are clear indications that the agency had acted independently in carrying out its statutory responsibility in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulations. To carry out this function effectively, the ICAO recommended that contracting states should make their accident investigation agencies autonomous. To this end, the federal government created the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIPB) out of the ministry of aviation as an independent body with the commissioner/chief executive officer who reports to the president through the minister of aviation. Thus, AIB came into being in 2007 with a clear mandate to investigate all aircraft accidents and serious incidents in the country and anywhere and anywhere Nigerian interest is established. Experts told The Guardian that safety lessons could be drawn from the process of accident investigation through gathering data, reconstructing the events, analysing the date or evidence and establishing what happened and why it happened. One of the experts who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “Globally,

occurrence investigations are carried out in order to better understand the events leading up to the occurrence; identify hazards and conduct risk assessments; make recommendations to reduce or eliminate unacceptable risks; and communicate the safety messages to the appropriate stakeholders”. Speaking in the same vein, Commissioner of AIB, Captain Muktar Usman, said, “We remain within our brief and focus on the overall objective of accident investigation, which is to prevent future reoccurrence and not hunting for culprits.” Accident investigation, he said, provides organisations and aviation industry an opportunity to identify where defences have been broken and fix them and for any useful lesson to be drawn, investigation must therefore be thorough and detailed. However, there are some barriers to learning from accidents. These include, but not limited to non-reporting of occurrences, poor investigation, ineffective dissemination of accident reports, poor and uncommitted implementation of safety recommendations as well as seeing accident as ‘their lot’ and ‘our luck.’ The AIB boss maintained that aviation safety in Nigeria has improved since the unfortunate incidents. “I want to say here that there has been a tremendous improvement in aviation safety in the country. Remember that government put in places some reforms and that they are yielding dividends. Recall

that before most of our airlines could not compete with foreign airlines but today our airlines are passing IOSA (IATA Operation Safety Audit), which is a template that is used for British Airways, Air France, and Delta Airlines. It is the same template that is used for our airlines”. Not a few advocated that for the accident investigation agency to function effectively and efficiently, such a body should be made autonomous to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and make decision making smooth and swift in the event of any eventuality. They backed the recommendation by the ICAO that contracting states should separate their accident investigation bodies from the regulatory and supervising authorities. “The ICAO recommendation to states to free their accident investigation bodies from other agencies is very much in the right direction. We will enjoin all African states to comply with this”. Commenting on the benefits of granting autonomy to accident investigation agency and using Nigeria as a case study, they said, “Unlike when it was a department under the ministry, decision making at AIB is now very smooth and swift. Most decisions can be taken without deferring to the ministry or go through the civil service red tape. They dispatch investigators to accident sites immediately they are notified.

By Chika Goodluck-Ogazi

HE Nigerian Aviation T Handling Company Plc, (nahco aviance) has begun the

modernisation and expansion of its Kano warehouse to meet international standard and enhance service delivery to its numerous clients. nahco aviance, a leading aviation handling service provider, currently owns and operates the largest cargo warehouse in sub Sahara Africa. The warehouse situated at the company’s corporate headquarters within the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, is 17,068.5m² in size and has the capacity to handle 230, 000 tonnes of import cargo and 60,000 tonnes of export cargo per annum. It also has other highly automated facilities for effective operations. The Kano project is in line with the ongoing Federal Government’s airports modernisation and expansion programs. Spokesman for the firm, Sanya Onayoade said the firm would continue to partner all relevant government agencies towards a better aviation industry. He further explained that in the light of the current realities, the Kano warehouse, which was commissioned in the 1980’s and occupies about 4000 square metres requires an upliftment to meet the expected challenge. Therefore, the current programme will contribute significantly to a better and efficient cargo business in the northern part of the country. The resultant effect will be an increase in cargo capacity and a boost in trade; especially considering the geographical location of Mallam Aminu International Airport, Kano as a possible cargo hub in Northern Nigeria.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

FridayWorship In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful “...he who kills a soul - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he killed the whole humanity…” (Quran 5:32) By Afis A. Oladosu

RETHREN the euphoria of the vicB tory of the Super Eagles over their Burkinabe counterparts in the just concluded African Cup of Nations would soon die out. It must be rested in order for something more lasting to replace it. Such is the nature of human life. Neither happiness nor sadness last forever. No matter how profound the grief is, once it is nightfall, it begins to wither away. No matter the width and depth of the happiness, once it is dawn after the event, it begins to disappear. Brethren, show me a man who still weeps over the departure, last summer, of the beloved; my sister, have you ever come across a woman who still wears the wedding garment of last December all around town today? Thus happiness and sadness, like the human garment, age with the passage of time. We are all products of the moment. Like the balloon, we are all, on the terrestrial earth, fated for liquidation. Brethren, while the whole nation was caught in the fleeting pleasure of the round leather game in South Africa, some elements within this contraption known as Nigeria were busy spreading terror and grief. They went on rampage in Kano. They murdered nine innocent female medics who were involved in the noble task of vaccinating children

“Surely, the religion with Allah is ISLAM,complete submission”... Qur’an 3:19

Death because of polio vaccination against polio. As at the time of writing this sermon, the identity of the perpetrators of the dastardly act is still unknown. But the discerning minds would recollect that sometimes in the past, controversy emerged over the propriety or otherwise, at least from the point of view of Islam, of vaccination of Muslim children against poliomyelitis. It was thought then, and erroneously too, that vaccination was one other plot from the West to decimate the population of Muslims in Northern Nigeria. The only way to counter the plot, the anti-vaccination stream argued, was for Muslims to campaign against it and protect Muslim children against exposure to the effects of the vaccine. Brethren, the murder of those women showed the change in the discourse. It awakened us to the fact that this country is still down there in the abyss. No matter their identities, those murderers have achieved their objective- they mirrored the hiatus in-between what Islam says in the texts and the contrarieties in the existential realities of Muslim life all around the world. In other words, dear brethren, the murder of the Medics and other care-givers in the north exemplifies the evil of illiteracy or ignorance, the depth of insecurity of lives and property in this country and the ascension of a dangerous trend which appears targeted at the complete pauperization and despoliation of human and material resources in

that part of the country. Brethren, argument against vaccination in order to prevent the outbreak of polio is to say the least ribald and puerile. It is ribald because its effect would be the opening of the door for the outbreak of polio to such an extent that it would become a pandemic. It is asinine because it fails to consider the statement of our Prophet that “every disease has a cure; explore cure for your disease because the Almighty has not created a disease except that He accompanies it with its cure.” But why should the West become blamable for every problem confronting us in the Muslim world? How could the West become solely culpable for incidences of poverty, illiteracy, and social and political anomie in our land? Brethren, it is my humble opinion that those who killed those medics last week have lost the opportunity to exist and have, therefore, concluded that they would, in return, deny others the chance to live. I say this because I know that he, who has something to live for, would prefer not to die for nothing. Brethren, until those in power rise up to confront the weaponisation of the polity by pooling the plug on the uncanny franchise already given to access to weapons of violence, this country shall continue to witness such dastardly acts. Brethren, until those in power confront the problems of poverty, youth unemployment, failed infrastructure and conscious construction of

inter-tribal dialogue among disparate nationalities within this country, this country shall continue to play host to such macabre dance as had happened in Kano. Brethren, until Muslims in this polity rescue Islam from the hands of those elements within us, who say that their own understanding of Islamic principles is the only valid one, we shall continue to suffer negative stereotypes from the hands of the Other. Brethren, how can you say that vaccination against polio is haram whereas in Saudi Arabia, it is a prerequisite that a child present his first year vaccination certificate before he gets registered in school? Is it not true that possession of valid evidence of vaccination against Yellow Fever virus is a condition that must be satisfied before travelers are allowed entry into some countries in Africa and Asia? Is the refusal to engage in constructive criticism of the self not responsible for the fractures and fissures in our polity today? Prophet Muhammads’s perspective (s.a.w) on the above is instructive. He said as follows: “I’m concerned about five events which would ultimately lead to the occurrence of five negative events: whenever a nation, particularly its leadership, forsake modesty and embrace profligacy and treachery, the Almighty would, in return, create insecurity and fear in their hearts; whenever adulterous and licentious ways of life become rife and popular among the leaders and the led, the

occurrence of incidences of death and tragedy would result; whenever a nation or community engage in injustice through reduction in the scale of equity and egalitarianism, what would result is the pervasive experience of economic insecurity; whenever a group decides by themselves to use an instrument of governance other than that given to them by their Creator, an instrument which emphasizes the here and now and loathes the hereafter, nothing would result other than heinous bloodbath; whenever people go against agreements freely entered into by themselves and among themselves they should expect nothing in return but the invasion of locusts in human flesh whose hunger would be satiated by the terror they spread and the destruction they wreck”. I must again close with the following wisdom from Prophet Muhammad: “The parable of the person abiding by Almighty’s order and restrictions in comparison to those who violate them, or sit idle while they are being violated, is that of those who drew lots for their seats in a boat. Some of them got seats in the lower part, which is the most rough and worst part, and the others in the upper. When the former needed water, they had to go up to bring water and that troubled the others, so they said, “Let us make a hole in our share of the ship and get water, saving those who are above us from troubling them, so, if the people in the upper part let the others do what they suggested, all the people of the ship would be destroyed, but if they prevented them, both parties would be safe.” (guardianfridayworship@gmail.com)

