14th nov 2013

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

‘PDP ‘ll collapse if I’m not returned’

•Oyinlola takes on party

AMCON declares N822b loss NEWS Page 56

•Sinking Fund now N500b

NEWS Page 2

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VOL. 8, NO. 2667 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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ANAMBRA 2013

•AND MORE •APC decries 22-hour curfew for election ON PAGE 10 •Police ready for poll •Jonathan campaigns for Nwoye •INEC takes delivery of materials•Obiano gets support

Varsities to remain closed as ASUU mourns Iyayi Union shifts meeting indefinitely How Prof. died, by doctors

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NIVERSITY students may have to endure some more days of their teachers’ strike, it emerged yesterday.

The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which would have reviewed the strike, was postponed indefinitely yesterday.

This is to enable the

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano, Osagie Otabor, Benin and Wale Ajetunmobi

teachers mourn ASUU’s onetime President Festus Iyayi, a University of Benin (UNIBEN) professor, who was killed in an accident involving the convoy of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada on the Lokoja-Abuja highway on Tuesday.

Iyayi was travelling along with other ASUU officials to Kano enroute Abuja when

Reps set $76.5 for budget

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MID sharp disagreement, the Joint House Committee on Finance, Appropriation, Loans and Debt has pegged the benchmark for 2014 Budget at $76.5 per barrel.

the accident occurred. He died on the spot.

Teachers who converged on Bayero University Kano (BUK) left yesterday for their homes as ASUU President Nasir Fagge announced the indefinite suspension of the meeting. ‘’You (journalists) have to bear with us because we are in a mourning mood over the loss of one of us, who was a strong pillar,” Fagge declared.

Business Page 11

Eagles rate Ethiopia high

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UPER Eagles’ prolific forward Emmanuel Emenike believes the return leg of the World Cup play-off clash between Nigeria and Ethiopia in Calabar will be a difficult game thatdemands full concentration from his side.

Continued on page 2

US classifies Boko Haram terrorists

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ESPITE diplomatic pressure, the United States yesterday designated Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO).

The designation will enable the US Government to freeze accounts and seize the assets of any person or group supporting the two

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

terrorist bodies.

The US said it would also investigate and prosecute terrorism suspects associated with Boko Haram and Ansaru.

The tough measure was contained in a statement by the office of the spokesperson of the US Department of

State, which was released to reporters in Abuja.

It said the step was necessary to assist the Federal Government to fight these groups.

The statement said: “The Department of State has announced the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist OrganisaContinued on page 2

Sport Page 24

•Iyayi’s widow, Grace...yesterday

APC leaders meet IBB, Abdulsalami

Ex-Oyo HoS to know fate

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N Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, the state capital, will today hear the application for the bail of a former Head of Service (HoS), Alhaji Kudirat Adeleke, and 11 others, who were accused of stealing N5.6 billion.

From Jide Orintunsin,

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Minna

T was a small but symbolic gathering. Party leaders and former heads of state pumping hands and smiling broadly.

All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders took their consultation and membership drive to Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar in Minna, Niger State yesterday.

On the delegation were Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, General Muhammadu Buhari, Continued on page 2

News Page 8

Egypt: Court halts emergency

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•Gen. Abdulsalami (middle) flanked by (from left) Chief Akande, Gen. Buhari; Asiwaju Tinubu and Alhaji Masari ...yesterday

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

N Egyptian court ordered an end to a state of emergency on Tuesday, two days ahead of schedule and three months after it was imposed during a crackdown on Islamist protesters.

Foreign Page 60

•SPORTS P24 •EDUCATION P25 •POLITICS P43 •N/HEALTH P45 •E-BUSINESS P47

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

NEWS PDP will collapse if I am not reinstated, says Oyinlola

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•Governors Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe) (fourth left) and Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) (third left), with (from left) Ogun State Commissioner for Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Abia State Deputy Governor Chief Emeka Ananaba, Edo State Chief of Staff Patrick Obahiagbon, Osun Sate Deputy Governor Titilayo Laoye – Tomori and Secretary to the Osun State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti at the Business Day State Competitive and Good Governance Award at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos...yesterday PHOTO: NIYI ADENIRAN

US classifies Boko Haram terrorists Continued from page 1

tions (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, and as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under Section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224.

“The consequences of the these FTO and E.O. 13224 designations include a prohibition against knowingly providing, or attempting or conspiring to provide, material support or resources to, or engaging in transactions with, Boko Haram and Ansaru, and the freezing of all property and interests in property of the organisations that are in the United States, or come within the United States or the control of U.S. persons.

“These designations will assist U.S. and other law enforcement partners in efforts to investigate and prosecute terrorist suspects associated with Boko Haram and Ansaru.

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Federal Government backs action

HE Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (SAN) yesterday said the designation of Boko Haram and Ansaru as Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTOs) by the United States is a welcome development.

He asked other super powers to emulate the US to check terrorism all over the world.

Adoke, who spoke last night, said: “The US stance is a welcome development; we salute the US Government for partnering with the FederThe US government explained why it took the decision to deal with Boko Haram and Ansaru.

The statement said: “The Department of State took these actions in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Treasury.

“These designations are an important and appropriate step, but only one tool in what must be a comprehensive approach by the Nigerian gov-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

al Government to rout out terrorism.

“This step will assist this nation to deal with these renegades. It will also help in strengthening the proscription of Boko Haram by the Federal Government.

“We urge other super powers to emulate the US Government to check terrorism in any part of the world. A threat to any nation by the insurgents is a threat to global peace.”

ernment to counter these groups through a combination of law enforcement, political, and development efforts, as well as military engagement, to help root out violent extremism while also addressing the legitimate concerns of the people of northern Nigeria.

“All of our assistance to Nigeria stresses the importance of protecting civilians and ensuring that human rights are respected. That assistance and

these designations demonstrate U.S. support for the Nigerian people’s fight against Boko Haram and Ansaru.”

The US revisited Boko Haram slaughtering of 160 innocent civilians and vowed to protect innocent Nigerians.

It said: “Boko Haram is a Nigeria-based militant group with links to al-Qa’ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) that is responsible for thousands of Continued on page 59

APC leaders meet IBB, Abdulsalami Continued from page 1

former House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Bello Masari, former Minister of Works Hassan Lawal, National Woman Leader Mrs. Sharon Ikeaso and leaders of the party in the state.

Arriving Babangida’s Uphill home at about 11:30 am, four leaders of the party (the Chairman, his deputy, Masari, Gen-

eral Buhari and Asiwaju Tinubu) and their host entered into a closed-door meeting which lasted for one hour and 10 minutes before departing to Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar’s residence, which is adjacent, Babangida’s house.

The leaders entered into a closed door meeting with Gen. Abubakar at about 1:03 am. It also lasted for about an hour.

Speaking to reporters after

the meeting, former Military President Gen. Babangida said the APC leaders, who are mostly his age-long friends and boss, were in his house to discuss how to develop Nigeria and bequeth the younger generations a better legacy.

Said he: “The APC leaders visited me to discuss the welfare of the country, which should be the responsibility of every Nigerian - whether you

MBATTLED National Secretary of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Olagunsoye Oyinlola has predicted the end of the PDP, if the party fails to reinstate him.

The Court of Appeal, Abuja has ordered Oyinlola’s reinstatement as National Secretary, but the party’s leadership suspended him instead.

At a news conference in Abuja yesterday, Oyinlola said: “If I am not reinstated, it would mean the end of the PDP in Nigeria. I will brief my legal team for the next line of action, if they fail to comply with the ruling of the court.”

Oyinlola faulted claims by the leadership of the party that they were yet to be served a copy of the ruling, saying that their lawyer was in court the day the Appeal Court delivered the judgment.

Describing the claim as an afterthought, Oyinlola said the Bamanga Tukur-led PDP did not wait for a copy of the January 11 judgment of the Federal High Court that ousted him before swearing in a replacement.

“They did not accept service at the party secretariat. So, I forwarded electronic copies to the National Legal Adviser, Mr. Victor Kwom and the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh.

“Serving them a copy of the ruling was meant to fulfill all righteousness because they are fully aware of the judgment.

Tukur cannot claim ignorant of the judgment,” Oyinlola said.

He accused Tukur of running the party like a subsidiary of his private company, regret-

belong to a party or you do not have a party, you have an assignment assigned to you to protect the integrity of the country.”

Shedding light on the issues discussed, Gen. Babangida said: “The meeting had to do with the welfare, well-being, education, security and economic well-being of the country. Anything that would promote and move the country

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From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

ting that instead of seeing the ruling as an opportunity to reconcile aggrieved members, the chairman decided to create more crisis in the party.

The former Osun State governor wondered why Tukur and his co-travellers failed to realise that fractionalising the ruling party could cause collateral damage to the entire nation.

Reacting to the position of the party that he and others were suspended for creating a faction of the PDP, Oyinlola said the constitution of the party allowed for division.

He justified this by pointing out that while he was still national secretary, he and nine other members of the National Working Committee (NWC) met and reversed an earlier decision dissolving the Adamawa State Executive Committee.

According to him, the decision to form the New PPD was meant to attract the attention of the leadership of the party to the culture of impunity being entrenched by Tukur and his cohorts.

Describing his suspension and that of three other members of the factional group as red herring, Oyinlola said he and the trio – Kawu Baraje, Ibrahim Kazaure and Sam Jaja - were not the pillars of the New PDP. Oyinlola said: “I have since gone through the press statement containing my purported suspension and have come to the conclusion that I should make a formal reaction to this Continued on page 59

Boko Haram pushes 40,000 refugees in Niger

HE military offensive against Boko Haram has pushed nearly 40,000 refugees into Niger Republic, a United Nations agency said.

This is driving a strain into food supplies in the droughtprone country.

The United Nations estimated in June that there were 6,000 refugees from Nigeria but the figure has soared as the military stepped up attacks on Boko Haram militants.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in its latest monthly report that of a total 37,332 refugees, nearly 29,000 are officially Niger nationals and the rest are Nigerian.

“These figures, three times above the level the humanitarian workers were planning for, give an indication of the difficulties of developing a humanitarian response.”

Varsities to remain closed as ASUU mourns Iyayi Continued from page 1

A student, who preferred not to be named, expressed sadness over the development. ‘’We are not happy with the situation because we have overstayed at home,’’ the student said.

Another urged ASUU to fix a new date for the meeting in order to resolve the lingering crisis. ‘’We are not really happy but since it is the death of their member, they were right to have suspended the meeting. ‘’But we thought they would fix a new date for the meeting before leaving the venue,’’ he added.

But there appears to be a crack in the ranks of ASUU, 24 hours after the lecturers’ union was hit by the tragedy of Iyayi’s death. The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, Niger State may have pulled out of the strike The university management directed that the institution be re-opened on Monday.

The Nation gathered that

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How Prof. died, by doctors

NIVERSITY of Benin (UNIBEN) teacher Prof. Festus Iyayi died holding a newspaper in his hand, the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Specialist Hospital, Dr Paul Amodu Okenwu, said yesterday.

The late ex-president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had a penetrating injury to his heart, which might have killed him instantly, the CMD told reporters in his Lokoja office.

Okenwu said shock may have contributed to Iyayi’s death. The doctor believed the teacher may have been hypertensive.

A drug used by hypertension patient was found beside his body in the vehicle. “It may be possible the penetrating injury may not even reach his heart.”

Also speaking on the accident, the sole administrator of the Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, Dr Paul Amodu, said Iyayi may

IBBU Senate debated the outcome of the congress of the local chapter of ASUU, which was said to favour the calling off of the strike and resolving to re-open the campus for academic activities.

A member of IBBU ASUU chapter, who spoke to our re-

From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

have died of hypertension.

“Beside his seat was a pair of Novas, an anti-hypetensive drug which suggests that he might have been hypentensive.

But he died as a result of a penetrating injury, which went straight through his heart,” he added.

A vehicle in Kogi State Governor Idris Wada’s convoy rammed into a bus in which the unionist and others were travelling at Banda village, about nine kilometres to Lokoja. They were on their way to the ASUU National Council meeting in Kano, which was meant to resolve the almost five months ASUU strike.

According to the sole administrator of the hospital, who said he was briefed by Dr Francis Idoko, an attachee to the governor’s convoy, the convoy’s rear vehicle rammed into the bus which was try-

porter on the telephone, said the union members voted that the strike be called off, but with the promise that their decision would not override the NEC’s resolution. He said the management relied on the congress decision and ordered resumption.

ing to avoid a pothole.

He said: “The convoy brushed the side on which the Prof was sitting and something pierced straight through his heart, and he strapped on the seat motionless, with a copy of a national newspaper in his hand “The woman sitting in the front of the vehicle( Dr Ngozi Ilo) only had part of her right hand flesh slightly chopped off.

There was no fracture in the hand.

“When she was rushed here , we later discovered she had a little cut in the leg and a fracture in the Tipia bone ( upper part of the leg). She was treated by a consultant, Dr Chizoba Osita Nwokese, and has been discharged.

“I believe that what will be will be. Iyayi was just destined to die this way because nobody was unconsciuos in his vehicle.

Another member of the union said: “Yes, we have been asked to resume on Monday and the campus is being prepared for re-opening. The university management took the decision in line with agreement of members that were present at the ASUU congress

Continued on page 59

we held on Monday.”

Asked if the local ASUU was consulted before the decision was reached, the source responded: “I cannot confirm this but what I am sure of is that lectures will start on Monday.”

However, IBBU ASUU

•Iyayi’s son Omole

Chairman Dr Aliyu Badeggi described the directive by Vice Chancellor Prof Ibrahim Kolo Continued on page 59

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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NEWS

Cardiac arrest

•Co-chairman, Bill& Mellinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates (right) greeting the Chairman, Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Babatunde Oke when Gates visited the Onigbongbo Health Centre in Lagos...on Tuesday.

With them are President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (left) and the Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Ado Mohammed.

Cardiac arrest kills suddenly. But, before it does, there are signs, which many either fail to recognise or lack the knowledge to ascertain.

OYEYEMI GBENGAMUSTAPHA and WALE ADEPOJU report on this disease, which experts say is deadlier than most dreaded diseases.

O •From left: Representatives of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Joseph Atehnkeng; representative of the Enugu State Governor, Mr Michael Eneh and representative of the Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Mrs Stella Denloye, at a NAFDAC Aflotoxin management workshop in Enugu...yesterday. PHOTO: NAN

• From left: Editor, Marketing World, Kehinde Oleshin, Managing Director, Nokia West and Central Africa, Mr. Nick Imudia and Group Publisher, Marketing World, Akin Naphtal, at the 3rd Marketing World Awards in Lagos.

•From left: Franchise Manager, East/Central, Coca-Cola Nig Ltd, Mr. Felix Ofolue; Commercial Manager, Benin Commercial Territory, Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd (NBC), Mr. Felix Falebita; General Manager, Kada Cinema and Entertainment Centre, Mr. Garth Young; Commercial Director, Central Region, NBC, Mr. Tunji Akinseesin and National Key Accounts Manager, NBC Femi Oshinlaja, at the official commissioning of the Kada Cinema and Entertainment Centre in Benin… on Monday.

KON Anselm was working on his laptop, when he felt a need to answer nature’s call. As he stood up, he slumped. He was quickly rushed to the hospital, where he was revived. Medics said he had just experienced partial cardiac arrest, commonly called heart attack. It is a medical emergency.

This is because when the heart is not getting enough blood it will shut down. It happens to the rich, the poor, the old and young.

They said he was lucky. Former Ondo State Governor Olusegun Agagu was not that lucky. He slumped and died while peparing to attend a political meeting; so were former Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, Tonye Ezekiel Willie Harry and Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly, Haruna Tsokwa.

According to Dr Akinsanya Olusegun-Joseph, Consultant Physician/Cardiologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), which is also called heart attack, is unpredictable. It can happen at anytime- morning, afternoon, evening, at night or even when resting, walking or doing anything.

What precisely is heart attack?

Dr Olusegun-Joseph said: “It happens when a blood clot suddenly cuts off the blood flow to the heart, preventing enough oxygen from getting to the heart. A lack of oxygen-containing blood flowing to the heart, results in the loss of heart muscle.”

He said a blood clot is when a fatty build up, for example, cholesterol, prevents blood from flowing through the arteries to the heart. A fatty build up can also narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart. He said there were increasing cases of SCA-related deaths in Nigeria.

Cardiologist and Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Prof Wale Oke, described a heart attack as a section of the heart dying because there was no blood supply to it. “This is also known as coagulation cascade,” he said.

But why is the case increasing in the country? Dr Olusegun-Joseph says it is because factors fuelling it are increasing. Non communicable diseases NCDs, such as diabetes; hypertension and obesity are in-

•Agagu

•Olusegun-Joseph

creasing.

“There are rising cases of cholesterol, especially with the advent of eateries. It is on record that these eateries all over the world use salt massively in their cooking. Likewise fat and oil. All these impede on the heart. People are guilty of inactivity. They do not exercise as required. The type of work they engaged in does not allow them time to do exercise or walk around.

They sit in the offices all day long.

And the energy is stored up as excess calories that add up to overweight and then obesity.

“People consume energy drinks and packaged juices which are further stored as excess calories on the system. The heart is made to do extra work. And people do not exercise. In fact, their lifestyle has changed from when our forefathers used to trek long distances, like from their farms. You see people now taking lift, bikes or taxis/drop or even drive cars. All these do not allow them to shed weight of stored fat in the body. People also smoke.

The effect on non smokers is even worse. It is a good thing that government propagated a policy on smoking in public places.

“Frightening is the way people add salt to their cooking at table.

Some do not taste their food at all, and before you blink, they grab the salt shaker and add extra salt to

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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NEWS

t ...Why the heart suddenly stops

•Tsokwa

Symptoms

•Difficulty in breathing •Shortness of breath •Sweating •Nausea or vomiting •Dizziness •Feeling tired all the time •Irregular heartbeats and fullness • Indigestion or choking feeling •Pain in the chest, neck and jaw •Pain in the centre of chest and inside arms

Prevention tips

•Cut down on salt intake •Reduce weight • Exercise regularly •Drink water instead of fizzy drinks or juice •Cut down on fried food or cholesterol- laden food •Stop smoking •Reduce alcohol drastically their food. The trend should be stopped. Stress also increases susceptibility to sudden cardiac arrest.

Likewise the personality type of an individual plays a role. There are personality Type A, B, C and D. For Type A, they are aggressive, go-getters who will break down wall or himself to achieve a target or goal.

That is highly dangerous. He can drive himself to any length, including his health and of course his heart. Always in a hurry. He will rather break down than not get it done. He multi tasked himself and others. He is predisposed to heart attack. Type B personality is okay, easy going set moderate and realistic goals. And keep an easy pace at achieving results. But the danger is that he can swing to Type A, with its attendant results, especially when he is under intense pressure.

The effects are sudden. One moment the person is well and bubbling, the next he slumps and dies if medical attention is not sought immediately. Not much has been said about Type C personality in the light of sudden cardiac death. They

•Harry

are cool headed personalities. Type D is also at risk of cardiovascular problem. This is a person that is tired of life. Nothing impresses them. This category slip into depression and not happy and find it difficult relating happily with people and environment or even (positive) developments. Everything to them is dry.”

Symptoms of heart attack

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OW does a person recognise warning signs of heart at tack? Dr Olusegun-Joseph said sudden cardiac arrest will not just jump on a person.

“The symptoms of a heart attack are- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath; sweating; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; feeling tired all the time; irregular heartbeats and fullness, indigestion or choking feeling.

“Heart attacks can cause pain in the: Left side of chest or entire upper chest; neck and jaw; centre of chest and inside arms; stomach; chest, neck, jaw and inside arms; left shoulder and back between shoulder blades. Person may not die if the effect or assault is not much and medical help comes to him immediately.

“Tests available to detect heart muscle damage are physical examination; electrocardiogram (ECG) that records the electrical activity of the heart and various blood tests.

Heart attack can be prevented by maintaining a healthier lifestyle because every second counts.

Oke identified chest pain/ discomfort and palpitation as symptoms of heart attack.

“The pain can move to both arms and back, among other parts of the body. Pain is central and it can move to the arm unlike angina pectoris (chest pain), which lasts between 15 to 25 minutes before it disappears,” he said.

Prevention tips He said the mortality rate of heart attack is very exponentially high, even in the best centres, but if they come promptly to hospital and treatment is commenced, most survive.

A lot can be done to prevent sudden cardiac death at individual level and community level.

He said: “For individual modifi-

cation, it is very good to cut down on salt intake. Increased salt intake increases chances of hypertension.

Once hypertension comes in, the possibility of the heart being overworked are increased. And that can progress to other cardiovascular diseases, like stroke; kidney problems/ prevalence of hypertension have doubled in Nigeria compared to 15 years ago. We have a big problem on our hands.

“Westernisation also comes with its own problems. With it have come taking foods that are injurious to health, like cholesterol laden foods and abysmally high salt; additives and colourings with strange taste.

It is as bad as people not being able to experience taste of salt in their food. We discourage keeping salt on the table. It is wrong. When we talk of salt, we include salty spices as well or seasonings.

“If a patient is obese we encourage such to lose weight and if overweight we say reduce. For those who are inactive, we tell them to become more active by exercising thirty minutes per day for five days in a week, at least to a point where you sweat and not to a point where you tend to collapse or pant or gasp for breath- a point where your system can take you. And with time your body will naturally encourage you to do more; instead of taking the elevator, why not the stairs. Park your car some buildings away from your home of office and take a brisk walk to your destination. During break, walk to the canteen and que up instead of placing order for your food. Drink water instead of fizzy drinks or juice. Cut down on fired food or cholesterol laden food, this is where fast food and eateries come in. People can also switch to cholesterol free oil.

“The simple way to detect good oil is to put in freezer or cooling system over night. Once the oil freezes it is not good for consumption, which is exactly how it will clog up the arteries. Fruits and vegetables are extremely good, and cheaper, accessible and nutritious.

They are extremely good for the system. We tell smokers to stop totally. Not reduce from one pack to a stick but totally. Those that drink alcohol should reduce drastically.

“And that brings up the issue of energy drinks. The active ingredi-

ents are caffeine and sugar. They impact negatively on the respiratory organs. They dehydrate. Those that drink means they are consuming sugar indiscriminately and can develop diabetes. And it is a killer that predisposes to other conditions like stroke; heart attack; kidney impairment; every organ of the body like the eyes and legs are not spared. The number one major cause of amputation, why people have amputated limbs after fatal accidents is diabetes. Check out the data in any hospital globally. Sugary and sweetened things have a way of impacting on inflammation.

“Energy drink, to add, makes the heart to beat faster. Some of our patients have died. We found out that it causes dehydration. It is meant to supply energy to the body; with the energy supplied there is greater metabolism that leads to increased activities of the system and excretions from skin. That is artificially stimulating the body to function.”

And the community can also help halt cases of sudden cardiac arrest.

How? He said: “Government policies at all the three tiers of government can take us there. For instance, before a promotion is done, it can be recommended that some simple exercise be done and routine screening be done. Circumventing purchase of medical reports can be effected as well. Doctors should be truthful enough to ensuring those screenings are done, by resolving that if I don’t screen this fellow, am not going to sign. No more short cuts.

Short cut, short life to death “It can legislate on salt intake by giving a policy on total amount of salt to be added to food by eateries.

Laws can be made but implementation is important. All the strange things other countries ship to Nigeria should be screened and those that are not beneficial to health should be rooted out. It can step up on smoking policy by stepping up on education of its effect “Recreational grounds should be preserved and more created. Children and adults don’t jog again or relax. Just as we have environmental day, we can also have exercising day. Cardiovascular disease (CVDs) increase with age and lifestyle play major issues. We have patients who

are 13, 18 and 25 years old with serious CVDs like kidney problems, heart failures and other serious complications. Age is no protection to not developing sudden cardiac arrest but healthy lifestyle changes or modification.

If you don’t adhere to health beneficial practices you are not immune. Age is no natural protection.

Though men from 45 are more prone and women due to their hormone- Estrogen are free until age 55, when they start menopause and become at par with men. Some patients have said their parents are not prone but they have quickly forgotten that such did made good lifestyle changes. Bad lifestyle triggers sudden cardiac arrest. Our common saying is- ‘Genetics loads the gun, environment fires it’.

Prof Oke said people should know their numbers, which are blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol level.

Many people, he said, have high blood pressure, which cannot be known until they are measured, describing the heart as a pump, which pumps blood to all tissues in the body, especially the brain.

“It also pumps blood to itself.

While it is pumping blood to other parts of the body; it doesn’t pump to itself,” he added.

He said heart diseases can be caused by genetic disposition, unhealthy lifestyle and acute coronary artery diseases. He said most heart attacks can be prevented by engaging in healthy lifestyle, especially healthy diet. “It is difficult to change diet at adulthood but people should desist from food that works against their wellbeing, such as staying off meat from 40 years and exercising regularly, and taking lots of fruits and vegetables.

Treatment

H

EART attack, Oke said, could be treated with medi cation or through coronary artery bypass surgery.

“It can be treated with primary and secondary prevention. Under primary prevention, cardiologists will first manage the risk factors, such as lifestyle. But some are fixed, especially family history/ heredity and age because the older people are the more likely they are to developing the disease,” he said.

Oke said modifiable risk factors hypertension and diabetes should be managed well.

“Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart, kidney disease, stroke and heart failure,” he said.

He identified hypertension, diabetes and obesity as most killer of people but hypertension is the major one.

He said people should stop smoking, avoid eating fatty food and exercise regularly to stay healthy and strong.

CMD, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Lagos, Prof Akin Osibogun, said there was an increase in deaths due to cardiac problems.

This, he said, may be due to factors, such as lack of equipment and ability to make accurate diagnosis.

He urged the people to walk for health, adding that they do not need to buy anything to walk.

“Jogging and walking are the cheapest forms of exercise,” he added.

Osibogun said people should modify their diet and reduce their salt intake. “They should also reduce the use of oily diet and take more of vegetables, disabuse the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. If they did all these, they are likely to prevent sudden death due to cardiac problems,” Osibogun said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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NEWS

FEC meeting cancelled From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

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HE weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting of the Federal Government did not hold in Abuja yesterday.

No official reason was given for the cancellation.

President Goodluck Jonathan was in Anambra State for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) campaign in Saturday’s governorship election.

Glo parades best comic acts in Benin •A cross section of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) residents during the Presidential Advisory Committee on National Dialogue’s interactive session in Abuja... yesterday.

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Senate adopts MTEF amid opposition

HE Senate yesterday adopted the 2014-2016 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) submitted to it by President Goodluck Jonathan for consideration and approval.

With the adoption of the controversial fiscal projections, the Senate appears set to receive next year’s Appropriation Bill on November 19.

The MTEF and FSP are statutory requirements that must be submitted to the National Assembly for its consideration and approval prior to the pres-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

entation of the budget to the National Assembly by the Federal Government as mandated by the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

The adoption of the documents was not without boppsition.

But for the intervention of Senate President David Mark, the MTEF and FSP would have been rejected, as many lawmakers faulted portions of the documents.

The Senate pegged the exchange for 2014 at N160 to $1 and increased the oil benchmark from $74pb, proposed by the Presidency, to $76.50pb.

It agreed with its Committee on Finance and Appropriation that the implementation of this year’s budget did not record up to 40 per cent within the first half of the year.

The Senate also agreed that “from the progressive, optimistic but cautious MTEF and FSP projections and policy objectives over the years, the nation has not moved from the old practice of heavy re-

current and light capital projection, which led to subsequent poor implementation of the budget in past years.’’

“Not up to 40 per cent of projections for the first half of the year have been realised.

“Operators of the budget have blamed the situation on oil theft, pipeline vandalism and similar situations already mentioned.

“The recurrent non-debt expenditure of N2.415 trillion and capital spending was pegged at N1.591 trillion (capital budget). Of this sum, only

N827 billion has so far been released and cash-backed for the implementation of capital projects as at the end of the third quarter of 2013, for reasons the Executive claimed were occasioned by reduced revenue inflows from oil and non-oil revenue sources, especially revenues from the Nigeria Customs Service.

“Moreover, it is disheartening to learn that a total of N93.5 billion of the N180 billion SURE-P allocation for 2012, which could not be exhausted in the 2012 budget, was rolled over to 2013.”

‘We don’t deduct N500 from corps members’ allowances’

Outrage over police stoppage of Melaye’s FoI colloquium

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ORRENTS of condemnations have continued to trail Tuesday’s stoppage of a colloquium on the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act, 2011, organised by the Executive Secretary of the AntiCorruption Network, Dino Melaye, in Abuja.

The police barricaded the Nicon Luxury Hotel venue of the event on Tuesday, thereby preventing speakers - both national and international -

From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

and participants from entering.

The colloquium, with the theme: Demystifying the Complexities - Empowering the People, was expected to discuss the essence of liberty in information dissemination to a democracy.

Scores of Nigerians described the disruption of the colloquium as the height of

impunity and executive recklessness.

Others wondered where the ship of the Nigerian state was headed with the brazen rape on democratic freedom of association, speech and peaceful assembly by the police, which allegedly acted on the orders of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar.

Former Governor of the old Kaduna State and Chair-

man of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, accused President Goodluck Jonathan of being responsible for the action.

Besides Musa, other dignitaries barred from attending the event included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Senate President David Mark and House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal.

Respect your limits, Atiku urges Executive, Legislature F

ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Executive and Legislature arms of government to respect the limits of their constitutional powers and responsibilities to avoid conflicts, which may impede governance.

The former vice president spoke in Abuja when he presented a paper, titled: Political Parties and Legislative Autonomy, at this year’s Africa Legislative Summit.

He noted that while the struggle for power between the Executive and the Legislature was normal, the larger national interest should be al-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

lowed to take precedence over their egos.

According to him, Nigerians would be served better, if the different arms of government were guided by national interest rather than egos.

Atiku said even in the United States, conflicts between the Executive and Legislative branches do exist.

The former vice president, however, advised that “com-

promises are key to serving the national interest and avoiding a gridlock.”

He explained that attempts to supplant the power or roles of each other could plant the seeds of conflict, which he said should be avoided.

On the theme of the summit, which examined “political parties and legislative autonomy”, Atiku noted that legislators were elected in their personal capacity.

According to him, to expect such lawmakers to follow the party line was a potential

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From Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor), Abuja

She said it had become imperative for banks to comply with the codes of corporate governance to minimise the “challenges that came with having bigger banks.”

Represented by Justice Mahmud Mohammed, the CJN said: “The CBN needs to

implement and enforce strict compliance with the corporate governance code, which was set out with the main objectives of mitigating the challenges that came with having bigger banks with greater liabilities, improving public confidence in the banking sector and safeguarding the interest of customers.”

Justice Mukhtar acknowl-

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From Bukola Amusan, Abuja

HE National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Foundation has denied reports that the scheme is deducting N500 from corps members’ allowance to run the founda-

tion.

Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BoT) Mr Remi Oluwude addressed reporters yesterday in Abuja.

He said such reports were false and mischievous.

Oluwude, who was represented by a former DirectorGeneral of the NYSC, Maj.-Gen. Isaac Momoh, said there was nothing in the reports to buttress the damaging conclusion that there was a scam involving the foundation.

He added that corps members were educated and persuaded to subscribe to the foundation after their service year.

According to him, those who are convinced join the foundation voluntarily and pay N500 as subscription fee.

The NYSC chief stressed that there was no compulsion or illegal deduction for the subscription.

He said: “This is a reckless inference without any valid conclusion.

FRSC urges motorists to drive with caution

•Atiku

source of conflict.

Atiku also reiterated his support for a two-party system for the country, saying this was more suited for Nigeria’s peculiar circumstances.

CJN urges banks to comply with corporate governance code

HE Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar has advised the banking sector regulators to ensure that banks comply with existing corporate governance code.

Justice Mukhtar spoke yesterday in Abuja at the 13th seminar on banking and allied matters for judges.

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IGERIA’s leading comedy and music icons, led by Basketmouth, will , on Sunday, entertain an audience in Benin, the Edo State capital, in continuation of Africa’s biggest comedy show, the Glo Laffta Fest, tagged, Invasion LOL. A statement in Lagos by the telecommunications company said the Benin edition of the show, the fifth in the series, would hold on November 17 at the Best Western Hotel, Etete GRA. Among top Nigerian comedians to perform at the show are Julius Agwu, Okey Bakassi, Bovi, Buchi, Akpororo, Dan D Humorous, Gordons, I Go Save, Senator, Funny Bone and fast rising 2CanTAlk. The top-rated comedians promised to dish out exhilarating jokes to excite the live audience at the show.

edged the importance of the banking industry in creating a stable and buoyant economy for the nation.

She said: “The implementation of the various financial and economic reform programmes, especially in the banking sector, will definitely lead to increased litigation involving the banks, their customers and the government...”

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By Jeremiah Oke

HE Ogun State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised drivers to be more careful in December to avoid crashes.

The new Sector Commander, Adegoke Adetunji, spoke yesterday in Ijebu-Ode during his maiden familiarisation tour of the unit command.

He urged motorists to be patient and avoid illegal crossing on the highways.

The commander advised them to observe driving rules and regulations as well as road signs.

He said this was the major way to avoid road crashes. on our roads.

Adetunji said that the high ways are expected to busy as people would be travelling to other part of the country to celebrate festive with their families.

He said as he assumed office, he has embark on public enlightenment and patrol operations to ensure that crashes of vehicles are reduce in the state.

In his words; “I want to advise our motorist to be careful. They should be aware that over speeding, overloading, not use of seatbelt, and making calls while driving are not allowed on our road.

They should know that patient is the watchword while driving.

“I also want to tell you that we have discussed the conditions of our roads in ogun state, especially the Ijebu-ode- Ore express way with the government and we can see that they are really working on it to ensure that they fill-up the pot holes on this road.

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

NEWS EWS

FESTUS IYAYI (1947 - 2013)

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HE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday said the Federal Government and the Kogi State government should be held accountable for the death of Prof. Festus Iyayi.

In a condolence message, the NLC said it joined other Nigerians to mourn Prof Festus Iyayi.

The late Iyayi was killed on Tuesday in a road crash involving the convoy of Kogi State Governor Wada Idris on the Lokoja-Abuja Road.

NLC President Abdulwahed Omar, in a statement, titled: Iyayi Did Not Deserve to Die, said there was no justification for leaving the road undone.

Blaming the governor for the academic’s death, Omar said: “Iyayi’s death leaves a sour taste in the mouth and is totally avoidable. We blame the Federal Government for criminal negligence on the one hand and executive lawlessness/impunity on the part of the Kogi State governor.

“The Lokoja-Abuja stretch is arguably one of the busiest in the country. The contract for its dualisation was awarded about 10 years ago. Quite sadly and unfortunately, no appreciable work has been done, thus turning the stretch into a slaughter slab.

Amosun: His death regrettable

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•Omar (left) with other labour leaders from Ghana and Nigeria at a trilateral conference in Abuja... yesterday

NLC blames Fed Govt, Kogi for Iyayi’s death “In the light of the foregoing, the congress holds the Federal Government and the Kogi State government accountable for the death of this eminent scholar and patriot. Several other Nigerians and non-Nigerian citizens have perished on this road too.

“The congress holds the

view that there is no justification for leaving this road, and indeed other critical roads undone.

Nigerians are keen to know the facts of this contract. Government will be doing very little to help itself if it shields the criminals responsible for the non-completion of this

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AGOS lawyer Mr Femi Falana (SAN) has urged the police to arrest and charge the driver of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada with manslaughter over the death of Prof.

Festus Iyayi.

Falana noted that though governors had immunity, their drivers were not immune from prosecution for criminal offences.

The lawyer, in a statement in Lagos yesterday, also said Wada should bear the responsibility for the accident in which Prof Iyayi died.

He said: “Governor Wada is vicariously liable for the criminal negligence of his driver, who killed Festus.

“The Kogi State government should be made to pay huge compensation to ASUU and the family of Prof Iyayi.”

The frontline lawyer recalled that on December 27, last year, Wada was involved in an auto crash at Ayingba, Kogi State.

He said because of speeding, the governor’s car somersaulted several times before it crashed into the bush, injuring him, his driver and his orderly.

Falana said Wada’s Aide-de-Camp (ADC) Idris Mohammed died in the accident.

He urged officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) to henceforth monitor Wada’s movements to prevent him from killing more people on the roads.

“The speed limit imposed on all drivers should apply to all citizens alike. In particular, drivers of governors who commit traffic offences must be brought to book,” Falana added.

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HE University of Benin (UNIBEN) was yesterday mourning one of its frontline lecturers and a former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof Festus Iyayi.

Many offices were not opened for business.

At the home of the late Prof Iyayi, sympathisers were seen discussing in groups.

UNIBEN Vice Chancellor Prof. Osayuki Oshodin,led the top management of the institution on a condolence visit to the widow.

Also, there were close family and friends.

Prof. Iyayi’s widow, Grace, was surrounded by friends and relatives as she wept silently.

She was quiet all through and wiped her face occasionally.

Prof. Oshodin was in a pensive mood. He could not say anything and looked into space.

Wogu condoles with ASUU

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

UNIBEN’s Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Prof.

Obehi Okojie, who spoke on behalf of the VC, described Iyayi’s death as a shock and a great loss to the university.

He said: “We know what Prof. Iyayi stood for. He was a dear friend to all of us. God don’t allow accident to happen, but it has happened. God will see you through. The university is behind you. We pray God to strengthen you and help you to entrench what he stood for.”

Omole, the third son of the late Iyayi, said the family did not anticipate receiving visitors on a condolence visit so soon.

He said the family was amazed at the concern shown by the public on the death of his father.

Omole said: “We know he was an ASUU war lord and he was going for what he believed in. We are sure he will

be in a better place. We never expected it to be so soon.”

A childhood friend of the late Iyayi and Dean of the Postgraduate School Prof. Bob Osazee described Iyayi as the best in human capital development.

He said: “He was committed to activism and has deep concern for human welfare.

When he was detained, he stuck to his gun and never waivered.

He believed in the welfare of his colleagues.”

Prof. Famous Izedonmi, who said he was taught by the late Iyayi in 1980, described him as a rare gem and hater of oppression.

“Prof. Iyayi lived and died for ASUU. He goes beyond UNIBEN. We should immortalise his name in UNIBEN. We will do something to immortalise him,” Izedonmi said.

It was learnt that efforts were being made to bring the body of the late Iyayi to Benin yesterday.

Funeral for Deji Falae today

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INISTER of Labour and ProductivityEmeka Wogu has condoled with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on the death of Prof. Festus Iyayi, a former ASUU president.

The minister, in a statement yesterday in Abuja, noted that the death of the former ASUU president was shocking and a colossal loss to the trade union movement in Nigeria.

He said Iyayi died when his struggle for improving the standard of education in Nigeria was about to yield positive results.

Wogu said: “I received with shock the sudden death of the former president of ASUU, Prof. Festus Iyayi, in a motor accident on the Lokoja-Abuja Expressway.”

“I share in the pains and identify with ASUU and the family of the deceased in this moment of grief.”

The minister urged Nigerians to mourn the renowned academic and award-winning writer.

He noted that during his tenure as ASUU president, Iyayi contributed immensely to the development of an environment conducive to lecture in the nation’s universities.

Wogu sympathised with ASUU President, Dr Nasir Fagge, and other members of the union.

He prayed God to grant the Iyayi family, ASUU, the Nigeria labour movement and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The minister also prayed for the quick recovery of those who were injured in the accident.

The statement was signed by the ministry’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Samuel Olowookere.

The statement noted: “The Federal Road Safety Corps and the police are invited to diligently prosecute this executive lawlessness. But besides, the congress also urges the National Assembly to criminalise fatal road crashes as part of the process of bringing accountability to road use.”

UNIBEN VC, others visit his family

Falana seeks arrest of Wada’s driver

By Adebisi Onanuga

road instead of prosecuting them.”

NLC called on all sirenblowing and terror-dealing convoys to exercise caution and have a regard for other road users.

Omar insisted that no one had a monopoly of the use of public roads or thoroughfares.

•The late Iyayi

The late Falae

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YODEJI Olaniran, the second son of Chief Olu Falae, who died in the October 3 Associated Airline plane crash in Lagos will be buried today.

Venue is Saint David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

A statement on behalf of one of the in-laws and signed

by Ikemefuna Akinjide Okafo, described the late Ondo State Commissioner as “an embodiment of humility, honesty and charming charisma”.

To the Okafos, members of the Falae family have lost a gem “and a leader of this generation who touched our lives in a way that only you could.

We will never forget the smile and laughter you brought to our faces. Your work here is done and what a great job you did. Now rest in the arms of the one who sent you, and has called you back to his glory”.

The statement reads: “The entire Okafo family sympathises with our dear in-laws, the Falaes, on the loss of their son, husband, father and brother, Ayodeji Olaniran Falae.

“What more can be said about this great man that has not been said already, ever since your untimely death on

October 3, 2013. I have read so many tributes and testimonies of the truly exceptional man my brother was. Your unique qualities - humility, honesty, and, of course, your charming charisma are unequalled.

“I remember the day yourself and brother Dapo stopped over in our house on your way to Akure and offered to give me a ride to Ife. Good thing I said yes. The twohour journey seemed just like 10 minutes, as you and brother Dapo filled the car with laughter, now that day remains only a memory. “This memory of your infectious laughter and warmth, joke after joke, I will never forget.

You made everyone so comfortable and at ease in what ever situation and I’m sure as calm and enjoyable as heaven sounds, your presence would definitely be noticed.”

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has expressed shock and regret at the death of Prof Festus Iyayi, in an auto crash in Kogi State.

He was 66.

The governor condoled with the government and people of Edo State, ASUU and the academic community on the death of the late lecturer, writer and dogged fighter for academic and social reforms.

In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Funmi Wakama, the governor recalled the late professor’s struggle in the education sector as ASUU president in 1986, which led to his incarceration in 1988.

Amosun described Iyayi’s death as unfortunate.

He said: “The late professor profoundly influenced progressive policies in the nation’s education sector and he will forever be remembered for his selfless service towards resolving the ongoing ASUU/ Federal Government face-off.

Indeed, the country has lost another brilliant mind and a true patriot.”

Aregbesola salutes writer’s courage From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

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SUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has saluted the courage of the late former ASUU President, Prof. Festus Iyayi, for his courage in confronting those he called forces militating against the nation’s development.

The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said Iyayi’s tragic death made a sad statement on how quality lives were wasted in avoidable circumstances, such as bad roads and decayed infrastructure.

He described Iyayi’s death as a sad loss to the academic world and the nation.

I’m shocked, says Fayemi From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

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KITI State Governor Kayode Fayemi has expressed shock at the death of the former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Festus Iyayi.

Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, described Iyayi’s death in an auto crash on Tuesday as not only unfortunate but also devastating.

He expressed regret that Iyayi died when he was collaborating with other ASUU officials to find an amicable solution to the ongoing strike by university teachers.

The governor described Iyayi as a great scholar, researcher, teacher and unionist, who fought for the cause he believed in to the best of his ability.

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THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2013

NEWS

‘Sovereign Conference is the only way out’

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•From left: Opadokun; Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) and Chairman, Afenifere Renewal Group (AGR), Wale Osun...yesterday.

•From left: The late Ajibola’s daughter, Miss Titilope Ajibola; Mrs. Kudirat Bashorun and the widow, Yewande...yesterday.

HE sovereign groups that were forcefully amalgamated by the British government in 1914 must meet and their decisions must be implemented without distortions, if Nigeria is to progress.

