The Nation August 24, 2012 by The Nation

Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper

CBN introduces N5000 banknote

Video recording for Ondo election

NEWS Page 4

•To celebrate activist women

•INEC’s 2015 plans for test run

www.thenationonlineng.net

VOL. 7, NO. 2227 FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

TR UTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM TRUTH

N150.00

Murder suspect ‘pulled down from ceiling’ we heard noise, like the house zinc was being pulled, we ‘When climbed up to his apartment and noticed that he was trying to escape through the ceiling. Unfortunately for him, his legs broke the ceiling as he was trying to escape and I pulled him down

URDER suspect Okomu Nwabufo’s arrest for the killing of Cynthia, Major-Gen Frank Osokugo’s daughter, was dramatic and eventful, The Nation learnt yesterday. Nwabufo, 33, tried to escape through the ceiling when the police stormed his

•The late Cynthia

By Jude Isiguzo house zinc was being pulled, Festac Town, Lagos home, we climbed up to his apartthe officer who led the team ment and noticed that he was trying to escape through seized him said. Area “E” Commander Dan the ceiling. Unfortunately for Okoro said: “Immediately he him, his legs broke the ceiling as he was trysaw policemen, he to escape and I went back into the SEE ALSO ing pulled him down.” house. When we Mr. Okoro, an Asheard noise, like the PAGES 2&3

’

sistant Commissioner of Police, said detectives were led to the suspected killers by an anonymous call to the hotel, asking that the body of the “bastard” be removed. He said police investigators picked the number Continued on page 4

Oshiomhole aide’s murder suspects: SSS, police clash Service hands over seven to anti-robbery squad From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

HERE seems to be no end to the crisis of confidence between the police and the State Security Service (SSS) over the probe of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde’s murder. The two agencies, once again, went public yesterday with contradictory claims in respect of suspects arrested in the murder of Oyerinde, the Principal Secretary to Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole. Oyerinde was murdered in his GRA, Benin home on May 4. The SSS returned a robbery verdict, but the police insist it was a case of sponsored killing. The SSS yesterday presented before the media the six suspects it paraded on August 1, maintaining its position that three of the suspects participated directly in the crime. The remaining three were receivers of stolen items from Oyerinde’s home, the agency said. The police, through Deputy Force spokesman Frank Mba, listed seven principal suspects and several other persons as suspects in the crime. They are those who the police believe are the mastermind, sponsor and abetter of the crime. No suspect was paraded at the police briefing in Abuja. Mba insisted that police investigation had fingered rights activist Rev. David Ugolor as the sponsor of the murder. Asked if the police have established any clue as to Ugolor’s likely motive – if they are convinced he knew about the murder - Mba said investigators were still working on the possibility of establishing such motives. “We are still working on the possibility of establishing the motives behind the killing. Continued on page 4

•The suspected killers of Oyerinde on parade again in Abuja...yesterday

Same shirts, different suspects

HE State Security Service (SSS) yesterday explained why suspects in various cases wear similar shirts. SSS spokesperson Ms. Maryln Ogar said the SSS bought the shirts from a vendor who supplies them in dozens at regular intervals. Neither of the parties took the pain to know whether the materials are similar either in colours or design. The SSS displayed some of the clothes in stock, apparently waiting for the next set of suspects. Ms. Ogar explained that it is the tradition of the SSS not to parade suspects in dirty or soiled clothes in which they are arrested during •The re-paraded suspected killers of the expatriates killed in March...yesterday

PHOTOS: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Continued on page 4

•HEAVY RAINS COMING IN LAGOS P8 •IG CHIDES NORTH’S GOVERNORS P4

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS MURDER OF CYNTHIA OSOKOGU

‘It’s wrong to •Ojudu: her killers must be prosecuted

• Vice-President Namadi Sambo (right), Minister of National Planning Commission, Dr Samsuddeen Usman (left) and Deputy Chief Of Staff, Muhammed Kachalla at the National Economic Council Meeting in Abuja ...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

•From left: Anambra State Governor Peter Obi , Akwa Ibom State Governor Godswill Akpabio and Kaduna State Governor PHOTO: NAN Patrick Yakowa briefing reporters after the National Economic Council Meeting in Abuja ...yesterday

•Minister for Women Affairs Hajia Zainab Maina(left), Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga, DirectorGeneral, Consumer Protection Council ( CPC) Ify Umenyi and Mrs. Fatima Raji during the launch of Products and Services PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Listing and Monitoring Programme ProServe in Abuja... yesterday

IXED reactions yesterday trailed police’s parade of the alleged killers of Cynthia, the only daughter of MajGen. Frank Osokogu (rtd). Commentators on this newspaper’s website raised issues about the need for proper national identity card system and installation of CCTV in major spots and buildings. “I commend the police for a job well done,” said an online commentator, Dansomani Danladi, who praised the police for proving that some murder cases could be resolved without fingerprints, tip-offs and DNA examinations. Others chided the police “for hiding the faces of the criminals.” “It still beats my imagination why the faces of these good-fornothing students are being hidden from the public,” said Olowolayemo. Odudu Henry still does not trust the police. He said: “I so distrust the police that I find it difficult to believe them when they parade suspects. Remember Apo Six, Rewane, and now the case of Oshiomhole’s Personal Secretary? Sometimes, the Police, in a bid to impress, may do funny things. I wish I could trust them on this one.” Others commended the hotel’s management for installing CCTV system, advocating for a law to make this a standard feature of all public places. “Yes the CCTV cameras were of good assistance and this should be the standard for those who are running hotels for commercial purposes. Also, there should be tighter control or regulation of hotels, since they have become easy outlets for carrying out various crimes. They should have proper record keeping and details of all their customers,” says a comment identified by the tag “Ogbeni”. For Ndueheidem, this may as well be another chapter of the recurrent “unknown soldier” saga. He said: “An identity card is a must in Nigeria and everyone should be registered by the police.” The question on Dr. P2’s mind is “how the students got such powerful drugs freely without prescription…poor pharmaceutical controls and free market quackery…every Tom, Dick, and Harry can operate as doctors and pharmacists on every corner.” The more emotional commentators would rather blame Cynthia’s gullibility. “The greatest cause of death nowadays is not AIDS or road accidents but stupidity. Cynthia’s case is just one good example,” said Francis. “What convinced Cynthia to give heed to a man she never knew?” asked Sokolami, who also blamed Nigerian youths’ social media attitude. The lawmaker representing Ekiti Central, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, has said the killers of Cynthia Udoka Osokogu must be pros-

• Ojudu

‘

The CCTV cameras were of good assistance and this should be the standard for those who are running hotels for commercial purposes. Also, there should be tighter control or regulation of hotels, since they have become easy outlets for carrying out various crimes. They should have proper record keeping and details of all their customers

‘

By Segun Balogun

ecuted. In a statement in Lagos, Senator Ojudu said he would use his legislative powers and contacts to ensure that the alleged murder is not swept under the carpet. Ojudu said ensuring that the perpetrators are duly prosecuted should be the duty of every responsible Nigerian leader, parents and security agents. He said he would take it up with the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the Commissioner of Police to ensure that those who allegedly murdered Cynthia do not buy their way out of the case. Ojudu said as a father of young girls, he does not see another way out

‘Those who killed The late Cynthia Osokogu had friends, who thought the world of her. One of them is Jane Nneka Nwigwe. In this tribute, she wrote of the Cynthia she knew. Excerpts:

•Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori (third left), Chairman, Nigerian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, Prince Lawal Obelawo (left), Chairperson, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, House of Representatives, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa (second left)and Head of Delegation, Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Europe, Mr. Collins Nweke at the 2012 Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit, held at Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Osogbo…yesterday

T the age of 24, Cynthia had a successful business and was running a post-gradu-

ate programme in Public Administration. Sadly, people will ignore all that and choose to believe that because she was pretty and young, she must be a

runs girl. How sad! We judge people by our own low and shabby standards. At 21, a lot of the people who now make it a point to formulate such hateful rumours were still struggling to buy JAMB results while Cynthia was already a young graduate. Those writing rubbish don’t know anything about

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS MURDER OF CYNTHIA OSOKOGU

hide Cynthia’s ‘killers’ faces’

•Manko

• Ezekiel hiding his face to prevent cameramen from taking his photograph on Wednesday PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

‘Okumo carried himself responsibly’

EIGHBOURS of the prime suspect in the murder of retired Major-Gen. Frank Osokugo’s daughter Cynthia, Okumo Nwabufor , are shocked at his involvement in the incident. Okumo, a resident in a twin duplex on A1 Close, House 6, Sixth Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos was until his confession on Wednesday regarded by neighbours as very quiet and responsible. A resident, who simply identified himself as Emeka, told The Nation that they thought the suspect was gainfully employed. He said: “Honestly, I am still shocked with this development. The man in question is somebody that is always on his own. You can hardly see him interacting with neighbours. He did not hang out within here and he is a man of high taste. “He is a very neat person and always gorgeously dressed. Nobody here knew he is a student. We are surprised he is involved in this kind of incident because he does not appear to be of such character.” True to the resident’s words, Okumo was neatly dressed in a foreign-tailored suit and an Italian pair of shoes to match when he was paraded. He was brought to the Police command headquarters in a fully air-conditioned black tinted Toyota Camry car marked EH 830LSD and moved straight to the office of the Commissioner of Police, Umar Manko who personally interrogated the suspects in the presence of the Area Commander of Area ‘E’ Command, Festac, Mr Dan Okoro, an Assistant Commissioner of Police and the Command’s spokesperson Ngozi Braide, a Deputy Superintendent. When the CP finished with the suspects, they were escorted to the car by the Area Crime officer of Area ‘E’ with some other policemen. They were in the car shielded from reporters until of this other than to ensure the murderers are duly punished for their crimes so as to serve as a deterrent to their kinds. The lawmaker, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Defence and Army, urged the parents of Cynthia, all parents, every opinion and religious leader, politicians, the media and all Nigerians to make sure that the alleged murderers of Cynthia do not go un-

By Jude Isiguzo

about 30 minutes when the CP came to the command’s car park where the suspects were later paraded. Another resident said the suspect was not associating with neighbours and that he was not usually around. “When he is around, he is always indoors and when you see him in the Close, he is always alone. Nobody really knows about his social life,” the resident said. Another neighbor, who gave his name as Mr. Martins Olisedebe, told our reporter that Sixth Avenue harbours fraudsters. He said: “The place was sold to individual private developers and development did not really start until about 15years ago. People of all kind of negative characters reside in that neighbourhood and we are not surprised that somebody of like that was arrested in that area.” At the Cosmilla Hotel Lake View Estate, AmuwoOdofin where Cynthia was killed, the placed looked

punished. Ojudu called on the National Assembly and the Inspector-General of Police to show keen interest in the case. Ojudu urged both the print and electronic media to make the alleged murder of Cynthia a regular feature in their reports so as to draw national attention to the heinous crime.

•Nwabufor

deserted and desolate as visitors were subjected to a thorough search at the gate. The hotel, which is located in a quiet neighbourhood, plays host to personalities who love its serene ambiance. A sources who pleaded anonymity said, “ the place has been isolated since the incident was reported. People no longer here regularly the way they used to and it’s not a good thing for the owners”, the sources said.

He praised the police for the quick apprehension of the alleged culprits, saying he hoped that the case would be prosecuted with the same diligence and sense of duty. Advising people to be wary of who they socialise with on the social media, Ojudu said they should also be mindful of the kind of personal information they put on such sites.

my friend’ll never find peace’ Cynthia . I knew her and her family well. Her brothers are big boys in the Air Force and her dad a bigger guy in the Army. She came from a noble family where all big brothers and parents are ok. It is sad people now write rubbish because she was young, beautiful and attractive. Well, whatever I say wouldn’t bring our own single daughter of General Frank back to us nor to her lovely mother, whom she was like an eagle and diamonds, no matter what. Must every

good-looking pretty young lady be a runs gal? Never. Cynthia had every good thing going for her. She owned and ran a boutique called “Dress Code” in Keffi. I am a friend to the brothers. Often, Ken, her big brother, will always say: ‘work hard Jenny and do not jeopardise your studies for anything. Package yourself and be outstanding.’ They are good people. Cynthia being the only sister of Williams and Ken, they could give her their last

blood. Williams, the usual calm guy, can’t believe nor accept people associating Cynthia with runs. Never. May your soul continue to find eternal rest Cynthia Valerie Udoka Osokogu. “Nwa Mara nma”, “olaedo”, “ututu Oma” “ayah nne ya”, vibrant, pretty, energetic and ambitious queen, our model. Those involved in your killing will never find peace. They must be murdered same way. Adieu, honey. We all will miss you. Sleep in bosom of God.

Problems with social networking T

HERE are many potential problems with social networking sites and the teenagers that use them. Social networking online involves using Web sites to share information with others and connect with them by creating a profile that may include a personal Web page and a blog. Social networking sites allow users to add friends, send messages and comment on others’ profile pages. It is also one of the most popular Internet activities among teenagers. Recent research from the Pew Internet Project suggests that 93% of Americans from ages 12 to 17 use the Internet, and 55% of those teens use social networks. While most of this online interaction is just for fun, there are dangers that parents and teens Popular Social Networking Sites According to the Pew Internet Project, MySpace is the most dominant social network among teens, used by 85% of teenagers who use social networks. MySpace allows users almost unlimited flexibility to create and customize their profile pages, and to share their own content or that of others, including music, videos and writing. Many MySpace users register with aliases. The next most popular social networking site among teenagers is Facebook, which is used by 7% of teens who use social networks. Facebook, once a closed system limited to school and college communities, has recently become more open. Facebook puts a greater emphasis on actually knowing the people that you connect with. Other social networks used by teenagers include Xanga, Yahoo and Bebo. Positives and Negatives Apart from the social benefits, social networking sites can be used to document school research, promote artistic talents and experiment with other forms of content creation. They provide a way to interact with others who share the same interests and to get constructive feedback on ongoing projects. Along with these benefits come some risks. Most social networking sites are open to all, especially MySpace, which means that your teen could be exposed to harassment, bullying or sexual advances. Cyber-bullying and harassment are most often perpetrated by other teens and tend to happen most to older girls and to teens of either gender who have a strong online presence. It may take several forms:publicising private instant messages, text messages or e-mails, posting threatening messages, posting photos that will cause embarrassment and spreading rumours. It’s rare for harassment to spill over into real-world conflicts, but it can still be a cause of emotional distress for teens. A greater danger is that teens may become targets of pedophiles. The anonymity of some social networking sites makes it easy for unscrupulous people to target young teens and engage them in harmful conversations. It’s easy for predators to pose as teens and lure children into harmful real-world contact as well. Most social networking sites have privacy controls in place, but teens seldom use them. Active monitoring of profiles and behaviors catches some predators, but not all of them. Another risk is identity theft, which can occur when teens share

‘

It’s up to parents to make sure their kids are safe when they use social networking. Many of the same rules that apply to online chat apply to these sites: Use an alias; don’t give out personal information to people you don’t know. A last name and a town are enough for a predator to locate your child; don’t assume that people are who they claim to be

‘

By Sharon Hurley Hall

too much information about their name, date of birth and location. Social networking safety It’s up to parents to make sure their kids are safe when they use social networking. Many of the same rules that apply to online chat apply to these sites: *Use an alias. *Don’t give out personal information to people you don’t know. A last name and a town are enough for a predator to locate your child. *Don’t assume that people are who they claim to be. *Immediately end any communication that makes you uncomfortable and report it to a parent. *For younger teens, you should investigate any sites they’d like to use. Find out what privacy protections are in place and insist that your teen uses them. For children under 16, that often means a private profile that can only be seen by approved friends. *Older teens may want a public profile to promote a band or other creative work. In this case, have your child create a second, public profile for the project while still restricting the personal profile to family and close friends. It’s best to set up these profiles with a free email from Yahoo or Google using an alias that can’t be traced back to find personal information. *Encourage your kids to tell you if they’re victims of cyber bullying or harassment. Many teens will try to deal with this on their own, which can have disastrous consequences. If your child knows who’s behind the harassment, involve the other child’s parents or school officials. If it’s anonymous, remind your child that it’s not personal; some people just think it’s fun to say mean things about others. •Culled from www.life123.com

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS Murder suspect ‘pulled down from ceiling’ Continued from page 1

Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) outgoing Board Chairman, Prof. Humphrey Asobie (second left), handing over to his successor, Mr Ledum Mitee, during the inaugural meeting of the board in Abuja...yesterday. With them is the Executive Secretary, Mrs Zainab Ahmed. PHOTO: NAN

Video recording for Ondo election

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may adopt video recording of collation of results to ensure transparency in the 2015 general elections. This recommendation is one of the highlights of the report of the Registration Election Review Committee (RERC), which was commissioned by INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega and his management team. The proposed video recording of collation of results is a major reform initiative of the Jega-led team. There are strong indications that the recommendation of the panel has been accepted by the management, but its workabil-

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

ity is still being fine-tuned. It was also learnt that some stakeholders are pushing for a pilot project of the video recording during the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State. The RERC report reads in part: “Efforts should be made to introduce video recording of collation at all levels. If this is accepted, it will improve transparency. “This should be implemented before the next general elections and should be included in the project plan. “As for the timeline, it should be piloted during the Ondo gubernatorial election in

October. “Collation forms should be designed to capture all constituencies, political parties and other details. “Result sheet, as currently designed, has addressed this recommendation. Result sheet should be customised to particular polling unit, ward, collation centres, states and Local government. “On-the-spot announcement and transmission of election and the pasting of copy of election results on Form EC 60E at all levels where announcement of results are done to enhance credibility of the process.” Regarding delimitation of constituencies, the committee said INEC is due for the exer-

cise. The report said: “INEC should implement the provision of the Electoral Act that allows it to set up a fund controlled by it and proactively raise funds that it can invest and use for expenditure not captured in the national budget. “This is already in the Electoral Act. It is important for the commission to proceed to ensure an independent source of funding as well as the independence of INEC. “INEC should implement the constitutional requirement of delimitation of Constituencies. This is a constitutional requirement and should be Continued on page 59

and went through the network’s call log. Okoro said: “When we called the number that was more consistent, we discovered it was that of the girlfriend of one of the suspects (23-year-old Odera Ezekiel), the one in Anambra and we lured her to come to Lagos. “Through her, we started communicating with the suspect who said he was in Cotonou and we went there but did not get him. She called again and he said he had left Cotonou for Awka in Anambra and we moved there and he was not in Awka. “He later called his girlfriend to say he was in Nnewi and plain cloth policemen moved to the place with her. I told her to hug her boyfriend when she sees him so that we can use that sign to identify him and that was exactly what she did when

the suspect came out from a joint within the neighbourhood where he was arrested. “He was moved to Lagos and around midnight, I started interrogating him and we told him that the prime suspect, his uncle who he identified from the footage of the CCTV, had confessed that he was the person that killed Cynthia and that he said because he lied to him and did not give him all he collected from the deceased, he (the uncle) decided to open up.” According to Okoro, the suspect opened up, telling investigators the entire story. He also took them to the home of the prime suspect on Sixth Avenue, Festac Town. Okoro said: “We got there around 3am and we were there until about 4:30am Continued on page 59

CBN introduces N5000

NEW currency – N5,000 note – will go into circulation next year, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said yesterday. Three denominations - N5, N10 and N20 – are to become coins. The 12 currency structure of the naira will now be six coins and six bank notes. The coins are: N50k, N1, N2, N5, N10 and N20. The banknotes will be in N50, N100, N200, N500, N1,000 and N5,000. CBN Governor Sanusi Lamido Sanusi who announced the

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

plan yesterday said the new coins and the N5,000 banknote were introduced as a result of “inflationary pressures”. The faces of three prominent Nigerian female activists are to be inscribed on the N5,000 note. They are those of the late politician and social mobiliser, Margaret Ekpo (1914 - 2006); the late politician and activist Hajia Gambo Sawaba (1933 2001) and the late politician and women’s right activist Funmilayo Kuti (1900 -1978). Continued on page 59

Northern governors not doing enough on security, says IGP

OVERNORS of the North are paying less attention to security in a region where Boko Haram’s insurgency is persistent, Inspector-General of Police Moammed Abubakar said yesterday. The police chief also accused the governors of failing to address mass unemployment, poverty and the widening gap between the rich and the poor, factors which he said are fueling insecurity.

Jide Orintunsin, Minna

He spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital, during a visit to Governor Babangida Aliyu, the chair of the Northern Governors’ Forum. Abubakar also launched 55 patrol vans and communication gadgets for the Niger State Police Command. ‘’I want to appeal to the northern governors to look more at security in the North, critically because the challenges we are facing today

are due to criminal issues arising from high level of poverty in the North, unemployment, wide gap between the have and the have not. All these issues need to be addressed in our quest for a secured region,’’ he said. The IG and the governor share the same position on state police. They are opposed to the idea. In Abubakar’s view, Nigeria is the only country where

security matters are handled with levity. Faulting the proponents of state police, Abubakar alleged that some western countries are trying to discard the idea in the face of global terrorism and are opting for national police. ‘’It is not the issue of creating state police; the time will soon come for that but, for now, we are not ripe for state police. Our political maturity has not reached the stage

yet but time will tell,” he said. ‘’Countries where county police is being practised are thinking of having a national police force because of the high nature of crime, with terrorism. We cannot go back to situations that others are begging to leave.’’ He did not name such countries. Abubakar said the decision by the tiers of government to contribute to a pool to fund Continued on page 59

•Abubakar

SSS, police clash over Oshiomhole’s aide’s murder suspects Continued from page 1

But, for security reasons and for the purposes of protecting the integrity of our investigation, we are not going to divulge certain information at this point,” Mba said. According to him, one Garuba Usman Maisamari assembled the suspects, allegedly on request by Rev. Ugolor, to assassinate Oyerinde. He added that Ugolor was identified by some of the suspects during an identification parade in Benin on May 27. The police said one of the suspects, Moses Asamah Okoro, confessed that Maisamari promised to pay them N20 million to kill Oyerinde, but that they were given N200,000 advance payment, allegedly by Maisamari. Okoro was said to have also confessed that he, alongside Danjuma Musa and Abubakar Usman, killed the governor’s aide.

Same shirts, different suspects Continued from page 1

operations, hence the need to clean and kit them up. Her words: “The attention of this Service has been drawn to a deliberate misrepresentation and manipulation of facts in respect of suspects recently paraded over the killing of Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde, former Principal Secretary to the Governor of Edo State. “Particularly, certain interests have exploited both social and print media to peddle false insinuations that some of the suspects paraded Other suspects named by the police in the case are: Danjuma Musa; Murtala Usman, Auta Umaru Ali, Moses Asama Okoro (a.k.a. Moses Auchi), Usman Adamu (a.k.a. Duna), who allegedly provided two motorcycles for the operation, Idris Abdulhamid and Hassan Aliyu. Mba said two other suspects - Bashir and Abubakar Lawal - who the police described as receivers of stolen goods, were in the custody of the SSS.

on August 1, 2012 in connection with Comrade Oyerinde’s killing had been earlier paraded by this Service on March 14, 2012 as they appear to have been dressed alike. “However, it is pertinent to state that the suspects paraded on March 14, 2012 were three young men between the ages of 19 and 20 years who were discovered to have conducted surveillance on two expatriate staff of Stabilini Visinoni Construction Company, namely Christopher McManus and Franco Lamolinara, before their abduction.”

Bashir Ibrahim is one of the suspects in the custody of the SSS. Abubakar Lawal cannot be accounted for. The six suspects re-paraded by the SSS in respect of the Oyerinde murder are: Mohammed Ibrahim Abdullahi, Raymond Onajite Origbo, Chikezie Edeh, Saidu Yakubu (a.k.a. Imam), Sani Abdullahi Abubakar and Hassan Bashiru. The SSS took exception to the misgivings among the public on the similarities in the

shirts donned by some of the suspects in the Oyeride case and the ones worn by three terror suspects it paraded on March 14, in respect of the kidnap and killing of Christopher Mc Manus and Franco Lamolinara, two expatriate workers of a construction firm in Sokoto by insurgents. Reacting to insinuations that the SSS recycled suspects in the two cases, the service’s spokesperson, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, paraded the two sets of

suspects side-by-side in the same shirts in which they were earlier paraded on March 14 and August 1. Journalists at the briefing established the differences in the ages and faces of the two

sets of suspects, though the shirts they wore were similar in colours and designs. The SSS restated the names of the three suspects in the expatriates’ kidnap and killing Continued on page 59

Retraction and Apology

INTAGE Press Limited, printer and Publisher of The Nation Newspaper and Messrs Gbenga Omotoso & Dele Adeosun, editor of and Chris Oji, writer, in the said Newspaper (all together called the publishers) wish to and hereby retract the allegations and imputations to Hon. Justice A. O. N. Ezeani and Chief H. N. Ezeani both of Umunri in Anaocha Local Government area of Anambra State contained in the following publication of the said Newspaper: a. “Woman beaten, stripped naked seeking redress over inheritance,” published at page 59 of the 17th April, 2010 edition of The Nation Newspaper and on the internet. b. “Woman beaten, banished for going to court,” published at page 38 & 39 of the 23rd April, 2010 edition of The Nation Newspaper and on the internet. c. “Retired judge, Perm Sec deny beating woman over inheritance,” published at page 6 of the 15th May, 2010 edition of The National Newspaper and on the internet. The publishers further state that the allegation and imputations contained in the said publications were wrong and false in every material particular and hereby apologise to Hon. Justice O. A. N Ezeani and Chief H. N. Ezeani and regret the damage caused to them.”

ADVERT HOTLINES: 01-280668, 08070591302, 08052592524 NEWSROOM: LAGOS – 01-8962807, ABUJA – 07028105302 COMPLAINTS: 01-8930678

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS

ISTURBED by the raging controversy over his alleged complicity in the abandonment of a road contract in Benue State, the Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, yesterday drew a line between his person and the company that got the contract. Okupe said his company –– Value Trust Investment Limited –– is a registered entity with a different identity from him as an individual. His defence came in the wake of a report that the Benue State government has taken the presidential spokesman to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the alleged nonimplementation of contract. Okupe has been under attack for allegedly bolting away with more than N635 million mobilisation fees from the Benue State government. The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) is insisting that Okupe must step aside over the alleged scam. Okupe, the ACN said, collected N886.6 million as mobilisation fees and refused to implement the N2.3 billion road project. Benue State Commissioner for Works and Transportation Mr. Benjamin Ashaver, who announced that the government had reported the matter to the anti-graft agency, said Okupe was yet to refund N635.7 million being the balance of the funds advanced to his firm in 2004. But, in a statement in Abuja, Okupe said though he would address the issues raised in the allegations by the ACN at a later day, it was imperative for Nigerians to know that the said company has on its board other Nigerians and foreigners as Directors. The statement signed by Dr Sanya Awosan, said: “Le-

Alleged N635m contract scam: Okupe defends his integrity •Benue reports President’s aide to EFCC

•Dr. Okupe •One of the controversial roads Okupe’s company allegedly abandoned in Benue State. PHOTO: UJA EMMANUEL

gally, Dr Okupe is an individual with an identity separate from the corporate identities of these two companies. “Firstly, these companies are duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission with the full complement of other Directors including foreign nationals apart from Dr Okupe “Legally Dr Okupe is an

individual with an identity separate from the corporate identities of these two companies” He pointed out that “the publications (by the ACN) are full of outright falsehood and fabrications, politically motivated out of desperation by the ACN, who feel that their overwhelming domination of the media which they have deployed for two years to malign

and disparage the personality and programmes of President Goodluck Jonathan, is about to come to an end. “The ACN, through Alhaji Lai Mohammed deliberately converted purely commercial and civil transactions guided by legal agreements containing lawful procedures for dispute resolution and redress jointly agreed to by the parties

concerned into criminal accusations which is intended for political exploitations. “Therefore Dr Okupe is under a moral obligation to the public to clear his name and set the records straight. He will in a few days address the news media and the public with facts and figures exonerating him from any criminal culpability’’.

2015: Search team for presidential candidate UN, Rotary battle polio

SOCIO-POLITICAL group, the Committee 21 has begun the search for 2015 presidential candidate. The committee, after a meeting in Abuja last weekend commissioned the group’s Director of Legal Services, Chief Ziggy Azike to head a team that will throw up credible candidates for considera-

tion. Azike admitted that the responsibility is challenging in every respect, because to sieve and isolate candidates for the presidency is like the sauce before the meal. Our candidate, once identified and weaned, would be electorally acceptable across board and must be one of the best presidential

materials around town, he assured the committee. He said: ‘’Since the sauce is the foretaste of a good meal, and since Nigerians are on the same page with C 21 for a decisive and inspirationally turn around president come 2015, I and my committee have no intention to disappoint them’’.

Council endorses NOA scheme

HE National Council on Culture, Tourism and National Orientation has endorsed the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA’s)Citizens’ Responsibility Volunteer Scheme (CRVS). It was at the Council’s eighth meeting in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. The scheme was described as the easiest route to develop the culture of volunteerism. The Council unanimously adopted the

memorandum submitted by NOA’s Director General, Mr. Mike Omeri on Promoting Volunteerism through the Agency. Omeri said that in view of the need to engage the army of unemployed Nigerians at the community level, the Agency had taken practical steps to engage professionals, artisans, school leavers, fresh graduates, skilled and semiskilled Nigerians to participate in community and neighbourhood volunteer services.

HE Rotary International will on September 27 join forces with the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in New York in the fight for polio eradication. Rotary International will join a group of national leaders and other donors, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in the battle. The urgency at the UN stems from action taken in May by the World Health Assembly, which declared polio eradication a “programmatic emergency for global public health.” Although new polio cases are at an all-time low – fewer than 120 worldwide so far this year – the eradication initiative faces a funding shortfall of nearly $1 billion that could derail the entire programme. If eradication fails and polio rebounds, up to 250,000 children a year could be paralysed. No fewer than 50 Rotary leaders from around the world met in Evanston, this week. Polio cases have plummeted by more than 99 per cent since 1988, when Rotary partnered with the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, and the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention to launch the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

Minister begs teachers over non-payment of N1.44b allowances

HE Federal Government yesterday apologised to the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) over the non-payment of N1.44 billion allowances for 125,000 teachers trained for last year’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqquayat Rufai admitted guilt when NUT’s President, Comrade Michael Olukoya protested to her office in Abuja. Olukoya described the development as

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

an unfair treatment of teachers. She said: “That was a mistake on our part and we have to admit that, but what we should be concerned about now is the way out of the mistake already committed, I have asked the National Teachers Institute (NTI) to use the resources at its disposal whenever the institute have a training programme

for teachers” “NTI cannot call a teacher for a training unless it has all the allowances of the teachers ready, because it cannot expect a teacher to have the money to pay for transport to the training venue, accommodation and all other expenses possible for the training “You cannot call for a programme if you don’t have the money. The money is very critical in this respect” The Minister assured the

union that she has directed NTI to hasten up the payment of the balance for the 2011 training allowances to the 125,000 teachers. She told the union that the Federal Government has no hand in the choice of unions teachers belong be it the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria or the NUT. “What we have realised is that the issue of unionism is voluntary. We have teachers in unity schools that are of

course civil servants, though we still recruit, but l must say that is an issue that is entirely left to the teachers to decide” She said that the Federal Government has begun regularising employment of 1,500 casual teachers. Comrade Olukoya, who praised the Minister for her audience insisted that the balance for the 125,000 teachers short-changed be paid without delay.

Ruling in Mpape demolition suit Sept 10 From Kamarudeen Ogundele, Abuja

AN Abuja High Court yesterday adjourned ruling in an interlocutory application by Non Indigenous Landlords of Gbagyi Villages in Mpape, Bwari, Abuja till September 10. The applicants are seeking an order restraining the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Senator Bala Muhammad from demolishing their houses. Represented by Mr. Friday Chiemeka and 10 others, they are pleading that if the demolition will proceed, they should be compensated while others resettled. The motion was moved yesterday by their counsel, Ayodele Gata. Objecting, counsel to the FCDA, Ifeanyi Okechukwu argued that under Section 297 (2) of the Constitution, ownership of land is vested in the Federal Government. He claimed that the non indigenous residents of Mpape have not shown cognisable ownership right over the lands. Before adjourning the suit, Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf inquired from Gata whether the residents have evidence of allocation from the minister so as “to establish rights to discharge the motion for interlocutory injunction”.

‘75 % of Nigerians cook with firewood’ By Joseph Jibueze

FORMER President of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), Chief Lugard Aimiuwu, yesterday said 75 per cent of Nigerians cook with firewood, describing it as a sad development in a country that is a major oil and gas producer and exporter. He said had there been efficient management of the nation’s abundant resources, at least each household ought to have affordable gas. Aimiuwu spoke at the grand finale of NIM’s Young Managers’ Competition in Lagos, won by a staff member of Trustfund Pensions Plc, Mr Omaka Odim Omaka. Five finalists from the six geo-political zones participated in the final research presentations. The others are Maryam Bello, Owoseni Adepoju, Augustine Ujunwa and Nestor Utotutu. Omaka, in his presentation, said to end graft, Nigeria should enforce the law of seizure and forfeiture for public officials convicted of looting the treasury. He said removing the immunity clause for all public office holders, and expunging security votes and constituency allowances from the laws will help reduce corruption. Discussing a research work by Bello, an Assistant Lecturer, Department of Economics, Gombe State University, Aimiuwu blamed bad leadership for the country’s woes.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS Gunmen kill two brothers GUNMEN have killed two brothers in Michika, Adamawa State. Another was injured. Police spokesman Ibrahim Mohammed said the incident occurred on Wednesday when the three brothers were closing their shop. He said: “The three brothers were shot. Two died and the third is in the hospital.” Mohammed said a yet-tobe-identified resident was also killed on the same day in Michika. He confirmed the arrest of some suspects in Mubi by a joint police/military patrol team. “Some arrests were made in Mubi but I cannot give you the details in order not to jeopardise on-going investigations”, Mohammed said. There have been gun attacks in Mubi, including the Sallah Day strike, when gunmen stormed the home of the Chairman of Mubi North Local Government Area, Alhaji Sahabo Jauro, killing two of his visitors and dispossessing the rest of their money and mobile phones. Jauro, whose predecessor, Alhaji Umaru Tafida, was killed in a similar attack two years ago, escaped unhurt.

Lagos NUJ lashes Jonathan T

HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, yesterday faulted President Goodluck Jonathan’s comments on the assessment of his administration by the media. Jonathan, on Wednesday in Abuja, during the signing of the Performance Contract by ministers, said the government would no longer rely on the assessment of its performance by the media and described media as “biased and highly politicised”. According to the President, “the media used to be the voice of the ordinary people, but now, it is the voice of those who own the media houses; and those who own the media houses have private jets; and those who have private jets are not ordinary people”. The Lagos NUJ Council described the statement as “very unpresidential and unbecoming of a leader, who needs the input of the media to succeed”. In a statement in Ikeja by

‘The media used to be the voice of the ordinary people, but now, it is the voice of those who own the media houses; and those who own the media houses have private jets; and those who have private jets are not ordinary people’

‘We expect the President to have the same impression of the media as the former President of America, Thomas Jefferson, who when vilified by the media said: ‘If I had to choose between government without media and media without government, I would rather choose the latter’

By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu

its Chairman, Mr. Deji Elumoye, and Secretary Sylva Okereke, the council said it is unfortunate that the President was castigating the media, which brought him

to limelight and has consistently been an setting agenda for his administration to succeed. It said: “We expect the President to have the same

impression of the media as the former President of America, Thomas Jefferson, who when vilified by the media said: ‘If I had to choose between government without media and media without government, I would rather choose the latter’. “Like Jefferson, we believe that a well-informed public is the core value of any democracy.” Lagos NUJ urged the President to embrace the media, if he wants to succeed. The council wondered what becomes of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, which mandated the media to hold public office holders like President Jonathan accountable, if his remarks were to be taken seriously. It said the media has been the voice of the voiceless before, during and after the nation’s Independence. The council recalled how journalists, at the detriment of their lives, fought against military rule and brought about the democracy, which President Jonathan is bene-

fitting from today. It said: “It is very unfortunate that the media, which is highly regarded as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, is treated like a second class citizen. While the three other estates of the realm-the Executive, Judiciary and Legislature- have good budgets, security and other paraphernalia of office, the Fourth Estate is abandoned to wallow in abject poverty amid vilifications.”

Atiku donates $750,000 to Peace Corps From Gbade Ogunwale, Assistant Editor, Abuja

ORMER Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has donated $750,000 to the National Peace Corps Association to enhance its Global Leaders’ Programme. A statement by the association’s spokesman Alison Beck described the donation as the “largest gift by a single individual in 33 years”. President of the Corps Mr. Kevin Quigley said the Corps is about bringing people from different backgrounds together to resolve global problems. Quigley said: “The donation will endow the Global Leaders’ Programme, a regular series of discussions initiated by the Corps, featuring notable figures from the world of politics, business and society.”