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Opinion The community leader By Eriye Onagoruwa FEEL like breaking into a hallelujah chorus! Come and join me. You must have “I heard of the ex-director of the Police Pension Office, convicted of stealing N23 billion and sentenced to two years imprisonment or an option of a N750,000.00 fine.” “I find the entire saga downright disgusting and ridiculous. A huge insult on our collective intelligence as a society and at best just another tragicomedy in our never ending circus of events in our great nation, good people.” “I understand that in arriving at the sentence, the judge stated amongst other things that his properties had been seized, the money recovered and the fact that he was a community leader and a first-time offender swayed heavily in his favour.” “My brother, who is a community leader? What does that mean in the context of this conviction? Who is a first-time offender?” “First of all, I must tell you that these are exotic phrases for the rich. You must be schooled in the lingua of the rich. For starters, rich men do not steal. They embezzle funds and are not referred to as thieves. They only loot. Poor people on the other side steal and are called thieves.” “Having said that, a community leader is one who leads his community. A first-time offender is a chronic kleptomaniac who has been embezzling unabashedly for years without being caught and all of a sudden without warning is caught in a way that makes headline news.” “I must say that I tend to disagree with you here. When Ibori was being sentenced in London, the prosecutor called him a criminal in government house and a common thief. So it is wrong to say big men are not thieves.” “Where did you say the sentence took place?” “London.” “Need I say anything? That is like comparing PHCN with snow. They do not have anything in common and cannot co-exist in the same sentence. The legal system over there is made up of men of integrity. Serious-minded individuals who place emphasis on the power of justice as the beacon of hope for the citizens and society as a whole? “Back to what I was saying. I see you are confused about the simple definition of who a community leader is. Firstly, a community leader is a big man regardless of the source

of his wealth. He has a big house in his community with a borehole and other social amenities. Any time he goes to his community, he is welcomed with drums and halfnaked women trying to out-dance one another in their feverish excitement. He feeds between 20 to 40 hungry looking villagers that throng his expansive compound daily to sing his praises. There is a long line of people jostling for water from his borehole. He looks at them from upstairs and shakes his head scornfully and with disdain, wondering why people are falling over themselves for a basic commodity such as water.” “I too would like to be a community leader. What do you think has happened to the twenty-three billion naira he was accused of stealing?” “You can check my nostrils to see if you would find it. Your questions sometimes border on the infantile. I have heard from reliable sources that the entire matter is one of intrigues and complexities that are downright sordid and shocking. There is more to the story that meets the eye. He is not the only one involved. So all of you talking will talk until you get tired. The real players are watching with undisguised amusement. They know as it is with Nigeria, the news will peter out after a while and it will recede in the people’s consciousness. My advice to you my dear brother is to tread carefully and watch what you say. Life is brutish and short in this country and it would be so easy to get rid of you. The real players do not care what you or I think or write about this issue. It is a shame but it is the truth.” “Before you know it, one of the ailing universities would honour him with a doctoris honoris causa and he will be a Dr. and a double high chief in his community. The papers would be awash with congratulatory messages and people will praise another feather to his worthy cap and hail him as the best thing that has happened after sliced bread.” “But for how long, would we continue in this manner? Only recently, we saw the dilapidated state of the police college on national television. A fraction of that money could have been used to transform the entire edifice. Even the welfare and conditions of the police force could have been greatly improved if some of the stolen money was used for the force. A lot of people have died just queuing up for their pensions. It is so unfair.” “Corruption is not about fairness and justice. In any event, one business heist can give you enough pension to last you and genera-

tions unborn.” “Is it also true he has 32 houses in Abuja? What would only one person use 32 houses for?” “There are 31 days in most of the months. It is roughly one house per day for a month. It is the lifestyle of the rich and powerful. Stop whining and let us discuss ways of becoming community leaders. I have warned you to be careful. You have to watch your utterances. If you are kidnapped and I get any phony call asking for ransom, I will just hiss and cut the phone off. I have enough issues I’m dealing with. You have to remember that you have no ransom value.” “Ha! It reminds me of my driver who told me recently that he is looking for kidnappers to come and kidnap his mother, because the woman has been ill and he has not money to bury her if she dies now. He says he has been looking at her with the corner of his eye and muttering under his breath ‘mai ti ku o!” “I hear that the director and community leader was re-arrested by EFCC with fresh charges filed against him.” “What else is new? A lighter sentence is on the way. Everyone needs to get a share of the twenty three or so billion naira.” “Do not be so pessimistic. Even the House of Representatives have waded into the matter and want to review the provisions of the penal and criminal codes to provide stricter punishment for criminal breach of trust among public servants and political office holders in Nigeria.” “You sound like a broadcaster. Allow me to laugh honourably. It is the same chicken and egg situation.” “That means that the community leader in CBN who was accused of complicity in two billion naira worth of stolen printed money would be given one month in jail or an option of N10,000 fine.” “Oh no! He would have a cake and coffee session with the judge and be told in very clear terms not to waste the time of the honourable court with flimsy sums of money. Courts and judges are over-worked. There is no time to entertain jokers who are not serious about looting the treasury.” “I’m really saddened at the level to which things have degenerated in this country. We are at an all time low in every area of societal development.” “Grammar. In the next two weeks something else would make headlines and we would forget about this issue. Who knows?

PDP may have another family row or Governor Chime would have returned from his vacation.” “Where is the governor? What exactly is wrong with him?” “We do not need to know. That is why there was so much reluctance to pass the Freedom of Information Bill. You people want to know things that are bigger than you. We have been down this road before. He can rule from anywhere. Some governors visited him and took Kodak moment pictures with him. What else do you want to know?” “9ja. The more you look, the more pessimism stares at you in the face. What really can one point to that has a bit of cheery news or development in it? Why are we sliding backwards so fast?” “Oh well, the mobile phones without recharge cards that would be given to farmers to make calls to people to come to their farms directly and buy crops is cheery news.” “Indeed. Do you think farmers need phones as a matter of priority?” “It is not important what they think they need. This is where poor people miss the point in Nigeria. Poor people do not know what they need. The government must help them critically evaluate what is good for them.” “Someone is going to be rich from the mobile phone contract.” “Chei! Hmm; now you are talking. This is the first reasonable thing you have said in this entire conversation. Not whining endlessly about issues that you know next to nothing about or complaining as if you are a director, sorry community leader in Public Complaints Commission.” “We need to find out how to be part of the mobile phone contract. That is the real koko. Don’t you have any contacts in government? I already have a registered company that specialises in fast and efficient delivery of affordable mobile phones to rural areas.” “I’m going to mama Caro’s buka. I need to eat point and kill this night. I have been sufficiently depressed with your warped sense of logic. Nigeria belongs to all of us.” “Pele. Patriotic centenarian. Think long and deep while eating. If you come up with the right answers, we would be eating in yachts and restaurants, foods with names we can barely pronounce. Baby corn with mustard spinach baked in ravioli sauce and mushroom Parmesan cheese. Kimmon! Community leader. Life is good.” • Onagoruwa is a legal practitioner.

What does Valentine really mean? By Tony Ogwu T was a special event and the hall was packed full with youngIscribed sters, many of them dressed in outfits that could best be deas disgusting. They all seemed to crowd around the service points in this popular eatery, stretching, craning and pushing wildly in a frenzied rush to purchase some snacks and drinks. A number of others stood outside (mostly in pairs) under the scanty shade provided by the huge tree, while some absorbed the mild rays of the sun, which had been subdued into insignificance by the dust haze. The attendants at the service points, poor chaps, they all looked bewildered, sweating profusely as they struggled to satisfy the rampaging crowd. It was actually a scene to behold. The place was Mr. Biggs, a place that brings a classic mix of new and old together into a charming and stylish restaurant. Apparently, they had decorated the place specially for the great event, Valentine’s Day. Coming exactly 50 days after the Christmas celebrations, the day stands out as another remarkable day, in the calendar of events. The decorations outside said it all. There were heart-shaped lighted flowers, figures of winged cupid (Roman god of love), blinking coloured bulbs, animations and beautiful soul-stirring renditions, all depicting the theme of the day – “Lovers’ Day”. Really? The lovers this time were young ones, oblivious of the current happening (security situation), totally absorbed in their own world, with an obsessional addiction for the obscene. But, is that the spirit of

Valentine’s Day? What is the origin of that day? What does it depict? Origin Opinions vary about the origin of Valentine’s Day, but one that holds great appeal has it that St. Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius II. At that time, Rome was involved in many bloody and unpopular campaigns and so Claudius the Cruel, as he was often referred to, had great difficulty recruiting soldiers to prosecute the war. Believing that the reason was because Roman men did not want to leave their loved ones, he cancelled all marriages and engagements in Rome. However, St. Valentine secretly married couples, and for this ‘kind’ gesture he incurred the wrath of the Emperor and was condemned to death. He suffered martyrdom on the 14th day of February 270AD. Legend has it that on the eve of his execution, St. Valentine wrote the first Valentine letter to the daughter of his jailer who was blind. They had become friends during the period of his incarceration and he ended the letter with “from your first Valentine”. In substitute for a heathen festival in which names of young women were placed in a box and men would pick a draw as chance directed, the pastors of the early church in Rome used the name of St. Valentine to celebrate the new feast. And so the custom of young men choosing maidens for Valentine’s Day came into being. Gradually, February 14 became the date of Exchange of Love Messages, and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers.