This was the position of NADECO chieftains, Chief Ayo Opaokun, Mr. Fred Agbeyegbe and others yesterday at a lecture titled: “Agenda for Sovereign National Conference/Agenda for National Restructuring”, held at the indoor hall of the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The lecture was part of the funeral activities for the late economist and activist, Baba Omojola Oluwide Ajibola.

NADECO said sovereignty lies with the people.

It said the right exercised by the National Assembly today was delegated to it by the people, so if there is a quarrel “as is the case now”, the owners of the sovereignty sit together and redraft the basis for their continous co-existence.

NADECO said something was fundamentally wrong with the structure put together by the British.

Agbeyegbe said for 42 years, Muammar Gadafi ruled Libya but the day the real owners of sovereignty (the Libyans) wanted it, they took it from him and killed him.

He said real sovereignty would guaranty pipe-borne water running in every home, food for Nigerians, quality health care, education and security.

Agbeyegbe said the Ni-

Travellers stranded as protesters block Ado-Akure road

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ESIDENTS of Itaogbolu, Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, yesterday blocked the Akure/Ado-Ekiti road, preventing motorists from passing.

They were protesting the incessant killing of residents by hit-and-run drivers.

The protest began around 7pm on Tuesday, when an unidentified woman was knocked down by a hit-and-run driver.

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It was learnt that the incident occurred barely 48 hours after two persons were killed in a similar situation.

Residents made bonfires and barricaded the road with heavy logs of wood, insisting that motorists would not pass until speed breakers were put in place.

Some travellers slept in their vehicles overnight, while oth-

ers diverted to the IgbaraOdo-Ilawe-Igbara-OkeAkure road.

Efforts by security operatives to pacify the protesters failed.

Police spokesman Wole Ogodo said a team led by the deputy commissioner, which arrived at the town around 9pm on Tuesday and left after 2am yesterday, pleaded with the protesters to open the road, but they were adamant.

Ex-Oyo HoS knows fate today

N Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, the state capital, will today hear the application for the bail of a former Head of Service (HoS), Alhaja Kudirat Adeleke, and 11 others, who were accused of stealing N5.6 billion pension fund by the Economic and Financial

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From Damisi Ojo, Akure

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The others are Muili Aderemi, Iyabo Giwa, Adesina Ayoade, Oguntayo Banji, Adebiyi Olasunbo, Muili Adedamola, Adeduntan Johnson, Johnson Abosede, Kareem Rasheed,

Olujimi Adebayo and Adewale Kehinde.

All the suspects were workers of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board.

The money was meant for the gratuity of primary school teachers, who retired in 2010 and 2011.

NDLEA arrests 347 suspects

HE Oyo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 2996.841kg of cannabis sativa, 14.8gms of cocaine, 0.8gms of heroine and 3.050kg of psychotropic substances this year.

It arrested 345 suspected drug dealers within the period.

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

NDLEA State Commandant Ms. Omolade Faboyede spoke yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital.

She said: “Over the years we have convicted 36 drug dealers. Unique among the case is that of Kafayat Blessing (27), a student, who was ar-

rested on November 25, last year, with 40kg of cannabis sativa and was convicted. She was re-arrested on July 9 with 16kg of cannabis sativa.

“Another interesting case is that of a notorious cocaine dealer in Beere, Abass Adeyinka (35), who was arrested with 0.8gms of cocaine.”

He said the police advised motorists to take alternative routes.

Ogodo said: “We left the town after 2am this morning.

The people dug deep holes on the road and set fire on every portion. Our pleas to them fell on deaf ears. The DCP, area commander and other officers were there but we could not do anything. We told road users to take alternative routes.”

As at press time, policemen were still directing motorists to use alternatives routes and trucks were parked on a long stretch by the road.

Efforts by the Council Chairman, Olu Aderuku, and the lawmaker representing the constituency in the House of Assembly, Akindele Adeniyi, to pacify the protesters failed.

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By Uyoatta Eshiet

geria of today cannot do all that for citizens because it is not a product of the people.

He said: “The British did what they did for their selfish gains and not for the good of the various ethnic groups they forcefully put together. The present constitution is a fraud and we must sit together and chart a way forward, if we mean well.

“The present day Nigeria is just a canopy stretched over the territories of the various ethnic groups that make up what Britain called Nigeria. The British powers in 1884 to 1885 sat together and shared Africa among themselves. Each group should retain its identity.

“The call for a conference of the sovereign nations that make up Nigeria today is a call by those who are truly in sympathy with Nigeria. We have made a mistake for over 50 years and must retrace our steps through the sovereign national conference. The late Baba Omojola believed this was the only way to liberate Nigeria.”

Opadokun said the proposed national conference should be structured in stages, with modalities agreed to by the people.

He said seeking the National Assembly’s approval on the conference’s decisions was unacceptable because the National Assembly was a product of “a fraudulent constitution”.

‘Ondo candidate for NDDC board okay’

NDO State Governor Olusegun Mimiko has been urged to ignore those kicking against the nomination of Dr. Benson Enikuomehin for the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Former Ilaje Local Government Council Chairman Prince Benjamin Okunomo accused the agitators of being biased and selfish. He said the Orosanye Panel did not indict members of the commission’s dissolved board, on which Enikuomehin served, of any wrong doing.

Okunomo said: “The panel recommended the then board for dissolution

By Tajudeen Adebanjo

because members of the management team could not work together.

Prominent members of the said board, including Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Mr. Joe Jakpa, were reappointed on the last board and the chairman, AVM Larry Koinya, has been appointed chairman of the Governing Council of a federal institution.

“The current nominee for the position of Managing Director of the commission was also a leading figure in the dissolved board. If it can happen elsewhere, why not in Ondo State?”

Two held over expatriate’s murder

HE police in Lagos State have arrested two persons in connection with the murder of an expatriate, who was handling the construction of the Ijegun-Jakande Road.

Police spokesperson Ngozi Braide said the suspects were being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba.

The expatriate, who worked with the Hitech Construction Company, was allegedly stabbed to death at night by seven persons on November 3, a week after his wife put to bed.

The incident occurred in his home at Isheri-Osun.

Braide said those arrested were the deceased’s guards, who were

allegedly tied up by the attackers.

She said an autopsy was carried out on the deceased and the body had been taken to the expatriate’s country.

The traditional ruler of Ijegun, Oba Nureni Akinremi, urged residents to give the police information that would lead to the culprits’ arrest.

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THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2013

NEWS Broadcasting service, institute partner

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HE Institute of Strate gic Management in Nigeria (ISMN) has partnered the Broadcasting Service of Ekiti State (BSES) on leadership training.

Both organisations will work towards inculcating leadership qualities and moral values in tomorrow’s leaders.

During a visit to BSES office, Ekiti ISMN Chairman, Obafemi Obitunde, said lack of effective leadership remains one of Nigeria’s major problems.

He said BSES’s programmes were designed to improve the society.

Obitunde said ISMN’s vision is to be a world class institute in strategic management and a key player in positioning Nigeria and Africa for leadership in the global society.

BSES Director General Mr. Sina Awelewa, a lawyer, said Nigeria is blessed with human and natural resources, but has remained undeveloped due to bad leadership.

The Director of Programmes, Layi Oyawa, said programmes would be designed to sensitise the public on ISMN’s programmes.

UNILAG’s SSANU protests N1.6b allowance sharing formula

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HE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) protested yesterday the management’s “failure” to follow the approved formula in the sharing of the N1.6 billion earned allowance for federal varsity workers.

SSANU Chairman Adetola Adetomiwa said the money was among the issues contained in the agreement with the Federal Government in 2009.

He said the allowance comprised responsibility, excess work load and hazard.

Adetomiwa said the government gave N30 billion to federal universities for the allowance about two months ago before President Goodluck Jonathan met with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) leaders.

He said: “Of this amount, N1.6 billion was accruable to our university to be shared by an existing formula, which is N15,000 for junior staff spread across 18 months arrears and N30,000 for senior staff spread across 18 months.

“Rather than follow this sharing formula as stipu-

lated for all labour unions in the institution, the university authorities decided to pay each of us N15,000 across board and this is highly unacceptable.

“The right amount has since been paid to our colleagues in other universities. Why should our case be different or is there something going on that we do not know about? We give the management 24 hours to do the right thing to avoid further problems in the university. The government has done its part and there is no reason for some indi-

viduals to scuttle its gesture.

“We want to follow this matter up to any level because it is high time we instilled discipline in the university system, which has been suffering from a lot of challenges. We must all support the government to build a university of our dream.”

SSANU Financial Secretary Okeowo Oluwaseun said: “The university has been enjoying some measure of peace, that is why the management feels it can do whatever it wants without being challenged.”

OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has appointed 15 special advisers.

They are Dr. Festus Adedayo, Mr. Abayomi Oke, Alhaji Waheed Gbadamosi, Mr. Fatai Buhari, Mr. Ganiyu Fawole, Mr. Gbolagade Busari, Mr. Toye Arulogun, Mr. Adeyemi Aderibigbe, Mr. Matthew Oyedokun, Mr. Segun Abolarinwa, Mrs. Aderonke Adedayo, Ms. Olubunmi Amoo, Mr. Tope Fajana, Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle and Ms. Olufunke Olunloyo.

They will be sworn in today at the Executive Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office by 11am.

O

T

EKITI State SolicitorGeneral and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice Dayo Apata has advocated stricter punishment for rapists and other sex offenders.

He spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, at a twoday conference organised by the Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Child Rights Law and the Family Court. The Child Rights Law was passed in Ekiti State in 2006.

A resource person, Mr. Chinonye Obagwu, said children were an integral part of the society, urging the government to enforce laws protecting their rights.

UNICEF Desk Officer Tunde Olaolorun said the Ekiti Child Rights Act and Family Court protected children.

Ajimobi appoints 15 special advisers

Amosun’s wife, others for honour YO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi is among outstanding Nigerians to be honoured by Top Elegance Magazine, a Lagos-based events and lifestyle publication, on Sunday.

The occasion is the magazine’s sixth anniversary/fifth Recognition Awards.

The event will hold at the Oranmiyan Hall of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, by 3pm.

Ajimobi will bag the Governor of the Year Award; wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs. Olufunso Amosun (Best Socially Responsible First Lady); Mr. Bimbo Daramola (Most Outstanding Federal Legislator); Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Kayode Opeifa (Best Commissioner in the Southwest) and former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Dele Alake (Lifetime Achievement in Media Practice).

Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof.

Modupe Adelabu is the mother of the day; Chief Oyekunle AlexDuduyemi is the father of the day; Chief Kareem Daramola is the chairman of the occasion. Chief Ayokunnu Akande is the special guest of honour.

‘Rapists need stricter sanctions’

•Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi (wearing a green cap) with party faithful and community leaders during a tour of Ayegbaju-Ekiti... on Monday.

Lagos awards contract for rail project extension to Marina

L

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola has awarded the contract for the extension of the Blue line lite rail project from the National Theatre to Marina to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

At a forum organised by the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents (LAGOCO) at the State Secretariat in Ikeja, Lagos Metropolitan Transport Management Authority (LAMATA) Managing Director Dr. Dayo Mobereola said yesterday that though the project is expensive, it would facilitate easy movement from Mile 2 to Marina.

The forum was part of activities marking the 2013 Press

Book on Fashola for launch tommorrow

Week.

On LAMATA’s 10th anniversary, Mobereola said the agency would continue to evolve improved means of transportation.

He said: “The people of Lagos are gradually abandoning Danfo and Molue buses for BRT. We have reduced waiting time at bus stops, the travel time within the metropolis and transport fare by 40 per cent, compared to the service rendered by yellow buses.”

He said the agency had developed a 20-year transportation development plan covering bus, rail and ferry service and provision of good roads for the BRT system.

Mobereola said the introduction of the electronic ticketing system was part of the plan, adding that the Lagos Connect Card would soon be introduced for the boarding of BRT, Lite Rail and Ferry.

On the maintenance of BRT buses, Mobereola said the agency was aware of the challenges, adding that efforts were ongoing to train and retrain operators to serve the public better.

He said 50 buses would soon be introduced to replace old ones.

Mobereola said: “We have tried, but we have not solved all the challenges confronting transportation in Lagos. However, we have developed a 20year development programme. We believe Lagos

needs seven rail lines and we are in the process of starting the Red Line lite rail project that will run from Alagbado in Ogun State to Marina, Lagos.

“We believe Lagos still needs nine BRT routes and we are talking with the state government to ensure commercial centres are established on the Mainland to reduce the number of people travelling to Lagos Island daily.”

A BOOK, Out of Africa: Fashola-Reinventing servant leadership to engender Nigeria’s transformation, will be presented to the public tomorrow at the Event Centre in Agidingbi, Ikeja, by 10am.

The book, which focuses on Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and his leadership style, is written by Dr. John Ekundayo.

Fashola is the special guest of honour. Chairman of the Caverton Group Chief Remi Makunjuola will chair the occasion.

The book will be reviewed by the ViceChancellor of Covenant University in Otta, Ogun State Prof. Charles Ayo. CEO of Premier Lotto Chief Kesington Adebutu is the chief presenter.

called staff; refund of contributory pension fund of N178,804 “illegally” deducted from the salary of the workers and stoppage of further deduction.

Akintola said: “UCH management objected to all the awards, but the Minister of Labour did not see any reasonable point in their objection. Instead of implementing the awards, the management is insisting that the awards not

referred should be gazetted before it can act.

“The awards are being processed by the Labour Ministry and very soon, the gazette will be out. The union is urging UCH management to faithfully implement the awards as soon as the gazette is published to avert a strike.”

He said in the last one year, the union had spent over N5 million on litigation regarding members’ harassment

from various managements.

Akintola said 76 workers were recalled by their managements after the union’s intervention.

He said SSAUTHRIAI had been having problems since it was registered as a union, adding that the problems have been impeding the group’s progress for over 30 years.

Akintola said: “Our wilderness experience has not been very palatable for both the

leadership and the followership. The current leadership has been battling to save the union in the last four years.”

He said the training was its first education programme for national executive officers.

Akintola said: “With this training, our officials will be able to make more tangible contributions to the union’s growth.”

By Miriam Ekene-Okoro

•Fashola

Implement panel’s recommendations or risk strike, union warns UCH

HE Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) has threatened to go on strike if the University College Hospital (UCH) fails to implement the Industrial Arbitration Panel’s (IAP’s) recommendations and recall sacked workers.

SSAUTHRIAI President Dr. Benjamin Akintola said yes-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

terday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at a training for members, that the UCH management should act in the interest of peace.

The issues in dispute, which were referred to IAP, include wrongful retirement of 818 UCH staff; reinstatement of 47 typists; payment of terminal benefits to re-

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

10

NEWS ANAMBRA 2013

Police: we’re ready for poll THE Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, yesterday assured Anambra indigenes of tight security on Saturday.

He spoke in Awka at a forum of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with parties, candidates and stakeholders.

“There will be a joint security operation room at the Police Headquarters in Awka,” he said.

Abubakar said two battalions of armed policemen would be deployed in each senatorial district, led by a commissioner and an AIG. “We have the Army, 10 APCs and two helicopters by the Air Force, with the marine police and Navy patrolling the water areas,” Abubakar said.

He warned government officials against monitoring the election without INEC’s permission.

“Candidates should not use escorts or orderly; anyone caught and arrested would be dismissed.

APC decries 22-hour curfew

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its 22hour, no-movement order (from midnight tomorrow to 10 pm on Saturday).

In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said even during general elections, people were allowed to move from 4pm on election day.

“Election is not a war, but a celebration of democracy.

Declaring a 22-hour curfew for an election in only one state raises serious questions: What is INEC hiding? Is the curfew meant to give riggers enough time to write and collate their cooked-up results?

Are elections and free move-

•Says election is not war

ment of people incompatible?

Why does INEC need a 22hour curfew to conduct a ‘peaceful and successful’ election in one state? Where in the world is a 22-hour curfew imposed during an election?

“Anambra does not have the kind of terrain or riverine communities that will justify waiting for hours for election results to be taken from polling units to the collation centre, hence there is no reason to turn Anambra into a ghost state just to hold a governorship election.

“We urge INEC to reconsider this overstretched curfew if it has no underlying motive for declaring it. After all, information at our disposal has

it that some decent INEC officials have rejected being part of the Anambra election because they do not want to be tainted by the shenanigans of some of their unscrupulous colleagues, who are colluding with do-or-die politicians for ‘30 pieces of silver’,” it said.

APC said with the creation of 1,973 extra polling units by INEC, of the original 4,608 units, the election should even be faster as it will take voters less time to complete accreditation and voting.

The party warned security agents against harassing and intimidating voters on Saturday, as they did during the Delta Central by-election last month.

“We have it on good authority that troops, police and State Security Service (SSS) personnel are being mobilised to Anambra from Abuja and neighbouring states, ostensibly to provide security during the election. But we know that this is a ploy to scare voters away from the polling units and provide cover for ballot box hijackers and those adept at vote tampering.

“But we will like to remind our security agents that they are first and foremost Nigerians, hence they should always work in the interest of the country. They should not turn themselves to the armed wing of the PDP or APGA. They should allow voters to peacefully cast their votes without harassment or intimidation on Saturday,” it said.

IG deploys DIG in Anambra THE Inspector- General of Police, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, has deployed the Deputy InspectorGeneral of Police (Operations), Mr. Philemon Leha, in Anambra State for Saturday’s election.

This information is contained in a statement by police spokesman Frank Mba, in Abuja yesterday.

It said the deployment of Leha was to ensure the effective coordination of security operations.

The statement said this would ensure, among others, that the police maintain a grip on security, covering the over-4,000 polling units and collation centres.

“All striking units, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Bomb Disposal Unit and the Police Air-Wing are to be deployed in strss.

It warned that officers found breaching their oath of office would be brought to book.

The statement appealed to the indigenes, especially the candidates, to conduct themselves within the law.

Okorocha urges APC loyalists to be focused From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

IMO State Governor Rochas Okorocha has urged All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters to be focused and vote for the party’s candidate, Senator Chris Ngige.

He spoke when Anambra APC executives, including local government coordinators and ward chairmen, visited him in Owerri.

Responding on behalf of the coordinators, Mr. Clement Anozie hailed the governor for transforming Imo State.

He said they were committed to ensuring Ngige’s success at the polls.

‘Vote for Ngige’ From Chris Oji, Enugu

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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has appealed to Anambra indigenes to vote for its candidate, Senator Chris Ngige.

The party made the appeal yesterday in a statement by its Southeast Zonal Publicity Secretary, Mr. Osita Okechukwu.

He said they made the appeal in the interest of Ndigbo in their quest to produce a president of the Igbo extraction in the next few years.

The statement reads: “If Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr. Chuba Okadigbo and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu were alive, they would have voted for Senator Ngige.

“We have for the past 14 years voted for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its affiliate, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), without results. But a vote for Ngige will enhance our chances of flying the presidential flag of the APC. “The truth is that we do not have the capacity to dislodge our brother, President Goodluck Jonathan, as the presidential candidate in the PDP or pair a ticket with him.”

Ngige’s campaign vehicle ‘vandalised’ From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

T •All Progressives Grand Alliance’s (APGA’s) governorship candidate, Chief Willie Obiano (left) and his All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) counterpart, Senator Chris Ngige, during a stakeholders’ forum on Anambra governorship election, in Awka... yesterday.

Jonathan, PDP chiefs storm Onitsha for Nwoye

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan yesterday stormed Onitsha in Anambra State, saying Saturday’s poll must be free and fair.

The President, who came to campaign for the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) standard-bearer, Comrade Tony Nwoye, said Anambra people should honour Nigeria’s first President, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, whose 109th birthday coincided with the election day.

Nwoye’s campaign was attended byAkwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio, PDP’s National Chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, among others.

It was held at the Basilica of Most Holy Trinity field, On-

•President: election must be free, fair From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

itsha.

President Jonathan urged the electorate to vote for Comrade Nwoye, whom he described as young and vibrant, with a zeal to serve the people.

He promised a level-playing field for all parties.

“This poll is special in the sense that it is holding on November 16, the day one of the greatest leaders of our country, the late Dr. Azikiwe, was born.

“It will be a very good birthday gift for the great Zik and will bring Anambra State forward if you vote for Comrade Nwoye and PDP. “Anambra people must

work hard to ensure that the next governor is elected on the platform of the PDP.” “Don’t be distracted by the rumours that some people are recruiting youths from neighbouring states. We must ensure security during and after the election and ensure oneman one-vote.”

Alhaji Tukur, who described Nwoye as a versatile young man, whose zeal to serve was unparalleled, told the people to vote for PDP for uncommon transformation.

Tukur said: “Don’t continue to remain outside the fold.

Return to your main umbrella and get your development.

That was why we insisted on a free and credible primary

INEC takes delivery of electoral materials

T

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State yesterday took delivery of sensitive electoral materials under tight security.

The exercise took place inside the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) building on the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway.

It began about 6:30pm.

Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof C.E. Onukaogu, took delivery of the materials with

From Augustine AVWODE, Awka

an Assistant Commissioner of Police and party chiefs watching.

The materials were labelled according to the numbers of registered voters. It was agreed at a stakeholders’ forum held earlier in the day that the sensitive materials, which include ballot papers and result collation sheets, be handed over to INEC. While the result collation

sheets were wrapped in white papers, ballot papers were wrapped in brown papers.

It was learnt that the materials, which were taken to the INEC office on the House of Assembly Road for safe keeping, would be distributed to local governments about 9am today in the presence of party chieftains and other stakeholders.

About 100 heavily- armed and stern- looking anti-riot policemen took over the CBN premises during the exercise.

election.”

Governor Akpabio said the mega rally was to take over Anambra.

Nwoye promised to revolutionise the state, if elected, assuring the people of security of life and property. He promised youth empowerment, adding that he would prioritise agriculture.

The lawmaker representing Anambra North, Senator Maggery Okadigbo, described Nwoye as vibrant and a grassroots mobiliser, who would deliver on his campaign promises.

One of the members of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and Prince Arthur Eze enjoined the indigenes to vote for Nwoye for total transformation.

HE candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Chris Ngige, has alleged that one of his drivers was on Tuesday beaten up by four armed men suspected to be members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

The incident, according to Ngige, occurred at Agulu in Anaocha Local Government.

Narrating the incident to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar and Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Attahiru Jega, yesterday, at the Women Development Centre, Awka, Ngige said the same thing occurred during the senatorial election in 2011.

He alleged that the fourman armed gang, after beating up his driver, took away his campaign vehicle.

The IGP addressed stakeholders on the need to organise a free, fair and credible election on Saturday.

Ngige urged the security agencies to ensure that such incidents do not occur again.

Abubakar assured the APC standard-bearer that such issues would be taken care off, but APGA’s National Chairman Chief Victor Umeh said Ngige’s allegation was not true.

APGA chieftain solicits votes CHIEFTAIN of the All for Obiano Progressives Grand

A

Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Mr. Anele Michael, has urged Anambra indigenes to vote for the party’s candidate, Chief Willie Obiano, to maintain the political identity of Ndigbo.

Anele, the APGA chairman in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, told reporters in Aba that it would be in the interest of Ndigbo if APGA wins.

He enjoined stakeholders,

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

including governorship aspirants, who lost the primaries, to put aside personal interest and mobilise support for Obiano, to ensure that the party realised its dream of winning the poll, Anele said: “Governor Peter Obi, the party’s chairman and other stakeholders, including the governorship aspirants, must put aside their grievances and ensure victory for APGA.”

BUSINESS

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

11 At the moment there is an average of about 18 hours per day of constant power supply to different parts of the country. This feat was brought about by the implementation of the integrated power sector reform programme anchored on the power roadmap.

- Minister of Information, Labaran Maku

Loans: MAN seeks single digit interest rates

NESTOIL repositions for growth

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HE Chairman, Manu facturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun State branch, Dr. Dolapo B. A. Ogutuga (MON), has said that a major challenge facing manufacturers in 2013, especially small and medium scale industries, is the difficulty in accessing long term loans at reasonably low interest rates.

Addressing the 28th Annual General Meeting of the Ogun State branch in Ota, Ogutuga said this challenge informed the theme of this year’s AGM which is, ‘Single Digit Lending: Pathway to Nigeria’s Industrial Competitiveness.’

“We strategically crafted this theme to draw government’s attention to the need to create funding windows to access long term loans at single digit interest rates,” he said, adding that the manufacturers’ operating environment had been beset with challenges in the areas of electricity supply, flooding in some parts of Nigeria which disrupted the flow of businesses, and the decay in infrastructural facilities like road maintenance.

He said power supply which tended to improve early last year, dropped drastically towards the end of the year, adding that statistics available to MAN indicated that power supply to industries hovered around 30 per cent.

MAN President, Chief Kola Jamodu (OFR), described the single digit lending rate as capable of increasing industrial output, capacity utilisation, advance competitiveness and increase export of manufactured products.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$117.4/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,396.9/troy Sugar -$163/lb MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE -N11.4 trillion JSE -Z5.112trillion NYSE -$10.84 trillion LSE -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

By Akinola Ajibade

N

• From left: Dr. Theo Osanakpo, Dr. Ernest Azudialu, Prof. Anya O. Anya, all Directors of Nestoil Plc and Julius Berger Project Manager, Mr. Jochen Stolle, on an inspection tour of the Nestoil Ultra Modern Corporate Headquarters currently under construction by Julius Berger, in Victoria Island, Lagos.

AMCON declares N822b loss

• Sinking Fund hits N500b

T

HE Asset Management Corporation of Ni geria (AMCON) has declared a loss of N822.9 billion for the year ended December 2012.

AMCON’s Managing Director/CEO Mustafa ChikeObi, who broke the news yesterday at a media briefing in Lagos, attributed the loss to provisions made for impaired assets and discount on bonds issued to finance its operations.

The corporation’s total outstanding debt stands at N5.7 trillion, out of which N3.6 trillion is held as bond by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). About N1.7 trillion of the bonds would be redeemed by December 31, 2013.

Chike-Obi said all holders of the bonds were expected

by November 19, to indicate whether they would accept cash or Treasury-Bills in place of the bonds, on maturity. “The choice will be made on November 19 for bond holders to decide whether to take cash, or T-bills,” he said.

The AMCON boss said the classification of the loss

By Collins Nweze

showed that the Corporation spent N544.8 billion to purchase non-performing loans (NPLs) from banks. The balance of N278.1 billion was used on recapitalisation of banks.

Chike-Obi explained that the losses are expected to be defrayed through recoveries from its assets, with additional cover provided by the Banking Sector Resolution Cost Fund (Sinking Fund) provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and deposit money banks (DMBs). He put the value of the Sinking Fund warehoused at the CBN at over N500 billion.

He said the three bridged banks–Mainstreet, Enterprise and Keystone–acquired and recapitalised by AMCON are worth N100 billion, adding that the initial plan was to conclude their sale by 2014, but the exercise could extend to 2015.

He said there are over 10,000 bad loans under the AMCON’s management, adding that selling the three banks does not represent a

• Chike-Obi

major flank of the Corporation’s duty.

“We will sell the banks. We have over 10,000 loans that we are pursuing. Selling the banks will not distract us from doing our job. Selling the banks is not the only thing we do and it is not occupying much of our time, and will not determine what the corporation does on daily basis, either now or in the future,” he said.

Chike-Obi said AMCON is not following up on which company has bided for Enterprise Bank, adding that it is only the financial advisers that have such privilege information.

“Nobody in AMCON

knows who the bidders are.

Nobody in AMCON knows how many the bidders are, or who will be shortlisted. It is only when they (the advisers –Citi Bank and Vetiva Capital) have looked at all of these people that they decide who and who are qualified,” he said.

Chike-Obi said AMCON does not know how long it would take for the financial advisers to submit the list of qualified or shortlisted bidders, because such would depend on the number involved.

“We don’t know how long it will take for the successful bidders to be known. If there are 100 people who are interested, it will take a longer time than if there were only five people. They have to look at everybody to know who they are, who are behind them, where they got their money from, and if they have the capacity to run a bank. We hope we will conclude it by the end of 2014, it may extend to 2015,” he said.

He said everybody that is qualified in running a bank requires approval from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its requirement is that such persons must be fit and proper to run a bank.

ESTOIL Plc has restructured its opera tions for market viability and growth. The restructuring, which is line with the company’s long-term goal of recording much impact in the nation’s petroleum industry, was done at the last board meeting of the parent company, Obijackson Group, in Lagos.

In a statement yesterday, the firm said a resolution binding the activities of all the companies within the Group was passed at the meeting, adding that the development is aimed at strategically positioning the Group for increased long-term value.

It said a Board was established to provide oversight functions for the conglomerate, adding that the membership consists of people with proven records of performance.

In his speech, the Group Managing Director, Ernest Azudialu, said the strategic redirection is in line with the Group’s drive, ‘’to set up structures and implement key corporate governance principles, as well as engender greater confidence of fiscal discipline, risk management and control.

It is also expected to mprove compliance, corporate governance and best practice culture regime.

Azudialu said the Group is committed to improving inhouse capacity by hiring highly skilled and experienced key personnel across boards.

The new Board has Prof Anya 0. Anya as (Chairman), Dr Ernest Azudialu, Dr Theo Osanakpo (SAN); Mr Orlando Ojo; Mrs Nnenna Obiejesi; Mr Hans Christ; Engr Chijioke Igwe; Mr Nichloas Okoye and Dr Okechukwu Mbonu.

Also, four new directors joined the board. They are Mr. Hans Christ, Mr. Keith Jones, Dr. Chukwueloka Umeh, and Dr. Okechukwu J. Mbonu. Alliance Law Firm was appointed as the Company Secretaries.

The Group has interests in pipeline construction, oil and gas exploration, and production and pressure vessel fabrication, power generation, transmission and distribution, dredging and telecommunication. Others are dry docking and real estate, among others.

Budget 2014: House committee sets $76.5 benchmark

A

MID sharp disagree ment, the Joint House Committee on Finance, Appropriation, Loans and debts yesterday pegged the benchmark for 2014 Budget at $76.5 per barrel But members of the House immediately retired into caucuses for talks on how to jack up the figure to $79.

The battle over benchmark will however shift to the Plenary of the House today, where a wider debate as to the suitability of the $76.5 rate to the states is expected to hold sway.

According to findings by our correspondent, mem-

• Others root for $79

From Yusuf Alli, Managing Editor, Northern Operation

bers of the Joint Committee who held a session at Meeting Room 019, were divided over the benchmark. It was however gathered that a simple majority succeeded in having their way to reduce the benchmark to $76.5 per barrel.

A source at the session said: “Although those for $76.5 benchmark had slim advantage over those against, there is no way states and local governments can survive

with this peg.

“We believe that the House should insist on $79 per barrel benchmark. This is what we are going to push.”

Another source at the session said: “The battle has shifted to the Plenary. We will present the framework on Thursday for discussion. It appears the 2014 budget is designed to limit funds available to states.

“Some of us have started reading political meanings into the $76.5 benchmark. We are suspecting that the Federal Government does not want enough money at the state level because of 2015 election.

We should not because of ambition cripple our states and

local governments.”

A third source at the meeting said: “We have gone back to our various caucuses on the implications of $76.5 benchmark for the nation’s development.

“The benchmark is unrealistic in view of the infrastructural challenges facing the nation. We need to fix our roads, create employment and revive our ailing industries. We cannot go far with $76.5 per barrel.

“It is left to our members to rise above sentiments and opt for $79 benchmark.”

The Joint Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriation had last week also pegged the

benchmark at $76.50 per barrel and fixed exchange rate for 2014 at N160 to $1.

Its decision was in the report of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for 2014-2016 which was presented to the Senate for consideration and adoption.

The MTEF and FSP are statutory requirements that must be submitted to the National Assembly for its consideration and approval prior to the presentation of the National Budget to the National Assembly by the Federal Government as mandated by Section 11 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

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COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Embarrassment of riches

• The country earned so much money in 2012, but the people have seen little evidence

T

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yearly report for 2012, released penultimate weekend is sanguine and disturbing at the same time. It is sanguine because, the Federal Government earned a massive N8trillion from oil and another N2.63trillion naira from non-oil exports, totalling N10.65 trillion earnings for the 2012 fiscal year. That sum exceeded the N9.6trillion budget benchmark for that year. The impressive earning was attributed to buoyed oil and nonoil receipts for the fiscal year; and after deductions, the federation account was richer by N6.5 trillion naira. Unfortunately, that is where the good news ended.

The news turns bad upon a fruitless search for the impact of such a humongous earning on the general welfare of Nigerians and the physical infrastructure of our country. The news makes one sad, when virtually in all sectors of the economy the story is one of gloom. And the reason for the abysmal failure is because substantial part of that money is stolen, such that despite a yearly huge budget, there are insignificant changes in the country.

Notoriously also, the federal legislature and the executive are always at loggerheads over the non-implementation of the federal annual budget. Also, the state governments have been quarrelling with the Federal Government over the non-release of their financial entitlement from the federation account, as at when due.

In the year under review, as in the previous years, the tale has been one of less than 40 percent implementation of the

annual budget, by the Federal Government. Indeed, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Ahmed Maccido, admitted in an interview, that the Federal Government was only able to implement 40 percent of the 2012 capital budget. Yet, in the current year, there is no record of the money saved. So what could be wrong with our country’s economy that while it earns enough to meet its yearly budgetary plans, it spends far less, and yet can account for so little?

The result of the unaccountable state of our finances is also at the root of the incessant disagreements between the Federal Government and the states. This year alone, on more than three occasions, the accountants of the state governments have had to walk out of the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee meetings in protest, because the federal authorities were unable to give them a satisfactory account of the income due to the federation account. Similar embarrassing scenarios also played out in the year under review; and each time, the matter is resolved more out of courtesy for the Federal Government, than based on satisfying the imponderables in the query over the federation finances by the states.

But for the purposes of accountability, it would have been far more soothing for Nigerians not to be also psychologically abused by the unsavoury tales of federation finances. Of course with a very humiliating physical impact of a mismanaged economy on the majority of Nigeri-

ans who live on less than 1USD a day, the tales of humongous earnings with minimal impact on their daily lives is like adding salt to injury. This humiliation is also attenuated by the elected and selected officials living like medieval kings and princes, while telling the rest of Nigerians fairy tales that the country is either cash-strapped or broke.

For whatever it is worth, there is need for a better management of our economy.

Where there are glaring disparities between income and expenditure, the people in charge of punishing for economic crimes stand indicted for failing to punish for the lapses. So, let our criminal justice system stand to be counted, to help Nigerians account for its huge earnings, with little impact.

‘The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yearly report for 2012, released penultimate weekend is sanguine and disturbing at the same time. It is sanguine because, the Federal Government earned a massive N8trillion from oil and another N2.63trillion naira from non-oil exports, totalling N10.65 trillion earnings for the 2012 fiscal year ... The news turns bad upon a fruitless search for the impact of such a humongous earning on the general welfare of Nigerians and the physical infrastructure of our country.

Adhere to principles, please

• Failure to commence audit of Dana Air after one month of licence suspension is unfair

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NE month after the suspension of the Air Operators Certificate of Dana Airlines on October 6, the aviation authorities have failed to do the needful towards ascertaining the state of its fleet. When the suspension was announced on account of an impending safety audit just after the crash of an Associated Airline’s plane in Lagos, the measure received the support of the general public that saw it as an attempt by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to sanitise the sector.

However, more than a month after the suspension and the attendant cost to the airline, its workers and passengers, the NCAA is lazily explaining that the external auditors are still being awaited. This

‘We support the quest to make the airspace safer for passengers. We accept the need for the agencies to respond to the challenge, but, in all things, fair practice should be the name of the game. Till date, the report of investigations into the June 2012 Dana Air crash has not been made public. The crash has not been blamed on the state of the aircraft. There is therefore no justification for punitive measure against the company’

is a perfect example of how not to regulate a sector. The agencies in the aviation sector should be concerned that a once bubbling segment of the economy is now a shadow of itself. At the beginning of this year, there were 56 aircraft in the combined fleet of the airlines operating in the country. Now, only 38 are flying regularly and irregularly, and 24 belong to Arik. The rules caught up with IRS and Chanchangi when their fleet depleted to only one each.

Nigerians remember today with nostalgia, those days when Okada, Kabo, Oriental and Al Barka Airlines competed for passengers. They still remember that the country once had a national carrier that, owing to the monopoly it enjoyed, crumbled as the government and regulators failed to create, promote and encourage fair competition.

Thus far, government policies have failed to work as rules have been applied more in the breach. An intervention fund ostensibly introduced to inject capital at concessionary rates merely created room for sharp practices as the financial institutions, unscrupulous airline owners, regulatory authorities and government officials colluded to fleece the country.

The money was expended, but the sector was left in a worse shape.

In calling for immediate audit of Dana and other airlines, we are not unmindful of the embarrassing crashes that have been recorded in recent years. We support the quest to make the airspace safer for passengers. We accept the need for

the agencies to respond to the challenge, but, in all things, fair practice should be the name of the game. Till date, the report of investigations into the June 2012 Dana Air crash has not been made public. The crash has not been blamed on the state of the aircraft. There is therefore no justification for punitive measure against the company.

In this era when government is quick to allude to a drive for foreign investment and the chief executives at the federal and state levels are wont to regularly travel large in an ostensible bid to woo investors, the least any conscientious public official or agency could do is adhere to international best practice.

Dana Air has cried out against this unwarranted measure. It took an open letter from the airline for NCAA to give its lame excuse. It has further pledged to commence the audit this week, but would it keep this promise; what happens to the loss already sustained? If at the end of the day the airline is given a clean bill of health, how would it and its workers be compensated? What possible explanation could be offered for the lifting of the earlier suspension in September last year? Is the NCAA suggesting that no audit of the fleet was undertaken before the aircraft were released to fly again?

Dana Air should be spared further agony of waiting for auditors. The audit must be expeditiously undertaken and its status made public in the interest of all.

The new model sharing economy

• Technology sponsors a complementary form of capitalism

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HE foundation of modern economics is Adam Smith’s observation that an individual who aims only for his gain may still be led “by an invisible hand” to make choices that bring economic benefits to others. Last week, the Financial Times reported that a complementary view is emerging in the form of a “sharing economy”. Most productivity growth may still be powered by self-interest. But modern information technology is helping the invisible hand become a whole lot more collaborative.

There has been too much breathless talk of how IT would revolutionise the economy, so it is useful to distinguish changes that are truly transformational from those that merely make it easier to do what one was already doing. Three broad trends assert themselves.

First, the internet makes it much cheaper for individuals to offer traditional goods and services to a larger market. Take short-term accommodation: there have always been homeowners wanting to rent out a spare room, and the hotel industry is of course of old vintage. IT does not bring fundamental innovation in this case. But – as websites such as Airbnb show – making it possible, for free, to connect with customers anywhere in the world cuts transaction costs and shrinks the advantage of scale that hotel chains hold over homey bed and breakfast operations.

A lower cost structure is not itself a shift from the pursuit of one’s self-interest to a passion for sharing. It is nonetheless significant. When it becomes profitable to occupy rooms that would previously have stayed empty, it is a boost to the efficient use of society’s resources. The same can be said for how the internet has made more personal services affordable for those outside the ranks of the super-rich. Those with more cash than time can outsource small chores to those in the opposite situation. The vehicles are sites that match tasks – from picking up the laundry to settling the utility bills – to those with time to spare.

Second, the information revolution facilitates genuine sharing in consumption. Barter – long seen as the height of inefficiency – is enjoying a revival through house swaps, where the internet can deepen the pool of swappers, making compatible pairings more likely.

Many city residents are ditching car ownership in favour of web-facilitated car sharing. Car clubs that allow down to half-hour car rentals exist in cities around the globe. Car pooling websites allow for a virtual form of hitchhiking that does away with the inefficient waiting at the roadside. In France, buzzcar.com allows “peer-topeer rental”: private car owners rent out their vehicles when they do not need them.

Sharing can be a lifestyle as well as an economy.

Demand is growing for consumption that offers a personal experience beyond the standardised good or service. It also reflects a change in attitude to exclusive ownership, traditionally the measure of material success.

This underpins the third, most innovative and exciting trend: sharing in production. The open-source movement in software coding, Wikipedia, and some artists’ renunciation of standard copyright show how work that is carried out voluntarily and co-ordinated spontaneously can result in economically valuable products. It is the antithesis of Taylorism.

None of these trends represents alternatives to capitalism; rather they are complements to standard practice and should be celebrated as such. Like traditional capitalism, they rely on trust and on supporting institutions for their success. These can be provided by the market itself – from the informal, such as user reviews, to the formal, such as Creative Commons licensing standards.

At times state quality regulation is needed. In all cases the goal should be neither to force sharing nor to ban it, but to give those who want to share the confidence to do so.

– Financial Times

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: I can rightly claim that late Chief Solomon Lar and I were political associates, he being the senior and I, junior. When the second republic beckoned, we were bonded by the Nigerian Peoples Party (NPP) – the platform on which the late Lar was elected governor of Plateau State and I, member of the National Assembly.

As the chairman of the House of Representatives Finance Committee, I had to caucus with him on the party’s national issues which provided me the opportunity to observe him close-up. I make no further claim to any other special intimacy other than to say that I took personal interest on the modus operandi of this highly respected statesman on political matters concerning Nigeria.

As an American statesman once wrote…..”Man can weather adversities with stony calm, but the true test of a man is when you give him

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power”. The late Lar went through both with same equanimity. He was heavily persecuted for his stout defence of his minority people in the North, treated leadership as a sacrifice and never flinched in pursuit of his peoples’ emancipation.

When the opportunity came, his people demonstrated their implicit confidence in electing him their governor. At both ends, he demonstrated a unique disposition that marked him out as a true leader and statesman. The axis of three wise men- Sam Mbakwe, Jim Nwobodo and Lar stabilized the second re-

public by the wisdom they exhibited to enter the accord with NPN to form the government of Shehu Shagari.

During that second republic, he demonstrated beyond doubt his love for Nigeria. As crisis erupted in the marriage between NPN and NPP, it was the late chief’s wise counsel that helped NPP navigate the troubled waters. When issues seem intractable, it was the late Lar who will most likely bring forth the solution. He made himself so reachable and accessible that most of NPP National Assembly members

adopted him as their reference. At meetings, he hardly raised his voice no matter how contentious the issue or matter was.

His progressive credentials manifested at each turn of our march to democracy. He was solidly behind SDP and ensured the delivery of late Chief M.K.O Abiola’s massive votes in the middle belt region known today as the North Central Zone. One incident I recall was the day SDP leaders gathered at the late Chief Abiola’s Ikeja residence to agree on the submission of eight names to Abacha for ministerial

security in the place. If any untoward things happen to the forest, they should be held responsible.

The illegal felling of trees in Olla Hill located in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government and Surulere Local Government of Oyo State was brazen. The operators were said to be daring that they are sawing the trees right inside the reserves. Not only that, those who are cutting the

unripe trees for rafters are equally operating without hindrance. It was even said that mobile policemen stationed in the forest to guard the villages against the intruders from Osun State are collaborating with the illegal exploiters to destroy the forest.

I believe this practice is not limited to Olla hill. Therefore, government has to be proactive if it wants

to preserve the reserves for generations unborn and make it a money spinning venture which it ought to be. Illegal activities must be stopped by closing the reserves indefinitely with strict penalty for intruders.

• Odelami Olatunde Idi Araba via Ajaawa, Oyo State.

appointments. Just about the moment the list was to be dispatched, in walked the late Chief Lar, and moved by his awesome contributions, the late Chief M.K.O Abiola advised that his name be included following which he was eventually appointed the Police Affairs Minister, a position he discharged with distinction.