Ethiopia’s leader for burial Sept 2

R Meles Zenawi, the late Prime Minister of Ethiopia, is to be buried on September 2 in Addis Ababa, Mr Bereket Simon, the Minister of Information and Communication has said. Simon told a news conference yesterday in Addis Ababa that Zenawi would be given a national burial which would be attended by many African and global leaders. “The Late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi will be buried in Addis Ababa. The committee will identify a suitable place where he will be buried’’, Simon said. He said committees and sub-committees have been established to ensure that a befitting burial was accorded the late Prime Minister. Simon expressed the gratitude of the Ethiopian Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the ruling party, the government and the people of Ethiopia to the international community for their condolences. He said the present leadership of the party would continue to implement the “programmes, projects, dreams and aspirations’’ of the late Prime Minister for the development of Ethiopia and Ethiopians. Simon said yesterday’s emergency session by the Ethiopian Parliament was put off to give the parliamentarians more time to mourn the death of their late leader.

•Jonathan

Funeral tomorrow •From left: President, National Handicap Careers Association of Nigeria (NAHCAN), Mr. Adewale Adeyanju; Dr. Okwor Tochi Joy of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and Assistant Director, Physiotheraphy Service, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Mr. Fadeyi Fatai at the public lecture marking the 2012 Disability Week. PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA

Fed Govt replies Tinubu over US comments HE Federal Government has commended the national leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his painstaking efforts aimed at addressing various challenges confronting the country. In response to the ACN leader’s submission in the United States (US) at a lecture in Washington DC entitled “Current Developments in Nigeria : The View of the Opposition”, President Goodluck Jonathan, through his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, however promised that the government would not keep Nigerians in the dark on its policies and programmes. In the statement he said: We appreciate his contributions to national discourse, and we assure the opposition and Nigerians that we shall

From: Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

continue to inform, engage and interface between government and the citizenry”. Okupe who noted that to describe the Federal Government as a “giant bureaucracy suffering from elephantiasis” is untrue and unfair, pointed out that on assumption of office, the government has taken measures aimed at moving the country forward. He said: ”Since the administration came, concerted efforts have been made to reduce the size of government as evident in the setting up of the Steve Oronsaye’s committee which looked into areas where the inherited bloated bureaucracy could be trimmed. The committee has submitted its report and the

government has accepted the recommendations. “Also important, is the Federal Ministry of Finance’s effort to reduce the recurrent expenditure profile to below 70 per cent. “On the issue of devolution of powers, where he called for the decentralisation of power, this idea is not peculiar to the Action Congress of Nigeria, as in recent times, many Nigerians , including members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, have openly canvassed the enthronement of true and fiscal federalism. “On poverty, the challenges Nigeria faces on this issue is traceable to several decades of dysfunctional socioeconomic policies and infrastructural neglect. The correction of these is the embodiment and major pillars of the transformational agenda of the President

Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. “Foreign direct investment has increased and through the activities of the newly recapitalised Bank of industry, cogent intervention is being made towards boosting our industrial and capital development. “The Action Congress’ leader also touched the issue of debt. We unequivocally maintain that he got it all wrong. There is absolutely nothing wrong for nations to borrow money for developmental purposes. Virtually all nations run budgets on deficit, including the United States of America on which soil Asiwaju Tinubu spoke. “The US has a debt profile that exceeds $ 4 trillion, and remains perhaps, the largest borrower in the world. Lagos state is one of the highly indebted states even during the administration of the ACN leader.

R. Omosola Olusegun Williams (53) of the Jehovah Witness faith is dead. He died in Lagos on Tuesday after a brief illness. The late Williams hailed from Osoroko, Ibeju Leki Local Government Area of Lagos State. His funeral service will hold tomorrow at the Jehovah Kingdom Hall on 44, Foresythe Street, Lagos. He is survived by an aged mother, brothers, sisters, a wife and four children.

Daily Times: Group seeks presidential intervention From Faith Yahaya, Abuja

PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has been urged to intervene in the lingering legal tussle between the owners of the Daily Times of Nigeria Plc and some opposing business interests, which has had negative effect on the prospects of the media outfit. An Igbo socio-cultural group, the Southeast Forum for Justice and Economic Empowerment (SEFOJE), made the call in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mr. Desmond Ezuruonwu.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS Group urges Yoruba to prepare for Boko Haram From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

• Lt. Oniyide Aduwo (left) and Lt. Samuel Jarris, of American Navy, during the week’s free eye treatment, organised by the visiting American Naval ship medical crew at the palace of the Oba of Lagos at Iga Iduganran, Lagos Island ...yesterday PHOTO: RAHMAN SANUSI

Akeredolu to Mimiko: don’t threaten monarchs over your second term bid

HE Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) of the Ondo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday alerted the public to the threat by the Olusegun Mimiko administration that he would dethrone some traditional rulers if they do not support his second term ambition. A statement by its spokesman, Mr Idowu Ajanaku, said the governor is allegedly threatening the monarchs for allowing their subjects to support ACN governorship candidate, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN). The monarchs, the statement

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

said, include the Deji of Akure, Oba Adebiyi Adesida; the Olukare of Ikare, Oba Akadiri Momoh; the Jegun of Ile Oluji, Oba Stephen Sulade Adedugbe and the Olowo of Owo, Oba Victor David Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi. The statement reads: “This is coming on the heels of a letter written by Henry Akinsinroju to some Baales (community leaders) and chiefs, threatening them if they allow their subjects to vote for Akeredolu. “This is undemocratic, crude and a violation of their constitutional rights, as the people

have the right to vote for any political party of their choice. If they think ACN is the best option for them against a governor, who is allergic to asphalt by not building a single road in the last three and a half years, so be it. “…Harassing traditional rulers with dethronement will not help the LP, because the government has failed the people. Is it the people, who have no access to potable water, good health facilities, good roads, no provision of employment for youths and no employment of teachers, that will vote for the LP? God forbid!”

ACO noted that Ondo State residents have seen what ACN has done in Lagos, Ekiti, Oyo, Osun, Edo and Ogun states. It added that the residents are ready to cast their votes for Akeredolu, who they know would transform the state. The organisation urged the Obas, Baales and chiefs to shun the intimidation by the government, adding that the Olusegun Agagu administration did not threaten them when Mimiko campaigned to seek the votes of the people. It warned Mimiko against destroying the Obas on the altar of his political gains.

Ekiti denies short-changing council workers

HE Ekiti State Government has said local governments are getting the funds that are due to them from the Federation Account. The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mr. Funminiyi Afuye, said the clarification became necessary following an allegation by the state chapter of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) that the government was shortchanging the councils. The commissioner described the allegation as “spurious, unfounded, illogical,

baseless and a calculated attempt to blackmail a government that puts the interest of workers on the front burner of its agenda”. The state NULGE had alleged, in a notice of 14-day ultimatum served on the government, that the government was short-changing them of the receipts from the Federation Account. Afuye said: “According to a record of data on the council allocations, shared by the statutory Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) within the purview of local

government and state representatives, there is nothing held back by the state government. “Rather, the state had augmented any shortfall to assist the local governments in the spirit of workers’ welfare and industrial harmony.” He explained that the records of what local governments get are available at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development. Afuye added: “What we have been saying is that the

state government is interested in the welfare of its workers and that is why all categories of workers have been paid minimum wage. “The biometric registration of workers to know their numbers has not been completed at the council level. “But for the purpose of welfare, the government has not shirked its responsibilities of giving workers at all levels what is due to them, even though it is the responsibilities of the local governments to take care of their workers.”

FRCN workers’ protest disrupts business in Ibadan

CONOMIC and social activities were yesterday paralysed at the Dugbe business district of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, when workers of the zonal office of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) protested nonpayment of their salaries for four months. The protesters disrupted traffic and business in the area. The workers sang solidarity songs and derided their employer. Vehicle owners plying the

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

Femi Johnson-Dugbe-Queens Cinema road were stuck in traffic. The presence of security agents did not deter the angry protesters. They carried placards and barricaded the entrance of the radio station as early as 8am. The workers complained about the Integrated Personnel Payroll System used in paying their salaries, saying it is de-

fective. Some of the placards read: “IPPIS, pay our four months’ salary”; “IPPIS is highly incompetent”; “IPPIS issues fake pay-slips”; among others. The state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Gbenga Opadotun, and other journalists witnessed the protest. Opadokun urged the Federal Government to resolve the grievances of the workers. He said: “The situation has become unbearable for our

members. It is no longer easy to cope with the economic situation of the country. We are here to intimate the management of the FRCN with our displeasure on the IPPIS scheme, which has made us to go hungry. We have colleagues who have not been paid since May and many others whose salaries were short paid. “We appeal to the Federal Government to do something about these anomalies immediately because a hungry man is an angry man.”

Oyo ACN challenges Obasanjo to debate with Lam Adesina

HE Oyo State Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday challenged former President Olusegun Obasanjo to a public debate with its Leader and former Governor Lam Adesina. The party this is to test both men’s incorruptibility and their commitment to democracy in Nigeria. In a statement in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by its Publicity Secretary, Dauda Kolawole, ACN said it was reacting to Obasanjo’s questioning of Adesina’s relevance in office. The party noted that the former President was losing credibility in a country he administered twice in his lifetime. It said this is a symptom of the “colossal deceit” of patriotism

and incorruptibility that he made the world to believe were his moral credentials. ACN challenged Obasanjo to disprove the claim that he is one of the richest Nigerians alive. The statement reads: “The same anti-corruption institutions established by Obasanjo were gaping with astonishing complicity while the regime he headed distributed billions of our hard-earned patrimony as grafts to legislators to get a third term. Rather than act like a statesman and admit his complicit involvement in a project that would have burnt the nation but for the intervention of providence, Obasanjo has denied that he held the patent of the shameless venture.

HE Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF), the umbrella body of Oduduwa children, yesterday urged the Southwest to prepare for likely attack by the Boko Haram sect. The group noted that the preparation is necessary so that the Yoruba are not caught napping, in case the violent sect creeps into the region. Rising from its general meeting in Ikenne, Ogun State, home of the pantheon of Yoruba politics, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the forum rued the growing insecurity in the North and the need for the Southwest to imbibe the Boys Scout motto: be prepared. In a communique by its Deputy Leader, Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi and Senator Femi Okurounmu, the forum called for vigilance and preparedness to ward off any possible onslaught from the violent sect and other armed bandits. “The meeting examined seriously the security situation in Yorubaland, the possibility of Boko Haram incursion into the Zone and took proactive steps to ensure the Zone is not caught unprepared,” the communique said. The meeting has the matriarch of the Awolowo dynasty, Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo as its Convener and Chairman. The forum resolved to bring other prominent Yoruba leaders into its fold. It ratified the report on the forum’s delegation to Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. The forum also circulated the draft constitution of the Southern Nigeria People’s Assembly to members. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade urged the Yoruba nation to work for enduring unity.

We won’t vote for Oke, says Ondo PDP faction From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HE factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Mr. Akin Olowookere, yesterday said his group would not vote for the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Olusola Oke, in the October 20 election. He said the process that led to the emergence of the former National Legal Adviser of PDP did not follow due process. Addressing reporters in Akure, the state capital, Olowookere, said: “In as much as democracy could not be built on undemocratic foundations, Oke’s nomination is heavily flawed and is not acceptable to us. “The so-called state Exco, which emanated from the illegal congress preceding the primaries for governorship aspirants within the party, was flawed.” He said the delegates who produced Oke, were handpicked and taken into an inner room to decide privately who would be the party’s standard bearer. The politician said it is not true that a member of a political party must support the candidate of his party. He cited the example of last year’s presidential election, where Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) states, except Osun, voted for President Goodluck Jonathan. Olowookere said during the Edo State governorship election, eminent PDP leaders worked for Governor Adams Oshinomole’s victory.

Ekiti urges religious leaders to tackle insurgence From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

HE Ekiti State Government has urged religious leaders to halt upsurge in violence in parts of the country. Deputy Governor Funmi Olayinka, who spoke in AdoEkiti, the state capital, when she hosted the executives of the Southwest zone of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said the Kayode Fayemi administration would support religious bodies to sustain the prevailing peace in the state. The deputy governor said the government appreciated the prayers by CAN and other religious bodies for peaceful and successful governance in the state. She said there is need for the government to also support such bodies. Mrs Olayinka described Governor Fayemi as a visionary leader, whose mission is to emancipate Ekiti from poverty and entrench sustainable social and infrastructural development that would put the state on the world map. She called for collaboration between religious leaders and government, saying each has clear responsibility to improve the lives of the residents. The Zonal Chairman, Archbishop Magnus Atilade, congratulated Fayemi and Mrs Olayinka for the success the administration has recorded in the last two years. The cleric said the CAN team was in Ekiti for its quarterly meeting, adding that it was impressed by the various development projects they witnessed in places they visited in the last few days.

ACN chief to PDP: stop dropping my name From Damisi Ojo, Akure

HE Director-General of the Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO), Chief Tayo Alasoadura, has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deputy governorship candidate, Mr Saka Lawal, to stop dropping his name to drum support for his candidature. Alasoadura said he is not a political harlot, who moves from one party to another. He said: “I remain committed to the value and ideals of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and the success of Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).” The former Commissioner for Finance urged Lawal and PDP to focus their attention on issues instead of dropping his name. He added: “I will never return to the PDP.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

CITYBEATS Transparency Awards Sept. 15 MINISTER of Information Labaran Maku and Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan will on September 15 unveil 50 influential people and institutions at the Transparency Awards organised by a non-governmental organisation Heroes Communications &Co. A statement by the firm’s Board of Trustees chairman, Timothy Okojie-Ave, said the awardees were selected through an opinion poll conducted last year. On the list, Okojie-Ave said, are Governors, Olusegun Mimiko, Sule Lamido and Gabriel Suswam of Ondo Jigawa and Benue States, Minister of Education Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, Minister for Lands, Housing and Urban Development Mrs Amal Pepple and Minister of Police Affairs Navy Capt Caleb Olubolade (rtd) among others.

Two charged with $100,000 theft By Precious Igbonwelundu

TWO employees of a bureau-de-change, Sarah Oluyori, 29, and Sunday Okebule, 27, have been charged before a Yaba Magistrate's Court in Lagos, with allegedly stealing $100,000. They were said to have conspired to steal the company's money at 7Up Bus Stop, Ajao Estate, Mafoluku, Lagos, where they were sent to meet a customer in a bank. Oluyori allegedly boarded a bike as they approached their destination. She was said to have returned to the bank, crying, telling the second accused that the money had been snatched. The accused were said to have informed their company of the alleged robbery after which they were handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba. They pleaded not guilty. Magistrate S.K. Matepo granted them N200,000 bail with two sureties each in the like sum. The court said each of the sureties must pay N200, 000 to the Chief Registrar's account. The matter was adjourned till September 24.

Ilasamaja bridge to be demolished tomorrow

O pave the way for a new one, the pedestrian bridge at Ilasamaja on the OshodiApapa Expressway may be pulled down tomorrow, it is learnt yesterday. Ahead of its demolition, the bridge has been out of bounds to pedestrians in the last few weeks. The bridge, it was gathered, has become unsafe because it is “vibrating”. Some engineers were said to have certified the bridge “unsafe” and warned

Ocean surge: ‘Recovery efforts not yet over’

By Rofiat Salami and Safiyyah Abdur-Razaq

against its continued use to avoid its “collapse from vibration.” In recent times, those using the bridge to link Ilasamaja and Isolo to Mushin have being complaining about its poor state. An official of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), who was assisting pedestrians to cross the road at Ilasamaja Bus stop yesterday, told The Nation that the bridge would be demolished tomorrow. “The contractor handling the project will carry out the demolition tomorrow,” he

said. The LASTMA official said the reconstruction would last for three months. Pedestrians have been complaining about crossing the ever-busy expressway since they could no longer use the bridge. A teenager, who gave her name as Abibat, said she had a hard time crossing the road. "It is not easy and as you can see, the vehicles do not want to stop. I get delayed every time I want to cross the road." Saheed Adebayo, a resident, said vehicles always speed on the road, making crossing difficult for commuters on the highway.

He said the absence of road safety officials on the road compounds the problem. "There are no policemen or LASTMA officials on this side of the road (the Oshodi carriage), to assist the people. As you can see, there are two LASTMA officials and a policeman on that side, but there is none on this side," Adebayo said. He urged the government to send more traffic workers to assist pedestrians, adding: "The situation will get worse when school resumes next month." Petty traders under the bridge however expressed joy that the bridge has finally been slated for repairs.

"The pedestrian bridge has been vibrating for a very long time and we are happy that it would be pulled down and another erected by the government," a fabric dealer who pleaded anonymity said. "Yesterday, some particles of cement were seen falling from a section of the bridge. That is to show how bad the bridge has gone and we are happy that the repair is being considered." The bridge has been closed to human traffic since last week. The Nation observed that the pillars of the bridge have shown signs of stress with cracks seen on the pillars.

Stories by Miriam Ndikanwu

FFORTS to recover more bodies of the Lagos Ocean surge victims are still on, an official said yesterday. General Manager, Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Dr Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, told reporters in Alausa, Ikeja, that LASEMA officials and local divers were still scouring the Kuramo Beach area for more bodies. He said 10 bodies had been recovered by the rescue agencies and local divers, adding that their remains have been deposited at the Isolo General Hospital. Besides LASEMA, the local emergency management committee of the Iru/ Victoria Island Local Council Development Area is also participating in the search. Oke-Osanyintolu said: "We have not abandoned the recovery efforts, our men are still on ground. Don't forget that we now have local emergency management at various councils. These teams of emergency management are to respond to any emergency situation in their councils. That the LASEMA team is no longer on the beach does not mean the local emergency officials have wrapped up their work. "We are not personalising emergency management in the state. It does not mean if LASEMA or its GM is not on the ground, the emergency response team is not on site working.”

'We didn't use fake judgment’ AND owners at New Oko-Oba, in Agege area of Lagos have denied a newspaper report that they used a fake court judgment to demolished buildings in the area. Chairman of Lagos State Task Force on Environmental Offences, Mr. Bayo Sulaiman, had accused the family of illegal demolition through a fake court document. Sulaiman was quoted as saying: "About a week ago, we heard about the activities of land-grabbers in New Oko-Oba. Through a directive from the governor, we swooped on the area and found out that some land-

08033054340, 08034699757 E-mail:- ynotcitybeats@gmail.com

By Wale Ajetunmobi

grabbers were busy demolishing people's land and claiming them through illegal method." However, the head of Olarokun's family, Chief Adisa Agbaosi, who spoke through the family lawyers, Barristers Mayomi Afekhuai and Remi Adeoye, debunked the claim that the family obtained fake judgment to demolish property in the area. The family said in a statement: "If the judgments are fake, why can't the people whose houses were demolished go to court to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the documents?"

•Oba Abdulfatai Aromire, the Ojora of Ojora (middle), flanked by Chief Wasiu Adeomo Ojora, Aro of Ijora-Oloba (left) and Chief H.A. Ojora Adejiyan, the Lisa & Ekerin of Ijora at the Isese Day organised by the Association of African Traditional Religion of Nigeria and Overseas (AATREN) at Ijora, Lagos...on Wednesday PHOTO: ISAAC AYODELE

Lagos working towards flood-free environment

HE Lagos State Government has done everything to ensure a flood-free environment allyear-round, Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello said yesterday. The government, he said, would not relent on its flood-free campaign despite the August break. Tomorrow’s monthly sanitation, he said, has been dedicated to clearing of silted drain to prevent flood. Urging residents to come out and clean their environment between 7am and 10am, Bello said his ministry has mobilised its officials for the last lap of the rainy season coming up af-

ter the August break. He said more canals had been dredged, cleaned by the drainage maintenance department and the Emergency Flood Abatement Gang (EFAG) ahead of the rains. Bello cautioned Lagosians against discharging waste into the drain in front of their houses to allow easy flow of storm water into the secondary and primary drainage channels. He said: "We are now in unusual times as indicated by global events, with unusual and intense rainfall ravaging the world, coupled with other natural disasters, like tsunami, cyclone, earth

tremor and massive flooding. "The peculiarity of Lagos as a coastal state is flooding. As such, all hands must be on deck to assist the state in reducing the incidence of flooding to the bearest minimum, by not engaging in acts, such as dumping of refuse into drain and canals, as well as desist from patronising cart pushers." The commissioner advised residents against taking panicky steps whenever it rains. Rather, Bello urged them to relate with the resident engineers and drainage maintainance officers assigned to their areas, saying the officials were deployed

in all the 57 local governments and local council development areas to tackle flood related matters. He said: "As a coastal state, Lagos will witness flash flood during the rains. But immediately the rain subsides and the Lagoon recedes, all the storm water will flow into the channels which have been cleaned in readiness for the rains." Saying the no-movement order would be enforced, during tomorrow’s exercise, he warned inter-state bus operators and other commercial drivers' unions, including motorcyclists, to avoid running foul of the sanitation law.

Police steps into murder of 60-year-old man

HE last may not have been heard of the killing on Wednesday night, of a 60year-old man James Aireomiye in Bariga, Lagos, as the State Police Command has commenced investigations into his death. Aireomiye, a resident of 14, Ebute-Ilaje, Bariga, was reportedly killed as a fall-out of the factional violence in the area. The deceased was said to have been killed by some unknown gunmen who shot him thrice before disappearing. He was allegedly shot by members of a rival faction who thought he was an uncle to the leader the other faction, Segun Ogbere, aka

By Precious Igbonwelundu

Shaggy. There has been leadership tussle between the Shaggy and Baale factions which has led to the death of several persons. Witnesses said the deceased was shot dead in the presence of his wife, while eating his dinner. "Mr. James was at home that night when the threeman gang broke into his house. His wife was with him in the room. They demanded for the money which they claimed he wanted to use to bail his nephew, Shaggy, who has been in detention. "When he tried to explain to them that it was a case of

mistaken identity, they shot him three times and he died on the spot. His wife allegedly fainted," our source said. It was learnt that Shaggy's uncle was the deceased's next door neighbour. Another source told The Nation that the gang had shot the deceased dead because they were furious that he wanted to bail Shaggy who was considered a terror in the community. "Shaggy is the gang leader who was recently arrested by the police and has been in detention. "These two factions-Baale and Shaggy are the two groups causing problems in Ilaje and the police always release them after each arrest,"

the source claimed. When contacted, police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, confirmed the development, adding that the police are on top of the situation. She said the Ilaje Divisional Police Officer (DPO), had reported that a young man ran into the station at about 8.20pm on Wednesday and complained that three men came to their house and shot his father dead. "The police immediately went to the scene but the suspects had fled. After securing the crime scene, the corpse was taken to Ikeja mortuary. Investigation is ongoing and we have spread our dragnets to trap the culprits," Braide said.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS Ajimobi to give buses to UI, others OYO State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday promised to give buses to state-owned tertiary institutions and the University of Ibadan (UI). The governor spoke in Ibadan, the state capital, when he hosted UI students during their solidarity visit to identify with his administration’s development projects. He noted that the buses would enable the institutions to discharge their operations effectively. Ajimobi restated his administration’s commitment to education and the provision of a conducive environment for teaching and learning. The governor said his administration would continue to provide infrastructure to enhance qualitative education and improve the lives of Oyo residents. He said: “As governor, I promise that I will always make a difference. I have been doing that in the last one year or thereabout. I will continue to run an administration that will change the face of Oyo State.” Ajimobi praised the students for identifying with his administration, saying the government would take care of their well-being and educational advancement. “I am really impressed, and you have not disappointed me. Your coming here today has emboldened me. It has added the necessary fillip to all that we have been doing. It has made me to believe that we are on the right track. When intelligent people like you come together and say you are with us, then who else can be against us?” he said. President of the Students’ Union Government (SUG), Mr. Edosa Raymond Ehkarto, said the students were on a solidarity visit to appreciate the good things the governor had been doing since his assumption of office. He hailed Ajimobi for achieving so much within a short period, especially in infrastructure and environmental sanitation. The students’ leader promised that he and his colleagues would continue to partner Ajimobi to actualise his administration’s transformation agenda.

Baptist High School ‘83 set to meet THE 1983 set of Baptist High School (BHS), Iwo, Osun State, will hold a reunion meeting on August 24 and 25. A statement yesterday by its Secretary, Dele Oyadotun, said the meeting will hold at the school premises. Oyadotun urged members to attend the meeting, adding that issues, such as the growth and development of school, would be discussed. “All members should come with ideas and suggestions on how to take our prestigious alma mata to the next level,” Oyadotun said.

Ekiti ACN berates Ondo LP over ‘baseless allegation’ T

HE Ekiti State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) yesterday berated the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State for accusing ACN of alleged plans to destabilise Ondo in preparation for the October 20 election. Describing the allegation as “a campaign of calumny and outright falsehood”, ACN said good performance, as evident in other ACN-controlled states, would ensure its victory in Ondo and not gangster politics. It recalled reports, which were allegedly promoted by the LP, that the Ekiti State Government and ACN leaders held meetings in Ado-Ekiti to cause a crisis in Ondo State ahead of the October poll. A statement by its chairman, Chief Jide Awe, said its officials are no busybodies with the time to meddle in the party’s affairs in Ondo State. The statement reads: “While we would not have dignified the allegations with a response, because they are noth-

•‘Good performance’ll give us victory in Ondo’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

ing but tissues of lies, we felt compelled to set the record straight, in order to prevent the reading public from being fed with outright lies. “We consider it apt to state that the Ekiti State Government, under the leadership of Dr. Kayode Fayemi, is committed to an all-round development, using the Eight-Point Agenda for transformation. “This, the Fayemi administration is pursuing vigorously with substantial evidences of transformation. Thus, its officials have no business in meddling with the politics of Ondo State. “Again, it is on record that Governor Fayemi and Gover-

nor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State have a good working relationship, especially in development as it affects the two sister states. They also collaborate in the regional integration agenda of the Southwest. This is in spite of being leaders of different political parties. “Therefore, for some leaders of LP to make such unfounded allegations and accuse ACN leaders of causing a crisis in Ondo State, smacks of irresponsibility and desperation, which do not show political maturity. “While the ACN is prepared and able to win the coming governorship election in Ondo State, it is the desire of our leaders to win convincingly in a free and fair election that is devoid of violence. We rely solely on

our record of good performances in the other ACN-controlled states and the avalanche of goodwill from well-meaning Ondo State indigenes, who are equally longing for a major change. “However, there is no law that forbids the state chapter of ACN from hosting the national leadership of the party or leaders of its state chapters in any part of Ekiti State or any other states in the country for that matter. “It is a known fact that some desperate elements within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State have chosen Akure, the Ondo State capital, as the regular venue of their meetings, where they hatch the plans to attack some ACN leaders in Ekiti State. “This vicious plan is informed by their inability to comprehend the peace and tranquility that have pervaded Ekiti State in recent times and the attendant development, which is a sharp departure from what obtained during their years of the locust.”

MTN to sponsor Ekiti community festival From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

HE Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, has said mobile telecommunications giant MTN will sponsor this year’s Udiroko Festival. Udiroko is a yearly traditional festival in the kingdom. It heralds a new year for the town, offering an opportunity for the indigenes to reunite and reassess the town’s progress. Addressing reporters in Ado-Ekiti, the monarch said this year’s Udiroko has begun, with some activities, including Ijoko awon agba (sitting of the elders); Ayo olopan (a traditional board game); the final of the Ewi Cup Football competition; MTN Gala Night; and an outing of princes and princesses. Oba Adejugbe said this year’s festival would include rich traditional pastimes, adding that Udiroko would soon become what Argungu is to Kebbi State residents and Ojude Oba to the Ijebu in Ogun State. He explained that there is no fixed day for the festival, saying the day depends on the day the last event was held. According to him, the weeklong event will climax next Tuesday at the palace. The monarch decried the indigenes’ habit of selling land to outsiders. Oba Adejugbe noted that the trend has not only compromised the people’s cherished values but has also become a threat to the provision of sufficient housing for future generations of indigenes.

Police arrest suspected robber in Ondo From Damisi Ojo, Akure

•Amosun (second right); Deputy Governor Segun Adesegun (second left) House of Assembly Speaker Suraj Adekunbi Isola (left); and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Mr Gbenga Opesanwo, at the inauguration of the mass transit scheme in Abeokuta....yesterday

Amosun blames accidents on bad federal roads

GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun yesterday attributed the high rate of road accidents in the state to poor federal roads. The governor spoke at the inauguration of the state’s Bus Mass Transit Scheme (BMTS) at the Memorial Arcade, OkeMosan, Abeokuta, the state capital. He described the state of federal roads in Ogun as “worrisome”. Amosun urged the Federal Ministry of Works to fix the roads. The governor launched the BMT scheme, which comprises 77 buses, for intra- and intercity transport. He said: “Let me seize this opportunity to express concern on an issue that affects the public transportation system, particularly in our state. This concerns the state of the federal roads in Ogun State. It saddens me to say that out of the 465,000 deaths and 18,095 injuries recorded in 5,330 road accidents in Nigeria in 2010, 649 of the deaths, 1,333 injuries and 1,980 accidents occurred in Ogun State alone. This translates to 16 per cent of fatalities, eight per cent of injuries, and 37 per

•Governor inaugurates 77 buses cent of road accidents. “…This is due to the fact that the longest sections of the two busiest highways in Nigeria, the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, that links the busiest air and sea ports of Nigeria in Lagos with the rest of Nigeria, and the Sagamu-Ore-Benin Expressway, which links the Western and Eastern Nigeria, traverse the length of our state. The state of disrepair of these roads and the other federal roads in Ogun State are worrisome. “I, therefore, plead with the Federal Government and, most especially, the Federal Ministry of Works, to pay attention to these roads, as a matter of urgency. This is the only way this mass transit project could be sustainable.” Amosun said the buses were bought to reduce transportation pains of the residents. He said: “Almost immediately after these procurement, the state government entered into a diligent negotiation and discussion with transportation experts with the aim of acquir-

ing more high capacity buses to augment the apparent shortfall in the number of buses available for intra-city travel in our state.” The governor advised stakeholders in the transportation industry as well as law enforcement agencies to ensure the success of the BMT scheme so that “our roads can become safer for all”. He added: “Apart from the fact that this programme will cushion the after- effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, it is believed that these buses will ply our roads and carry more passengers at once. Thus, they will reduce the need for everyone to put their vehicles on the road and incur costs on the maintenance of their vehicles. “Therefore, as the number of vehicles on our roads is reduced, it will also reduce the propensity for road accidents and casualties arising from such. The roads will also be freer, thus reducing the manhour wasted in road traffic jams.” The governor used the occasion to restate his administration’s commitment

to the wellbeing of the people of the state. “At this juncture, let me restate our administration’s unwavering commitment to the development of Ogun State, and the well-being of our people. As we have continued to renovate existing roads, we are also constructing new ones. The flagship of the already constructed roads is the already completed six-lane Ibara-Ita-Eko, Totoro road, which is being linked with the Oke-Ilewo road, with the on-going over-head bridge, the first in the state capital”, he noted. The governor revealed that the administration would soon commence the construction of six major roads across the state pointing out that the roads, when completed, promises to redefine the transportation landscape of the state. According to him,” Very soon, we will award six other major roads in the three senatorial districts. These are roads which will re-define the landscape of our State and bear eloquent testimony to the determination of our administration to pursue our Urban Renewal and Rural/Infrastructure Development Programme with zeal.”

HE Ondo State Police Command yesterday arrested a suspected armed robber identified as Mutairu Lawal of 27, Jaiyeoyeni Street, in Osogbo, the Osun State capital. It was learnt that some policemen on a patrol at Fagun, near Ondo, were attacked by a gang of armed robbers in a Volkswagen Golf car, with registration number (Lagos) AKD387AM. The police said they chased the hoodlums and shot at the car’s tyre. The car reportedly somersaulted and skidded off the road. That was how Lawal was arrested, the police added. The suspect, it was learnt, confessed that his six-man gang had robbed Prince Oloyede Akindele at OkeIjebu in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Lawal allegedly said they stole N2million cash from the prince. The police said they recovered N361,355, two AK47 rifles, with serial numbers 19 708 and 5854, one Beretta pistol with serial number 17329 but no magazine. Other items recovered from the suspects, the police said, are 73 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition and three masks. Police spokesman Adeniran Aremu, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), urged the residents to always volunteer information that could assist in combating crimes.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

11 Brazil is an influential member of the BRIC nations with a big apetite for investing in Africa, especially Nigeria. So, there is the need for us to strengthen our partnership with them to attract big investments into our country especially in those areas where we have competitive and comparative advantage. - Minister of Trade & Investment, Olusegun Aganga

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

IFAD signs $105.2m pact with Fed Govt on agric scheme From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

S part of its commit ment to develop the nation’s agric sector, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through its IFAD Nigeria Development Value Chain Programme yesterday signed an agreement with the Federal Government on a-6 year agricultural support scheme valued at $105.2 million. The scheme which is targeted at increasing production of rice and cassava,$ includes a credit facility of $74.5 million accessible by small scale farmers and a repayment period of 40 years. Signatories to the financing agreement were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and IFAD President, Mr. Kanayo Nwanze during the visit of Nwanze to the finance ministry in Abuja. Dr. Iweala said: “The IFAD Nigeria Development Value Chain Programme which is what we are flagging off today is valued at $105.2million which comprises of an IFAD credit of $74. 5 million and grant of $0.5 million. The credit is on third plan and the minister of agriculture will spell out the exact rate and what it will be used for.” Iweala stated that federal government, states and councils will also provide counterpart fund contributions to the tune of $31.2 million, stressing that the support is a demonstration of a successful relationship with the fund. She said IFAD has committed a total credit facility of about $157.3 million in the country since 1985. She noted their credit has been one of the most beneficial to the country with low interest rate.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil -$107/barrel Cocoa -$2,686.35/metric ton Coffee - ¢132.70/pound Cotton - ¢95.17pound Gold -$1,800/troy ounce Rubber -¢159.21pound MARKET CAPITALISATIONS NSE JSE NYSE LSE

-N6.503 trillion -Z5.112trillion -$10.84 trillion -£61.67 trillion RATES Inflation -10.5% Treasury Bills -7.08% Maximum lending -22.42% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -2% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $35.8b FOREX CFA 0.2958 EUR 206.9 £ 242.1 $ 156 ¥ 1.9179 SDR 238 RIYAL 40.472

NEITI: DPR, oil firms frustrate recovery of $8.8b

FORMER Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative chair Prof. Assisi Asobie has alleged that the Department of Petroleum Resources(DPR) and oil companies frustrated efforts to enforce remediation action involving $8.8billion underpayment in royalties to government. He said the figures were revealed in audit reports covering 1999 and 2008. Asobie, who spoke yesterday in Abuja, while handing-over to the National Stakeholders’ Working Group of NEITI led by Ledum Mitee, said efforts to recover the monies were hampered by the DPR.

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

He said:“Our attempt to implement the remediation action recommended in the audit reports were frusted by the DPR. Initially, we did not have the capacity to determine the actual amount underpaid, but later they came to say the amount was actually more than our audits stated, which is understandable because the audit sampled the industry. “When we asked them what the new amount was, they were not forthcoming, and these are some of the chal-

lenges you will face and the pressure is much. Most companies do not pay the amount of royalties stipulated in the law and nothing is being done by those in charge,” he added. He explained after waiting endlessly for the DPR, NEITI wrote to the companies to pay up, saying, “the companies wrote us back directing us to read the NEITI Act.” “They pointed out that ours is to ensure that they paid the money, but not to actually collect the money because we are not a revenue

agency. That is a dilemma you have to solve,” he said. He explained that it is more important for the new board to pursue public accountability in the application of oil revenues by various levels of governments across the country as contained in the NEITI Act. Asobie stressed that while the global body, Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) requires only revenue flow; NEITI Act has a broad demand on the agency. Mitee thanked Asobie and his board on their achievements, assuring them that the new board would build on the foundation they laid.

Chairman, Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF), Mr. Emmanuel Obaigbona (left), Executive Director/Group Chief Operating Officer, UBA Plc, Mr. Femi Olaloku and Executive Director, Commercial Banking (North), Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc, Ibrahim Kwargana at the NeFF meeting sponsored by UBA at Colonnades Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos on… yesterday.

Investment Summit: Osun to boost agric, says Aregbesola

SUN State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has unveiled a massive plan to boost the state’s agriculture through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and partnership with Nigerians in diaspora. Aregbesola, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Otunba Titi LaoyeTomori, at the Nigerian Diaspora Trade and Investment Summit held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, in Osogbo, yesterday, said the government has already embarked on strategic intervention by revamping the old farm settlements that were key elements of the success recorded in agriculture in the old Western Region. With stable polity and arable lands, he said through investment in agriculture, his admin-

From Ayodele Aminu, Group Business Editor (Osogbo)

istration is set to compete at a global level to increase output of cash crops such as Cocoa and palm oil, among others. “The state is primarily an agrarian society that is favoured with fertile soil which supports diverse range of agricultural produce, both cash and food crops. These include yam, maize, cassava, millet, plantain and rice. Cocoa and palm produce are our main cash crops. At current production levels, Osun is second only to Ondo State in cocoa production,” Aregbesola said. “We have since the inception of our government designed policies and programmes aimed at engendering economic development in the state. These policies are already in full throttle implementation.