Nowadays, the world of entertainment and amusement has transformed rather fiercely, a traditional celebration in which love notes and simple gifts are exchanged into an epicurean feast. Apart from acquiring a reputation for activities that are not-too-decent, Valentine’s Day has become commercialised, with big companies, eateries and hotels reaping huge sums of money from an otherwise sober occasion that prides itself as the biggest card-selling event after Christmas. It is estimated that a total of one billion Valentine cards are sent each year. One might ask, was this the intention of St. Valentine when he wrote that first letter that established this “Holiday of Love”? Love. That word again, much used, or rather abused by many. What many prefer as love today is not really love. It is infatuation, desire, control and possessiveness. The love, which St. Valentine wrote about has become a vanishing virtue, replaced as it were with other considerations. The sacredness of love is further stressed by St. Paul in 1st Corinthians 12 verse 31 and 13 verse 13. One who is possessed by love will always be willing to do anything for one’s partner, to brave anything, to suffer anything. St. Valentine manifested these qualities – kindness, charity, martyrdom. How many of those “lovers” in the eatery exhibit these qualities? Indeed, Valentine’s Day has become a glamorous event celebrated globally, but must we allow it to become an endangered ‘specie’ as a result of its descent into the abyss of irreverence? • Ogwu (KSJI) is Assistant Director, Development Finance Office, Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Opinion The task before APC By Weneso Orogun HE emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the Nigerian political landscape is a source of joy to keen observers of the Nigerian condition. The main reason is the paradox of “rich nation, poor citizens” which aptly summarises the experience of most Nigerians. The paradox means that as Nigerian governments at all levels have more money to spend as measured by the size of their annual budgets, the nation’s Human Development Index (HDI) decreases. The HDI is a summary measure for assessing long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living. Consequently, while the World Bank estimates that the Nigerian government earned over US$400 billion in oil revenues since 1970, standard of living have declined over time. The evidence is overwhelming. The percentage of Nigerians experiencing income poverty, which was 15 per cent at political independence in 1960 rose to 28 per cent in 1980 rising further to 46 per cent in 1985 before dropping to 43 per cent by 1992. Regrettably, poverty incidence in the country jumped to 70 per cent in 1996. The 2004 poverty profile published by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicated that poverty was widespread in the country with people living on adjusted $1 per day accounting for 52 per cent of the population. Instructively, the 2010 edition of the poverty profile study found that the percentage of Nigerians living in absolute poverty – those

who can afford only the bare essentials of food, shelter and clothing – rose to 60.9 per cent in 2010, compared with 54.7 per cent in 2004. The bad news is that NBS projects that the proportion of Nigerians living in poverty will increase in 2012 and beyond if decisive steps are not taken to halt the trend. A related finding of the 2010 poverty profile is that income inequality is increasing in the country given that the Ginicoefficient rose from 0.429 in 2004 to 0.447 in 2010. Most analysts who have contemplated this debacle regret that although Nigeria is resource-rich (human capital, oil and gas, solid mineral resources, climate and other assets), the country lacks leaders who could devise effective means of exploiting, managing and utilising the potential wealth to increase output and reduce poverty (Sa’idu Sulaiman, 2008). Consequently, Nigeria’s past leaders failed to diversify the economy’s productive base, leading to persistence of the dominance of oil with all the vulnerability to oil price shocks associated with overdependence on a single commodity. For instance, it is reported that in 2007, oil earnings accounted for 85 per cent of government revenues and 99 per cent of export earnings. Oil wealth also fuels the instability, corruption, and patronage-driven politics that is now a feature of governance in the country. Besides, successive administrations since the return to civilian governance in 1999 have shown an embarrassing lack of capacity to implement appropriation acts. For example, it was reported in 2009 that by the third quarter of 2008 only 33 per cent of the federal capital

vote had been spent. The Ministry of Transport utilised 42.3 per cent of its allocation in 2008 and returned some $420 million to the treasury, in spite of the poor state of the transport sector, especially roads. Indeed, in September 2008, only 10 ministries had utilised more than 50 per cent of their capital releases. Analysts attributed the situation to weak technical capacity to implement budgets, inefficient budget monitoring and corruption. It was against the backdrop of this lingering paradox of want in the midst of plenty that President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan rode to power on an electoral promise of a transformation agenda at the 2011 general elections. Expectedly, Nigerians and their friends were eager to see President Jonathan demonstrate in clear terms that he can turn our potential wealth into more productive output and reduce poverty across the country. Unfortunately, there are visible and disturbing signals that the Jonathan Presidency may fail to deliver on its electoral promises if it does not quickly chart a clear departure from the ways of some of his predecessors in office. There are many reasons for this abiding concern. Firstly, there is yet no concrete evidence that President Jonathan and his Economic Management Team will interrogate the appropriateness of received orthodox economic theories and prescriptions in the design of economic policy. This is particularly worrisome at a time that heterodox economics is gaining ascendancy even in the industrialised world.

Secondly, the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Finance, two institutions that play vital roles in economic management are using rudimentary tools to manage the economy. This failing explains why the fuel pricing debate of January 2012 featured top government officials who could not demonstrate a good grasp of the impact of upward review of the pump prices of petroleum products on key macro aggregates like employment and inflation. This boxed the government into underestimating the social costs of adjusting the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) from N65 to N142 per litre representing an increase of 118 per cent. Although the government eventually negotiated a more modest increase of 49 per cent after labour and civil society groups had shut down the economy for eight days, NBS put the monetary value of economic activity “lost” during the period of the strike at N207 billion. Thirdly, the stench of corruption that is known to envelope every part of the operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) does not seem to be receiving President Jonathan’s priority attention. Instead of implementing remedial measures designed in response to findings of audits of the extractive industries commissioned by the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), President Jonathan appears to be satisfied with task forces appointed by the Petroleum Resources Minister to ”clean” the Augean stables. The lesson for APC is clear. The party must design a blueprint for government that is capable of freeing Nigerians from the paradox of “rich nation, poor citizens”. • Orogun is The Guardian’s former Economics Editor.

Mimiko and celebration of excellence By Friday Okonofua N February 22, 2013, Dr. Olusegun Rahman Mimiko will be O sworn in as the first Executive Governor to serve second term in the Sunshine State –Ondo State. When I first learnt that Dr. Olusegun Mimiko wanted to contest the governorship election of Ondo State in 2007, I was one of those who wished him well, knowing that there was no way he would fail the people of his state. Segun is someone I had known since we were both medical undergraduates at the Obafemi Awolowo University (then the University of Ife) in the early and mid-1970s. Both in his inspiring characteristics and mannerisms and the nature of medical education he received at the time, I knew he would apply himself to the governance of his people in a way never before seen in this country. Today, I can state with great conviction and without any fear of contradiction that Dr. Mimiko is one of the most celebrated and successful governors in Nigeria who has contributed immensely to the development and growth of his state in more ways than one. He has raised the bar on social governance in this country that would be difficult to beat in many years to come. Indeed, my prediction is that his best has not yet been seen in Ondo State. I can prophesy that in his second term, he would usher in a period of accelerated growth and prosperity, which would throw up Ondo State as a shining example in good governance in the country. The central thesis of this essay is to posit that Mimiko’s success is driven principally by his background preparedness for the high office. He has had no mentor or godfather to oil his political machine. By contrast, his has been a single-minded determination to serve his people and despite attempts to whittle down his relevance at every turn, he has continued to soar to the consternation of many people who are yet to understand the meaning of foundational politics. Mimiko’s brand of grassroots politics has its background in the type of medical education he received at the Obafemi Awolowo University. The medical school was established in 1972, under a philosophy carved by the foundation Dean, Professor Ige Grillo (of blessed memory) and later referred to as the Ife philosophy. That philosophy emphasized the importance of community service right from the beginning of the medical education, de-emphasized the self-deluding importance and secluded position in which doctors trained in other medical schools often see themselves, and encouraged students to see medical education and health service provision as part of the broader developmental agenda of the country. Rather than sit in the comfort of air-conditioned consulting rooms, while majority of citizens suffer in utter ignorance of health issues and are dis-empowered by socio-economic and cultural imperatives and impunities, the Grillo philosophy en-

couraged medical doctors to position themselves strongly to be part of the solution to societal problems. Indeed, his admonition was that there was no point sitting idly and pretending to be doing some “good work” in medical clinics when policy decisions are taken by those less able to do so. In many cases, some of these decisions often run counter in actual fact to the principle on which sound medical practice are founded. Today, Mimiko’s high success as governor of Ondo is one of the proven examples of the appropriateness of the Ife philosophy. There are many more examples, but Governor Mimiko is the focus of this article. Dr. Olusegun Mimiko was one of several students of Professor Grillo who believed in the Ife philosophy and who are morbid disciples and adherents of its practice. As a student, Segun was always internally reflective, very focussed, read books and journals outside the domain of medicine and was very active in progressive students’ activism. I saw him then as a social activist devoted to social justice and human rights principles and always concerned with the problems of the poor and the downtrodden. What pleases me most is that when I see Segun today as a Governor, I still see those social trade-marks he bore in younger years. He has remained unchanged in his mass movement appeal and focus, and he has refused to take the easy path of abandonment of principles that people who get to position of authority often thread. As evidence of his determination to serve his people, Dr. Mimiko opened a medical clinic in his native Ondo town as soon as he completed medical school, from where he offered selfless, patriotic and committed clinical services to his people. I can recall when I was a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital in Ile-Ife, when Dr. Mimiko referred difficult cases from his clinic for specialist care. On several occasions, he not only drove the patients to the teaching hospital in his personal car, he waited for us to complete treatment and even paid for treatment of the poor women who could not afford the cost of treatment in the teaching hospital. He could never have become rich through medical practice because he believed that medicine is designed to serve the people and to offer succour to the poor and the under-privileged. Thus, I was not surprised when he began a phenomenal transformation of the public health delivery system in Ondo as soon as he began his tenure as governor of the state. The Abiye programme of maternity care, which he initiated has been cited by several international organisations as one of the most progressive and ambitious medical programmes ever embarked upon by any government in any developing country. The programme provides free tertiary services, including free maternity care, free mobile phones for pregnant women to reach their health providers, and ambulances for the rapid transfer of

women who are experiencing complications of pregnancy and labour. The Women and Children Hospital in Akure, which he built within one year in office is one of the very few tertiary hospitals in the country that offer free medical services. As I write, a larger Women and Children Hospital is being opened in Ondo town to also offer comprehensive free medical services for citizens. These high level contributions need to be understood against the background that Ondo State does not have federal medical presence that other states have, which means that all medical expenses are borne by the state government without complimentary contribution from the Federal Government. Today, Ondo State has been cited as one state with the lowest maternal mortality rate in the country, as well as a state where high political commitment exists for the promotion of maternal and child health and the alleviation of poverty. I should conclude this piece by citing two lessons that I have personally uncovered from the unique experience I have had in knowing Dr. Mimiko from his teenage years up to this day. The first is that successful governance is about securing the well-being and social welfare of people. Anything else is ephemeral. It needs to be understood that when governance is focussed on raising human dignity and the quality of living, it resonates for all time. Mimiko’s passion is geared towards improving the quality of life of the down-trodden and bridging the gap between the rich and the poor. That is why he may not be very popular with those who believe that money making is the essence of life, but he remains highly respected and revered by those who believe in the sanctity and equality of human existence. The second lesson that I have uncovered from the Mimiko experience is the effect of preparation on the quality of governance. The failure of governance at every level in this country can be traced to the fact that those who occupy high positions were never prepared for those positions. They were simply catapulted by basic considerations of where they come from, who they were born to or who they have been loyal to, rather than by their deep preparations and readiness to occupy those positions. Mimiko has not risen from any of these mundane considerations, but has been a product of deep reflection and supersonic devotion to high-level beliefs and practices. He is clearly one of a few examples that amplify the dictum that hard work pays, and he remains a good role model to our younger generation. Our flagging democracy can only grow if more leaders emerge through the process that threw up Dr. Mimiko in Ondo State, while Ondo people who have been so resilient in supporting him must consider themselves the principal architects and exemplars in Nigeria’s match to true democracy. • Okonofua is Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