In 1998, Lar, accompanied by Senator Aniete Okon visited me in United States to review the works of NADECO in his unquenchable thirst for democracy. He emerged the first chairman of PDP and midwifed its first National Convention that nominated Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as the party’s presidential candidate. At the convention grounds, I approached him to make a last bid request to convince him that Alex Ekwueme rather than Obasanjo should be the man to lead Nigeria’s return to democracy. He pulled me aside and uttered these words…. “Ralph the tiger has not been caged yet”. I looked confused and in utter bewilderment I realized that the late chief was captive to some forces. Looking at Nigeria during and after Obasanjo, I know that the late Chief Solomon Lar must have had his regrets.

His life calls for celebration. His passage on earth was full of accomplishments and he attained an enviable old age of 80 plus. Plateau State lost an illustrious son and leader but Nigeria lost a compass.

• Chief Ralph Obioha.

Abuja.

to one is an injury to all”. This has continued to hurt and haunt us as a people so much that whenever a section of the society or the country is in crisis, instead of others to rally round to solve the problem, the general feeling was and still is always that was/is their problem after all they have offended us in the past!

For examples, the First Republic failed largely due to ‘ethnicisation’ of politics or politicisation of eth-

nicity; The civil war was seen as the creation of the Ibos, annulment of June 12, 1993 presidential election and the accompanying crisis was seen as a Yoruba problem; Jos crisis and Boko Haram are largely considered as the problem of the North; etc. But for how long are we going to live as strange bed fellows? As the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Said Abubakar recently queried, is it going to be possible in our generation that a Hausa will be elected

as the governor in the East, Igbo as governor in Yoruba zone....?

If this marriage of convenience called Nigeria will not experience a miscarriage in the name disintegration, the people and their leaders must urgently change the way they think by fully realising that the only way to ensure our independence is by protecting our interdependence!

• Soji Oyeranmi, Ibadan

EDITOR’S MAIL BAG SEND TYPEWRITTEN, DOUBLE SPACED AND SIGNED CONTRIBUTIONS, LETTERS AND REJOINDERS OF NOT MORE THAN 1000 WORDS TO THE EDITOR, THE NATION, 27B, FATAI ATERE ROAD, MATORI, LAGOS. E-mail: views@thenationonlineng.com

Tribute to Solomon Lar

Re: Whither Oyo’s forest reserves

IR: I refer to the above titled write-up in The Nation few weeks ago, written by Mr. Adewuyi Adegbite. The article was a clarion call on our government to wake up to its responsibility and protect our forest resources from extinction. Whether the government saw the article or not I cannot say, however, it is disheartening that our government focused its developmental efforts on development of infrastructures to the neglect of our forest resources and other ventures which can generate revenue for it more than the monthly allocation from Abuja.

The article was an eye opener on the level of destruction of our forest reserves by illegal activities of unscrupulous elements in our society. Exonerating forestry officials from the blame for virtual annihilation of the reserves which is unabated is spurious and dubious. Since there are forest guards stationed at the reserves to guard the forest from intruders, there ought to be

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Our strength lies in our interdependence

IR: To my mind, Nigeria is currently on the fastest lane to ‘Kigali’ or self-destruction because as a people we have failed woefully to protect our independence with our communal interdependence! We have failed to discover early enough that in tongue, religion, creed, status we may differ, but our humanity is the strongest unifying factor!

With this we have completely jettisoned the dictum that “an injury

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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Nigeria’s cultural tapestry and challenge of dev.t – 5

F it appears that the Islamic polities of northern Nigeria had been monarchical right from the pre-jihad era, we should not lose sight of the codifications of norms that governed public civic culture. A striking illustration of this – the fact that governance was taken seriously and guided by some publicly declared rules – is that at least two treatises were written and circulated in the Central Sudan. During the reign of Sarkin Kano Muhammad Rumfa (d.1499), the celebrated Muslim cleric Muhammad b. Abd al-Karim al-Maghili al-Tlemsani (better known as Al-Maghili) authored a treatise, Risalat al-Muluk (The Obligations of Princes), which spelt out Islamic standards of good governance for the guidance of Rumfa, who was a notable Muslim in his own right. Two other examples from the early nineteenth-century history of the Sokoto Caliphate further illustrate the historical depth of the idea of a governance template.

First, the leader of the Sokoto jihad, Uthman dan Fodio, authored the Kitab al-Farq (A Book of Distinction), in which he distinguished the practices of non-Islamic polities from those of the envisaged Islamic State. It is interesting that when the ulama al-sui, who were embedded in the power structure or siyasa (politics) of the day criticised him for preaching without separating women from the men, he countered that it was a minor and forgivable infraction compared to the greater fitna of keeping women in ignorance. From this we could see that Dan Fodio himself had struck an early blow in favour of girl-child or women education even in a conservative Islamic setting. Small wonder that the cleric’s own daughter, Nana Asma’u, was a poetess and celebrated author in her own right. Not only did Dan Fodio promote women literacy, he practised what he preached in his own household, unlike most modern leaders today.

Second, in c.1807, in the early years of the jihad, Uthman dan Fodio’s brother, Abdullahi, a poet and lawyer, was so disgusted with the manifestation of worldliness among the jihaddists that he abandoned the struggle for a pilgrimage to the East. However, on getting to Kano, the local reformists prevailed on him to abandon his eastward journey. During his sojourn in Kano, where he also observed some deviations, he composed at his hosts’ request a treatise on how to run the government according to the tenets of Islam. Abdullahi dan Fodio’s Diyâ’ al-Hukkâm (The Light of the Rulers or The Principles of Government) was a sort of governance template for the emergent Kano emirate. It is a moot point whether any ruler in that part of the country is guided by that document or any other on good governance.

Other examples can be cited from local settings across Ni-

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OR over two years, he was denied his right. Though he fought hard to regain what truly belonged to him, he was frustrated by the powers that got him out of office as president of the Court of Appeal on August 18, 2011.

Justice Isa Ayo Salami is a principled man and he displayed this throughout the years he was on unjust suspension. They wanted him to jettison his principle for filthy lucre but he refused and stood firm to the end. Such men of courage and conviction of their actions are rare in our society.

Justice Salami was treated like a non - entity because he refused to do the bidding of those who wanted to ruin the judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man. Politicians and some senior members of the Bench wanted to sell the judiciary to the highest bidder, but he said no. What did Justice Salami get? He was slammed with an unjust suspension. The few men of conscience in the society spoke against the suspension, demanding that Justice Salami be recalled. President Goodluck Jonathan, who in the first place should not have intervened in the matter, pretended not to have heard.

If the president had not wielded the power he did not have by suspending Justice Salami at the behest of the then much compromised National Judicial Council (NJC), things may not have turned out the way they did. The president, his Minister of in(Justice)Mohammed Adoke and his party were on the same page on the Justice Salami saga. Their plan when they found that they could not get the man to sell his integrity for a mess of porridge was to look for ways to push him out of office. They succeeded in retching up wild allegations about his alliance with the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which defeated the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in court in some governorship election

By Ayodeji Olukoju GUEST COLUMIST

geria. What is worth stressing is that our traditional values and practices should be re-visited to harness those that can help us to re-invent the culture of civility and developmental governance.

How a society treats its women and what it does about peaceful co-existence or the treatment of so-called strangers tell much about its level of development. This is true of Nigerian communities even in pre-colonial times.

The role of women in various societies is a case in point. In practically all Nigerian societies, even in the matrilineal ones, women have played second fiddle to men, even their own sons and younger brothers. Yet, women have also exercised soft power, which often affected the directions of state policy. The point is that many Nigerian communities recognise and accord women certain roles that men did not play. For example, till date, women are preferred as regents in some kingdoms; in some others they held titles and took part in direct decision making in the highest councils, though always as a minority. In practically all societies, women entrepreneurship was the norm, even when cultural practices limited their mobility. Where they suffered no such restrictions, they accumulated wealth, owned property and played overt politics. The mythical Queen Amina, the historical Madame Tinubu of Lagos and Abeokuta, Efunsetan Aniwura of Ibadan and Omu Okwei of Ossomari, or the more modern examples – Alimotu Pelewura of Lagos, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti of Abeokuta, Margaret Ekpo of Calabar, Gambo Sawaba, the stormy petrel of Northern Nigeria, Humaini Alaga of Ibadan and Abibatu Mogaji of Lagos – literally rocked the cradle and the crown, often tempestously.

The treatment of settlers, now a bone of contention in modern Nigeria, is a key issue in the evolution of a developmental public culture. Plateau State has been a theatre of war and various Nigerian communities (Umuleri/Aguleri; Onitsha/Obosi; Warri (Urhobo and Izon versus Itsekiri) and Ile-Ife/Modakeke) have at various times demonstrated our abandonment of the cardinal principle of good neighbourliness and concern for strangers, so-called. It is instructive in this regard, and this is documented

by Adamu Fika (1978: 158, n.82), that Yoruba-speaking peoples had settled in Iyagi and Yakasai quarters of Kano since the 17th century. There was no report that they were molested, massacred or expelled at any time during the pre-colonial era. Hausa and Nupe communities have been in Yorubaland for centuries,

inter-marrying with host communities. In spite of the conflict that accompanied the rise of the Sokoto Caliphate, trade continued across the ecological divide between northern and southern Nigeria. While not painting an unrealistic picture of unbroken harmony, this writer suggests that indigenous peoples were probably better informed than their modern-day descendants about the benefits of enlightened self-interest, Jide which dictated that one Osuntokun should not see intergroup relations as a zero-sum game.

We can also extract building blocks from our core values, sage philosophy and aphorisms. Hence, the Yoruba “omoluabi” model, which rested on civic education right from the cradle, the Igbo concept of “igwebuike,” which encapsulated the virtue of cooperation, and societal opprobrium against anti-social behaviour, such as greed (which the Yoruba express as “anikanjopon,” “wobia,” “jegudujera,” “kenimani,” “ere ajepajude,” “eni kan kii je ki ilu fe”), injustice and oppression, should be woven into the tapestry of our public culture. But the foregoing cannot be done in the absence of leadership, a critical element in the new developmental culture we are proposing.

However, that leadership culture also cannot operate in isolation. It is a siamese twin of the developmental state. One such example is the immediate past ruler of Qatar.

‘The treatment of settlers, now a bone of contention in modern Nigeria, is a key issue in the evolution of a developmental public culture.

Plateau State has been a theatre of war and various Nigerian communities (Umuleri/Aguleri; Onitsha/Obosi; Warri (Urhobo and Izon versus Itsekiri) and Ile-Ife/Modakeke) have at various times demonstrated our abandonment of the cardinal principle of good neighbourliness and concern for strangers, so-called’ • Professor Olukoju, FNAL delivered this paper at the Nigerian Academy of Letters 2013 Convocation Lecture.

Salami : A postmortem cases.

The Court of Appeal voided the governorship elections in Osun and Ekiti states, among others, to the annoyance of PDP. Since it is the party in power at the centre, it hatched a plot to get the president to deal with Justice Salami as head of the court for refusing to play ball.

His refusal to play ball, a euphemism to turn a blind eye to what is wrong and allow injustice to prevail, cost him his job. Justice Salami found himself in the cold because he allowed the court he presided over to uphold justice. A judge’s oath to which he swore is all about being fair and firm no matter whose ox is gored. A judge, who cannot dispense justice without fair or favour, is not worth his seat.

Justice Salami proved that he was worthy of his position. If those against him had found any thing against him, he would have been mince meat by now. There was nothing they did not do to nail him, but his honesty and sincerity stood him in good stead. We have many like that in the judiciary. My fear is that with what happened to Justice Salami these judges may start having doubts about standing by the truth come rain come shine. Won’t Justice Salami’s experience affect them negatively? Will they like Justice Salami abide by the conviction of their action when the chips are down? A society gets the kind of judges it deserves. With a corrupt political leadership, the judiciary cannot be expected to be incorrupt, except by the grace of God. This is why today our judiciary stinks. What happens at the customary and magistrates’ courts is a just a tip of the ice berg.

What goes on at the courts of competent jurisdiction, that is, the High

‘Justice Salami has left the Bench, but he left something behind, which those still in office must ensure does not die and that is the integrity of the judiciary must not be compromised come what may’

Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court is something else, going by the stories we hear. It is a case of if the head stinks, what do you expect of the body? It is a shame that we cannot boast about our judiciary because of the conduct of some judges, who believe that they must use their exalted position to make money, while doing what is wrong. Our society has become the worst for it.

The few upright judges cannot do anything or else they will be ostracised. A judge, a good judge, deserves the protection of the state. A state, which believes in the rule of law, must not allow its judges to come to ridicule under whatever guise. Unfortunately, a state like ours believes in disgracing its honest judges. t allows the corrupt ones to go scot free because they are at its beck and call. They are the ones used to do the dirty jobs, which conscientious judges refuse outright.

Must a judge be afraid of those in power? A judge, who knows what he is doing should not fear the political leadership, as clearly shown in the case of Justice Salami. If Justice Salami had skeleton in his cupboard, he would not have been able to stand up to those who wanted to drag his name in the mud at all cost.

He has shown that a judge, who is above board, has nothing to fear but his conscience and God. Justice Salami should be happy with himself that he upheld his oath of office faithfully. This is what saved him in his fight with the forces of darkness. His joy should be that the same cannot be said of his antagonists.

This is why today he holds his head high in retirement. They only succeeded in getting him out of office two years before his retirement, they did not succeed in killing the values of discipline, hard work, fairness and firmness, which he cherished. He has left the Bench, but he left something behind, which those still in office must ensure does not

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die and that is the integrity of the judiciary must not be compromised come what may. If Justice Salami had soiled his hands, he would not have left in glory as he did last week.

From every part of the country people gathered to honour him; to tell him that they stood by him during his travail but could not do anything because they lacked the power to right the wrong done him.

How did his tormentors feel, seeing him standing tall before a quality gathering in Abuja last month?

They would have given anything to exchange places with the eminent jurist. But such privilege does not come cheap, it is earned. To earn it, every public officer must be God fearing, diligent and above board. But these are words many of them do not wish to hear. Politicians got Justice Salami not because he was “too rigid” as some are wont to say, they got him because his people were not with him. A man’s enemies are his own relations. This exactly was what happened to Justice Salami. “My colleagues, friends betrayed me”, he said at the valedictory court session for him in Abuja on October 31. The previous day at the presentation of a book : “Isa Ayo Salami : Through life and justice”, written in his honour , encomiums were showered on him for being the quintessential judge.

All the speakers spoke glowingly of the man whose last two years on the Bench may in future be a research topic for law students. Why did the NJC act the way it did? Why did the president intervene in an issue in which he is not constitutionally empowered to act? Why did he not ignore the NJC recommendation to suspend Justice Salami? Why did he not reverse himself when the NJC subsequently asked him to recall Justice Salami? Can a president, who defied the court in suspending Justice Salami, hide under the same court in not recalling the judge?

These are some of the posers law students will seek to unravel in future.

Lawal Ogienagbon

lawal.ogienagbon@thenationonlineng.net SMS ONLY: 08099400204

It is painful when brothers and friends betray one. Such betrayals are felt in the marrow. his, perhaps, was what Justice Salami’s reflection was all about at his valedictory. Hear him : “The last three years of my career were dogged by travails which are not dissimilar to the fate of Joseph in the book of Genesis in the Bible.

As his brothers conspired to destroy him by throwing him into a well and selling him into slavery, my learned brothers and friends in the legal profession planned and executed evil against me. The NJC created by the Constitution to protect me, nay any judicial officer, was in the vanguard of my travails. The NJC failed in its duties and thereby surrendered its functions to the Executive arm of government, thus ingratiating itself to the Executive... “...The NJC having cleared me of any wrongdoing, following the recommendation of CJN Aloma Mukhtar’s committee, ought to have recalled me ito office without asking the president to exercise the power that he does not possess, on the flimsy excuse that it had earlier referred the matter to him”. Milord, all is well that ends well. If they had not acted this way, we won’t have known the kind of friends they are. With friends like them, you don’tbo need an enemy. Happy retirement sir.

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COMMENTS

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HE Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Products Price Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, Reginald Stanley says that the agency with a staff strength of 249, supervised by an unwieldy 22-man strong board, earning a scandalously whopping salaries and allowances of N57.9 billion per annum is a blessing to Nigeria. For him the company’s monumental achievement in the last one year as a result of selfless service of the staff and the quality of leadership provided by the minister of petroleum calls for celebration. PPPRA, according to him has become so transparent in the last one year that only unpatriotic elements and enemies of progress will fail to see such self evident achievements. Indeed, for him, if there had been any criticism of PPPRA at all, it could only have been the work of “fifth columnists who are out to spread odium, hatred and campaigns of calumny” because of the body’s “resolve to support the minister of petroleum resources to make the difference’.

Last week, during a Channel Television programme, he had in a tone soaked with patriotic fervour, declared: “No amount of intimidation or smear campaign can make us to derail in our resolve to serve our fatherland with integrity and honesty of purpose”.

He then went on to remind Nigerians that “the minister of petroleum resources has put measures in place that consistently prevented corruption in the downstream sector of the oil industry in recent years”. He did not however tell us if “recent years” covered 2011 when through acts of omission of the minister and Ahmadu Alli, former chairman of PPPRA, a whopping N1.7 trillion was, according to House committee probe report, allegedly stolen by those with close links with PDP and government.

But nonetheless, he went ahead to reel out what he considered unmatched achievements of PPPRA in the last one year: Bringing sanity to the downstream sector of the oil industry; reducing the level of fuel consumption by Nigerians from 60.25 million in 2011 to 39.66 litres in 2012 and pruning down of the number of fuel importers from unwieldy 128 in 2011, to 39 in 2012" He ignored the House Committee report that dismissed the level of consumption

‘PPPRA that guzzles N57.9 billion every year serves only the interest of those who set it up to recoup money spent on election’

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PPPRA’s insensitivity claimed by PPPRA as false and the fact that it was the reckless decision of the minister and the then chairman of PPPRA that saw the number of fuel importers moved from less than a dozen to 128 all in effort to spread patronage among PDP members and sympathizers.

Stanley also wants Nigerians to congratulate PPPRA for reducing the N2.1 trillion the body fraudulently claimed it spent on phantom subsidy in 2011 to less than one trillion in 2012. He pretends as if we don’t have the ongoing court cases arising from National Assembly probe which recommended some leading light of PDP and their siblings for prosecution for allegedly forging documents to claim fuel subsidy when in truth they, to borrow a phrase used by Audu Ogbe, a former PDP chairman, “never imported a bottle of fuel”.

And finally, in what amounts to an unprovoked assault on our sensibilities, the PPPRA Executive Secretary said we should all celebrate PPPRA and the minister of petroleum for “bringing integrity, creating system, processes and stability in product supply”. How much more can a people take from a group of self-proclaiming patriots who treat all of us as if we are all kindergarten pupils? It is incredible how some government officials who in other climes should be in court defending their integrity freely apply pepper into our eyes, and ask us to laugh instead of crying.

Beyond puerile attempt by civil servants with no ambition beyond serving political office holders to hood wink us, a closer focus on the emergence of PPPRA itself will show it was like the monetization policy, an ingenious creation of PDP new breed politicians designed to confiscate our common wealth.

In other words, policy formulation and policy implementation have become instruments of corruption to further impoverish our people.

By strange coincidence, PDP assumption of

HEN God decided to warn King Belshazzar, son of Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon about his impending unedifying fate, He did so through the mysterious finger writing on the wall. The Bible is replete with similar examples where He spoke to humanity through signs.

Anambra in recent years, appeared to be like Babylon in Belshazzar’s time where the people could neither read nor interpret the signs.

Today, the result is quite evident in the complete desolate, hackneyed and total wasteland the state has become in the last eight years Governor Peter Obi has been in charge. In 2009, aides of the governor were caught with a whopping N250million cash of public money. Yet, instead of reacting appropriately by shoving him aside, the same people still allowed the governor assume power for a second term one year after that appalling incident. Many had sought to explain it away that they only respected the wishes of the late APGA leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who pleaded that they should vote for Obi as his last wish.

But today, Ojukwu is no more. Even at that, were he to be alive, he would have no doubt, in his characteristic manner, admitted his fault, apologised to the people about the errors he made in foisting the present people in Government House Awka on them. Even sadder still is the fact that this same people were the first to desecrate what the Ezeigbo Gburugburu stood for by practically dancing and urinating on his grave.

To show how low they could go in their credibility index scale, they plotted, wrote a letter and circulated to Nigerians purporting same to be from the Ikemba, in which he urged his beloved Ndigbo to vote for a particular presidential candidate in the run up to the 2011 election, despite the fact that he was then virtually a vegetable, incapable of comprehending what the same people fate entrusted his life in their hands in his final days were doing. How low could some human beings go!

Even when the son, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu (Jnr), stupefied by such unconscionable callousness against his father came out with the truth, by telling Nigerians that he was in no state to author or direct that such an ignominious epistle be authored on his behalf, not a single word of retraction or any semblance of remorse was heard from any quarters from this camp. Instead, they took on the scion of the late Igbo leader, castigating him to no end. Today, we know who is telling the truth and who ought to bury his face in shame.

Yet, these are the same people prancing about with bold Ojukwu badges printed on their foreheads to deceive the peo-

power in 1999 was greeted with long queues at the filling stations, a development not brought about by market forces of demand and supply but mainly due to manipulation of the market to create artificial scarcity. Cynics say it was a strategy by cash-strapped PDP’s newly elected politicians to recoup their investments following their public confession that they sold private properties to fight the 1999 election.

As parts of achieving this objective, contracts for the refurbishment of the refineries were awarded to politicians instead of multinationals that built them. The refurbishment exercise failed as was planned.

As if working to answer, President Olusegun Obasanjo set up the Petroleum Products Pricing Committee which in turn recommended PPPRA with a mandate to “liberalise the downstream sector of the petroleum industry, privatise the refineries, deregulate and liberalise the imports of petroleum products and, generally, make the products available at reasonable prices”. The Bill for the establishment of PPPRA was promptly passed into law in February 2003 and assented to by Obasanjo in May 2003 because PDP had vested interest. (PIB has been pending for over five years} But PPPRA’s assigned functions turned out to be mere duplications of functions of Pipelines and Product Marketing Company, (PPMC) which was set up in 1988 to “profitably and efficiently market refined petroleum products in the domestic as well as export markets, especially in the ECOWAS sub-region, provide marine services and also maintain uninterrupted movement of refined petroleum products from the local refineries.”

For those behind PPPRA, the end justifies the means. Not even the existence of the NNPC Act 1977 which saddled the minister of petroleum with the responsibilities of “regulating and fixing petroleum product

prices and supervising the MPR/DPR that has sole regulatory authority over technical standards, refining, and logistics in the sector”, was going to stop them.

Today, 10 years down the line, PPPRA has served only the interest of those who set it up. The lot of the poor is worse today than it was 10 years ago. They still cannot afford the cost of cooking gas while the so-called subsidized kerosene sells for about N140 naira outside NNPC filling stations.

It has also turned out that the argument of both Sanusi Lamido, the CBN governor and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance, that it was only the middle class owners of two cars and diesel engine generators who were beneficiaries of government’s so-called subsidy has been proved to be more political than economic. As a result of their false prognosis, many industries that depend on diesel to run their factories have all folded up. Those managing to survive cannot compete with fake and substandard goods flooding the market due to import licenses selectively allocated to party members. It was on account of this Dangote Cement temporarily suspended production not too long ago.

Unlike, PPMC, PPPRA has shown more commitments to importation of refined petroleum products than making our own refineries work. Instead of using NNPC facilities or rehabilitating the over 4,000 kilometres of petroleum pipeline commissioned by Obasanjo in 1979, PPPRA depends on the storage facilities of members of Depot Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA) (Obat Petroleum is reputed to have the largest and most modern storage facilities in the world). It also patronises Independent Marketers Company (NIPCO) that has invested billions in storage facilities and a jetty in Apapa. It also relies to some degree on the services of Oando and Zenon petroleum companies that jointly control over 200 trucks and a jetty owned by Zenon.

We now know without consulting the duo of Sanusi and Okonojo-Iweala, that a government that expends so much of our resources through PPPRA to patronize parasites instead of buildings refineries serves not our interest but those of the parasites.

PPPRA that guzzles N57.9 billion every year serves only the interest of those who set it up to recoup money spent on election. With N600 billion, we will probably build two medium refineries that will end our dependency on imported fuel and provide job for a few of our 29 million unemployed youth. Of course, it will force current beneficiaries of the socalled deregulation presently falling over each other to erect the largest storage facility in the world and rent to government that can neither manage existing refineries nor NNPC tank farms, to stop feeding on our blood.

Ndi Anambra: These are ominous signs

By Jonas Ndukwe ple. Chief Victor Umeh, the national chairman of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), even as the author of the controversial letter, without any iota of guilt, over this shameful act, particularly makes a show of this “love” for the late Ikemba, by running to his grave at the slightest excuse, usually with full compliments of a horde of journalists in tow to ensure that the pictures are splashed on the pages of newspapers and the recorded images played on prime times on television, just to hoodwink the gullible.

These are the people who still want to ride to power in the state, on the back of the same Ikemba, who they have so desecrated his spirit that he would be turning in his grave wishing he could turn the clock back and save his people from the great danger he plunged them by not detecting that they were indeed lions in sheepskin, including recently the mindless acts of bazaar currently declared on the people’s commonwealth.

Now, the red light signals are on once more. Recent events indicate that the handwritings have left new messages on the wall, warning ndi Anambra about more dangers ahead.

What, for instance, would make Willy Obiano, the APGA candidate, appear at last week’s debate for the governorship candidates with a prepared speech, while others were fielding their questions from their heads?

But should Anambrarians go to sleep because he seems to think nothing about this reprehensible act? Certainly not!

They can’t afford not to see the finger of God in it. Why was he caught in the act, if not that God wanted to expose him?

Now that he was so exposed, what is God using it to tell the people? That is the question that must not be lost on anybody at this time. It should also engage the minds of those who bandy his candidacy about and try to force it down the throats of Anambrarians?

Even if they wave it aside, what about the recent incident at Ukeh, Idemili North Council of the state, when 30 worshippers reportedly died at the adoration ground after the visit of the governor, who led the APGA leadership to “worship” there? Will that sign also be lost on them?

Of course the details of what led to that unfortunate event will always be steeped in deep controversy just like similar incidents in the past. But the issues they raise will not. Rather,

they are very clear. Already the APGA leaders are all over town doing what they know best how – propaganda. As usual, they are intent on pinning the unfortunate incident on Senator Chris Ngige, who they perceive as their only stumbling block to retaining power - in fact their nemesis.

They want to ensure that through propaganda and heavy oiling of their familiar channels of disinformation, they will bend public minds that Ngige who was nowhere near the venue will be made to carry the can, just as in the alleged deportation saga, where Obi, after agreeing to receive the “deportees” fled the scene on the appointed date only to turn back to make political capital out of it.

In what ought to elicit pity from outsiders for Anambra people for being punished with such a governor, Obi, in his puerile and childish story presented as his account of the incident, while claiming that he went to Ukeh to worship rather than campaign, on the invitation of the priest in charge. Why was he in full APGA regalia with the full compliments of the party’s campaign machinery at such weehours of the night? He never talked about the political speeches and promises that incensed the worshippers to denounce such unholy attempts to turn their prayer ground to a campaign ground where they are forced to listen to unsolicited campaign sloganeering, which eventually led to the stampede that resulted in the deaths. He never gave examples of similar adoration prayers or vigils he participated in elsewhere in Anambra or any part of Nigeria or the world in his eight years in power prior to this. Of course, in his simple, pious mind, it never occurred to him that Ukeh is a shouting distance from Ngige’s Alor community and that some circumspection was needed. No! It is okay to wear the APGA uniform to any place including worship centres. The only place it is forbidden of course is Aso Rock Villa, for obvious reasons.

Will Anambrarians refuse to see the handwriting on the wall even with the suffusing propaganda? Are they ready to leave Egypt and move to the Promised Land? It is their choice to make. Of course, it wasn’t impossible for God to bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Yet, he preferred to do it through Moses. And it came to pass because Moses played along and because they observed the Passover ritual.

•Ndukwe, an agronomist, lives in Onitsha

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

COMMENTS

A

T the height of the Western Region crisis of 1962-6, the crisis that led to the collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic and the coming of Nigeria’s first military coup (of January 1966), a prominent Lagos lawyer, Femi Okunu, made a statement that became famous.

He said, “The power of the federal government has grown, is growing, and ought to be curbed”.

Femi Okunu was speaking in an era when the powers of the federal government were still comparatively small and well-defined, and when our regional authorities were still the makers and movers of development and progress in our country.

Today, what we still call our federal government does not operate as a member government in a federation; it rules all and dictates to all. We no longer have a federation; what we have is a chaotic jumble of ruins in which, and through which, a so-called federal government stampedes and rumbles at will.

And herein lies the root of our country’s growing poverty and hopelessness. Herein lies the ever escalating unemployment among our youths, the constant flight of our educated youths to other lands, the growing spectre of violent conflicts all over our country, the descent of some of our youths into aberrations such as Boko Haram and secret cults. It is the root of that horrendous iniquity whereby we let the Delta lands that produce all our petroleum wealth become the poorest and most neglected part of our country.

As natural resources go, our country is one of the richest places in the world. And as soon as our own leading citizens were given the duty, from about 1952, to manage most of our county’s affairs, we commendably began to strive to fulfil our country’s promise. In the context of our federation of three regions, we engaged in a lively rivalry for greater and greater socio-economic developments, and for constantly measurable improvements in the quality of the lives of our people. Our start-off resources for participation in the world economy were humble, consisting mostly of exports of a few crops – cocoa from the Western Region, palm produce from the Eastern, and groundnuts from the Northern. But we made the best of what we had. Each region developed better and better programmes for supporting and encouraging the producers of its export crop, thereby helping those producers to earn more income and Nigeria to earn more foreign exchange. Each region went on from this base to advance in its own chosen

A

DVOCATES of Nigeria’s existence as an indivisible entity must be buoyed by the country’s fourth triumph in the FIFA Under-17 World Youth Championship.

The Golden Eaglets underscored pedigree and spurred hopes of a fortified senior national team with a 3-0 whitewash of Mexico in the final of the 2013 edition concluded recently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

But optimism comes at a cost. The ‘youthful’ Eaglets paraded at UAE barely doused the allegations of age cheating that often attended Nigeria’s international outings. Supporters may hold successful verdicts from pretournament and in-competition Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests conducted by the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) to critical light, but the instrument of age determination leaves room for error, however small.

Using magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy, the MRI apparatus scans internal organs and structures to locate problems and determine age. Following years of research, FIFA’s Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-Marc) devised a six-point system to grade the fusion of the growth plate in bones.

“MRI of the wrist is a simple, reliable, valid and non-invasive method of age determination in young male football players,” said Jiri Dvorak, the F-Marc chairman.

“We can identify overage players at U17 competitions at no risk to the individual. This is of considerable help both to member associations and FIFA.” Typically, complete fusion is unlikely to occur prior to 17 years of age, with accuracy at greater than 99 per cent. So, if MRI indicates complete fusion of a player’s wrist, it is 99 per cent certain the player is older than 17.

If a player registers a Grade 6, they are considered older than 17.

But the MRI didn’t stop Eaglets skipper, Fortune Chukwudi, from featuring in the Nigeria 2009 championship and earning rave reviews which gave way to an overage saga launched by his former coach and ex-international, Adokiye Amiesimaka.

Much may also be made of the physical appearance of the latest crop. They seemed the freshest ever put out by Nigeria, but that’s as far as the credibility claims go. In a country

The beast that we Nigerians must tame direction – free primary education in the West, ambitious industrialization efforts in the West and the East and, to a lesser extent, also in the North, and impressive infrastructural programs everywhere.

Oh, sure, there was partisan politics. That’s the nature of modern democratic countries. But “development” was the big game in our country, and the regions were where most of the big game was played. Each region commanded adequate freedom and resources to be able to play its own share of the game, and to be able to make its own kind of contributions to the overall growing prosperity of our country. That is how a federation is supposed to be.

But, then, in 1962, the federal government took the insane step of trying to establish federal control over one of our regions – the Western Region. That step unleashed a cataclysmic progression of events which ultimately brought our military into the management of our country’s affairs. Trained for, and used only to, central command, the military turned our country into a centrally commanded country.

Run-away corruption became a close companion of over-centralized governing. In the hands of our military rulers, the growing volume of petroleum revenue only bred an almost sub-human species of greed, accompanied by a desire to control more and more.

The regional and local passions and energies that had pushed our country steadily forward were destroyed. Focusing all attention on petroleum, our federal controllers abandoned the nurturing of the other assets that had been building our country’s economy.

Denied the old regional help and encouragement, our cash crop farmers lost morale and hope. The federal authorities made the situation worse by establishing federal “regulation” (that is, control) over the cash crops.

By 1965, Nigeria was still one of the largest exporters of groundnuts, palm produce and cocoa in the world. By 1980, Nigeria had ceased to be a serious exporter of any, and our farmers who had been luxuriating on the income

from those exports became pauperized. Their growing poverty rapidly spread to the general fabric of our society. Economists say that tropical Africa’s earnings from exports fell dramatically during the 1970s, losing about $70 billion per annum, and that much of those losses were Nigeria’s. The peoples of the former Northern Region suffered the most, because, unfortunately, serious droughts ravaged the distant North in these years, blasting farming and cattle rearing – at a time when our federal controllers just didn’t have any attention to give to anything other than the petroleum from which they were stealing large personal fortunes.

Concerning the “regulation” of our cash crops by the federal government, I heard a frightening story in 1989 from the Managing Director of a Nigerian private company in his office in Isolo, Lagos. The said company was doing a growing export business in gum-Arabic from the North – but suddenly the federal government ordered them to surrender the export business to federal government agencies. And within a year, Nigeria disappeared as an exporter of gum-Arabic.

Someday, hopefully, some bright young historian will delve into these matters and tell the world the story of how the Nigerian federal government, in its mad zeal to control everything, destroyed all regional and local development energies, turned Nigeria into a poor country, attracted most enterprising Nigerians away from truly productive enterprises into a life of hustling and sharing of public money, and turned a land of bright hope into a land of utter hopelessness.

Look in any direction, and you will see the destructive effects of federal seizure and control everywhere – in the brutalizing of the intellectual excellence of our topmost universities and the drastic weakening of our educational system in general. You will see it in the virtual elimination of our local governments as crucial factors in our regional development efforts, in the collapse of some aspects of our infrastructures (like roads and highways) and our pathetic failure to make sense of other as-

Gbogun gboro pects (like electricity). You will see it in the actual deliberate federal obstruction of the efforts of some state governments to do good things for their states, and in the political instability resulting from the use of federal power to manipulate state elections and to impose favoured persons on our states. You will see it in the destruction of the integrity of our higher courts.

To return our country to the path of sanity and progress, we Nigerians must join hands, peacefully reorder our country, curb the monster that is wrecking our country, and free our energies to go back to constructive work. That is the only path of hope for our country. Whoever thinks that Nigeria can exist for much longer than now under the present chaos of federal control is seriously mistaking. If Nigeria breaks up soon, as many informed people are predicting, then it will be because we let the federal government continue to be the unruly dictator and master of all.

‘To return our country to the path of sanity and progress, we Nigerians must join hands, peacefully reorder our country, curb the monster that is wrecking our country, and free our energies to go back to constructive work. That is the only path of hope for our country.

Whoever thinks that Nigeria can exist for’

To cheat and not cheat

By Olubanwo Fagbemi where certificates – dud or genuine – go for two a penny on the streets, and sworn affidavits as well as statutory declarations of age are brandished in consequence of poor recordkeeping, baby-faced men of 30 often play as gifted 17 or 20 year-olds with the connivance of result-oriented officials.

That leaves parents and guardians as the only guarantors of players’ true ages. With the finances of the average Nigerian family perpetually in dire straits and an international football career one of the quickest ways of escaping the doldrums, however, scarce is the mother prepared to prevent her hopeful 25 year-old from heeding a precious national youth team invite, or the guardian ready to reveal his ward’s true age.

We fete the Class of 2013 as teenage heroes, but some thought skipper Musa Muhammed and his mates punched above their weight. A dazed Iran coach, Ali Doustimehr, whose charges succumbed 4-1 to the smallish but nimble Nigerians in the second round implied as much. “As national team coach for 20 years, my experience in this job tells me that the Nigerian team are not teenagers,” he said.

“I don’t want to raise this issue that they are average or not … But if they are under 17, I just say congratulations because they are very good. It means that Nigeria will have a very strong national team in the future.”

We may not admit Doustimehr’s opinion in the court of public opinion, for the simple fact that he lacks evidence, nor would personal doubt from domestic quarters count, for the same reason. As the successful sides to the China 1985, Japan 1993 and Korea 2007 tournaments did, Manu Garba’s collection of mostly youth academy prodigies deserved the gold cup and the subsequent presidential reward. Their thrilling displays in the Middle East sun reflected the wealth of technical experience supplied by Manu – a former youth international – and his assistants in the course of two fruitful years. Nduka Ugbade captained the inaugural Eaglets of 1985 while Emmanuel

Amuneke earned his wings with the national Under 23 national team and the Super Eagles.

Taken with the Super Eagles’ Nations Cup conquest in February and imminent qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, the latest achievement justifies the end, but not the means of Nigeria’s football practice.

In the first place, to contest age-grade competitions with the ages and appearance of players in doubt is to possibly defeat FIFA’s aim of talent development for continuity and excellence at elite levels. And for all my devotion to the cause, watching the Eaglets defy biological limitations to consistently overrun opponents mildly unnerved.

Some claim that competing countries, especially group stage adversary and vanquished semi-final opponent, Sweden, featured physically more mature and probably older contestants. In the absence of proof that the teams cheated, however, it should be noted that players from developed countries naturally benefit in stature from good nutrition and efficient technique whereas youthful looks and stunted structure define cadet footballers typically selected from the Nigerian grassroots.

Anyone who doubts the malaise need only visit venues of national age-grade football championships. He might glimpse a babyfaced 27 year-old win a national under-13 competition with fellow ‘men’. Privileged to witness one of the many official receptions for the victorious 2007 group, I struggled, and failed, to place the mugs of my football-mad teenage nephews beside those of Haruna Lukman and company, for instance.

Age cheating accusations have dogged the national team for years, to be sure. Discrepancies in the birth dates of three of Nigeria’s players to the 1988 Olympics and ones used by the same players in previous tournaments led to a two-year ban from all international fixtures by FIFA, for example. Belgian powerhouse Anderlecht grabbed Canada ‘87 Under-17 World Cup star, Phillip Osondu after the tournament, but the diminutive striker faded quickly on account of age issues. Afterwards, Femi Opabunmi went from Trinidad and Tobago 2001 sensation to the senior World

Cup with the Super Eagles and obscurity in quick succession.

As endorsed by supporters and a doting Manu, immediate step-up to the seniors for the Eaglets is one thing, staying relevant is another. The same rhetoric trailed the previous three accomplishments. Neglected by clueless officials and a forgetful followership, a handful succeeded, but many of the players eventually drifted around the obscure leagues of Asia, Europe and the Americas.

The success stories of erstwhile Eaglets and current Eagles, Ogenyi Onazi and Kenneth Omeruo resound, nonetheless. Spurred by Super Eagles chief coach Stephen Keshi’s home-grown policy, the talented duo made the main team early. They inspire the hopeful, and the emergent crop would do well to make modest but elite European outfits for playing time and quick notice as both players managed.

While we bask in the moment, away from the distractions of poor governance and fragile nationhood, we may examine the price of progress. Trending as a sporting question, cheating transcends all facets of national life as demonstrated by widespread corruption and institutionalised mediocrity. And true nationhood only emerges when citizens collectively relate expression, activity or occupation to conscience.

Right or wrong may be a matter of personal opinion, but once determined, the former is the way to go. The most enduring choices in life are based on the one and never the other.

And right over wrong adds more value to the system than cosmetic slogans and raucous refrains from rebranding and national orientation projects peddled by the government.

In the same way that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) contends with substance abuse, straining to stay ahead of devious super-athletes, technocrats at FIFA must demystify the age-cheat bogey. Only by leveling the playing field will football’s governing body sustain the credibility of future tournaments. Whatever the yardstick, though, Nigeria, as demonstrated in UAE, can win, and win well.

22

INDUSTRY

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

THE NATION

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

•Aregbesola

•Akpabio

•Amosun

•Alabi

Many state governments have made appreciable strides in the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). They have not only engaged in capacity building, but also provided funds and an enabling environment for them to thrive. Some of the SMEs, which were at the just concluded Lagos International Fair, acknowledged the efforts of their state governments but asked for more, especially in capacity building and funding, reports OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE.

Osun, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, others drive SMEs to grow economy

M

OST state governments seem to have come to the conclusion that Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) are key to the economic growth of their states.

They came to the just-concluded Lagos International Trade Fair to showcase their SMEs activities.

For instance, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Ismaila Adekunle Jayeoba-Alagbada, told The Nation at the Fair, that the government has established four departments in the state MicroCredit Agency for traders, artisans, agriculture and administration.

He said the government has also acquired 35 hectares of land to establish an academy for training unemployed youths.

He said the importance the government puts on reliable data for economic planning made it to embark on biometric registration of artisans and tradesmen.

To assist the SMEs to maintain standards and quality in manufactured products and to help buyers have value for their money, the government, he said, would soon launch standard weights and measures in all markets.

Jayeoba-Alagbada said the industrial sector was receiving a boost as the state is promoting industrilisation which has attracted private industrial investment to the state with the establishment of the Omoluabi Garment Factory, which, he said, had started production.

He said: “A Business Support Centre has been established in the state capital in collaboration with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN). The core activities of the centre are the enhancement of the capacity of operators of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and entrepreneurial development of unemployed graduates and youths

in general. This is sequel to the development of industrial estates across the state.”

He revealed that the Osogbo Industrial Estate has been developed and allocated to entrepreneurs, saying the Ilesa Industrial Estate has adequate infrastructure. Plots in the estate are being allocated to industrialists while the development of industrial estates in seven other locations across the state is in the pipeline, he added.

On the government’s assistance to the SMEs, the Commissioner said the state government, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BoI), under the OSSG-BoI (MSME) Fund, provides financial support to cooperatives, industrial investors and operators of MSMEs. He also said the industrialists have been supported with N445,878,000. Due to the importance the government places on SMEs’ clusters as a means of growth, he said the government has organised them into cooperatives.

He said: “The people have keyed into this mode of support as 10,509 cooperative societies have registered so far.”

Jayeoba-Alagbada, said the state government has adopted a holistic measure to ensure effective service delivery and partner private investors for power generation from waste. This is in addition to the on-going construction of an international cargo airport in Egbedore Local Government Area.

In commerce, he said the state has embarked on massive market development; construction has reached an advanced stage on two international markets - the Ayegbaju and Aje markets in Osogbo, the state capital and Ido-osun in Egbdore Local Government Area.

He said there were plans to establish an international market in Ikurin, the headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government Area.

•A stand at just concluded Lagos International Trade Fair.

However, the Chairman, Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), Mr Ali Alabi, said a lot still needed to be done, adding that most of his colleagues still have challenges in finance, power supply and succession.

He urged the government to study the Chinese model of supporting SMEs which is based on the Hand Holding Concept.

Alasbi said while in China the government makes provision for new businesses, it is not so either in Osun or the country. He called for a policy that would resustitate SMEs that have collapsed, noting that this was the only way the economy could grow. The Asian economy grew through the SMEs because of the government’s policy to support them, he added.

Alabi maintained that the government could also learn from India where every big firm is made to nurture 10 SMEs in its catchment area until they mature.

The NASME chief further revealed that the government policy’s in India also favours the patronage of small companies against conglomerates as they help sustain their growth by paying higher for their services and products.