We are focusing on our areas of comparative advantage, visà-vis agriculture and tourism.” He said the Osun Rural Enterprises and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP) is a prelude to precipitate a revolution in the agriculture sector. “We are preparing the sector for full industrial development. We are fully aware that modern farming is no longer restricted to feeding alone. It is also motivated by money, where farmers will get good value for their produce. Towards the achievement of our goals, we have embarked on strategic intervention by revamping the old farm settlements that were key elements of the success recorded in agriculture in the old Western Region.” Aregbesola stated. The Governor said feeder roads to farming communities

• Aregbesola

are being opened up to facilitate easy entry and exit to ease distribution via local network to other countries, stressing that the state is linking its agricultural production programme with the N3billion daily food market in Lagos with the regional market at Dagbolu, where agricultural goods converge for onward distribution to other areas.

How to achieve single window systems, by Dikko

CHIEVING the aims of a single window environment will require a robust, integrated, holistic and multi-phase approach from all stakeholders, the ComptrollerGeneral of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji

By Toba Agboola

Abdullahi Dikko, has said. Dikko spoke at the annual general meeting of the Ikeja branch of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) yesterday. The single window sys-

tem allows goods to be cleared from the ports within 48 hours. Dikkol listed the stakeholders that should collaborate to ensure effective single window system to include Customs, traders, agents, banks, trade agen-

cies, political leadership, unions and others, saying the Federal Government adopted the single window system of clearing goods to achieve prompt clearance of goods and facilitate trade in the nation’s seaports.

NUPENG withdraws strike threat From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

UNIOR oil workers last night withdrew their strike threat after a meeting with government officials in Abuja. The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) also called on fuel marketers to resume sale of products in Abuja where fuel scarcity has been biting for more than one week. They had threatened to go on strike this week if outstanding subsidy cash is not paid to marketers. Yesterday’s meeting lasted over seven hours. NUPENG President Comrade Igwe Achese confirmed the soft pedaling by the labour body. He said:” You have heard from the Minister of Labour. The strike action has been called off. And we will be lifting products in the north. We talked about the reopening of depots for loading of products and distribution. “ Labour Minister Emeka Wogu, who read the communiqué of the meeting, said it was agreed that all “those accused of fuel subsidy scam should endeavour to submit to the ongoing verification exercise.” The minister added that the Federal Government and the unions agreed to work together towards finding a lasting solution to all the issues in dispute. According to him, the meeting confirmed that the Federal Government has been paying all verified claims and will continue to pay all claims so verified. He noted that the meeting set up a two sub committees to look into issues concerning unfair labour practices in the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and of penalty clauses in the Petroleum Products Price Regulatory rules. The parties agreed on a platform of the Federal Government, Labour and all critical stakeholders to develop infrastructure and the rehabilitation of refineries. The meeting also agreed on continuous engagement between the Government and the unions. The communiqué also said deport owners and oil marketers agreed to keep their facilities open and pay the salaries of the workers. Wogu noted that the meeting agreed to reconvene in two weeks to review the status of implementation. Those present at the meeting included: Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Anyim Pius Anyim; acting President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Promise Adewusi; Group Managing Director, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu; Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama; Executive Secretary, PPPRA, Mr. Reginald Stanley; former NUPENG President, Peter Akpatason and NLC acting General Secretary, Chris Uyot.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

POLICY

HEALTH

Improved health for youths

Imoke to spend N100m on HIV test kits

Ogun

Imo

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

PHILANTHROPHY

Group donates medical equipment to hospitals Delta

Page 13

Email: news_extra@yahoo.com

Monarch petitions IGP over insecurity

•Mohammed Abubakar

HE traditional ruler of Oleh Kingdom in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty Ovrawah OmoghaI has called on the Inspector-General of Police Mr Mohammed Danjuma Abubakar, to transfer the Divisional Police Officer of Oleh Police Station following the deteriorating security situation in his kingdom. The monarch, who requested that officers who are zero tolerant to crime be posted to the area, stressed the need for a total overhauling of the division, even as he enjoined

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

the Inspector-General of Police to carry out a detailed investigation of the alleged attempted murder of the secretary of the Oleh Vigilance Group, Mr. Edafe George. Edafe was allegedly shot at by police officers of the division. He alleged that the evidence and attitude of some of the officers in the division were pointers to the fact that they had compromised standard in crime fighting. The monarch, in a petition to the Inspector-General of Police

complained about the growing level of insecurity as a result of activities robbers in Oleh. Ovrawah reiterated that the rate of robbery incidents, kidnapping, car snatching, cultism and other vices were becoming the rampant in his kingdom which is host to the Oleh campus of the Delta State University. He further said that the killing of a 500-level student of engineering by armed bandits in Oleh almost sparked a riot between the community and the station. “These are the scenarios which

played out in similar robbery incidences and occurrences in Ichofu Street, IDC Road, Odoro Road among other streets and all in Oleh as distress calls on the police of the Oleh division are not always attended to as they always surfaced after the robbers had concluded their onslaught on my people,” the monarch said. Accusing the police of deliberately firing shots at members of the Oleh Vigilance Group, the petition further alleged that Edafe George narrowly escaped death but was severely injured from the gunshot injury he sustained from the police onslaught.

Taraba, Benue in search of peace Suswam, Suntai urge peaceful co-existence HE incessant communal clashes between Tivs in Taraba and Benue states could be heading towards resolution following the intervention of the governors of the two neighbouring states. Governors Gabriel Suswam and Danbaba Suntai of Benue and Taraba states have initiated some moves aimed at bringing about lasting peace in the warring communities. The measures, which have started bearing fruits, have earned the two states chief executives commendation and honour from the Taraba State Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA). Parts of the moves for lasting peace among the warring communities were putting in place formidable structures for proper delineation of the boundary, to check the activities of mischief makers who incite the communities into taking up arms against themselves, another iss appointing some Tiv indigenes into the administration of Governor Suntai. ManyTiv-speaking people occupies both divides of the border. Those in Taraba have, often times, clashed with their neighbouring ethnic groups,

•Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue state (left) and Danbaba Suntai of Taraba decorated in Tiv cultural regalia to demostrate love From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

during which lives and property were lost. Observers have noted that issues of boundary and identity have been the bone of contention and about the most recurring concern among many socio-political and economic challenges that Tiv in Taraba are experiencing. Crises erupting in Taraba South are always attributed to land, when, observers say, 70 per cent of arable land in the region remains

uncultivated. The reception for the governors which was organised by the Taraba State Tiv Cultural and Social Association (TCSA) held at DanAnacha. President of the association Philip Ihom disclosed that the group decided to honour Suswam as an illustrious Tiv son, whose “pragmatic leadership style has touched positively on the lives of the people, and for his contributions to the peace process between Taraba and Benue states.”

Though the event, which had other ethnic groups in attendance, was intended to give honour to who it is due, it turned out to be a huge ceremony of peace and unity between the two states. For Taraba and Benue states whose constituent parts had been at daggers-drawn with one another in the past, the occasion was a welcome development and a further assurance that the relative cessation of hostilities being enjoyed currently would be sustained.

The event boosted the confidence of the two state governments to the effect that their development programmes would go on unhindered. Any wonder that the day’s event was what they had all looked onto for as balm for the lingering strife. When eventually the day came, it brought together an unprecedented crowd to the astonishment of everyone. High point of the occasion was the decoration of the Benue State •Continued on Page 49

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Youth council to empower 250 members T HE National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in Delta State, says it has concluded plans to empower 250 youths in the state before the end of the year. The Chairman of the Council, Mr Hope George, disclosed this in an interview with reporters in Asaba. George said the empowerment programme involved training in different skills, adding that 10 youths would be selected from each of the 25 local government areas of the state for the scheme. According to him, those selected will be trained in bead-making, paint manufacturing, mobile telephone repairs and computer appreciation. He explained that the essence of the programme was to reduce the rate of unemployment, youth restiveness and criminal

•Uduaghan

Govt woos Turkish firms

O fewer than 1000 industries are expected to be established in the Niger Delta region by Turkish businessmen before the end of 2013. This was disclosed by an industrial development consultant to the Ministry of Niger Delta, Dr Edema Udoh. Udoh told reporters in Uyo that the business concerns would be located in Akwa Ibom State. She said that the ministry would partner with the Turks in the venture, adding that the ministry had also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the country for the establishment of industrial clusters in Niger Delta. Udoh added that the conglomerate of industries envisaged under the Niger Delta Action Plan would be modelled after the Organised Industrial Region known as “OSTIM Project” in Turkey. The consultant said that Akwa Ibom had been chosen as a pilot state under the OSTIM/ MNDA agreement, adding that the project

Akwa Ibom

ROSS River StateGovernor Liyel Imoke has approved N100 million to buy HIV and AIDS test kits, the Director-General of the State Agency for the Control of HIV and AIDS, Mrs Irene Aniyom, has said. “Due to the recent lack of HIV and AIDS test kits in the country, we approached the state government and the governor approved the sum of N100 million for us. “We have not collected the money but we have called in the experts who will supply the kits and collaborate with us in the handling, and once the process is completed, the money will be released’’, she said According to her, the governor has also paid N15 million as part of conditions for World Bank-assisted programme to tackle HIV. She stated that through campaigns by SACA, NGOs and donor agencies, the prevalent rate of HIV had reduced to less than seven per cent in the state.

Delta

activities in the state. He also said that the programme would help to reposition the less-privileged in the society, adding that it would be extended to the physically-challenged. George disclosed that the programme would be conducted in batches, adding that the first batch would begin training in October. “At the end of the training, the beneficiaries will be given starter packs to enable them establish their businesses.” He said that a sensitisation campaign to precede the training had begun in all the council areas. “The sensitisation is to prepare potential participants in the programme on its essence and the trades available,” he said and assured that the scheme would be an

•Imoke annual event. He also disclosed that the council would hold its annual summit in the last quarter of the year and that it would focus on unemployment and security challenges facing the state.

would be replicated in other states of the region. “We have chosen a site already in Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State . It is a huge programme to be executed under Public-Private Partnership (PPP). “This is a development model that will promote industrial clusters with shared manpower, shared resources and facilities,” Udoh said. She explained that the project would also create new towns and boost economic activities in the Niger Delta and expressed the hope that the nine state governments would cooperate with the Niger Delta Ministry to realise the plan. “The OSTIM project as implemented in Turkey, and if adopted in Niger Delta region, will drastically reduce unemployment and also adequately address development challenges in the area”, she added.

Council warns land trespassers

RIADE Local Council Development Area,in Lagos State has warned members of public from encroaching on the council’s land. The Chairman of Land and Council Property Committee, Hon. Mustapha Ojora, gave the warning during an inspection of work on a large expanse of land at Old Ojo road, meant for a community market and motor park under the council’s development scheme. Ojora, who led some of the community leaders and members of the committee to the site, said that those in the habit of trespassing and on the council’s land and property, would henceforth be prosecuted. According to him, “Some people are not only malicious and clever but also desperate to take over public landed property” alleging forgery of fake documents to claim the council’s landed property at Old Ojo road by one private organisation. Recalling that the over six hectares of land at the centre of the town was released and granted to the then Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area by the Agboju Royal Family, Ojora said the council would not compromise its stand to protect the public property even as effort is on to make the place what it was approved for. “In year 2000, I met with Agboju royal family to seek this land for public use. We were still under Amuwo Odofin Local Government then

By Paul Oluwakoya

and they obliged. It is now 12 years after and during this period, we have been able to secure the state government’s approval in making the land a market and a motor park. We are now Oriade LCDA, and we cannot continue to let the land become haven for wild animals, not even now that the council is in dire need of a market and motor park. “As you can see, construction work has begun already but to my surprise some people are threatening to impede the project and even take the portion of land from the council through a privately owned management firm that was accusing the council of trespass and illegal occupation of property. “I must tell you that after investigating through the forensic department of the Nigeria Police Force, we were able to establish that the land documents in the letter they wrote to us were forged and I wonder how somebody/ some people could go to the extent of personalising a community property. “We have all relevant documents has given down by the Nigeria Police Force. Even as we have started works on the site now the council won’t entertain any threat as all trespassers are warned to stay away from the site and cease from having anything to do with it”.

• ACN chairman in Oyo State, Chief Oke, presenting money to one of the beneficiaries on behalf of the lawmaker. With them on the left is Hon Awoleye

Lawmaker lifts the needy

MEMBER of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency Hon. Abiodun Awoleye has given financial support to over 600 petty traders and artisans in his constituency to expand their businesses and be financially independent . The event took place at the state Housing Corporation, Bodija,Ibadan,the Oyo State capital just as the assistance ranged fromN 20,000 to N50,000 While addressing the beneficiaries, the lawmaker urged them to make good use of the money so as to improve their living conditions. He said the funds are to help the petty traders who need little capital to operate and upgrade their businesses. He also donated a brand new 18seater bus to the party ACN, Ibadan North Local Government chapter on which platform he was elected to the National Assembly He said the gesture was a fulfilment of his campaign promises centred on empowerment of constituents, attraction of people-oriented

By Jeremiah Oke

projects from the Federal Government and innovative contributions to national debates and issues of national interest. He said: “We are here today to empower over 600 petty traders who need small amount of money to expand their businesses and also to show some appreciation to my party, ACN, the party on which platform I was elected. This is to enhance mobility and facilitate smooth running of the party’. The lawmaker also promised to facilitate the rehabilitation and upgrading of Ibadan Airport at the federal level as soon as the Federal Government starts implementation of 2012 budget in earnst. The chairman of the the state ACN, Chief Akin Oke, praised the lawmaker for his generosity and for putting the warfare of the party and the people of his constituency first. He said the party is proud of him for the good initiative. He, therefore, urged other lawmakers and other political office holders to borrow a leaf from the federal legislator in his determination to uplift constituents and spread his programmes across the 12 wards that make up the constituency.

Group elects executives

•Some council workers during the inspection of work on the land

HE Igbo Maritime Forum has elected Chief Damian Obianigwe as its President General. He defeated his opponent in a keenly contested election. The election which was held last week at the Mobil Pegasus Club Apapa, had other Igbo freight forwarders contest for the various positions in the association. For the positions of Deputy President General, Secretary General, Assistant Secretary General and Finan-

By Uyoatta Eshiet

cial Secretary; Prince Ozor Chukwura, Chief Dom Obi, Okey Egbuchulam and Isaac Ndukwe were, respectively, declared unopposed. Other contestants declared unopposed were Dr Obicee Okonkwo, Mazi Sunday Ugorji and Hon. Osita Madueme for the positions of Public Relations Officer, Provost and Social Welfare Officer respectively. The position of the treasurer went to Mazi Dona Agupusi. The new officers had been sworn in.

Imoke to spend N100m on HIV test kits Cross River “Every quarter, we have partners’ meeting where we review all the activities. The partners also submit all their HIV and AIDS awareness activities and programmes to us regularly’’, she said. “Cross River is now a reference point on HIV and AIDS matters in the country because of our governor’s immense contribution,” she added.

Community hails evening market

ESIDENTS of Rumumasi in Obio/Akpor local government of Rivers State have expressed relief and satisfaction over the existence of an evening market in their neigbourhood. The market operates from 2.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. daily. Some of the residents, who are mostly workers, told reporters that the market had met their needs, especially when they return from work late. Mrs Nkechinyere Obodo, a restaurant operator in the area and regular user of the market, said it had helped in reducing her shuttles to Port Harcourt market to buy condiments and drinks to be used for the next day’s business. “If not for this market, I may not have been able to prepare my food early enough for people to buy the next morning’’, she said. Miss Nkeiruka Areh, a worker, said she no longer lacked food in her apartment “because this evening market has made it easier for me to have food items at home always”. For Mrs Rosemary Akpan, a house wife, the market had been a big relief for Rumumasi residents, because they could easily pick up food condiments at their door steps or on their way from work. A fish seller at the market, Mrs Chisa Ezekiel, said that the evening market had helped in keeping families together. According to her, workers and traders who leave their homes in the morning, find it convenient to come to the market in the evening to buy food items.

Rivers She said that families that might have gone to bed without dinner, due to their inability to access the distant market in Port Harcourt, had overcome the problem with the neighbourhood market. Besides, Ezekiel said that food items were often cheaper at the evening local market. She explained that in the evening market, “both buyers and sellers want to buy and leave the market on time, unlike the morning market where people have time to bargain prices. ‘’A fish sold at N1, 500 at the evening market would be sold at N2,000 in other markets in the area’’, she disclosed.

‘Our projects ‘ll improve living standard’ HE District Governor of Rotary Club 9110, Dr Kamoru Omotosho, has said that the club would embark on projects that will impact positively on the lives of the ordinary people. The DG who made the pledge during a board meeting and induction of new members of the Victoria Garden City (VGC) Rotary Club, Ajah last week, noted that it would give priority to the supply of water and improvement on the environment. He said: “We shall try to improve on the quality of our member to be able to do more

‘Give priority to education’

HE wife of the Chairman of Ojo Local Government Area in Lagos State, Alhaja Muslimah Durosimi , has advised youths to focus on their education for a better tomorrow. She gave the advice at the launch of a club named after her, Durosimi Muslimah Olajumoke Girls Club. The club, according to her, is meant “to give voice to the voiceless youths in the council as it will serve as avenue for interaction on issues that affect their life career”. Mrs Durosinmi said the club is gender sensitive as it is only meant for the girls who most times suffer setbacks on sexual

Firm donates school to communities ONSTRUCTION giant Julius Berger Nigeria PLC (JB) has donated an eight-block secondary school to the Atlas Cove communities of Abagbo, Ebute Oko, Okun Ayo, Store and Tarkway Bay, in Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area of Lagos State. The school will take about 240 pupils and will kick off in September. The construction was done by Cornelec Ltd while Julius Berger provided the logistics and material support. As part of Julius Berger ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the company built a medical facility for the Tarway Bay community in 2003. In the year 2000, the company was contracted to design and construct a single point mooring, offshore pipeline and tankage facility. Subsequently, the company was chosen to build the new Atlas Cove jetty facility, commissioned in 2003 and to carry out repair works in 2011 resulting from the damage of a bomb blast which occurred in July 2009. In the welcome address by Pastor Abraham Naikon, the coordinator, Atlas Cove Host Communities Development Association, he said: “Today is a happy day as we all come to witness the good gesture of Julius Berger towards the host communities in performing her civic responsibility. Let us appreciate the good things God is bringing to us through this medium”. He urged the host communities to come together to embrace peace and love. The Vice-Chairman, Iru-Victoria Island Local Council Development Area ,Mr Olusegun Ajiboye who represents the chairman, gave thanks to God and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for donating the school. He urged the principal, teachers

•From left: Susan Omotosho, Dr. Omotosho and Dr Sanusi

By Duro Babayemi

and the students to maintain the facility properly and not to destroy the building. Among the dignitaries at the occasion are Mr Henk Rypma, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc Projec Manager; Mr Ludger Horn, Commercial Manager; Mr Clement Iloba, Public Affairs Adivser; Mr Ajiboye, Chief Femi Alade, Baale of Onishiwo Land; Chief Fatai Olusesi, Majeobaje of Onishiwo land; Chief (Mrs) Modupe Gilbert, Iyalode of Ebute Oko and some leaders of the host communities.

By Aminat Adesina

harassments and other related harassments in the society. Given the importance of girl-child education, the programme was tagged: Educating the girlchild.The venue was the Ojo Local Government Multipurpose Hall. Mrs Durosinmi said the only tool to develop a nation is proper training of a girl-child, saying her education is a pivotal key to development. “Education is the most important tool you can ever give to a girl-child to develop herself and improve the society. And the local government is ready to assist her because every child regardless of her gender has a right to education,” she said. She stressed that the girls should not be relegated to a second fiddle position because they are seen as being vulnerable and most undervalued to their male counterparts.

By Musa Odoshimokhe

projects for the benefit of our communities. “The projects that we will focus will include water and sanitation.” According to the DG, supply of water to communities under his district has become imperative because of the urgent need to improve the qualities of life of the people. “Don’t forget that sometime ago a pupil from one primary school died while in the toilet. The toilet was apparently not good and we had to come to rehabilitate some of these awkward structures that constitute environmental hazards.” Omotosho explained that the meeting with VGC Rotary Club afforded him the opportunity to examine the club’s performance especially on projects undertaken and its response to other social needs. “I will say this meeting gave me an opportunity to commend them for their steadfastness which I urge them to sustain the tempo of performance in respect of the projects and commitment to cause of Rotary International.” While calling on all Rotarians to consciously make sacrifice in order to serve the people, he urged the newly inducted members to take their time to study the programmes of the club in order to acquaint themselves with its dos and donts. The DG maintained that people around them will learn from their conduct therefore, they should be modest in the way they play their role. Given that the club places emphasis on family values it is necessary they carry their spouses along in whatever they do.

Students get free GCE forms

LAWMAKER representing Badagry Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Hon Rafeequat Arinola Onabamiro, has reiterated her commitment to a pledge of periodic meetings with stakeholders in the constituency to discuss their challenges and how to move the constituency forward. The lawmaker spoke at the distribution of free GCE forms for 135 candidates drawn from

•Elder Kiki Whenu (right) presenting a form to one of the beneficiaries

By Adegunle Olugbamila

various wards across the constituency at the at the Badagry Local Government secretariat last week. The forms were accompanied with free scratch cards with which the lucky beneficiaries can assess their results online. Onabamiro said her constituency has also provided buses as means of transportation to assist unemployed youths and various forms of financial assistance to youths. Represented by her Personal Assistant, Alhaji Alli Muhili Adejumo, the lawmaker said the gesture was to further equip the beneficiaries to be useful to themselves, the society and the constituency in future. She said: “Building a home without providing edcation for its youths is like not providing a future for such family. Education is total empowerment, a key to success and a tool for development in all areas of life. We aim to enrich our youths with these forms for better education should start from a point. Other education programme shall be bursary awards to students in tertiary institutions.” She assured that her forthcoming programme would devote attention to market women and men particularly those who have remained committed members of the ACN. “Generally, we have tried to touch lives of some individuals and groups in areas such as healthcare, educational tuition, vehicle maintenance and other forms of financial assistance including house repairs”. Shepromised to address projects such as youth skill development,empowerment and challenges of riveside rural dwellers. Earlier in his address, the Chairman Badagry Local Government, Hustode Moses Dosu, had admonished the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunities.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

COMMENTARY Comments

EDITORIAL FROM OTHER LAND

Once upon a Clifford Orji •Whether he was a cannibal, a madman, or trafficker in human parts, we may never prove anything

LTHOUGH it has been quite an age, Lagosians cannot forget the story of the man, Clifford Orji, in a hurry. He was the popular Nigerian alleged cannibal whose story made the rounds in the media in the late1990s. He was eventually arrested in February 1999, and charged before an Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on February 19 of the same year. Since then, he was never tried. The sad news now is that Orji died on August 17 of unknown causes at the Kirikiri Maximum Prison in Lagos. The consequence of this is that we may never be able to get to the root of the weighty allegations of cannibalism and selling of human parts levelled against him; which is quite unfortunate. His story may be well known; but a recap would still suffice. Orji came into limelight, albeit for the wrong purposes, when passers-by noticed his strange activities under the bridge at the Toyota Bus Stop area of the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. He was alleged to have been planted there by some influential persons who were into ritualism so that he could be getting victims that they would use with ease. As a matter of fact, he too was said to be eating some of the victims after roasting their body parts. As at the time of his arrest, the police believed he was mad, given his very queer behaviour. However, the popular theory then was that he was feigning the madness to cover his crime and to facilitate his access to the body parts he was allegedly selling. The fact that a cheque for N80,000 was

allegedly found on him as at the time of arrest would seem to corroborate this theory. After all, what would a mad man be doing with a cheque? Moreover, a cell phone, women’s underwear as well as fresh and roasted human flesh and bones were allegedly found on him as at the time he was arrested. All these, and perhaps more, made his story a compelling read in the days following his arrest. Indeed, if the matter had been left to the court of public opinion, Orji would long have been handed what Nigerians believed to be his just deserts. The question of formally prosecuting him would never have arisen. To the public, he was ‘guilty even if yet to be charged’; the only thing was to pronounce the verdict and have jungle justice applied on him, to teach those who they believed sent him, and his ilk, that the path they have decided to toe does not pay. His sudden death in prison, however, would appear to have vindicated those who felt, ab initio, that nothing good would come out of the trial. This sort of impression is not good for the country. The government must probe the circumstances of Orji’s death, especially given the wild allegations that made the rounds when the matter was unfolding. It is indefensible that a suspect would be in prison for more than 13 years without trial on account of insanity. Why, for instance, would the major psychiatric hospitals in the country reject him? If psychiatric hospitals would reject someone suspected to be insane, do they expect the person to be treated in a

paediatric or maternity hospital? And, is it true that the psychiatric hospitals that rejected him truly lacked the capacity to cope with his level of insanity? When suspects die in prison under the kind of curious circumstances that Orji died, it denies the country the opportunity of getting to the root of crimes they were alleged to have committed. We have also said that our judicial system should be reviewed to facilitate quick dispensation of justice. We renew the call and hope that the new Chief Justice of Nigeria would feel sufficiently embarrassed by these unsavoury incidents and ensure that the anomalies are rectified so that justice would no longer be delayed, thus denied.

‘When suspects die in prison under the kind of curious circumstances that Orji died, it denies the country the opportunity of getting to the root of crimes they were alleged to have committed. We have also said that our judicial system should be reviewed to facilitate quick dispensation of justice. We renew the call and hope that the new Chief Justice of Nigeria would feel sufficiently embarrassed by these unsavoury incidents ...’

Protesting police wives •Only a savage society would deny police widows their entitlements

HE scene was evocative of both disgust and compassion. The atmosphere was devoid of empathy but reveals the state of despondency and frustration of the protesters. This transpired in Abuja when, among others, protesting widows/ relations of policemen who lost their lives in the line of duty and those that lost their jobs, or become incapacitated while on active service protested against the delay in the payment of their beloved ones’ entitlements by police authorities. The pictures of their protest march (all women), stir up sympathy, for they must have been pushed to the wall before embracing protest, as a last resort, hoping that

‘From the readings on their protest banners: ‘It might be you tomorrow’; ‘Show concern for your former colleagues’, ‘Pay us our entitlements’, among others, it is apparent that, the widows and relations of these unfortunate policemen are groaning under a traumatic atmosphere of abject abandonment. Such a situation is injurious to a government that ought to make the security and welfare of the people its priority’

those concerned will be touched by their pathetic plight. From the readings on their protest banners: ‘It might be you tomorrow’; ‘Show concern for your former colleagues’, ‘Pay us our entitlements’, among others, it is apparent that, the widows and relations of these unfortunate policemen are groaning under a traumatic atmosphere of abject abandonment. Such a situation is injurious to a government that ought to make the security and welfare of the people its priority. Sadly, these dependants, as victims of obvious systemic failure in the country are not asking for too much. What they are asking for is the payment of entitlements of their breadwinners that had been rendered redundant in line of duty of their chosen occupation of maintaining peace and security in the nation. Why should serving one’s nation be a burden? What lesson is this kind of official apathy to staff welfare going to teach those that are still in active service? Who is sitting over the entitlements of these people and for what? Are those at fault really men of conscience? We detest whatever it is that is making the women to embark on a public protest. They must have explored other means laid down by the rules without getting any meaningful result before organising themselves and engaging in this peaceful demonstra-

tion. We can only imagine the traumatic pains that the women dependants of these policemen are going through, especially when their husbands die or lose their jobs. In most cases, there are reports of those women and their children being thrown out of the police barracks almost immediately they lost their breadwinners in active service. We wonder how the government is not embarrassed by scenes such as the one created by the protesting women in Abuja. We urge concerned agencies to take up the matter and ensure that justice is done immediately. An attitude like this would not make police officers’ wives give their best to their husbands, or encourage them to give them the necessary motivation on the home front while in service; and this is not good if optimal productivity is the goal in the police force. We are aware of the damning reports of billions of naira of Police Pension Funds that had been embezzled while so far, nothing, at least to the knowledge of the public, has been done to rectify the situation. What will not be acceptable is for the police authorities to come up with excuses that the money of these protesting women’s husbands/ relations had developed wings. They must be paid in full for their toil for the nation.

The U.S. must keep speed up its aid to the Syrian opposition YRIA’S AGONIZING DESCENT into civil war has cost 18,000 lives. What began as a peaceful protest against President Bashir al-Assad hardened after Mr. Assad ordered his troops to open fire on demonstrators. The opposition, fragmented at first, now appears to be waging street-by-street combat in the main cities, including Damascus and Aleppo. Flags of the resistance are flying in some areas they control. In recent months, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton promised that the United States would support the Syria opposition with non-lethal assistance, such as communications gear. Separately, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have been arming the fighters. Communications equipment is crucial — allowing the resistance to coordinate during government-imposed Internet blackouts, providing warnings to civilians about approaching Syrian troops or sharing the location of makeshift medical facilities. It can also help the opposition wage an information war against the Assad regime, documenting atrocities and broadcasting propaganda. But as The Post’s Greg Miller reported Monday, the nonlethal aid seems to be slow in arriving. In interviews in Istanbul, a major hub for the opposition effort, Syrian activists expressed disappointment that so little has reached them, despite Mrs. Clinton’s assurances of $25 million in assistance. In response, the State Department says more than 900 pieces of nonlethal equipment have been provided. We’re told that some are being shipped without being identified as American gear. But U.S. officials also acknowledge a slow start. Assistant Secretary of State Rick Barton vowed that assistance would speed up “now that we have cleared many of the cobwebs in our own system and with our allies.” Furnishing communications gear is a minimal and inadequate response. For more than a year, President Obama has been assuring the world that Mr. Assad is bound to fall, but Mr. Assad has refused to take the cue. The White House clung for months to unrealistic hopes of a diplomatic solution, with Russia improbably cast as peacemaker. The United States should be providing leadership in helping the opposition establish safe zones and defeat Mr. Assad’s tanks and planes. The longer the war goes on, the higher the likely cost to civilians and regional stability. On Monday, the president acknowledged the obvious: “The likelihood of a soft landing seems pretty distant.” That’s just the point — and it’s why the United States must overcome the logistical and political hurdles to helping the opposition. The president’s other message on Monday was a warning to Syria not to use its large and lethal chemical-weapons stockpile in the civil war. Mr. Obama threatened that “a red line for us” would be movement or use of the chemical weapons. This was an appropriate message. But it does not resolve the problem of what to do with the dispersed chemical weapons if and when the regime falls. Hopefully, there are no cobwebs in the administration’s planning for that contingency. – Washinton Post

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief Victor Ifijeh • Editor Gbenga Omotoso •Chairman, Editorial Board Sam Omatseye •General Editor Kunle Fagbemi •Editor, Online Lekan Otufodunrin •Managing Editor Northern Operation Yusuf Alli •Managing Editor Waheed Odusile

• Executive Director (Finance & Administration) Ade Odunewu

•Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon

•Advert Manager Robinson Osirike

•Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina •Group Political Editor Bolade Omonijo •Group Business Editor Ayodele Aminu •Abuja Bureau Chief Yomi Odunuga •Sport Editor Ade Ojeikere •Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni

• Gen. Manager (Training and Development) Soji Omotunde •Chief Internal Auditor Toke Folorunsho •Senior Manager (sales) Akeem Shoge

•IT Manager Bolarinwa Meekness •Press Manager Udensi Chikaodi •Manager, Corporate Marketing Hameed Odejayi • Manager (Admin) Folake Adeoye

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: I have watched with great interest the current discussion and debate on whether to reintroduce state police into the country. I was born in 1987 and it is not every time you find my generation discuss such matters as we have European football to keep us distracted from the worries of our nation’s political and economic predicament. Nevertheless some of us still follow with interest the steps and utterances of our elders and fathers in their determined effort to bequeath a wobbling nation to us, their children. Of recent the issue of state police has been dominating the national discourse and I find it imperative to weigh in, lest it is said that the young was never interested. I will begin this discussion with those that will have command over

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

State police: To be or not to be? the proposed state police: the governors. Sincerely speaking, this is the most scary and ominous aspect of the issue of state police. The governors are powerful, very powerful. To understand the power of the governors ask the President. The political hold the governors wield in their respective states have been rightly described by someone as similar to that of an emperor. No single state assembly has enough

cohesion, political or intellectual power to withstand their Lordships. From Lagos to Enugu to Sokoto, from PDP to ACN to CPC the narrative is the same. Their Lordships reign supreme. Now imagine giving them the legal and executive power to legitimately order armed men. I see danger! Even now when the federal police is not under the control of the governors we see what happens

especially when elections are approaching; now imagine when they have the legitimate power to do so. Until the powers of the governors are effectively controlled especially by equally powerful and totally independent and virile state houses of assemblies, I dare to say No to state police. Now watch my words, this is an issue of timing in view of the maturity of our democratic institu-

What is life worth in Nigeria?

IR: Two reports tucked inside Nigerian national dailies recently were chilling to say the least. Firstly, the brutalization of a photo-journalist, Benedict Uwalaka by mortuary attendants in Lagos and secondly, a report in Punch of August 17 titled “Policeman, four others killed in Enugu cult war” on the killing of university students by rival cult groups in Enugu State University of Technology. It is shocking that people are still killing and maiming fellow humans from the slightest of provocations. In fact, in Benedict’s case, I cannot find any wrong doing since he was performing him duty as a journalist. But these two cases expose how barbaric we have degenerated. Nigeria has fine, smart minds in all walks of life. But some few bad eggs keep dragging the name of Nigeria and the good Nigerians to the mud. What do people gain from assaulting, molesting, maiming and killing others in a place where there is no war? Why are Nigerian university students killing themselves? Life is sacred and the highest mystery of creation. The sanctity of life is not to be argued, it is holy and should be seen so. It is animal-like and barbaric to take a life or engage in a life-threatening activities. Why is there untamed hate in our country? A peep into the Nigerian streets, one will see violence and hatred.

Violence has permeated into the country’s veins and arteries that it is becoming difficult to see a gentleman in the streets. I mean, if mortuary attendants and university students engage in life threatening brutalization, what becomes the Agbero in Oshodi, the area-boy in Diobu, Onitsha, and Warri? In the streets, one cannot walk freely, it is either one is dodging bullets from militants, kidnappers, armed robbers, cult groups or one is afraid of a bomb. Minus Boko Haram and militancy now, Nigerian streets are rich in violence. In Port Harcourt for instance, ‘DeGbam’ and ‘De-Well’ are two cults groups that have terrorized residents. They kill at will and engage in armed robbery as well as hired assassins. In our universities, it is even

worse. Vikings, Black Axe, Buccaneers, etc deny students sleep every night. They also disrupt lectures at will. They kill and make Nigeria universities blood campuses. As an undergraduate student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt between 2004 to 2008, I saw youths beheaded, shot to death, and beaten to death. We are suffering the ignominy of our actions or actions of our brothers. Like Shakespeare said in Macbeth, “Unnatural deeds breed unnatural troubles”.Killings and wars, cheating and stealing has plunged us into a state of penury and tears. There is a positive correlation between sanctity of life and development. Wars, hatred, envy and barbaric tendencies under-develop a society. How can a student be cre-

ative and innovative in an environment of uncertainty, gun shots, killing, maiming, and looting? How can a child be a better person in an environment of hatred cum bitterness? We must scold any attitude that make people run into a vendetta. We must preach the gospel of peace, love and sanctity of life. We must delineate the evil that comes with wickedness and barbarism to obviate this seamy malady. We must solve this bellicose (war-like) attitude that brings lachrymose (tears) that renders our society in comatose. In effect, the respect of life as well as a genuine love for others is the recipe for a developed, egalitarian society. • Uwalaka Temple Daejeon, South Korea

tions. The reality of our polity is that the powers of the President is checked by the National Assembly, the ever present need for the support of the governors especially in getting issues scale the legislative arm also enables the governors provide a check to the presidency. The president is also reined in due to the searchlight of the media on anything national. These three factors give the President less room to wield emperor-like powers! People are increasingly forming neighbourhood watches and vigilantes and most streets at least in my vicinity currently have security committees. The governors should integrate all these vigilantes and popular committees and equip them with communication gadgets that will be networked with the federal police presence in the respective states. And I would love to add that the first battle against insecurity is not by armed men but through effective communication and intelligence and of course an economically active population. An active and watchful society is more effective than a million armed-to-the teeth policemen. And of course, it is a no brainer that when the states are economically active and resources are not being wasted rather used to create productive activities for the restive youth insecurity will be reduced. The road to hell, they say, is paved with good intention but if we are to give the benefit of doubt to those clamouring for state police and assume they indeed have noble reasons what will have happen down the line when someone not so noble assumes the throne of the emperor? • KCO Garki ,Abuja.