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UPDC REIT to generate ‘immediate’ income for investors By Helen Oji

HE UPDC Real Estate T Investment Trust (UPDC REIT) has expressed optimism that the public offering that kicks off on February 19 would generate immediate income for shareholders, as well as give investors opportunity to diversify their investment for more returns. The REIT, which is sponsored by UACN Property Development Company Plc, seeks to raise N30bn by way of IPO of 3,000,000,000 units of N10 each at par.

for investors and closes March 28, 2013, is an investment that will generate income from the very first day. The Managing Director of UACN Property Development Company Plc (UPDC), Hakeem Ogunniran, explained that the REIT is a very unique investment vehicle with complete assets that have history and has performed over the years. The assets, he maintained, are fully tenanted with no vacancy which readily makes the REIT to be able to generate

income from the very first day as a result of its full tenancy. “The REIT will close on March 28, 2013. It is an investment that will generate income from the very first day.is a unique opportunity that rarely comes around in the sense that the assets are there for all to see. Fund is not being raised to start looking for assets. There are assets on ground which have performed over the years and are still going to double the performance in future. The REIT is going to be very liquid because

from the cutoff date, we as sponsors have to return the advance rent already collected to the REIT. So, from day one, the REIT is generating income,” Ogunniran explained. He expressed confidence that the REIT would help deepen the market as it would provide the opportunity to unlock values for the benefit of the shareholders and the investing public. He said: “it gives the investing public the opportunity to invest and to own the properties as part owners indirectly even though on

their own, they might not have been able to own these types of properties. The REIT has very unique benefits.” Hamda Ambah, Director, FSDH Asset Management Limited, described the REIT as ground breaking’ in the market. “I think UPDC can be said to have done it again. You will recall that a few years ago, they issued a corporate bond and they came out successful and set the pace for so many companies. This REIT is a new asset class in this market which allows people to have exposure

into the real estate without putting together 20million or 30million to buy land, build a house and do it themselves. Again, the beauty of this REIT is that it is diversified by geography – they have houses in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos. It is also diversified by real estate types in that they have residential real estate as well as commercial offices,” Ambah said. She added that all the parties in the REIT are experienced parties who are determined to bring quality products into the market.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Sports Nigeria leaps up FIFA rankings after AFCON feat

NFF approves Keshi’s World Cup programme, says no rift with coach

IGERIA jumps 22 places up N the FIFA rankings on Thursday following their win

Home-based Eagles begin camping next week From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE Nigeria Football T Federation (NFF) says it has put Super Eagles’ 2013 AFCON victory behind it to focus on preparations for the team’s quest to qualify for the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup. To ensure that it meets its goal, the federation yesterday disclosed that it has queried and approved the World Cup qualifiers’ programme submitted to it by Coach Stephen Keshi on arrival from South Africa. The federation also insists it has no rift or issues with the Eagles’ chief coach, adding that whatever happened while the Nigerian contingent was in South Africa had been forgotten in the interest of the game. Speaking at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, NFF’s Media Committee Chairman, Emeka Inyama, revealed that according to the programme, the home-based players in the national team will resume camping next week in Abuja for the March 23 World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Calabar. He added that the players would be in camp for a few weeks before their foreignbased counterparts join them for the team’s departure to Calabar. Inyama also said the federation would also use the Eagles camping to start preparations

for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) slated for South Africa in 2014. On its relationship with the Super Eagles coach, the NFF said it has always provided every requirement for the coach and his team to do well, adding that Coach Keshi has never complained of not having the full support of the NFF President, Aminu Maigari, and the entire board. “I know you are all aware of the various efforts of the NFF in ensuring the triumph in South Africa. To start with, we employed Coach Stephen Keshi in the first place, gave him the motivation, incentives and the enabling environment to succeed. So the NFF has remained the biggest supporter of the coach. “When Keshi was recommended for employment by the technical committee, the committee wanted the NFF to put him on probation and be paid N3 million monthly, but we at the board felt that it would be very unfair to pay him such, we had to raise it up to N5 million as well as remove the probation option. “After employing Keshi, we set in motion the machinery to make him successful and this include re-strategising and refocusing, like equal opportunities for players in the domestic league and foreign based ones in national teams.”

…Promises Confederation Cup semifinal From Ezeocha Nzeh, Abuja HE Nigeria Football T Federation (NFF) yesterday promised Nigerians of another trophy celebration at the end of the FIFA Confederation Cup slated for Brazil in June, insisting that the Super Eagles should play at least in the semifinals in the June tournament. The chairman of the NFF Media Sub-Committee, Emeka Inyama, who set the target in a press conference in Abuja yesterday, noted that having won the Africa Cup of Nations, the NFF’s target has immediately shifted to the World Cup quali-

fiers and the June Confederation Cup “Of course, we are also keeping our eyes trained on the FIFA Confederation Cup tournament coming up in Brazil in June. This is only the second time our country will be participating in the FIFA Confederation Cup. “At the first outing in Saudi Arabia in 1995, the Super Eagles finished fourth. “Our commitment is to ensure that in Brazil in June, Super Eagles, the African champions are fully prepared to overpower the likes of Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti in our group and Brazil, Italy,

Delta State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan (left), welcoming Super Eagles’ Coach, Stephen Keshi, to his office when the state hosted the national team in Asaba…yesterday.

TomTom brings victorious Eagles to Lagos LAYERS and officials of the P Super Eagles will storm Lagos with their South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup trophy today courtesy of the national teams’ official candy, Tom Tom. Since the Super Eagles won the 29th African Nations Cup in South Africa with a 1-0 victory over Burkina Faso on Sunday, the team has been receiving encomiums from an appreciative nation, with the Federal Government and corporate bodies splashing cash and other things on

them. Now it is the turn of Lagos to receive the gallant team with the trophy presentation scheduled for the Ikeja premises of Cadbury Nigeria Plc. It is part of the elaborate reception for the victorious team, which would hold this afternoon. During the event, TomTom will hand over to the team the packages it had for their triumphant experience, including the Most Valuable Player award, which is valued at

$10,000 (about N1.6 million) and the Shot-on-Target, which totalled $12,500 (about N2 million) for the 25 shotson-target recorded throughout the championship. For lifting the trophy, which had eluded Nigeria for 19 years, TomTom will also reward the team with a cash prize of N10 million. Also at the event, Coach Stephen Keshi will interact with senior sports journalists. Coming on the heels of

Delta to build house for Keshi in Ilah ELTA State Governor D Emmanuel Uduaghan became the latest Nigerian to honour the Super Eagles for their victorious outing at the just concluded South Africa 2013 CAF Nations Cup when he hosted the players and their coach in Asaba. At the reception attended by friends of the Eagles and some

Super Eagles’ Brown Ideye (right) vies with Burkina Faso’s Abdou Razack Traore during the 2013 African Cup of Nations final match in Johannesburg at the weekend. PHOTO: AFP

retired sportsmen, Uduaghan added another dimension to the celebration of 2013 Nations Cup heroes by not only giving Keshi a plot of land, but also promising the state would assist him develop the property so that Keshi would find a home in his home state. At the event, Uduaghan asked Keshi and all the sports heroes from the state to start mentoring budding talents. Among the former internationals present at the event were Godwin Etemike, George Ogawon, Ebiyon Dediare, Morton Owolo and Jossy Dombraye to the event at the Government House. The players were taken on a motorcade through Asaba roads to the admiration of the people. Five of the players in South Africa had roots in Warri Wolves. “Mentoring is important. Our heroes should begin to put something back into their communities,” Uduaghan said. Turning to Keshi, he said “we know that you are with the national team but once in a while you could put an eye in Delta, especially now that we

have a soccer programme that could offer avenue for you to help.” Uduaghan commended the Eagles for winning in South Africa and told the team that Nigeria was proud of them. According to him: “The state government is working out a programme to ensure that our sporting heroes help mentor our younger ones to become great sportsmen.” He enjoined the sporting heroes to key into the programme to enable the state achieve its dream and maintain its top position in sports in the country. His words, “sports is one of the key points in the actualisation of the Delta beyond oil policy and the state will continue to support sports to enable the youths utilise their skills. “We are waging war against kidnappers. In fact, we are rechanneling the youths’ energy towards positive endeavours and kidnapping is not one of them.” The governor thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for giving the state the opportunity to host the victorious Super Eagles.

at the African Nations Cup, but the continent remained without a team in the top 10. According to Reuters, the Super Eagles, who edged Burkina Faso 1-0 in Sunday’s final in South Africa to win the competition for the first time in 19 years, rose to 30th place on the table, their best position for three years. Their opponents, who exceeded expectations by reaching the final, stayed outside the top 50 but have jumped 37 places to 55th. Cote d’Ivoire, beaten by Nigeria in the quarter-finals, remained Africa’s highestranked side in 12th, followed by Ghana seven places below. Surprise package Cape Verde, who reached the quarterfinals on their debut, moved up 13 places to 63rd. CONCACAF’s highest-ranked team was Mexico in 15th while the best Asia could muster was Japan, who is 28th. Five-times World Cup winners and 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil remained in 18th spot, their lowest-ever ranking, after losing 2-1 to England in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s first game back as coach last week. The win took England up two places to fourth. South America showed their strength-in-depth as Venezuela climbed 10 places to 45th, leaving all of the continent’s 10 teams in the top 50. There was no change in the top three where world and European champions Spain lead, followed by Germany and Argentina.