He argued that until government embarks on such deliberate policies the SMEs will continue to struggle for survival.

Alabi canvassed capacity building for SMEs. This, he said includes learning new skills, marketing, book-keeping, management and also succession plan, noting that several small businesses have gone under because of the poor knowledge of management skills.

Managing Director, Dusco-Designers International, Mrs Olufunmilayo Ige, a manufacturer of hand bags, shoes and jewelry from Aso-oke and Ankara fabrics, said the state government still had a lot to do in making affordable finance available for SMEs. She decried the problems she and her colleagues face to access fund.

She said she was in need of finance to get industrial machines, but could not get it.

Another entrepreneur and Curator of Genesis Arts Gallery, Mr Adeyinka Fabayo, also asked for financial assistance from the government to purchase some capital-intensive machines, urging the government not to leave them in limbo.

Another entrepreneur, Mrs Iyabo Oyebamiji, who produces fabrics, also asked for funding to keep her business afloat. She said with enough capital, she and her colleagues could assist the government to create the much-needed employment for its teeming youths.

Also, Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibukunle Amosun reiterated his commitment to create an enabling environment for trade and commerce to thrive in the state.

Amosun, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun, at the trade fair, said the administration would continue to act as a catalyst for economic activities for SMEs. He explained that the state government had put together an economic reform agenda aimed at correcting the structural weaknesses within the

system and establishing an enduring framework for economic growth.

He promised to lay a solid foundation for a vibrant, research- driven mechanised farming and technologically-induced agro-based industry goals.

In his keynote address, the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Abimbola Ashiru, said the state government had concluded plans to set up cluster farm settlements, where producers, processors and other stakeholders in the food chain would be localised in different regions of the state to ensure cost-effectiveness, accessibility, visibility and synergy.

He said the administration was developing a relationship among ministries, departments and agencies of government towards evolving a holistic and integrated response that would guarantee sustainable progress and development.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio, said he has instituted sectorial linkages for the economic development of the state.

He said at the Fair, “at present, modalities are being worked out to ensure that quality goods and services that meet International Standards Organisation (ISO) standards are produced in the state.

“This is an assured way of making our economy vibrant and sustainable to help boost the state’s economy and also ensure favourably in the international market.”

Akpabio, who was represented by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Ufot Tobby Nkangude, harped on the need to harness the economic potential of his state and the country for development.

He said indigenous participation served as channels through which economic could be transformed to enhance the welfare of citizens.

He encouraged the exhibitors to compare notes with others and to start doing something irrespective of the size of their businesses today noting that government is poised to support them in material ways necessary.

The state stand had exhibitors who displayed cooking ingredients, such as ground crayfish, palm oil, groundnut oil, furniture and art works.

Others were detergents, handmade bags with local fabrics and locally, made blending machines.

One of the exhibitors at Akwa Ibom stand and Managing Director of Jekon Integrated Farms Nig. Ltd., Mr Godswealth Henry, producers of RIV Pam Red Palm Oil, said his outing was impressive.

“I am happy to be at the Lagos Trade Fair. The idea of the Akwa Ibom Ministry of Commerce bringing us to participate is being achieved and we commend our state governemnt for their support to the SMEs. “We are into edibles, that is, adding value to farm products so that it meets international standards for export.

“Our presence at the fair is to get investors in Lagos to be able to evaluate the acceptance of the product when we start exporting them,” he said.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

23

2014 WORLD CUP:

25

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

After four months of strike, the Federal Government has agreed to release N220 billion to universities yearly for the next five years. The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had demanded for N400 billion. Lecturers, parents and students debate the gains and losses of the strike.

• ASUU members, University of Benin Chapter, protesting the non-implementation of the agreement.

ASUU Strike: A pyrrhic victory?

W ITH the end in sight of the four-month 13 days strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), parents, students, university administrators, and even the lecturers are relieved that the battle is finally over. However, it has been a long arduous battle leaving many questions about whether the gains of the strike outweigh the losses or vice versa.

The strike started on July 1 with the union adamant about the Federal Government implementing the 2009 Federal Government/ASUU agreement or nothing. They wanted the Federal Government to immediately inject N500 billion into universities for badly needed infrastructural de-

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, Adegunle Olugbamila, Medinat Kanabe, Sampson Unamka, Jane Chijioke, Ibrahim Yusuff, Nicholas Kalu (Calabar), Kolade Adeyemi (Kano),

velopment, and pay N92 billion as earned allowances to lecturers in line with the agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding that issued from it last year.

Their rejection of the government's

N100 billion for infrastructure and N30 billion for earned allowances in August made the strike drag until President Goodluck Jonathan met with leaders of the union headed by Dr Nassir Fagge last week. Though

It has made the government to realise that tertiary institutions have been cheated for so long and that is why the President himself joined the negotiation with ASUU to show his commitment to solving the problem –Gain

INSIDE

‘Mass education has affected quality’ -Page 27

IMF, World Bank stall Nigeria’s development, don -Page 37

the outcome of the meeting was not made public, it was reported that President Jonathan promised to release N220 billion yearly in the next five years, starting from next year. It is unknown whether the issue of earned allowances was broached.

With the President's promise of N220 billion as against the N400 bil-

Students in all the institutions have lost time of academic activities, a development which will adversely affect their academic performance, following the distortion in the academic calendar –Loss

CAMPUS LIFE Unfazed

by ASUU strike

lion originally documented in the agreement, was the strike worth it?

Opinions differ among lecturers, parents, students on the gains and losses of the strike.

Gains

What the strike has achieved means many things to many people. For some, its strongest gain is that the Federal Government now understands that the academics are not pushovers and will not just accept anything shoved down their throats.

Dr Thomas Ashiple, a lecturer at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), said from the way ASUU insisted that the government respects the agree• Continued on Page 26

•A 10-page section on campus news, people etc

-Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

26

EDUCATION Over four months ago, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) went on strike over its 2009 agreement with the government. Though the government has acceded to some of ASUU’s request, the universities are still shut. In this article, a publisher, Peter Akparanta, argues why ASUU should have a rethink.

“W

HEN you take an overdose of pills (especially sleeping pills), side effects can include difficulty in breathing, slurred speech, fainting, shock and even death," says a medical journal. The same applies in all aspects of human endeavour, including industrial actions, such as the one by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Industrial actions, like pills, are applied to remedy some unpleasant or unhealthy conditions, or more appropriately to drive home some points in industrial disputes. But it must be in the right dosage at every point to achieve results. And wisdom is knowing the appropriate dosage to apply and knowing when to halt further application.

There may be valid points to protest the government's failure to honour the 2009 agreement with ASUU. There may also be valid points to protest the collapsing infrastructure in tertiary institutions; the backlog of unpaid allowances and the unconducive environment.

• Continued from Page 25

ment, it would be careful to avoid such situations in future.

He said: "Irrespective of what people would like to think I feel the gains of this strike far outweigh its pains. I actually have a son in the University of Calabar, so I'm not just talking because it does not concern me. This is in the sense that it deals with the very foundation of everything that is wrong with this country. That is the need to do things right. The Federal Government had an agreement with the union on implementing certain financial commitments to better the educational system for everybody, but instead of looking straight at the matter and dealing with it, they resort to pandering to sentiments to deal with the situation which is what is wrong with this country. I believe if things go the way ASUU wants, it would not just be a victory for them in this matter. It would be way more than that. It would be a statement and it would set a proper precedent for the future."

Patrick Nsor, a parent, agreed with him, saying: "I would say the Federal Government has learnt a lesson which should go to all authorities in the country that we must always abide by agreements. What is happening right now is just the consequence of lack of respect for agreements. Besides this, I don't see any other gain closing down our educational institutions can create."

For some others the strike is a success because the Federal Government has now released more funds to public universities. If ASUU had not been adamant, another parent (names withheld) said the money would not have been released and universities would still be suffering lack like before.

"It has made the government to realise that tertiary institutions have been cheated for so long and that is why the President himself joined the negotiation with ASUU to show his commitment to solving the problem.

I think ASUU has made a point and made government to meet some of their demands. At least, 70 per cent of ASUU demands have been met by the government. With this, I do not think government would toy with the future of the students anymore."

Dr Ismail Saheed, a Lecturer I in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Ibadan, said the increased funding means universities can produce better graduates, which makes the struggle worthwhile.

"I am in support of ASUU. The strike will make the government spend more on the education sector.

It means that if the government agrees to the demands of ASUU, then there would be improvement in educational facilities, such as libraries,

ASUU should know when to stop The essence of industrial actions is to get the appropriate authorities to do what has to be done to resolve the dispute. In so doing damage control measures must be considered to avoid an 'action' that may be consume the contentious issue.

ASUU, it seems, is not looking at any damage control measures in this matter. Otherwise, it would not have been on strike since July. Having secured some concessions which include N100 billion a year in the first instance to repair hostels, laboratories, classrooms and other facilities; N100 billion to be sourced from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), and N30 billion for earned allowances, ASUU should have suspended the strike and continued to push for full implementation of the 2009 pact.

For now, government has shown good faith, considering that the matter cannot be resolved over-

night.

Truth be told, this is one strike too many. Statistics show that between 1999 and 2013, ASUU went on strike 12 times. In 1999, it was for five months, 2001, three months, 2002, two weeks, 2003, six months, 2005, three days, 2006, one week, 2007, three months, 2008,one week, 2009, four months, 2010, five months and one week, 2011, three months and 2013, 12 weeks and counting.

Pray, is this long and continuous disruption of the academic calendar not doing more damage to the students in particular and the education system in general than the issues it is protesting against? Collapsing of infrastructure is not peculiar to the education sector. All sectors of the economy are affected and it is as a result of long years of bad leadership. It is for this reason that the present administration, through its transformation agenda is waging

war against the rot in the system.

The results, so far, are impressive.

Recently, two global credit ratings agencies - Fitch and Standard and Poor's, affirmed Nigeria's sovereign credit ratings at BB minus, with a stable outlook. A sovereign credit rating is an evaluation of the creditworthiness of a sovereign state and it is a key determinant of the interest rate at which such a country can borrow from international financial markets. It also indicates the risk level in investing in a country.

Contrary to ASUU's claim, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, should be hailed for the management of the economy, which earned the country these ratings.

ASUU and its associates have questions to answer regarding the dimension to which they have pushed this strike. For instance, how will

ASUU Strike: A pyrrhic victory?

The man Festus Iyayi

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

P

ROFESSOR Festus Iyayi died on Tuesday fighting for what he believed the emancipation of the academia, social justice and the truth. He lived most of the adult part of his 65-year sojourn on earth fighting for social issues through his writings and activities as a member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Iyayi, who hailed from Ugbegun, Esan Central Local Government of Edo State, served as the ASUU chairman at the University of Benin, where he taught in the Business Administration Department in the 80s. He later became national president of the union, serving between 1986 and 1988 when the union was proscribed and he was detained by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime.

Iyayi's literary work also focused on social issues. He wrote four books, Violence, The Contract, Heroes and Awaiting Court Martial. Heroes won the Commonwealth Prize for Literature in 1988 while he was in detention. But it was not his first prize. In 1968, he won a zonal winner in the Kennedy Essay Competition organised by the United States Embassy in Nigeria.

After his secondary education at the Annunciation Catholic College in the old Bendel State in 1966, he attended Government College Ughelli for his HSc. He studied up to Masters level at the Kiev Institute of Economics, in the former USSR, and crossed to the University of Bradford, England, for his Ph.D. In 1980, he returned to Nigeria and was employed into the Department of Business Administration at the University of Benin.

In paying tribute to the late ASUU leader, many academics, colleagues and former students, described Iyayi as a crusader, outspoken and fearless critic who always stood for the truth. A colleague said his involvement in unionism retarded his academic progress, resulting in his only attaining the professorial cadre about three years ago, long after his contemporaries had been made professors. hostels, laboratories and lecture rooms. I believe this will add more to the quality of graduates we produce," he said.

Saheed also did not see the four months the universities were shut as a loss.

"To me, the strike does not have any negative effects. Although some may think it will extend their stay on campus but if we look at the issue holistically, staying for long is not really the problem but the most important thing is to have schools with the necessary infrastructure to produce competent graduates," he added.

The Losses

Many more people believed the losses were more than the gains.

However, for the members of ASUU, the greatest casualty of the strike was Prof Festus Iyayi, who died in a motor accident on Tuesday on his way to Kano for the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of ASUU, where the final decision on whether or not the strike should end, was taken.

Iyayi, a former president of the union, was at the forefront of the struggle, carrying placards with younger members when they took to the streets of Benin to protest government's insensitivity in breaching the agreement about three weeks ago.

Of his death, the ASUU Chairman

of Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST) chapter, Dr Abdulkadir Muhammad, said: "As I am speaking to you now, ASUU has lost Dr. Festus Iyayi of the University of Benin who died in a ghastly motor accident on his way to Kano to attend the ASUU NEC meeting on Wednesday. You can imagine the impact of this great loss to UNIBEN, Dr. Iyayi's family and friends and the nation's education sector."

A former chairman of ASUUUNIBEN chapter, Comrade Idaevhor Bello, said the government was responsible for Iyayi's death because it prolonged the strike.

"Some of us hold the government responsible for his death. If the government had realised that they needed a functional education it would not have happened. It is the government's disinterestedness in education that has resulted in the protracted ASUU strike," he said.

For many others, the four months lost to the strike would be difficult to recover by lecturers and students.

Dr Muhammad said with the strike, the academic calendar is in disarray.

He said: “The losses are greater than the gains because students in all the institutions have lost time of academic activities, a development which will adversely affect their academic performance, following the distortion in the academic calendar.

"You can recall that before the be-

•The late Iyayi

ginning of the strike, most universities had conducted the post-UTME examinations and the new students awaiting their results are in confusion. The students are now redundant at home; while graduating students who were supposed to receive their call-up letters for national service have remained frustrated."

Prof Ayo Yussuf of the Department of Linguistics, African and Religious Studies, University of Lagos, said lecturers were as badly affected as students by the loss of time resulting from the strike.

"It simply means for ASUU, we have lost our vacation. As soon as school resumes, we have to start teaching students and preparing them for examinations. If, for instance, a lecturer has 10 items on his course list and he has taught only eight before the strike, he must complete the remaining two when school resumes.

Besides, we conduct researches, attend conferences and even supervise projects during strike. What I am saying is that ASUU activities are always put on hold during strikes, and we carry on from where we left once we resume," he said.

For Charles Effiong, a student of the University of Calabar, four months is a long time to lose touch with school work.

"For me as a student, what is important is to go to school. The effect of this strike is already telling on me.

printing and distributing leaflets calling the Finance Minister names help to resolve the education crisis?

How will the support being given ASUU by native doctors in the Southwest help the struggle? Do all of these not give vent to the suspicion that the ASUU strike is political and not one to right the wrongs in the education system?

Time has come for ASUU and its associates to rethink their action and accept the olive branch waved by the government. It is beginning to appear unreasonable for ASUU to continue this strike. There is a point of retreat when pushing a case, otherwise you may ruin it and lose public sympathy. Let ASUU and its associates know that it has reached that point. Finally, we need to begin to think of other ways to fund university education. The lecturers should be more creative. Strike has proved many times to be ineffective in the long run.

•Akparanta writes from Yell Publishers Nig. Limited in Abuja Personally, I am beginning to feel that I am losing touch with my studies. It is to this extent that I feel the pain quite hard," he said.

Sarah Etumuniratu a 100-Level student of Political Science at the Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, engaged in part-time work so earned money during the strike. However, that money would also have to go in paying rent for extra months in offcampus accommodation when school resumes.

"The strike also has negative effects on those who secure accommodation off campus. It means they have to pay additional house rents for the four months duration of the strike which they did not budget for," she said.

A final-year student of the Delta State University, Etoh Mejire Andrew, said the extension of the academic calendar means greater financial burden on his parents.

"An extra year in school ultimately implies additional financial cost for my parents in terms of campus accommodation and other logistics. It also means an extension in the service year. While I should have gone for youth service by June next year, it might not be possible as I will have to count five months extra," he said.

For some parents, the losses are so painful that whatever the strike may have achieved is difficult to celebrate.

Mrs Marina Osoba, a parent, said everyone involved in the university system has suffered losses.

"Well, definitely, there are no winners; everybody as regards the ASUU strike right now is a loser. The lecturers are losers because they have not been able to be productive or impact what they have; the students are losers because they have lost so much time, they have not been able to write their final year exams and they have not been able to move forward and even the schools themselves and the society have all lost.

But, hopefully, this strike will be the strike that ends all strikes, that's what I’m praying for.

Another parent, Mrs Joy Godswill said the long strike made female students vulnerable.

"I can't start counting the losses because it's just too painful to imagine.

Most of the students have been whiling away their time in loss; talk of parties, clubbing, just name it. The female students are even more at risk; if you should conduct a research on this, you will find out that 50 per cent of the females are either pregnant, rushed into marriage or about to, not to talk of abortions," she said.

Another parent, who works at the University of Ibadan, Mr Murtala Lawal, said it was a shame that the strike had to go on for so long to get • Continued on Page 27

28

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

EDUCATION FUTMINNA FILE

VC pledges support to Christians THE Vice-Chancellor (UI), Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUT, Minna), Prof Musbau Adewumi Akanji, has assured the Christian community of his administration's support towards ensuring the success of all their religious activities on campus.

The VC stated this when the newly-elected executive members of the Pentecostal Council under the umbrella of Chapel of Grace, FUT, Minna visited him at the Council Chamber.

Akanji appreciated the group for their show of love and prayers since his assumption of office and urged them to continue to support his administration with prayers.

He informed them that his administration was working towards ensuring that 70 per cent of its students are based in the Main Campus by 2015/2016 session with a drive to building more hostels and tasked the group to make their presence felt by building a befitting church on the Main Campus, Gidan Kwano.

“The university would give you all the necessary support and I want your youth wing to collaborate with our Students' Affairs Unit,” he said.

The Chairman of the Council, Mr. John Adama, said the group wants to partner with the institution through prayers for peace on campus and for the Vice-Chancellor to succeed during his tenure.

Kano to upgrade 100 secondary schools

K

ANO State government is upgrading 100 public secondary schools across the

state.

The initiative involves the provision of three modern laboratories, one library and one computer laboratory in each of the schools.

Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, made this known while receiving the national executive members of Rumfa Old Boys Association, led by the President, Alhaji Nu'uman Barau Dambatta, at the Government House.

He said the move was part of a broad vision to revitalise the education sector, adding that the government has constructed about 2,500 classrooms and 400 teachers' houses in public secondary schools.

He said the administration was also constructing additional sec-

From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

ondary schools, technical colleges, Schools of Islamic Studies and crafts schools in selected locations across the 44 local government areas of Kano, to give its pupils more opportunity to gain knowledge and contribute to nation building.

Kwankwasoalso said the government plans other interventions in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in the state, including providing textbooks, equipment and furniture and consumables.

However, Kwankwaso promised the old boys of Rumfa College that their alma mater would soon be restored. He said he has directed all agencies located within the premises of the old college as well as and non-workers of the college residing in its staff quarters to vacate

the premises.

On the re-boarding of the school and changing its admission policy as requested by Alhaji Dambatta, Kwankwaso promised to consider them in line with prevailing realities.

Dambatta had urged the government to adopt a unitary admission policy that would allow for pupils to be admitted into the college, in line with a defined quota. He also urged the government to renovate, upgrade and furnish existing infrastructure in the school, enhance its subvention and ensure observance of universal teacher-pupil ratio of 1:40.

He, however, announced that the association had completed renovation of roads, drainages and culverts , in addition to other projects by the various sets and philanthropists.

NSDC seeks support THE Niger State Development Company Limited (NSDC) has solicited the support of FUT, Minna in Agriculture and Information and Communication Technology to achieve the state government's Vision 3;2020.

The NSDC's Head of Investment Services, Mallam Ahmed Garba Kuta, called for the assistance when he led a delegation to visit the Vice-Chancellor.

He said the organisation decided to collaborate with FUT, Minna based on its track-record in research and academic excellence.

Responding, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Akanji, praised Governor Mu'azu Babangida Aliyu for his investment in education, noting would assist the state in attaining its goals.

He promised to constitute a committee that would look into their partnership proposal with a view of making it operational.

SAAT supports farmers FOR the second time, the School of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology (SAAT) Research Farm has supported farmers through its Competitive Agricultural Research Grant Scheme Striga Project Field Day. The farmers, who came from Minna and environs, were enlightened on the effect of Striga (witch weed) which destroys crops like maize, soya beans, rice and sorghum by eating up their nutrients.

From their tour of the research farm, the farmers saw the effect of Striga on maize and how it can be controlled by improving the fertility of the soil through Nitrogen fertilizer and planting a leguminous crop known as Aeschynomene Histrix.

At the end of the excursion, farmers were promised seeds to plant on their farms and observe the effect of Aeschynomene on Striga infestation and maize performance.

The Dean, SAAT, Prof M.G.M Kolo welcomed the farmers.

Kogi to train teachers From Muhammad Bashir, Lokoja

N

O fewer than 630 teachers are to be trained in content language integrated learning approach in Kogi State.

The training is sequel to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by the Kogi State Government and the British Council at the state government House in Lokoja.

The government also directed some higher institution teachers to serve as observers as part of the training.

At the signing, the State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada, said the need to train teachers in content language development followed the inability of most teachers to comprehend the use of English language.

Wada, who was represented by the Secretary to the state government, Prof. Olugbemiro Jegede, said the training would place emphasis on content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.

He added that it had becomes difficult to impact knowledge when a teacher would not comprehend the use of the right words in teaching.

Amir Ramzan, Deputy Director British Council, commended the state's commitment to improving teachers - a step he said would greatly improve the quality of teaching and learning.

Earlier, Dayo Akande, Special Adviser on Strategic Planning, said the training of teachers in the state is a reaffirmation of the administration’s stand on education.

‘Equip tertiary institutions’ From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

• Prefects at the conference.

D

School prefects prepare for leadership

ISCIPLINE, humility, responsibility, and empathy, are among the many virtues prefects of secondary schools in Lagos were advised to inculcate to be effective in their roles at the 6th Annual Leadership Conference for Secondary School Prefects in Lagos State held at the Igbobi College Hall, Yaba, Lagos.

They also learnt a lot about leadership at the summit organised by the Royal Exchange in conjunction with the Foundation for Youth Education.

It was Mr Chike Mokwunye, Royal Exchange's Group Managing Director who opened the floor, telling the pupils the kind of lifestyle they must adopt to influence their followers to do right.

T

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

"As a leading light, each of you has been invested with a responsibility to do the right things and to point the right way for others to follow," he said.

Mokwunye also told the pupils that good leadership skills can be learnt and do not necessarily have to be innate.

“One of the myths surrounding leadership is that it is determined by distinctive dispositional characteristics present at birth, for example, intelligence and charisma.

However, it is important to note that leadership also develops through hard work and careful observation.

Therefore, effective leadership can result from innate talent given by

nature as well as acquired skills nurtured by tutelage," he said.

Many other speakers, including the Special Adviser to Governor Fashola on Education, Otuba Fatai Olukoga, and the Coordinator Foundation for Youth Education, Mr Patrick Ajogwu.

Speaking on the attributes of a good leader, Ajogwu counseled the prefects to make humility, honesty, empathy, creativity and discipline a part of their lives. He also told them that as leaders, they should learn to plan, be creative, organised and innovative.

Praising the organisers, Otunba Olukoga said such forum would expose the pupils to good leadership traits early in life which would ultimately benefit Nigeria in future.

YABATECH Rector gets HE Federal Government has second term reappointed Dr Margaret Kudirat Ladipo as the Rector

of the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), as for a second term of four years.

The Chairman, Governing Council of the college, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, who made made this known in his address at the 28th Convocation of the institution, said the second term will take effect from next month.

Babatope said Dr Ladipo's reappointment was well deserved as there was ample evidence that she worked assiduously to improve the college since she assumed office in December 2009.

He described the Rector as a unique example of a administrator whose activities are 100 per cent in line with President Goodluck Jonathan's Transformation Agenda.

Dr. Ladipo was born in Kaduna into the Abdu Ibiyeye family of Offa on April 6, 1961.

She had her primary and secondary education in Kaduna before proceeding to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria also for first and second degrees in Chemistry and Polymer Technology. She aslo obtained a Ph. D in Analytical Chemistry from the same university.

Dr. Ladipo began her working career in 1982 as a graduate assistant at ABU and left in 1984 to Kaduna Polytechnic to take up appointment as Lecturer III. She joined YABATECH in 1986 as Lecturer II and rose to become a Chief Lecturer in 2002.

She served as Head, Department of Polymer and Textile Technology

•Dr Ladipo

from 1994-2000 and became the Director of YABATECH Consult (the business and consultancy arm of the college) in 2005, a position she held until her appointment as Rector.

T

HE Nigerian Society of Mining Engineers (NSME) has urged the Federal Government to revitalise the iron and steel sector for the overall industrial development of the country.

The association particularly called on the government to equip all tertiary institutions offering Mining and Minerals Engineering to make the sector vibrant.

In the communiqué signed by its President, Engr. B.O Nwude after the 13th Annual General Meeting held at Federal University of Technology Akure, (FUTA), the body noted that equipping institutions would help in training skilled personnel for the industry.

MAPAMA holds convention

M

OSHOOD Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Muslim Alumni (MAPAMA) will hold its National Convention on November 23.

Group Head, Non-Interest Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Dr Basheer Oshodi, has been scheduled to speak on the theme: Creating wealth through sustainable business partnership at the event which will hold at the LCCI Conference Hall, Central Business District, Alausa, Lagos.

A statement by the National President, Lukman Junayd, said the theme was chosen to empower members.

He said members had benefited from many topical presentations at the monthly a across states.

He added that the association has been implementing many welfare schemes for undergraduates in their alma mater.

The Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, an alumnus and member of MAPAMA, will be the Special Guest of Honour while the Chairman, Board of Trustees of MAPAMA, Alhaji Waheed Kadiri will be the Chief Host.

29

Redeemer's runs for excellence

*CAMPUSES

Learning made simple

Page 31

*NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

CAMPUS LIFE

THE NATION

0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

While many of their colleagues are idle at home because of the protracted Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, twins Peter and Paul Inung, who are students of the Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH), are improving on their entrepreneurial skills. KANJAL GODSHIELD (300-Level Mass Communication) writes.

Unfazed by ASUU strike T

HEY are twins who have passion for creating something out of nothing.

Peter Olowhu and Paul Akem, known as Double P at the Cross River State University of Technology (CRUTECH), are multi-talented identical twins. They are carving a niche for themselves in various vocations.

Born in 1990 into the family of Mr and Mrs Inung, both indigenes of Obudu Local Government Area of Cross River State, who are Kadunabased petty fashion designers, the twins in their final year, are surmounting the family challenges with their latent skills.

Both are gifted in music, fashion designing and interior decorations.

They are exhibiting the talents on campus to survive. Peter is studying Civil Engineering while Paul is an Architecture student.

While activities in CRUTECH are perpetually paralysed because of the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, the twins are smiling to the bank, utilising their gifts to service their colleagues and lecturers.

When CAMPUSLIFE visited the campus last week, the twin brothers were seen sewing clothing materials for their clients.

When our correspondent sought to know why they did not go after the campus was closed down, Peter said since they were admitted into the institution, they had never gone back home.

“We always engaged either in church activities or managing big events but we do communicate with them on phone,” he said.

Paul added: “We are proud to say that our parents only pay our fees, while we handle the rest. Look at how healthy we are; it is not by our strength but by the grace of God.” Peter and Paul started earning

•Peter and Paul sewing materials

money immediately after their admission into CRUTECH. “As we were leaving Kaduna for Calabar after our admission, our parents gave us two sewing machines to take along so that we could work while we go to school. We did not turn down the offer because we knew it could fetch us money. In school, we started having customers, who come to amend their torn and oversize clothes;

this gave us popularity. We later extended our services to lecturers and non-teaching staff,” Paul said.

Peter said: “We acquired the skill from our parents who are fashion designers; we started developing interest in tailoring at a tender age. But then, we were doing it as an hobby. Our parents mandated us to be focused on the vocation but we did not take it serious as kids. Rather, we boasted that

we wanted to be engineers in future.

Later, we started seeing the opportunities in it as we earned little money from amendments we did for customers. From that moment, we gave full attention to the trade.”

Averagely, the twins make N1,000 daily depending on the number of “jobs” they deliver. “In terms of charges, our service is affordable because we are dealing mostly with stu-

dents,” Paul offered.

Apart from tailoring, the twins also sing.

They released a couple of songs and performed in various campus fellowships’ events. Did their parent also teach them music?

“No, they are not musicians,” Paul said, adding: “And we cannot say music is our primary calling because we •Continued on page 30

•Be diligent, students told -P32•’ASUU strike is needless’-P33

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CAMPUS LIFE

ASUU strike Pushing Out and the with politics of Agbo Agbo emotion (II) •aagboa@gmail.com 08116759750 (SMS only)

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F there’s one thing the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike has achieved it is beaming the searchlight on tertiary education in Nigeria. Beyond attempts to play politics with our emotions, most Nigerians are now aware of the challenges facing, not just our varsities but the entire education sector. Is the university to blame for a student that cannot communicate effectively in English? Would there not have been a dysfunction somewhere at the base? But the question will remain, how he got into the university in the first place and how did he graduate?

Another issue it has raised is where we place our priorities as a nation. Because of the prolonged nature, ‘strike weariness’ set in within ASUU ranks as voices of dissent started emerging asking whether strike is the best option to force the government to honour agreements it willingly signed.

This, I must point out, is not a recent occurrence. As far back as 2009, Prof. Babatunde Munir Ogunsanwo who delivered the 49th Inaugural Lecture of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), said: “The union cannot claim the dearth of expertise in industrial psychology, sociology, law or crisis management, who should be able to synthesize an efficient alternative to strike actions which have done more damage to the public image of ASUU as a union of academics who are never contended but rather are ready to sacrifice the future of their students for the improvement of their personal emoluments.”

Several current and former members of the union have also lent their voices on what some of them term the obsolete nature of strikes. Just like I’ve mentioned in this column in the past, I’m yet to see concrete and workable suggestion on how the union could’ve compelled a government that has

other “serious things” on its mind to bother themselves with the ‘harmless’ ranting of some lecturers or professors.

I must state here categorically that I’m not holding brief for ASUU, but I’m only interested in workable and constructive solutions on how to make our varsities competitive and attuned to the challenges of a technologically and knowledge driven 21st century. We are deceiving ourselves that we are in the present while in fact we are still living in the past.

There is no better way to gauge this ‘strike weariness’ than the fallout of the union’s meeting with the president last week. Varsity campuses are divided on the issue of calling off or continuing the strike action. As at Monday this week, The University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), University of Calabar (UNICAL), Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), Federal University of Technology Minna and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso chapters voted that the strike should end. Some of them, however, did that with conditions attached.

On the other hand, the University of Jos (UNIJOS), the University of Benin (UNIBEN) and the Nasarawa State University chapters voted for the strike, continuation.

Dr. David Jankam, UNIJOS chapter chairman, who has been quite critical of government’s handling of the issue, said members did not see any substance in the dialogue with the Federal Government to warrant calling off the strike.

“We have just rounded off our meeting”, he was quoted as saying. “As a matter of fact, our members voted overwhelmingly for the con-

tinuation of the strike. I can also confirm to you that five of the eight universities that make up the Bauchi Zone of ASUU have also voted for continuation of the strike, and the general saying is that the government has not shown any commitment so far.”

Prior to the latest development, and as the politics of emotion continued, Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, last week, in an interview with Thisday Newspaper, alleged that the strike embarked upon by the ASUU was aimed at bringing down the government of President Goodluck Jonathan. This is perhaps the fourth time the governor is making the allegation. Recollect that he is also the chairman of the Federal Government’s Needs Assessment Committee for Nigerian Universities.

Let’s hear the Governor: “ASUU’s leadership is determined that PDP government must be brought down and the easiest way to do it is ensuring that every family is affected. And so, the Nigerian family will simply say, ‘look, to keep this government in place, our children will be out of school. So it is better that we kick this government out and bring another government.’

“That is all they are doing. There is nothing to it. Otherwise, the Federal Government has touched on all the requests that led to the strike

by ASUU. They have no basis rather than playing politics with the strike and then holding the nation hostage and destroying the future of this country.”

Buttressing his claim, he said: “I feel that if it is not that they have introduced politics, you know people can’t say that they don’t have political leanings. ASUU’s leadership, we know where they are standing in this whole political process. They can’t deny that they are sympathising with opposition parties and they are determined to destroy the PDP government. That is what they are doing and it is nothing more than that.”

I called a few ASUU members to see how they will react to the governor’s allegation. “I have never heard of a more preposterous allegation than this”, one of them told me “what is my business with the PDP or any government in power when all I’m asking for is for the necessary tools and environment to be able to pass on knowledge to young Nigerians. I feel pained that someone as highly placed as a governor can make such allegation.”

That notwithstanding, the strike action will go down in history as one of the most discussed ASUU strike of all time. For me, the obverse side provides us an opportunity to critically and analytically look at the curricula and course contents in our varsities. There is a huge gulf between theory and practice in the country. The content of some of the courses taught in our institutions have no place in the 21st century, but unfortunately, I don’t see that being discussed in all the postulations I have so far monitored.

For instance, 9/11 has changed the world and we have two broad narratives being written by the ‘good’ guys and the ‘bad’ guys depending on where you belong. In short, security issues are now on the front burner in most countries. Are we aware of this?Some members of ASUU, to the best of my knowledge, know too well that beyond the issues at stake they share part of the blame; they’re not claiming to be saints. Some of them teach with the sole aim of giving grades to their students because the facilities required to augment teaching are not there. I cannot be faulted if I say that the intellectual discourses that were characteristic of our universities in the 1980s and 1990s are long gone; our lecturers have mastered the art of dictating notes to students as the only mode of delivery.

From the federal, state to private, our universities have failed to promote scholarship in the real sense of the term. Our lecturers and professors have become contractors and prefer executive positions to academic ones.

Some have failed to serve as mentors to younger academics because they are not on their seats to offer direction and guidance. I wonder how many professorial chairs are truly funded by either corporate organisations or government. If the chairs are not funded, how will the professors conduct research? So many things are wrong with our universities. Beyond the strike we are on an intellectual war!

University administrators are also partly culpable for the internal rot within the universities. However, it must be equally acknowledged that those internal problems are rooted in under-funding, under-staffing, and under-equipping of the universities as well as the devaluation of education and scholarship by successive governments and the substandard environment under which teaching and learning are taking place. This is the crux of the matter.

‘Service to humanity is the best legacy’ Shortly before the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike began, members of the Rotaract Club at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) elected Muhammed Issah Dangulubi as their president. But the 300-Level Mathematics student could not be sworn in due to the strike. The president-elect tells FATIMAHBINTA ABDULKADIR (200-Level Linguistics) how the strike affects the club’s programmes.

•The twins in a studio

Unfazed by ASUU strike •Continued from page 29

do so many things apart from it. We have released four gospel songs and we have been receiving positive feedbacks from people.

The fact is that we tend to concentrate more on music because we believe it is the best way to pass our message across to the youth.”

Has it been easy combining academics with business? Peter responded: “We work based on our timetable.

Every morning, we draft our to-do list, which helps us to manage our time judiciously. Both of us do not have lectures simultaneously because we are studying different courses. What we do is when one is not having lectures, he does all the work while the other is in the class. We are proud to say that we have no setbacks in our academ-

ics.”

What would they do after school?

Paul said: “We are going to focus on our music because that is where we derive our happiness. Because every investment requires capital, we may practice our profession for a while to raise some money, but our intension is to own a studio where we can only record gospel songs.”

Are they distracted by ladies? “No, we are not into any relationship because we don’t want distraction. More so, our religion does not permit that.

Though it is difficult not to have female students as client but we try our best to manage our relationship with them,” Peter rejoined.

The twins advised the youths to always take God first in everything they do and harness their potential for the service of humanity.

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S the lecturers’ strike affecting the programmes of the club?

Actually, the strike does not affect the running of the club. According to our constitution, Rotaract must hold election and have the executive in place before a Rotary Year runs out, which is what we did. In effect, we became the presiding executive of this club by July 1, of the current Rotary Year. And by constitutional provision, the Rotary Year had started and I am the president of Rotaract Club in Usmanu Danfodiyo University. Since our tenure began, we have started a programme tagged “Engaging Rotary and Changing Lives” around Sokoto metropolis. No we are not affected by the strike.

Do you have your a plan for the club or you want to continue your predecessor’s programmes?

Of course, I have my personal programme because I want to leave the club as a service-oriented organisation with which

every student would identify. The aim of the Rotaract Club is to train and nurture selfless youths, who will be beneficial to themselves and their community as advocates of the six areas of focus of the Rotary International, which are peace and conflict prevention and resolution; disease prevention and treatment; water and sanitation; economic and community development; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy to create friendship and understanding among the populace of the world.

How do you cope being a Rotaract leader and a member of Junior Chamber International?

Service to humanity is the best legacy anyone can leave behind and Rotary motto says ‘it profits most he who serve best’. My passion to serve humanity has no limitation but I must admit that it was challenging when I joined the two service-oriented clubs. Many thought I did not know what I was doing because I joined both clubs

•Muhammed

the same week. Today, I thank God that my action. I have been vindicated and people who thought both organisations are rivals in terms of service are now beginning to change their views.

How do you reach out to Rotarcators during this strike?

We are doing our best to get across to members to connect with our programmers. But you must know that we are students from different parts of the country. Personally, I do call all members that I have their telephone numbers and this gave many of them opportunity to be part of the justconcluded Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) in Abuja.

What should we expect when the strike is over?

The ongoing strike has slowed down things but one of the missions of this administration is to encourage Sokoto residents to start up a Rotary Club. This mission has been actualised. And when the strike is over, all other programmes such as education and literacy, water and sanitation, and the year star project tagged “Cover with Care” would be executed like. We are expecting members back on campus for us to engage the community and render services.

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CAMPUS LIFE The Redeemer’s University has achieved a feat in its quest to actualise the vision of its founding fathers. Last week, the faith-based varsity won $1.5 million World Bank grant for a research that will create a uniform panel to detect and cure infectious diseases. WALE AJETUNMOBI and MEDINAT KANABE report.

Redeemer’s runs for excellence •Faith-based varsity wins $1.5 million grant

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ESS than 10 years after it was licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), the Redeemer’s University (RUN) is accelerating its academic excellence to attain a world-class status.

Last week, the institution won the coveted World Bank’s $1.54 million research grant to fund the establishment of African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) to combat lassa fever and other parasites causing terminal illness in Nigeria. The feat, according to the Vice-Chancellor, was as a result of culture of excellence the founding fathers of the university had entrenched in its system.

The news was announced after the meeting of African Centre of Excellence Project Steering Committee held last week in Dakar, Senegal. The Secretary-General of Association of African Universities (AAU), Prof Etienne Ehouan Ehile, who broke the news, said the selection was based on recommendations of experts on the field after a transparent and rigorous evaluation exercise for 52 institutions in Africa.

RUN was adjudged the best in community health programme and its proposal to implement the project in Nigeria scored 82 per cent Evaluation Score, the highest among all institutions rated, including University of Ghana in Legion, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU),

Zaria, University of Jos (UNIJOS), University of Benin (UNIBEN), and Universite Cheikh Anta Diop, Senegal, which had 74.3, 74, 72.8, 72.2 and 62.9 respectively.

Concluding the evaluation process, the experts said of the RUN: “As a young university, your proposal is visionary in scope as with most ‘leapfrog efforts’ in development and scientific endeavour.”

Attesting to the commitment of the university to research, the experts noted that the recent award of $1.8 million Human, Hereditary and Health (H3) Grant by the United States National Institute of Health to RUN bore witness to the seriousness of the faith-based institution to development and eradication diseases.

Christian Happi, a Professor of Medicine and Dean of Post-graduate College, is the head of the RUN team that wrote the proposal for the World Bank grant. He is a worldclass researcher, who had carried out several studies in genomics and diseases eradication.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Debo Adeyewa, described the feat as a testimony to culture of academic discipline and erudition, which the institution practises, saying the grant would make the university to double its efforts in eradicating lassa fever and other life- threatening contagious diseases found in Nigeria and African soil.

He said the university’s effective community engagement in its

•From left: Registrar, Mrs Bolatito Oloketuyi, Prof Adeyewa and Dr Folarin addressing reporters last week.

PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

health programmes and campaigns were paying off, nothing that the institution had taken students as partners in carrying out researches and awareness programmes in the host communities.

He praised the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Adejare Adeboye, for supporting the management with prayer and personal resources, saying without God, the institution would not have achieved the feat.

He said: “In Redeemer’s University, we believe that one person cannot do everything all alone. This is the reason we always collaborate with other like-minds in our research activities and make progress together in areas of common interest. We believe students are partners

in this regards and we need them to gather materials and analyse data.

“While we thank God for this feat, we have a firm belief that our success in this short period of time we started is as a result of dynamism and erudition we have encouraged in this institution in line with the vision of the founding fathers and Visitor to the school, Pastor Adejare Adeboye.”

The coordinator of the university’s Research Centre, Dr Onikepe Folarin, a Molecular Biologist and Biochemist, who was part of the team that won the grant, said the feat had ended the era of sending research samples abroad for analysis was over. She said the grant would be deployed to provide facilities that would proffer solution to challenges of infectious diseases affecting Af-

ricans.

She explained that the research grant would enable the institution to collaborate with hospitals and primary healthcare centres across the nation to generate a method of using a single panel to test for all infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid and lassa fevers, with an objective to accurately cure precise ailments.

“We are going to gather information on all these common infectious diseases such as malaria, typhoid fever and other diseases, with a view to build a panel that will test for all diseases together and detect which particular one is causing illness in a patient. If this is done, we would have solved health challenges facing people in this part of the world.”

Despite efforts of the management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to make the school conducive for learning, the campus is being abused with haphazard pasting of posters by students. Some students blame the management for the abuse. Others condemn their colleagues for bad house-keeping. But, who is responsible?

OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI (400-Level Language Arts) asks.

•Layers of posters along a walkway in OAU

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N its recent ranking of universities on conduciveness and academics, Cybermetrics Lab, a Spanish research group responsible for ranking of universities, listed the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) as the eighth institution in Africa for excellence, openness and knowledge impact and presence.The honour befits “Africa’s most beautiful campus” as the university is fondly called by students given its aesthetic environment and architectural masterpiece.

However, a visit to the campus tells another story. Every available space is covered in graffiti. Students indiscriminately paste posters, flyers, stickers and banners on wall surfaces, despite the notice boards provided by the manage-

•Students abandoned this board and pasted posters on the wall

A campus covered in graffiti ment and students’ associations.

Such places where posters are haphazardly pasted include toilets, walls, hostel doors, lecture rooms, doors of departments’ offices, faculties’ walkway, reservoirs, barks of trees, incinerators and butteries’ wall. The posters contain mostly upcoming programmes of students’ fellowships, political manifestoes, associations’ week schedules, faculties’ seminar, press releases and business adverts, with motive to gain readership, disseminate information and quick patronage.

In spite of the school regulation against abuse of school facilities, the campus has been covered with layers of papers and scribbles. The posters remain on the wall for as long as they are covered with other posters.

The Campus Aesthetics and Trade Regulatory Committee (CATREC) on various instances held awareness programmes to discourage the act.

The body had participated in orientations to show students a responsible method of pasting posters without constituting a nuisance on the campus.

In Students’ Handbook given to

freshers, it was comprehensively stated in Article XII Section D on Environmental Issues, that: “A student shall not deface the Halls of Residence by pasting posters, writing on the walls or engaging in any act that may destroy the aesthetics of the halls.”