Open letter to Governor Ajimobi IR: On behalf of thousands of citizens residing in Ona Ara, Egbeda, Oluyole local government areas of the state and other adjoining settlements, we want to put on record the positive impact of developmental projects being put in place by the Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi administration. We commend His Excellency and members of his team. Like the proverbial Oliver Twist, we are now making a passionate appeal to the governor in the area of road construction. The roads in question are exist-

ing roads which were once repaired but are now in deplorable state. They include Akanran-Kajola road in Ona Ara local government. Similarly we earnestly seek your excellency’s prompt intervention in the annexation of Odeyale – Ajia road with Egbeda junction in Egbeda local government. If this is done, it will alleviate the present gridlock occasioned by heavy traffick congestion along Amuloko-Jegede-Olunloyo road. We also want Ajumose governor to consider seriously annexing

Amuloko area with Ayegun in Oluyole local government. Sir, it is on record that the former administration of elderstateman, Alhaji Lamidi Onaolapo Adesina fixed the OdeyajeAjia road up to Egbeda. At present, the once motorable link road is unmotorable. Please do something on this. There is yet another economically important road that requires urgent rehabilitation. By this, we mean if Akanran-Kajola road is rehabilitated it will greatly faced in transporting foodstuff and other agro products

from the farms to the urban centres. If this is done, post-harvest losses will be drastically curtailed thus increasing supply and guaranteeing meaningful return on investment which will in turn impact positively on food security. While we pledge our continued loyalty to your purpose driven administration, we pray for outstanding success and divine guiadance during your tenure. •Chief Emmanuel FolorunsoOgunnaike (MFR) , FOL-HOPE AGRIC Services, Ibadan

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012 16

COMMENTS

Reality Bites S

Beasts of no gender (3)

Olatunji Ololade

UCH is the excellent foppery of the feminist, that, when devastated in psyche and fortune, often by the consequences of her own plots, she makes guilty the sun, the moon, the stars and man. Strange thing, blame; were humanity given to such insolent prevarications and loathing that depicts the feminist heart, world over, every man and boy-child would be worse than swine. But we couldn’t all possibly be swine: ‘man-child,’ ‘boy-child,’ ‘rapist,’ ‘batterer,’ ‘rogue,’ ‘monster,’ ‘chauvinist,’ ‘real man’ – whatever colourful classification aptly substantiates the feminist’s categorization of the average male. The contemporary Nigerian male however, personifies even worse monstrosity in the dictionary of Nigeria’s die-hard feminists, perhaps justifiably too. But for all his perceived grotesqueness, he is a tamable monster; ask the alpha feminist next door. It’s really interesting the cultural shift that feminism has caused in Nigeria’s current generation of females. Maddened by the first and second parts of this article, self-acclaimed feminists have identified me as ‘a typical male chauvinist and beast.’ And in desperate bid to justify their vitriol, one self-acclaimed, “emancipated and very successful accountant and corporate titan” sought the comfort of the Christian Holy Bible claiming: “It is said that a man shall leave his parents and go cleave to a woman…go figure! Even the Holy Bible acknowledges that you poor things (men) need our leadership and direction to survive.” Wonder what she thinks of the

following commandments from her much loved Holy Bible: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife...Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.” (Ephesians 5:22-24). And it is quite hilarious that the same Holy Bible she passionately quoted said in Timothy 2:11-14 thus: “Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” Many more passages in the Holy Bible establish the woman as everything but a worthy candidate for headship of the family and State which she desperately seeks. Even the Holy Bible states that it was due to Eve’s feminism that God banished man from Eden into hardship on earth. But who cares? The gospel may be perverted to suit the dynamics of the times and feminist movement. After all, Nigerian women are mounting the pulpit to minister unto men even as Corinthians 14:34-35 unequivocally states: “Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law…for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.” Bet many feminists are calling for a feminist bible written by a woman as you read, to suit the exigencies of today and the future. It’s amazing to see how differently our young women think to-

SIMMERING debate has issued from the controversial $15 million cash allegedly used by the former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, to bribe Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The debate was spawn by the recent actions of the EFCC, the federal government and the Attorney General of the Federation on one hand and the Delta State government on the other. The story broke in 2007 when Ribadu alleged that Ibori had approached him through a middle man with the humungous amount to compromise investigations on the former Governor of Delta State by the anti-graft agency. That allegation kicked up a whirlwind of brickbats. Ibori, the man in the centre of the storm, had since been convicted in the United Kingdom for sundry financial crimes and is currently doing his jail term. In convicting Ibori, the UK government said it would remit all recovered monies from Ibori and his cohorts to the coffers of Delta State . Even though this was not the basis for the argument in the UK court, the Judge of Southwark Crown Court 9 in London , Justice Anthony Pitts, ruled that the monies recovered from Ibori should be returned to Delta State . That was on April 17, this year.

‘It is enough injustice in Nigeria that public office holders steal from the common till and impoverish the citizenry, but it would amount to gross injustice and extreme wickedness if the conspiracy to rob the people of Delta State of their legitimate wealth succeeds’

day: for instance, not a few spinsters and highly driven alpha females consider becoming a housewife extremely degrading and disgusting except in instances when they get to domesticate and lord it over their men. But ask any such character if she would be interested in random sex, a three-some or gang-bang and you get a “Cool! I am so into that!” The Nigerian female has indeed come a long way. Most young ladies would condemn either of the two stereotypical male-favoured sexual options but much as I hate to break this, more women would do both: explore the possibilities of being a housewife while skirting with the exhilaration of random and discreet sexual encounters. “Women too, are shedding their inhibitions…get with the program!”said another die-hard feminist and “emancipated” lawyer. Much feminist ideology will eventually boomerang on the womenfolk. Remember porn. Raunchy porn today arose from secondwave feminism, women’s lib and the sexual revolution that ushered in extra-marital “anything goes” sport sex.“Progressive liberal feminists” supported sexual rebellion against “patriarchal oppression” and many porn stars in fact used and still use porn as their feminist vehicle; think Julie Andrews, Nina Hartley et al. Yet the biggest anti-porn people out there today, are feminists. Today, they blame men for this huge explosion in raunchy porn. Could everyone be blind to their duplicity? The feminist destruction of the family and obsolescence of marriage in the mad dash to recentralize power to the matriarchy will bite women in the bum eventually. Already, women are lamenting the unavailability of eligible males as more males would rather have sport-sex than marry. As you read,

extra-marital sex is escalating via BlackBerry Messenger, Facebook and other social networking. And with homosexuality, invitro-fertilization and sperm generation science, the future looks bleak for traditional family. It doesn’t matter the dictates of culture and religion, in five to 10 years, the degradation of the marital enterprise is going to become mainstream – which means far less sexual inhibitions and more informally institutionalized decadence. And who pays the price for such grossness and abnormality? The Nigerian boy-child and girl-child – whom the 21 st century Nigerian feminist could care less about providing stable, healthy families and homes for. Nigerian feminism like its Western fount is an ideological fraud that needs to be challenged and laughed out of the academia, industry, religion, sports, politics, family and every aspect of life. Reality is a lot more complicated than what feminists make it out to be. This brings me to the issue of feminist illogic. Feminists supposedly believe in equality and that women are just as capable as men. Yet all feminists seem to be doing is demanding that ‘problematic’ men fix women’s problems for women. Passionately, they regale young girls with the evils of manhood teaching them that they have the right to do anything, but none of the responsibility that comes with having those rights. Feminists are teaching young girls to be self-indulgent and self-pitying. Thanks to feminism, Nigerian society is now full of ‘virtuous’ women, with ugly personalities. Virtuous women who can’t get a date, virtuous women who can’t keep a relationship, who can’t understand why every man they meet is a ‘loser’ and who can’t figure out why they feel so miserable and unfulfilled in life despite their wealth.

That is what feminism has done, that is feminism’s legacy. It makes life miserable for women and unbearable for men. Forget the cant about ‘gender equality’; it is merely a disguise, a masquerade. For today’s feminists the key aims are to justify their existence, to hold onto their power and privileges and to ensure that the movement continues in perpetuity. This no doubt contradicts the philosophy of “Equality Feminism” that seeks to sensitize every woman and man to the possibility of happy marriages based on mutual respect rather than domination or subservience, on love rather than submission, and on the moral health of the society founded on a woman’s ability to inspire order and harmony in managing her household, promoting the happiness of her husband, moral leadership to her family, and improving values of her community. To be continued…

‘Passionately, they regale young girls with the evils of manhood teaching them that they have the right to do anything, but none of the responsibility that comes with having those rights. Feminists are teaching young girls to be self-indulgent and self-pitying. Thanks to feminism, Nigerian society is now full of ‘virtuous’ women, with ugly personalities’ SMS only 08038551123 (tunji_ololade@yahoo.co.uk)

FG and Ibori bribe money By Temisan Oviasojie On the heels of the judgment by the UK court, the federal government, the Attorney-General of the Federation and the EFCC, either flying a kite or in a deliberate act of mischief approached an Abuja High Court through an ex parte motion (something strongly repudiated by the leadership of the judiciary) seeking to compel the court to make a pronouncement declaring the forfeiture of the said amount to the federal government. Strangely, the plaintiffs got their wish granted but only temporarily. Justice Gabriel Kolawole did not only uphold the federal government’s claim that the said sum, “if left untouched and unspent in the state it was kept in the strong room (of Central Bank of Nigeria) since April 2007, may eventually be destroyed, defaced, mutilated and become useless”, he also granted the EFCC’s request for “an interim order forfeiting the $15m being an unclaimed property in possession of the CBN to the Federal Government, pending the publication and hearing of the motion on notice for the final forfeiture order of the said property.” Kolawole thereupon ordered that the interim order should be published in the newspaper”for anyone who is interested in the property to appear before the court to show cause within 14 days why the final order of forfeiture should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria.” September 17, has been fixed to hear the motion on notice for the final forfeiture of the said sum. To the undiscerning mind, the case against Ibori in Nigeria is different from the case in which he was convicted in the UK . But they are not. The case against Ibori at Southwark Crown Court 9 in Lon-

don for which he was convicted is ipsilateral with the case against him in Nigeria . Both are criminal cases bordering on financial heist against the same person who was governor of Delta State when both offences were said to have been committed. It is therefore strange that the Nigerian government and in particular the EFCC would approach the court to action the forfeiture of the $15 million to the federal government rather than to Delta State government. The manner the money was offered and for what purpose it was offered may be controversial but the source of the money should not be embroiled in the same web of controversy. Clearly and unambiguously, the money belongs to the good people of Delta State and should be returned to them. It would be immoral for any organisation or individual other than Delta State to lay claim to the money. No law is shorn of morals. This was the wisdom of the UK court in ruling that all recovered monies from Ibori would be returned to the state which he was governor when the offence was said to have been committed. Neither the EFCC nor the Attorney-General should attempt to re-invent the wheel or conjure a weird legal interpretation of a simple matter. The action of the UK court to return all recovered monies to Delta State , ipso facto, justifies the claim of Delta State through its Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Charles Ajuyah, that the $15 million be returned to its bona fide owner, in this case, Delta State . Besides, there is a precedence. If the EFCC pretends not to notice the nexus between the action of the UK court and the matter of the $15 million bribe money, what about the cases of former Governor of Plateau State, Joshua Dariye and his Bayelsa State counterpart, DSP

Alamieyeseigha both of whom were stripped of their assets and monies which were subsequently returned to their respective state governments. The same should apply in the case at hand. As at April 2007 when the allegation broke, Ibori was still governor of Delta State . It is enough injustice in Nigeria that public office holders steal from the common till and impoverish the citizenry, but it would amount to gross injustice and extreme wickedness if the conspiracy to rob the people of Delta State of their legitimate wealth succeeds. The Attorney General of the Federation should intervene in this needless judicial rigmarole. He should do the noble, which is, return the money to Delta State . • Oviasojie writes from Benin City

‘It is therefore strange that the Nigerian government and in particular the EFCC would approach the court to action the forfeiture of the $15 million to the federal government rather than to Delta State government. The manner the money was offered and for what purpose it was offered may be controversial, but the source of the money should not be embroiled in the same web of controversy’.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

COMMENTS “Every kind of peaceful cooperation among men is primarily based on mutual trust and only secondarily on institutions such as courts of justice and police” ———Albert Einstein (1879-1955) HE hullabaloo regarding whether or not Nigeria should embrace state police was a consequence of perceived oppressive inclination of the federal government through its mis use of police to frustrate component units. To a large extent, the history of totalitarian federal regimes is reflected in the evolution and perfection of the instruments of terror called police. Nevertheless, however splendid the intentions of the states might also be for calling for state controlled police, the seductions of power can turn their peripherally altruistic motive from one seeking equal rights to one that would deny same to others. To have a clear understanding of the genesis of the clamour for state police, one must understand the 1999 Constitution (as amended), that is renowned for promoting defective federal structure than in correcting the mischief in the system. In Section 214, it provides, to the chagrin of component units that the Nigeria Police Force shall be under the full and exclusive control of the federal government. In a provisoto section 215(4), the constitution shows clearly that a Commissioner of Police of a state can ‘disobey’ the governor under the guise of seeking directions to follow from the president or such Minister of Government so authorised. The Second Schedule, Part 1: Exclusive Legislative List; Item 45 of the 1999 Constitution undoubtedly ousts states’ jurisdiction over police ownership and control. As a complimentary provision too, the Police Act in Section 4 imbues the Nigeria Police Force with enormous power to wit: “The police shall be employed for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are charged, and shall perform such military duties within or without Nigeria as may be required.” The question to ask is whether the police is actually diligent and effective in the discharge of these functions? If not, what could be responsible for police inability to achieve these tasks? Could it be as a result of the force being overwhelmed by these duties or could it be as a result of abuse

S your account officer perchance an armed robber? I mean that dapper fellow who is always spectacularly dressed in dark suits and in vogue ties. He/she is a banker of course; he is your point man in your good old bank who has mastered all your transactions up to the last kobo even as you read this. Could it be that this guy who is your closest bedfellow, so to speak, in your pecuniary pursuits consults for professional armed gangs and can press them to ‘service’ at a moment’s notice? Hitherto, we had always known about unscrupulous bank executives finagling with the bank’s books; we are also not unaware of security breaches arising from insider information to hoodlums by some bankers. But to what do we put it to when those we trust with our life’s earnings begin to run guns and organize armed robbers to lay siege to their banks and waylay their customer? Perhaps the thief outside has been shortchanging the one inside and he decides to take his destiny in his hands by exercising better control of his non-banking ‘operations?’ Two recent stories triggered this piece: one is a report about how bankers now flood police cells, not for the mundane fraud we used to know but for armed robbery. The other is story of how a dead man withdrew money from his bank account. Blood cuddling stories that even our fecund Nollywood have not been able to script. One of such stories is about a senior marketing executive of a Lagos based new generation bank who got wind that his customer was on his way to lodge the sum of N120 million. The officer reportedly organized armed robbers to invade his bank. He enlisted the cooperation of his colleagues and guns for the operation were concealed inside the central processing unit of the bank’s computers. What saved the day was that one of the conspirators grew weak-kneed and called the police. The bankers turned gangsters are now cooling off in the police cell. There is another story of bank staff staying back in office one weekend, blasting open the ATM vault and making away with a huge sum. Another tells how a bank teller tipped off hoodlum on bike to waylay a customer and snatch the money he withdrew from the bank. The customer had tried to

Who is afraid of State Police?

•Muhammed Abubakar (IG) of it as an institution or; could it be that there is need to breakdown police duties and ownership among the component units within the federation called Nigeria? On paper, it is presumed that there is compartmentalisation of power between the federal, states and local government councils. But the constitution in reality as shown above evidently impedes the power of governor of a state to effectively take charge of security in his state. Otherwise, why should the Constitution in section 215 provide a proviso that gives the States’ Commissioners of Police the discretion to refer any order given by governors to the president or an authorised Minister for approval? The question is: In a largely politically intolerance country like ours, will the president give a governor from an opposition party the latitude to effectively operate security wise? Even a governor from

the same party with the president that is not in his good books can be undermined using the police force the way it operates presently. For example, Chris Ngige, former Anambra state governor was nearly abducted in Government House during Obasanjo’s despotic reign as civilian president using the instrumentality of the police. The foregoing probably explains why the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) comprising all but the u-turned 19 northern governors to be hell bent on ensuring that the idea of state police gets embraced in the on-going constitutional amendments. Historically speaking, the governors are not saying something new in this regard. During his first term in office, former governor of Lagos state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu first muted the idea of a state police. Subsequently, it would be recollected that the earliest official recommendation for state police came up in the Constitutional/Law Review Report of the National Think-Tank in early 2009. This was followed by another recommendation from the National Vision 20:2020 Report that was presented to the Federal Government in 2010. The two recommendations were informed by realisation that the foremost essential requirements of policing are knowledge of the community and the local environment. In the colonial times, the Nigeria Police Force functioned alongside the Native Authority Police. Despite few cases of abuses, the Native Authority Police were very effective in the regions, particularly the Northern and Western regions. They functioned well in providing local and community policing and were efficient and effective in combating

EXPRESSO STEVE OSUJI

SMS O8181624757, email:steve_osuji@yahoo.com

The robber in the bank play smart by concealing a portion of the money but the brigands had told him the exact amount he had just withdrawn and warned him that not a penny less must be surrendered. The award-winning story however, must be the case of a dead man who, unless the police finds otherwise, must have returned as a ghost to draw cash from his bank account. This case which happened in Benin City, Edo State, tells of a customer who was said to have been trailed to his country residence and killed by an armed gang who thereupon, made away with his SUV and other valuables. The story went on that the following day, a cash withdrawal alert roused his ‘bereaved’ phone. And behold, the statement read that the man who was shot dead yesterday and was lying cold in the morgue had just made a banking transaction. The cashier who ‘paid’ the dead man is currently in the police cell and if he can prove his case, his story would yet be the thriller of our age. But you and I know that you may accuse ghosts of everything else (especially here in Nigeria where nearly half of our civil servants are ghost workers, bred permanently by a certain cadre deliriously christened permanent secretaries) but it does not deal in cash. Ghosts are largely harmless, unless you barge into them, as they traipse about in their surreal reality occasionally scaring children and the simple-minded. Sometimes one wished one had a gang of ghosts during such weeks that one does not wish to take the trouble of keeping this column, on would simply press them to work to go do the repair work ‘physically’. That would be the

day. Pardon the day dreaming but the activities in our banks today have become both surreal and ghoulish at once. Though banking in Nigeria has been like a storm-tossed ship for decades, I think it is today, a shipwreck. Why do bank chiefs of today almost always want to grow bigger than the banks they are entrusted to manage; why have we been on an endless journey of banking reforms in the last two decade yet the system grows from bad to worse; why are hardearned depositors money always lost irrecoverably in our clime when there is banking crisis; why are bankers retrenched so ignominiously today and with such recklessness while so many of them are employed on contract basis? No excuses for armed robbery or stealing but the Central Bank governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi must feel like a failure looking at the landscape of banking in Nigerian today. His banking reforms in the last few years, (if he wants to hear the truth and not the sweet songs of his sycophants), have left the banks debased and many customers alienated from them. Most banks today are empty and worse, empty shells bereft of customers and even ideas as to how to go forward. They can neither maintain a healthy staff nor sustain the age-old banking culture and traditions. Bankers are the cream of the society’s crop. They have been everything else in history but not robbers – raw, gun-in-hand robbers in sleek suits shooting and killing their customers. What we are saying in essence is

crimes and criminals until the early seventies. Why municipal policing was stopped is something that must be investigated especially when it has become the in-thing in civilised countries of the world. In the United States of America, the federal authorities have the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), while the states and municipal authorities have police forces. New York City Police has a 45,000 policemen and women for a population of 8million people. In Germany, India, Canada and Australia, there is dual policing system with the federating states having their own autonomous forces. In South Africa, there is National Police and Metropolitan Police that compliment one another without any incident of abuse. Why is it that it is only in Nigeria that the federal government is fond of abusing the police for selfish political and private reasons? This is not to say that some political charlatans parading themselves as governors in states across the federation will not abuse state police if eventually accepted. But should state police be stopped because some people will abuse it? I disagree with this school of thought: State police should be allowed but more institutional checks must be provided to stop the governors and even president from abusing it. The likes of Parry Osayande, Muhammadu Gambo, Ibrahim Coomasie, Sunday Ehindero, Mike Okiro, Muhammadu Yusuf, Sunday Adewusi, Aliyu Atta, Musiliu Smith and Tafa Balogun, all Deputy Inspector General(DIG) and Inspectors General of Police(IGP) that are opposing state police today never did anything significant to raise the bar of performance of the force before their retirement. Definitely, their present antagonistic stand can only be a journey in pursuit of ulterior motive. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German born American Physicist that developed the special and general theories of relativity. He won a Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 but the need for a virile police fore did not escape his comment when he said: “Every kind of peaceful cooperation among men is primarily based on mutual trust and only secondarily on institutions such as courts of justice and police” But is there mutual trust between the federal government and governors of Nigeria’s component units in relation to management of federally owned police force? The answer is No! There should be a middle point on this matter, otherwise, the question, who is afraid of state police becomes pertinent.

that this reform which is breeding bankerrobbers is not working. It is warped, it is guzzling our national treasury and it will bring us ruins. Our banks are dying and that robber in the bank is the tell-tale symptom. LAST MUG: As Jonathan leases govt to militants: what is this we hear that among the trio of Militants (it’s a legitimate title now in case you are not aware) Asari Dokubo, Ateke Tom and Government Tompolo, they control our oil pipelines in contracts worth over N5 billion annually. So what I am doing driveling away my life? I am sure I can out-think some of these guys were I to convert to a professional militant, I can rally a few jobless youths, I can handle some ‘hardwares’ too because the reward is so good now and very tempting. This is a wholesale lease of an entire portion of the country to a few fellows because they dared to challenge the sovereignty of their fatherland. This surely is no way to run a country. Hmn. There is a native saying which insists that the evil witch would not be exorcised because it keeps giving birth to female children in her like. And yet another one reminds us that the man you try to cure of hunch back and he keeps grows a frighteningly distended tummy must have received an invitation to the evil forest. There goes the millipede.

‘No excuses for armed robbery or stealing but the Central Bank governor, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi must feel like a failure looking at the landscape of banking in Nigerian today. His banking reforms in the last few years, (if he wants to hear the truth and not the sweet songs of his sycophants), have left the banks debased and many customers alienated from them’

24, 2012

•Keshi

•Yobo

•Victor Moses

•Emmanuel Emenike

THE NATION FRIDAY, AGUSUT 24, 2012

PEOPLE THE NATION

AN -EIGHT PAGE SECTION ON SOCIETY

•From left: Dr Osinubi; Prince Adesegun; Mr Ademola Osinubi; Revd Adewale and Chief Ogunsola

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

The university town of Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State came alive on Saturday during the funeral of Madam Victoria Olawunmi Osinubi, mother of the Managing Director, Punch (Nig.) Limited, publisher of The Punch titles, Mr Ademola Osinubi, writes ERNEST NWOKOLO

‘Our mother our friend’ •Dignitaries join Punch MD to say bye to his mum

F only the dead could see, she would have been glad at the carnival that was her funeral. But, it was not all fun at the funeral of Mama Nurse, who died at 91. Some wept because she touched their lives in an unforgettable way. The late Madam Victoria Olawunmi Osinubi, mother of the Managing Director, Punch (Nig.) Limited, publisher of The Punch titles, Mr Ademola Osinubi, meant the world to her children. She became their father and mother, when her husband died at a young

•From left: Lade Bonuola; Felix Adenaike; Nojeem Jimoh; Osinubi and Kayode Komolafe

age, leaving her all alone to raise their children. These children, who have come of age, showed their love for her during her funeral in the University town of Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, last Saturday. They and their friends gathered at the Methodist Cathedral in Imere, Ago-Iwoye to bid her farewell. “Mama Nurse” a virtuous woman, was a loving mother, disciplinarian and a rallying point for her children and relatives. Her body was lowered into the grave about 12.10pm. At the graveside with the children were Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Prince Segun Adesegun and the Information and Strategy Commissioner, Alhaji Yusuph Olaniyonu. While Mama’s profile was being read, her son, Abiodun burst into tears. “Mama, I will miss your motherly care, advice and your moving spirit. You were our motivator after our father died.

“She meant a lot to me and my siblings. I even shed a lot of tears in seeing her gone from us. She was a worthy and great woman. We have always been her friend.” During the funeral service, the Bishop of Ijebu Diocese, Methodist Church, Rev Atanda Adewale, urged Mama’s children and the congregation not to see death as an end to what is good or a separation of the joy between the living and their dead. In a sermon entitled: “Joy comes in the morning,” the cleric said death was more of an opportunity by God to remove His loved ones from the hardship of life. Death, particularly of the saints of God, is a release and transition to a place of eternal peace and happiness where they would abide with Christ, their saviour, he said, urging Christians and leaders to live a worthy life and shun sycophants who may derail them through praise-singing. Dignitaries at the event included Gover-

nor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; his Ogun State counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, was represented by Adesegun; Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko, was represented by Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade; Senator Jubril Martins-Kuye; Prof Taiwo Osipitan (SAN); Admiral Adedoye Ayoola; Prof Adebajo Osholu; Otunba Alex Onabanjo; Navy Captain Akin Aduwo (rtd). Media executives were there in large number. They include: Managing Director of The Guardian, Emeka Izeze, and his wife; Managing Director, The News and PM News, Bayo Onanuga and his wife Toyin; Editor, The Guardian, Mr Debo Adesina; immediate past chairman of The Punch newspaper, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola, and his wife, Iyabo; Managing Director, ThisDay, Mr Eniola Bello; Editor, The Nation Gbenga Omotoso and Managing Director, National Mirror, Mr Steve Ayorinde •More pictures on page 26

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SOCIETY ‘OUR MOTHER OUR FRIEND’

•From left: Dr Fayemi; Chief Ogunsola and Mrs Olayemi Aboderin

•The deceased’s family at the event

•Wife of Ogun State Deputy Governor Mrs Olufunmilayo Adesegun

•Alhaji Olaniyonu

•Mr Obafemi Aluko

•Mr Kunle Oyatomi

•Dr Olatunde Agbato (left) and Sir Bonajo Badejo

•Former Health Minister, Dr Bimbola Ogunkelu

•Mr Eniola Bello

•Otunba Alex Onabanjo (left) and Admiral Akin Aduwo

•From left: Chief Yemi Nelson; Otunba Sola Onalaja and Abese Oba Ebumawe

•From left: Mr and Mrs Feyi Smith and Mr Debo Adesina

•Mr Bayo Onanuga and his wife Toyin

PHOTOS: DAYO ADEWUNMI

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SOCIETY The Nation man Adewale Samuel Adepoju and his beau, Angela Folakemi Sogade got married, last Saturday in Lagos, NNEKA NWANERI reports.

•Chairman of the occasion, Mr Thomas Akinola

•The couple Wale and Folakemi flanked by the bride’s parents Mr Victor Sogade and wife Shade

•Representative of the groom’s father Mr Johnson Kolaru

•Representative of the groom’s Mother Mrs Fadeke Ayoola

•Col Jide Ogunlade his wife Olufunke

‘He’s my friend’ T

HE church was filled with friends and well-wishers. It was the wedding between Adewale Samuel Adepoju, a member of The Nation staff and former Miss Angela Folakemi Sogade at the Catholic Church of Annunciation, Abraham Adesanya Estate Ajah, Lagos. Wale vowed with pride to love and respect his wife all the days of his life. Their journey to matrimony began two years ago after being introduced to each other by a mutual friend. As they walked down the aisle, guests craned their necks to see them. Many brought out their blackberry phones to take pictures of the couple. The ceremony was officiated by the parish priest, Rev Fr Joseph Anokerie. Many of the couple’s friends and professional colleagues were in attendance. Red and blue were the colours of the day. Many were dressed in the Ankara blue and cream laces chosen for the occasion. The bride, Kemi, wore white gown and Indian hair decoration, her smile complemented her beauty. While she is of average height and fair in complexion, Wale is slim, dark and tall.

It was the best day of her life; she told the reporter how she feels about her man. “Today, I am married to my friend and husband; oh yes, my God ordained husband. We met through a mutual friend and the dating began two years ago. “He proposed in a very unusual way.” That was something out of the ordinary if you know what I mean. It wasn’t the usual fantasies of dinner for two and the likes. “He loves me and I love the way he loves me. “A woman’s religious life is her husband’ so I will practise his and let God do the rest.” Wale, a member of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. (RCCG), said: “All I want to do is marry her and take her home. I couldn’t keep staying apart from her, so I had to do the necessary things. I don’t even believe there’s anything to it so long as it’s a man of God that joined us. The reception was held at the Echo Events Centre, Lekki-Epe Expressway. A large white canopy housed all. In the arena was a mini tent with blue and white cloth décor, where the couple stayed throughout the reception. Johnson Kolaru gave the toast as guests wined, dined and danced.

•Alhaja Muslimat Alatishe (left) and Hajia Hauwa Dawodu

‘Today, I am married to my friend and husband; oh yes, my God ordained husband. We met through a mutual friend and the dating began two years ago’ •Sir Johnson Nwosu

•Douglas Martins PHOTOS: ISAAC JIMOH AYODELE

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SOCIETY The 50th birthday celebration of the Chairman, United Igbo Coalition, a group in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Chris Ekwilo, has been held in Lagos. DAMILOLA BAMIDELE was there.

50 hearty cheers to Igbo leader

HE event started three hours behind schedule, but it was worth the wait. As early as 11am, all was set for the occasion billed to start at noon, with the arrival of many of the celebrator’s political associates and friends, who were gaily dressed. Chief Chris Ekwilo, the celebrator, stood out too. His wife, Regina, was by his side as they moved round to welcome guests. For Ekwilo, who is popularly called the political Gas and Anya Igbo of Lagos, it was one of his happiest days on earth. In his citation, Ekwilo was described as a principled person. “A man of great honesty, integrity, good intention, thoroughness, fairness and justice to all, he is a man with passion for goodness, wholeness of life and great merit, is a recipient of many principle and stamina.” A man of many parts, Ekwilo is a recipient of many chieftaincy titles in his town and Lagos State. He was also described as tirelessly and hardworking politician by some of the guests. “This dynamic, tireless and uncompromising leader has been used to show the power of God to humanity. He is a resourceful, talented, responsible, consistent, constant, dependable, energetic, hospitable, an vigilant man,” they said. The celebrator’s son, Chris, described his father as generous, nice and understanding. “I really love him for who he is and I am happy to be his son. He is the type of man who likes your being focused. He is very generous, nice and very understanding,” he said. The celebrator was happy with the large turnout. He thanked guests for their patience and time. In attendance were the Head of Marketing, Ecobank, Ifeanyichukwu Azike, red cap chiefs and Ezes, among others.

•The celebrator flanked by his wife Regina; former Governor of Anambra State Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife and the celebrator’s children to cut the cake

•Eze John Nwosu and his wife Sylina

•Representative of Governor Peter Obi, Mrs Ucheoma Chukwudum (left) and Princess Chichi Funmi-Gbadero

•Sarkin Hausawa of Lagos State, Alhaji Sani Kabir (left) and Alhaji Hassan Anyo

•Former governorship aspirant Chief Remi Adiukwu-Bakare (right) and Chief Yinka Rutemi

•Chief Barrt Ago-Martins

•Eze John Nwosu

•Chief John Uche (left) and Prince Charles Ekundayo •Chief Ebere Ubani and his wife Princess Ndaliaku

PHOTOS: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

29 FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Vol 4. No. 1763

What role does advertising play in brand building? The answer has pitched brand scholars against one another for some time. Even some argued that advertising may be useful in maintaining a brand. However, they added that it is a waste of money in the launch and repositioning of a brand. In this report, JIMI DAVID examines this assertion using Star beer as an example.

How advertising aids brands C

ITING major campaigns for global brands, such as Nike, Budweiser and Chevrolet, the Ries proclaim that advertising, as a vehicle for brand building, is ineffectual publicly suggesting that advertising may be a waste of time in building a brand. This obviously generated a lot of excitement among ad agencies as well as anxiety among brand managers with tight budgets. But are the authors right in their assertions? Is advertising ineffectual in brand building or repositioning? Keith Reinhard of DDB Worldwide, an ad agency, said the Ries’s are ‘wrong,’ with their assertion “Why would anyone set up a completely artificial choice between advertising and PR? Any experienced marketer knows that we use them together. Every brand is different, every brand has different needs and different targets, and so we utilise all the communications voices at hand. But to say that advertising is not an essential part of this is nuts.” He also questioned whether credibility was even an issue in advertising. Citing the award-winning “Whassup?”campaign from Budweiser, he asked: “Do people ‘believe’ Whassup? What’s to believe? They like it, they embrace it. They said: ’we’d like to repeat this greeting in our own conversations. We’d like to answer the phone and say “whassup?” ‘And veracity has nothing to do with that. It is an additional property of the brand added by advertising that has value to the consumer.” This and other criticisms from ad agencies showed that advertising, indeed, has a big role to play in brand building just like the Star brand can attest to. Advertising of the brand has consistently projected the superior quality of Star over the years. “Ah! Star – Beer at its best” the first campaign slogan introduced in 1949 was the curtain raiser. Then the “Brightness” campaign hit Nigerians like a bolt out of the blue in the 1970s and 80s. This was followed by the “Turn to Star – the ideal Brew” campaign launched in 1989. Still ensuring that it has a lot in its creative arsenal, the brand

rolled out the “Live the Brighter Life In Style – Star Ahead on Taste” campaign in the 1990s. The recent campaigns of “Never a Dull Moment with Star” to “Share the Brighter Life,” “Star Connects” and currently, “Let’s get the party STARted” are clear indication that the advertising history of Star has been consistent in creating the image of Brightness, Fun and Sociability for the brand. In Television Commercials (TVC), the brand always churns out creative ads that often connect with its target audience. The most prominent of these is the Star and Nigeria TVC, which is a classic any day. The TVC opens with the classic song, “Joromi” by music legend Sir Victor Uwaifo. It took us through various highpoint of Nigerian history opening in 1949 with the Lagos Brewery and the Union Jack (British flag) fluttering in the wind. The TVC showed that as the first beer ever brewed in Nigeria and subsequently growing to become Nigeria’s No. 1 beer brand, Star has contributed most to the developing the beer market in Nigeria than any other brand. It took viewers through episodes of our history that brings nostalgia. Star was there when Nigeria celebrated its independence in 1960; Star was there when Nigeria hosted and won the African Cup of Nations in 1980; Star was there when Nigeria won its first Olympic gold medal in football in 1996, Star was also there for us to celebrate the first AfricanAmerican President in 2009. Star has been present in the history of Nigeria and Star will still be with us in the years to come.

• Star TV Game Show: Gbenga Adeyinka (extreme left) and rapper MI (extreme right) with winners in Star TV Game Show 2011 edition.