I did not sell Bolowotan to MFM for N10m, says Gafaar ROPRIETOR of Bolowotan P Football Club of Lagos, Toyin Gafaar, has denied insinuation making the rounds that he sold his pet club, Bolowotan FC, to Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries for N10 million. “I have heard stories that I sold Bolowotan to Mountain of Fire for N10 million. This is not only ridiculous but a calculated attempt to tarnish my reputation which I have built over the years,” he said. Gafaar urged anyone in doubt to verify his claim from the Nigeria National League in Abuja and the Lagos State Football Association. “God is my witness, I didn’t collect one kobo from MFM for Bolowotan. In taking the decision to give up my dear club, I thought of an organisation that had a track record in football and MFM came to mind. “I had a meeting with MFM Sports Director, Mr. Godwin Enakhena, and some MFM pastors, I told them that I was giving the club to MFM for free. The records are there with the Nigeria National League and The Lagos State Football Association.” Gafaar revealed that his decision to let go of Bolowotan was personal, adding, “there is no one in the football circle who is not aware of my love for Bolowotan.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday February 15, 2013

SchoolSports Orange dominates at Greensprings sports day in Lekki By Tony Nwanne REENSPRINGS Schools, Lekki, came alive last week when Orange House (secondary) emerged the overall winner of the yearly school inter-house sport competition. The event, which was held at the school compound, had in attendance some of the Nigerian Olympic athletes, who came to cheer up and encourage the children. Orange House, from the secondary school category, outshone other houses with 18 gold, 14 silver, and 14 bronze medals. From the beginning of the competition, Orange house were at their best in all the games, displaying high level of dexterities and prowess. The house outshone Red House, who came second with 15 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze medals, to emerged second position, while Yellow and Purple House came out third and fourth position with 14 gold, four silver, and three bronze medals and ten gold, 14 silvers, and eight

bronze medals respectively. Meanwhile, the students and pupils, secondary and elementary, were actively on ground to participate in different sporting events such as 100 meters, for senior and junior boys and girls categories, long and high jump, relay race, among others. Apparently, awards were given to best the athletes that performed excellently during the competition. Amedu Ojone, emerged the best athletes with six gold and one bronze medals, while Aaliyah Koledoye and Biswas Hughes, from the secondary junior male and female categories was awarded for their exeptional performances during the school sports competi-

tion. Speaking at the event, the Head of School, Harry HcFaul commended the efforts of the children for putting their efforts in participating in the school sports competition, adding that the essence of the competition is to celebrate children and making them see the need and the importance of sports generally. According to him, “the game is usually meant for children to celebrate through different sports activities, at the same time making them see the need to participate in sports. Sport in general, is very important in their lives, as it helps them to be alert, smart and pragmatic,” he said.

Lily rules Landmark sport meet By Tony Nwanne FTER winning several medals in virtually all the sports events, Lily House emerged the overall winner at the 4th edition of the Landmark College inter-

house sports competition. The house, with had the highest number of medals to beat Zinnia House, one of their greatest competitors at the school events, who finally lost the first position to the winning house. Zinnia house claimed the second position with eight gold, four silver, and seven bronze, while Viola house emerged third in the overall competition with seven gold, six silver and one bronze. Meanwhile, starting from the match past event, Viola displayed a huge level of commitments in their display of colour and attires that has a bit of cultural depiction, hereby emerging the first position with 84 points.

Athletes compete in the taekwondo event of the yearly inter-house sports competition of Agidingbi-based Beehive School held in Lagos on Wednesday.

At Beehive inter-house tourney, Green emerges as champion REEN House today came G out tops at the 2013 annual inter-house sports competition of Beehive School, Agidingbi with a haul of 23 medals consisting of 14 gold, three silver and six bronze medals. The event, which held at the school’s sports ground, witnessed a large turnout of parents and pupils from invited schools from Ikeja environs. Blue House came second with a total of 23 medals made up of 11 gold, six silver and six bronze medals while Yellow House came third with three gold, 11 silver and nine bronze medals. Red ended up in pole position with three gold, 11 silver and 18 bronze medals. The sports competition saw the pupils take part in various activities such 50 and

100metres dash, relay race, high jump, sack race and filling the basket. Pupils from schools around Ikeja and Ojodu-Berger areas also participated in invitational relay race aimed at building friendship amongst pupils from these schools. The events also featured parents’ race and teachers’ race. Speaking at the event, the proprietress of Beehive School, Mrs. Latifat Dosunmu said, “Sports day is one of our fun-filled days that parents, teachers and pupils eagerly anticipate. The children have practiced and it’s time to be rewarded for their hard work. Sports is a very important part of learning and child development as it provides them the opportunity to interact with other children,

make friends, eliminate insecurities and develop team spirit and leadership skills.” Chairman, Beehive School Sports Committee, Mr. Femi Fadeyibi said while declaring the competition open said, “sport is very important for the physical development of kids. It also keeps them engages them and keeps them away for negative influence as kids tend to most of their time with those, who share the same interests with them. “The sports committee is working to improve the facilities in the school to encourage sporting excellence amongst the pupils as we all know that sports has moved beyond recreation to being a complete business for those who wish to make careers out of it.”

Loyola Jesuit College holds 13th annual inter-house sports Captain of Darwin House, Raji Bolarinwa (right) receiving the winner’s trophy from the Chairman of the event, Dr. A.G. Akhabhoa during Cayley College interhouse sports competition in Lagos… recently

Cayley College pledges better deal for students in sports By Felix Kuye N a lively atmosphere, Cayley College, Ikeja, Lagos recently held its sixth interhouse sports competition during which the students, once again, had the opportunity of being exposed to the physical aspects of education and relieved of the boredom of the classroom. The event, which was well attended by guests, parents and students from other schools, took place at the Lagos State Rehabilitation and Vocational Centre at Isheri, Lagos. Among the athletics events lined up for the day and in which the students passionately participated were relays for boys and girls in junior

and senior categories, cycling, threading the needle, lime race and sack race. The competition was essentially among students grouped into Cayley, Newton, Darwin and Galileo houses. The event also witnessed participation of invited schools in some of the athletics. Executive Director of the school, Dr. M.O Iyayi said Cayley would stop at noting to ensure that the students are made intellectually sound, globally competitive and physically fit. According to her, the interhouse sports is one of the ways of achieving the school’s goal of building the total child, who will be mentally, morally and physically

By Tony Nwanne TUDENTS of Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, will converge in the school’s mini-stadium tomorrow to decide the best athletes among them. It is the school’s 13th annual inter-house sports grand finale and listed to feature among other events are the senior and junior categories, male and female of middle distance races like 1,500m and 800m, relay races, including 4 x 400m, 4 x 100m and invitation relays of both genders. The students will also participate in such sprint events as 100m, 200m, 400m and such field events as high jump, long jump, javelin, shot put and discus. Officials of the school disclosed that four houses, namely: Connelly, Loyola, Regis and Zavier will compete for honours in the interhouse fiesta, which will also feature cultural events.

Last year, Connelly House narrowly edged out Regis House to come tops in the competition with a two-gold difference, but this year’s competition promises to be more competitive as the other houses have prepared very hard to wrest the title from the champions.

The Guardian recalls that Loyola Jesuit College represented the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in the national MILO relay competition in 2002. The school has also produced athletes that have competed in inter-collegiate games in the UK and U.S.

Some of these athletes are Tony Akande, Kene Nwanna, Ifeanyi Edochie, Raymond Utuk, John Yusuf and others. In this year’s inter-house competition, Chibuzo Ajero and Princess Jewel will likely contest for the best athlete award in the female category.

We are the champions…Guest of honour, Ambassador Martins Uhomoibhi (second left) applauds, as Connely House captain raises aloft the Loyola Inter-house sports overall winner’s trophy.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

Heroes Of ‘I took sports for fun, but missing 1976 when the Premier of the former Northern Region, late Sir. Ahmadu Bello, who was an alumnus of the school, presented gifts to him and other winners in the 1960 edition of the school’s annual inter house sports. He was so moved with his contact with the Premier that he vowed to take his game to the highest level. In 1961, he moved to the Native Authority Primary School, Okelele, Ilorin, where he spent two terms before joining his father in Offa Local Government, and enrolling into St. Mark Primary School. He continued his rise in sports, took to the 100 metres and he was a member of the school relay team. He said: “When I got to Offa, I became adept in the 100 metres and quickly became one of the top runners in the junior category. I wasn’t the best in 100 metres, but I was good enough to make the school relay team in the junior cadre. With my mates, we dominated the event in Offa and it environs. At that time, I did it all for fun and enjoyed myself to the fullest. “It was a great joy taking part in the sports competition, and I became popular among my peers in and around Offa. It brought me great joy and many students called me ‘leg two’ because I was the second leg in the school relay team. I wasn’t just popular in my school but also known in other schools,” he added. Abdulkareem noted that life in Offa at that time was cosmopolitan because of the presence of the railway station. The train brought people from other parts of the country. The town was made of the indigenes, Igbos, Nupes and many others and it was fun living with them. Competition was very stiff among schools in Offa but St. Mark stood tall. He stated: “It was always heartwarming to see all the schools in Offa come together for sporting activities. It brought out the best in all the athletes but my school always came out top. We were also exempted from manual labour and had extra classes when we went for competitions.” At a particular championship in Offa in 1963, Abdulkareem’s medal-winning performance brought him more recognition and the principal, late Opadeyi took special interest in him. After getting the needed exposure while in the junior classes, he moved into the school’s main relay team when he got to primary five in 1964. St Mark also had the likes of Rasheed Balogun (Sugar), Bisi Akere while Adeyemi Kareem from African Church Primary School was the best 100 metres runner. The school’s annual interhouse sports competition was also a fertile ground for Abdulkareem to hunt for medals. He did this in grand style ranking among the best in the 100metres. He recounts: “Apart from doing athletics, Abdulkareem was also a goalkeeper for his house noting that he had no chance of breaking into the school team due the array of stars in the team. After his class seven at St Mark, he was admitted into Offa Grammar School in 1967 but had to be contented with making appearances in the inter house sport competitions while the big boys held sway in the school athletics’ team. He did not relent in his effort, as he continued to work hard, waiting for his chance to come. In his first year, he finished third in the 100 metres junior boys event in the inter house sports, running against senior students, who by their physique, were placed in the junior cadre. While he was in the junior classes, he continued to sharpen his skill on the tracks while praying for his breakthrough, which eventually came while he was in form five. He stated: “After going through the developmental process, I broke into the relay team in class five, but I had to contend with the HSC students. “It was really tough breaking into the team but once I got in, I became a prominent member of the team with the likes of Adeyemi Kareem (Atinga Woma), who was also in the school’s football team and Hameed Adio, who was my junior. Together we formed a formidable team that ruled Offa. The teams’ conquest was not limited to Offa. They were so good that they got invitations from different schools to participate in the invitational relay and left everyone asking for more each time they won a race. The ease at which they achieved victory left many in awe. “We got invitation from Loyola College in Oyo,