The Rain Semester is time when departments, faculties and students’ indigenous associations experience change of guards. During this period, the university walls are covered with all sorts of pictures and programmes of candidates.

In the hostel, rooms are covered

with scribbles such as names of the occupants, quotes of famous people, cleaning schedules and timetable for lecturers.

Another way students abuse facilities of the school is engraving clubs’ programmes on writing boards with sharp objects. Others use permanent markers to create permanent awareness about themselves or their associations.

Some students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, condemned the abuse, describing it as sign of bad housekeeping. They blamed the management for its weak enforcement of regulation to stop the abuse.

•Continued on page 36

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CAMPUS LIFE

•New members of the association being sworn in

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HE Bar Association of Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State, has organised a two-day seminar for members to mark the 13th “Call to Bar” ceremony of the association.

The event with the theme: The law and you was attended by the founder, Dr H.C. Mbanisi and p ri n c i p a l o f f i c er s o f t h e association.

Dr Mbanisi described the ceremony as timely, saying it offered opportunity for members

•Leaders of the association taking the oath

Be diligent, students told From Emeka Onwudinjo OKO POLY

to network and brainstorm on issues relating to students’ welfare.

In his lecture entitled: Constitution: Functions and Relevance, the guest lecturer, F.M. Oduaha, said constitution of any given society was the powerhouse that directed the affairs of a people. He said: “Disregarding

laid-down laws can subject a society to crisis and in extreme cases, this could result in anarchy as well as destruction of lives. This is the cause of the conflict that has engulfed the Middle East in recent times.

“The constitution is the live-wire of a society that assures the peaceful co-existence of any people.

For a society to grow and fight

injustice, unlawful acts and infringement on the rights of citizens, the constitution provides the template for achieving social cohesion.”

The founder of Ogbummuo Chambers, Benjamin Ogbummuo, advised the new lawyers to be diligent and believe in themselves as they set out in the legal world.

Nick Anozie, who spoke on “Why am I here?” charged the lawyers to desist from unethical practices and stay true to their calling.

“I want all of you to realise the purpose of your journey into the legal profession. You must seek to add meaning to your life in everything you do,” he stated.

Highlight of the event was the launch of “Barristers Handbook and Legal Practices” authored by the Secretary General of the association, Barrister Ezeokoli Echezonachukwu.

Strike: Students face eviction

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•Cross section of participants at the seminar

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Govt tasked on cancer campaign

HE Federal Government has been urged to renew its commitment to fighting cervical cancer, to reduce the number of casualties. The charge was given last week during the lecture

by Prof Etedafe Gharoro, a consultant Gynaecologist and Deputy Provost of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) Medical School.

The event with the theme: ‘’The burden of cancer of the cervix’’, was held at the Oba Akenzua Hall of the UNIBEN Teaching Hospital (UBTH). It was attended by the Provost of College of Medical Sciences, Prof Vincent Iyawe ; Head of Department of Child Health, Dr W.E. Sadoh, Chief Physiotherapist, UBTH, Dr Kayode Oke, Medical director (CMD), UBTH, Prof Michael Ibadin and members of the Edo

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HE National Association of Polytechnic Student(NAPS) has appealed to polytechnics lecturers to call off its ongoing industrial action in the interest of students. Its Public Relations Officer, Abdulmojeed Oyeniyi, made the appeal on behalf of the association in a interview with our correspondent last weekend.

He said the association could not understand why polytechnic lecturers were on strike after the govern-

From Uwoghiren Eddy UNIBEN

State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

In his welcome remark, Dr Oke said that the hospital decided to organise the lecture create awareness on the scourge of cervical cancer which is said to be the second most common cancer in women. He added that proper enlightenment of the public would help in curtailing its spread.

Prof Etedafe said cervical carcinoma, commonly called cervical cancer, is an abnormal growth in the cells around the cervix with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) being the carrier. He said that the disease can be also be contracted through sex, smoking and poor nu-

trition.

He decried the poor state of the Nigeria National Cancer Registry (NNCR) which was created to reduce incidence of the disease, provide vaccination and screening of patients.

Prof Isah Ambrose appealed to government and corporate bodies to help to subsidise the cost of the vaccine, saying that it would assist more women to undergo vaccination. Another attendee, Mrs Margret Amayo called on participants to spread the message through social media, adding that it would curtail the prevalence of the disease.

Afiesume Emmanuel, 100-Level Medicine, commended the hospital management for organising the lecture.

Students appeal to ASUP on strike From Yakubu Temitope ADO POLY

ment had substantially met their demands.

He said: “We appeal to the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics to suspend the strike as the Federal Government has met their demands including among others, inauguration of Governing Councils for the five federal

polytechnics and publication of their names and the constitution of NEEDS Assessment committeee for polytechnics and colleges of education constituted by the Minister of Education.”

Abdulmojeed also urged President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to facilitate the appointment of substantial Education Minister to rescue Nigeria’s education.

ARELY four months into the protracted strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), landlords in Anyigba, a students’ community at the Kogi State University (KSU) have warned students to pay up their rent dues or risk forceful eviction.

Students who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE have rejected the move, saying it was insensitive.

They described the attitude of landlords in the area as overbearing.

“Most of these landlords are only after milking the students dry and the only thing that matters to them are exploiting students at will. We know that it is business but how can I pay for a house that I’m not sure when I will occupy?” one of them asked.

From Edogbo Mandela KSU

A 300-Level student of Geography and Planning said: “This is the advantage of staying in the hostel.

Nobody harasses you with rent dues and all the troubles of off-campus accommodation. I am sure that as soon as the two new hostels on campus are completed, many landlords will lose their tenants as the hostels are more conducive than those of off campus lodges due to the availability of water and power.”

A staff member of the institution, who did not mention his name, told CAMPUSLIFE that the authorities of the institution are working hard to create affordable accommodation for its students.

US envoy praises Afe Babalola

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HE Consul-General of the United States Mission in Nigeria, Mr Jeffrey Hawkings, has praised the founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for being a good example for African leaders through his achievements in education.

Hawkings spoke when he visited the varsity to showcase training opportunities staff and students could benefit in the US , and how such opportunities could be accessed.

Acknowledging Babalola’s massive investement in tertiary education, Hawkings said African leaders had a lot to learn from the chancellor’s selflessness and philanthropy.

As part of America’s commitment to assisting Africa, he said the US government had come up with the Young African Leadership Initiative through which African youths between ages 25-35 with exceptional leadership qualities could access quality education in the US. He encouraged ABUAD’s students to tap into the programmes.

The Consul-General’s 20-member team first visited university’s expansive farm and the College of Law, described by National Universities Commission as the ‘Best College of Law in West Africa’, as well as the new Goodluck Jonathan College of

By Wale Ajetunmobi

Engineering which sits on three and half acres of land and is reputed as the largest in Africa. The delegation later moved into the 7,000-seater Alfa Belgore Multi-purpose hall where the university community was addressed.

Kickng off the presentation, the Consulate’s Public Diplomacy Officer, Ms Rhonda Watson, said ABUAD was unique with its achievement in less than four years after it took off.

Watson, who gave a step-by-step process of accessing education both at undergraduate and post-graduate levels, enjoined prospective students who wanted to study in the US to weigh their options and think thoroughly about what they wanted to study.

According to her, several options available depend on the level in course of study in either undergraduate or post-graduate studies with competitive funding available for fellowship, tuition, scholarship, teaching, research and graduate assistantship.

Jeff Jung and Jennifer Van Winkle, who were part of the envoy’s delegation, spoke on processes involved in visa application.

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CAMPUS LIFE

•Prof Mimiko (seventh, front row) with participants of the Course 22 during the tour

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HE Vice Chancellor of the Adekunle Ajasin University in Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof Femi Mimiko, has said authorities of the university were making efforts that would lead to the end of the proctrated strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Prof Mimiko stated this when he received the participants of Course 22 of the National Defence Academy (NDA) during their tour of the university.

When asked why the university joined the ASUU strike since the institution is funded by the Ondo State government, Prof Mimiko responded that before the strike

‘ASUU strike is needless’

From Richard Adura-Ilesanmi AAUA

began, there was no dispute between the university and its academic staff. But since members ASUU members in the institution were bound by the decision of the national body, he said, it became necessary for them to join the industrial action.

“The university was established and funded by the Ondo State government. And now, we are on strike to compel the Federal Government to implement an

agreement that it willingly signed in 2009. For some of us, it is difficult to understand why the government has refused to honour the pact. But ours is more of a sympathetic strike since we have no direct relationship with the Federal Government. Therefore, going on strike when there is no dispute makes the strike completely illegal,” he said.

He added: “There is no amount of money that we get at the end of the day for infrastructural development and our personal emoluments that will justify the

closure of the entire university system for four months.”

Prof Mimiko stated that closing down campuses was no longer in vogue in many countries, urging ASUU to devise new ways of channeling its demands from the government.

“The strike is not the solution.

We must be courageous enough to look for an alternative. I am using this opportunity to appeal to my colleagues to come back to work. All of us must do something to get back to work,” he

said.

The NDA delegation described the infrastructural development in the university as impressive.

The leader of the team, Commodore Yusuf Isah, said his team was in the state to undertake a study tour of its infrastructure to enable participants realise how the infrastructure in the state could enhance economic development.

He said the visit to AAUA was to understudy the infrastructure and challenges of the institution.

Prof Mimiko thanked the participants for considering the institution worthy of their tour.

Ekiti students seek extension of bursary deadline

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HE Ekiti State Scholarship Board (ESSB) has been urged to extend the closing date of the bursary registration deadline because of the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike.

This would enable more students to participate in the process.

The President of the Federation of Ekiti State Students’ Union (FESSU), Oluwayomi Abegunde, made the appeal during the swearing in for the national executive council of the union in Ado Ekiti.

Oluwayomi said some tertiary institutions in the state had not concluded payment of the 2012 bursary, despite release of funds by the state government.

“Some of our students have complained they have not received last year’s bursary award and now the scholarship board wants to close the date for the scholarship. This is not fair enough; most of these students are at home because of the strike,” he said.

Speaking after he took the oath, Oluwayomi said his agenda was to promote the right and welfare of Ekiti students, stressing that his doors

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UTHORITIES of Salem University have organised a conference with the theme: Improvement of Teaching and Learning in Nigerian Universities for members of academic staff.

The management said the objective of the seminar was to equip academic staff with the appropriate skills to provide quality teaching to their students, help the staff to acquire new knowledge and skills and train them on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching.

The event was attended by principal officers of the university.

In his address, the Director of Quality Assurance, Dr Sunday Okpanachi, said there was a global concern about the sufficiency welfare, input and output of teachers.

He stated that the making of a successful lecturer or teacher goes beyond the mastery of the subjects but also includes the delivery skills as well as the creation a suitable learning atmosphere

From Tosin Ajuwon, ADO-EKITI

would be open to good advice from progressive-minded persons to facilitate development of the union.

“Let me put it on note that we shall be dogged in the pursuit of our mandates and belief. All our agenda shall be pursued with vigour. We shall remain consistent with the delivery of our promises, which include to fight for the rights and welfare of our students.”

He noted that the union would embark on resolving issues with scholarship board after the lecturers’ strike is called-off.

While promising a participatory administration, Oluwayomi hinted that three committee - Chapters’ Affairs Intervention, Projects Implementation and Education Symposium - had created to support the intellectual development of students.

Earlier, the Electoral Chairman, Oluwasunkanmi Bewaji, appreciated the support of students for comporting themselves peacefully during the election.

He described the election as the

•Members of FESSU executive taking the oath

most peaceful since the establishment of the union, stressing that part of modalities put in place for its success was the debate held for all candidates, which gave students opportunity to choose the best among the aspirants.

In his advice, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in Ekiti State, Comrade Ayodeji Aluko urged

the students to imbibe the fear of God in their dealings and be assured of his support.

Aluko said the position of leadership had been entrusted to them, which they must carry out with diligence, he said, urging them to ensure unity among members.

“The winners must be magnanimous in victory. See yourself as broth-

Varsity holds seminar on quality assurance

By Wale Ajetunmobi

for learning. .

In his opening remarks, the ViceChancellor, Prof Joseph Fuwape, noted that the theme of the seminar was aimed at exploring the role of teaching techniques in the improvement of teaching skills to enhance the capacity of lecturers. He noted that for any organisation to successfully drive its vision, it was important to build the capacity of the workforce.

Prof Fuwape noted that most lecturers did not have formal skills in teaching, a situation which, he said, made most of them to adopt the old system of teaching. He said the seminar was organised to improve the teaching skills of lecturers.

In his presentation entitled: “Preparing for a new session as a lecturer in Sa-

lem University”, Dr D.J. Omale said lecturers needed to create opportunity for students to apply their knowledge to solve practical problems. He explained that demonstration in the classroom could raise student’s curiosity while reinforcing memory retention. He added that at the beginning of every course, students must be made to know the purpose of the subject and what is expected of them.

Dr Omale encouraged the need for group assignment and team building activities, saying that students got more excited about a task when working as a team. Through group discussions, he said, students could generate fresh ideas, which could enhance their performance.

He affirmed that oral presentation in class also helped students

to improve their communication skills. Dr Omale noted that contemporary lecturers are encouraged to use the didactic or inclusive pedagogy method rather than the orthodox pedagogical method.

He encouraged lecturers to use multi media lecture aid such as Power Point, saying it would enable the students to easily grasp spellings and pronunciation of words.

In a lecture ebtitled: Understanding students for effective learning, Dr D.O. Oluwade said students had different levels of motivation, attitudes about teaching and learning, different responses to specific classroom environments and instructional practices, stating that the more instructors understand the differences, the better chance they had at meeting the diverse learning needs of their students.

She noted that active learning

ers and sisters in this struggle. Your colleagues took the pain to put their trust in you. Definitely, you must be ready to work hard and don’t let them down.”

He added that NLC was making effort to put more pressure on the government to ensure that the ASUU strike was called off, saying idleness of students could spell doom for the country.

could be best promoted in a safe environment supported by the teacher in which expectation and positive relationship were fostered, adding that teacher should motivate students and nurture their desire to learn.

She recommended that teachers should give examples as much as possible when teaching courses that deal with things that are not common to everybody.

“Teachers should recognise the differences among students so as to know the appropriate teaching style that meets the needs of student and should exercise patience with slow learners,” she stated.

Speaking on The use of ICT to enhance learning experience, M. K. Aregbesola said that the use of ICT in teaching is a strong part of the Transformational Academic Revolution (TAR) agenda of Salem University.

He said students learn more in classes in which they receive computer-based instruction.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

Learning made simple •UNN acquires mobile classroom Many students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) may stop going to classes, following the adoption of mobile workshops by the institution to take practical learning to them in the comfort of their homes. INYA AGHA and EJIKE ENEASATO write.

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S it possible for students to learn outside the campus? In a conventional setting, it is nearly impracticable for students to acquire practical skill without sitting before a teacher in a classroom. But the task appears not impossible with the introduction of mobile classrooms at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

To simplify and make practical education available to more people, the university partnered with DEPCO LLC, an American-based firm, to take knowledge to students in the comfort of their abode. It is the first time a Nigerian university will be using such initiative.

Members of staff from the Department of Vocational Teacher Education of the institution are currently receiving training from experts from the United States on the operation of the mobile workshops.

The mobile classrooms, which are built on mobile trucks, are fully equipped with modern machines designed to offer hands-on lessons to students in over nine disciplines, including Building Construction, Electronics, Textile and Apparel, Home Maintenance, Plant Science, Food Science, Dietetics and Nutrition among others.

The training facilitator and president of DEPCO LLC, Mr Terry Graham, said the mobile workshops would provide home service to learners. “Students shouldn’t have to come to the university to learn. With this technology, education can be taken to people’s door steps,” he said.

Graham said gadgets in the workshop could easily be maintained by simple cleaning and ensuring that the diesel-powered generator functions properly.

Another facilitator, Mr Bill White, added that the mobile workshops would be beneficial to secondary school pupils as it would expose them to practical ideas about different disciplines before making career choices in the university.

He said: “Students should know the practical details of different disciplines to enable them make suitable career choices in the university. For instance, if a pupil wants to study electronics, he should know what to expect from the course before filling university forms. That is the opportunity the mobile workshop offers to secondary school students.”

White said the mobile classroom was designed to offer visual, audio and practical learning instructions to students to suite their learning abilities.

The Director, Centre for Technical Vocational Education, Training and Research (CETVETER), Prof Benjamin Ogwo, explained that the mobile workshops were attracted to the university through grant by the World Bank-assisted STEP-B project, saying the curriculum content of the mobile classroom would be tailored to meet the need of learners in each of the disciplines.

“The beauty of what we are doing is not machines on the truck but our ability to generate curriculum contents that will solve the problem of

•One of the mobile workshops

•Facilitators with some of the trainees entering the mobile workshop

our learners,” he said.

Through the technology, Prof Ogwo said, more students would develop interest in vocational disci-

“Campus coupling”, the concept of male and female students cohabiting on campus, is a common practice. But it is threatening the future of many girls, who end up being pregnant before they graduate. IMOLEAYO OYEDEYI (400-Level Mass Communication, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko) writes on why students indulge in the act.

Single at home, married on campus

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FTER being admitted into a government-owned university in the Southwest, Mary Akande (not her real name) whose parents are based in Lagos could not secure an accommodation in the competitive school Hall of Residence.

As a fresher, she did not know how to secure a room off-campus.

Stranded, Mary approached her colleagues to squat with them in the school hostel pending when she would get accommodation.

She was allowed, but after six weeks, she was caught by porters and expelled from the premises with a stern warning never to be seen around the hostel.

Forlorn and hopeless, she packed her belongings and left the campus. On her way to town, Mary met a 300-Level student, who had helped her during the registration.

She explained her predicament and sought his help to get accommodation in town.

But, before then, she agreed to stay with the guy who stays in a single-room apartment. Mary was there for the rest of the session.

Upon resuming after a long session holiday, Mary’s friends waited endlessly for her to resume but she could not. She was fourmonth pregnant and her acquaintance was responsible. Unable to face the stigmatisat i o n , s h e dropped out of school.

The narrative above is a trend in many higher institutions across the nation. Male and female students live under one roof as couples – albeit without the consent of their parents. When it is not affecting their academic performances, unlucky couples drop out of school because of their inability to combine their ‘married’ life with academic activities.

CAMPUSLIFE gathered that students, who indulge in the act deliberately, choose off-campus halls where they get total freedom to invite the opposite sex to stay with them, a practice that most institutions’ authorities frown at in school hostels.

In some cases, female students, who live in off-campus hostels, invite their male friends from

other campuses to spend weekends with them. During the visit, they will go everywhere as a ‘married couple’ and even prepare “delicious soup” to make the stay memorable.

In the process, many of the girls indulging in the act get pregnant but because their partners are not ready to marry them off, they mutually agree to abort the foetus. Before finishing their programmes, many girls may abort six to seven pregnancies, which may damage their fallopian tube and render some of them barren. But for guys, life goes on.

Despite the harsh lessons, the practice is still a common occurrence among students. Who should be blamed for it?

Franklin Ajakaiye, a Law student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), said ladies should be blamed because they were always the initiator of the practice, citing personal experience.

An investigation by CAMPUSLIFE showed that most students who engage in the act mainly do so to familiarise themselves with their partners before marriage.

pline at the comfort of their environment, especially the physically-challenged people who may not have the ability and means to travel down to

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the university.

He urged schools, individuals and organisations to take advantage of the technology to improve the skills of their students.

Govt urged to honour pact with ASUU

TUDENTS in universities across the country have been counting their losses as the strike embarked on by members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) enters its fifth month.

Students in Kwara State said the strike is having negative effect on their future.

They lamented the poor attention to education by the Federal Government, saying the development was bad for a nation that wants to be a strong economy in 2020.

The students bemoaned the insincerity of government to education, urging the government to honour its agreement with ASUU to end the strike. ‘’The government should, as a matter of urgency, fulfill its part of the agreement. I am sure this strike is allowed to linger this long because children of our politicians attend private and foreign institutions. And so, they don’t really care about what happen to public schools. There is a high level of decline in infrastructure in our universities and I want the government to take remedial steps to resolve the issues,’’ said A’bdul-Razaq Ibrahim, a student of Mass Communication at Offa Polytechnic.

A graduating student of Microbiology of Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, (UDUS), said ‘’Nigeria is endowed with abundant resources to meet the demands of ASUU. The Federal Government is only play-

From Iniobong Iwok UNILORIN

ing politics with our future. That is bad. It has not been easy staying at home for the past four months. I ought to have graduated this year but the strike has put a damper on my dream.’’

A student of Political Science at Kwara State University (KSU), Yusuf Alao, said he was not happy with the stance of the government, which he said, has caused his mates to stay idle at home. He called on the government to increase the annual budgetary allocation to education, saying it should be increased to meet the benchmark of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

Alao said it was bad for the government to allow ASUU to shut the university system, explaining that students of the poor in public universities are the worst hit. ‘’The government is pushing us to the wall. We know the alarming level of corruption in the country where politicians loot our treasury to send their wards to foreign institutions. What is the hope of a nation with a failed education system? We cannot allow this insensitivity to continue,’’ he stated.

Other students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, called on labour unions and civil society organisations to compel the government to meet the demands of lecturers.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

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HEN the news was broken that over 40 students of the College of Agriculture in Gubja, Yobe State, were killed in their sleep in the wee hours of September 29, I was alarmed and screamed: “again?” I asked when terrorists would stop slaughtering students and making them sacrificial lambs to promote their bloody ideology?” These students who could have become great innovators, probably proffer solutions to the many challenges in the agricultural sector were just killed like hapless lambs.

One of the survivors, Adamu Mohammed, said: “We were all sleeping in the hostel when one of our students came into the room in a confused state, saying they will kill us, they will kill us.

When we heard this, everybody in the hostel became confused.

When we were trying to come out from our hostel, we saw many people in army uniforms and immediately they started shooting at us from different directions.

They killed many of my friends, but some of us managed to escape through the window of our room; I ran into the bush.”

I tried as much as possible to imagine or depict how merciless the assailants would have been.

But I could not create a vivid picture of how terrible the scene of horror would have been.

Killing of students must stop Sadly enough, Yobe State government had just reopened public schools, which were shut down because of a similar incident that occurred in July where unknown gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram sect members attacked a secondary school in Potiskum.

In the Potiskum attack, several students aged between 10 and 15 were burnt alive and shot dead by the terrorists. A lot of questions crowd my mind on the killings of the students. Were these little children members of any political party? Were they fanatics of any religion? Were they in any way connected to the insurgency in the Northeast? Do they deserve to die in such gruesome manner? After all these questions, there are no justifiable reasons these young students were killed.

A farmer, Mallam Abdullahi, after finding the corpses of two of his sons in the school, aged 10 and 12, said in anguish: “That’s it; I’m taking my other boys out of school. It is no longer safe. The gunmen are attacking schools and there is no protection for students, despite the presence of soldiers.”

In a similar manner, while the country was still basking in the euphoria of its 52nd Independence

anniversary, faceless gunmen massacred 43 students of the Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State. As family members demanded justice for the Mubi killing victims, gunmen stormed Gubja, killing students.

We all know that the security agencies are fighting tooth and nail to avoid these killings. But the fact remains that their efforts are not enough. Moreover, the security agencies cannot do it alone.

Political and religious leaders, most especially, have roles to play in curbing the evil acts.

In every society, religious leaders - whether Christianity or Islam - are key opinion leaders, who help in forming not only the religious opinions for their followers but also other people’s opinions or views about life. It even becomes complex in a country like Nigeria where much reverence is given to religious leaders. Efforts should be directed at re-orientating Nigerians in various religious leaning on the need for peace and love to exist among themselves irrespective of differences in culture, political and religious ideology.

In addition, Nigerians should learn to have religious tolerance

for one another. We should not divide ourselves all in the name of religion. I can recall a friend in Jos told me, sometimes ago, how cordial the relationship between Christians and Muslims in Plateau State before religious crises crept in. She relived experiences of how Christians and Muslims were happy and celebrated festival together.

Since it is obvious that the country is now confronting an insurgency, which we have not experienced before, it is logical to invest more resources and equip the security agencies with modern equipment to nip security breaches in the bud.

The mass media have not been effectively utilised its power to stop the bloodshed. In Mass Communication, there is “Agenda Setting Theory” propounded by Dr Max McCombs and Dr Donald Shaw in a study on the 1968 presidential election in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The theory states that “media concentration on a few issues and subjects leads the public to perceive those issues as more important than other issues.”

In other words, the more frequently and prominently the me-

Once upon a myth

By Adebisi Adeniji

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N Yoruba tradition, there are different beliefs and abominations. When I was young, it was often said that one should not collect rain water with bare palm; one should not stand before a mirror when it is raining, and a pregnant woman should not walk in the dark and so on.

All the above-stated abominations are logical when

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applied to everyday life because failure to follow these instructions might be detrimental to one’s physically wellbeing. For instance, a woman taking a walk in dark areas would feel unsafe because she could be hit by a vehicle or attacked by criminals. However, I have reservation about a belief that condemns the use of the left hand. Yoruba people believe the right hand is the only hand that should be used; hence left-handed individuals are always corrected, especially during toddling years.

Ask any elder and he would be quick to make allusions to the Bible, pointing out that when Jacob wanted to bless the sons of Joseph, he placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head as against Manasseh who was the first born.

Joseph had positioned his first son on his father’s right hand but Jacob had crossed his hands, blessing the young man over the elderly. This, Yoruba people believe, is significant and therefore, the use of the left hand as the dominant hand is considered a sign of bad

luck.

Stringent measures are applied to correct a left-handed child. Some parents flog, scold and use sharp object to make mark on the hand to discourage their left-hand children from using the hand.

Many children have gone to bed without food, because their parents have maintained: “it is either you use your right-hand or you do not eat”.

The society is also not helping matters, many facilities such as reading chairs (those with tables attached to them) are designed for right-handed people only, leaving left-handed people to bemoan their choice of hand use.

All these treatments have psychological effects on lefthanded individuals.

A child that went to bed without food may develop feelings of resentment towards their parents.

It is also widely believed that King George VI of the United Kingdom was born a left-hander but was forced to use his right hand. This affected him as he grew

up a stutterer and a very nervous personality. As a child, my friends made me to believe that that one’s active hand would determine where his brain would be situated, meaning that if I were a left-hander, my brain would be situated in the right side and viceversa. They also said if parents corrected active hand from left to right, the brain would have to journey from right to left and works abnormally. Puerile!

But then, I see the explanation as an effort to make people see dangers in converting a lefthanded child.

Scientifically, it has been proven that converting a left-hander does not result in correction of brain dominance; instead it leads to overloading of the non-dominant side of the brain and underloading of the other half.

Simply put, there are two sides to the human brain: the dominant and the non-dominant. The dominant hand would determine where the dominant would be, thus converting a child would

Govt’s attitude to quality education

S I penned this piece, tear rolled down my cheek. Why? I am feeling sorry for the future of Nigeria with the way our government manages education and for education itself.

For education, I shed tears because it has never been so bad like it is now - incessant strike action by Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), National Union of Teachers and bodies of non-teaching staff.

For more than four months, the ASUU has paralysed academic activities in most campuses because of its demand from the government to improve the condition of learning schools and promote research.

Ordinarily, one will expect that having an academic as president would make the country witness needed reform in education sector, but we are all dazed to see that it was the president himself rendering the efforts of his former col-

leagues in ivory tower to engender quality education useless.

The basic function of education is to train young ones and equip them with necessary knowledge to bring about changes in the society. But the people the country sees as its future do not have access to quality and progressive education; no functional laboratory; no adequate rooms in school halls; no grant for research and lectures rooms are nothing to write home about.

The Federal Government has said it did not have adequate funds to meet ASUU’s demands. This is because the strike has not stopped our leaders’ wards from being in school.

Their children do not attend schools with us in Nigeria and where they do, they are sent to private universities.

As a result of the poor funding of education, Nigeria cannot boast of meaningful invention to aid the cause of humanity. Our peers across the globe with functional education

system are producing aircraft, ships, vehicles and machineries, yet we are proud to take money to buys those things. The so-called Asian tigers Malaysia, Singspore, China, India etc. achieve the feat because of their massive investment in education.

The Transformation Agenda of the present administration is nothing if it is not anchored on sound education. The dream to build a progressive would be a mirage if we fail to invest in education.

Students in most universities stay by windows to take lectures, with majority of schools lack facilities to accommodate 50 per cent of students.

Over 1.6 million candidates wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) this year and according to the immediate past Minister of Education, Prof Ruqqayatu Rufa’i, institutions across the country could only admit 500,000 candidates, leaving over 1 million candidates unengaged. What would

By Kamaludeen Abubakar

the unlucky candidates do? Of course, some of them would take to crimes such as armed robbery, kidnapping and prostitution.

In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing that will help the president’s

By Damilola Olisa

dia report or cover a story, the more instances that story will be the topic of public arguments and discussions. Media often times provide what people think about.

The mass media, both private and government owned, can use their power to spread massages of peace, love and unity. And if this alongside other solutions can be effectively carried out, the killing of students as sacrificial lambs will be gradually decrease and this would be removed from the psyches of the populace.

•Damilola, 200-Level Mass Comm., AAUA only reduce his capability.

Conversion of a left-handed child has also been found to result in disorders such as inability to concentrate, feeling of insecurity, behavioral disorders such as bedwetting, nail biting, etc.

Children who are corrected have lesser ability to concentrate in class, may find it difficult to concentrate and may generally be fidgety.

My advice to parents is that, they should stop converting their left-handed children; it will only make a child confused, try to carry out function with your left dominant hand and see how hard it is to adjust. Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists of all times, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Bruce Jenner and even one of the greatest presidents of United States, Bill Clinton, are all left-handers. These are men who have made history and some, even in death, are still affecting lives.

My dad, who is one of the most brilliant men I have met, is also left-hander. Conversion leads to confusion, please let the society avoid it.

•Adebisi, 300-Level Communication and Language Arts, UI Transformation Agenda as the demands of the ASUU. Yet some unpatriotic elements want us not to identify with ASUU, insinuating that the whole thing had been politicised.

Worrisome is the fact that the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president who is supposed to be informed and fight good cause turned his back against our lecturers. Yinka Gbadebo is not a student as confirmed by the NANS senate leadership, thus it is natural that he will not fight for the interest of the students.

Since President Goodluck Jonathan complained of paucity of funds, I suggest, on behalf of all students who mean well for education and Nigeria, that the office of the First Lady be scraped; the budget of the senate and overheads of the ministers be cut down to fund universities.

If President Jonathan is not ready to fund education ade1quately and allow us to return to classroom, he should resign and give people with better idea to lead.

•Kamaludeen, 200-Level Geography, NSUK

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

The McPherson University (McU) in Seriki-Sotayo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has named Olusegun Oladimeji Atanda its first indigenous professor. AYODEJI ADESINA reports.

Varsity gets first indigenous professor

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NE year after its establishment, the McPherson University (McU), which is owned by the Foursquare Gospel Church, has produced its first indigenous Professor. He is Prof Olusegun Oladimeji Atanda.

The university, based in SerikiSotayo Abeokuta, Ogun State, began academic activities in October last year following its inception. It entered into a special alliance with selected America universities, a move facilitated by the United States-based researcher, Dr Stephen Babalola, under the 2013 NigerianAmerican Universities STEM Alliance.

Last month, its Governing Council approved Atanda’s appointment as Professor of Food Microbiology and Safety in the Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences.

In a letter announcing the appointment, the council said it was satisfied with Atanda’s profile and academic accomplishments. It congratulated him for being the McU’s first indigenous professor to head a department.

Atanda attended Loyola College and Government College in Ibadan, Oyo State, finishing in 1977.

He studied at the Polytechnic,

Ibadan (Ibadan Poly) and the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) for a degree in Microbiology.

He obtained a Master’s in Food and Industrial Microbiology from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in 1986. In 2005, he bagged a doctorate in Food and Industrial Microbiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).

Prior to his foray into the academia, CAMPUSLIFE gathered that Atanda had a stint in the corporate world. At different points in his career, he was research officer, microbiologist and quality assurance manager, among others.

He commenced his journey into the academia when he was appointed by FUNAAB in 1997 in the Department of Science and Technology. He rose through the ranks and

by October 2005 he became a senior lecturer. He was deployed in the Department of Food Sciences and Tourism in September 2009 and subsequently appointed the Acting Head of Department in 2010.

Atanda joined the services of McU in October last year as a reader having been found qualified for the position of Professor.

He is a lead consultant to a num-

•Atanda (right) with Prof Agunbiade and a member of the Council ... last week

ber governmental and non-governmental institutions and he is currently the trustee and National

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

President, Mycotoxicology Society of Nigeria. He is a member of numerous professional bodies including International Society of Mycotoxicology, Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Nigeria Society for Microbiology and Association of Food Scientists and Technology, India among others.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adeniyi Agunbiade, congratulated Atanda for being a tireless researcher in the field of microbiology and mycotoxicology. He said Atanda’s promotion was well-deserved.

Agunbiade equally tasked Atanda to see his appointment as a call for more research and responsibility to McU, humanity and God.

A campus covered in graffiti

•Continued from page 31

Opeyemi Owolabi, a 500-Level Law student of OAU, said the act was a sign of lawlessness, adding that there were rules and regulations which students must adhere to. The law student blamed the abuse on weakness of the management in enforcing regulations. “The university is a microcosm of the larger society; placards and posters should be pasted on the walls responsibly. But the extant laws have not been enforced by the management to stop this act,” he said.

In the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and University of Ibadan (UI), the situation is not the same because students themselves

watch over their environment and prevent people from writing on the walls, a student, who identified himself as Bolanle, said, urging the management to embark in mass education on ways to engage an academic environment.

Alawode Oluwatosin, another student, said students believed pasting posters indiscriminately was the best way to disseminate information, saying such method defaced the campus and make the environment uncomfortable for learning. He charged the authorities to check and curb the abuse.

Other respondents claimed all students are guilty of the abuse, a situation that will be difficult for the management to curb. But when will the academic environment of the OAU return to its pristine nature?

•Akinkunmi Oluwaleye flanked by his parents Mr Akin Oluwaleye and Mrs Imelda, during his convocation at the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) where he bagged a Second Class (Upper Division) in Biochemistry.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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CAMPUS LIFE

IMF, World Bank stall Nigeria’s development, says don

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POLITICAL scientist at Lead City University, Prof Chibuzo Nwoke, has accused the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank and other international communities of causing underdevelopment in Nigeria and Africa.

He said they are culpable because of the influence they wield over Nigeria's leadership by controlling and dictating for them.

The scholar spoke at the third inaugural lecture of the university held in Ibadan.

According to him, the international communities recommend policies that would aggravate the problem inherent in the specialisation in raw materials

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

export and foreign control over the enemy.

He said: "Nigeria and Africa's underdevelopment is the result of its engagement predominantly in primary resource production, which is controlled by foreign transnational entities, merely for export to metropolitan countries.

This contrived and structural development of underdevelopment is, therefore, largely externallyinduced.

“Nigeria's stagnation in the role of raw material exporter is regularly reinforced by the neo-classical economics principle of comparative advantage. It is an accepted fact that

the IMF and World Bank are now involved in the control and management of Nigeria's economy.”

For a country that seeks development, the political scientist urged the government to develop Nigeria's mineral resources, adding that it will facilitate economic transformation and eradicate misery and poverty.

“There should be an urgent policy, the systematic mobilisation of our huge endowments of minerals, not primarily for export but, in the indigenous industrialisation process to attain self-reliance and to eradicate poverty, ignorance and diseases,” he said.

In his opening remarks, the

FUNAAB FILE

VC warns admission touts

• Prof Nwoke

university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Olufemi Onabajo, said the institution has decided to establish the lecture series to bring integrity to the university.

He urged other lecturers to aspire to the peak of their careers, noting that it is the fulfilment for any academic.

COEASU seeks better pay for teachers

Chemists fight drug abuse

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HE Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), has lamented the movement of teachers for greener pastures from the Nwafor Orizu College of Education in Nsugbe (NOCEN), an Anambra Stateowned institution near Onitsha, as a result of poor pay.

National President of COEASU, Comrade Emmanuel Asagha, made this known after a meeting with lecturers of the insitution on the improvement of salary and conditions of service.

He lamented that the lecturers were the least paid in the country, despite exorbitant fees paid by students.

He said the national body of the union would fight to ensure that lecturers in the institution were no longer treated as underdogs; which undermines the hard work they are putting to make learning better.

"Lecturers in Nwafor Orizu have been the most patient lecturers in the country, waiting for about eight years on just one thing - improved salary and condition of service, which others had got long time ago.

"Anambra is not the poorest state in the country. If other states with lower financial resources could pay their lecturers the national colleges

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• COEASU members praying at the meeting.

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

of education salary as well as meet their condition of service, I do not see reason why the Anambra government should not pay.

"Also, the national executives have told the lecturers that they should know they own the college; and nobody or authority should proscribe them or make them seek meeting places outside the college premises. This we have made the management of this institution to know and understand in black and

white today,'' he noted.

Asagha, however, urged his colleagues to close ranks by shunning all divisive tendencies.

He said the union would dialogue with the Anambra government but might take some harsh decisions should the latter fail to play ball.

Comrade Vincent Asalu, Chairman of COEASU chapter of NOCEN, said the demand of the lecturers included: implementation of the CONPCASS salary structure and harmonisation of conditions of service to be at par with other stateowned colleges.

"We want the government to constitute a governing council as well as appoint a substantive provost in this institution.

"Government should lift embargo on employment in the institution and increase funding to the management, as a way of removing heavy financial burden on students' payments and tuition,'' Asalu said.

It would be recalled that the Anambra State Governor Obi, promised that his administration would be spending N40 billion on education before the next six months.

OOU takes steps to regain lost glory

O redeem its lost glory, the management of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, has started reforms in the instutiton.

In a statement, Mr Niyi Oduwole, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, said Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s election as governor and consequently the Visitor to the university has had positive effect on the institution's development.

Oduwole said Amosun’s inauguration of a new governing council led by Dr Segun Oshin, was the beginning of a new dawn for the institution and its 1,396 workers and 13, 922 students.

Some of the changes made included Prof Saburi Adesanya's appointment as the Acting ViceChancellor with the mandate to reposition the institution to meet the challenges of a modern day university and proffer necessary solutions.

"The vice-chancellor started the onerous task of updating the database of all the students in the university.

Students were compelled to see the completion of their on-line registration as a

THE Vice-Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Prof Olusola Oyewole, has cautioned admission touts to steer clear of the institution.

He gave the warning while monitoring the entrance examination into the pre-degree programmes of the university's Institute for Human Resources Development (INHURD), which was written by over 6,000 candidates.

He said the university does not tolerate examination malpractice or admission racketeering.

Meanwhile, the Director of the institute, Prof Francis Sowemimo, who conducted the VC round the examination centres, thanked management for creating an enabling environment. He described the exercise as successful and hitchfree.

He also expressed optimism that subsequent examinations would be computer-based, to fit the current global trend.

Leaders urged on nation building

‘Some of the changes made included Prof Saburi Adesanya's appointment as the Acting Vice-Chancellor with the mandate to reposition the institution to meet the challenges of a modern day university and proffer necessary solutions’

By Medinat Kanabe

necessity to being a formal member of the university community,” Oduwole said.

He said this update made it possible for the university to sort out outstanding results and graduate 40, 121 during its convocation in October last year.

He said: “This was evident in the combined convocation ceremonies held in October 2012 where 4, 041 diploma certificates, 34, 200 first degrees, 1, 856 masters, and 51 PhDs were awarded to deserving individuals in deserving disciplines.

Thus, the issue of outstanding result which had become a blight on the image of the university was resolved by the present

management.

“Now OOU students do their convocation and take their certificates same day. As at this moment, there are no students with outstanding results. Results which were hitherto non-available or very difficult to retrieve are now made available to graduands with ease.”

Oduwole said soon, the vicechancellor has promised to evolve an (Information and Communications Technology) ICT system that will enable the institution to send results to parents and wards by the end of this 2012/ 2013 academic session.

He further said in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) guidelines, OOU has

THE Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON), a parastatal under the Federal Ministry of Health charged with regulating Chemists, has called on FUNAAB to join its crusade in sensitising the public on the dangers associated with drug abuse.

The Acting Registrar of ICCON, Dr Taiwo Bammodu, made this request during a visit to the management, where she restated its mission, mandate, activities, as well as possible areas of collaborations.

She said the fight had become necessary given research findings that Nigerians continually endanger their lives due to ignorance and poor knowledge of drug usage and chemical reactions.

For instance, she said Abeokuta is noted for Adire making which involves the use of dyes.

However, she lamented that many artisans in the trade are not well informed of the hazards of such chemicals.

She said ICCON was organising a seminar in Abeokuta on the Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) and Drug Reduction Demand, aimed at providing information on the hazards of chemicals.

• Dr. Oshin

pruned her programmes from about 75 to 56 for effective management.

Oduwole said little wonder that during OOU had 100 per cent accreditation for all her programmes during the last NUC accreditation.

He added that its admission quota also increased from 4,000 to 6,000 for the 2012/2013 session.

Oduwole added that with the support of the Oshin-led council, the management has been able to convince the senate to introduce new postgraduate programmes in Management, Engineering, Science, Medical and Para-Medical courses.

LEADERS have been charged to always come together in prayers and supplication for the unity and development of the country.

This was the crux at the fourth National Prayer Breakfast, held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

In his exhortation, the Executive Director, Apostles in the Market Place, Nigeria, Pastor John Enelamah, said the country needed God-fearing leaders that will drive it to development and advised them never to despair in heeding divine call.

Dignitaries who were present on the occasion included the ViceChancellor, Prof Olusola Oyewole; and former Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Dr Ramrat Layne Admassu, who gave the goodwill message.

The Senate President, Senator David Mark was the Chief Host.

He also represented President ,Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

38

CAMPUS LIFE Theology school holds graduation From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

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RESIDING Bishop of Pentecostal Healing and Deliverance Gospel Church International, (PHAD), Bishop Ben Obiagwuna is optimistic that Nigeria will rise from her ashes if quality education matched with the fear of God are given all the necessary attention they deserve.

Bishop Obiagwuna, who spoke during the graduation of PHAD Theological School, Nkpo in Idemili North Council Area of Anambra State, said the country has been built on the threshold of God. He describes the word of God as a hammer that shatters the rock into pieces, adding that same word has held the country together.

Bishop Obiagwuna reminded Nigerians of the need to seek God’s face to atone for all transgressions, which he said had been responsible for the nation’s predicament.

He also called on the 17 graduating students of the school to champion the agitation towards returning to the word of God which, according to him, can only bring about the much needed change in the country.

Earlier, Evangelist Ben Nwanze reminded Christians of the need to go back to God to seek His face through the word of God. He urged them to refrain from sin which he said had been the bane of problems in the country.

He called for proper dedication of the country to God He insisted that Nigeria will never break up despite the lingering challenges facing it.

One of the graduands, Peter Igwe described his calling as special in the time when the country is in dire need of change.

SCHOLARSHIPS APPROACHING DEADLINES Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) Brief description: The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) was created to attract and retain worldclass doctoral students and to establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. The scholarships are towards a doctoral degree (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD).

Host Institution(s): The scholarships can be undertaken at Canadian Universities. Students wishing to apply for a Vanier CGS should verify that the university to which they are applying for doctoral studies has a Vanier CGS allocation.