The brand was also there when the River Niger Bridge was being constructed and the Star distribution truck had to be ferried from Asaba to Onitsha to continue its journey of bringing Brightness to

Nigerians. After 63 years of “Sharing Brightness”, Star remains a major force in the market and displays strong potential to increase its dominance in the market even further. It is “Perfectly Brewed for that Superior taste” and “Cold filtered for Optimal Refreshment.” The STAR success story is as a result of certain contributory factors; consistent high quality – Star is only released from the brewery after 213 quality checks; vibrant marketing support – consistently rejuvenating the brand in all consumer touch points; that is, packaging, communication, promotions and advertising to ensure its relevance and authority and good consumer and market insight coupled with effective distribution network. Has all these impacted the bottom-line? Without doubt it has. Right from 1960 star has maintained market leadership with sales of about 2,181,376 crates in 1962 and by 1975; the figure has risen to 11,266,000 crates. Star is largely responsible for the growth of the indigenous beer industry as the success story the brand influenced the introduction of other successful

‘The STAR success story is as a result of certain contributory factors; consistent high quality – Star is only released from the brewery after 213 quality checks; vibrant marketing support – consistently rejuvenating the brand in all consumer touch points; that is, packaging, communication, promotions and advertising to ensure its relevance and authority and good consumer and market insight coupled with effective distribution network’

brands, such as Gulder, Maltina, Heineken, Legend Extra Stout and others. As at 2003, the sales figure has hit 40 million crates. This was not the end as it further grew by nine million bringing the total to 49 million crates in 2007, making it one of West Africa’s leading beer brands. In 2007, the brand took another giant stride by introducing packaging in cans, which generated an additional 1.5 million trays sold in that year alone. On the whole, in advertising and marketing, Star has created value in the lives of many people – the consumers, the advertising agency, the support service providers, the music/entertainment industry, the media, promotional item producers and others. And just like Reinhard pointed out: “Advertising is something like cheerleading. You reinforce ideas that are always there.” And, he recommended, you rely on it when the public relations angle becomes weak. “Our message is that after awhile, there is no publicity potential in a new brand. People wrote up Red Bull, but today? Now they have to shift to advertising to maintain the brand. It’s the same thing with powerful brands, such as Coca-Cola. You’re just not going to get much publicity.” Reinhard disagreed that advertising should be relegated to a supporting role. He maintained that sometimes it is the only way to get a new idea across, and if it’s done effectively, public relations will be easier to generate. “This is what in so many categories brand building is all about. It is adding an ingredient to the brand ...” The success story of Star has shown that advertising has a big role to play in brand building and development.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Brandnews

Macleans introduces toothpaste for children A

NEW toothpaste Macleans Milk Teeth for children has been introduced into the market. Macleans Milk Teeth Senior Brand Manager, Emeka Uchenna, disclosed this at a two-day free dental screening for children at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos. He said: “This is a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the special dental needs of children between the ages of one and six. The mouth of a child, at this stage of growth, is very delicate and Macleans Milk Teeth has been specially formulated to provide the necessary tender dental care. We hope that through this exercise, we can help parents to begin to appreciate that their children’s tender oral system can not tolerate the same toothpaste as theirs. “Our goals for this child dental care campaign include to reach out to parents, especially mothers, to enlighten them about making this minor adjustment by investment in the oral health of their children; educating parents on the fact that only children’s toothpaste which contains the right amount of fluoride should be used to brush their children’s teeth; and setting the agenda for

a massive change from the era of ‘one toothpaste fits all’, because research has shown that, children are uniquely different from adults in their dental healthcare needs and therefore need a different kind of toothpaste. Macleans Milk Teeth is a differentiated children’s toothpaste championing the campaign.” Macleans Milk Teeth is scientifically formulated. It contains 500ppm of flouride, which is safe for children at that tender age. It also contains active calcium protection specially formulated for strong healthy milk teeth and gums. Senior Registrar, Paediatric Dentistry Unit, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Chioma Nzomiwu, who was part of dentists who attended to children and parents at the Macleans Milk Teeth free dental screening, added: “We are supporting this exercise to raise awareness about healthy oral habit. It is absolutely important that parents, especially mothers, endeavour to take their children to see the dentist as soon as their first set of teeth appear. Macleans Milk Teeth is a product of GlaxoSmithKlime Consumer Nigeria. It is endorsed by the Nigerian Dental Association (NDA).

Coca-Cola celebrates Africans in new campaign

OCA-COLA has launched a new continental campaign dubbed the ‘Africa Happiness Manifesto’, which celebrates Africans. Brand Manager (Colas), CocaCola Nigeria Limited, Femi Ashipa, stated this at Ikoyi, Lagos. He said the campaign is a collection of the positive and inspirational stories that Africa has to tell about itself. There are over a billion people who live in Africa. Hence, there must be a billion different reasons to believe in Africa and that the company was providing an avenue through this campaign for the people of Africa to tell their unique stories of hope and joy. “The world may choose to see Africa as dark, hopeless and a home to war, famine, corruption, poverty and disease, but we at CocaCola choose to see this beautiful continent through a fresh and colourful lense”, he said. “Coca-Cola has operated on this continent for several decades with footprints that extend to every country. We know, understand, live and breathe Africa; hence we can influence positive attitudes amongst Africans by providing a beacon of optimism. Although negative news sells, we are increasingly witnessing a positive shift in every facet of the continent and have chosen to celebrate those things instead.” Noting the improvement that Africa has made in the last decade in sports, music, business, arts, technology, politics and fashion, the brand manager said The Coca-Cola Company is set to promote unique individuals, creations and innovations who have excelled in their fields. He explained: “Coca-Cola believes that anyone with the proper African attitude can overcome hurdles and achieve success. So, we are prepared to recognise excellence in

the fields that impact the lives of the African man, woman, and youths. We want to see Nigerians collectively share their billion reasons to believe in Africa. “For instance, our top musicians have become the beautiful bride for collaborations among world class artists. One in every five great European football Club players is an African. The world’s most admired man –Nelson Mandela- is African. The first black man to graduate with 3.98 GPA at John Hopkins University is a Nigerian, an African. So, you see, there are lots of reasons to believe in Africa.” Ashipa added: “During the launch of the programme, some of the musicians who have braved the waters and have become international success stories will be on stage to show off their talents. They are prime examples of the people who inspire others to reach for the sky. We will unveil their names to you in the nearest future.” He further said everyone could participate in the campaign by pasting their unique stories on the Coca-Cola Nigeria Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/ cokenaija), with the heading “My Reason To Believe in Africa”. Users of Twitter could also send a tweet to @Coca-Cola_NG. The best stories and tweets would win gifts courtesy of the company. Ashipa added: “As we are not equipped to look into every corner and fish out the many great talents in the various endeavours of life, we want Nigerians to help us in this task. Send us stories, photos and videos of the people, places and activities that you think should be part of “A Billion Reasons to Believe in Africa”. We will give them the platform they need to show their worth to the world. We will celebrate them for what they are; true champions.”

•Medical Detailing Representative, GlaxoSmithKlime (GSK), Dr. Yinka Osho, examining a girl’s mouth at the event.

LG Electronics launches first TV battery

O tackle outages, electronics giant LG Electronics has launched the first 32LS3800 Battery LED TV into the market. The product, though operates on electricity, has a long lasting battery that ensures TV viewing is uninterrupted. It comes with exciting features, such as portability. What is more, the battery is in-built. These unique features ensure that the entertainment is not limited to indoor settings. Speaking at the event, the General Manager, Home Entertainment Division, LG Electronics, Dave Shin, said the LG Battery TV is aimed at solving the problem experienced by TV viewers as a result of the constant outages that households and businesses in Ni-

By Raji Rotimi Solomon

geria experience. The LED lighting system, which guarantees quality pictures, is also responsible for the TV’s excellent energy efficiency; it uses 50 per cent or less electrical power, which in the long run is cost effective. The Battery TV has an ergonomic body that will appeal to consumers looking for a TV that can perform on many levels. In terms of design and features, the battery TV sets a standard that will be hard to beat. Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mohamed Fouani said: “Owing to our unflinching commitment, to making available to our teeming consumers,

only products that would enable them to achieve their aspirations and dreams of the good life, we would stop at nothing to continually enrich them with products of technological innovations, stylish designs and most importantly giving them value for money spent.” Speaking further, Fouani said the aim of the launch of the LG Battery TV is to enrich family time, which is waning as a result of the power interruptions that is the reality in Nigeria. It is our belief that it will create a unique platform for individuals to be rejuvenated and realise utmost relaxation and entertainment with their families, friends and loved ones anytime, anywhere.

•Mrs Shittu Adedolapo; Pastor Emeka Okoye, MD, Pentagon Investment and Mrs Patricia Okhakhu, during the presentation of documents to some allotees of mainland Park Estate, Mowe, Ogun State.

SHOPPING

THE NATION

Website:- http://www.thenationonlineng.net

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

e-mail: janicenkoli@yahoo.com 08033349992 sms only

email:- shopping@thenationonlineng.net

â&#x20AC;˘Shoprite

Shoprite: more outlets coming Shoprite is set to expand its operation in the country, with the opening of more outlets, reports TONIA â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;DIYAN

Dispose empty packs properly Page 32

Justrite berths at Abule Egba Page 33

Benefits of shea butter Page 34

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SHOPPING

More retail outlets coming, says Shoprite S

EVEN years after it started operation in the country, South African’s giant retail store, Shoprite, is set to open more outlets. Shoprite said it planned to open nine new shops by the middle of next year. This would bring the number of its shops to 13. At the moment, it has shops in Enugu, Ikeja, Surulere, Abuja and Victoria Island. When it landed in the country in 2005, in Shoprite was second in the Top Grocery and Convenience Store category and its closest rival, Checkers, fourth. Shoprite is also rated among the Top 10 for Community Upliftment. In 2006, it was 132 on the list of the world’s top 250 retailers, according to the 2008 Global Powers of Retail report. Today, it is the number one retail brand in Africa that has achieved the highest score from customers in non-metro areas where

the brand has established the largest footprint in its 40 years of existence. Despite its giant stride in this sector, the food giant is veering into the real estate sector. At a briefing on Tuesday, the firm’s management said it planned to spend over $205million (N32billion) on property development in Nigeria to tackle lack of infrastructure. A Portfolio Manager at SA Stockbrokers, Ron Klipin, said: “I think we are going to see more of these property investments in the rest of Africa because many of these markets have great opportunities but little or no infrastructure”. Knowing that the real estate sector is highly competitive, this is expected to produce grow the economy. Other sectors, such as commerce, construction, telecoms, and the financial institution are equally ex-

pected to benefit from it. Though there is a dearth of quality stock in the real estate business, the demand for real estate products will turn around the environment, it was learnt. The proposed project will involve building and developing new retail and mixed used centres and the establishment and development of an asset management company. There will also be an investment in debt and equity to support future expansion. Shoprite reported a 20 per cent jump in full-year earnings, and is pushing aggressively into underdeveloped, fast-growing markets on the continent, with a focus on Nigeria and Angola. But its expansion, like those of other South African retailers, has been hampered by the lack of shopping malls in most of the continent.

At completion, the new project is expected to provide about 140,000 square metres of infrastructure. Meanwhile, the firm is strong in its Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS). Societal upliftment remains a priority to Shoprite and has contributed significantly to “change a life “campaign. Besides, it has been able to enrich the lives of many underprivileged children and youth within Nigeria. Since the inception of the campaign in December 2010, Shoprite Nigeria has been able to assist various orphanages and foundations, such as the Red Cross in Nigeria and the SOS Children’s Village. The brand also decided to work with many Nigerian suppliers, buying in bulk to pass the cost savings onto shoppers. So, this way, shoppers enjoy a world class shopping experience.

Which product appeals to you? Products are of different sizes and shapes; some appeal more because they are affordable while others carry some emotional attachment with them because they are expensive, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN

RODUCTS are categorised for different reasons. While some are grouped because of their affordability, others are because of their patronage. Yet, for others, it is where they are bought from; or how much they are sold compared to others and in what volume they are purchased depending on how important they are to meet a need. While some products are convenient, others are special; some are not sought for before they are bought, but others are. But most products are simply shopping products; that is, products that are bought for the fun of it. They do not meet specific needs. For example, some products appeal more to buyers than others. These are called convenient goods. These are products that are consumed regularly. As a result, they are bought frequently. They include most household items, such as food, cleaning and personal care products. Because of the increase in demand for these

products, their prices tend to be relatively high. Shoppers often see little value in looking for alternatives since additional effort to do this will only yield minimal savings because the prices are uniform everywhere. The manufacturers assume when products are sold in small volumes, profits made on them are low. Therefore, to make high profits, they sell in large quantities. As a result, they distribute these products in large quantities through many retail outlets. Mr Cornelius Aguocha, a manufacturer of personal care products, told The Nation Shopping why he supplies retailers in large quantities even if it is one or two retailers weekly. “There is more profit when I sell between 3,000 and 5,000 cartons per week. The quantity of raw materials I will use to produce large volumes is the same I will use to produce small volumes. I know when to expect my regular retailers. I only produce when I am sure they are coming to buy in large volumes. I don’t waste my raw materials because I want to sell

•Emergency product

•Specialty product

•convenience product

Dispose empty packs properly Your shopping is incomplete if you don’t get rid of those packs and nylons well. Therefore, when you buy products that are packed; ensure they are well disposed, writes OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI.

HERE are so many bad effects of a dirty environment. There are also benefits of a clean environment.The enhancement of a clean environment led to the creation of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), a body saddled with keeping an eye on the environment to ensure that it is kept clean always. It has the mandate to prosecute offenders of the law whenever they are found wanting. Proper disposal of waste will eradicate pollution, which causes sickness. The cleaner the environment, the lesser the chances of falling ill. To dispose wastes properly, therefore, is the right thing to do after buy-

ing and making use of products. Our drainage systems are blocked with our waste most of the time resulting to flood. Destroying and disposing those packs the right way would also reduce production of fake products. People would not be able to imitate those products and produce their look alike using the disposed packs. The government is ensuring a clean environment. Therefore, to obey the rules governing waste eradication is our obligation as citizens of the state. Don’t forget that it is a punishable offence to dispose waste by the roadside and other unauthorised places. Cleanliness they say is next to Godliness.

my products. I know I will definitely sell,” he said. On the other hand, there are products that are bought and consumed infrequently. Shoppers are willing to look for such products. They spend more time looking for them because they are more expensive. They have emotional benefits for the buyer; benefits, such as raising the shoppers’status level. Examples of these products include clothing products, personal services, electronic products, and home furnishings. Because the target market is smaller, manufacturers are often more selective when choosing distribution outlets to sell these products. Kontessa Shoes and bags, Sixth Sense for furniture, Oxygen for clothes and Bedmate for furniture, are good examples of places that stock these products. Some products carry high price tags, yet with their high consumption, shoppers are much more selective, they are called specialty products. In fact, in many cases, shoppers know in

•A compactor

advance which product they prefer. Therefore, they will not shop to compare products. Instead, they may shop at retail shops that provide the best value. Outlets selling these products are exclusive. Examples are high-end luxury automobiles sold by SCOA Cars, Lanre Shittu Motors, Motorways, Expensive Champagne mainly on the Lagos Island, and Celebrity hair care experts, such as Make Me Salon, Saloon de down town, Bobby’s Signature. There are products that are needed suddenly. They are for unplanned events; that means, prepurchase planning is not considered. Often, the decision is for convenience; that is, whatever is bought, it is to fix a problem. Purchase decisions are made when the shopper is exposed to promos, many of which offer special discounts. These promos often lead shoppers to engage in impulsive buying.They are the products that are not often sought for except for the little extra people will get from them.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SHOPPING Since Shoprite and Spar supermarkets opened in some parts of Lagos, other superstores have followed suit, especially in the suburbs. Recently, Justrite was inaugurated in Abule Egba. TONIA ‘DIYAN, who was at the event. reports.

Justrite berths at Abule Egba

USTRITE has opened in Abule Egba, Lagos. It stocks mainly Nigerian goods. Incorporated in 2000 , it was, initially, based at Sango Ota, Ogun State. It is from there that it moved to Abule Egba. It started in Sango Ota as a corner shop. But it has grown over the years. It is, perhaps, the biggest retail store in Abule Egba. The store, essentially, a merchandising outfit with expertise and experience in retailing. Its technical partners are drawn from Africa, Europe, North America and Asia. Its Marketing Manager Mr Williams said during the opening that the firm came to Abule Egba because it wanted to expand and satisfy its customers. “We have been in this business for quite long and have seen the need to come out of our shells and render more quality services. We are not competing with Shoprite and the likes, we only want to satisfy shoppers everywhere. “We are also promising good customer service. Our existence and reputation are dependent on our ability to provide efficient and positive attitude towards serving our customers always,” he said. The Olu of Agege, Oba Oyedeji Isiba, who was the special guest at the event, expressed happiness for the firm’s decission to move to Abule Egba. He said: “This is a long

awaited development and I am very happy it is happening my time. I hope to inaugurate more of this in a short while. I am indeed delighted to be a part of this.” The super store remains the best stocked in the area. It is the biggest and most consumer-friendly retail store with strong market acceptance and strong brand equity. It opens from Mondays to Saturdays - between 8am and 7.30 pm and on Sundays, between 10am and 5pm. It has several sections. They include the gift Items section, toys and games section, Electronics section, Office Equipments section, Boutique section, Perfumes section, Lights/Lightings section, Drinks section. Others are Exercise Machines section, Groceries section, Household section, Stationery/Books section, Bodycare/Haircare section, Toiletries section, Confectioneries section, Frozen Foods sections and more. The shop offers better and affordable services at affordable prices. The management has promised to retain the patronage of shoppers and increase their convenience. Its mangers said apart from providing customers with memorable shopping experiences, they are also committed to the development of their business environment by giving back to the community.

Shopping Right with

Do it yourself (DIY)

O it yourself (or DIY) is a term used to describe building, modifying, or repairing of something without the aid

of experts or professionals. The phrase came into common usage in the 1950s in reference to home improvement challenges that people might choose to complete independently. As the DIY phenomenon continues to grow, the trend is slowly becoming a part of many weddings. With the cost of a wedding rising, many people are becoming more daring. Where one used to hire out for each individual JANICE NKOLI IFEME service, many are now choosing to do it themselves. Not only does this save them financially, it allows for people to individualise their lady who wedded among us for them to beevent. lieve that I did not buy it abroad. That was In recent years, the term DIY has taken on a how I started making wedding gowns o”. She broader meaning that covers a wide range of said. skill sets. It is related to the Arts and Crafts But Mrs Ajiegbo did not stop at designing movement, in that it offers an alternative to wedding gowns. She has included kiddies modern consumer culture’s emphasis on rely- wears as well; in the bid to make the best ing on others to solve needs. clothing for her children Someone said that it is a phenomenon which Mrs Grace Mark, the popular milliner of has come to stay and really it makes great Graces Hats designs also began her hats busisense. Rather than buy a piece of possibly ex- ness in a similar manner. pensive equipment, you make it yourself. She told me that when she was much The benefit of doing so include economic younger, her elder sister who was married concerns, the satisfaction of creating something had beautiful hats which she bought from enjoyable, and the possibility that the equip- overseas. “They were expensive and she ment made is of higher quality than commer- would not have them used anyhow. I longed cially available products. to have such hats, so one day, I took one of Personally, I feel that if you must be different her hats and she said to me, you can also make and unique, then you must be a DIY person. it, ’ For instance, consider a situation where you That was the challenge that would motibuy a dress or hat and vate her to start experimentdiscovers that the ing with her mother’s unsame is all over the used clothes. She went to market. If you are like ‘Personally, I feel church with them and me who does not like liked her handiwork that if you must be people to wear things that are and began to tell her to make common, you would for them. Today, she is an different and make sure yours looks international milliner who different from the rest goes for exhibition in differunique, then you of the pack. ent parts of the world. I remember learning must be a DIY perMany bead makers also how to accessorise, learned to make various desew and design son. For instance, signs through DIY. through DIY. Since I Mr Tony Edeh became a consider a situation horticulturist could not get someone through the who could really do it same experience. He just where you buy a to my taste, I had to try moved into his new house out my imagination. dress or hat and disand wanted to plant flowers The result is that you around it. He preferred them have a lot of unique covers that the big but realised that it was items to show for it. cheaper to buy them same is all over the much Then, I had all the time small and grow them. to experiment. He began through trial market’ Most of the great fashand error but soon became ion designing outfits an expert that he planted so and interior decorators started out like that. many flowers that he became a flower merI think it is one of the basic reasons for the chant. growth of do-it-yourself-the desire to do someEven in your home, just look at that beautithing creative. Indeed, DIY has created a large ful décor in your kitchen and living room. demand for all types of things with distinctive You would sure affirm that there is an iota of features. DIY in there. Mrs Grace Ajiegbo, one of the women I adore It is an impressive aspect of shopping. I feel because she never seizes to express her views it is something we do out of necessity. It is on The Nation Shopping, recalled how she also something we do to achieve contentment learned to do it herself during her wedding 10 and satisfaction. With it, you shop with obyears ago. “I wanted a posh wedding gown jectivity-with your senses stirred to perceive with elaborate beading. I saw something close great things. It awakens the creativity in you to what I wanted in a shop, but it was very and leads you to great discoveries. It epitoexpensive. Besides, it was not so satisfactory. mizes you and displays your ingenuity. I decided to meet a good tailor who sewed Personally, I also see it as something which the gown according to my specifications. I exhibits the touch of class about you. literally did the entire beading and designHave you had an interesting experience ing myself. I could remember the anxiety on with DIY? Do not hesitate to share with us. In the face of my Chief bridesmaid, Stella, when your practice, you might have also come in she saw the gown. ‘Who did you send abroad touch with useful tips on it. Please do not just to buy this gown for you? I don’t remember keep it to yourself. How about an embarrassyou traveling abroad at any time’. All my ing experience with your DIY? We would also friends believed that I bought it abroad. I had love to read. to design another wedding gown for the next

Write to us, express your views, observations and experiences. Let’s have your comments about shopping. Your comments, questions and answers will be published first Friday of every month. With your full name and occupation, send e-mail to: janicenkoli@yahoo.com •Just rite commissioning

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SHOPPING

How shoppers enhanced sales during Eid-el-Fitri Last Monday and Tuesday were declared public holidays for Muslims to celebrate Eid-el-fitri. At the Ikeja City Mall, some shops were opened for business. OMOLARA MOFESOLA OMONIYI reports HEY were work free days; a time workers stay at home to rest. But not so for shopping. Many people, including the workers, went all out to shop during those days. To make shoppers benefit from the holiday, the Ikeja City Mall, opened. But they were not alone. Store owners give more priority to public holidays because of the huge sales attributed to it. They say it is better than the weekends. People trooped in and out of the mall in their numbers causing human traffic. Shop owners were ready as usual, as well as sales representatives to attend to the numerous customers available. The evenings; between 4pm and 6pm witnessed more rush. Both Muslims and Christian shoppers

•Shoppers at the Ikeja City Mall during the Eld-el-fitri

filled the boot of their cars with the assorted items they bought. Children dressed in their smart mufti wears were not left out of the fun. They were seen moving around the place and pointing at what they needed, and parents were granting some offers and turning down oters at the same

The evenings; between 4 and 6pm, witnessed more rush. Both Muslim and Christian shoppers filled the boot of their cars with the assorted items they bought.

time. The people came for different purposes, some to shop for their personal items, some for gifts they would offer to their loved ones and some others to unwind. There are various sections where the shoppers chose from, the food section, the clothing section, the shoes section, the bicycle section among others. According to the Supervisor of Fast-forward Store, which specialises in casuals and fashionable wears, Mr David Michael, “people generally come to shop on days when they are more relaxed and this public holiday is the best time to stock our shops with varieties, so that money earners would come and patronise us, we are here to serve them.”

Mrs Caroline James, a shopper said: “I shop for my wears and household on weekends and public holidays, but today it is a different ball game. I have just brought my kids to look around and point a t a n y t h i n g t h e y would like to have and I will pay for them,” she said. It was a very conducive environment where shoppers were encouraged to walk around for as long as they wanted. The prices of the goods were relatively cheaper, the main reason for the rush. Foreigners were also not left out in the shopping. They were seen moving around and purchasing what they needed. A white couple moved around to get what they wanted to

have. Some churches made use of the opportunity to ‘grab’ more members. They were sharing pamphlets to people who were collecting it but were wearing surprised faces. A man whispered to his son “so this people have turned this place into a place for inviting members to their church?” he muttered as he shook his head and walked away. Most of the shoppers came in their cars. As a result, the car park was jam-packed, though the place is big enough to contain so many vehicles. The security were also at their best to direct shoppers on how to park properly, to make way for the other people that were still on their way.

Shea butter is a white fat obtained from the seed of the shea tree. It is known locally as ori. It has diverse functions, ranging from skin freshness to hair growth. It is affordable and has no side effects, writes DAMILOLA OLAYEMI

Benefits of shea butter ENERALLY, the shea butter can be sold anywhere around you, it is

•Shea butter

best because it’s natural. It is very affordable and is as cheap as N20 and N50. It is best to purchase the locally made ones to have best results. The butter needs no processing to work its healing properties on the skin and hair. It helps to heal burns, sores, scars, dermatitis, psoriasis, dandruff and stretch marks. It is a spectacularly effective moisturiser that the skin absorbs quickly with no greasy excess. Shea butter is already added to many cosmetic products, but you can also purchase hundred percent pure Shea butter at most health food stores. Unrefined

Shea butter is superior in that it retains all its natural vitamins especially vitamin A and vitamin E. However, the natural smell can be a bit off-putting, though the aroma does disappear after it has been applied to the skin within minutes. The ultra-refined and refined Shea butter have more pleasing scent and colour. But the refining process may diminish the vitamin potency. Shea butter also softens and conditions leather and wood, so musicians use it to improve the flexibility of leather tuning percussion instruments.It will make the instrument sound better, therefore more appealing to the listeners. Most Africans make use of the

shear butter to do their cooking. It would make the food more appealing and nutritious. It is functional, especially for the invalids and nursing mothers. When added to food, it would perform the same functions on the skin ajustt like when it is applied directly. The shea butter softens wrinkles, especially for the aged, restores elasticity, alleviates sunburns, reduces scaring, soothes the skin after shaving, helps to cure eczema, reduces acne and repairs cracks on skin. It is interesting to know that shear butter has no expiry date. It can be stored as long as you want, and can be kept for years; so, far it’s kept in an enabling environment. It should not be kept under the sun, as this could lead to melting.

2012

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Brandnews Seaman’s grand finale holds today THE grand finale of Seaman’s Schnapps holds today in Osogbo, the Osun State capital as part of this year’s Osun Osogbo festival. It would start with a visit to the Osun River by indigenes and well wishers to receive the blessings of Yeye Osun. At the grove, Seaman’s Royal will have a stand where people would be treated to indigenous Agere dance and traditional music. The funfair will move to the Ataoja Palace where homage will be paid to Oba Olanipekun and his chiefs. Earlier, a group from Grand Oak Limited, makers of Seamans Schnapps had visited the traditional ruler of Osogbo, Oba Olanipekun, Larooye 11. The team made a presentation of Seaman’s Schnapps to the monarch, who blessed them for the gesture. The brand’s franchised roundabout at Lakeview, Ilogbo and Mayfair are adorning a new look. Meanwhile, the Seaman’s Ayo Olopon Championship has held at the Ataoja Palace, Osogbo. Winners went home with exciting prizes and branded gift items. During the event, there were side attraction games where spectators had the opportunity of winning branded gift items.

Amstel Malta Showtime berths in Ibadan • From left: Head, Marketing, Interswitch, Enyioma Anaba; Country Director, Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) Nigeria, Adesuwa Ifedi and Divisional Head, Techquest, Interswitch Babafemi Ogungbamila; at the grand finale of SIFE Challenge in Lagos.

Building strong brand differentiation

REATING a relevant brand differentiation is about the most tasking job in branding. Getting it right might also mean planting your brand in the minds of consumers in a way that a “brand - name generalisation” would be inevitable. When I was growing up, I remember, I never knew the real names of some products. For example, my mum would tell us to go and get “Maggi” for her. We didn’t know it was called seasoning. The same thing goes for ‘Gala’, which is sausage roll. All these brand names eventually became generally accepted for different products. Failure to create a clear-cut brand differentiation only makes your product blend with the rest and sometimes fizzle out of the mind of consumers. The major problem manufacturers and companies face is how to develop a plan to differentiate their brands. To create a strong positioning strategy that focuses on that

By Raji Rotimi Solomon

thing that sets you apart from competitors in the mind of your consumers. True, the significance of brand differentiation cannot be over emphasised. It makes you stand-out. It announces your desirability to the world. It applies to various businesses, companies, products and so on, no matter their size. However, we can conclude that brand differentiation is that one thing that a product offers that competitors do not offer. According to Roger Griffing, “Brand differentiation is creating an important and meaningful point of difference.” Hence you define and personalise it. To differentiate your brand, you must be able to identify your competitors and how they make themselves unique in the marketplace. Also, find out what they do not have. In martial art, for example, studying the tactics of your oppo-

nent gives you an insight into the style you would adopt to defend and defeat him. Always create room for uniqueness. To achieve this, you must research into the consumers’ want and create a different solution. However, the relevance of your brand differentiation to consumers need and aspiration goes can help register your brand in their minds. Consumers need a brand that is responsive to their needs and wants.Your brand must transcend product category. Another step is to build the creative angle in branding. Symbols, signs and colours are very important here and they must be designed in a way that distinguish the brand from others. They must be appealing to an extent that consumers should identify your brand with just colours and symbols. In all, a brand should be able to stand tall and not be seen as a clone of others.

Eight win in Ibadan Maltina TV show

IGHT finalists have emerged from the Ibadan audition of the popular family reality TV show Maltina Dance All (MDA) Season Six. The winners, if they scale through the medicals and other criteria, will join other winners nationwide to enter into the academy where the winning family will go home with whooping N6 million and drive home in a brand new car. The first and second runners-up will also get N1million and N500,000. The two-day audition had contestants compete for the instant prizes as well as making it to the academy. There were four age categories: five12, 13-19, 20-30 and 30 years and above. Winners in all the categories went home with Honda Generator sets, while the first runnerup went home with a Samsung TV set and the second runner-up were rewarded with Home theatres. Sunday Dolapo, Olamide Macaulay and Owusu Esther emerged winners for the five-12 years category, while the 13-19 category had Habeeb sekinat, Ogechi Okwelogu and Blessing Eghove as winners. The 20-30 category produced Michael Dare Alakija, Christian Etim and Gabriel Rowland as winners, as Jeremiah Kalu, Lucy Odey, Adeola

Odugunle won the 30 and above category. Jeremiah Kalu, the first runner-up in the 30 and above category and proud winner of a generator, was full of excitement and could not conceal his joy. Expressing his excitement, he said he was just passing by when he saw the event banner and remembered he had seen the advert about the auditions on TV and thought to “come have fun.”An excited Kalu was grateful to Maltina for connecting with its consumers nationwide. The second day had contestants in the 18-30 age category performed daring and spectacular moves, amid the different stunts and tension the final eight contestant were picked to represent Ibadan at the MDA academy. The female selected were 18-yearold Ogechi Okwelogu; Davies Blessing, 24; Blessing Eghove, 19 and Habeeb Sekinat, 19. The male finalists were Damilola Hassan, 21; Fashina Olakunle, 20; Christian Etim, 26 and Michael, Dara Alakija, 25. Michael Dara Alakija, who spoke on behalf of the winners said, he felt on top of the world when he was finally selected to enter the academy because he had been coming to participate in competition since the

very first season of Maltina Dance All and now he has been selected. He could not express his joy as he was optimistic his family would emerge overall winner. Bimbo Obafunwa, one of the judges and a professional dancer and member of the society for performing arts, disclosed: “We have been taken by surprise with the performance in Ibadan. We quite underestimated the outcome of participants this year, but the turnout was huge and we saw a number of good dancers here. We have picked the final eight based on their creativity, knowledge of different dance styles by being flexible, the ability to teach and learn fast, stamina and brand fitness and the ability to align with brand values and eventually become a good brand representative’’. The show will bring to the fore, the essence and values of sharing, happiness, unity, co-operation, vitality and creativity, which have set the show apart from others. It will be aired next month on major TV networks with video uploaded on YouTube and Facebook. Viewers can also participate and win fabulous prizes through the interactive SMS platform during the show.

• Tiwa Savage, 9ice, others on the bill THE third leg of this year’s edition of Amstel Malta Show kicks off next Friday at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State. The show, which will feature performances from Tiwa Sawage and 9ice, will also see students from tertiary institutions in and around the state slugging it out in music, dancing and comedy competitions. Winners in each category will receive N500, 000, a brand new iPad and a luxury all-expense paid weekend for two in Lagos. Runners-up will not go empty handed. The first and second runners-up will get N150,000 and N100,000. The winners will also get the rare opportunity to perform on stage with the stars in their categories. Alapomeji superstar, 9ice and singer Tiwa Savage will spice up the event with their thrilling performances on stage. There will also be rib-cracking jokes at the event as hilarious comedian, Seyi Law, will dish out jokes while the dance group, Outrage, will set the dance hall on fire with their breathtaking choreography. Also, versatile entertainer, Darey ‘Art’ Alade, will anchor the event. While registrations for interested participants in the singing, dancing and comedy competitions have started, auditions to select the participants in the competitions will hold today and tomorrow at the Koko Dome, Ibadan. Brand Manager, Amstel Malta-Nigerian Breweries Plc., Adedoyin Owotomo, expressed confidence that the event would be even more exciting than previous editions. “Amstel Malta, via the Amstel Malta Showtime activation, is committed to delivering a premium, once-in-a-lifetime experience to our target audience. This is the third edition of Amstel Malta Showtime for the year and I can promise you that it will be a grand experience because Amstel Malta wants its target audience to be the best they can be at all times,” she added. According to Owotomo, Amstel Malta Showtime is a unique opportunity for the aspiring entertainers to interact with superstars. “We are creating a unique platform that would bring together young, fresh talents and the established stars. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am sure that they will take away memorable experiences from the event,” she stated Amstel Malta Showtime in Ibadan will be the third leg of this year’s edition of the event following previous shows in Port Harcourt and Benin earlier in the year. The events featured some of the top artistes in the country with crooner, Flavour and the duo of Peter and Paul of P Square performing in Port Harcourt while Davido and Naeto C were the major acts in Benin. After Ibadan, the show will move to the city of Lagos on October 5 where Tuface Idibia and Wiz Kid will draw the curtain on Amstel Malta Showtime for 2012.

CenterspreadFCB drops Etisalat CENTRESPREADFCB has cancelled its contract with telecoms giant Etisalat. A year ago, CentrespreadFCB won Etisalat pitch and shared over 40per cent of Etisalat advertising business. It would be recalled that 141 Worldwide Advertising had warehoused the business before CentrespreadFCB . It has been revealed that Ayanwale’s advertising agency had already submitted its resignation and Etisalat has accepted the agency’s plea. Both companies would be parting ways at the end of August, this year. CentrespreadFCB has created most of the communications materials of Etisalat in recent times, notably is the popular ‘Saka’ television commercial. Both companies have kept mum over the crack in their relationships but there is strong indication that the agency does not see the business as lucrative as it was made to believe. Feelers from Etisalat said the agency creative output may have fallen short of the client’s expectation. Since there is little or no time for calls for another pitch, the account is speculated to make a return of 100 per cent to 141 Worldwide Advertising, the incumbent on the business. Anxiety has grown in Etisalat over the sudden departure of CentrespreadFCB, that it did not leave them with any alternative to serve as back up. While some senior executives in the telecoms giant are considering an impromptu pitch as result of 141 Worldwide’s inability to handle the brief 100 per cent, others have favoured a return to the incumbent. However, experts await a decision from Etisalat to save the account from heading for the rocks as well as the reasons CentrespreadFCB is leaving one of the sought-after telecoms business in advertising.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

LL over the world, entrepreneurs, brand owners and brand builders have adopted Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a veritable vehicle for building and reinforcing their brands in the ever competitive market. Created with a focus on giving back to the society and impacting on the quality of lives of the people in their communities, brand custodians have embraced a wide gamut of areas to leverage on CSR viz:education, health, technology, economic empowerment, security and allied social amenities. And for being CSR compliant, these brands have reaped great dividends, winning accolades and diadems for their efforts. In commemoration of its 50th years’ service in the Nigerian market, Seven Up Bottling Company Plc in 2011 initiated the 7UP Harvard Business School Scholarship. This initiative is targeted at Nigerians who have gained admission to the Harvard Business School. Annualy, a Nigerian is expected to get a scholarship to study at the school. Ms. Misan Rewane won the debut edition of the scholarship last year. This year, it was the turn of Olujimi Williams. He was all smiles when he was unveiled at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja penultimate Tuesday. “I got to know about the scholarship when I was reading a newspaper last year. I saw a full-page piece congratulating Ms. Rewane Misan, who won the maiden edition of the 7UP Harvard Business Scholarship,”says an elated Williams. Born and bred in Lagos, his parents had always wanted quality education for their children. Thus, Williams attended some of the best schools around including Corona Primary School, Ikoyi and Kings College. After his secondary education, Willams headed abroad. “ I left the country to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manchester, United Kingdom. I finished in 2007 and I had my masters there too. I later joined a company called General Electric, a multi-national company. In a variety of finance-related role, I spent five years there and it made me to travel across Middle East and Africa,” he said. But in 2010, Williams returned to Nigeria but still working for General Electric, the power generation division. But he resigned in June this year to complete his Harvard Business School’s MBA. Tracing his journey to the top in the competition for the scholarship, Williams said it wasn’t an easy ride. “ But God was on my side because other applicants were also good. By the time a student passed through HBS, winning the 7UP’s scholarship was no longer a question of the quality or ability of the applicant,”he said. In the beginning, Seven Up asked applicants to send their admission letters and the company went ahead to verify from Harvard if the students in were really offered admission. However, other valuable information and the students’details were contained on the application forms. Having scaled this hurdle, they went through three stages of interview at 7UP. “Once you passed through the Harvard stage, Seven Up only required you to do interviews with the Executive Management of

CSR: When 7UP goes to C Harvard

• Williams

the company (first, the Executive Director; Second, with the Managing Director; and finally with the Executive and Managing Director and the Chairman of Seven-Up bottling company),” said Williams. According to Williams, winning the scholarship,”is a fantastic experience and development in my life. I am grateful, as it is a full scholarship with no strings attached. Seven Up doesn’t apply any pre or post-MBA condition to the scholarship. So, we are not required to come back and work for the company at any point in the future. Also, I am not expected to pay back for the scholarship. It really gives the chance to go down the path that you really want for yourself after completing the MBA programme. “Without the scholarship, a student will have to take student’s loan. But after you graduate in two years, you may suddenly be interested in taking a more lucrative job than what you ideally would have liked to just to pay back the loan. Due to the interest fixed to the loan, it takes 10 to15 years for a student to pay back. By this scholarship, I don’t have to take on the most lucrative job. I can decide to explore what I really want to do after the programme and for me, I will most likely return to the energy industry where I was working before I applied for the programme.” Inducted in perpetuity by the 7UP Bottling Company of Nigeria Plc, the 7UP Harvard Scholarship is worth $100,000 covering tution, research, boarding and other exigencies. There is no age restriction for the scholarship.