It was a tough decision for me to drop athletics in my prelim year, but I had to do it so as to make the grade and move into year one. The school authorities were always singing it into our ears that our names were only written in pencils and would be considered bona fide students until we moved into year one

Abdulkareem

Tunde Ahmed Abdulkareem’s love for sports started at an early age in Sokoto. Despite changing schools and location, he never lost sight of his sports and academic pursuit. Every school he went, he turned out to be one of the top athletes and should have made it to the Montreal Olympic Games, if Nigeria had not led a boycott of African countries. He told ADEYINKA ADEDIPE that Nigeria must return to school sports if it hopes to become a great sporting nation once again.

S a kid, Tunde Ahmed Abdulkareem’s desire was to seek fun in sporting activities with his schoolmates at Rigiyan Dorowa Native Primary School in Sokoto, which he entered in 1959. He was always ready to display his skills on the field and gaining popularity was least on his mind. However, he could not escape the limelight once he was top performer in the school’s annual inter house sports. The fact that he stayed with his grandmother who didn’t object to his love for sports encouraged him the more. Sports like sack race, 50 yards, spoon and egg, and swimming were the major sports at Rigiyan. Abdulkareem opted out of swimming when he nearly got drowned in River Rima, but he was prolific in the other three. His breathtaking performances endeared him to his mates and quickly established himself as one of the top athletes in the school. According to Abdulkareem, his greatest motivation as a kid was

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

School Sports Olympics was my greatest disappointment’ Ogbomosho High School, Odo Otin Grammar School, Olivet Height, Oyo and we came out top in all our races. “There was a particular race we went for in Ogbomosho High School in 1971 and there were so many schools and we had to do the heat. Kareem ran the last leg had crossed the finishing line long before others but surprisingly the officials forgot all about him and started picking the qualifiers to the final round from those who arrived later. This sparked a protest and had to rerun the race, which we won but this time, Kareem made sure that the gap between him and the second placed person wasn’t much. After that performance others schools in the old Kwara State, and indeed in other state, took notice of Offa Grammar School’s relay team prowess. In 1971, Abdulkareem and his colleagues also won the relay in the Kwara State School Sports competition. He was selected alongside two of his teammates from Offa Grammar School and one from another school to form the quartet that represented Kwara State in the Port Harcourt for the Hussey shield. The team ended with the bronze medal while MidWest State and Western State came first and second respectively. He noted: “The competition in Port Harcourt was a good one for us because we were able to test our might against some of the best runners from other parts of the country. We finished third which wasn’t a bad result if one considered the number of good athletes that were in the competition.” At a point, his father was concerned his son’s education would suffer but didn’t stop Abdulkareem from pursing his dream on the track but advised him to also take his academic seriously. He didn’t have much problem, as he was also doing well in his academic. After passing out from Offa Grammar School, he moved to the Kaduna State Polytechnic in 1972 and was part of the school’s 4X100m relay team that finished second the same year at the Nigeria Polytechnic Games (NIPOGA) at YabaTech in Lagos. He was at Kadpoly to study accounting but only spent a year there before moving to the newly established Kwara State College of Technology (now Kwara Poly) in 1973, after some of the lecturers convinced him to take up science related courses in the new school due to his good performance in science subject. At the College of Technology, which only offered ‘A’ level courses, he did mathematics, physics and chemistry and was also the pioneer director of sports of the Student Union. By 1973, the school has metamorphosed into the Kwara State Polythechnic while Abdulkareem also switched to the 400 metres and had also become adept in the new event, finishing first in competitions organised by the school. By the time he switched to 400metres, the 1973 National Sports Festival in Lagos State, was around the corner and the Kwara State team selector drafted him into the team with the likes of the current Deputy Governor of the state, Peter Kisra, who according to Abdulkareem, was always surprised at the ease with which he beat him (Kisra). The quartet also had Hammed Adio and Karima Kadoka. At the festival, the quartet was the only one that won a medal in the relays, a bronze. For Abdulkareem, this was a good feat. “I was really happy to be part of that team. I was doing the 400metres for the first time at a national championship and to have got a medal was a great achievement. There was no favouritism and your performance was the only yardstick of getting invited to the team. The coaches were also dedicated and made sure we were in top shape always. Before the Kwara State College of Technology changed into Kwara State Polytechnic in September 1973, Abdulkareem left in June after getting admission to study Economic/Accounting at the University of Ile Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). Despite being a science student, his love for accounting knew no bounds and with the admission, he was ready to pursue his dream. According to him, sports took a back seat in his first year in Ife, which was his pre-degree year. He knew he had to study hard to make the

Athletes at the lat Natuional Sports Festival (NSF) in Lagos: Abdulkareem insists that to get sportsmen like these we must go back to the schools. grades and get into year one, where he would have the opportunity to bag a degree in his chosen course. He came out in flying colours and got into year one. “It was a tough decision for me to drop athletics in my prelim year, but I had to do it so as to make the grade and move into year one. The school authorities were always singing it into our ears that our names were only written in pencils and would be considered bona fide students until we moved into year one.” After getting into year one, he returned to athletics and got into the school’s 4X400metres relay team in time for the Nigeria University Games (NUGA) that took place in Ibadan in 1975 and the quartet won gold. According to Abdulkareem, one of his notable teammate was Taiwo Ogunjobi, an army officer, who died in the ill-fated flight in Ejigbo. He continued: “The Ife team was a dominant force at that time and we did well wherever we went. We also came third in the West Africa University Games (WAUG), which University of Ife hosted in 1976. In his final year in 1977, the relay team got the merit award of the University of Ife. Former military governor of Western State, Col. David Jemibewon, who retired as a General, presented the award. He stated: “I was very happy to have gotten the award because it showed that our hard work was appreciated by the school authorities. By 1977, he represented Oyo State in the 4X400 relay team at the National Sports Festival in Kaduna, coming second behind former Bendel State. He caught the attention of the national team selectors in 1976 and was in the Team Nigeria to the Montreal Olympics in Canada. “We were under the tutelage of Lee Evans who was brought in by the then director general of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Late Isaac Akioye. The team was camped in Ife and

we were well taken care off and we had high hopes at the games, because we had some of the best athletes at that time,” he added. However, Abdulkareem could not realise his ambition of representing the country at the Olympics when Nigeria led a boycott of the games due to the apartheid regime in South Africa. He said: “It was very devastating because attending the Olympics would have been like an icing on the cake for my career. But despite the setback, I must admit that I learnt a lot from Evans, who taught us how to run each stage of the 4X400 metres race and with this, we were able to run sub 50 for the first time in the country. After graduating in 1977, he served at the Ministry of Commerce and Agriculture under the National Youth Service Corp Scheme. Still unable to come to terms with the Olympic miss, Abdulkareem jettisoned athletics and worked in several establishments before becoming an accountant general in Kwara State. After contributing his quota to the development of Kwara State, Abdulkareem will retire from the service on March 1 when he turns 60. However, he will still carry on as chairman of the Kwara State Athletics Association. He speaks of his plan for the future: “I have already concluded plan to revive and sponsor the Kwara State Secondary School Athletics Championship, where we hope to discover talents that would do the state and the country proud in future. While admitting that he would be willing to serve on the next board of the Athletics Federation (AFN), he advised sports’ administrators to go back to the schools, discover and develop talents. He stated that organising championships for the student would take their minds off vices and channel their energy towards fruitful ventures.

It was very devastating because attending the Olympics would have been like an icing on the cake for my career. But despite the setback, I must admit that I learnt a lot from Evans, who taught us how to run each stage of the 4X400 metres race and with this, we were able to run sub 50 for the first time in the country... I have already concluded plan to revive and sponsor the Kwara State Secondary School Athletics Championship, where we hope to discover talents that would do the state and the country proud in future.

Abdulkareem

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

The sad tale of Camerounian football HE Cameroun’s Coach, Jean-Paul Akono deplored the last minute withdrawal of 11 of the 21 players he selected when the Indomitable Lions measured strengths with Tanzania in Dar Es Salam last Wednesday (1-0 Cameroon defeat). Some cited administrative problems of every kind to justify their absence, others claimed injury, of course without having themselves assessed by the Lions’ medical staff. Suffering from back pain and apparently unable to support a seated position for an extended period, the emblematic Captain of the Lions Samuel Eto’o threw in the towel for the match, before appearing as a spectator at the Africa Cup of Nations final in Johannesburg. Alexandre Song had also decided to excuse himself due to knee problems, providing supporting X-rays. But fortunately for “Magnan”’s nephew, the injury disappeared as quickly as it had surfaced and Alex was able to feature in the starting line-up of Barça’s crushing victory over Getafe a few days later. Unable to walk and thus to do battle with the Tanzanians, Jean II Makoun nonetheless had no difficulty in participating in the victory of Stade Rennais over Toulouse during week 24 of the Ligue 1. He might not have been able to walk, but at least he managed to run. How is it possible that with such a capacity for recovery,

the Cameroonian internationals have only been able to watch the Africa Cup of Nations on television for the second consecutive year? The reason is quite simple. No problem has been resolved since the 2010 World Cup fiasco, the war between the clans is still raging within the Lions’ den and Fécafoot will not, or cannot do anything (or surely both at once) about the situation. And Jean-Paul Akono, at the centre of this permanent circus, who is not respected by either the federation or his own players, seems to be the only one, who still believes that the Lions are indeed Indomitable.