Field(s) of study:

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results, full-time doctoral (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD) studies and research at the nominating university; •have completed no more than 20 months of doctoral studies as of May 1, 2014; •have achieved a first-class average, as determined by your university, in each of the last two years of full-time study or equivalent; and •not have already received a doctoral-level scholarship or fellowship from CIHR, SSHRC or NSERC to undertake or complete a doctoral degree (or combined MA/ PhD or MD/PhD).

Application instructions: Students must be nominated by an eligible Canadian university. You cannot be considered for the scholarship unless you have been

nominated by a Canadian University.

Each Canadian university has an internal deadline date for students to submit their applications. The Canadian university should be contacted for this information. All nominations from Canadian universities must be submitted and received by the federal research granting agencies by the 6 November 2013 (8:00 p.m. Eastern Time).

It is important to visit the official website (link found below) to access the application form and to know the complete details on how to apply for this scholarship.

Website: Official Scholarship Website: http://www.vanier.gc.ca/eng/ scholarship_detailsrenseignements_generaux.aspx

ASUU strike threatens national security

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former university teacher Dr Dan Mou has described the four month-old strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a 'threat to national security.'

Besides, Mou who delivered the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Otto/ Ijanikin, 33rd distinguished lecture, titled: ‘National security and democratic governance in Nigeria: From Obasanjo to Jonathan administration,’ said the prolonged strike has a dangerous effect both on the short and long terms. He, therefore, urged his colleagues to return to class.

Mou, a security specialist, said: It (strike) is a threat to national security. The short term implication of what ASUU is doing is that it is discrediting the government with this strike; but in the long term, the

Firm plans scholarship for studies in India

HE Oredian Education Resources Limited (OERL) has planned with her Indian partner institutions to offer $150,000 worth of scholarships to Nigerian students who wish to study in India.

The scholarship, which is for the 2014 academic session, would be awarded to beneficiaries based on their performances in OERL study in India scholarship examination, said OERL Michael Adebayo.

The scholarship, Adebayo stressed, would cover tuition fee only while students are to cater for other expenses.

Adebayo said: “In the past four years, OERL has been at the forefront of Indian education in Nigeria as a veritabl alternative, recruiting nearly 1,000 students to Indian both on its yearly OERL scholarships and direct admission process.”

Going down memory lane, he disclosed that OERL study in India scholarship scheme started in association with Indian Education Promotion Council (IEPC) in 2010 with 34 Nigerian students going to Saint Francis De-Sale College (University of Bangalore) and that the first sets of students graduated in June, this year. In 2012, 18 winners in various courses were offered and revealed that the exam was conducted by the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB).

Ahead of the 2014 admission exercise which starts in June next year, Adebayo said the scholarship will have been available and distributed to winners in various courses as provided by the approving institutions.

He said for the 2014 academic

Any academic field of study Number of Scholarships: Not specified Target group: Both Canadian and international students are eligible to be nominated for a Vanier CGS. Scholarship value/inclusions: The scholarships is worth $50,000 per year for three years.

Eligibility: To be considered for a Vanier CGS, you must: •be nominated by only one Canadian university, which must have received a Vanier CGS allocation; •be seeking financial support to pursue your first doctoral degree (or combined MA/PhD or MD/PhD); •intend to pursue, in the summer semester or the academic year following the announcement of

By Adegunle Olugbamila

future of our youths is being affected.

There is no way we can continue like this and produce quality graduates.

“We are in a knowledge economy.

It is the education that is the driving force for all nations. So, if they (ASUU) treat education with levity now, it may not be good enough. I am an academic myself and all I'm saying is that when you distort education this long, it is dangerous.

And as a people who earn a living in the education sector, I think they should have sympathy. It's high time they went back into the class.”

In Mou's thinking, President Goodluck Jonathan should be praised for setting up the Needs Assessment Committee last year to appraise the state of public universities in Nigeria; an initiative Mou said has never been undertaken by any government before him.

“I don't think they the government has failed. Rather, they are a good crises-management team. Truth is for a long time there

has not been a single government that set up a committee to take the inventory of the standard of infrastructures in our public universities. So, if a government is able to do that, that alones gives one a benefit of the doubt.

So, what should ASUU do? The Nation enquired.

He said: “The government has given you (ASUU) N1.3 billion in the midst of a budget cycle so you can use the N1.3 billion to start. But many of them are not familiar with the budget cycle. It is very difficult for the government to raise that kind of money because everything had to be budgeted for. So, I think ASUU should be wiser to take that money and then start lobbying the National Assembly and other agencies to get more money put in education against next year when the new budget is being done.

"I'm afraid that soon, ASUU will start losing credibility because in a strike, you want to carry the students, parents and civil organisations and other

• Dr Mou

stakeholders along. But some of them seem to be losing faith in ASUU. “But the question is whether ASUU has been captured by political interest and it’s being used against President Jonathan, 'I don't think so.

“ASUU may not be completely autonomous, but is relatively autonomous and the leadership is credible enough. But I think some crisis-management or negotiation strategy has to be adopted here.”

By Sampson Unamka

session, 101 scholarships would be available for grab.

He added that the scholarship examination would hold on January 18 in Lagos, Abuja, PortHarcourt, Kaduna, Warri, Jos and Ado Ekiti and information regarding the application is available on the OERL website www.oredianeducation.com The OERL boss gave a breakdown of the available 101 scholarship based on the institutions as follows: Dayananda Sagar Institution, Bangalore 31, Saint Francis De-Sales College, Bangalore 40, Loyola Academic Degree College, Hydrabad 25 and Vels University, Chainnia five.

Adebayo revealed that there are two types of scholarships for 2014, one, Academic- Based Scholarship (ABS) awarded to students based on performances in the OERL study in India scholarship examination.

He said the ABS may be full, or one or two year programmes which are equally determined by students; performances in their examinations.

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• UI Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof Arinola Sanya; Vice-Chancellor, Prof Isaac Adewole; Registrar, Idowu Olukoya, and Bursar, Mr Ibrahim Aponmade at the inauguration of the fire truck.

UI committed to tackling fire, says VC Adewole

HE Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI) Prof Isaac Adewole, has said the institution is ready to combat fire.

Adewole spoke when he inaugurated a new fire truck.

He recalled that when he assumed duties in 2010, there was no fire truck or station in UI, resulting in the National Universities Commission (NUC) scoring the university low when during its

From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

accreditation visit last year.

"After three incidences of fire disaster within our community, that was when we decided to put all our resources together to purchase a new fire truck to tackling this disaster. I am assuring all students and staff of this great institution that we are more than ready to fight any fire disaster," UI VC said.

According to him, the fire truck

will not only work within the school community, but also assist in cases of emergency outside the institution.

He urged the fire fighters to be vigilant always to minimise loss in the event of fire disaster.

Adewole said the fire brigades has been trained on the basics by the Oyo State Fire Services, but will embark on another weeks of training with the manufacturer of the fire truck.

In his welcome address, UI's

Chairman Council Committee on Security, Dr Ganiyu Adeniran, said: "Fire is a destroyer of all things, and there is need to be fully prepared to combat it, bearing in mind that the institution has over N5 billion worth of equipment. The institution has always relied on the state fire services and they have always been very supportive; but there is need to have our own fire station and truck in order to be prompt to emergency cases."

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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EDUCATION

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Teachers, pupils get SUBEB awards

HE Head teacher of St George's Primary School Falomo Ikoyi, Mr Odutola Ambali has emerged the Best head teacher in public primary schools in Lagos State.

Ambali's victory followed an evaluation interviews and examinations conducted by the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) where the teacher dwarfed his contemporaries.

SUBEB also saw the leadership role in Ambali's coordination and interface with teachers in his school.

Ambali was not the only awardee.

Odebiyi Adenike of Wesley Memo-

rial Primary School won the ‘best assistant headteacher’; Ganiyu Alawiye from Our Lady of Fatimo Primary School clinched the 'best teacher' award. Odunisi Adebowale of the Salvation Army Primary School won the ‘best non-teaching staff’. The duo of Aminu Rahimat from AUD, and Daniel Olanrewaju of Atunda Olu won ‘the best pupil’ and the 'best special pupil’.

Christ Assembly Primary School claimed the ‘best overall primary school; while ‘Modupe Cole Home School won the ‘best overall special school’. Interestingly, Ifakoijaiye won the 'best LGEA’ among

many other awards.

Beaming with joy Ambali thanked the state government for supporting schools with infrastructure and teachers motivation to work.

“I am highly elated for been recognised, honoured among so many,” he said.

Speaking at the event held at SUBEB hall, the board’s Chairman Mrs Gbolahan Daodu, said the award was targeted at towards “rewarding and appreciating our workforce both in the classroom and outside.”

Congratulating the awardees, Mrs

Daodu said their exceptional performances clearly distinguished them as the best among the rest, rare breed and uncommon staff.

“I am imploring you to strive hard to remain champions. You must not allow others to dethrone you. Today is your day, it is specially set aside to say thank you for jobs well done,” she told the awardees.

She added that the board's aim to ensure that the welfare of both teaching and non-teaching staff were given priority, adding that the board would also articulate policies that would enhance teacher welfare

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• From left: Akinjole, Olabode, Ololade, Amosun Caroline from Army Day Senior Secondary School (fourth) and Orunsolu Taofeek Ibru from Gem International School (fifth) at the grand finale.

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By Adegunle Olugbamila

Durojola also clinched a medal, mathematics textbook and N3,000, while second runners up also won a medals, one mathematics textbook with N2,000.

According to the organiser, the competition started on October in Owode area with 58 pupils from 12 school (five participants pet school).

The overall winner Akinjoye Samuel said: “I thank God for giving me the opportunity to participate in this competition because it has really helped me and my cocontestants to know mathematics better than before most especially in pursuit of my chemical Engineering career.”

Similarly, Olabode said: “The secret behind my performance is prayer and lots of commitments because mathematics needs lots of commitment to keep it rolling. I wish to be a mathematician in future and this competition has really

helped me.''

The initiator Mr Oluwaseun Odumusi told The Nation that the competition was meant to address the fear pupils have with Mathematics.

He said: "The high level of failure in Mathematics recorded over the years coupled with the fear of pupils that Mathematics is difficult and can never be solved without the use of a calculator.

“We found out that most pupils

and productivity, create right workculture and encouraging staff support for optimal performance and merit based award.

NB donates classroom to Abia secondary school

T was all smiles for teachers, students and the Osokwa community, Osisioma-Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State as they trooped out to witness the handing over of an ultramodern school block built by the management of Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc, Aba. The work, which was done through the Nigerian BreweriesFelix Ohiewerei Education Trust Fund, was held at the Osokwa Secondary School field.

The building has six classrooms with tables and chairs, a library with work stations, books and conveniences for each class rooms.

The NB Managing Director Mr Nicholas Vervelde, described the choice of Osokwa community as part of the company's contribution in assisting the Abia State government to boost teaching and learning, especially at the grassroots.

Vervelde, represented by Kufre

Mathematics contest produces winners

OW does it feel to work out calculations without using a calculator?

That is what the Mathematics simple competition all about.

The grand finale of the contest held at the The Gem Int'l School, Owode, Ogun State featured 23 finalists, following their survival at the knockout stage which had 42 students that participated in rigorous mathematical questions that involved calculation but without a calculator.

The contest courtesy of Our Generation Foundation (OGF) a NGO, saw Akinjoye Oluwasola Samuel from The Gem Int'l school topped others with 59 point. Durojola Olabode Stephen from Owode Secondary School emerged second with 56 points, while Taiwo Lateefah Ololade from Gem Int'l school came third position with 49 points.

Akinsola the star winner, won a medal Mathematics textbook and N5,000 cash prize.

•Mrs Daodu

have problems in mathematics, so we felt that organising this kind of competition enables students to be motivated by bringing them together from different schools to compete and also for many of them to learn in the process.

Odumusi's wife Mrs Gbojubola Christiana, said though holding the competition was not easy, they were able to manage do so with the little resources they had.

Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

Ekanem, NB's Corporate Affairs Adviser Lagos, said The Nigerian Breweries - Felix Ohiewerei Education Trust Fund is an education intervention fund set aside to assist their host communities or states in their areas of needs.

He noted that the project has encouraged funding of education, research development and academic excellence since it took off in 1994.

He listed Eziama High School, National High School, Ahiaba High School, Ohuru Primary School and Constitution Crescent Primary School as some of the beneficiaries.

Ekanem said aside investing in the development and promotion of education in the country, the company has interest in job creation for graduates, improving the health and standard of living in the rural communities, and providing source of non-oil revenue to the governments. He urged students, teachers and the host community to maintain the facility.

Governor Theodore Orji, who was represented by his deputy, Sir Emeka Ananaba, thanked NB for complementing government's efforts in providing qualitative education to all Abia students.

Osokwa Secondary School principal, Okechukwu Ahuruonye thanked NB PLC for such its large heart.

Ahuruonye called on individuals and corporate organisations to come to the aid of the school as most of their structures are dilapidated.

Akure FGGC completes N18m hostel

HE Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Akure, Ondo State has completed the construction of a new hostel worth N18.5million as part of its capital projects.

Besides, the institution dissolved its new executive committee and fixed fresh election into various offices for January next year.

The Principal of the college, Mrs F.N. Ejikeme, who spoke at the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meeting in Akure, said to accomplish the mission of admitting their wards into the college, there should be good judgment, devotion, hard work, resilience, self confidence and sense of purpose.

He said the Federal Ministry of Education had given permanent

status to 10 casual teachers employed by the school PTA, stressing that the new employees are awaiting redeployment.

She said: "The college is still in need of teaching and non-teaching staff especially in the kitchen, security section, manual labour and some core school subjects.”

The principal said power distribution and supply had improved in the college, in addition to all the classrooms and dormitories that are now well lit.

She urged pupils to use the opportunity before them by working hard for higher performances.

“The college has also taken delivery of a 300KVA transformer previously promised by the Senator

• Children having fun at a residential summer camp sponsored by Flour Mills PLC of Nigeria to support their growth and development at the Eko Tourist Beach Resort, Akodo, Lagos.

representing Central Senatorial District, Ayo Akinyelure,” Ejikeme added.

The principal urged parents to provide white plastic chairs, over head tanks, rehabilitation of senior dining hall, provision of doors and locks to classrooms and construction of blocks of classrooms, among

others.

She said pupils were expected to obtain acceptable passing scores in at least eight subjects, including English Language and Mathematics in order to get promoted to the next class.

The PTA Chairman, Mr Rotimi Okeowo, listed many achievements

recorded by the administration including the completion of the new hostel project and recruitment of PTA Ad-hoc staff with regular payment of their bills, among others.

He urged parents to make meaningful contributions to the development of the college for more benefit.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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EDUCATION

Registrars urged to solve problems

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EGISTRARS of polytechnics and colleges of technology have been charged to reflect on the state of tertiary education in Nigeria and proffer useful solutions to the lingering crisis rocking the sector.

Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Dr. Mufutau Olatinwo, made this call at the 62nd Regular Meeting of the Conference of Registrars of Polytechnics and Colleges of Technology in Nigeria (COREG), held at the 1,000seater lecture theatre of the polytechnic.

Olatinwo, in his keynote address, commended COREG for providing a platform for registrars to rub minds on issues in administration, record management and policy implementation as it has enhanced productivity among registry staff in the polytechnic.

By Jane Chijioke

"I must commend the efforts of COREG at providing a platform for registrars of polytechnics and colleges of technology in the country, to rub minds and discuss issues in the administration and record management and policy implementation. Your efforts over the years, I must say, have improved productivity and brought about high efficiency in the polytechnic system. The Federal Polytechnic, Offa, is a vivid example."

Worried by the increasing cases of indiscipline among workers, admission and certificates racketeering, forgery and incessant strikes, Olatinwo tasked COREG to initiate measures against the vices.

The Kwara State Governor Alhaji AbdulFatah Ahmed, who was represented by the Perma-

nent Secretary and Acting Commissioner, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Mr J. A. B. Haruna, also urged the registrars to find lasting solutions to academic disruptions.

In his welcome address, FEDPOFFA Registrar, Alhaji Abdulhamid Raji, thanked the management for being supportive. He said the registry and technical workers, like their academic counterparts, enjoy capacity building programmes within and outside the country.

In his goodwill message, the Ojomu of Offa Chief Bayo Akinola who represented Olofa of Offa called on the Federal Government and leaderships of ASUU and ASUP to find common ground towards resolving the insudtrial strikes embarked upon by the unions.

• Mr Derek Smith, Principal Olashore International School, Iloko-Ijesa (left) and Principal of Child Ville School, Warren Townsend, with prefects of both schools at the AISEN {Association of International Schools Educators of Nigeria) Prefects training in Lagos.

Oshiomhole, Osunbor for N150m school fund raiser

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LD students of Holy Trinity Grammar School, Sabongida Ora, Edo State will gather at their alma mater on Saturday to raise N150 million.

First Vice-Chairman of the old students association (Lagos State chapter), Mr Godwin Dudu Orumen said at a briefing in Lagos that the funds will be used to improve facilities in the school that has produced many illustrious alumni. One of them, Prof Osareme Osunbor, will chair the occasion which will have Governor Adams Oshiomhole as Special Guest of Honour. Mr Tony Ezekiel, chairman of IFEX Furniture and a son of Sabongida Ora, is the chief launcher.

Orumen said the funds realised will be used to purchase laboratory equipment, improve sports facilities; upgrade hostels, provide bore hole and generator, including remunerations for science teachers.

He said the association is doing this all to complement the state government's rehabilitation efforts and

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USLIM pupils from public primary and special schools in Lagos State gathered in Maryland, Lagos, to compete, share knowledge and make friends.

The interactive forum, which was organised by the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LSUBEB), was chaired by Wahab Alawiye-King, chairman Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Education.

The event held at the SUBEB Hall in Maryland, featured Islamic competitions (Quranic recitation, songs,

Stories by Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

restore the school's lost glory.

He said: "The school is okay but not in the state we want it to be.

The laboratory is practically non existent. The world today is scienceoriented. So we want to leave an authentic legacy. There are no science teachers in the school; and if we have all the equipment without teachers, then there is still a problem. We will make representations to the government to provide science teachers, but if the funds, will be a problem, we plan to provide emolument for five years for the science teachers.

“The hostels are dilapidated. We want to renovate a couple of hostels; put boreholes in place and make the system run like it used to.”

Speaking on previous efforts by the school’s alumni, the second Vice-Chairman of the association,

Mr Philip Eseile, said the Lagos State chapter recently raised N5 million which was used to provide furniture for the laboratory. He expressed confidence that Saturday's programme would help the old students further improve the school.

“We, on our own, were able to raise over N5 million which we used to put the furniture in the laboratory. The government renovated the building. That was the first phase of the project which was commissioned in February. This is the second phase," he said.

Remembering how Holy Trinity Grammar School was in his time, Orumen said: "The entire school was a community then. Many of our teachers were old boys. It was a tremendous atmosphere at the time.

“We used to have American Peace Corps coming to teach us. Sports were very vibrant. We had two tennis courts; football pitch, and others. I made most of my best friends from that time.”

Muslim pupils meet drama and quiz) and a lecture delivered by Mohammed Olaofe, President of the Muslim Teachers Association.

In his address, Alawiye-King said he was delighted that the forum provided a platform for pupils to engage in healthy rivalry and social interaction.

He urged them to imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship and be good pupils back in school according to the tenets of the religion they

practice.

"I am highly impressed with the turn out and I see this as a very good programme. I especially like the fact that it is inclusive - involving pupils from special schools. A friendly competition like this will bring about healthy rivalry and social interaction among our children.

“For the competitors among you today, if you don't win, you are already a winner for making it to this stage," he said.

EDUTALK

with

13 years apart

F

ORMER Registrar of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Princess Adebisi Kosoko graduated from the Federal Government College (FGC), Sokoto 13 years before I was admitted into the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Benin.

I learnt this from her at a programme I attended on Tuesday when the focus of our conversation moved to the unity schools, as the 104 federal government colleges are called.

Kofoworola

Belo-Osagie Kofosagie@yahoo.com 08054503077 (SMS only)

When she attended FGC Sokoto in the 70s, they ate cubed eggs with bread, butter and jam for breakfast; had fruits with every meal; while chicken, oats and cornflakes were regular fares on their table. She said their tea was so rich that the pupils took flasks to the dining hall to save some for later. "That was then, when school was school," she said.

I told her that when I was in secondary school in the 90s, we had boiled eggs with our bread (the N50 loaf size) for breakfast twice a week; and our tea, was in no way as rich as theirs. In fact, we used to call it prisoners' tea or coloured water. When going for breakfast, anyone interested in drinking tea took from their personal supply of milk and beverage in mugs and used the bland tea served in the dining hall as hot water.

We called the yam and vegetable stew, served twice weekly, as stone and grass; and the jollof rice we were served as Sunday lunch with a piece of fried meat and banana, was usually light pink in colour. We pepped up the taste of our meals with what we called spice - usually a mixture of curry, thyme, dry pepper and seasoning we prepared from home. It was not really very healthy doing so but back then we did not care so much.

I did not tell Princess Kosoko about our moinmoin, which we had for breakfast on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It was hardly ever just pink.

Many times it was green. But I was one of those who did not like missing the moinmoin because I loved to take it with garri. It did not matter that it did not always taste so nice.

Fortunately, when we were served fish with rice back then, the head was not usually included in our stew. The kitchen women, as we called our cooks, used to boil the fish heads, gills and all, separately and place them in a huge bowl in front of the kitchen or dining hall for anybody to pick as many as they liked. Junior pupils used to pick them freely. Senior pupils were too ashamed to go near them. Anyone that dared was called angulu (vulture).

Princess Kosoko said there were almost as many Europeans and Indians teaching in her school as there were Nigerians back then. I met a European woman married to a Nigerian as principal at FGGC Benin. Her daughter was in her final year when I entered. All our teachers were Nigerians; but many of them were good.

It was just 13 years from the time she finished at Sokoto that I started at Benin, yet our experiences were worlds apart. I am sure those who attended my school in the 70s, would have enjoyed many of the things she spoke about. I remember attending an old girls' meeting some years ago where I was of the youngest set. The person closest to my set graduated five years before me. When it got to my turn and I introduced myself as a 1996 graduate, the older girls looked at me as though I could not have attended their school. I wonder what a junior, who graduated from FGGC Benin 13 years after I left in 1996, would have to say.

The story is the same everywhere: the public schools that were fantastic citadels of learning between the 50s and 80s are now shadows of their former selves. They have suffered neglect. When Princess Kosoko visited her alma mater recently, the school was not the same. I have not heard of any public school in Nigeria that has been able to maintain the standards of those days. They have all declined - their facilities dilapidated as a result of poor funding, management, and poor maintenance culture.

Almost weekly, old students' associations of these once great schools organise fund raising programmes to embark on interventionist projects to save their alma maters. If they are not building classrooms, they are rehabilitating hostels, donating books or laboratory equipment or digging boreholes. The only schools that have managed to remain strong after more than three or more decades are former public schools that have been returned to the missions. Many of them, like CMS Grammar School, St Gregory's College, Igbobi College, and Methodist Boys' High School, all in Lagos, are only just regaining their status of old, such that the old students are now confident to enrol their wards in the schools.

Sometimes the problems in the education sector make one wonder whether the government is competent to run schools. Perhaps schools will be better off managed by private operators. But education is a social service and as such cannot be left totally in the hands of private proprietors. So, wherein lies the solution?

‘We called the yam and vegetable stew, served twice weekly, as stone and grass; and the jollof rice we were served as Sunday lunch with a piece of fried meat and banana, was usually light pink in colour. We pepped up the taste of our meals with what we called spice - usually a mixture of curry, thyme, dry pepper and seasoning we prepared from home’

42

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

POLITICS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

43

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Correspondent BISI OLADELE writes on the implications of the demise of Alhaji Lam Adesina for the progressive family in Oyo State and how Governor Abiola Ajimobi has been building on the legacies of the departed leader.

Oyo politics after Lam Adesina A YEAR ago, former Oyo State Governor Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina died, following a protracted illness. He died at St Nicholas Hospital, Lagos, where he was receiving treatment until he died on November 11, last year.

Until his death, Adesina was the leader of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Oyo State. He started playing the role, since he was defeated in the 2003 election, which cut short his second term dream.

Great Lam, as he was fondly called by his admirers, was loved by many.

In his moderate Felele, Ibadan home, the former governor welcomed the great and the small. He wielded a great influence.

Adesina was an astute politician. He was the rallying point for the old and new generation of politicians the elite and the unlettered. He was approachable, simple, unassuming, humorous, but firm. His principles were well known among members hardly did they flout them.

He stabilised the party among emerging internal blocs and served as the judge on virtually all matters.

So, when the curtain was drawn one year ago, political watchers feared a depletion or disarray in the party.

Yet, events of the last 12 months have proved that the ACN (now All Progressives Congress) has the capacity to survive, even without its old leaders. It looks like a system that only needs to be sustained by principles of fairness, forthrightness and decency. Hence, Governor Abiola Ajimobi and Chief Michael Koleoso have paddled the canoe of the party without blemishes after Great Lam’s departure.

However, the massive urban renewal exercise of the Ajimobi Administration, which peaked in the first quarter of the year, may possibly have taken more time, to accomplish, if Lam were alive. As an elderstatesman, residents that were dissatisfied with any policy of the current administration lodged their complaints to him. After educating them, he would convey their feelings to the governor and offer useful advice. Lam may have advised Ajimobi to move slowly as traders removed from the roads under bridges.

As the governor ruminates over appointment of new members of the State Executive Council, Lam would have done a good buck of the fixing as he would have offered very useful advice to the governor in making his selection. His house would have become a Mecca of sort for political jobbers seeking position. In a way, Lam was largely handling the political aspect of the administration for Ajimobi when he was alive. The governor now takes care of both governance and full politics.

That was the experience in the buildup to the 2011 elections when all political office hopefuls thronged his Felele residence.

As the leader of the party, Ajimobi would have given him some concession, on a few candidates because it was believed that he knew the party and the members inside-out, having stayed so long in the

• From left: All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande and Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the first remembrance anniversary of the late Adesina in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

• The late Adesina

progressive party.

Today, however, aside the party leadership, a notable Islamic leader and a first-class traditional ruler seem to hold the ace in the administration.

Lam was a staunch critic of the leader of the Accord Party (AP) in the state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja. He had attributed the his loss in the 2003 election to Ladoja, whom he accused of rigging him out against the wish of the people.

The AP leader has been criticising the Ajimobi Administration, since the beginning of the year. Both Ajimobi and Ladoja fell apart politically last year, due to irreconcilable differences.

If Lam is alive, Ladoja would have received more verbal attacks from the deceased as he will reel out data on how the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor allegedly destroyed all his legacies when he succeeded him in 2003. He never spared Ladoja and he brooked no criticism from the AP leader. Lam’s death obviously created more breathing space for Ladoja.

For instance, when the National Assembly election favoured the ACN in 2011, even before the governorship election in which Ladoja (AP) was a candidate, Ajimobi (ACN) was a candidate and Adebayo Alao-Akala flew the flag of the PDP. Lam, while addressing reporters at the Southwest Secretariat office of his party on Old Ife Road, Ibadan, he tongue-lashed Ladoja and Alao-Akala, saying it was “pay-back time” for what they did to him in 2003. Alao-Akala was Ladoja’s deputy governorship candidate in the 2003 election.

“Both of them rigged me out in 2003.

Now is the pay-back time for them.

They have already lost this election because the, people of Oyo State have rejected them,” Lam said.

Adesina also criticized the PDP. In spite of the fact that the party has not been able to pick its pieces in the state, Lam would have sustained its derogation and criticism of its activities, if he is still alive.

The planned national conference is one development that would definitely have attracted strong comments from Lam Adesina. His

• From left: Alhaja Funmi Adetunji, Mrs Bolade Aderibigbe and the widow of late Lam Adesina, Alhaja Sarata PHOTOS: FEMI ILESANMI Adesina at the ceremony.

• Former Oyo State Deputy Governor Iyiola Oladokun, Senator Femi Lanlehin and former Governor Rashidi Ladoja at the event.

view on such important matters which were strong, were always sought by reporters. Lam was a reporter’s delight. His orientation as an activist made him so.

Members of the older generation of politicians are gradually passing away. Unfortunately, not many cerebral politicians are seen on the political stage in Oyo State again.

The people of Oke-Ogun, the northern part of the state, are surely missing Great Lam. Lam had a strong political bond with them. They trusted and loved him till the end.

Chief Koleoso, with whom he led the party, until his death, hails from Oke-

Ogun. They must have missed his visits, friendship and political relationship.

Though Lam and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, were not in very cordial terms towards the end if his Administration, the monarch and Lam found a common ground again in 2011, to the dismay of many watchers. Therefore, Lam’s hands of fellowship cut across boarders, giving him out as a true leader.

As the APC faithful and the people of Oyo State remember Great Lam, it is expected that the party will continue us to build leadership on the principles

of the deceased who was a man of integrity. Party men, he would emphasize, must subject their personal interest to that of the party.

He would advise legislators to vote along party lines and remain faithful to their oath of office.

He enjoined politicians to keep a simple life and keep service to others as their top priority. Lam urged party faithful to shun corruption but to live a type of life that would ensure they enjoy peace after leaving office.

It is expected that the APC would keep these ideals as it soars in the administration of the state.

44

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

45

NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

OPEN DISCUSSION 123456789012345678901234

All medicines are modern

What is the root of medicine, whether orthodox or traditional? It is herb, says father Anselm Adodo, Director of Pax Herbal Clinic and Research Laboratory. The author of Nature Power; The Healing Radiance of the soul and New Frontiers in African Medicine and Editor-in-chief of Pax Herbal Magazine argues in this write up that herbal plants are at the heart of medicine.

A

LLEVIATION of disease and preservation of health, both conditioned by culture, have been a human pursuit since antiquity. Using drugs and diet as remedies for the disruptive episodes in the life process, is not something new. It is as old as human existence. The prehistoric humans derived the therapeutic agents from nature, without maligning the environment. The plant kingdom, since the very beginning of human civilisation, served as the reservoir of medicine. Over time, the need to cover a wider variety of disease patterns and to augment the therapeutic potential of these agents, mineral and animal constituents began to be incorporated into these plant-based medicines. This use of natural resources as therapeutic agents was predicted on a unique belief system encompassing the concepts of health, physical or mental illness, diagnosis, treatment and of prevention.

The accumulated knowledge of such health practices and products is a rich cultural heritage common to all human societies, sometimes ignored or unrecognised in a formal or institutional sense. What separates this body of knowledge referred to as “traditional medicine” (TM) for lack of a better term from “modern medicine” is the fact that the latter is anchored in “science”, while the former in practical experience.

As long as science continued to be narrowly defined, traditional medicine remained largely unnoticed.

Increasingly, the very validity of the “traditional-modern” dichotomy is being questioned.

Traditional medicine differs from the “modern” or “western” medicine not in terms of goals or effects, but in terms of their underlying cultures and historical contexts. Viewed from this perspective, the World Health Organisation (WHO) (1977) noted: “All medicine is modern in so far as it is satisfactorily directed towards the common goal of providing health care, despite the setting in time, place and culture”. This “traditional-modern” dichotomy is also a cultural construct that relates to certain socio-political dynamics.

Before the colonial age, medicine across the tropics was almost entirely confined to traditional remedies and practices tailored to local cultures and natural resources. Then the arrival of missionaries and colonialists in Asia, Africa and America brought modern scientific techniques and medicines that were used to serve the colonial imperative of promoting Christianity, commerce and ‘civilisation’.

The introduction of modern medicine has certainly been successful on one level. The colonial powers were much more adept at controlling epidemics, deploying mass vaccination programmes against smallpox, for example, and removing tumors and cataracts.

But colonial-era medicine has left another legacy the marginalisation and downgrading of traditional medicine. Colonial powers promoted their values over traditional practices, establishing modern medicine as officially superior. In many African countries, for example, herbalists

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were not forbidden to practice but they were largely considered inferior or ignored, and traditional divination, sorcery and witchcraft were outlawed.

This marginalisation of traditional medical practices was later reinforced through organised health care systems and hospitals built on developed country models, which have continued to dominate the health systems of all countries.

In the race to meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), combat increasing drug resistance and tackle new diseases, traditional medicine is making a comeback. Governments, drug companies, researchers and international aid organisations increasingly recognise the value of traditional medicine and its practitioners as a

•Assorted Berries

source of potential new blockbuster drugs and as alternative providers of primary health care.

The WHO’s Beijing Declaration in 2008 marked a milestone in acknowledging the need to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems. But achieving this is no easy task, not least because modern health systems are built on the legal and procedural frameworks inherited from the developed world. They may serve the purpose of advancing and propagating modern medicine but they are not necessarily conducive to promoting traditional practices.

One example is the stringent intellectual property regime. It cannot easily cope with the traditional approach to medical knowledge, which is commonly owned and freely

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handed down through generations. The tightly defined tests for safety and efficacy that are a hallmark of drug regulation are another constraint. They have been developed to test standardised drugs at fixed dosages and rely on being able to identify active ingredients and provide easily reproducible results. But traditional medicines are inherently diverse, both in how they are formulated and dispensed.

All drugs have side effects. Some drugs make you sleepy, others - like for example antidepressants - can give you a headache, while some, such as Halfan (halofantrine), can make your heart beat fast. Our bodies are complex structures, built from chemicals and to function smoothly it has to be regulated. Chemicals like for instance hormones, enzymes and other molecular messengers normally make these adjustments. The purpose of drugs is often to take the place of one of the body’s regulating chemicals and do what should normally be done by the body’s immune system. Our body often uses the same chemical to regulate more than one process. On the other hands, drugs are targeted at a particular organ. What this means is that a drug may repair not only the desired target but also others that don’t need readjustment. Drugs are not always as selective as we would like them to be. A consequence of this is that the medicine may alter a number of unrelated processes at the same time. The antidepressant amitriptyline can help depression but it can also lower blood pressure by affecting norepinephrine receptors, cause blurred vision, dry mouth and constipation by blocking acetylcholine receptors and even induce sleepiness and weight gain by binding to histamine receptors.

Modern medicine laboratory or clinical drug trials, blind and double-blind studies, determine that a certain level of the drug has to be maintained in the body to rid it of nocuous symptoms. This by itself may initially have a beneficial effect, but sustaining pre-determined, ‘scientifically’ approved levels in the long run also gives rise to excess intake, druginduced/drug dependent diseases.

When used as food and supplements, herbs have no side effects. However, as a drug, herbs can have from mild to severe side effects. It is a fact that fruits, vegetables and herbs contain hundreds of active constituents that are beneficial to health. When taken in their natural state, herbs benefit the body in various ways and different people can derive different benefits from the same herbs depending on their health needs. This explains why the same herb may be prescribed for different ailments. To the chemically-minded observer, this may sound ‘unscientific’. What is needed is probably some degree of humility to acknowledge that the orthodox, conventional method of healing is not the only valid health system, and that there are other ways of attaining health that are equally valid.

H

46

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

NATURAL HEALTH

Tunis study suggests Jobelyn can cure HIV disease (2)

T

HE HIV/AIDS propagandists all intentionally forget to inform the world that HIV positive response in humans can be triggered by vaccination, malnutrition, measles, influenza, papilloma virus, war, leprosy, hepatitis, syphilis and over 40 different other conditions.

Pravda.Ru: Let us follow the course of AIDS through from the beginning.

CM: Let's make a brief history of how all of these HIV/ AIDS lie came to be. It all emerged from the USA and that should be common knowledge I presume. The truth is simple but has been kept for too long. Previously to the announcement by Robert Gallo, head of a retrovirus lab at the National Cancer Institute, at a 1984 press conference, that HIV causes AIDS, it all began with Federal centres for disease control and prevention, overstating their relevance and were thus under threat of being disbanded. The centre needed a serious epidemic to justify its continued existence, it decided to name AIDS as a single contagious disease and thus created an atmosphere of public fear, and panic, which brought it increased funding and power. Simply put, public fear of a new dreaded AIDS was used as a catalyst to achieve increased power and funding.

After the announcement by Robert Galo, pharmaceutical companies by a decade later, began exploiting the situation by bringing back highly toxic, failed cancer drugs-AZT, it is also called Zidovudine or Retrovircombination Therapies. These drugs have been proven and were proven once more by various scientists, in the past, and also proven by the Gafi Research Institute, to destroy the immune system and cause the same symptoms attributed to HIV. This has been known and stated by researchers such as Peter Duesburg, professor of Biochemistry and molecular biology at the University of California at Berkeley, and

by Nobel prize winning scientist Walter Gilbert. These two researchers also questioned the reality of the ' HIV causes AIDS' story, but instead of being urged-on in their attempt to help mankind, they were ridiculed and their funding was stopped by the powers that be.

Pravda.Ru: So much for the individuals. Now for the pharma industry...

CM: We are beginning to get somewhere. Let's take a brief look at the industry which claimed to have found AIDS. This key research had been investigated for scientific fraud by powerful American scientific institutions and by the American Congress between 1990 and 1994, when an enquiry was conducted into this research, which claimed to have discovered AIDS. The enquiry reported lots of major errors in the research, with some errors so serious that it became impossible to repeat the key HIV experiment and verify the findings. Conducting the research again would simply have exposed the entire AIDS lie. In proving the fraud present within the HIV/AIDS storyline, researchers at the Gafi Institute examined 950 AIDS positive patients and another 950 patients who were AIDS negative.

Testing these two distinct groups of patients using Electron Microscopy test on the two groups revealed retroviruses -like particles in 95 per cent enlarged lymph nodes from the AIDS patients. Using electron Microscopy test on the other group of 950 patients who are not infected with AIDS, the research team discovered the same identical particles in 95 per cent of enlarged lymph nodes from this group of patients, who are AIDS negative, and were not at risk of developing AIDS. Thus, if the particles seen in the AIDS patients, are as AIDS experts assure - HIV, then what were the particles found in patients who were not AIDS positive and were not even at risk of developing AIDS? The research team sensed a higher push behind this entire HIV/AIDS hoax.

The research team discovered a $300 billion AIDS industry. I choose to call it the AIDS racket or the moneyspinning machine.

Pravda.Ru: And who is behind this?

CM: This racket includes Governments, pharmaceutical companies such as Glaxo/Borough Wellcome MANUFACTURER of AZT, the condom industry - if you choose to differentiate it from the pharmaceuticals, celebrities, NGOs and the list goes on.

The condom industry is worth an estimated thirteen billion dollars presently, and this turns out to be big money. Our research showed 82 percent of condom users buy condoms solely as a result of the fear of contacting AIDS. Meaning of every one thousand condom buyers, 820 of these buyers make the decision to buy a condom because of the fear of AIDS. You can put this to yourself... without the whole HIV / AIDS hoax or better still, if the world realises the truth behind the whole HIV hoax, the condom industry stands to lose 82 percent of its customers; in financial terms, it loses 82 percent of its thirteen billion dollar worth. With this to play for, the condom companies will continue to share around the AIDS hoax.

The pharmaceutical companies for their part are responsible for breeding and increasing the number of immune deficient patients around the world, most especially in Africa. The AZT, which is a major drug sold by pharmaceutical companies like Glaxo/Borough Wellcome, was found to destroy the immune system, thus allowing the human body to develop identical systems indicative of AIDS. AZT was found by our research team and even by

American toxicologist and pathologist- Ali Al-Bayati Ph.D to be responsible for the following diseases/ conditions, among others: neutropenia, granulocytopenia, anemia, thrombocyte, nail pigmentation, sinusitis, acne, dyspnea, mouth ulcer, body odour, hyperbilirubinemia, vasculities, lactic acidiosis, sensitisation reactions, myositis, heptamegaly with steatosis, syncope, edema of the tongue, cough, abdominal pain, back pain, pancreatitis... amongst a list of many others.

Other AIDS drugs such as Nevirapine, protease inhibitors and Arts have adverse effects similar to that of the Azt drugs. These drugs ensure users are dependent on them for life, failure to use those results in an almost instant death. There are thousands of people who have been diagonised with AIDS, and have courageously refused AIDS medication. Our research team came across hundreds of such people, among them being GOLDIE GLITTERS, who has lived for 30 years after being declared HIV POSITIVE. He said: “I have known so many people who have died of AIDS.... and all of them took the drugs prescribed by doctors....I have never taken any of these drugs and I haven't gotten sicker. Not even a cold. The doctors told me I had just five years to live....I have lived 30 years since then.

“These drug companies producing the AIDS medications are getting very rich....everyone I know who were HIV positive and taken the AIDS medication, have all died after taking these drugs, and that is a whole lot of people".

Pharmaceutical companies are in the driving seat in terms of increasing the so-called AIDS patients, around the world. THE MORE THE NUMBER OF PERSONS DOWN WITH DESTROYED IMMUNE SYSTEMS, THE MORE THE PROFIT. That is the HIV/AIDS rule.

Pravda.Ru: You mentioned Governments?

CM: Governments have many times become the biggest benefactors of this racket. Top government officials in many countries know and do have an idea about the AIDS fraud. They know AIDS is not a disease, but a state of the body, they know HIV doesn't result in AIDS, but they continue to budget billions, millions depending on the government in the name of research programmes, awareness......

The biggest beneficiary of this AIDS racket is the American government. Using platforms like PEPFAR, they exploit unsuspecting countries. PEPFAR focuses mainly on 15 countries, which include: Botswana, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Guyana, Haiti, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Uganda, Vietnam and Zambia.

These are believed to be countries with some of the highest numbers of cases of AIDS infections, but in true sense these are the countries whose governments benefit wholesomely from the Aids fraud and have allowed for the AIDS fraud to be used as a pretext for exploitation.

In Nigeria, the American government provides ARTS,AZTS in exchange for unrefined crude oil, the Gafi research team has got evidence to back this claim.

Thus, while they make a fools profit in the name of AIDS assistance, they also ensure the potential false AIDS victims increase by destroying immune systems of millions of people via the AZT drugs. The US does the same in most of the 15 which it claims it has plans to spend over $1 billion on in 2012.

NGOs are a tool used by both the corrupt world governments involved in the Aids fraud and are also sponsored by pharmaceutical companies championing the fraud. In doing this, some NGOs in Sub-saharan Africa have resulted to shooting still images, video clips on the streets showing people, and homes and claiming they are special homes, environments created for AIDS patients.

Pravda.Ru: So what about the celebrities who champion the cause of HIV/AIDS? CM: So-called celebrities advertising and energising the lies fed the world by the mainstream media propaganda in the name of raising awareness; they are also responsible for the progress of the fraud. We see all

of them. So-called stars, disc jockeys, sportsmen and women with ribbons pinned on white tuxedos.... These are the compassionate so-called celebrities, who with a sad expression, don the mantle of cooperate grief for Aids victims and sufferers, and feel they are doing good.

Some of these people know the truth, but won't say because they have been paid to raise awareness for falsehood. I won't mention names. Others do this with the best of intentions.

They use their popularity to raise funds for AIDS research which is entirely misdirected and orchestrated by profit, desire for more money and not for more goodnot for the love of human life. Oprah Winfrey should know better.

HIV/AIDS is not a result of sexual activities. They are perpetrating the myth of the friend who is unlucky to get AIDS by one unfortunate sexual encounter. They collide with the government, pharmaceuticals, NGOs in the dangerous cult of death worship. They intentionally direct attention away from high risk factors, including recreational and intravenous drug use which accompany immune deficiency. Aids is a cruel deception which is maintained because so many people are making money from it. Take away this money and the entire system of mythology collapses.

Pravda.Ru: And the connection between AIDS and Africa?

CM: It is disturbing to see the various lies going around and sponsored by the world media, which are responsible for such notions like the one which claims AIDS or HIV is an African monkey virus that is spread sexually and can be treated with proven harmful drugsAZT, ART...