‘Winning the scholarship is a fantastic experience and development in my life. It is a full scholarship with no strings attached. Seven Up doesn’t apply any pre- or post-MBA condition to the scholarship. So, we are not required to come back and work for the company at any point in the future. Also, I am not expected to pay back’

Map to cashlite route

ASH is lord. It rules. It divides. It wins. Cash speaks. It caresses your spirit. It is the spring in your trainers. It oils the wheels of your car. It lights your mood and put you in the groove. Cash gives you instant purchasing power. It allows you to determine how you spend it, who to give and how much. This process of spending places you in the driver’s seat. You know, like Femi Otedola, you can decide to flow with a committee chair investigating your sector for fraudulent conduct (and set him up?) Since you are (an equivalent of the Abuja taxi passenger who had N18 million in hard currency in his bag), you also travel around the country with cash in your possession, and nobody can stop you; not even the police. Except that, you do not go around in a taxi. You are chauffeur-driven with retinue of special senior advisers (SSAs) on everything from how and where to get the best manicure to how and where to eat catfish pepper soup to how to get the most succulent women. One more fact, you do not touch dog-eared naira notes. You deal in wad of crisp currency, as such everybody swim around you like ants over a cube of sugar. Aside the instant purchasing power you have, the cash in your bag confers power, prestige and panache on you. Your friends know that you harbour certain disdain for the naira. It is dirty. It stinks. It demeans your personality. Therefore, you have moved up the ladder and have cultivated a high taste. Like Otedola, spending Benjamin Franklin ($100 bill) is the in-thing. It sets you apart from the crowd, as such; you do not go around shopping. The SSAs do that for you. They understand your taste. Only the best would do for you. What is the price tag of that imported attire? Name it. Pay cash. Of course, cash has a distinct ring to it. Say it again, softly. Cash. It catches your fancy. It tickles. It transports your attention from the surreal to the real. Cash gives your confidence. Cash puts you in charge. Cash gives you options in crisis time. Cash gives you the cushion effect. This is your belief. That is why the little time you normally spend at some of the live Lagos parties, you are always with your SSAs. They do not carry out any wonderful acts except take care of your various shenanigans and pamper your tempers and carry your leather case and give you false sense of security. In Lagos, once you are in a party mood, you would fan your face with wad of Benjamin Franklin. In addition, you would proceed to plaster several of these on the forehead of King Wasiu Ayinde, the Fuji maestro, to the delight of your admirers and friends, who would deliberately mill around you, the way cocks act at the sight of grains of corn, secretly hoping and praying that you would throw several Benjamin Franklins their ways. Yes, you do. Some other times, you would throw the currency in the air and you would proceed to walk on them. That is the level of your intoxication. This is your lifestyle. These scenarios happen every day, every weekend in every street in our society. Why? Nigeria is a cash-loving, cash-crazy and cashcarrying society. Most economic transactions in Nigeria takes place on cash and carry basis. Cash speaks Cash opens doors. The major difference between the English language and cash is this: cash is a verb, it acts; English is a word; it talks. The English language does not have much influence: it cannot open doors. Cash packs so much influence: it can open doors that would hitherto have remained shut. That is why you and me like cash. It does something to your touch, to your heartbeat, to your mannerism, to your thinking, isn’t it? Having $20,000 in your wallet and holding ATM card containing N200, 000 gives you different feelings. It is the psychology of money and, yes, Otedola understands the feelings carrying cash brings. Lawan, too, understands that several Benjamin Franklins

in a wallet is worth N96 million. That is why most high net worth individuals in Nigeria (remember the Abuja taxi driver saga) would rather carry Benjamin Franklin not Aliyu Mai-Bornu/Clement Isong (N100 bill). They would rather cuddle Benjamin Franklin and not alternative payment such as a bankcard. However, now that Lamido Sanusi, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), had raised the transaction threshold (to N500, 000) he has made it easier for Nigerians to move cash around from one account to another. That is not the point.This is it. CBN says and does one thing. The banks do another thing while the banking public does something different. The banks have embarked on road shows. For whatever reasons, it is not clear. CBN has not educated Nigerians enough about this cashlite (or is it cashless?) issue. Are the banks and CBN working at cross-purpose? Granted, CBN means well. Granted, the banks mean well. Granted, the policy is not an isolated one. We know it is a gradual step towards making Nigeria a cashlite society by year 2015. Sanusi had emphasised that the reason behind the policy is to align the economy with the global trend, and to response to the aftermath of the recent global financial meltdown, which by statistics was said to have had lesser impact on cashlite economies around the world. Yet, most Nigerians are not in tune with this philosophy. Cash is still heavy in the informal sector. Cash is still walking the streets of Abuja (or tell me how can a taxi passenger had N18 million?). That is small money, bros. Okay. It is small. That is why an average Nigerian businessman/woman prefers cash transaction. That is why armed robbers would always strike and dispossess people of their valuables. However, beyond the challenges of armed robbery, cash gives the holder too much control over a transaction. This may sometimes be to the detriment of contract intent. Then, in Nigeria, despite the proliferation of banks, you still cannot get credit facility to prosecute legitimate, failsafe business. Instead of financing the project, banks would rather finance the aspirations of a newly elected legislator or governor. That is why several small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are not flourishing the way they should. Therefore, how would the new banking policy favour SMEs and the informal sector? How can the artisans, pepper sellers, homemakers, boutique and benefit from cashlite policy? This is the truth: Nigerian banks are not out to finance business enterprises with the thinking that the attendant risks accompanying these enterprises are high. If one bank has financed artisans, let the bank tell its success story. Okay, the banks would not touch the informal sector, and the informal sector would not go to the banks. The banks claim they are offering mobile money whereas what they are doing is mobile banking. The banks are eyeing the large pool of money in the hands of the un-banked, pretending to care for this army of un-banked, under-banked, under-served individual through mobile banking. CBN needs to correct this anomaly. To access mobile money I do not need a bank account. To access mobile money I do not need, this is the reality, a bank. That is the reason Safaricom has succeeded in Kenya. M-Pesa runs on a platform that is not connected to the bank. Rather, to have mobile money I need three things: a platform, my phone and a mobile money agent. Nigeria would not get to the cashless land in five months or five years. So, who is offering real mobile money? Banks or mobile money operators? That is a story for another day. Meanwhile, the map to a cashlite route is not straightforward. To negotiate the route, it requires more than what the banks and CBN are doing right now. To succeed the CBN need to change its tactics. Lagos is a highly sophisticated state. It is multi-ethnic in nature. That is why you cannot change the culture of a cash-carrying, cash-crazy and cash-loving generation in one swoop. Verdict: there is too much Benjamin Franklin in circulation.

*Editor - Wale Alabi *Consulting Editors - Rarzack Olaegbe, Sola Fanawopo * Correspondent-Jimi David * Business Development - Kenny Hussain * Legal Adviser - Olasupo Osewa & Co Brandweek is powered by Brandz Republic Consulting and published every Friday in THE NATION newspaper. All correspondence to the editor - 0808.247.7806, 0805.618.0040, e-mail: korede2000@gmail.com © All rights reserved.

THE NATION FRIDAY,AUGUST 24, 2012

SOCIETY

A church's golden jubilee The Cherubim and Seraphim Church C&S members were in happy mood last Sunday when the church marked its 50th anniversary. WALE AJETUNMOBI was there.

EMBERS of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Gospel Oke-Ayo Igbala Irapada were in festive mood last Sunday. They held a thanksgiving service to mark the 50th anniversary of the church. Dressed in white garments with shades of rosaries and Bibles in their hands, they had joy written on their faces; Although it is a rainy season, the weather co-operated. It was serene and tranquil throughout the event. The journey for the establishment of the church began in 1947 in the sitting room of one Elder Onashile at Ebute Metta as Mount Zion. But years later, it was beset with internal crises, which led to the exodus of some members to form another church. Those who stayed behind continued with the gospel and renamed the church. Fifty years after, it has transformed into a large church with many branches across the country. This is the story of Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, known as Gospel Oke-Ayo Igbala Irapada. Its headquarters sits on a vast landscape at Baale Street, Orile-Iganmu, Lagos. The celebration began with a press conference penultimate Thursday, in which the Spiritual Head of the church, Baba Aladura Reuben Olorunfunmi Basorun gave address on the state of the nation. On Sunday, the church launched a book that chronicles its journey and challenges in the last fifty years. Unveiling the book entitled: Our Steady March to Glory: The History of Gospel Church, Senior Apostle Adewole Okeyemi noted that journey of the church was rough, but successful. He was joined by Basorun and other top members of the church to lift the veil off the

From left: Apostle Adewole Okeyemi; Primate Victor Oshinfade; Olorunfunmi; Deputy Baba Aladura Samuel Sowemimo and Lady Envagelist Adewole Okeyemi

•Pa Abel Akinsanya (left) and Pa Akinde

•Mrs Bolanle Basorun (left) and Mrs Akintoye Braimoh

books. The book was reviewed by the Deputy Secretary-General of the Church, Dr Tunde Ogunkunle. Dr Ogunkunle narrated the tribulations that befell the unification church in the 1960s. "A firm decision, he said, was taken on August 19, 1962; the people finally departed Egypt to a place already acquired through the help of the late Mother in Israel Comfort Taiwo." Acknowledging the roles played by women in the survival of the church, Ogunkunle noted they helped in the building the church in tremendous ways. The book, he said, provided a balanced and unbiased story of the church without any attempt at impugning the character of anyone leaving the reader to form his or her opinion. Basorun described the 50th anni-

phim churches in Nigeria, so that the gospel of God would continue to heal the people of Nigeria. Delivering the keynote address on the theme: “hitherto hath the Lord Helped Us” Prof S.A Sanni likened the 30 men and women that broke away from the former Mount Zion Church to Israelites. Sanni said: “When the defenseless Israelites gathered to pray at Misra, the Philistines attacked them, but the assailants were subdued by God’s thunder. God told Israelites that if you worship in truth and in spirit, I will make you victorious”. He juxtaposed the break away of the 30 men and women to what happened to the Israelites. Congratulating the members of the church, the Lagos State

WEDDING

versary as milestone and the beginning of the greatness of the church. On what informed the writing of the book, Basorun said: "One day, the stage will be left for the youth of the church. And in order to guide them and for them not to lose the history of the church, we felt we should take the story of how we started to where we are to guide those who will come behind us in the future." He added that the unification church had no single founder but was founded by many people through the direction of the Holy Spirit, which is why the church has a board of trustees. “The founder of the Cherubim and Seraphim is Saint Moses Orimolade, whose foot step we are following. So, we have not deviated from C & S as founded by Orimolade,” he said. Basorun said the book sought to unite all the Cherubim and Sera-

Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said: 50th anniversary is a significant milestone in the life of a church. The governor represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Christian Religious Matter, Reverend Akintoye Braimoh. Braimoh said the church has committed its activities for winning souls for the Kingdom of God and render spiritual guidance for the hopeless in the country. “Baba Aladura Olorunfunmi Basorun is a statesman, who has contributed to the development of Lagos and Nigeria,”she said. At the event were former Deputy Governor of Lagos, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye; the Head of Cherubim and Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, A. O. Akinsanya; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Surulere Chapter; Bishop Isaac Ogundiran; the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, Oba Ola Fatola and clerics of various branches of the church.

SEND OFF

•The couple former Miss Nneka Nunoye and her beau Lawrence Imolode flanked by groom’s •Vicar of St. Jude’s Anglican Church, Omole, Ikeja Venerable Yemi Agbelusi (right); his wife, parents Mr John Imolode and wife, Roelune during the wedding at the Hotel Newcastle, Anthony, Capt. Bolaji Agbelusi (left), receiving a gift from an Ekiti Group during Agbelusi’s send-off. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS Lagos.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SOCIETY The 70th birthday of an accountant and philanthropist, Alhaji Ganiyu Olatunde Mustapha was held on Monday at Time Square Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

An accountant at 70

E was not born with a silver spoon but today through hardwork and perseverance, his story has changed. Like many others, the sucess story of Alhaji Ganiyu Olatunde Mustapha, an accomplished accountant, can be attributed to God’s favour. His plan was to visit his children abroad; he didn’t know they had a different plan for him. It was during his visit to London that the plan was unveiled. The birthday bash, according to his children, is to show appreciation for his efforts in making them who they are today. The London moderate plan blossomed into a big party back home in Lagos on Monday. Time Square Event Centre on Ajao Road, off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja, Lagos, was the venue. The weather was friendly; the sun shone brightly. A leading function planning and decoration firm, Olive Florals and Events, decorated the venue. The expansive centre was tastefully decorated with the colours of the day. That the event fell on the second day of Eid-Eil-Fitr did not stop guests from coming. The celebrator was stunned by the large crowd. Alhaji Mustapha never expected such a large turnout. He could not hide his joy. He moved round the tables to exchange pleasantries with the guests, some of whom came from overseas. Some people from the agrarian Imodi in Ijebu, Ogun State, the celebrator’s home town were also there. The birthday bash began with an opening prayer during which special prayers were said for the celebrator. Former Minister of Commerce and Industry Senator Jubril MartinsKuye chaired the occasion. Dr Fred Omojole made brief remarks by testimonies of friends and well-wishers of the celebrator. Young Ibrahim Mustapha, on behalf of the grandchildren of the ‘birthday boy’ thrilled the guests with a nice poem in honour of grandpa. Before proposing the toast, the family-size cake was cut. Alhaji Mustapha had not left his standing position before guests showered him with lots of gifts. He was full of appreciative words for the honour done him. Senator Martins-Kuye congratulated the celebrator. He described him as a thorough professional. “Alhaji Mustapha does not believe in impossibility. He will always look for solution without compromising ethics of his profession. I have worked with him on a number of occasions; he is a rare bred professional. “I equally congratulate him for having good children who dreamt of organising such a big ceremony to honour their father,” he said. Seventy years, the elderstateman said, is the beginning of another era. He wished him long life and prosperity. The celebrator’s childhood friend Alhaji Lasbat Sunmola described him as a trust-worthy person. “Alhaji Mustapha is humble, thorough bred and unassuming. His philanthropical gesture is enormous and highly large-hearted,” he said. Chief Femi Osunkoya, a lawyer, congratulated Alhaji Mustapha on joining septuagenarian club. He wished him more fruitful years. Before the celebrator and his two wives moved to the dance floor,

•Alhaji Olumide Olufowobi assisted by his wife, Chief Executive Officer Bolswot Ventures, Alhaja Bola Olufowobi and other guests to present birthday card to Alhaji Mustapha (left)

•The celebrator’s wives, Alhaja Ayoka and Alhaja Adepeju Mustapha on the dance floor

•Senator Martins-Kuye (left) and Dr Omojole

•From left: Chief David Solesi, his wife Clementine; Alhaji Isiaq Sanni and his wife Olabisi

•Alhaji Sunmola

•City People Publisher Seye Kehinde

•Chief Osunkoya

•Alhaji Rasheed Safe and his wife Amuda

Alhaji Mustapha took longer time to thank the guests. He nearly mentioned the names of all in attendance including Alhaji Sunmola who they both performed

Hajj in 1998. He equally singled out Senator Martins-Kuye for honouring despite short notice. “Two weeks to this event, I called

him in London to come and chair this event and he said he promised to return to Nigeria and here he is,” he said. He did not leave out former Ogun

State Commissioner Alhaji Isiak Sanni whose wife Olabisi was instrumental to the creation of the popular Aswani Market in Lagos and his close friend Chief David Solesi for being there always to support him.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

INTERVIEW You may call him the American dream; you may also refer to him as the Nigerian homeboy who took America by storm. Whichever way you choose to describe him, Seni, as he is known by all, is a phenomenal story of a man who took charge of his destiny. From an indigent home but armed with a premium mind, he cleared all sort of hurdles to study at Yale University; he then took on Wall Street and today, he is an investment advisor, entrepreneur, author and an acclaimed speaker. His is the narrative of Nigeria at her best; a foretaste of what might have been had Nigeria struck the right chord. He spoke with STEVE OSUJI. Excerpts:

Seni Hazzan: n: Living his dream

Lagos boy dreams Yale

NE day in December 1993, Seni Hazzan sat in his small office in Lagos and dreamed of attending Yale University Business School in New Haven, Connecticut, United States. He had watched President Bill Clinton’s inauguration earlier and learnt that he studied at Yale. So did his predecessor, President George W. Bush which prompted Seni to conjecture that if Yale was the school where American presidents were nurtured, he was sure to study there as well. Of course Yale is a top of the range Ivy League university, among the best of America’s citadel of learning, a pristine AngloSaxon institution that ought not to filter into the dreams of an indigent Lagos boy who had never visited America. But to the derision of his friends and colleagues, Seni began to dream of a Yale MBA and thus began the fairy tale. “When I made what I call the first leap of faith by making admission enquiries at Yale, there were only six weeks left to the graduate school examination. The shortness of time dazed me the more but I was determined and my mind was made up. I could still hear the laughter of my mocking friends who thought I was a dreamer. I went on my knees and prayed furiously, Lord I desire to go to America to attend Yale University…” Now, Seni is a converted Christian and you would not be with him a minute without realising exactly his stand, his status and his convictions about Christ and His universe. It is just best and easy to say that Seni is an electrifying Christian. It is also important to note that his is a photographic mind having come out as the best graduating student in accounting from the University of Maiduguri. He had also cleared ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) qualifying exams in on fell swoop winning prices even though he never could afford any of those ICAN tutorial classes that seems a sine qua non to passing these exams.

Road to Yale Seni rustled up some money, paid for Yale’s examination, studied hard and did so well that he was among the top of the list of those admitted and one of only two from outside of America. But as it turned out, passing the exam was the easy part. He needed to raise $100,000 (about N12

Rebuilding from Ground Zero

•Hazzan

million). “If I did my current job for the next 50 years, I would never have saved N12 million,” he said. He went on his knees once again and prayed even harder. Then it occurred to him to seek the understanding of the university; he called a certain Richard Silverman, who was director of admissions at Yale. Yale business programme did not have academic scholarship and had only limited financial aid for those who demonstrated financial hardship, he was told. Seni’s tenacity and persistence paid off as he was to receive a ‘token’ $20,000 worth of assistance over the two-year

O T

Fidau

HE fidau of Alhaji Rasheed Akanni Fagbayi Oloto will hold next Wednesday at his family house on Luther Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.

Convocation

•Uduaghan

Two years later, Seni finished among the top of a Yale Class where he was the only person of colour. Three Wall Street top firms came for him but he settled for Goldman Sachs, the number one financial services firm in the U.S.; working in the investment services division in New York. He also earned a Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) licence and rose to a managerial position with the Transaction Advisory Services Group of Arthur Andersen. Currently chief executive and managing partner of JIL, LLC, a diversified holding company with interests in financial services, real estate, private equity investing, publishing and retail business, Seni has advised CEOs and presidents of corporations and Fortune 500 companies. A gifted speaker who is much sought after around the world, he specialises in personal financial management, strategies for growing businesses God’s way, business start-up and real estate investing. He is a fellow of the Salzburg Seminar, a global leadership organisation based in Salzburg, Austria which distinguished membership is drawn from professionals, businessmen, academicians, bureaucrats and heads of nations. In the aftermath of the 9/11, 2001 terrorists attack on the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, Seni was among the team selected by the New York State government and the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to rebuild businesses that were devastated by the mayhem.

Based on this experience and his personal odyssey in the U.S. as an immigrant professional who needed to shift the paradigm of nine to five existence, leveraged life and the rat race that is Wall Street, Seni wrote what could be describe as an inspired book,

N Sunday, Mr Bayo Windapo will be installed the 29th President of the Rotary Club of Gbagada at the Sky Pavilion of Adebola House, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

HE Aqdun-Nikah (wedding) between Miss Baliqees Omofadeke, the daughter of the Lagos Central Mosque General-Secretary, Alhaji Muhammad Rajee Adenowo and her beau Abdul Sadeeq Durosinmi-Etti will hold on Sunday at the Lagos Central Mosque, Idumota, Lagos. The wedding will also feature introduction and engagement.

Living the American dream

Rebuilding from Ground Zero

duration of the programme. It was such a great relief but where on earth was he going to find the remaining $80,000 in other to enrol at Yale? With only two weeks left, he chose to write Yale formally, pouring his heart and seeking an arrangement that would grant him a loan. His gambit worked; he was granted a student’s loan but only if he could get himself to America and if he found a citizen or permanent resident to co-sign for him. “ I arrived Yale early in 1994 the day the refresher courses for the new

WHAT AND WHERE? Obsequies Investiture

Wedding

students started. It was my first time in the U.S, there was no brother or sister waiting for me. Even though I had company, I was alone in a strange world but I was elated that I was achieving my dream, I was living the promise of God that he would be your present help in the time of need”

HE Foursquare Gospel Church, Akute District, Ogun State will on Sunday concludes its annual convocation at the Church premises. The convocation started yesterday with a Revival Service. The Praise Night will hold today with Prophet Folorunsho Macaulay as the Minister. The convocation entitled: Season of Increase will be co-ordinated by the District Overseer, Revd Idowu Alawode.

ODAY, the funeral service of Mrs Rachael Bolanle Adenuga will hold at Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral (AVMCC) Oba Akinjobi Road, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. Interment follows at Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos. Reception follows immediately at Landmark Water Corporation Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The book was a sort of catharsis for him. About five years after landing in America from nowhere, so to speak, he was a top level manager on Wall Street, earning well, living big yet finding no fulfilment and wholesomeness of life. Instead, he discovered that he was in a sort of perpetual debt bind and that he was not exactly happy. “I needed to redefine my life, to step away from the vicious grip of capitalism, put a handle on my life and take charge of my destiny in a manner of speaking. I had to bring it all down and rebuild from ground. So, this book is in part, my own story and the story of 9/11,” noted Seni. God’s words and covenant are true today as they were in time of old, he often says. Wealth, according to Seni, makes sense only when it is a reward for serving people and doing good to the society. This is Seni’s credo: to do well only by doing good. Since he stepped aside from Wall Street, he has built two successful companies based on this principle. Today, according to him, he has a more abundant life, he is a happier person, a caring husband and a better father. He enjoys more personal fulfillment and he is no longer in debt. Today, he lives his dream which is to apply his God given talents to do well through fervently impacting on other people’s lives.

Turbanning

HE Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martin Uhomoibhi, will tomorrow be turbaned as the Dan Majen Koko of Kebbi State by the Sarkin Koko, Alhaji Shehu Salahu Koko. The event will take place at the Sarkin Koko Palace, Koko, Kebbi State.

Lecture

ELTA State Governor, Emmanuel Uduaghan will today deliver a lecture at the Business Hallmark Pub-

lic Policy Forum at the Unity Centre, Government House, Delta State. The governor will speak on Niger Delta: Beyond resource control, burdens and realities of transformation. Chairman of Business Hallmark Public Policy Forum, Prof George Obiozor, said in a statement that Uduaghan was chosen because of the realities confronting the regi on. •Ambassador Uhomoibhi

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SOCIETY Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari led his Baloguns to the Government House for a traditional homage to Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed. ADEKUNLE JIMOH reports

•From left:Alhaji Sulu-Gambari; Mr Kishira; Deputy Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof Isa and the state Grand Khadi, Sharia Court, Justice Idris Haroon

HE atmosphere was convivial. The heavens were very kind and the skyline was blue showing no sign of rains. The day was Monday a day after the celebration of Eid-il Fitr in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. Traditionally, Ilorin, a mini durbar (Bareke) is always staged by the Emir, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and his Baloguns to commemorate the occasion. This year’s was not an exception. A retinue of traditional rulers from the emirate rode on horse to stage a mini durbar at the emir’s palace. The horses were tastefully designed perhaps to suit the colour choice of the riders. The Baloguns led by the Emir, the chairman of the state council of traditional rulers immediately proceeded at about 11am to the Government House for a traditional homage to Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed. On hand to receive them at the Government House were, the state Deputy Governor, Peter Kishira who stood-in for the Governor, Deputy Speaker, the state House of Assembly, Professor Mohammed Isa, Head of Service, Alhaji Dabarako Mohammed, serving commissioners, among others. However, this year’s Bareke was devoid of

•Cross-section of the Baloguns

How Emir of Ilorin marked Sallah the elaborate pomp and pageantry and the camaraderie that used to characterise previous ones. The reason might be unconnected with the current security challenges in the country. Little wonder, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari in a remark tasked government at all levels to address the security challenges in the nation. He advocated the institutionalisation of constitutionalism in Nigeria for life to be more meaningful for Nigerians. Alhaji Sulu-Gambari noted that if democracy does not work in Nigeria, a country with huge potential, it cannot work elsewhere in Africa. He solicited the co-operation of Nigerians and the international community for the entrenchment of democracy in the country. The chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, pledged the cooperation of the traditional institution and Kwarans in general with the Abdulfatah Ahmed administration. The emir urged both state and federal gov-

BIRTHDAY

•From left: Nsikak Daniels, the celebrator, Kolawole Ojelabi, his wife, Olumuyiwa; Abiodun Olatunbosun and Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Lagos State, Jide Ologun

ernments to use the country’s natural resources for the sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy. Governor Ahmed said “indeed, the end of Ramadan calls for a renewed focus on virtues of peace, compassion and brotherhood with which the month is usually associated. I therefore call on all to sustain these virtues in the coming months in order to ensure peace and harmony across the state and in the country. “Peace is necessary for the well-being of all our people but is also a prerequisite for the much-needed development. Furthermore, brotherhood and compassion are keys to ensuring harmony amidst our diversity and the cooperation necessary for enhanced development of our state. “I therefore call on Nigerians, Muslims and Christians, to pray for peace and unity in Nigeria especially at this stage in our history as a nation and as a people. On our part, we must stand together and resist the forces

threatening the unity and peace of our great country.” The Governor explained that his administration’s policies in all sectors were borne out of the significance of the linkage between people’s wellbeing, peace and development that are kernel to its shared prosperity programme. He added that the state government is poised to up scale the scheme with an additional two thousand jobs to ward off the people from criminal activities. According to the Governor, the state government is also partnering with the federal government for the provision of additional ten thousand jobs for youths in the state in consonant with its youth empowerment programme. Alhaji Ahmed said his administration has also energised entrepreneurship in the state with the disbursement of N500million micro credit intervention scheme to over 300 small business entrepreneurs.

THANKSGIVING

•The Obi of Ejeme-Uno Kingdom, Nzemeka Godwing, sitting flanked by (from right) Chief Thompson Oliseyenum; the Okwonmilidelua I of Ejeme Kingdom and other chiefs during a thanksgiving Service at Ejem, Delta State.

BOOK LAUNCH

WEDDING

•Senior Pastor Capstone Church Tokunbo Johsnon and his wife Funmi displaying copies of The Secret of Golden Book of Wealth written by Funmi during its launch at the 5th edition of Breakfast Couples Fellowship at Capstone Church, Yaba, Lagos

•From left: Mrs Olabisi Olomiye; The couple Mr Adedayo Ajewole and his wife Funmilola and Mr Akindipe Olomiye during the wedding at Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

POLITICS THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

Chief Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) is the standard bearer of the Action Congress of Action (ACN) in the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State. The former National President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), in this interview with DAMISI OJO, unfolds his vision for the Sunshine State.

HAT prompted your ambition to become the governor of Ondo State after your exploits at the Bar? I am so concerned about the economic development of the state and the well-being of the people. I can see that in this state today, the people are disillusioned and there is hardly anything anyone can point to as the gain of our democratic venture in the past three years. There is no economic activity of any substance that anyone can point to and that has rendered the state comatose. That is one of the driving forces. Another force that is driving me is that there is no judicious use of the economic resources of this state and because of that, I believe there should be a change and I have the capacity to bring that change in the overall interest of our people. But many people, particularly, within the ruling Labour Party, are of the opinion that there is no need of changing a performing governor… That is their view. Interestingly, you have said they are Labour Party members. Let me tell you, truly a few people have been hoodwinked to agree to that position but the majority of the people in this state know that this government has not done anything to deserve being in government in the first place not to talk of continuing in office. This government has only succeeded in hugging publicity and with the assistance of the media, it has been able to showcase what I will call cosmetic projects and the majority of the people cannot be fooled. I traveled far and wide in this state during my campaign to be the candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and after I became a candidate, all I could see was desperation for a change as there is nothing to show as real development projects. The incumbent has been receiving awards left, right and centre. How can you justify your definition of the projects attracting these awards as cosmetic? When we talk of awards, these are purchasable items in this country. If I bring out my file, I can show you over fifty awards that I refused to buy. You purchase awards in this country. People send it to you every now and then and if you belong to that sphere, you fall for those tricks. If you also have the flair to deliberately want to kit yourself up, all you need to get those things is money. So, if you have state fund to waste and you are the type, you get as much as you want. This government is only buying awards. For instance, how can the body of students give an award to a governor that has not been paying bursary or scholarship to students? Why would such a body confer an award on such a governor? Of course, what happened is that a few among members of the students’ leadership were bought and the award followed. To me, those awards are part of the cosmetics that we are talking about. You were a leading member of the legal team that retrieved the mandate of the incumbent from the tribunal. What really separated you? I am a lawyer and by professional responsibility, it has nothing to do with parting of ways. I did my bit as a lawyer and that ended there. I have my own political fortune to pursue and if it is better served with ACN and ACN is an adversary to his own party, so be it. The thing is that both of us want to render service to our people. If he can use the platform of Labour Party and I use the platform of the ACN, I don’t think there should be any problem. There really is no parting of ways. Yes, political ways, because we are operating on different platforms. You recently called on unemployed youths in the state to register in your office here. What exactly is your plan for them? There are lots of avenues to engage the youths in productive activities and we are going to explore quite a lot of them. Let me make a correction. What we are doing is to have them registered in their local government headquarters. They fill in forms and

• Akeredolu and his wife, Bethy

Why I want to govern Ondo, by Akeredolu identify their skills. They are not supposed to come here. There are so many skills. By the time we come in, we are going to carry out the employment in broad fields, but we are keeping the modalities to our chest now. We are certainly going to employ 30,000 youths immediately we come into office. Is it going to be fashioned after the Oyo and Osun models? It is going to be typically our own, not fashioned after OYES of Osun or whatever it is called in Oyo. What we are going to do is going to be broad and not limited to any particular field. Since your emergence as the flag-bearer of the ACN, some of your party bigwigs have since decamped to other parties. Will that not have adverse effect on your chance of winning the election? I don’t think any bigwig has left the party; not as far as I know, except you mention names. Most of us have stayed together. But if you talk of somebody like Saka Lawal or Agunloye that have gone to the PDP and LP, none of both is a bigwig. All I can say about Agunloye is that he has a trade mark. Moving from the AD to PDP to LP to ACN and back to the LP, to me is a political ca-

reer worthy of academic study. One thing is certain; his exit cannot affect us in anyway. Before he finally left the party, most of his supporters disagreed with him. In fact, he met a large number of his supporters in the ACN. He met them there and they supported him in his aspiration. So, when he was leaving, they told him to go alone since he met them in their party, he cannot take them away from their party. He is alone now. If even he has any supporter now, it is those he came to the ACN with from the LP. The analysis is so clear. And that is what we have been telling our people, those who came to join your party and are leaving, cannot take you out of your party, the party is yours not theirs. There is apprehension in the land as we move towards the election date. The attacks and the shifting of blames by political parties; what do you think should be done to make the state safe and the election peaceful? I think the tempo has gone down now. I have been out in the field campaigning for the past two weeks and my convoy has not been attacked once. I give kudos to the SSS and the Police for maintaining security. They always stick with us and I think that

‘The majority of the people in this state know that this government has not done anything to deserve being in government in the first place let alone continuing in office. This government has only succeeded in hugging publicity and with the assistance of the media, it has been able to showcase what I will call cosmetic projects and the majority of the people cannot be fooled’

probably has put the LP thugs in check. But that is not to say the LP thugs are not there. They are there and they enjoy a lot of cooperation, strangely from the police who have collaborated with them in a manner I condemn without mincing words. There are a lot of trumped-up charges against some of our members which the police help the LP to engineer. When they get all these foolish complaints, rather than investigating the matter, and because they are working in tandem with the LP, they will effect arrest of our members. They arrest first before coming up with trumped-up charges and every other one is armed robbery. The complaints are not even recorded in their books before they go for the arrests. They take this to the Magistrate Court which will refuse bail because it lacks jurisdiction. The arrested persons are then put in jail. The idea is to put them behind bars by crook. A police command that is worth its salt and deserves some respect from the people should know that you should not take people to court until they are investigated and found liable. Look at what happened in the US; somebody shot people and he was not arrested immediately. It was after an investigation was carried out that they went to his house to pick him. The police in Ondo State are committing a lot of atrocities in collaboration with the Labour Party government and we have succeeded in taking the matter up with the police authorities. We presented our case at a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure recently, I was not there but the report I got from our people was that the AIG that came, Rahman Akano, appeared to be above boards in his quest to maintain peace in this state. I was told that he put it frankly to the Commissioner of Police that he should provide a level-playing ground and that it is not for him to take side in this matter. Speaking on what we should do to stop the violence and maintain the peace, I think we should campaign against it. The incumbent governor has thugdom; he enjoys seeing them around him. Every stakeholder should appeal to him to stop that attitude or else we will meet force with force and fire for fire. What actually happened on the day of the ACN congress when your supporters clashed with LP at their secretariat? What happened after the congress was that they attacked us first. I was there and I can say it anywhere. That was the day I was elected and because everybody was joyous, our movement from the venue became a procession of so many vehicles. And because we were going back to Owo, everybody was on the same route. Because we had so many people in the party and a lot more who wanted to show their love for the party, the movement became rowdy. All of the people came out in a manner that LP did not believe would happen. In that instance, a lot of people and vehicles spilled to the other side of the road where the LP secretariat was located. There was an LP vehicle that was claiming right of way and after several appeals, he refused to yield. That was how the trouble started. I was right there. If they say they were not prepared for us, how did they get the huge amount of stones and bottles they hauled at us? But as God would have it, there was a lady that was selling beer or minerals at the other side opposite their gates. Unfortunately for her, her empty bottles were right there. The boys simply went there and started hauling back at the aggressors. That was exactly what happened. One of our people was shot in the back and two of the vehicles that were in the rear of the convoy were seized by the LP thugs. So when we got to our campaign office, our boys went back and secure the release of the two vehicles. That was exactly what happened. If that vehicle had allowed us to move unhindered, I think the problem would have been avoided. You don’t have to block the road and claim your right in that situation. I guess the fellow did what he did because we are ACN and he is LP. That is wrong

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

POLITICS Honourable Bimbo Daramola of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) represents Ekiti North Federal Constituency 1 at the House of Representatives. He spoke to some reporters in Lagos on national issues and the efforts being made to address the plight of the people in his constituency. MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE was there.