Lucozade Sport holds weekend work-out in Lagos AGOSIANS still basking in Lsuccess the euphoria of Nigeria’s at the 29th Africa

‘Injured’ Alex Song could not play for Cameroun due to knee problems, but he featured for Barcelona against Getafe a few days later.

Mimiko sponsors U-18 football tourney From Niyi Bello, Akure PPARENTLY encouraged A by the success story of Godfrey Oboabona, the victorious Super Eagles defender, whose talent was discovered by the Ondo State Football Development Agency (OSFODA), the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has put in place an under-18 international competition to discover more talents. The annual competition, which would draw 16 participating clubs from Nigeria and other parts of Africa, is expected to commence at the end of April. The Olusegun Mimiko U-18 International football competition, as the tournament

is tagged, will be solely sponsored by the state governor with assistance from his friends. Mimiko, while inaugurating the Central Working Committee of the tournament headed by the State Commissioner for Works, Gboye Adegbenro charged them to make a huge success of the competition. He also charged them to organise a “world-class competition that would showcase the beauty of the game and expose raw talents that will take centre stage in international football competitions.” At the maiden meeting of the CWC on Wednesday, Adegbenro, who inaugurat-

ed other committees for the tournament, said the competition was aimed at exposing the governor’s love for the round leather game. According to him, the Mimiko U-18 football tourney was conceived to make the people aware of the contributions of the governor to the development of football in the country. He said, “this competition has nothing to do with Mimiko as the governor of the state but because he has brought sports back to limelight in the state, he is the only governor that established a football agency for the development of football in the state in particular and the country in general.”

Cup of Nations (AFCON) will have an opportunity to keep physically fit at the monthly Lucozade Sport Open Air work, which holds tomorrow at the National Stadium in Surulere from 7am12noon. It is the first of the Lucozade Sport Open Air Work Out for 2013 and it will be flagged off by Cherry Eromosele, the head of Marketing, Nutritionals with Tolu Odukoya-Ijogun, the brand manager, Lucozade Sport, in attendance. The Open Air Work Out has been a hit with residents in the state, who embraced the

weekend activity enthusiastically when it commenced last year at the Main Car Park of the National Stadium. It was in response to the enthusiasm of participants in the event, which held at select Lucozade Sport Sweat Points in the state, that GSK, makers of the isotonic drink resolved to centralize the event, choosing the National Stadium. Lucozade Sport Brand Manager, Tolu Odukoya, said the company’s objective in organising the Lucozade Sport Open Air Workout is to encourage a healthy lifestyle within the community, especially at a time the Super Eagles reclaimed Nigeria’s leadership of African football.

Airtel salutes Africa’s soccer king, Super Eagles EADING telecommunica- Nigeria’s huge potentials LNigeria tions operator, Airtel will sure arrest the attenhas congratulated tion of the world.” Nigerians and the Super Eagles for winning this year’s edition of the African Cup of nations, which ended last night in Johannesburg, South Africa. Airtel described the Super Eagles victory as one of the greatest things to have happened to sports in Nigeria in the last two decades. Airtel Nigeria’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Segun Ogunsanya said, “the Super Eagles have confirmed the well-known fact that with focus, dedication and leadership,

Ogunsanya described the victory as an extra-ordinarily sweet as the trophy was won by an indigenous coach, who showed great confidence in local talents. “At Airtel Nigeria, we are particularly delighted that this victory is an emphatic endorsement of our twoyear-old decision to make a difference with our Airtel Rising Stars (ARS), an initiative which was set up to discover and nurture young local football talents from different parts of the country,” he said.

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

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THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

‘Blade runner’ Pistorius charged with model girlfriend’s murder BELOVED model is dead, A those who knew her are in mourning, and one of the world’s most admired Olympians is charged with her murder after a Valentine’s Day shooting in South Africa. Oscar Pistorius, a Paralympic runner who blazed new terrain by competing in last summer’s Olympics, is accused of killing his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. A shooting took place inside his upscale home in Pretoria, South Africa, early yesterday, and only the two of them were there at the time, police said. Shock waves from the incident quickly reverberated across the world, casting a shadow over the man known as the “Blade Runner” for his achievements on prosthetic limbs. Pistorius will be named officially as the suspect when he appears in court today, in keeping with South African law. Authorities have already announced that the suspect is Pistorius’ age. Investigators gave no motive for the alleged killing. “Previous incidents” at the home A police spokeswoman said there had been “previous incidents” at the home, including “allegations of a domestic nature.”

Police were alerted to the shooting by neighbors, and residents had “heard things earlier,” spokeswoman Denise Beukes said. Some South African media outlets said the woman was mistaken for an intruder. South Africa has a high crime rate, and many homeowners keep weapons to ward off intruders. Beukes said those reports did not come from police. There did not appear to be signs of forced entry at the home, she added. “This is a very quiet area and this is a secure estate,” Beukes said. A pistol was recovered at the scene, police said. Pistorius cooperating with police Pistorius made no public statement. His spokeswoman Kate Silvers said the athlete is “assisting the police with their investigation but there will be no further comment until matters become clearer later today.” Police also said Pistorius is cooperating. He arrived yesterday at a police station in Pretoria. Beukes said the state will oppose bail. So the 26-yearold, who was among the men featured in People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue, could be behind bars, at least temporarily.

Pistorius was not taken to court yestersday because the public prosecutor needs more time to prepare the case, police spokeswoman Katlego Mogale the media. A model’s life violently cut short Steenkamp, 29, had been looking forward to Valentine’s Day, encouraging her Twitter followers to “get excited” for the holiday. “She was the kindest, sweetest human being; an angel on earth and will be sorely missed,” Capacity Relations, the agency that represented her, wrote on Twitter. She was “just a great, fun presence of a person,” said Hagen Engler, former editor of the magazine FHM. He described her as “a bikini model, beautiful, gorgeous girl” with a “wicked” sense of humor. She understood the industry and was intelligent and fun to work with, he said. Pistorius’ father, Henke, told the South African Broadcasting Corporation his son was “sad at the moment.” “I don’t know nothing. It will be extremely obnoxious and rude to speculate,” the father said. “I don’t know the facts.” As Olympian, Pistorius faced controversy Pistorius, a double amputee, competed against able-bod-

ied runners during the London Olympics, triggering controversy as some said the prosthetic limbs gave him an advantage. His legs were amputated below the knee when he was a toddler because of a bone defect. He runs on special carbon fiber blades. Pistorius was initially refused permission to enter the Olympics, but he hired a legal team to prove that his artificial limbs did not give him an unfair advantage and was allowed to compete. While he did not win a medal, his presence on the track was lauded by many people around the world as an example of victory over adversity and dedication to a goal. He smashed a Paralympic record to win the men’s 400m T44 in the final athletics event of the 2012 Games. In an October interview with CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight,” Pistorius discussed the “massive blessing” of inspiring people around the world. “Being an international sportsman, there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with that, so having to toggle that and remembering, you know, that there are kids out there, especially, that look up to you, it’s definitely something that you need to keep at the back of your mind.”

Pistorius and his late girlfriend, Steenkamp

THE GUARDIAN, Friday, February 15, 2013

GolfWeekly 144 vie for honours as Julius Berger Charity tourney holds Stories by Eno-Abasi Sunday

HE 13th Julius Berger Charity Golf Tournament tees off tomorrow at the golf section of the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja. A total of 144 golfers (out of the over 300 that indicated interest) drawn from different parts of the country, will be doing battle to claim the various prizes at stake at the event, which promises to be highly competitive. Held yearly at the golf section of the IBB Golf and

Country Club, Abuja, the event, an invitational tourney is sponsored by Julius Berger Nigeria (JBN) Plc. It joined the league of charity events when it turned 10 and consequently changed its focus to alleviation of the plight of the downtrodden with its proceeds. Efforts towards redirecting the focus, however, started during its ninth edition and perfected in the 10th. So far organisations like the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul “Hope

Alex Shaiyen of IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja, watching his ball on the fairway during a past tourney. PHOTO: ENO-ABASI SUNDAY

Obinni, Oyome win as Aruwajoye ends tenure ADY Captain of Ikoyi Club LAruwajoye 1938 (golf section), Yinka wrapped up her tenure in style recently. And at the end of the competition put together to celebrate her tenure end, Nkechi Obinni emerged the overall winner. In a competition, which had in attendance past lady Christy Chizea, G. Joel and D. Fahrer, Obinni netted a net score 70 to win by two-shots. In the gross category, former lady Captain of Ibadan Golf Club, Evelyn Oyome got the better of other ladies including former Captain of Ikeja Golf Club, Pamelu Wu. Oyome carded a score of 78gross to win the category, while Wu signed for 85gross. Among the handful of gen-

tlemen golfers, who participated in the tourney were Remi Olukoya and Olumuyiwa Jacobs. While Olukoya won the nearest to the pin prize on Hole 12, Jacobs’ drive on Hole-18 earned him the longest drive on that hole. Other winners in the oneday event were A. Oddiri, D. Binitie, A. Amolegbe, Alaba Adetunji, F. Majekodunmi, T. Mortenson, Kim E.J, L. Ajibola and I. Ubah, Carol Majoroh and Martins Osadebe. Speaking during a gala held to round off the event, Aruwajoye thanked all those, who graced the event including Justice Adesuyi Olateru-Olagbegi, Funsho Kupolokun, and Charles Ngoka, saying she was honoured by their presence.