Today in Africa, especially Sub-saharan Africa, the Aids nightmare is continuing and growing more frightening as each day goes by, not because of any viral pandemic, sweeping across the plains of Africa, but because of an orchestrated pandemic of lies and deceit, sweeping across the globe via a western controlled campaign. In actual fact, our research and even other earlier research by independent firms, analysts and scientists have stated clearly that it is a pre-existing illness of which the majority of patients can be treated easily and cheaply, but who are not, that are now accounting for so much of the spiralling conventional so-called Aids death statistics.

The WHO, World Bank, UNAIDS, associated UN organisations, the pharmaceutical giants and related media colleagues..... Are manipulating the AIDS campaign to continue with their scare-mongering AIDS DEATH HEADLINES. According to the UN and WHO, 20.8 million Africans, which is two-thirds of the global total of Aids victims, are either AIDS positive or living with HIV without knowing. I should ask, if the African so-called sufferers themselves don't know they are infected, how come the UN and WHO know this? Very simple, it is all fraud.

Africa is like a pretty lady, men come around to woo her hand in marriage. With each man comes different tactics, and ideas; the west are just among the many suitors.

All of the AIDS false campaigns are just another method for westerners attempting to steal more of Africa's wealth.

Africans must reject and condemn the western world stigmatising it as the epicentre of AIDS. Much of the statistics being peddled about AIDS are lies, what is more: there isn't even a reliable AIDS test at the moment, anywhere in the world.

Pravda.Ru: And the Gafi Institute has discovered herbal remedies?

CM: Joan Shenton, award-winning British producer and journalist referred to the claims of AIDS in Africa as a bad science. I agree absolutely with that. During our five years of research, the Gafi Institute discovered a couple of drugs which have over the last 10 years transformed the so- called AIDS patients to test negative after a short period of use.

One of such is Joby formula, now known as Jobelyn.

Jobelyn was discovered by the Gafi research to be just a herbal therapy used for replenishing lost body nutrients.

I should state that this therapy transformed 1,520 Aids patients who were administered with the therapy by doctors at the Gafi Institute, in six months to test negative.

If a nutrient replacement therapy/supplement can transform a patient's status from positive to negative, I think there is no better proof to counter the lies saying AIDS is a killer disease rather than a state of immune deficiency which can be as a result of w ell over sixty different diseases or conditions.

•ChamakheMaurieni is a Moroccan born Freelance writer, author, student and graduate of psychology. This dual nationality, halfblooded The Moroccan national has dedicated his young life to researches and investigations of all scales and sizes. Some of his investigations include match-fixing in football, and he has just begun a research into the Miss World beauty pageant which he has always termed a "glorified illusion sponsored by drug cartels and barons."

As a freelance writer, he has since the age of 16 written articles on varying platforms across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia under different names. He is a top contributor to various independent news agencies, such as the Mathaba News Agency. He speaks fluent English, French, Arabic and a little Japanese. He is a nominee for the Bridport poetry prize.

He is also author of the book Facebook is Deception.

Online copy: [volume 1] [volume 2].

e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com Tel: 08116759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

THE NATION

e-Business e-mail: e-

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.com

business@thenationonlineng.net

Flashing is common among some phone users. Those without credit usually flash their parents, friends and relations as a signal for such people to call them back. The mobile network operators also flash their customers, prompting them to call back. The practice is becoming unpopular as people no longer call back, LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

Flashing fades out I

N the past, people used to spend a long time on phone. These days, it is no longer so for economic and other reasons.

Twelve years ago, the Federal Government gave the people a free rein to communicate with friends and loved ones.

Globally, mobile phones are everywhere. According to a research, by the end of last year, nine out of 10 people in the world had at least one mobile phone. In Nigeria, the story is a little different as an average mobile phone user clutches at least two hand sets not as a status symbol but because of poor service quality. In the developed world, people are making fewer calls.

According to My Broadband Newsletter, in 2007, the average user of cell phone in the United States (US) spent 826 minutes monthly, chatting on the phone. In 2011, that number dropped to 681 minutes – a decline of 17 per cent.

Their colleagues across the Atlantic are not faring much better. From Finland to the UK, voice calls are dwindling steadily after decades of uninterrupted growth.

This does not mean that people have become less talkative. Instead, most customers in the developed world are consuming more data as they use their smartphones to stay in touch through online services such as Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp. Since phone networks still make nearly two thirds of their revenue from voice calls, this is deeply worrying to them.

In Nigeria, these online instant messaging platforms have become the choice of the youthful population that accounts for about 50 per cent of the about 120 million telephone subscribers in the country.

And this trend, according to study, shows no sign of abating. Over 64 per cent of US consumers now own a smartphone (compared to just 17 per cent in 2009), and 80 per cent of those who bought a new phone in the last three months chose a smartphone. The same pattern is repeating itself around the globe: smartphones are becoming more popular, while using them to make phone calls is less common.

Faced with unprecedented falls in voice revenue, many mobile networks have simply stopped metering phone calls and have withdrawn plans that offer limited amounts of minutes per month. Instead, subscribers are forced to buy unlimited calling plans at flat rates.

While this strategy buffers the networks against customers trading down to cheaper plans with fewer minutes, it will not remain effective for long. Analysts say data usage will soon completely dominate their networks, forcing them to concede portions of their once legendary margins to online services such as Netflix, Skype and Google.

BlackBerry announced recently that having resumed the roll-out of BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) for Android and iPhone on 21 October 2013, it has generated 20 million new active users in the first week.

BlackBerry said that its BBM service now boasts 80 million monthly active users. In Africa, Nigeria and South Africa remain the two hot beds of BlackBerry phones.

During its first week, BBM was the top free overall app in 35 countries in Google Play and in 107 countries in the App StoreSM, and continues to maintain a strong position in key markets such as Canada, the United States of America (USA), the United Kingdom (UK), Indonesia and much of the Middle East, to name a few.

Speaking on the development, Executive Vice President (VP) of BBM at BlackBerry, Andrew Bocking said: “It is great to see so many people downloading BBM, but the true measurement for us is engagement – the connections being made and the conversations in which our BBM community engages. The power of BBM has always been the active, real conversations and interaction that our customers enjoy.

“From here on we will focus on active users of BBM and will no longer focus on simple download numbers.”

• Minister of Communication Technology Mrs Omobola Johnson

Despite a turbulent time in the global smartphone market, BlackBerry remains a relevant and popular brand on the African continent, according to data from advisory firm International Data Corporation (IDC).

Smartphone shipments to Africa were up 21.5 per cent year on year for the third quarter of this year, and now

• Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Eugene Juwah

account for 18.0 per cent of the overall African mobile phone market’s volume.

While BlackBerry remains the most widely used handset among Nigerian and South African students, new research has shown that its future in that demographic segment is less rosy.

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e-Business Samsung, Etisalat, Union Bank partner on devices purchase

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AMSUNG Electronics West Africa has struck a partnership with Etisalat and Union Bank of Nigeria for customers to purchase high-end smart phones and other devices on flexible payment terms.

Known as Get a Smart Device with Ease, the scheme allows people to own Samsung devices such as Galaxy Note 8.0 (tablet), Galaxy S4, Galaxy Mega, Galaxy Note 3, and Galaxy S4 Zoom with the option of spreading payments over a 24month period.

Director, Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Emmanouil Revmatas, said then scheme opens opportunities for people to own Samsung’s products effortlessly. “This device financing

scheme offers Samsung Mobile customers access to a wide range of Galaxy smartphones and tablet at a convenient and affordable payment plan. Consumers can pay over a 24month period. Samsung Galaxy mobile phone ranges are among the fastest selling smart-phones in the world. Any of the Galaxy Smartphone range is a smart buy any day with its rich features and over 2000 applications to choose from.”

He said the Get a Smart Device with Ease initiative financed by Union Bank reinforces Samsung’s position as the foremost customer-centric mobile brand as it has always been the brand’s desire to help consumers to enhance their lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Ericsson unveils app award for students, SMEs

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RICSSON has unveiled The Ericsson Application Awards.

The award invites students and small- and medium-sized enterprises from anywhere in the world to submit Android and iOS apps.

The firm said in a statement that the competition will give developers, start-ups and anyone who has an idea for a great app the opportunity to gain a foothold in the app industry, while also earning recognition and making contacts within the telecom industry.

There will be two categories for the contest – one for students, and one for small- and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 100 employees.

The theme of the 2014 competition is Apps for Working Life, in support of Ericsson’s vision of a Networked Society in which, through a combination of mobility, broadband, the cloud, applications and services, anything and everything is connected.

How can apps help us all in our

daily working life both now and in the future? How do we contribute to making the next generation of working life a context where people can better innovate, collaborate and balance life outside work?

In the Networked Society, Ericsson is the leading advocate of Technology for Good and we encourage innovation to help meet sustainability challenges. The Technology for Good award of EEA 14 will recognise achievement in this area.

The winner of the student category was Portugal’s GreenSpark, which offered a solution based on energy efficiency with a truly global reach. The UK’s TboxApps was the winner in the company category.

Their solution was based on usage patterns in order to get access to instant messages and quickly get help.

For this year, the first prize is 25,000 euro while second prize is 10,000 euro and special recognition for innovation supporting Technology for Good.

Telco unveils automatic airtime top-up

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IGERIA’S leading Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Company, MTN has introduced another innovative service called MTN Auto Top-Up that will enable customers conveniently and routinely top the airtime on their phones. MTN is ushering in a new era of comfort for its high value customers through a partnership with Nigerian banks.

Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Larry Annetts, said MTN Auto Top-Up enables subscribers to recharge their mobile account or pay their bills from available deposits in their bank accounts with ease and convenience. The service, he said, was yet another addition to the growing plethora of innovative ways by which MTN customers can replenish airtime credit. “As always, our objective is to deliver better value to our customers than anyone else.”

“The innovative offering is consistent with keeping our customers in tune with tools that enhance their productivity. This service brings a

new level of convenience to our esteemed customers as it is designed to deliver speed and simplicity”, he added.

The Executive Director of NIBSS, Mrs. Christabel Onyejekwe said: “This service would give MTN’s subscribers an easy and very comfortable means of auto-recharging. The service leverages NIBSS interoperability capabilities that ensures smooth and seamless payment from subscribers’ account in any Nigerian bank with no Payment Card required.”

To make use of this service, subscribers need to log on to their bank internet platforms and perform a one-off recharge of their airtime or set up a recurring standing order mandate for airtime top up on any date of their choice. Whatever option chosen, the equivalent amount of money is debited from the deposit account and the airtime value is credited to the phone.

What makes this service unique is that based on the customers’ standing order, the designated airtime

LG introduces aramid fibre cone speakers

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G Electronics has introduced its new LG BH9630 and DH7530 home theatre system (HTS) which it said boasts of over 1,000 watts sound output equipped with aramid fibre cone (AFC) speakers, the latest technology in sound production enabling consumers enjoy a distortion-free and clear sound from their HTS. According to a statement, the AFC speaker which maintains a more constant dispersion pattern across all frequencies in its range transmits far fewer delayed sounds to consumers, bringing pleasure to them in the comfort of their rooms. The speakers,

which are yellow in colour is the current technological trend of HTS globally as it adds beauty to home décor.

LG added that other types of speakers in the market which are light possess weak reliability and also require the use of special textile material for bass sound playback and as a result are not too good for bass while the new speaker comes with a special textile normally used for bulletproof vests or fire fighting suits with a high resistance. It is normally referred to as ‘Kevlar’ and delivers crystal clear sound owing to its low audio signal distortion capability.

• From left: Chief Information Officer, MTN, Charles Molapisi, Aderounmu and Goodluck during the visit.

NCS seeks MTN’s partnership to develop ICT sector T

HE Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has sought the partnership of MTN Nigeria to tackle the myriad of problems besetting the nation’s information communication technology (ICT) sector.

President of the group, Prof David Adewumi, represented by his deputy, Prof Adesola Aderounmu during the group’s visit to MTN Corporate Headquarters, in Ikoyi,Lagos, said the body has identified with the telco adoption of innovative, technology-driven solutions both internally and externally.

“The GSM revolution in which MTN played and still plays a major role has created jobs in significant numbers as well as a value chain of suppliers, while providing the backbone for other major areas of the Nigerian economy,” NCS president said.

He lamented that in spite of the progress recorded so far, the technology sector still faces major challenges

Stories by Lucas Ajanaku

of low broadband penetration, multiple taxation, power challenge, insecurity, inadequate local capacity and low awareness of innovation opportunities.

“The need to accelerate the pace of ICT development in Nigeria and ensure long-term sustainability of the sector is imperative. We are here to extend our hand of fellowship to MTN to achieve our development goals and attain the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Partnering strategically with NCS could identify and support innovations efforts, build capacities and help realise the huge potential in the fledgling local content market,” he added.

According to him, with the antecedent of the telco in the deployment of technology solutions, NCS believes the

time has come for MTN to take a leadership role and fully join NCS and share experience in enriching the larger technology community.

MTN Corporate Services Executive Akinwale Goodluck, who led other management officials to welcome the NCS delegation thanked the group for visiting MTN, commending them for their efforts at developing the ICT sector.

Goodluck said local content was important to telcos, adding that it has made significant strides in that area.

He said MTN has contributed immensely to the development of the economy through payment of taxes and investing heavily in corporate social responsibility which cut across every strata of the economy, from health to education and others.

Glo takes new Fonepad, routers, tabs to tech fair N ATIONAL telecoms operator Globacom is showcasing some new high-end and pocket friendly phones at the West African Information Communication and Technology (WAFICT) exhibition in Lagos .

The operator introduced one of its newest hi-tech offerings, the Asus Fonepad, which combines two devices in one – a mobile phone and a tablet.

According to Globacom’s Head of Gloworld Brenda Akhigbe, the new Asus Fonepad comes with 1 GB free data subscription. “Five hundred megabytes (MB) free data bundle is given on activation and 100MB is given subsequently for every N1000 plan purchased for the next five months”, she said.

Also on display, is the repackaged Glo Bolt MiFi router which now comes at a reduced price and a total

of 7 GB free data for one year.

Those at Glo stand on the first day of the fair included the Director-General, Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, Emeka Mba; Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Gbenga Adebayo; Director, Public Affairs of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Tony Ojobo and former Minister of State, Communications, Dasuki Nakande.

Participants at the fair also had opportunities to migrate to and experience two of Glo Mobile’s new tariff packages: Glo Bounce for pre-paid customers and Glo Infinitiser for Post-paid customers.

Glo Bounce allows subscribers to call other Bounce customers at a discount rate of 5kobo per sec-

ond and send SMS N3 per SMS. Bounce customers also stand to enjoy the Campus Zone (available in all tertiary institutions ) call rate of 5kobo per second to any Glo line and a flat rate of 12kobo per second to all other networks.

Other benefits include 30MB free data bundle on every recharge of N200 and above, one free SMS for every SMS sent by the subscriber, free browsing on Facebook, free ringback tunes for one month and free night calls from midnight to 5 a.m. for every subscriber who uses a minimum of N30 before midnight.

Glo Infinitiser on its part offers subscribers on-net calls free and off -net calls at 25kobo per second. Glo infinitiser also dangles free 1GB data bundle to subscribers.

vide these services from the comfort of their homes, with flexible tools and work hours to consumers in their neighborhood.

According to her, the availability of door-to-door services would now be possible for the first time in the evolution of the power sector, adding the synergy would provide a win-win situation for stakeholders. Beyond payment channels to electricity consumers, other services by the CNPs in the value chain of electricity distribution include customer enumeration, meter reading and bill distribution to provide convenience. Prior to the advent of CBN’s cashless policy, the firm was actively involved in electronic vending distribution (EVD), focused on the sale of Personal Identification (PIN) based products from its OR-

ANGE WORLD platform. The platform, she explained is built to provide convenience, efficiency and value added services to consumers.

“The strategy was, and still is, to increase distribution and access to services it provides nationwide, reaching every ward in each state of the country. As an EVD company, CitiServe has over twenty thousand partners including private individuals, beneficiaries from states government and non-governmental agencies nationwide on its network, developed as an empowerment strategy -to provide income avenues through commissions earned on sales of numerous products and services available on the channel in their neighborhood,” he said.

CitiServe set to ease electricity bills payment

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MEMBER of the Vigeo Group and licensed Payment Terminal Service Provider (PTSP), CitiServe Limited, says it is poised to take advantage of ongoing reforms in the power sector to provide innovative and convenient payment services.

The technology firm at the weekend said it has empowered its network partners to provide essential payment services for pre-paid metres in some Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

Its Chief Executive Officer, Lola Ogunbambi, listed some of the services of the company to include utility tokens and credit for telephone, power and pay television (PayTV), among others.

She said network partners can pro-

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

VACAN CY A Nigerian Health-related Foundation focused on cancer prevention and early management and based in Osun State is seeking highly qualified candidates to fill the following positions that are needed to deliver services in its cancer center/corporate headquarters based in Ada, Boripe LGA of Osun State.

Programme Manager He/she will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the cancer center and will report periodically to the programme director. He will also work under the supervision of the technical experts who are responsible for formulating and implementing the cancer prevention and management policies/plans of the foundation.

Qualifications/experience: He/she will be medically (MBBS/MBChB) qualified (post NYSC), and must have skills in the use of word processing and data management / analysis software.

Responsibilities: The programme manager will supervise all secretariat staff and work with them to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services and achievement of organizational objectives. He/she will harmonize and coordinate the activities of the project through interactions with the various operational units such as: screening; community outreaches/health promotion and education publicity and publications finance monitoring & evaluation partnerships/linkages; and capacity development Assistant Programme Manager (Accounts) She/he will be responsible for all financial operations of the foundation and shall keep an up-to-date and accurate records of such financial transactions. He/she will report to the programme manager and liaise with him/her for the success of daily financial operations.

Qualification: The officer will hold a minimum qualification of an OND in finance and accounting or other related disciplines from a recognized institution, and will have skills in the use of spreadsheets and other finance related software.

Assistant Programme Manager (Screening/disease detection): Responsibility: She/he will be responsible for organizing clients’ clinical examinations and screening both on site and during community outreaches. She/he must be computer literate and is able to do word processing and emailing.

Qualification: She/he will be a qualified nurse/midwife (RN) and registered with the NMCN. The officer will report to the programme manager, and work under guidance from the programme manager and the technical experts.

Assistant Programme Manager (Health Promotion): Responsibility: She/he will have responsibility for the health promotion/education activities of the foundation, including community outreaches. She/he must be computer literate and is able to do word processing and emailing.

Qualification: She/he will be a qualified nurse/midwife (RN) and registered with the NMCN. The officer will report to the programme manager, and work under guidance from the programme manager and the technical experts.

Assistant Programme Manager (Laboratory): Responsibility: He/she will be responsible for preparation of laboratory specimens, on-site laboratory diagnostic procedures and transfer of clients’ specimens from the cancer center to the collaborating health facilities when necessary. He/she must be computer literate and is able to do word processing and emailing.

Qualification: He/she will be a laboratory scientist/technician with requisite qualifications. The officer will report to the programme manager, and work under guidance from the programme manager and the technical experts.

PROGRAMME ASSISTANTS Responsibilities: These will work directly with and report to the two Assistant Programme Managers, especially in relation to community outreaches/health promotion and screening.

Qualification: These will be qualified community health officers (CHOs)/ Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) registered with the Community Health Practitioners Registration Board of Nigeria PROGRAMME ASSISTANT ( ADMINISTRATION ) Responsibility: He/she will be responsible for keeping the files and records of the office and all other documentation activities, including communications with partners and associates. He/she must be computer literate and is able to do word processing and emailing.

Qualification: He/she must hold the HND/BSc Business Admin All applications must include an application letter for the relevant position and copies of all supporting documents/credentials in a sealed envelope, addressed and sent to the undersigned on of before the 30th November, 2013: The Personnel Manager Cancer Foundation Lambe House, 20, Igbasan Street Off Opebi Link Road Ikeja, Lagos.

Email: infomccf@yahoo.com Remuneration is attractive.

Please note that only selected candidates will be contacted.

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THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2013

NEWS

PDM out to weaken PDP, says Anenih From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

• Anenih

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HAIRMAN of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees (BoT) Tony Anenih has accused the newly registered Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) of plotting to weaken PDP. He said the original concept of PDM, as initiated by the late Gen. Shehu Yar ‘Adua, was to remain a pressure group within PDP. The PDP BoT chairman dissociated himself from the registered PDM, accusing the party’s promoters of stealing from his group, which was

initiated in 1998.

Anenih and his group insisted that those who registered the party had a hidden agenda.

Speaking at a meeting of his own group of the PDM yesterday, Anenih said: “I am sure that you are all aware that some people have managed to get a political party registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the same name as our own organisation. This poses a very grievous challenge to our existence.

“It is obvious that those who have stolen our name to register a so-called political party do not mean well for our organisation or the PDP within which we have operated distinctly and effectively in the last 14 years.

“Their aim is obviously to

ride on our goodwill to attract members out of the PDP, with the purpose of weakening or even destroying the party.

“Our concern about this socalled political party is not just about the fact that these people have stolen our name, but their intentions are far from noble. They seek to weaken the PDP and undermine its electoral capability.”

Anenih called on his group to ensure that PDM as a political party is resisted.

But PDM’s National Chairman Bashir Ibrahim warned the Anenih group to concentrate on its vision and not to distract the party in its mobilisation drive. Ibrahim said PDM has come to stay.

He said: “While we respect the right of individuals to decide for themselves how and with whom they wish to associate, we reject the idea that some people can dictate

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to others how and with whom they can associate.

“This is the first time in the political history of Nigeria that members of one party will constitute themselves into a conclave to determine that another party has no right to exist.

“That some people will insist they own the exclusive franchise to the PDM brand to the exclusion of everybody else is not only undemocratic and arrogant but against the letter and spirit of our Constitution which guarantees every citizen the right to freely associate.

“PDM is not an exclusive club for the highly privileged and, certainly, not the property of any individual, no matter how highly placed. As a registered political party, PDM is open to every Nigerian, who wishes to join, including those who deny involvement in its registration out of cowardice.”

Senate queries N8.9b SURE-P mass transit fund

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HE Senate yesterday asked the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Infrastructure Bank (TIB), Abdulrazak Oyinloye, to explain the management of the N8.9 billion Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) for nationwide mass transit buses.

Chairman, Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on SURE-P Abudul Ningi queried how 807 buses bought under the scheme were distributed and to whom.

The money was given to TIB in July, last year, to acquire high capacity buses under SURE-P’s Public Mass Transit Revolving Fund Scheme (PMTF).

Onyinloye told the lawmakers that N8.9billion was released to the TIB by SURE-

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From Onyedi Ojiabor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

P. He said: “TIB received this amount on July 26, last year, to pay for vehicles supplied since January, last year.

“It is interesting to note that TIB as the fund manager judiciously utilised and recycled the N8.9billion and made disbursements in the form of vehicles worth over N9.06billion.”

Oyinloye said the fund could not grow beyond the N8.9 billion because interest rate was zero per cent.

Of the 807 buses, he said, ABC Transport Plc, representing Southeast, got 20 buses at N247million; Afenmai Line Transport Limited (Southsouth) 10 buses at N118.75million; Ajetunmobi Integrated Services Limited

(Southwest) 20 buses at N205.936million; Ani B. Barak Nigeria Limited (Northeast) five buses at N42.54million and Annasai Nigeria Limited (FCT) five buses at N42.54million.

Others were Abuja Urban Mass Transport Company Limited (FCT) 200 buses at N2.47billion; Autostar Travels and Tourism Limited (Southeast) 32 buses at N373.44million; Dabo Motors Limited (Northwest) 25 buses at N302million; Mallam Madalla Enterprises (Northeast) 10 vehicles at N85million; Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO- Nationwide) 42 buses at N403million; LAGBUS Operators (Lagos) 100 buses at N1.235billion; Shaanxi Auto Limited (FCT) 20 buses at

N247million and Abuja Transport Cooperative Society (ATCS -FCT) 20 buses at N247million.

Also benefiting were National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW nationwide) 234 buses at N2.335billion; Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN Nationwide) 42 buses at N370.73million; Safetrip Limited (North Central) 13 buses at N227.62million; Dash Gold Nigeria Limited; A.M.D Nigeria Limited and Dabo Motors Limited, all in Northwest, three vehicles each at N35.625million.

Oyinloye noted that the PMTF Scheme - Phase 1 was successful, with vehicles distributed across the six geopolitical zones.

‘Chime’s wife, family have no mental history’

HERE is no history of insanity in Clara Chime’s family, a traditional ruler said yesterday.

But Eze Bob Ogbenna, the royal father of Ozuluogbu kingdom of Amuda Isuochi, insisted that the said “mental derangement” she is said to be suffering from was strange.

“Madness does not run in the family lineage,” he said.

Eze Ogbenna handed over Clara to Chime as his wife during the traditional marriage held at Umuamaeze Amuda Isuochi.

The monarch said: “We learnt from the papers that she has a mental problem. I don’t

From Chris Oji, Enugu

know what that means. I have not seen her. I have never heard anything like that in their lineage. Her father was my best friend. I am directly involved in that family; even when they were young, I was indirectly controlling them.

“When the father wanted to die, they drove him to this place and he told me to take care of his family. So I am indirectly involved and whatever happens to the family by implication happens to me.

The mother will always come here to brief me.”

Ogbenna, who continually described Clara as his daughter, was not happy that she was tagged as being mentally deranged in the newspapers.

He said: “If she is mad, is it the best to lock her inside the house? Why don’t you send her somewhere to get treatment? The governor himself was ill sometime, he went abroad to treat himself. How can you lock her up in the guise that she is being treated privately?

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By Adebisi Onanuga

tears when the judge pronounced the judgement after which he was marched into a blackmaria that took him to prison.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had preferred a one count charge bothering on money laundering against the former council chairman.

The anti-graft agency said the offence was contrary and

punishable under Section 14(1) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2004.

During the trial that lasted two years, the prosecution, led by Chief Wahab Shittu called two witnesses.

The defence, led by Mr. Agunbiade on the other hand, called four witnesses.

Justice Ekwo described corruption as a very serious vice which should be discouraged not just in the public sector but also within the society.

ment yesterday inaugurated an eight-man committee for the funeral of the late ex-Chief of General Staff, Vice Admiral Okhai Mike Akhigbe.

At a briefing in Abuja yesterday, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim said the activities would run from November 20 to 24.

Members of the committee, according to him, include Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba; Works Minister Mike Onolememen; Information Minister Labaran Maku; and representative of the Edo State Governor.

Others are representative of the family, representative of the Inspector General of Police, representative of the Director-General, Department of State Services and representative of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

The funeral activities will begin on Wednesday with a lying-in-state at the NNS, Quorra, Naval Base, Apapa,

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

by 10am and service of songs at the same place by 6pm.

Anyim said there will be a Requiem Mass at the Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, by 10am, the following day.

On November 22, Anyim said the body departs for Fugar, with a stop-over at the Government House, Benin.

He said the body would be lain-in-state at Okhai Akhigbe family home by 3pm, with a Christian wake, by 6pm.

The funeral service will hold at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Fugar, by 10am on Saturday, followed by interment at the family’s home, by 1pm.

Guests will be feted at St. John’s College, Fugar, by 2pm.

Anyim said an outing service would hold at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Fugar on Sunday.

Akhigbe died in New York on October 28. He was 67.

Benue partners SMEDAN From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

T

HE Benue State government will partner Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to train its youths and women under the Sure-P programme.

Commissioner for Commerce and Industry Terfa Atoza said this yesterday at the Training-the-Trainers workshop of SMEDAN in Makurdi, the state capital. Atoza said job creation and poverty eradication were part of the agenda of the Gabriel Suswam administration.

SMEDAN representative Ikyumior Yagah urged the participants to use the programme to grow the informal sector.

T

DPR warns marketers

HE Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Kano State has urged petroleum marketers to adopt safety measures.

Operations Controller Sayyadi Suleiman Abubakar, who spoke yesterday at the Annual Petroleum Products Marketers meeting in Kano, said one person died because of lack of safety measures.

Abubakar said the licence

From Kolade Adeyemi,

Kano which fails of any company, to comply with safety measures would be withdrawn.

He warned that the DPR would not renew the licences of substandard filling stations and those guilty of contravening petroleum regulations.

It also warned marketers to desist from selling kerosene (DPK) above the regulated price of N50 per litre.

Northern governors condole with Shema From Jide Orintunsin, Minna

G •MrsChime

“It does not make sense.

Even they didn’t allow her to see her son. I read the story and I shed tears for her because I know the girl.”

Ex-council chair sentenced to six months for money laundering

FORMER chairman of Adavi Local Government in Kogi State, Enesi Jimoh Sulaimon was yesterday sentenced to six months imprisonment for converting N7million belonging to the council to personal use.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Lokoja, said the sentence was without an option of fine and would begin yesterday.

Sulaimon, who is also a former commissioner shed

Naval chief heads Akhigbe’s funeral panel HE Federal Govern-

He said that he had to impose the sentence without an option of fine so that it could serve as a deterrent to public officers entrusted with public funds.

T

OVERNORS of the 19 northern states yesterday commiserated with Katsina State Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema on the death of his father, Shehu Shema.

The Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF), through its Chairman, Governor Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu (Niger), urged Shema to forge ahead with the task of providing leadership to the people of Katsina State.

A statement by Aliyu’s spokesman Danladi Ndayebo said the best tribute Shema could give his late father was to continue to touch the people’s lives.

The forum prayed God to grant the deceased Aljannah Firdaus and the Shema family and the people of Katsina State the fortitude to bear the loss.

C

Church inaugurates altar

OME November 24 at 10 am at the Campos Square, Lagos where the late iconoclast Dr Tai Solarin, held several rallies against the oppressive military regimes, will roar to life as members of the Ark of God Cherubim and Seraphim Church, inaugurate its altar.

The inauguration coincides with the 50th birthday of the Minister-In-charge, Senior Prophetess Bola Omotanwa Jinadu. It will be anchored by Dr Luke Olusegun Babasanya, Primate, King of Kings Church Cherubim and Seraphim and other ministers of God. Popular gospel artistes, Dare Melody will be at the band stand.

Police warn vehicle owners

HE Lagos State Police Command has warned owners of vehicles parked at Olosan Police Station, Mushin to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction after 21 days.

The vehicles are: Toyota Camry BE583AGL, Nissan car TM368KJA, Mitsubishi car BB788GGE, Tricycle one unregistered and the

other marked QT55FKJ. In Ogun State Command is villager mercury BG843SMK. Also in Area ‘M’ Idimu, Lagos Command Volkswagen LT BUS unregistered.

One scrap Volvo 240D with registration number DR240LND.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

54

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-11-13

Equities lose N110b in renewed profit-taking A

GGREGATE market value of all equities quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) dropped by N110 billion yesterday as investors scurried to monetize accrued capital gains and rebalance their portfolios.

With most sell orders at open market orders and buying investors bargaining for discounts, several large transactions were closed below the price-on-board. The market was overtly bearish with 35 decliners to 19 advancers.

However, the negative market position was exacerbated by losses suffered by several highly capitalised stocks including most stocks on the top 10 most capitalised stocks rank-

By Taofik Salako

ing including Nestle Nigeria, Zenith Bank, Guinness Nigeria, FBN Holdings, Dangote Cement and Nigerian Breweries.

Aggregate market value of all equities dropped from N12.234 trillion to close at N12.124 trillion. The main index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), also declined by 0.90 per cent to close at 37,949.11 points as against its opening index of 38,293.59 points.

With this, average year-todate return at the stock market slipped to 35.15 per cent.

Nestle Nigeria, the markets highest priced and second

most capitalised stock, topped the losers’ list with a loss of N45 to close at N1, 160 per share. Nigerian Breweries followed with a drop of N5 to close at N173. Guinness Nigeria dropped by N2.89 to close at N235.11. Dangote Cement lost N1.75 to close at N188.25 while UAC of Nigeria declined by N1.60 to close at N64 per share.

Total turnover stood at 291.73 million shares valued at N3.33 billion. Transnational Corporation of Nigeria remained the most active stock with a turnover of 62.36 million shares valued at N185.93 million in 201 deals.

Dangote Sugar seeks global opportunity with Nigerian sugar master plan

G

ROUP Managing Director, Dangote Sugar Refinery Plc, Mr. Graham Clark has said the company would take advantage of the Federal Government new sugar master plan to take a dominant position in the global sugar industry.

Mr. Clark stated this yesterday in Abuja while on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and the Executive Secretary of the National Sugar Development Council(NSDC), Dr. Lateef Busari.

Mr. Clark said that he has a mandate to establish a world class sugar business in the Dangote Group, and develop a fully integrated world class sugar supply chain that will put Nigeria on the world sugar map.

According to him, the target is achievable given the strength of Dangote group and Government’s legislative support.

He expressed his delight in being part of the New Nigerian Sugar sector redevelopment project which will be successful, given the current legislations and support Government has put in place. According to him, with an enabling environment created for the sector’s growth as well as the volume of investment the Dangote Group making in the sector, a new era will be seen in the sugar sector.

Welcoming the Dangote Sugar team the Minister, Mr. Aganga congratulated him on his appointment as the Group Managing Director of Dangote Sugar Refinery at a time Government in conjunc-

tion with major players in the Nigerian Sugar industry like the Dangote Group are on the verge of putting the nation on the world sugar map with the New sugar master plan.

He explained that the Sugar Master Plan is a very important initiative for the Government, due to the economic growth it will bring to Nigeria as well as the extended value chain the sector will create. According him, implementation of the masterplan will create numerous employment opportunities.

The Minister added that the Dangote Group is dedicated and focused in their approach to the success of the backward integration project and ensures they employ the best hands to run the affairs of their companies. He called on Mr. Clark to bring his over 30 years’ experience in the field of sugar to bear in his new portfolio. Mr. Aganga promised that the FG will continue to support and provide the enabling environment for the successful implementation of the NSMP.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 13-11-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

55

MONEY LINK

FirstRand eyes Mainstreet, Keystone

F

IRSTRAND Ltd, South Africa’s second-biggest financial-services company, would consider buying Nigeria’s Mainstreet Bank or Keystone Bank to help establish a consumer-banking presence in the country.

Bloomberg report said the lenders are held by Nigeria’s Asset Management Corporation (AMCON) which was set up in 2010 to nationalize and manage the banks after bad debts mounted amid allegations of corruption.

AMCON, as its known, already asked for expressions of interest in Enterprise Bank Ltd. and hopes to sell all three lenders by the end of next year. “We would not be in-

I

Stories by Collins Nweze

terested in Enterprise but would consider both Keystone and Mainstreet,” Sam Moss, director of investor relations at FirstRand, said. He said there’s no formal process yet and we have no idea when it will start.

The three Nigerian banks were among eight bailed out by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2009 amid a lending crisis that threatened the financial system in sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest economy.

FirstRand last year set up an investment bank in Nigeria and wants to follow that with retail operations to help fund the unit

•CBN Governor, Sanusi Lamido

while profiting from growth in Africa’s most populous country.

FirstRand ended talks to buy Nigeria’s Sterling Bank Plc in 2011 after the parties were unable to agree on terms.

IFC, Diamond Bank to improve agric sector funding by $33m

FC, a member of the World Bank Group, has said it will provide advisory services to Diamond Bank Plc to help the lender increase access to finance in Nigeria’s agricultural sector by up to $33 million over two years.

In a statement, the bank said such support would strengthen a vital but severely underfinanced sector in Nigeria’s economy and boosting small businesses.

It said the projected lending will be extended to small and medium enterprises across the sector, including livestock farmers, producer groups, distributors, processors, traders and retailers. It will also target almost 2,000 small holder farm-

FirstBank, Interswitch partner on FirstClub

•Onasanya

F

IRSTBANK has partnered Interswitch to launch FirstClub, the lenders enterprise loyalty scheme that allows its high-end customers get membership cards offered

by MasterCard Worldwide.

Speaking at the product launch in Lagos, the Group Managing Director, Bisi Onasanya, said the customers are expected to benefit from FirstExclusive card which is a debit Platinum card provided by MasterCard, a global payment company.

Onasanya, who was represented by the bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Bayo Adelabu, named other partners to the project as Starwood Hotels & Resorts which provides discount offers on room rates, spa, foods and beverages, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, use of hotel gym during lodging at all Starwood Hotels in Nigeria, such as Four Point by Sheraton, (Lagos & Abuja) and L’Meridian (Uyo & Port-Harcourt).

Onasanya said club members can also use points combination with

cash/card for purchase on LazyBargains.com. while airport Lounge Access (at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Kuwait, Riyadh, Dammam & Jeddah) are also available.

“Members can also get discount purchases at partner outlets (home and abroad), while there is also higher transaction limits at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) withdrawal from N100,000 to N300,000. Point of Sale (POS) transaction limit is also raised from N2.5 million to N3 million for card holders, while web transactions is increased from N1 million to N2 million even as all customers benefit from stand-in authorisation – thus transactions will be consummated regardless of downtime of the platform purchase protection,” he said.

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

Amount N

Rate %

M/Date

3-Year 5-Year 5-Year

35m 35m 35m

11.039 12.23 13.19

19-05-2014 18-05-2016 19-05-2016

He said there is also fraud protection insurance, emergency cardholder service and MasterCard priceless moment. They can also benefit from FirstBank ATMS for airtime recharge for all networks.

Director, Switching & Processing, Interswitch, Akeem Lawal, said the company is the bank’s technical implementation partner and country representative of Welcome Realtime Singapore the platform providers of the FirstClub Loyalty Scheme.

He said the lender has successfully implemented a point-based reward programme in Africa, which covers deposits, cards and channels, bills payment. It also plans to extend the reward scheme to the insurance business and other customer transactions across the entire FBN Holdings Group.

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m 350m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 13-11-13

CONOIL TRANSCORP WEMABANK LIVESTOCK CAP PRESTIGE MAYBAKER IHS FCMB UBCAP

2013-11-12

62.55 2.73 1.19 3.41 49.20 0.53 1.93 2.70 3.50 1.30

C/PRICE 2013-11-13

68.95 3.00 1.29 3.58 51.65 0.55 2.00 2.79 3.60 1.32

%CHANGE 10.23 9.89 8.40 4.99 4.98 3.77 3.63 3.33 2.86 1.54

LOSERS AS AT 13-11-13

SYMBOL

2013-11-12

O/PRICE

UAC-PROP 18.88 CUSTODYINS 1.84 ETERNA 2.87 REDSTAREX 4.55 TRANSEXPR 1.26 ABCTRANS 0.85 NEIMETH 1.09 AGLEVENT 1.57 IKEJAHOTEL 0.76 NESTLE 1,205.00

2013-11-13

C/PRICE 17.94 1.75 2.73 4.33 1.20 0.81 1.04 1.50 0.73 1,160.00

Year Start Offer

NGN USD NGN GBP NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

Current Before

Current After

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

147.6000 239.4810 212.4997

149.7100 244.0123 207.9023

150.7100 245.6422 209.2910

-2.11 -2.57 -1.51

149.7450

154.0000

154.3000

-3.04

152.0000

153.0000

155.5000

-2.30

153.0000

154.0000

156.0000

-1.96

DISCOUNT WINDOW Feb. ’11

July ’11

MPR

6.50%

6.50%

12%

Standing Lending Rate ,, Deposit Rate ,, Liquidity Ratio Cash Return Rate Inflation Rate

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 1.00% 12.10%

8.50% 4.50% 25.00% 2.00% 12.10%

9.50% 5.50% 30.00% 2.00% 11.8%

July ’12

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

CUV Start %

%CHANGE -4.98 -4.89 -4.88 -4.84 -4.76 -4.71 -4.59 -4.46 -3.95 -3.73

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

ers. IFC will provide Diamond Bank with advisory services on strategy, product development and risk management, and help develop a financing model to viably lend to small and medium agribusinesses.

Alex Otti, Group Managing Director/CEO, Diamond Bank, said, “Diamond Bank has always demonstrated market leadership in the provision of innovative financial services and solutions to all segments of the society. Through this partnership with IFC, we are better positioned to serve a faster growing share of Nigeria’s newly emerging bankable population in the agricultural sector, and create more growth opportunities for the players as well as the economy.”

IFC Financial Markets Manager in Sub-Saharan Africa, Ian Weetman, said, “Increasing growth and employment in the agricultural sector is a critical objective for IFC in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. To this end, IFC’s Advisory Services aim to increase access to finance throughout the agricultural and food supply chain. We are very pleased to be working with our longstanding partner, Diamond Bank, in the pursuit of these objectives.”

IFC said agriculture is the main activity of the majority of Nigerians, accounting for 40 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and 60 per cent of employment, but the sector currently only receives 1.4 per cent of total commercial bank lending in the country. “With increased financing, the agricultural sector can develop as a business to fulfill its potential as an engine of economic growth and employment,” it said.

NSE CAP Index

19-09-13 11.432.09 35,891.90

23-09-13 11.494.75 36,088.64

% Change -

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND KAKAWA GUARANTEED NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE INVE STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL

Offer Price 161.60 9.17 1.10 1.17 0.75 1.39 1,000.00 100.00 143.11 1,865.47 14.43 141.19 11,496.45 0.80

Bid Price 160.55 9.08 1.09 1.17 0.74 1.33 1,000.00 100.00 142.62 1,857.56 13.73 140.70 11,170.99 0.78

• ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

56

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Fire destroys Police College staff quarters

T

HE official quarters of Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACP) in charge of Operations at the Lagos Command, Mr Emmanuel Ngwu, was destroyed by fire on Tuesday night.

The fire occurred at the staff Quarters of the Police College in Ikeja, the state capital.

Eyewitnesses said tthe fire started about 6:30pm spreading throughout the upper floor of the three bedroom duplex, Quarters 11B. The prompt intervention of the fire service stopped the inferno from spreading to the lower rooms and adjoining buildings.

It was gathered that properties worth millions of naira were destroyed, including

By Seun Akioye

Ngwu's personal belongings.

Fire, it was learnt, have been caused by electrical fault.

When The Nation visited the scene, sympathisers had gathered, consoling Ngwu who took things calmly.

It was learnt that when the fire started the College's Commandant of Police Yahaya Ardo, immediately contacted. Ardo also supervised the rescue before the fire was put out about 8:45pm.

Eyewitnesses said though lives were not lost, many valuable properties were burnt.

"Oga Ngwu has nothing else, the only thing he has is the cloth on him, all his documents were burnt and even his certificates, now he has to

start again, "a source said.

Ngwu declined comment, "I cannot tell you anything now; I just give glory to God." The college's Public Relations Office (PRO), Adesanya Jinadu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), who was also at the scene, told The Nation that the fire gutted Quarters11B. "No lives were lost in the fire incident, the upper rooms were affected but due to the prompt intervention of the fire service men, no other building was affected. The commandant of the college was here personally to supervise the efforts.

"Right now, investigations will commence into the cause of the fire incident but now we cannot say specifically the

•IGP Mohammed Abubakar

cause."

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mamman Shafe, visited the scene on Tuesday to console the victims.

Owners of collapsed buildings, fireworks dealers for trial

T

HE Lagos State Government will, henceforth, prosecute owners of collapsed buildings who did not comply with building regulations.

Fireworks handlers who failed to comply with fireworks laws will also be prosecuted, said the AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice Ade Ipaye at his ministry's monthly briefing at Alausa, Ikeja, yesterday.

He said persons those involved in building collapse, such as importers of building materials, dealers of building materials and builders would also face prosecution with owners of such buildings.

"Apart from their criminal prosecution, owners of the affected buildings will forfeit

By Adebisi Onanuga

the land to the government by virtue of Section 74 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2010", he said .