‘Suspicion, distrust reasons for state agitation’

state but the members of the House of Representatives represent people of their different constituencies. For instance, if this government says that it is doing a project in Oye Constituency 1, I will ask what kind of project and where it is being done it? I know the 24 towns in the constituency because they voted for me to be there. It is not one minister that will come and tell me that there is a project going on in Oye community. Governors are divided on State Police and it is held in some quarters that some of them are merely being used to scuttle the request? Let me tell you that the times are ominous, these are perilous times and Nigeria should be very careful. All this while the governors had agreed during their meeting that State Police was imperative, suddenly within 24 hours some of them chickened out. They brought politics into it and jettisoned the real thing. • Daramola Look at what is happening in Yobe, Maiduguri and Bauchi and other parts of The figures announced by the Na- the country. The people have said that tional Assembly and the Executive on the solution to these problems is state the performance of the 2012 budget police, for God sake if you are really a are different. If only for the purposes governor that cares for the people, what of record, who should Nigerians be- should you do at this time? Anywhere lieve? you find the police performing, the govIf you see a pregnant woman ernor of that state is on the top of the wouldn’t you recognise her as such? game. He provides buses, ammunition, Does it take being a scientist to know insurance and other social security and that a woman is pregnant? We are welfare for them. The argument that the talking about figures that came from governor will use them against his perInternational Financial Reporting ceived political enemies or that he will Standard (IFRS), which is not directly abuse it is not tenable; on the contrary, it under the National Assembly, figures will enhance the security situation in the that came from Department of Petro- country. leum Resources, NNPC, Customs and How has your constituency fared in Excise and they have not been contro- terms of fulfilling your campaign promverted. They have not said that those ises? figures that were passed to Nigerians Though it is not our job, what we are were wrong. They even came up with trying to do, and that is what they now other theories like we have done 33 use to assess performance, is to provide per cent but with 20 per cent no cash succour to our people by enacting good, backing. Do you know what ‘no cash friendly legislations that the executive backing’ means? It simply means that will use to serve the people. The truth of no money was provided and if you the matter is that if you don’t take the did not provide money that means bigger picture, you will not be able to you did not do the job. Tell me, in this address the challenges. Our problem in country, where do you feel the impact this country is systemic. I will give you of a budget that has performed up to an example, the legislator begins to fund 50 per cent? And don’t forget, if you education, deploys money into scholarwant to see the real picture of Nigeria, ship like we have done. We only just go to the House of Representatives. gave 100 students N25,000 each to supSenate represents geography, that is port their education. I supported 100 othwhy we have three members across ers to get JAMB forms and prepare for it. the state irrespective of the size of the So, beyond what they are taught in schools they get extra lesson. And the result was there to show for it because over 95 percent of the students scored above 240 marks. That is a clear way of showing the fact if you invest in the bigger picture. You will have addressed much. If the government had invested in education, I will not have any reason to give money to organised extra mural classes for students to pass JAMB. But we should know that the future of this country hangs on the balance if we do not provide good education for the teeming youth of today. Every of the project that I have done has been personally funded by me; National Assembly has not given me a dime nor given anybody a dime. People talk about jumbo salary, I now know that jumbo salary does not exist, I have just one car, we are building a 32bed hospital, in another two weeks they will be roofing it and that is not my job. Is that not your constituency project? No, it is not. Constituency project is what has been identified, as the project that will go to your area and you suggest it to the ministry and the ministry funds it. That is not what I am doing. What we are doing today is to address some of the challenges of our people because I live with them and we know Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, explaining a point to the what they are facing. The fund we have Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, sunk into what we are doing is personal during theSpeaker’s inspection of projects executed by the Delta State money and I challenge anybody to controvert my position. government in Asaba.

HE process for the review of the 1999 Constitution is underway in the National Assembly. What fresh inputs should we expect? I am not in the committee that is looking into it but as a Nigerian and parliamentarian, I am aware that Nigerians want the issue of tenure determined; the immunity clause for the executive determined. People have agitated for state creation; they are already talking about the revenue allocation and sharing formula and all of that. These are the major things I have seen as the high points of the constitutional review. You would be saying nothing, if revenue allocation as it affects Nigerians is not really discussed. State creation is a different ball game, there are people who agitate for it, whether they are viable or not, nobody can tell but the truth of the matter remains that this review would most likely revolve around these areas. Some states in the federation are not really viable but people are talking of new ones. Why is this so? There is so much of mutual discord in this country; everybody is suspicious of what anybody else is doing. In an environment where mutual suspicion reigns, you will think of the best way to advance and defend your own cause. So, we are beginning to be very clannish and I can guarantee you that when this becomes effective ,then this will become something else. For instance, when we have Oyo State before the creation of Osun State, the idea was that government will be closer to the people if you have Osun, but I can guarantee that ,right inside Osun State, there are people who are agitating and proposing Ijesha State now to equally address their own challenges. The mutual suspicion and the distrust for one another have thrown up all of this. The thinking is that, oh once I have my state that will be the best for me but what is on ground goes beyond the creation of states. Remember, somebody has postulated that 80 percent of the states we have today are struggling and are not viable. They are struggling from one problem to another. I don’t know how far we can go, I believe very strongly that these are challenges that we should look at and address very well.

• The late Dantong

The race by political parties to field candidates to replace the late Gyang Dalyop Dantong, the Plateau North Senator who was killed last month, is gathering momentum. YUSUFU AMINU IDEGU previews the by-election.

Search for Dantong’s replacement begins

N July 7, Plateau North Constituency lost its voice in the Senate. The awry development followed the gruesome death of its repre sentative at the Upper Legislative Chamber, Senator Gyang Dalyop Dantong. The Senator met his untimely death while participating in a mass burial organised for members of his constituency who were killed by unknown gunmen in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of the state the previous day. He was not alone in the tragic ordeal. Two other lawmakers – one from the House of Representatives and another, a legislator from the state assembly – were also forced into their graves. As would be expected, the constituency began search for another person to carry on the late Senator’s unfinished business on its behalf. Thus, the politics of shopping for a capable replacement for Dantong began almost immediately the news of his death was made public. Senator Dantong was elected on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2011 and he had represented the party and people of the zone credibly well at various capacities. And until his death, he was Chairman, Senate Committee on Health. Upon his demise, each of the political parties began talks and scheming on how to come up with a candidate that has all it takes to defeat the candidates of other parties in a by-election. Of course, the ruling PDP will not want to lose the northern senatorial zone to opposition parties the way it lost the Plateau Central Senatorial Zone to former governor of the state, Chief Joshua Dariye who used his personality to beat other parties’ candidates in the zone. To avoid a repeat of the mistake in the central zone, the ruling party has begun to search within its fold, for a credible candidate. Information that has reached The Nation so far indicates that the party must have found the qualities in Gov. Jonah Jang’s Chief of staff, Gyang Pwajok as possible replacement of the late Senator. Even before the burial of the late Senator on July 23 last month, political meetings had been held in various quarters within and outside the state on how he should be replaced. A few days after the burial, the executive of the PDP from the zone visited Jang over how to fill the vacant seat. On that particular meeting three agreements were reached: That the party would be allowed free hand to shop for capable candidate to fly the party’s flag in the by-election; that the party would pick only active members of the party, considering the peculiar nature of the zone, especially its volatility, and also that the party must pick such candidate that could beat others in the proper election. That agreement between the governor and the party leadership at the zone set the tone for the formal take-off of campaign for the by-election. The party also agreed to give the slot to Jos North Local Government area of the state. Shortly afterwards, it was announced that Chief of Staff to Jang had resigned his appointment “for a higher responsibility.” This left no one in doubt that the party must have found whom it had been looking for. However, others in Berom land were interested in the vacant seat. They are Col David Dung (rtd); former minority leader of the state House of Assembly, Rufus Bature; former governorship aspirant Chris Giwa; Lumumba Da Ade, and former chairman of Jos North, Danladi Atu, among others. Dantong’s family was also interested in fielding one of its members to complete the tenure of the late senator. Apart from the ruling party, the Labour Party, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) have also concluded arrangements to contest the vacant seat with the same candidate they fielded for the same position in 2011. Gyang Pwajok, who is popularly referred to as ‘GNS Pwajok’ in the state, is the son of a pioneer member of Northern Region House of Assembly who resides in Guran Laranto, now known as Alikazaure in Gwong district of Jos North local government area of the state. The PDP hopeful was also the pioneer secretary of the party in Jos North when the party was formed in 1998. So far in the state, it is only the ruling PDP that has made a clear direction as regards its game plan and its candidate for the election. Other political parties are still keeping their strategies to their chests.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

COMMENTARY

T no time in the life of man can the true nature of human existence more manifest than in Ramadan. It is in that sacred month that Muslims reflect mostly on the purpose of their existence on earth. Some people fasted actively last year but are no more today. Some put their feet at the door step of Ramadan this year but never entered it. Some fell by the way side along the line. Some fasted with absolute faith in Allah and confidence in making use of the lessons of Ramadan. Some joined the train with no idea of their destination in the month. At the beginning of the sacred month, an analysis was done in this column classifying the 30 or 29 days of Ramadan into three segments. The first segment was said to contain the first ten days of the month during which the blessings of Allah came to the faithful Muslims freely and in abundance. Except for meeting that segment with faith and good intention, there was no working for blessings. That segment ended on July 29, 2012 paving way for the second segment that began the following day. During the 10 days period of the second segment, most fasting Muslims intensified worship (‘Ibadah) by spending their days and nights seeking Allah’s forgiveness and by chanting Istighfar while observing Tarawih and Tahajjud in addition to the normal five daily obligatory Salawat. Most of them also engaged vehemently in Tilawah, Tafsir and attendance of public lectures for better understanding of Islam. However, forgiveness in that circumstance was neither automatic nor free. Usually, conditions were attached to it. One of such conditions was for all fasting Muslims to admit his/her misdeeds and repent of them. The second was for such Muslims to voluntarily and genuinely seek forgiveness. And the third condition was to resolve never to return to such misdeeds again. To seek Allah’s forgiveness during that time, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was reported to have said that “if you want to speak with Allah, make your request on prostration. And if you want Allah to speak with you recite the Qur’an”. And that was what Muslims of understanding did. No one who abided by the above conditions and followed it scrupulously would ever be disappointed. Allah is both a promising and a fulfilling God. He never reneges on His promise. In Qur’an 2:186 He promises thus: “…when my servants ask you (Prophet Muhammad) about me, tell them that I am very close to them. I answer the prayers of whoever seeks my favour if he prays to me (without any intermediary). So, let them expect my favourable response and trust in me so that they may be rightly guided” Those second ten days were not just to consolidate on the blessings of the first ten days they were also to prepare the fasting Muslims for the last ten days when all genuine fasting Muslims were expected to be fully liberated from the evil machinations of any Satanic forces. The last ten days which constituted the last segment were the most heavily pregnant in terms of spiritual activities. In that segment were such activities like I‘tikaf, Laylatul Qadr and Zakatul Fitr to be found. Zakatul Fitr can be called the climax of Ramadan while ‘Idul Fitr was its anti-climax. Whoever passed through that segment therefore without any blemish has profited here on earth and in the hereafter. However, gaining spiritual achievement is not as important as maintaining such achievement. It will be foolish of anybody to go through such a rigour for a whole month only to turn back and throw away the gains there from. If some people passed through the same rigour last year and did not see this year’s Ramadan it would be expected of those who are alive to learn a lesson from that. There is no automation in fasting every year. Only the grace of Allah can ensure that for some. Now, having passed through this year’s Ramadan with our lives, health and faith it becomes necessary to preserve the gains of that sacred month in the next one year since no one knows which would be the last. Human life is not measured by the time or manner of his or her death. In Islam, death is neither the consequence of sin nor the repercussion of ignorance. There are instances when the sinless dies and the sinful lives. There are also instances when the learned dies while the ignorant lives. The schedule of life and death is not in the custody of any human being. Death is a debt which every living being owes

FEMI ABBAS ON Femabbas@yahoo.com 08122697498

Reappraisal of Ramadan

•Abuja Central Mosque

and must pay. Not even Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was spared of death or given a foreknowledge of it. Allah told him in the Qur’an: “Say I have not the power to benefit or to harm myself except what Allah pleases. Unto every nation is a fixed term. When their terms expire, they cannot delay it by an hour nor can they bring it forth before its time”. Q.10:49. And more than six hundred years before Prophet Muhammad (SAW), another Prophet, Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary) had made a similar statement thus: “By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me”. See John 5:30 and he expressed the same statement in another way in John 20:28 thus: “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak these things as the Father taught me”. The statements by both Prophets though at different times, were made out of humility and exemplariness. Some people dream but never live to realise their dreams. Some look but never see. It is only in the imagination of man that age or accident or disease should be a cause of death. We shall all die at our scheduled time. Therefore, whoever is privileged to have passed through this year’s Ramadan successfully should endeavour to add spiritual value to his or her life and not diminish in faith after the sacred month. We shall all account for that value before Allah. Let men remember the role of their wives during the month and renew their love for those wives. Let women recall the intimacy which Ramadan rekindled between them and their husbands during the month and sustain such intimacy if only for the sake of the children. Let parents happiness derived from the role of their children in the sacred month and further encourage such children to do good in order to curry the favour of Allah. Let everybody remember the tremendous improvement which the month of Ramadan brought to our relationship during the month and strive to sustain such relationship irrespective of tribe, language

or religion. We should also recall how we related to our neighbours especially the non-Muslims among them in that month. In Islam, neighbours are as important as the next of kin. And, Islam attaches so much respect to them that Bukhari and Muslim quoted Prophet Muhammad (SAW) saying three times that: “he does not believe in Allah whoever creates fear in his/her neighbours”. And in another Hadith also reported by Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet said that “Whoever believes in Allah and the last day let him be nice to his neighbours and respect his guests” In the month of Ramadan a good Muslim is expected to wear a new toga of sobriety and repentance. He doubles his good deeds to his neighbours, extending generosity to them and cultivating a new atmosphere of friendliness and trust with them. He genuinely gives them as much impression of love and brotherhood as he does with his consanguine relatives. It does not matter whether such neighbours are Muslims or non-Muslims. Neither does it matter whether they are fellow tribesmen or non-natives. The Prophet did not discriminate in his Hadith when he was admonishing his disciples on what relationship with neighbours should be. And that is the inalienable position of Islam on neighbours. Therefore, whoever, had quarreled with his neighbours, therefore, let him go and settle the quarrel. Fasting in the month of Ramadan cannot be taken in half measure. It was an act of ‘Ibadah through a whole pillar of Islam. Whoever wants to receive full rewards for his religious activities in Ramadan let him continue to abide by the foregoing after the sacred month. Ramadan is not made a pillar of Islam by accident. Its purpose is to return man to the original state of purity into which he was created. That Allah entrusts the world to man is also not by accident. Allah consulted wide and far before entrusting this great responsibility to man having volunteered to bear it. This much

‘Without the Mosque, the unity of the Muslims would have been impossible. Mosque is the meeting place for offering Salat five times a day. It is the centre of congregation for Jum’at prayer every Friday. It brings the Muslims together twice in a year for congregational observance of Eidul-Fitr and EidulAdha. Yet, the meeting place called ‘Arafah which is the climax of Hajj is a Mosque’

is revealed in Qur’an 33:71 thus: “We offered the trust (of the world) to the heavens; the earth and the mountains they all turned it down and were afraid of it. Man undertook to bear it but he has proved to be insincere and deceitful”. For man to reexamine himself, repent his misdeeds and be redeemed, therefore, Allah brought Ramadan as a means of rescue. It is in the month of Ramadan that Muslims reconfirm NEEDS rather than WANTS as the necessities required for the sustenance of their lives. Muslims, by their faith and orientation, should not, ordinarily, akin to WANTS. They should rather be more concerned about NEEDS than WANTS. The reason for this is not farfetched. With NEEDS come contentment and satisfaction while WANTS are the cause of greed and avarice. Allah, the creator and Sustainer of the universe, had provided the needs of every living creature even before its creation. But then, He knew that of all those creatures man alone would go beyond NEEDS into the realm of WANTS. That was perhaps what informed the negative role which Satan assumed in the life of man shortly after the creation of Adam and Hawa’u. By introducing WANTS to man, what Satan did was to create a permanent job for himself in the life of man. Without WANTS the world would not have been what it is today. Blood would not have been shed. Money would not have been deified. Hatred would not have been known to man. And, man’s inhumanity to man would have been totally averted. It was however delightful to note in the sacred month that Nigerian Mosques were full of Muslim youths. By this, a silent Islamic renaissance seems to have been rekindled especially in Nigerian society. With this development, two great possibilities are expected to see Islam through the coast of good hope in the 21st century. One is the return of the Mosque to its original objective without delving into violence as currently being done by some vandals in the name of Islam. The other is the inalienable continuation of Islamic intellectual dynamism in reshaping the destiny of mankind. The hope that these two possibilities are achievable in the hands of today’s teeming Muslim youths is in fulfilment of a fundamental prophesy about the signs of the last days. One of these signs is that ‘the sun will start rising where it used to set’. The reference here is not to the physical sun. The Prophet was referring to the spiritual photosynthesis of the souls of mankind for the ultimate metamorphosis of those souls from mortality to immortality. The photosynthesis in reference here is Islam. And the fulfilment of this prophesy is gradually being confirmed today not only by the rate at which the Westerners are embracing Islam in their thousands despite the grand plan to blacklist that divine religion with implacable hate but also by technology and science. When Prophet Muhammad (SAW) established the very first Mosque in Madinah (Masjid Al-Qubah) in 622 A.C, the purpose was more than just Salat. Thus, to the Muslims, the Mosque is not supposed to be just a house of worship. It should also be a school, a library, a hospital, a court, a media centre and a parliament. Without the Mosque, the unity of the Muslims would have been impossible. Mosque is the meeting place for offering Salat five times a day. It is the centre of congregation for Jum’at prayer every Friday. It brings the Muslims together twice in a year for congregational observance of Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha. Yet, the meeting place called ‘Arafah which is the climax of Hajj is a Mosque. The Mosques in Makkah, Madinah, and Quds (Jerusalem) serve the same purpose as those in Cairo, Jakarta, Islamabad and Sydney. And, in purpose and intent, there is no difference between the Mosque in Sokoto and the one in Vancouver. Generally, the Mosque plays a central role in fortifying the unity of the Muslims wherever they are. But unfortunately, for personal benefits, the Mosque has been relegated to just a place for Salat alone thereby becoming grossly underutilised. That is the real cause of the backwardness in which the Muslim Ummah is now wallowing. With the experience of the sacred month fasting Muslims have gained bounteously. Such bounties must not be lost. This year’s month of Ramadan has come and gone. But the lessons it brought will continue to live with us practically until they are renewed again next year with the return of this same month in sha’Allah.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS

Cashew group chief calls for temporary soybeans import

HE Federal Government has been urged to allow the temporary import of soybeans to enable poultry farmers meet the challenge of rising feed prices. Speaking with The Nation, the President, National Cashew Association of Nigeria(NCAN), Tola Faseru, said the move was necessary on the short term to address the soaring price of soybeans, especially at the retailer level, which is getting out of the reach of poultry farmers. Lending his weight to the call to allow import of soybeans to deal with supply problems, Faseru said the measure is likely to be effective only temporarily. He said the government and the private sector should prepare soybeans reserves and silos to link it to safety net programmes, where they can be deployed to address the feed crisis, with emphasis on the farming population. Faseru noted, how-

Stories by Daniel Essiet, Agric Correspondent

ever, that the proposed strategy should not affect the fundamental issue of stable and sustainable soybean production. To this end, he advised that government policies should be targeted at improving domestic soybean production, adding that this would lead to self-sufficiency. Boosting national production of soybean, he advised should be enhanced to reduce the effect of high and volatile prices on national food security. He said the policy should work through several strategies, such as the introduction of modern technologies, good quality seeds, better fertiliser, machinery and farming tools. Faseru urged the sector to invest in soybean crushing infrastructure to process more tonnes of soybeans yearly. He said investing in soybeans

crushing plants will create jobs for Nigerians. Complaints about the skyrocketing price of soybeans have come from livestock and poultry producers across the nation. The producers are facing a dilemma: on one side, the price of soybeans is very high, but on the other side, it is almost impossible to significantly increase the price of eggs, which are popular side dishes. The adverse impact of rising the soybean price is the instability of poultry production, since soybean is the key component of the poultry feed. Although there are alternatives to soybean to produce feed, soybean and corn remains the preferred choice by the majority of the producers. The increased prices may benefit farmers in the short run, but consumers will experience the aftermath of price increases in the form of more money spent on poultry, beef, pork, and dairy products.

•From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prince Gbolahan Lawal and Technical Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs. M. O. Adetunji, during an interactive session with participants of Agric-Yes Summer School for Secondary School pupils.

Experts laud IITA research

HE Chair, Consortium Board of CGIAR, Dr Carlos Pérez del Castillo, has commended the high quality of research work being undertaken by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA). He emphasised that this is needed more than ever to tackle the challenges to food security of tropical nations not only in Africa, but also the rest of the world. According to a statement, Castillo spoke at the Ibadan office of IITA during a visit. He was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer, CGIAR Consortium, Dr Frank Rijsberman; IITA Board Chair, Dr Bruce Coulman; and the Directors-General of two other CGIAR Consortium Centres: Dr Papa Seck of AfricaRice, and Dr Jimmy Smith of the International

Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Castillo said: “We are very impressed with our interactions with IITA scientists and the high quality of science they are doing in various fields. Their degree of commitment and passion to IITA’s mission of eradicating hunger and poverty through their science is nothing short of amazing. We are extremely happy with what we’ve seen during this visit.” He cited IITA’s “food production systems” approach to addressing agricultural constraints”, stressing that such a strategy would benefit farmers and help feed the world’s growing population. Rather than addressing agric development bottlenecks on commodity basis, the “production system” approach integrates according to the

statement, the diverse options available, such as crop improvement, markets, and natural resource management, among others. It is a holistic way of thinking that seeks to improve livelihoods, increase incomes, and promote sustainable development. “In the past, most of the research was centred on either commodities or natural resource management, but the production system approach— which brings together all the components from different centres—will deliver better impact on the livelihoods of the poor in different ecosystems. This different way of doing things will certainly bring about solutions that couldn’t be achieved on an individual mandate,” Castillo explained.

Cocoa farmers seek procurement procedure review

HE Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) has urged the Federal Government to review the procedure being used in procuring and distributing agro-chemicals to its members. The National President of the association, Alhaji Raheem Adeniji, stated this while addressing reporters at the end of a summit of the association in Osogbo. He said farmers ought to be consulted in evolving a hitch-free formula. ‘’Cocoa farmers should be allowed

to recommend the type of chemicals to be procured for them and they should be distributed, according to the size of each farmer’s cocoa plantation,’’ he said. ‘’We urge President Goodluck Jonathan to direct the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to listen to farmers in the interest of the country’s cocoa economy,’’ he said. He further said: “The procedure is unscientific and devoid of proper consultation with the cocoa farmers. “We have written to the ministry

in charge, urging it to follow the request of the farmers, but it has continued to ignore our demands. “We also rejected the type of agrochemicals procured for us. “How do we explain the inclusion of three different brands of agro-chemicals of the same potency in a single box, purportedly meant for the same usage for cocoa trees. ``Are they saying different brands of agro-chemicals should be sprayed simultaneously or be sprayed differently on the same farm.’’

STATE FOCUS

Promoting Agric in Abia

BIA State has huge agricultural resources, which are the main engine of economic development. Depicted as an "indigenous developmental state," the overall growth record of the state is based on small manufacturing and agriculture. The state’s main economic development strategy has been to exploit the country’s agricultural resources and invest the proceeds in improving social and economic conditions and creating new economic opportunities. The main industry in Abia State is farming and agricultural produce includes oil palm, cashew, rubber, cocoa, coconut and cassava. There are three agricultural zones in Abia: Aba, Umuahia and Bende. The Bende agricultural zone is a major producer of rice and yam. In the Aba and Umuahia agricultural zones, cash crops, such as palm produce, cocoa and rubber are produced, while food crops such as yam, cassava, rice, plantain, banana, maize and cocoyam are produced in large quantities. Besides oil palm, cashew, rubber and cocoa are grown widely in the state. When Governor Theodore Orji was sworn-in on Sunday, May 29, 2011, for asecond term, one major sector, he announced would receive transformation was the agriculture. The governor’s reason was that through massive investment on agriculture, positive change would be made on the standard of living of the people as well as accelerated development. According to Governor Orji, Abia is blessed with fertile land and has population of almost two million. The huge agricultural potential, when fully tapped, will serve as the main engine for economic development. The governor said his administration is ready to develop Abia people through an all-round investment, especially in agriculture. ‘’This is the beginning of a new dawn, a new healing, signifying the renewal, which Abia have been yearning for’’, he said. Speaking during the flag-off of the disbursement of N1 billion agricultural loan and Roll-Out of Growth Enhancement Support Scheme at Aguiyi Ironsi Cenotaph, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia. Governor Orji said his administration was determined to build an economically viable state, through a sustainable agricultural development. ‘’From inception, this administration placed premium on revitalisation of agriculture, which in the past was the mainstay of the nation’s economy. ‘’Our programmes and policy thrust are aimed at boosting food production because of the belief that self-sufficiency in food production is panacea for sustainable democracy and economic growth,’’ he said. He explained that his administration’s belief that agriculture employs over 70 per cent of Nigeria’s adults, informed his decision to sign the Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) to enable farmers in the state to access the N1 billion agricultural loan of the Federal Government. “Through this loan, the government is targeting food sufficiency by 2015,increase export crops production and provision of jobs to the army of employable youths across the state among others,’’ he said. The governor said Abia is participating in cassava, rice, cocoa, oil palm, aquaculture, leather, pig farming and in second phase of sheepand goat husbandry, adding that agricultural transformation implementation committee to achieve the mandate have been inaugurated.

By Daniel Essiet

Explaining the need for closer collaboration in achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, he added that for Nigeria to do well in agriculture, interested farmers, corporate bodies and government must collaborate. ‘’We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry ofAgriculture to guarantee Federal Government’s collaboration on cassavavalue chain development and transformation programme. My administration consistently paid counterpart funds to development partners; sponsorship of programmes, such as FADAMA, the IFAD/FGN/NDDCCommunity Based Natural Resource Management Programme, in addition topurchase and sale of 54 tractors at subsidise rate to farmers. According to the governor, 30,000 bags of fertiliser were procured for free distribution as a back-up to the Federal Government growth enhancement scheme in addition to other inputs for distribution toAbia farmers at the event. “We also provided substantial quantity of F3 Amazon and newlyreleased CRIN CTI improved hybrid coca seedlings in addition to otherinput to farmers,’’ he said. “I urged the beneficiaries of this loan to make proper use of the credit facilities to achieve hunger-

•Gov Orji

free Abia, drive income growth and accelerate the achievement of food security, as well as transform the state into a leading player in the national food market and grow wealth for Abia people. Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Ike Onyenwaku, said the state is blessed with rich agricultural potentials, fertile soil, adequate rainfall can grow oil palm, cassava, rice, cocoa, cocoyam and various livestock,’’ he said. Onyenwaku said the state is participating in about eight commodities in the Value Chain and the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme. He assured that extension services will be reinvigorated to offer guidance to farmers on best practices in the use of the various Agro-input made available through the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme. Analysts believe Governor Orji’s transformation of agriculture is in the right direction as jobs would be created to many and the state economic status made stronger if the tempo of investment is followed, by farmers and future government. They said Abia has the potential to attract investment in the following agro-allied industries: cassava starch and flour, fruitand vegetable canning, if the agricultural sector is developed.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

AGRO-BUSINESS As Chief Executive of FTN Cocoa Processing Nigeria Plc, Akin Laoye, sits atop the only indigenous cocoa company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). In this interview with PAUL UKPABIO, he speaks on the challenges of operating cocoa business in Nigeria and why the government needs a policy that will favour the agro allied sector.

‘Banks are killing cocoa business’ B

EING an insider, what is your impression of the agro allied sector of our economy? I think the industry is in comatose and the reason is because there is no government agenda for a major commodity that drives some nations. This is the commodity that drives Ivory Coast. It drives Ghana until recently and it is still driving Ghana because, Ghana has chosen not to go the way of Nigeria in oil discovery. Though they have found oil, they are not going to allow the arrogance of ‘an oil producing nation’to affect them as it is affecting Nigeria. Cocoa has greatly empowered Indonesia and that country is doing very great. Brazil has an agenda for her cocoa such that Brazil is a net exporter. But we have a heavily deregulated sector in Nigeria where the government has left it to the comfort of multinational traders who take up all the cocoa in Nigeria to their country - thereby exporting the God-given resources of our people for their benefit. What I think is that the government should come up with a policy whereby at least 75.5 per cent of cocoa produced in Nigeria, is processed in Nigeria. With that, Nigerians would be getting a lot of jobs, the factories would be in operation and we would be sure of foreign exchange earnings for the country. Would you say the government has made any effort in repositioning the Cocoa production sector of the economy over the years? During the Obasanjo administration, the government made great efforts because from time to time Mr President called us for meetings. He rubbed mind with the stakeholders because, though he was the president, he couldn’t be said to have directly known where the shoe was pinching us. He had an ear for us and rolled out a lot of policies and took decisions in a jiffy that assisted the industry. In fact, that was what encouraged us the next year, to come up with a factory. Otherwise, we were operating as a third party processor. During the government of the late President Yar ‘Adua, there was some kind of silence, probably as a result of the man’s health then. However, the Minister of Agriculture is doing well in the agro-economic sector. We’ve met him on a number of occasions. He has plans to double up the Nigerian crops to, like 500,000 in the next four years and he is deliberate about it. We think he is in the right direction, but we need a stronger back-up from the President. We need the president to make a pronouncement. We need him to be passionate about it and make sure that everybody keys into it. Let me give you an example. In Brazil, you must serve chocolate drinks in government offices. It is a policy. In Ghana, it is the same thing, in Cote d’Ivoire, it is the same thing. In Malaysia, it is the same thing. In Nigeria, we are still serving foreign teas at the official level. I mean you got to show example from the top. What policy do you think the President Jonathan’s government can initiate to promote growth in your sector? First, I will advise Mr President to just follow what other nations have done and have succeeded. I will advise him to banned the exportation of cocoa beans and focus on the trenches, make sure that the cropping is doubled in the next four years. Then he can lift the ban if we cannot process everything that we have here. But in the meantime, the factories must survive and the jobs of Nigerians have to be retained. Second, you cannot be giving incentive to somebody who is plundering you. I think, without being selfish, I don’t see any reason exporters of raw cocoa beans should be given incentives. In Indonesia, there

•Laoye

‘I will advise Mr President to just follow what other nations have done and have succeeded. I will advise him to banned the exportation of cocoa beans and focus on the trenches, make sure that the cropping is doubled in the next four years. Then he can lift the ban if we cannot process everything that we have here’ is a tax for exporting cocoa. If you export a ton of cocoa, you pay tax. In Brazil it is banned. These are developing nations and they are doing well today. I think we need to just copy them and see how we can move forward, that is the way to go. In Ghana, 60 per cent of the cocoa must be processed in town. The same thing happens in Cote d’Ivoire. That is why you have mega factories by multi-nationals being established in those countries. We don’t have such here. The bulk of the factories in Nigeria are run by Nigerians who believe in government policies and I think they deserve some kind of encouragement by making sure that there are policies that protect them and the huge investment which they have. I will advise the president to immediately act on that in this fiscal year so that at least, the factories would run and we would export the processed product to Europe. They would buy. They don’t have a choice. We are a leading country and our cocoa is good, they will buy it. So, I think the government should not be afraid, but be bold to do that. How easy is it to access the N200billion agricultural fund of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)? How has that aided your growth? Yes, we were really interested and we got about N1.2 billion for expansion. When FTN was established in 2007, it was a 10,000 tons capacity factory, but we knew that 10,000 tons was not good enough because of what we call the economics of scale and there are certain things that you must recover and you need to get to some certain minimum capacity, before

you can begin to enjoy the factory as it should be. So, we accessed the funds from the CBN as a laudable programme of the government then. But I think the government should pay attention to the administration of these funds because the banks are the ones that guarantee it and to be honest, the beneficiaries are at the whims and caprices of these banks.We have cases of ‘arm-twisting’to access the fund. We have threats coupled with unconducive environment and instead of them to understand the essence of such a loan to the manufacturing sector, you see a bank operating as if they are dealing with traders. I do not think that is the spirit in which that intervention fund was given. It requires a human face in its administration. It’s supposed to be a long term fund, but the way they are treating it is actually far from that. What our local banks say is that, Nigerians are not trustworthy. But that is not correct. I think the banks themselves should look at themselves because it is probably the other way round. When you have an organisation that has a strong business plan, with structures on ground and has invested like we did. For instance, we had already invested well over N2 billion before the banks came to give us the facility. So, I think the bank ought to know that we know what we are doing.They should be able to look out for the merit of each customer and they should be ready to give advice, be ready to support as against dealing with the customers as if they are suspects. Three years down the line, how has that fund impacted on your opera-

tions? How has it been able to turn around your operations? Thanks to the CBN, we have been able to expand the factory. We are more visible and we are working hard to earn more foreign exchange for the country and also to employ more people. However, I think there is still some ‘buts’ in the administrations of the CBN intervention funds because I will say it is not as if all is well in the relationship with our banks because of the way they are handling us. We are not against them, but they don’t seem to understand our business. So, it is not as if we are really maximising the benefits of that intervention fund. Agriculture Minister, Dr. Adewunmi Adesina, seems to be more focused on cassava revolution than any other agro product. Is there a way investors like yourself are working to call his attention on the Cocoa revolution too? You know the minister is like the father of agriculture. Yes, we are talking to him. As I told you earlier, right now, Nigeria is doing 250,000 tons. We have had reasons to meet with him and he has given us the blue-print of what he plans to do. And one of that is to get the right seedling. He has developed right seedlings that had some good yields. Before now, the yield that we have in Nigeria is about 400 kilogrammes per hectare. But the new yield, the new breed of cocoa, is about two tons per hectare, which is like four or five times what the old yield was. This is what Dr. Adewunmi is putting in place, he is working in concert with IITA and some other world cocoa bod-

ies. What he is trying to do now is administration, like he said ‘we don’t want assess development funds to solve the problems of cocoa. Rather we want to see it as a business. I think he is concerned. You know the ease with which cassava can be handled is not the same with cocoa. The gestation period of cassava is about a year. Nigeria is very strong with comparative advantage over other nations. We are number one. And it seems that the production of cassava, once you don’t have an outlet for it. It rots away; it wastes in the ground. So, what he is trying to do is to enhance the value addition of the cassava; that is why he keeps hyping cassava. I was privileged to have access to the bread produced by UTC with cassava (flour) and I am excited as a Nigerian. If we can do that and use other derivatives from cassava like cassava syrup, starch and other things, I think it will go well. That is the same spirit I believe he will use to pursue the cocoa agenda. But we need the government to actually back him up because cocoa has a very stronger base. For example, you need so much land and also you need a lot of finance because even the improved seedlings will take about two years or more and a half years before it starts fruiting. So, you need patience. If you borrow money, it has to be patient. It has to be single digit money and the environment must be conducive for such a venture. Would you say that being listed on the Nigerian stock market is fruitful, considering the nature of the capital market now? I think it is bitter-sweet. Number one we went into the capital market primarily because we started a business that became very big and we needed to have other people to come into it to bear the burden with us: principally because money is very expensive in Nigeria. Then, I think our money was doing 20 per cent per annum and there is nothing like long term money. Most of the money we have is short term. Even if you call it long term, it was still 27 per cent. If we did not go to the stock market, probably we will remain a bit little for a long time. But we went there and saw that it was a good opportunity to also grow into the future. To that extent, it is good but you know, of course, again, it comes with its challenges. We have a lot of reports, taxes and things that you have to pay in a difficult environment. But by and large, I will still say it is the best thing that happened to us because we still have a long way to go and we believe running this factory very well as we have it now, we can do a lot of things, into the future. We can expand capacity, assist farmers and do a lot of things that will make Nigeria to actualize her dream of industrialization. What has your return on investment been to your stake-holders since being listed on the stock market? Well, I think for the first three years we paid some kind of dividends but like I said, we listed in 2008 and in 2010 we started an expansion program. So, really, the value to the shareholders is not immediate and because in 2011 for example we did not pay dividends and it is likely we are going to do that in 2012. But the company is much bigger, with much stronger balance sheet and a larger balance sheet in terms of asset. I think share-holders should just be a little bit patience with us. That is what manufacturing is all about. In retrospect probably, we shouldn’t have even paid the dividends we paid back in time. Such monies should have been ploughed back to enhance growth. But you know the Nigerian investors want immediate returns and everything.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Foundation condoles with family of ex-Delta SPEB boss T HE Ovu Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, has condoled with the family of the late Chief Efe Akpobi, former National Deputy Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and one-time chairman, Delta State Primary Education Board (SPEB). The delegation to Oviorie-Ovu, country home of the late Chief Akpobi in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State was led by Chief (Dr.) Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, President of the Foundation, Chief lsaac Ukukor, National Coordinator and its National Secretary Comrade lsrael lmide and other members. In his speech, Chief Rim-Rukeh said they came to commiserate with the family of the late Chief Efe Akpobi who passed on after a brief illness. Rim-Rukeh said: “We learnt of the death of one of the illustrious sons of Ovu Community, the late Chief Efe Akpobi who passed on. He was a man that was highly respected, a man of honour, humility and

From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

integrity. We decided to come and pay condolence visit to the family and to tell them that we will be fully involved in the burial plans of the political icon. While describing the late Chief Akpobi as a man of the people during his life time, Chief lsaac Ukukor, National Coordinator of the group said that the death of the late Chief Akpobi was like the fall of an iroko tree not only to the Ovu Community but also to the entire Urhobo nation. Ukukor said: “The late Chief Akpobi had, during his life time, done much for Ovu Community in the areas of youth empowerment and employment not only for Ovu sons and daughters but also for all who come across him in the Urhobo nation and Delta State in general. He touched so many lives and brought smiles on the faces of many who

The late Chief Akpobi had, during his life time, done much for Ovu Community in the areas of youth empowerment and employment not only for Ovu sons and daughters but also for all who come across him •Continued from Page 13 Governor in Tiv’s most venerated cultural regalia –the black and white Angel with spears and the three-fold ox-blood bag. Also honoured and decorated alongside Suswam were the Taraba State Governor Danbaba Suntai, who is of the Chamba ethnic group, and the Senator representing Taraba South, Emmanuel Bwacha from Ichen ethnic group. Bwacha was represented by a member of the Taraba State House of Assembly, Hon. Mark Useni from Juku ethnic group. The two governors urged peaceful co-existence between Tiv and their neighbouring ethnic groups in Taraba. To demonstrate love and unity before a cheering gathering that was thrilled by Swange cultural troupe, the two governors shook each other’s hand. Now that the booming sounds of guns have been replaced with drum beat dance, there was every need to celebrate peace and to ensure that the truce lasted. There is the view that the Tivs of

thought that there was no hope. He will always be remembered.” The National Secretary-General Comrade lsrael lmide said they came to commiserate with the family of one of their fallen heroes who, he said, had the same philosophy with the Ovu Foundation in the area of developing the community. Continuing, Imide said: “The late Chief Akpobi was, during his life time, a selfless leader and one who sacrificed his comfort for the growth of Ovu Community and we are happy for the type of selfless leadership

legacy the man had left behind. It will be difficult for somebody to step into his big shoe.” In a telephone chat with Newsextra the chairman, Board of Trustees of Ovu Foundation Chief Emmanuel Okorodudu described the death of the late Chief Akpobi as a shocking one to the entire Urhobo nation, Delta State and the country in general. He prayed that God should give members of the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Responding on behalf of the family Comrade Oghenenyore Akpobi thanked the foundation for coming to commiserate with them. He promised that they will always be informed about burial arrangements.