Centre” in Kubwa, the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ School, Garam and the Daughters of Abraham Foundation, Abuja have benefitted from it. Off the 144 golfers, 30 are members of the host club, who had to pre-qualify to participate in the event considering the high number of those that signed up to play. They will, however, be joined by defending champion, Emeka Okatta, who is also a member of the club. The balance of the number,

according to JBN Public Affairs Adviser, Clement Iloba, would be made up of captains of industries, diplomats, clients and staff of the outfit, traditional rulers and invited guests. Among dignitaries expected in this year’s event include Senate President, David Mark, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon and former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mike Okiro. Okatta dethroned five-time champion of the tourney

and first Nigerian course administrator of the IBB Golf and Country Club, Abuja, Moses Anabui, at the last outing. Shortly after being handed the trophy by Chairman of the construction firm, Air Vice Marshal Nura Imam (rtd), Okatta called on Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to, as a matter of urgency, consider turning the charity event to a Pro-Am, stressing that in doing so, the tourney would discharge it’s charitable role as well as contribute to the

advancement of professional golf in the country. “I like the tournament because it has been around for a long time and well organised too. But I have a reservation about it being a charity event, not because I do not encourage charitable deeds, but because an invitational charity event adds little value to golf development in the country. So I will like Julius Berger to turn the tourney into a Pro-Am so as to encourage our professional players.

Conscience, Nurtured by Truth

TheGuardian

Friday, February 15, 2013

HE Longman T Dictionary of Contemporary English defines education as “the process by which your mind develops through learning at school, college or university; the knowledge and skills you gain from By Chiedu Uche Okoye being taught. Education is critical to the development of countries. Most of the first world countries are technologically advanced, and they owe their breakthrough and successes in the field of science and technology to robust and functional educational systems. Think about Japan and China, United States (U.S.) and Germany - these are developed economies. Their automobile and electrical products find markets in Nigeria and other African countries; they earn much revenue by exporting their products and goods to other countries, which boosts their economies. Their thriving economies are driven by both the implementation of prudent economic policies and technological innovations evolved by their citizens. Nevertheless, students achieve technological breakthrough and inventions where the educational systems are virile and functional. Here in Nigeria, mechanical engineers can’t repair their cars, how much more manufacture simple tools. Consequently, our economy is solely based on crude oil revenues. Our inability to diversify our economy is intrinsically linked to our dysfunctional educational system. Therefore, what are the problems bedeviling our educational system? Our government’s budgetary allocation for education falls short of the United Nations’ requirement. Paucity of fund militates against the growth of education, as lecturers can’t access fund to carry out researches. Educational problems can’t be addressed when there is little money for running the sector. Now, some state-owned universities are utterly neglected and grossly under-funded. These schools are glorified secondary schools. Are their libraries well stocked with the most recent books in diverse areas or fields of study? Do they have enough lecture halls that can hold students during lecture periods? Do they have teaching facilities, instructional materials and equipment for running some science-based courses? These issues impede the smooth transmission of knowledge from lecturers to students. Acquisition of knowledge by students can’t take place in schools where there is dearth of facilities, equipment and others. More so, teachers and lecturers often embark on industrial action to agitate for either increase in salary or the implementation of a new salary scale. Their industrial action leads to the stoppage of academic activities, consequently altering the school calendar and keeping the students in school longer than they‘re required to stay for their educational programmes. The issues that cause teachers to embrace industrial action instead of trying to use other alternatives to settle their problems with government should be addressed. However, it is an open secret that the issue of teachers’ welfare is at the root of their industrial action. It is their means of expressing their dissatisfaction with government’s attitude towards them. So, government and private school owners should not treat the issue of teachers’ welfare with levity. Teachers groom our future leaders. A poorly remunerated teacher can’t perform optimally; therefore,

Think about Japan and China, United States and Germany - these are developed economies. Their thriving economies are driven by both the implementation of prudent economic policies and technological innovations evolved by their citizens. Nevertheless, students achieve technological breakthrough and inventions where the educational systems are virile and functional. Here in Nigeria, mechanical engineers can’t repair their cars, how much more manufacture simple tools. Consequently, our economy is solely based on crude oil revenues. Our inability to diversify our economy is intrinsically linked to our dysfunctional educational system.

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Our educational problems

As there are students who are not supposed to be in tertiary institutions, so are there teachers who do not know their onions as to teaching. In some states of the federation, the methods of recruiting teachers into secondary schools are not stringent, transparent or fair. People who boast relationship with political leaders are offered teaching jobs at the expense of better qualified ones. The factors of cronyism, nepotism and bribery and corruption determine those who will land teaching jobs. Moreover, graduates who do not possess university degrees in educational courses are by-passed in the recruitment of teachers in some states. A man with a B.E. Education Economics is preferred to a B.Sc. Economics. So, is one’s knowledge of the methodology of teaching more important than one’s good grasp of the subject?

cates obtained in Nigeria with disdain and derision. In addition, ill-prepared students with fraudulently obtained certificates join cult groups upon entering university campuses to boost their egos. As they can’t cope with academic rigours in universities, they use their membership of cult groups to browbeat lecturers to award them grades they do not deserve. If government can curb the menace of examination malpractices during SSCE and NECO, then those who are not qualified for admission can’t enter our universities. This measure can reduce the population of cult members in our schools and make our campuses safe and conducive for learning. As there are students who are not supposed to be in tertiary institutions, so are there teachers who do not know their onions as to teaching. In some states of the federation, the methods of recruiting teachers into secondary schools are not stringent, transparent or fair. People who boast relationship with political leaders are offered teaching jobs at the expense of better qualified ones. The factors of cronyism, nepotism and bribery and corruption determine those who will land teaching jobs. Moreover, graduates who do not possess university degrees in educational courses are bypassed in the recruitment of teachers in some states. A man with a B.E. Education Economics is preferred to a B.Sc. Economics. So, is one’s knowledge of the methodology of teaching more important than one’s good grasp of the subject? Regarding this issue, I suggest that this is not unconnected with the huge ple with lower grades or classes of degrees in universities should revise their curricula and decline in the quality of education obtain- their fields of specialisation. Some of them integrate methodology of teaching among the able in Nigeria. have sunk into oblivion and irrelevance in compulsory courses that students should Today, some people who graduated from their fields of specialisation. study during their first and second years in the Nigerian universities exhibit unpardonable More so, some parents offer school princi- universities. ignorance in their disciplines. Little wonder pals monetary inducement to close their It has been discovered that some teachers in well-heeled parents send their children to eyes to their children’s perpetration of primary and secondary schools do not engage Ghana and European countries to acquire examination malpractice during the Senior in private or further studies to upgrade or quality education. Again, our government School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), update their knowledge in their fields of speand private school owners’ inability to ade- National Examinations Council (NECO) and cialisation. They give each set of new students quately take care of teachers’ welfare is Universities Matriculation Examinations the same notes they prepared six years ago. linked to the unethical and corrupt deeds (UME). Surrogate and mercenary students Therefore, teachers should be re-trained to being perpetrated by teachers themselves. are smuggled into examination halls to give them more knowledge to enable them In some universities, lecturers trade high write for the students. perform optimally, too. grades for immoral acts or money. Is this not When school principals compromise their Before now, schools were solely owned and bastardisation and commercialisation of moral code and flout examination ethics for run by government. Nevertheless, since the education? These unethical and corrupt pecuniary gains, they pervert the education- deregulation of the education sector, schools deeds are the reason some unintelligent and al system. This leads to the bastardisation of are mushrooming everywhere. Sadly, some of mentally lazy students graduate with classes our educational system. The grades that the schools, especially privately owned priof degrees they do not deserve. Now, first show on our certificates do not mirror our mary and post-primary schools, do not fit the class holders abound in Nigeria. They’re abilities and level of knowledge. Therefore, bill of schools. Their owners run them solely found everywhere. Yet, they rarely beat peo- people living outside Nigeria treat certifi- for profit motive, careless about the quality of education the students in the schools receive. These schools lack libraries, science and techThe YOUTHSPEAK Column which is published daily is anTHE initiative GUARDIAN,of nology equipment and sports fields. Worse and powered by RISE NETWORKS, Nigeria s Leading Youth Development Centre, as a still, some teachers who substantial advocacy platform available for ALL Nigerian Youth to engage Leadership atteach in those schools not wellissues educatedespe neither do they possess all levels, engage Society and contribute to National Discourse -on are diverse the requisite qualifications for teaching. Can a cially those that are peculiarRegarding to Nigeria. submission of articles, we welcome teacher who is deficient in mathematics teach writers contributions by way of well crafted, analytical and thought provoking opinion students how to solve pieces that are concise, topical and non-defamatory! All articles- (which are not expectmathematical questions? When a blind man leads blind men, ed to be more than 2000 words) should be editorial@risenetworks.org sent to To into aout pit. more read the online Version of this same article plus past publications they and all tofall find Government should step up its regulation of about Youth Speak, please www.risenetworks.org/youthspeak visit and join the privately-owned schools. Do those schools ongoing National Conversations . meet the minimal standards required of schools? We should not leave our children in Also join our on-line conversation 21676F3E the care of those with questionable academic @risenetworks RISE GROUP qualifications and perverted minds. We Published by Guardian Newspapers Limited, Rutam House, Isolo, Lagos should be aware of this biblical saying: “Teach Tel: 4489600, 2798269, 2798270, 07098147948, 07098147951 Fax: 4489712; Advert Hotlines: a child the way he should follow, and when he Lagos 7736351, Abuja 07098513445; Circulation Hotline: 01 4489656 grows up he will not depart from it.” All correspondence to Guardian Newspapers Limited, P.M.B. 1217, Oshodi, Lagos, Nigeria. •Chiedu Uche Okoye, a creative writer, wrote from E-mail letters@ngrguardiannews.com; www.ngrguardiannews.com Uruowulu-Obosi, Anambra State. Editor: MARTINS OLOJA ABC (ISSN NO 0189-5125) .