He said the five-Storey Shopping Complex that collapsed at Muri Okunola Street in Victoria Island, on November 4, killing three persons and injuring 12 others was tragic, adding that it has again brought to the fore the need for all Lagosians to comply with building legislation.

Ipaye said the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2010 and Building and Civil Engineering Construction Materials Quality Control Laboratory Laws of 2006, prohibit the pro-

duction of blocks and allied products without first obtaining quality control test certificates from the Laboratory.

He said it was unacceptable for individuals, corporations or developers to start building without first obtaining approval from the Authority, adding that the government has adopted measures to regulate and inspect building works at every stage of construction to forestall incessant collapse of building.

On the importation, storage, sales and distribution of fireworks, he said under the Explosives Act, those engaged in the handling or use of fireworks must take precautions to prevent fire or explosion and must also stop unauthorised persons from having access to the substance.

DISCLAIMER!!!

It has come to the notice of the Management of Ibile Holdings Limited that a certain person identifying himself as Patrick Akinola has been sending e-mails to different organizations requesting for business meetings on behalf of Ibile Holdings Limited.

This serves to inform the general public that Ibile Holdings Limited does NOT have in its employment any person named Patrick Akinola.

Any correspondence from said person on behalf of Ibile Holdings Limited should be disregarded.

Also, the general public should note that the e-mail address ibileholdings@live.com does not share any affinity whatsoever with Ibile Holdings Limited. Any correspondence emanating from said e-mail should consequently be disregarded. Our official website and e-mail address is www.ibileholdings.com and info@ibileholdings.com respectively.

Hence, Ibile Holdings Limited shall not be liable for any transaction flowing from said Mr. Patrick Akinola or from the website.

SIGNED: MANAGEMENT

Police re-arrest fleeing suspect

By Remilekun Osasona

L

UCK ran out for a suspect who jumped bail at the Ikeja Magistrate's Court in Lagos on Tuesday.

Akinade Kamila was arrested by the police in the court premises at after being sighted by the relatives of his surety, Sulaiman Oni. Kamila was in court for another case.

The suspect Akinade Kamila, was standing trial in another criminal matter, The Police had been harrassing Oni since Kamila jumped bail.

They stormed Oni's home and arrested him on November 10.

He was to appear at the Magistrate's court on Tuesday for argument on his bail application, when his relatives sighted Kamila alerted the police.

Kamila, a diesel dealer, is said to be owing a business partner N1 million. The money was giving to him to buy diesel in Warri, Delta State.

He claimed that some policemen confiscated the product on his way back to Lagos.

A witness, Babalola Wale, the friend, who spoke with reporters said the N1million became bad debt because the police confiscated the diesel.

The product's seizure, he said, led to the suspect's arrest and his arraignment in court. Kabila jumped bail after arraignment.

Kabila was arraigned before Magistrate Margaret Dan-Oni and was granted N150, 000 bail, with two sureties in the like sum.

A surety, Oni, was said to have paid N200, 000 of the debt.

Lagos holds seminar on mega city status

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

T

HE Lagos State government will today hold a conference on the health implications of attaining a megacity status.

The conference, which will end tomorrow, is slated for the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Conference themed: 'The Livable City-Preparing for the Mental and Social Health needs of the Lagos Mega City' will be attended by members of the State's Executive Council and lawmakers, city planners, journalists, public opinion leaders, capturing industry, leaders in the health, education, environment and social welfare sectors, religious and traditional leaders and public.

Commissioner of Health Dr. Jide Idris said the conference would examine issues, such as 'Society and Crime'; and 'Mental Health Services in a Mega City; Environmental Psychology: The Interface between Our Environment and Us and Social Services and Welfare: The Role of the Government.'

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Sex tape: Chidinma says she’s a virgin

F

IRST female winner of MTN Project Fame West Africa, Chidinma Ekile has debunked that she is the person in a purported sex video making the rounds on social media platforms.

The short video, which has since been pulled down from YouTube showed a lady, with a striking resemblance of the singer.

Reacting to the issue, the petite-frame singer said she isn’t the lady in the video and wondered why anyone could go to

F

that extent to attempt to damage her reputation. She has vowed to sue anyone who chooses to retain the video on their blogs.

“I didn’t make any sex tape. I have no idea where that tape is from and I am still a virgin.”

Chidinma said.

Fans think Chidinma’s case is not unusual, indicating that stardom comes with some pains. Only recently, the singer was rumoured to have been rusticated from her choice because of her new sense of dress-

•Chidinma

ing.

The 24-year-old Project Fame reputed singer is breaking large grounds.

Pasuma may face manslaughter chargeges

UJI musician, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma may be prosecuted for manslaughter following his purported killing of a 12-yearold boy with his car in Alimosho, Lagos recently.

The victim, identified as Bidemi, it was said attended a show where the artiste performed at St. Augustine Events Hall, Isheri-Idimu, but was killed while trying to catch a closer glimpse of the musician.

Pasuma was said to be in a hurry to depart the show

•Pasuma

By Dupe Ayinla

arena when he noticed that street urchins popularly

called “Area Boys” were waiting to extort money from him It was gathered that in a bid to avoid confrontation with the street urchins, Pasuma knocked the little boy down as he sped off with his Range Rover SUV. Spokespersons for the singer have debunked the story linking Pasuma with the death of the boy, stating that the deceased may have been killed by another driver in the singer’s convoy.

Brymo’s aide speaks on Chocolate City brawl

A

FTER months of public debate on whether it is possible for Brymo to leave Chocolate City before the expiration of his contract with the record label, the music company has said it is taking the Ara crooner to court.

Though it was later discovered that the singer did not receive any such injunc-

•Brymo

By Ovwe Medeme

tion from his former label, his new management company, The Bail Music Company, has issued a statement, asserting their artiste’s readiness to defend himself if Chocolate City cannot settle amicably with the singer.

A statement from Brymo’s camp reveals that on October 30, 2013, a meeting was held between Brymo, his Management and representatives of Chocolate City at the Chocolate City office.

This was after prior attempts at reaching a mutually acceptable resolution of the conflict between the artiste and the record label.

According to the statement, after deliberations at the meeting, certain terms were agreed between the parties and Chocolate City promised to capture the terms in an agreement to be signed by both parties.

A few days later, it states, Chocolate City sent in a plan with terms which were not reflective of the deliberations and agreements at the said meeting. A similar occurrence had taken place in June when lawyers representing Chocolate City promised to hand Brymo a Statement of Release from the label on the condition that he would give up his album, Son of a Kapenta to the label.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

57

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

58

NEWS

PDP accuses Oshiomhole of grandstanding

Court vacates suit against market

J

USTICE Biobele Georgewill of the Rivers State High Court yesterday struck out a suit

by Emma Wike & Partners; and Nuel Mark & Partners, restricting the allocation of Obio/Akpor International Market to the public by the Obio/Akpor Local Government Caretaker Committee’s (CTC’s) Chairman, Chikordi Dike.

The decision of the court to vacate the suit was based

F

From Rosemary Nwisi, Port Harcourt

on the application by the claimants (consulting firms) to discontinue with the case.

The embattled council’s CTC members, led by Dike, had, soon after their assumption of office, called for application from the public for the allocation of the 800 shops space international market, built by suspended council Chairman, Timothy Nsirim.

Qatar Airways’ promotion

OR three days, Qatar Airways celebrated joining the one-world alliance by offering customers, discounts on fares for up to 25 per cent.

The Bigger World Promo-

Baptists celebrate MEMBERS of First Baptist Church, 12, Oremerin Street, Itire, Lagos will on Sunday celebrate this year’s annual family thanksgiving service.

The Chairman of the Harvest Committee, Mr. M.O. Okerinde, said members are expected to invite their relations and friends to celebrate the event.

The minister-in-charge, Rev. A.P. Oyeyemi, said: “This Harvest of God’s Faithfulness (1 Corinthians 1:9) will usher in good tidings for the Church of God, Lagos State and Nigeria.”

tion ran between November 11 and 13. Qatar Airways’ customers can purchase travel tickets beginning from today in advance of the holidays through June 19 next year.

The promotion began at midnight on November 11 and ended at 11:59 pm on November 13 (all times local in each market). Savings are based on round-trip/return fares via Doha.

Judge, Justice Cromwell Idahosa, at the launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State.

He said Oshiomhole inaugurated about 200 metres of road despite spending N136.7 billion on road projects in the last five years.

Idahosa alleged that the Oshiomhole administration had received over N400 billion since 2008 and collected loans worth several billions of naira.

But Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Louis Odion, said it was the PDP-led Federal Government, which had been unable to pay states their statutory

entitlements for the first time in the country’s history.

Odion, who said he wondered where the PDP got their figures from, added that the state had paid more than half of the N25 billion bond it raised from the capital market.

He said: “We would have been surprised if PDP was happy when Edo State people and lovers of democracy gathered in Benin City to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the liberation of Edo indigenes by Comrade Oshiomhole from the toxic bondage of the PDP. “Although the drainage projects have not been completed, Benin residents are already enjoying the benefit as flood has become history

on the Ugbowo axis, Teachers’ House, Five Junction, Mission Road axis and other areas. The people are happy, but PDP is sad. Talking about bankruptcy, I think it is a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

“It is the Federal Government, which is unable to fund the Federation Account. For the first time in our history, the Federal Government under PDP’s watch cannot pay states their statutory entitlements. But through prudent management, Comrade Oshiomhole has paid workers and met his obligations to the contractors. So, who is broke?

You can see that the PDP is merely hallucinating.

“We urge Edo indigenes to continue their victory dance and ignore the latest tissues of lies by the PDP. As for Oshiomhole, the people’s governor will not be distracted from his good work.”

Fund were former Employees of UBS and Goldman Sachs respectively, two of the three foreign managers appointed.

"The appointment of UBS and Goldman Sachs amounts to a conflict of interests as the MD of the NSIA and the Initiator, former Minister of Finance, Olusegun Aganga are former employees of the two respective institutions contrary to the Code of Conduct provided for under Fifth schedule part 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999," the lawmaker said.

Besides, Gbajabiamila said that the appointment of foreign Financial Institutions to manage Nigerian Sovereign Wealth "amount to us entrusting Nigeria's savings, wealth, economic sovereignty and security in the hands of foreigners."

He questioned the transparency of the process, saying that the

Governing Council for the SWIA, which was established by the Act to advice the authority on matters pertaining to the Fund "was only inaugurated a week ago, long after the appointment of the foreign firms, leaving this House in doubt of the transparency of the process that led to their appointment."

The lawmaker said the steps taken by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency if not given a second thought may go a long way in empowering foreign institutions against their Nigerian counterparts, and further entrust Nigerian Economic sovereignty and security in the hand of foreigners; a step too dangerous to the nation's economic security.

"We have banks here that operate in foreign lands. It amounts to inferiority complex to let foreign banks do what we can do.

"Let's remember that confidence we repose in the foreign institutions These same institutions in the near past almost brought the economy of the world to a collapse," he said.

Friday Itulah (PDP Edo) while supporting the motion said what the Parliament ought to do is reverse the decision.

"The issue before us is more than clear. The mover has not said there is anything wrong in having the Sovereign Wealth Fund but putting the management of the funds in foreign hands. It's an ill wind that will not blow anyone any good."

Betty Apiafi (PDP Rivers) opposed the motion, saying that though she shared the patriotic sentiment of the motion, funds such as the Sovereign Wealth Fund are managed by Portfolio Managers and not banks.

From Osagie Otabor, Benin

ards of peace and holders of reputable degrees. We are disappointed that a leader could fold his arms and watch his two children fight, while the rest of us suffer, only to blackmail those who take their time to seek solution to the crisis.

“The forum wishes to state emphatically that no amount of cheap blackmail or intimidation can deter it from this noble mission to rescue the country from the imminent collapse, which can be averted. We will continue with the ongoing consultation with stakeholders in the task of putting Nigeria back to the road, to national unity and development.”

•Governor: party is hallucinating From Osagie Otabor, Benin

•Oshiomhole

T

HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has accused Governor Adams Oshiomhole of engaging in self-aggrandisement during his fifth year anniversary celebration.

It said there was nothing worthy of celebration by the governor since nothing had been accomplished in the state.

PDP’s state Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih, who spoke yesterday at a news briefing in Benin City, decried the presence of the Edo State Chief

Reps to probe foreign managers of Sovereign Wealth Fund

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HE House of Representatives yesterday mandated its Committee on Commerce and Justice to probe the appointment of foreign institutions managing the nation's Sovereign Wealth Fund.

The Committee is to report to the House in two weeks.

This decision follows the adoption of the prayer of a motion titled: "Contracting the management of the Nation's Sovereign Wealth to foreign professionals and inherent conflict of interests," brought before the House by the Minority Leader,

From Victor Oluwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (APC, Lagos).

Presenting the argument for the motion, Gbajabiamila noted that recent reports that three foreign financial institutions namely, Goldman Sachs, UBS and Credit Swiss have been appointed to manage Nigeria Sovereign Wealth Fund, was a source of concern.

According to the lawmaker, the Managing Director of the Sovereign Wealth Investment Authority and the initiator of the Sovereign Wealth

PRESS RELEASE RESTRICTION OF MOVEMENT FOR THE ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION The Anambra State Police Command in conjunction with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), wish to inform the general public that movement will be restricted between 12 midnight on Friday, 15th November, 2013 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, 16th November 2013 in and out of Anambra State.

This medium also enjoins any person or group of persons passing through Anambra State to find alternative routes.

Furthermore, nobody will be allowed to move around the state with any security detail on that day, no matter how highly placed. Anybody who flouts this directive will be arrested and prosecuted.

These measures are geared towards a hitch-free conduct of gubernatorial election in the state on the aforementioned dates.

All concerned are advised to adhere strictly to this order please.

T

Niger Delta clerics slam Oritsejafor

HE Niger Delta Bishops and Christian Forum, led by Prophet Jones Erue, has slammed the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, saying they did not embark on their peace mission in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the umbrella of CAN. He urged Oritsejafor’s aides to educate him on issues and stop exposing him (Oritsejafor) to disrepute.

In a statement to reporters in Benin City, Erue said the forum and its affiliate, the Global Peace and Relief Initiative, expected Oritsejafor to have minimal knowledge of what they stood for.

He said they are bound to restore peace and unity to the country.

The statement reads: “The CAN’s statement as reported by the media does not represent the facts on ground, but a mere imagination. Calling names at this critical period of the nation’s political development does not represent the responsibility expected of a great leader of Pastor Oritsejeafor’s capacity.

“We want to place it on record that the bishops and clerics in this body may not own private jets, but are men of unquestionable character, dependable leaders, stew-

How to ensure credible national conference, by Nwabueze

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HE Leader of ‘The Patriots’, a group of proSovereign National Conference (SNC) elder statesmen, Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN), yesterday listed the conditions for a successful national dialogue, urging President Goodluck Jonathan to appoint a credible Nigerian as its chairman.

He said the legal framework for the conference is very important, recalling that the Abuja Conference set up by former President Olusegun Obasanjo collapsed because it was not backed by a legislation.

By Emmanuel Oladesu, Group Political Editor

Nwabueze, who reflected on the proposed conference in a statement, said a sovereign status for the dialogue might be difficult, in view of the fact that a constitutional government was in place.

He also argued that if the report of the conference is subjected to a referendum, “this ratification process does not confer a sovereign status on the conference.”

Nwabueze said the proposed conference would be a

wide departure from the failed 2005 conference because it had a purpose and a better focus.

However, the former university don said unless there is a legal framework for convening the conference and holding a referendum to validate its recommendations, the conference will fail.

Nwabueze recalled that ‘The Patriots’ had forwarded a bill on the convocation of the conference to the National Assembly in the past, lamenting that it was ignored by the Presidency and the National Assembly.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

59

NEWS APC leaders meet IBB, Abdulsalami

Continued from page 2

forward would be encouraged by me.”

Praising the foresight of the APC leaders in reaching out to other stakeholders, Gen. Babangida said his door was always open to anyone on how to develop the nation, adding that they (the APC leaders) are genuinely concerned with the nation’s welfare.

“People who come to talk about Nigeria and the way forward will always be welcomed by me. We have to find a way forward for this generation; what we are doing is for your generation,” Babangida maintained.

Asked if as a chieftain of the ruling PDP he was comfortable fraternising with leaders of the opposition, the former military leader replied: “Nigeria is bigger than PDP. They came to talk about Nigeria and how to move the nation forward. It is about Nigeria and not PDP. Nigeria is bigger than PDP.” Gen. Abubakar said the APC leaders came to brief him on

its activities and how to develop Nigeria.

He said the visit should not be seen as a move to woo him to join the party, as he is “not a politician”, I am not a partisan politician and I don’t need to be wooed,” he said.

The APC leaders briefed him on “the amalgamation of the new party, how they are doing, how far they have gone and how things are moving”, adding that he also gave them advice on how to successfully carry out their task.

Asked what were his advice for the party, Gen. Abubakar said: “What I told them, they have already heard. I’ve advised them on how all of us need this country and to make sure that we maintain peace in the country.”

He then counselled that Nigerians should allowed to join any party of their choice, urging them to do what is right for their party.

Said Gen. Abubakar: “Whether you are in opposition or in government, in the

various ways of your manifesto, you are serving the country. So, whatever role any party finds itself, they should play that role very well.”

The Chairman and leader of the team, Akande, said they were in the state to consult with the former leaders so that they can be wise in the running of the party.

“We need to pick the brains of former rulers in this country in order to be wiser than we were before we came here,” Akande said.

On rumours that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may have advised the party to stop the nationwide consultation with G7 governors and other leaders, Akande said he had not received such letters but insisted that the consultations would continue.

Speaking on the new drive, the national leader of the party, Asiwaju Tinubu said APC was committed to planning for a better tomorrow now, so that younger generations would

US classifies Boko Haram terrorists Continued from page 2

•Gen. Babangida

have a better country to live.

“We are concerned with the well-being of Nigerians, especially the young ones. We need to advocate for a future that belongs to all of us. A stable country that will promote peace, prosperity and diversity,” Tinubu said.

Justifying the reach out to past leaders, Tinubu said: “We have a lot of leaders that have been there before. They have seen Nigeria largely and governed the country, we have to look for them as we plan for the future.”

Varsities to remain closed as ASUU mourns Iyayi

Continued from page 2

as mischievous. He said there was no decision on the strike from the national executive, adding that there was no way IBBU would pull out of the action it was a party to.

He said: “How can IBBU pull out of the strike when the NEC has not ordered it should be called off? You should have known that the Vice Chancel-

lor is being mischievous and playing to the gallery. There is no final decision on resumption because we voted to be part of the strike and we will remain a party to the action, until NEC meeting decides we should resume. So, don’t believe what the management has said; IBBU is in full strike.”

Contacted last night, the university’s Director of Information, Alhaji Sule Shehu, said

the resumption directive was the decision of the institution’s Senate and not the VC’s.

He said: “It is true that students have been asked to resume by the Senate of the university, which is made up of lecturers, Heads of Departments, Deans of faculties, professors and directors of units.

All these people took the decision in a majority vote and not the personal decision of the

vice chancellor.”

Asked if the local ASUU chapter was contacted, Shehu said there was no way the wishes of a few would override the agreement of the majority, dismissing Badeggi’s opinion as “minority view”.

The university also released an adjusted calendar to make up for the lost period so as to complete the second semester.

ja.

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) was in a mournful mood yesterday. Many offices were shut At Iyayi’s residence, sympathisers gathered in groups to discuss his death.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Osayuki Oshodin led the top management of the institution to pay a condolence visit to the widow. Close family members and friends of the late activist received them.

Iyayi’s widow, Grace, was surrounded by friends and relatives. She wept silently, occasionally wiping tears from her face.

Oshodin was in a pensive mood. He could not speak.

Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Obehi Okojie spoke on his behalf, describing Iyayi’s death as a

shock and a great loss to the university.

He told the widow and family members: “We know what Prof. Iyayi stood for. He was a dear friend to all of us. God didn’t allow the accident to happen but it has happened.

“God will see you through.

The university is behind you.

We pray God to strengthen you and help you to entrench what he stood for.”

Omole, one of the sons of the late Iyayi, said they did not anticipate receiving condolences.

He said the family was amazed at the concern shown by members of the public on the death of their father.

“We know he was an ASUU warlord and he was going for what he believed in. We are sure he will be in a better place. We never expected it to

be so soon,” Omole said.

A childhood friend of late Iyayi and Dean of Postgraduate School of UNIBEN, Prof.

Bob Osazee, described him as the best in human capital development management.

He said: “He was committed to activism and had deep concern for human welfare.

When he was detained, he stuck to his guns and never wavered. He believed in the welfare of his colleagues.”

Prof. Famous Izedonmi, who said he was taught by the late Iyayi in 1980 described him as a rare gem and a hater of oppression.

“Prof. Iyayi lived and died for ASUU. He went beyond UNIBEN. We should immortalise his name in UNIBEN. We will do something to immortalise him,” Izedonmi said.

How Prof. died, by doctors Continued from page 2

Only four other people in the governor’s convoy sustained injuries.”

The state sector commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Olakunle Omotajo, said it was too early to apportion blame on the cause of the accident.

He said the investigation team had swung into action to determine the cause of the story saying their findings will later be sent to the headquarters in Abuja before it can be made public.

He, however, confirmed that one person died. Five were injured.

Iyayi’s body was claimed at the Specialist Hospital by his immediate younger brother, Peter Iyayi, who teaches at the Federal University, Loko-

PDP will collapse if I am not reinstated, says Oyinlola Continued from page 2

latest act of impunity by a section of the party, that is clearly out to ridicule the judiciary, denigrate the rule of law and destroy the very basic foundation of constitutionalism in our country.

“If the claim that the four of us were suspended because we are the pillars of the New PDP, then what about seven PDP governors who are also members of the group. Why did they not suspend the governors too.

“I expected the party to abide by that judgement. It was, therefore, shocking and unbelievable when I got to know through the media that I had been suspended from the party as a consequence of my winning a court case”, he stated.

“This is a blatant assault on our courts, an unfortunate affront against the judiciary, good conscience and morality.”

Oyinlola pointed out that the PDP did not call for election into the office of the National Secretary in the August 31 mini convention because it knew that the seat was not vacated even though he had been ousted at the time.

Asked if he was in contact with President Goodluck Jonathan over the matter, Oyinlola said he had not had the opportunity to communicate with the President since the judgment was delivered.

He condemned his suspension, saying it has no place in the party’s constitution.

“Let me state with humility, that as a human being with feelings, I am bound to be hurt and aggrieved at the inhuman and unjust treatment meted to me in the course of the performance of my duties as national secretary.

“My persecutors owe me an explanation on why I am being unjustly persecuted, and

vilified unduly, especially considering the fact that no pronouncement has been made on the representations I have made to various authorities of the party in the past 10 months, aside from my illegal removal from office.

“The causes and effects of the political crises must have been examined by the various bodies that investigated the conducts of all the aggrieved PDP members in relation to the handling of the crises by party leaders.

“To have resorted to an anomalous decision to suspend an accused without allowing for a fair hearing makes the NWC appear to be a body at the crossroads.

“That decision, which is designed to serve the self-interest of a clique, destroys the very basis of internal democracy in PDP and makes nonsense out of the principles and values which all right-thinking mem-

bers of the society cherish,” Oyinlola stated.

On the Umaru Dikko Disciplinary Committee to which the party leadership said his case would be referred, Oyinlola said he was not aware of the existence of the committee.

“I do not know the disciplinary committee they are talking about because, the one set up by the Tukur leadership has not been approved by the NEC as stipulated by the constitution of the party and so cannot exist, talkless of trying anyone.

“Any decision taken against a member who has not been informed of the charges against him or her, or, has not been given any opportunity of defending himself or herself shall be null and void,” he said.

He indicated his readiness to resume duties at the national secretariat of the party any time it pleases Tukur to allow peace in the party.

deaths in northeast and central Nigeria over the last several years, including targeted killings of civilians.

“Also operating in Nigeria, Ansaru is a Boko Haram splinter faction that earlier in 2013 kidnapped and executed seven international construction workers.

“Boko Haram has been conducting an ongoing and brutal campaign against Nigerian military, government, and civilian targets.

“Among its most lethal attacks, Boko Haram carried out indiscriminate attacks in Benisheikh, Nigeria in September 2013 that killed more than 160 innocent civilians, including women and children.

“Boko Haram has also con-

ducted attacks against international targets, including a suicide bombing of the United Nations building in Abuja on August 26, 2011, that killed 21 people and injured dozens more; many of them aid workers supporting development projects across Nigeria.

“Ansaru’s attacks have focused on Nigerian military and Western targets. In November 2012, Ansaru raided a police station in Abuja, killing Nigerian police officers and freeing detained terrorists from prison.

“Also in January 2013, Ansaru attacked Nigerian security services when its members ambushed a convoy of Nigerian peacekeepers. Ansaru has also conducted several kidnappings of foreigners living or working in Nigeria.”

Associated Airline pilot buried

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HE interment, Tuesday, of the late Captain Abdulraheem Ajao Yakubu, 64, who died in the Associated Plane crash of October 3, was a low-key event at his 22, Fola Azeez, Alakuko, Lagos home.

Captain Yakubu flew the plane that was conveying the body of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, to Akure.

Despite the windy downpour, his family members and friends were present to honour him – for the last time.

One of the guests told the others, “let’s do it for him. This is what they call last respect.”

The late pilot was buried in front of his deep brown one storey house.

His wife, a tall, beautiful and fair complexioned woman, Mrs Temilola Yakubu, 62, was in tears in the lavishly furnished

By Joke Kujenya

sitting room of the late pilot, as sympathisers consoled her.

Their three children, Tunde, the first son, 36, Bimpe, 32 and Laide, 31 - all dressed in white wept throughout the interment.

At the entrance of the late pilot’s residence was a condolence table, on which laid his photograph, pilot’s cap and a notebook, which about 240 sympathisers had signed as at 3.41pm.

Most of the writings simply read: “May your soul rest in peace”.

CHANGE OF NAME OGUNDUYILE I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS. OGUNDUYILE THERESA TOLULOPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ALEXANDER-MUSA TOLULOPE THERESA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

VACANCY VACANCY VACANCY STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, STRUCTURAL DRAUGHTSMEN AND SECRETARY/COMPUTER OPERATOR WANTED.

A reputable Civil/Structural Engineering Consulting Firm requires for immediate employment the services of the following:1. Civil/Structural Engineers 2. Civil/Structural Draughtsmen 3. Secretary/Computer Operator Qualifications for 1 above • Candidates should be COREN/NSE registerable • Minimum of 8 years relevant professional experience in firms of relevant practice Qualifications for 2 above • Not less than 4 years working experience on AutoCard drafting in Civil/Structural Engineering Firm • Should be conversant with Civil/Structural Detailing of building structures and Road works of various types.

Qualifications for 3 above • OND/SSCE with 3 years working experience on MS Word, Excel, Corel draw and Secretarial Duties.

Interested candidates should submit applications not later than 2 weeks from date of this adverts to:The Manager P.O. Box 5382, Kawo, Kaduna

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

60

FOREIGN NEWS We have zero tolerance for corruption says South Sudan's Speaker

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HE Speaker Council of State of the Republic of South Sudan, Hon. Joseph Bol Chan, yesterday said that the National Parliament of the new country is taking necessary steps to stamp out all forms of corrupt practices from the country.

Hon. Chan also said that only the African Union (AU) high implementing panel headed by former South African President Thabo Mbeki was in a position to speak about the status of the controversial referendum conducted to decide the fate of the oil rich Abyei region.

The Speaker spoke to our correspondent at the ongoing maiden African Legislative Summit 2013 with the theme "Emerging Legislatures in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities" organized by the National Assembly in Abuja.

South Sudan, he said, has a policy of zero tolerance for corruption which informed the country's decision to set up anti-corruption commission.

He said that the commission is charged with the duty to pursue those purported to be corrupt and those who swindle government money.

He said that the South Sudan parliament is working assiduously to put together legislation that would enable the anti-corruption commission to follow up all forms of corrupt practices.

Hon. Chan noted that the South Sudan parliament is determined to give the commission more teeth to bite because "we have zero tolerance for corruption in all its ramifications."

He said, "We have the anticorruption commission which is pursuing those purported to be corrupt or those who swindle government money.

The process is going on. The

From: Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor, Abuja

commission is headed by a Justice who is a member of the high court.

Asked what has prevented the referendum on Abyei from being implemented, he said the question should be put to AU implementation panel.

"We are engaging with Sudan to see how soon they should start implementation of the referendum."

On the challenges facing South Sudan he said, "The challenges we face are the challenges which face new nations. South Sudan is an emerging new democracy and new institutions.

"Although we have parliamentary experiences since 2005 within the period we have gained some experiences of legislation in the area of oversight, in the area of policy monitoring and implementation.

"But still we have a new institution of which I am the speaker of the Council of State. We hope to benefit much from the engagement here in Abuja and get the experiences of other countries in the relationship between the Senate and the House of Representatives and the relationship between the parliament and the executive and the affairs of the State."

U

Court orders end to state of emergency in Egypt

A

N Egyptian court ordered an end to a state of emergency on Tuesday, two days ahead of schedule and three months after it was imposed during a crackdown on Islamist protesters.

The decision was welcomed by long-time ally the United States, which sounded a note of caution by urging the militaryinstalled government to "respect the rights of all Egyptians" amid reports it is preparing to tighten rules on protests.

The cabinet said it would respect the ruling but would wait for official notification from the court before implementing it.

The state of emergency, accompanied by a nighttime curfew, had been scheduled to ex-

•The late Arafat

P

ALESTINIAN officials have demanded a global probe into the "killing" of Yasser Arafat, a day after it emerged that Swiss forensic

• Morsi says he is still the president pire today.

"The government is committed to implement judicial rulings... The government is waiting for the text of the ruling," a statement said.

Interim president Adly Mansour declared the state of emergency on 14 August, as violence gripped Egypt after police dispersed two large protest camps in Cairo set up by supporters of ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

Hundreds of people, mainly Morsi supporters, were killed in clashes that erupted during the crackdown, while Islamists elsewhere in the country retaliated by attacking security forces

and Christian churches, businesses and homes, mostly Coptic.

The administrative court said in its ruling, which had dismissed an appeal against the state of emergency, that it ended on Tuesday according to its calculation, the official MENA news agency reported.

Both the interior ministry and the military said they would continue to enforce the nightly curfew until they received official notification.

In Washington, State Department spokesperson Jennifer Psaki said: "We welcome the formal lifting of the state of emergency including the cur-

tests showed he probably died from polonium poisoning.

With the scientific analysis purportedly showing how the Palestinian leader had died mysteriously, a senior figure in the Palestine Liberation Organisation called for an international inquiry to determine who was behind it.

"The (test) results proved Arafat was poisoned by polonium, and this substance is

owned by states, not people, meaning that the crime was committed by a state," said Wasel Abu Yusef of the PLO's executive committee.

"Just as a committee was formed to investigate the killing of (slain Lebanese prime minister) Rafiq Hariri, there must be a international committee to investigate the killing of president Arafat."

Arafat case fuels Palestinian

few.

"However, we would also note that the government is considering other legislation regarding security. We urge the government to respect the rights of all Egyptians."

Egypt has been under almost continuous emergency law since 1967, with breaks in 1981 and after President Hosni Mubarak's overthrow in early 2011.

Calls for Arafat 'killing' probe

UN climate talks open amid 'sobering' typhoon'

NITED Nations launched a new round of talks on Monday for a 2015 deal to cut Earth-warming greenhouse gas emissions, in the aftermath of a devastating Philippines typhoon the UN's climate chief labelled "sobering".

Christiana Figueres urged progress at the notoriously fractious talks amid a slew of new warnings of potentially disastrous global warming as a Filipino negotiator made a tearful undertaking to fast until the talks yield a tangible result.

"What happens in this stadium (talks

•Morsi

venue) is not a game. There are not two sides but the whole of humanity. There are no winners and losers, we all either win or lose in the future we make for ourselves," said Figueres, head of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

"The recent very painful events of cyclone Haiyan... have reminded the countries gathered here... of the urgency of coming to a resolution of how all countries are going to collaborate with each other to address climate change in a timely manner."

The meeting was taking place under the

weight of many "sobering realities", of which Haiyan in the Philippines was one, said Figueres.

The typhoon is feared to have killed 10,000 people, with Filipino delegate Naderev Sano among those anxiously waiting for news on loved ones.

"In solidarity with my countrymen who are struggling to find food back home and with my brother who has not had food for the last three days. I will now commence a voluntary fasting," he told fellow negotiators as the 12-day talks got underway.

tension, threatens peace New scientific findings about his death have brought to the fore decades-old tensions between rival Palestinian factions and with Israel.

Gaza rulers Hamas and the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority quibbled over festivities commemorating Arafat nine years after his death, and the findings by Swiss experts coincided with a visit by US Secretary of State John Kerry to try and salvage a fragile peace process.

"Sometimes, (leaders) who have died have more presence and influence than those in power who are still living," said an editorial in London-based pan-Arab daily Al-Sharq alAwsat on Saturday.

"Arafat ... is capable, from his grave, of kicking up much dust at crucial, sensitive moments," it said, days after the Swiss report that "moderately" supported the notion he was poisoned.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

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TODAY IN THE NATION

‘PPPRA that guzzles N57.9 billion every year serves only the interest of those who set it up to recoup money spent on election’ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

W

E almost forgot it. Who wouldn’t, considering the evil that stalks the land all through the year, leaving little room for the clarity of thoughts that such an intellectual exertion demands. Boko and all the other harams. Plane crashes. Communal clashes.

Robberies, Kidnapping. Assassinations. Extrajudicial killings. And more. I wonder how President Goodluck Jonathan still sleeps.

Only last week, 25 people died in a stampede after a church programme in Anambra State. A few days before then, Boko Haram – o my God; what a scary name – attacked a wedding party, killing 30.

Under such circumstances, you will agree with me, it is easy to forget all those remarkable achievements – politicians call them giant strides – we have made in the course of the year.

A long preamble? Well, I just needed to make the clarification. Any notebook worthy of its name, needless to say, should put every issue it discusses in perspective so as not to be accused of obfuscation. Or grandstanding.

Now, dear reader, welcome to Honours 2013.

Remember this is the platform on which we recognise excellence, those rare feats by our compatriots which may have gone unnoticed, either because of some deliberate plots –envy, if you like - or sheer ignorance by the authorities. It is not in any way to be confused with the contentious and sometimes divisive national honours. No. Where else to start than politics where we have many nominees, whose giant strides – pardon the cliché, please – will confuse even the most painstaking of panellists. In other words, there are so many who deserve to carry the day. Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, the national chairman of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has succeeded where many giants failed. Before he took office, the largest party in Africa – its ignorant detractors will always ask scornfully: what does that mean; is size a yardstick of performance; size sans sense? – was infested with that morbid disease that has killed many areas of our public life, indiscipline.

Today, I am happy to report without any fear of contradiction by those pseudo historians who hide under the dubious nomenclature, social analyst, that Tukur has brought discipline back to the party –at a great personal risk.

Only seven of the 23 PDP governors are threatening to leave the party for what they call its resistance to reforms, the very virtue that Tukur has brought bountifully. No more the slackness and hedonism of the past. A governor was suspended because he did not return the chairman’s call (bad enough to have missed the call in the first place- for whatever reason). Another was slammed for watching while the House of Assembly suspended a local government chairman. He refused to stop the lawmakers, claiming to be respecting the separation of powers between the executive and the legislature, according to the charge. Now, those who are still in doubt of the new dawn in the PDP will soon have their properties demolished. Should they attempt to hold any unauthorised meeting, the police will be sent to smash such gatherings.

H

ARDBALL had a vicarious orgasm.

Sam (In Touch) Omatseye came instantly – with a poem which streamed in with the final whistle. A Mexican Tear, it is titled: The Nigerians had value for their feet/ in fit after fit, wrote the in-house bard still relishing the afterglow of 90 minutes of exciting football poetics. It had been nearly one month of foreplay as the 15th FIFA Under-17 World Cup raged in the exotic city of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. At last the crescendo the Saturday finale, during which the Nigerian lads took the nation to a glorious ecstasy as they performed the final act of soccer supremacy over the rest of the world.

Where did these lads learn to play soccer with so much poetry and even a dash of sorcery?

They touched it as if it were not a running round leather object; as if it were something at their magical command: go now to Ihenacho— transport to Captain Mohammed—— find Yahaya— end up in the opponent’s net; so very simple it seemed. If the Eaglets were Indians, they would have confirmed the long held myth that they

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL. 8, NO. 2,667

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

GBENGA OMOTOSO

EDITORIAL NOTEBOOK

gbenga.omotoso@thenationonlineng.net

•Winner, DAME Award for Informed Commentary

Honours 2013

• Tukur

• Ms. Oduah Not even the courts can protect any party member. The other day, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola was brandishing a court judgment that nullified his sack as national secretary.

He said he would like to return to his desk.

The Tukur leadership, apparently defending party supremacy as against the rule of law under which many arrogant members hide to weaken the system, resisted Oyinlola’s move.

For all these feats and others that are too many to enumerate here, including the acceleration of the PDP’s plan to rule for 60 years – in the first instance – Tukur is the ‘Politician of the Year’.

It was difficult picking the ‘Minister of the Year’, considering the array of cabinet members who are fit and proper and worthy in character and action to get this prestigious prize. For a long time, people were dying in accidents on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. A company won the concession to rebuild the road – Nigeria’s busiest – but for one reason or the other it could not do the job. There is also the East-West road, another killer highway. Both seemed abandoned until Mike Onolememen mounted the saddle. Now, President Jonathan has cut the tape to signal the commencement of work on the LagosIbadan Expressway, but skeptics are asking: when will work start?

But the prize is not Onolememen’s, despite his exceptional deeds. Neither is it Agriculture Minister Akinwunmi Adesina’s – for making cassava bread the king on all break-

fast tables. Nor is it Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala’s – for all those esoteric figures which, to her, mark a remarkable leap in the economy’s growth, even as many go to bed hungry and the jobless queue is growing.

Aviation Minister Stella Oduah is ‘Minister of the Year’. All our airports are sparkling, courtesy of multi-billion contracts that many poor students of arithmetic can’t just figure out, saying they are shrouded in secrecy, as if contract details should be pasted on town hall notice boards. There have been just a few crashes – thanks to Ms Oduah’s safety-first policy, which states that safety should not only be an all-flight affair. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has bought two BMW bulletproof cars at N255m for her safety. The ‘Transaction of the Year’ has raised so much dust, in a manner that has confounded safety experts who know the value of a minister’s life. A young fellow who knows a Cabinet source told me the other day that he learnt the safety-first policy would soon be adopted by all ministries, who will be required to “do the needful” by getting more sophisticated armoured vehicles. Prices? Keep guessing.

The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) did not mean much to many, until President Jonathan got involved in its politics.

An election to elect its chairman became a fratricidal strife that consumed its integrity. Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi won the election with 19 votes against Plateau State Governor Jonah

JIDE OLUWAJUYITAN

Jang’s 16. Jang, goaded on by Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and others of controversial democratic credentials, declared himself winner. His proof: there was an unwritten understanding among his colleagues that the job was his for the asking.

Those who did not understand such a gentleman’s agreement in politics said His Excellency was naïve. Off to the Villa he went to show off his prize and to church to thank God for the victory.

For believing in the strange logic that 16 is bigger than 19 and doing his all to defend it, Jang is the ‘Governor of the Year’.

Besides Inspector-General Muhammed Abubakar, no other police officer is as popular as Mbu Joseph Mbu, the cantankerous Rivers State Commissioner of Police. The more he cries that he is a professional and not a politician, the more he gets immersed in the bitter politics that has split the state along two main ideological lines – those Amaechi variously calls thieves and looters and those crying for change, their leader being Education Minister Nyesom Wike. Mbu has banned public gatherings, tear gassing innocent people who he thinks have flouted the order. The road to the Government House was once blocked against Governor Amaechi and his guests. When the state government complained to Abubakar, he found nothing wrong with Mbu’s actions. In fact, Mbu got a pat on the back.

Step forward Officer Mbu, our ‘Policeman of the Year’. To many, you are a good example of a bad policeman, an officer but not a gentleman and a pugnacious fellow who lacks respect for constituted authority. To the IG, however, you are a fine officer. Isn’t this the real testimonial?

Dangote Group President Aliko Dangote would have easily gone home with the ‘Businessman of the Year’ Award. After all, he is still Africa’s richest. Besides, he is listed among the world’s powerful men – and women. But what took Dangote years of toiling and sweating has taken some young fellows a few months to achieve. They have become billionaires overnight, without sleepless nights. This award is for the fuel subsidy merchants- many insist they are fraudsters- who had made it big long before the government woke up to the fact that we were being massively swindled.

More awards will soon be announced. Watch out. To all our awardees, I say congratulations.

Iyayi and a governor’s killer convoy

I

T was devastating. Festus Iyayi, university teacher, writer, unionist and rights activist, died on Tuesday when a vehicle in the convoy of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada rammed into a bus in which some officials of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) were travelling. Sad. If the government had kept an agreement it signed in 2009, perhaps Iyayi would not have needed to travel. Why is Wada’s convoy so accident-prone? He got a broken leg the other time when his convoy crashed.

What is the mental state of the governor’s drivers? Are convoy drivers above the law?

Is the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), which is expected to enforce speed limits, helpless? Will Iyayi die in vain?

With the death of Iyayi, the Nigerian state has succeeded in murdering another star.

Many, stifled by the rot Iyayi and the others are fighting against, have long relocated overseas. May heaven accept Iyayi’s soul and console us all.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

EAGLETS: The poetry of soccer

good as this world winners (one from each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory). Such is the great talent and the human person potentialities available to us. But we are perennially stumped by the requisite leadership to harvest our vast riches.

One good example is that this team need not be disbanded; we can do so much with it. It can be branded and taken on a worldwide tour – country to country, continent to continent – where they would merchandise, sign autographs, play exhibition matches with youth clubs and even senior teams. Almost every country’s youths would want to watch them play. But they must be carefully packaged and marketed. There is enormous revenue to be earned and the big image boost for Nigeria.

Hardball says there is so much more where this magical Eaglets come from – in basket ball, tennis, the sprints and races, swimming, boxing, name it. But where is that man with the magic wand who will invoke the Nigerian spirit?

play with such subterranean powers which led to a FIFA ban. One of such tales is that when you play an Indian team you find your self contending with about 36 players on the pitch instead of 11.

But the Nigerian team has a pedigree: this is the 4th time they are lifting the trophy. Even the Spanish giant, Barcelona Football Club, the grandmasters of the touch-touch style of play also known as tiki-taka, would have gone green with envy watching these boys from Africa.

They played six matches through the tournament, scored 22 goals and conceded only five.

But the goals understated their prowess. They did not only beat all their opponent silly, they treated them like kids; making them weep like babies after each match. Sweden they drew with at their first encounter and upon the second meeting, it was a resounding three goals to nil drubbing. It is same story with the Mexicans

who had fallen 6 – 1 in the very first match and in the final last Saturday, the Eaglets reaffirmed that the first time was no fluke. They mauled them by three goals to zero to lift the cup.

It is a performance from another world and the whole world must have taken note that our play was not ordinary. But can Nigeria harness its glory? Going by her previous record (having won it three times before) with no significant impact in the national team will this be different? If these young lads beat the world so dazzlingly today, the reasonable progression is that five years hence, in their early 20s, they should repeat the feat at the senior World Cup (2018)?

This had never been the natural progression in our age-grade football. Apart from this team, Hardball wagers that with a little effort, we can raise 37 other junior teams as

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