Ogun seeks improved youth health

HE Special Assistant to Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Sade Adebanjo has advised that adequate attention should be paid to adolescent and young people’s health and development to enable them to perform optimally in the overall development of the country. He stated this while appraising the national policy on adolescent health and development during a one-day workshop organised by the state Primary Healthcare Development Board in conjunction with UNFPA held at the Basic Trust International Oke-ilewo, Abeokuta the Ogun State capital recently. Dr Adebanjo emphasised the need to create enabling environment and invest more on the age group to secure a better future and brighter tomorrow for the nation. According to him, the national policy on adolescent health and development has addressed the diversity of the young people’s needs to promote their optimal health and

development. Dr Adebanjo disclosed that the state government would soon establish school cadet to carry out advocacy and sensitisation programmes among their peers. She urged the society to show commitment to the cause of the youth by promoting their and protecting their reproductive health for responsible and productive adulthood and parenthood. Earlier in his address of welcome, the state coordinator of reproductive health, Dr Elijah Ogunsanya stated that the policy was to help government at all levels to focus on youths’ re-orientation and development through industrial and vocational skills that would enable them to contribute their to the state’s socio-economic growth. Dr Ogunsanya enjoined the various youth organisations and other stakeholders to embrace the policy and work out modalities for the realisation of the policy objectives.

Taraba, Benue in search of peace Taraba South who had been regarded as people of no less cultural backgrounds now have level playing ground that will enable them to deploy their potential towards peace and societal growth and development. “We, as Nigerians, are one. Which is why the process of amalgamation was started in 1914 by the colonial Masters in spite of our cultural, religious and ethnic differences,” Governor Suswam said. Continuing, he said: “The people of Taraba and Benue states share everything in common. We are a poor people; we are farmers and even inter-marry. So, there is no single reason for these skirmishes. “We are here today and everybody is laughing happily because there is no violence in Taraba. “The gathering is not all about me; we are celebrating several years of peaceful co-existence. Mallam Suntai and I are lovers of peace. That is why we are enjoying peace in the region. We want the peace

sustained, because when there is peace in the land, there is bumper harvest and reduction of poverty, which will make God Himself smile at us.” Suswam hailed Suntai for maintaining peace in Taraba as well as appointing Tiv sons and daughters in his administration. He added: “I am here to encourage Suntai for the peace and security he is providing. He has been your big brother and good father in Taraba.” He urged the people of Taraba to obey the laws of Benue land just as those from Benue should obey the laws of Taraba land. “Today, you (TCSA) have honoured me here because I speak the same language with you, not because I am from Taraba. Governor Suntai has also come to encourage the peace process. All the ethnic groups in Taraba would be encouraged to co-exist in harmony when they see Suntai and I together,” Suswam said. Governor Suntai, who is the

Special Guest of Honour at the event, said Tiv constituted 50 per cent of the economic base of Taraba State, and crises affecting them had always impacted negatively on the state’s economy. “The Tivs are hard working people. They are engaged in every economic endeavour. If you remove them (Tiv) from Taraba, the economy of Taraba will dip by 50per cent,” Suntai said. Guest Speaker of the occasion, Hon. Atoza Hindan explained that the existence of Tiv in Taraba shouldn’t be of confusion, as “some Tivs were actually settlers in search of greener pasture in Taraba but those of Shitile, Ukum and Ugondo extractions were origins of Taraba State whose forefathers were born there for over 300 years ago. “Sixty per cent of Shitile (Tiv) live in Taraba –only 40 per cent are in Benue. 50 per cent of Ugondo are indigenes of Taraba State, just as 50 per cent live in Benue State. For Ukum, 60 per cent of them

live in Benue while only 40 per cent are indigenes of Taraba. Now, the Tiv on both sides of the border worship the same God and farm similar crops. This is not by design but the workings of God. “Therefore, the border between Taraba and Benue states must be clearly delineated and respected. The governors of Taraba and Benue state should know where to end their administrations; who should supervise which market at the border. And Tivs in Taraba should remain in Taraba and co-exist with other ethnic groups without violence,” he said. Atoza recalled that the Tiv ethnic group was hitherto politically marginalised in Taraba, after series of exclusion from voters’ registration in spite of its dense population. He further noted that they were made servile and their polling units pilfered. But during the Suntai administration, the former lawmaker observed, Tivs were able to register and participate overwhelmingly in the April 2011 general election that returned Suntai for a second term.

I am here to encourage Suntai for the peace and security he is providing. He has been your big brother and good father in Taraba

•Swange cultural dance at the event

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

Celebrating 55 years of community orchestra

OR more than 55 years, Pa Iortimbir Ajabu who will turn 90 next year has been entertaining guests across Benue State with his musical group. His group comprises 20 elderly people who sing, play different types of Tiv traditional instruments, and dance. Explaining to Newsextra the kind of genre his music is, the singer said ‘my brand of song is called Ichegher. According to him, this is a dance form, not merely a composition of songs’. He said he saw the dance somewhere and was fascinated by it. He disclosed that he decided to start a similar troupe in his community. This development excited the eldest man in the community who summoned the elders for support. “They say dances originate from the spirit world before they are made known to humans in the night. When Ichegher came in my time, I was attracted to it,’’ he stated. This explains why even in old age, according to the authority of my people, I’m carrying on. I started this in 1957. Pa Ajabu further stated that no one initiated him into singing, adding that when he started singing, the elders of his community called a meeting and mandated him to sing. He said the eldest man at the time; Pa Kulaun Ajabu summoned the meeting during which it was decided that he should carry on with the legacy of his father, Ajabu, who had also been a singer. He said his father was a composer of the type of songs called ‘Ange.’ When the 89-year-old Iortimbir Ajabu steps forward to perform, what amazes one most is his company. I started in a casual manner. I

HAIRMAN of O s h o d i / Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State Hon. Bolaji Muse-Ariyoh, has launched a welfare package for the widows in the council. The council chief equally reintroduced bursary award for indigent students. The event, which attracted many dignitaries to the council secretariat near Bolade, was described by many as ap-

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

saw how others were doing it elsewhere so I gathered my people and we started. This excited my community who called us together and said they’ve given me the authority to ity to carry on until death. The music and songs of Ajabu are great. As a social commentator, he has been lamenting the low points of the Tiv society, even as he extolled the high points as well as men and women of achievement. His songs are also among the most mystical in the land similar to those of the late Anche Igbaaze from Daudu, Guma Local Government Area. As a non-Christian, his worldview is subsumed in traditional beliefs of witchcraft and other superstitions.” I have gained fame and recognition through my music. Anywhere I go, I’m recognised and honoured. When I perform, I also get money to take care of my needs,’’ Ajabu maintained. Some of his recent compositions warn the Tiv society about the dangers and ravages of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. He has mapped out plans to cel-

•Ajabu, in glasses with his group ebrate his musical career, even as he pledged to invite all his patrons over the years to join him during the celebration at which he would unveil young singers and dancers he has been grooming. The event, which has been sched-

My brand of song is called Ichegher. This is a dance form, not merely a composition of songs By Tajudeen Adebanjo

propriate. Leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) joined traditional rulers, community leaders and religious groups to shower encomiums on the council chief for the initiative. Also in attendance were council executives, legislative members and management staff. “He has taken a right step in

uled to hold towards the end of this year, will take place at the AdikpoMbaagwa Market Square in Ushongo Local Government Area. All members of the group hail from the Mbayem Community in the area. Explaining why he moves with this elderly group, Pa Ajabu who hails from Atirkyese council ward of Ushongo Local Government Area said: “ These people were selected from various families by my Mbaagwa Community. Of the original group that started out with me in 1957, only six are alive today.” He regretted that his closest mate and fellow composer, Ability is dead. On how he sustains such large group, he said: “I go for the honour of being the leader, not for material things - money and food. Whenever we perform and get money, I table the entire proceeds before the

group. It is whatever they give me that I take. That way, no member of the group has ever left me.” He disclosed to Newsextra that he was never initiated into singing or made to perform the singing rites known in Tiv as Imo man or Jiagba i yan. “It is my community that has strengthened my hand, as I told you. I have never been initiated neither have I taken any jiagba (a traditional herbal drug said to enhance singing prowess). Pa Ajabu, who told Newsextra that he was born in 1923, said he was able to know when he was born because his elder brother, the late Songo Ajabu, who was educated, recorded his birth date. “I remember this year because I was told that if you performed well, journalists would come to ask you questions one of which would be when you started.”

Council chief lifts widows, students his administration; we pray he continues to introduce programmes beneficial to the communities,” one of the residents said. Muse-Ariyoh, in his address said the gesture was to restate his determination to implement his electoral promises. The promises, he said, in-

clude empowering the widows within the community; providing employment opportunities for the youth and encouraging indigent students to attain quality education. He urged the students to always be good ambassadors of the council and Lagos State wherever they find themselves. “You all came out not minding the stress to cast your votes for my party. It will be act of ungratefulness on our part to forget the promises we made

while seeking your votes. That informed today’s event. “I want to inform you that more lofty programmes are still in the pipeline. As time passes by, we will unveil them and I’m sure they benefit our council,” he said. Muse-Ariyoh announced N25, 000 for the bursary award for each indigent student and Quarterly standard welfare package for widows. The gesture, he said, is to meet the social needs of the beneficiaries.

You all came out, not minding the stress, to cast your votes for my party. It will be act of ungratefulness on our part to forget the promises we made while seeking your votes. That informed today’s event

•Muse-Ariyoh presenting cheque to Miss Rashidat Lawal, one of the beneficiaries.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

The hospitals needed at least 10 incubators each and that the donations were also intended to serve as a bait to draw government’s attention to the needto adequately equip the hospitals with modern equipment

Medical tools for Delta hospitals GROUP, under the aegis of Umeh Need Road Forum has donated medical equipment worth N1.2m to the Oleh and Ozoro central hospitals in lsoko South and North Local Government areas of Delta State as part of activities to mark its first year anniversary. While making the items which include infant incubator, a photo-therapy scanner, a giant stabilizer, 75 bedding materials and pillows and five towels to each of the hospitals, administrator of the forum, Mr. Duncan Afahokor said the gesture was aimed at reducing the death rate of children born prematurely as well as reducing death rate resulting from jaundice. He pointed out that the hospitals needed at least 10 incubators each and that the donations were also intended to serve as a bait to draw government’s attention to the need to adequately equip the hospitals with modern equipment. Earlier in a press briefing Afahokor said that the group was a Facebook forum whose objective was to draw government’s attention to the plight of the people of Umeh Community “who, since before independence and till the advent of the fourth republic did not have an access road.”

•Some incubators From Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri

Describing the socioeconomic woes of the Umeh man as a microcosm of the overall economic misfortune of the entire Isoko nation, he disclosed that in less than six months, the contract for the

construction of the road was awarded at the cost of N4b. He further stated that the forum had obtained from the government, the award for the construction of Umeh Road, the award of six model schools undergoing construction, award of

Ogun to strengthen land bureau

GUN State government has said that the hitherto moribund and obsolete Geographic Information System Laboratory (GISL) of its Bureau of Lands and Survey (BLS) would soon be revived and upgraded to meet the demands of modern geographical data gathering, storage and processing. The Director - General/Special Adviser to Governor Ibikunle Amosun on Land Matters, Mrs. Ronke Sokefun, disclosed this in

From Ernest Nwokolo Abeokuta

Abeokuta, the state capital after sealing a deal with a consortium of Geo - Informatics specialists GeoQinetiq, Spatial Matrix Limited, Digital and Spatial Solutions and IQSS representatives, on behalf of the state government. Sokefun noted that the industrialisation drive of Senator Ibikunle Amosun’s administration has made the revival and upgrading of the GISL imperative

in order to fasten the process and efficiency of procuring land documents. “As we all know, the computerisation of the work processes of any organisation could only lead to work efficiency and higher productivity. Government is already working on deploying a robust geographic information system platform which will ultimately lead to the automation of the operations of the bureau,” she said. She urged the contractor -

•From left: Head, Administrative Department, Lagos State Safety Commission, Mrs Olayinka Oye-Bamgbose, Director-General of the Commission, Dominga Odebunmi and Deputy Director Techinical, Hakeem Liadi during press briefing on safety in the operations of the Nigeria Railway Corporation in Lagos PHOTO: OLUSEGUN RAPHEAL

contract for a brand new model school in Oleh, construction of the Iyede Primary School, provision of chairs for the Atanaru Primary School in Uro and repair of internal roads in Oleh and Ozoro communities. Receiving the equipment on

behalf of the two hospitals, the Zonal Medical Director, Dr. V. N Okeleke who was represented by Dr. O. M Agadas expressed his appreciation to the group’s gesture, even as he assured them that the hospitals would make judicious use of the equipment.

consortium to work according to the terms of the agreement reached with them, stressing that the essence is to help the

government discharge its statutory functions as well as break new grounds in the management of landrelated data.

Kebbi promises more jobs

EBBI State government has said that it has set aside over N400m for job creation for its unemployed youths. This was disclosed by the Kebbi State Acting Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim K. Aliyu during the traditional Sallah courtesy visit by various Islamic groups, individuals, youths, politicians, traditional rulers and government officials at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, even as he said that the target group would be the teeming unemployed youths in the state. He added that local governments in the state would also join the youth acquisition skill programme at the grassroots level. Alhaji Aliyu therefore urged civil servants to imbibe the ethics of getting to their respective offices on time and to fear Allah in all they do. He also thanked the Muslim Ulamas for preaching peace throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. He further urged the people to put into practice the good lessons learnt during the Ramadan. On assistance to the less-privileged individuals, he said government will not relent in its effort in assisting them, even as he assured that government would do everything possible to improve their condition. Highlight of the visit was presentation of cash gifts to the less-

From Khadijat Saidu, Birnin Kebbi

privileged people by the acting governor. Meanwhile, the Emir of Argungu Alhaji Samahila Mera has assured that traditional rulers will continue to preach peace to the people and partner with government for progress and development in the state. The Emir of Zuru Alhaji Sani Sami Gomo thanked Allah for the peaceful conduct of the Holy month of Ramadan. He called on the people to continue with the lesson learnt during the Holy month of Ramadan, adding that without peace there will be no development.

•Governor Dakingari

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

DISCOURSE

The role of opposition in meeting Nigeria’s challenges Text of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s speech at the Woodrow Wilson Center, Washington, DC. on August 22.

AM honored to be here today at the Woodrow Wilson Centre and thank you for inviting me. I commend the work that you do. This is an institution known for scholarship, lively discourse and the search for policies that advance peace and development. By shining the light of knowledge, you help dispel ignorance and explore solutions to conflicts. Therefore, I will do my humble best to speak in the spirit that is the hallmark of this venerable institution. •Nigeria is the focus of our conversation today and I will attempt to briefly capture the challenges that confront us as a nation. I have devoted most of my adult life to promoting democracy in Nigeria. The battle has been neither short nor easy. I have lived in exile, unsure if I would ever see my homeland again. My life has been under threat to the point where I did not know if I would see the next sunrise. I say these things not to boast. There are thousands who made similar or greater sacrifice. I say these things so you may understand that my address to you is based on the long-term perspective of a person who has occupied the trenches from the onset of the struggle for democracy versus dictatorship in Nigeria. I am not of that class of politicians who have benefitted from the struggle without participating in it. Because they never invested themselves in this clash between liberty and blind might, these politicians do not fully appreciate, nor do they seek to advance the cause of democracy. Because my life has been defined by the achievements and setbacks recorded in this struggle, I understand with every sinew and fiber of my being how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. Background: The House has not fallen but its structure is weak Nigeria currently is tossed by four distinct but related storms. First, we exist in political limbo. Although uniformed generals no longer formally control the levers of government, the ways and manner of military rule still dominate the political landscape. We hold elections in Nigeria. But that isolated fact does not a democracy make. •Nigeria exists in that strange dimension where we have a civilian government equally possessed of the attributes of authoritarian rule as if democratic governance. Everyday Nigeria awakens, it awakens to this hybrid existence and a vexing question: To which side shall the balance tip? Although most of us consider this an unfortunate predicament, numerous actors profit from the current state of affairs. Leading figures in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have repeatedly proclaimed the objective of ruling Nigeria for an uninterrupted sixty- year period. Such dynastic aspirations are at variance with true democracy. •Then there are those of us who believe the veneer of democracy is insufficient in this day and age. We believe Nigeria cannot remain a confused hybrid without succumbing to national regression. The nation must move either toward real democracy or real disaster. People are fond of saying that Nigeria is at the crossroads. Our situation is more complex than what the phrase usually implies. We are like a person with multiple personalities standing at the crossroads. Consequently, we remain locked in a struggle simultaneously pulling Nigeria in different directions. Democratic and authoritarian forces engage in a tug-of-war in which the soul of Nigeria’s governance is the prize at stake. •Due to the fact that competing elements of the political class have been locked for the last 13 years in this struggle to define the nature of government, there has been insufficient governance for the benefit of the people. We certainly have not seen much good governance. To be honest, we have not even had much in the way of purposeful democratic governance. Unfortunately, we have suffered more from inertia and confusion than from rule of intelligent but malevolent design. •Second, mostly due to Boko Haram and criminal groups in the northern and eastern parts of the country, internal security has ebbed to a low point. This has led to fear and uncertainty. Tension now dominates religious and political activities. It has had a profound chilling effect on economic activity in many

areas. In many places, for example, children no longer go to school and farmers neglect their fields, fearing attacks by Bolo Haram. •Third, ethnic and sectional divisions are presently higher in Nigeria than at any time in recent memory. The ruling party resides in a state of chronic indigestion regarding the ethnic and regional allocation of top offices in the party and government, especially that of the president. Although members of the same “ruling” party, political figures from the north and south hurl often reckless accusations at each other not because of differences over substantive issues but because of regional loyalties. They don’t differ over substantive issues because they rarely think about such matters. No, they bicker across the widening geographic and ethnic divide that they have helped to create. Those who should aspire to the status of statesmen lunge at one another like street brawlers. Talk of disintegration now is fashionable in some quarters. Two weeks ago, a faction of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni People (MOSOP) issued a Declaration of Independence in Nigeria and designed a flag representing the sovereignty of the Ogoni people. Calls for self-determination by the South East-based Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have intensified. Last week, MASSOB was reported to have applied for UN observer status. Add to these developments, the new sense of Ijaw ethnic consciousness, similar ethnic agitations and Boko Haram’s anomie and you realize all is not well with Nigeria. It is clear that centrifugal forces have gained strength and this noxious gain is substantially due to the intramural machinations that define the ruling party. •Fourth, for the majority of Nigerians, the economy functions as an obstacle not an ally. Government claims that Nigeria enjoys the world’s third fastest growing economy with annual GDP growth of roughly 7 percent. This handsome figure contrasts with the unattractive lives most people endure. Income inequality is among the worst in the world. A higher percentage of Nigerians now wallow in abject poverty since the ruling party came to power. With insecurity escalating across large swaths of the land, electricity generation at a miserable 4,000 MGWs for an entire nation of over 150 million people, the collapse of the manufacturing industry and spiraling unemployment figures of youths and college graduates, it is difficult to take the GDP figure at face value. The Nigerian government finds it convenient to lie. If by happenstance the GDP approximates the truth, it means super-elite within the elite benefits enormously while the rest of the nation suffers. True national prosperity cannot be founded on such a topheavy architecture. Most Nigerians believe their lives are much harder now more than 13 years ago and getting worse. The hope that people still have about the future has nothing to do with the quality of government economic policy. It is mostly due to an innate sense of optimism that is a uniquely Nigerian trait which defies the normal standards of logic. It is one of the things that keeps Nigeria afloat though so many things say it should have already drowned. • The picture I have painted is stark but accurate, harsh but not hopeless. If I thought things were beyond hope, I would pursue another vocation. I am glued to this path because I believe a democratic, responsive government can improve Nigeria. However, if it persists along current policy lines, the federal government will resolve nothing and will preside over a worsening state. •I do not claim the opposition to be a choir of angels. We are not. Not all who call themselves to be opposition politicians are bona fide democrats. There is a principled opposition and an opportunistic one. Some are

•Asiwaju Tinubu

disgruntled elements of the current regime who have slipped into the opposition for a chance to settle personal scores or to advance personal ambitions through a different route. These people are opposition in name only; in reality, they are but the photographic negative of the status quo they purport to oppose. •Nor do I believe those in power are evil incarnate. Some are decent people. However, the governing system they have created and the dominant values under which that system operates extinguishes these people’s finer qualities. The overriding concern of the PDP political community is to retain power, not to advance the public welfare. With all our gaps and imperfections, the opposition is possessed of greater civic purpose and has in mind substantive policies qualitatively better than the toxin the current government is brewing. •In the rest of this address, I will contrast the policies of my party, the Action Congress of Nigeria, with those of government. You will see that we have significantly different visions. The problem with our current rulers is not that they don’t love Nigeria. They love the concept of Nigeria well enough. The real problem is that they care little for the average Nigerian. •Insecurity: A growing nemesis

IGERIA is fast becoming one of the most dangerous places on earth. The stories of militia killings, brutal attacks and bombings we thought restricted to Afghanistan, Iraq or Somalia are now daily fare in Nigeria. In Boko Haram, Nigeria confronts a creeping, low-grade, brutal insurgency. These extremists oppose more than the current Administration; they threaten Nigerian democracy. Large parts of the country now lie outside the authority and control of federal government. People in these areas are more cognizant of the extremists’ senseless violence than they are assured of the government’s ability to stop it. •There has been energetic debate whether poverty or a distorted Islamic radicalism feeds Boko Haram’s emergence. The debate is unnecessary. Both are factors. Poverty is a terrible weight that most of its sufferers bear silently. What rankles is not simply poverty but poverty occasioned by injustice. When young people concluded that their lives are finished before they start and that the reason

‘The Nigerian government finds it convenient to lie. If by happenstance the GDP approximates the truth, it means super-elite within the elite benefits enormously while the rest of the nation suffers’

for this is the corruption of government and established leaders, enter radical and violent ideas about Islam as the wrecking ball to tear down the corrupt edifice. Without this combustive mixture of poverty and injustice, Boko Haram would be a fringe movement with a few members engaged in petty crime. Because of this combination, Boko Haram is a sociopolitical reality with many members and even more sympathizers. Boko Haram is succeeding in its agenda to upend Nigeria. Not only has it challenged government authority across the North, it has revived ethno-religious antagonisms that were better left buried. •In the face of this threat, government has been ambivalent. One day, government states it will forcibly deal with the group. The next day government leans toward negotiations. Although this problem has been with us for some time, policy coordination remains ineffective. Because Government fears decisive action will produce political fallout, they have resolved to be irresolute. Thus, government has done little except leave an over-stretched and under-equipped police force, backed by army units in the most heavily-scarred locations, to respond to Boko Haram attacks and dispel their cells. The most one can say is that government policy is one of soft containment. This has proven to be ineffective, and perhaps counter-productive. • Government must realize BH is more than a law enforcement problem. It is a sociopolitical threat of such magnitude that confronting it can no longer be subservient to crass political calculations. Government must operate on a grander scale. While I do not fully agree with Assistant Secretary Carson’s proposal to create a Ministry of Northern Nigeria, I endorse the implication central to his recommendation: bold, strategic innovation is required. •Correct policy must be twofold. First, it must protect the people from repeated attacks. Second, it must weaken the extremist organization. Clandestine groups of this nature are comprised of factions of hardliners, pragmatists and casual followers. The task at hand is to drive a wedge between the other sub-groups and the hardliners. The pragmatists will be amenable to negotiation and reintroduction into society. As a socio-political solution is being fashioned in a way that reduces the number, operational breadth and political strength of BH, government can then treat the reduced number of hardliners as more strictly a law enforcement matter. What follows are important suggestions that government should explore to achieve these objectives: •Improve local community-based information-gathering and sharing. •To be continued

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-8-12

NSE relapses as bears rattle stocks

ENCHMARK index at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) witnessed marginal decline yesterday as sale orders overwhelmed demand. The All Share Index (ASI) marketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main index dropped by 0.05 per cent, to close low at 23,186.72 points. Similarly, market capitalisation shed N3 billion, representing 0.04 per cent decline to close low at N7.381 trillion. This came as investors booked marginal profits on wining stocks. There were noticeable profit bookings on mid and large capitalized stocks, including; Access Bank, Cadbury, ETI, GT Bank, Stanbic-IBTC, Oando, UBA, Zenith Bank and Nigerian Breweries. These in a long way impacted on market yesterday. It would be recalled that on Wednesday when the market opened for the

By Taofik Salako and Tonia Osundolire

week, the banking sector was evenly split between gainers and losers; mirroring sentiments in the sector, First Bank and Zenith Bank recorded gains of 0.3 per cent apiece, with robust demand likely to sustain the current price in coming sessions. GTBank and UBA on the same day, however lost less than 1.0 per cent, but market analyst believed that the current demand could reverse these losses on Thursday but rather the losses continued for the two banks and also Zenith Bank joined in the weight shedding. First Bank on the other hand continued its upward movement. In the breweries sector, only Nigerian Breweries moved from its flat close on Wednesday to the negative side of the table. While Guinness and International Brew-

eries both improved on their share value. On Wednesday, NB closed relatively flat though accounting for about 35 per cent of the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market value. Guinness and International Breweries also ended Wednesday with 1.2 per cent and 5.0 per cent price appreciation respectively. However, investors traded 215.846 million shares worth N3.131 billion in 3,839 deals. Financial Services stocks as usual recorded the largest volume with 151.026 million shares worth N1.192 billion in 2,213 deals. This was followed by consumer goods, healthcare, service, oil & gas, conglomerates and Industrial goods sectors with 31.227 million shares, 10.176 million shares, 9.116 million shares, 7.420 million shares, 3.229 million shares and 2.802 million shares. On the price movement table a total of 39 equities recorded price change with 15 appreciating while the remaining 24 reduced in value. Leading the gainers table were DN Meyer and International Breweries.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 23-8-12

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

MONEY LINK

Banks lose N1.15b to fraud in Q2

EPOSIT money banks operating in the country lost N1.15 billion to fraudsters in the second quarter of this year. The Chief Technical Officer, Digital Encode, Seyi Akindeinde disclosed this yesterday at the Nigeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Lagos. He explained that internet and mobile banking constitute the most frequent channels through which frauds are perpetrated. He said that internal

By Collins Nweze

fraud constituted only nine per cent of the fraud cases but amounted to N900 million while external fraud constituted 91 per cent of the fraud cases, and amounted to N250 million. The Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Phillips Oduoza, represented by Mr. Femi Olaloku, Executive Director, Operations and Information Technology, said, he creation of the NeFF is commendable and encouraged all

provide service to the public,” he said. He said that as customers demand more convenience and technology responds with innovation, new threats and fraud risks emerge that must be contained. “If you are secure today, it does not imply you are secure tomorrow as new risks emerge continuously. It is important that we learn from other environments and if possible establish affiliation with other global bodies/organizations to understand global trends and emerging threats in electronic fraud,” he said.

stakeholders to continue to support the body to enable it deliver on its mandate and serve the public good. He explained that fraud not only translates to operational risk losses to banks it erodes the confidence of the public in electronic platforms/systems as a channel for transacting business. “Collaboration is critical among all stakeholders as the various parties come together to provide the platform for electronic transactions. Issuers, Acquirers, Switchers and Processors al l h av e t o i n t e gr at e t o

Treasury bills yield fall at auction as oil advances

REASURY bill yields fell at an auction yesterday as offshore investors were said to buy the country’s debt and oil, the nation’s key export, advanced. The Central Bank of Nigeria sold N76.78 billion of treasury bills, it said in an emailed statement to Bloomberg. Debt sold included N30.6 billion of 91-day bills at a yield

of 14 per cent, 50 basis points lower than the 14.50 per cent at an auction on August 8 and N20 billion of 182-day securities, with the yield 22 basis points lower at 15.08 percent. Bids totaled N136.9 billion. There is “a resumption of foreign capital inflows amid a more favorable global risk environment, higher oil price and naira resilience, which are driving yields lower in the primary and secondary mar-

kets,” Samir Gadio, an emerging-markets strategist at Standard Bank Group Ltd. in London, said. Oil rose to a three-month high in New York amid speculation that central banks in the United States of America and China will ease monetary policy to stimulate growth. Nigerian benchmark Bonny Light crude jumped 1.1 per cent today and has surged 30 per cent from its June low this

year. The naira, which declined 0.1 percent at 158.20 a dollar in Lagos, has risen 2.5 per cent this year, making it the best performing currency in Africa after the Zambian kwacha. The central bank also sold N17.981 billion of 91-day securities at a yield of 14 per cent and N8.2 billion of 182day bills at 15.08 per cent yield to non-competitive bidders, it said.

Barclays, ABSA in talks to combine African banking assets

ARCLAYS Plc Britain’s second- biggest lender by assets, and South Africa’s Absa Group Limited said they’re in talks to combine their African units and complete a plan started seven years ago.

There’s no certainty the talks will lead to any deal, which wouldn’t be completed until 2013, the banks said in a statement to Bloomberg. The combination would affect assets in Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Tanzania and Ghana.

Barclays, based in London, bought 54 per cent of Absa in 2005 for $4.5 billion to expand in emerging markets. Barclays’s pretax profit from Africa, including the bank’s holding in Absa, rose 13 per cent to $1.4 billion in 2011. The

British bank’s African operations may be worth as much as 20 billion rand , according to Patrice Rassou, an Absa investor who helps oversee about $41 billion as head of equities at Sanlam Investment Management in Cape Town.

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

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

PRIMARY MARKET AUCTION (T-BILLS) Tenor 91-Day 182-Day 1-Year

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 23-8-12 SYMBOL

DNMEYER INTBREW UPL LONGMAN JAPAULOIL NEIMETH BAGCO FIRSTBANK DANGSUGAR NAHCO

O/PRICE

0.60 7.64 4.30 1.94 0.57 0.87 1.54 12.54 4.39 5.90

C/PRICE

0.63 8.02 4.51 2.03 0.59 0.90 1.59 12.93 4.50 6.00

O/PRICE 1.20 21.85 40.12 2.50 0.85 1.72 1.58 4.91 6.60 0.53

C/PRICE 1.14 20.76 38.12 2.38 0.81 1.64 1.51 4.80 6.46 0.52

HE Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) has disclosed that Nigerian economy will receive further boost from the agricultural sector, if cassava flour that received the Presidential approval is fully adopted, the nation stands to save N65billion annually. The institute that was set up to promote technological activities and industrialiSation of the national economy through research and development, made this known yesterday through the Director-General/CEO of FIIRO, Dr. Gloria Elemo, during the launching of CIS-Trade for Peace, Unity and Development and, MoU signing Ceremony by the Institute with New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Youth Initiative, in Lagos. Elemo noted that the development and utilization

of high quality cassava flour for cassava-wheat composite flour production for bread making; glucose syrup and ethanol production from cassava roots will reduce importation and save foreign exchange. She stated that the processing of cassava would create job opportunities, while in an attempt to fulfill its mandate, FIIRO has continued to carry out R & D activities and transferred developed indigenous technologies to relevant organizations and individuals, especially the food sector of the economy. According to Elemo, by available records and research reports, the Institute has developed over 250 technologies since inception and has about 50 technologies ready for immediate commercialization.

CHANGE 0.06 1.09 2.00 0.12 0.04 0.08 0.07 0.11 0.14 0.01

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8 155.7

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12 22-6-12

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX 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

C u r r e n t CUV Start After %

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

Dec ’11

MPR

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% 12.6%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

NSE CAP Index

27-10-11 N6.5236tr 20,607.37

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%

28-10-11 N6.617tr 20,903.16

% Change -1.44% -1.44%

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name

CHANGE

0.03 0.38 0.21 0.09 0.02 0.03 0.05 0.39 0.11 0.10

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m 113m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12

LOSERS AS AT 23-8-12

SYMBOL AGLEVENT CONOIL 7UP ETERNA FIDSON RTBRISCOE CUTIX UBN IBTC WAPIC

Sanusi

Cassava processing’ll save economy N65b annually- FIIRO

Amount Amount Offered ($) Demanded ($) 350m 150m 350m 138m 350m 113m

Currency OBB Rate Call Rate

Governor

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM

MANAGED FUNDS

NIDF NESF

• CBN Lamido

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS

Initial Current Quotation Price Market N8250.00 5495.33 N1000.00 N552.20

Periodic risk assessments and re-certification are necessary as nothing stays static in the electronic world. Cashless Nigeria and the drive to migrate payment transactions to electronic platform create great opportunity for the banking industry and the Nigerian economy but also come with the threat of electronic fraud, he said.

Offer Price

Bid Price

ARM AGGRESSIVE 9.17 KAKAWA GUARANTEED 1.00 STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE 123.93 AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 108.11 LOTUS CAPITAL HALAL 0.76 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.10 BGL NUBIAN FUND 0.93 NIGERIA INTERNATIONAL DEB. 1,734.37 PARAMOUNT EQUITY FUND 9.75 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 CENTRE-POINT UNIT TRUST 1.87 STANBIC IBTC NIG EQUITY 8,091.93 THE DISCOVERY FUND 193.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND

9.08 1.00 123.79 107.85 0.73 1.10 0.91 1,731.67 9.28 1.33 1.80 7,875.38 191.08 1.62

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2011

Current 07, Aug, 2011

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS 2015 Presidency: ‘Igbo has no chance with PDP’

ASUU protests ESUT VC’s kidnap

From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

EMBERS of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) branch, yesterday protested the abduction of the institution’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Cyprian Onyeji. Onyeji was abducted on August 15 in front of the university. His kidnappers initially demanded N200 million ransom, but it has been slashed to N100 million. The protest was preceded by a prayer session, led by the Dean of Students’ Affairs, Prof. John Obasikene. The protesters, led by the union’s Chairman, Dr. Gab Agu, marched on the university’s former temporary site at Independence Layout, Enugu, dressed in their academic gowns. They carried placards

•The prostesters...yesterday. INSET: Onyeji ` From Chris Oji, Enugu

with inscriptions, such as “Kidnapping is anti-intellectualism”; “ESUT is not safe for academic exercise”; “Set free our VC to continue his good works”; “Please release our VC for

everybody’s happiness”; and “All we are saying is give us protection in our work place”. Addressing the lecturers, Dr. Agu said: “As Prof. Onyeji’s colleagues, we attest that he is a good natured man, who will not

PHOTO: CHRIS OJI

wish the abduction of an enemy. “We join well-meaning persons to pray and demand that his abductors bring him back safely to his family, friends and colleagues.” Dr. Agu urged the lectur-

ers not to relent in their prayers for the release of the VC, whom he described as a “financial member of our great union”. He urged them to send any information about the VC’s abductors to security agencies.

Leave Imo govt alone, Umeh warns PDP

ATIONAL Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Victor Umeh has accused the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of overheating the polity. He warned that any attempt to undermine the

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

APGA administration, led by Governor Rochas Okorocha, would be resisted. Umeh said the recent activities of the Imo PDP are aimed at “creating unnecessary tension to distract the

state government”. Speaking with reporters in Owerri, the state capital, he said opposition parties are out to discredit the Okorocha administration, which he said has kept its campaign promises to the people and redefined governance in Imo.

Umeh said: “The PDP wasted its opportunity to serve the people. All the noise is aimed at creating a situation of uncertainty in Imo, because PDP knows that after this tenure, they will be out of Imo State for good.” On the tenure of the 27 local government chairmen, Umeh said: “It is a purely judicial matter, which only the courts can decide. The court has ruled that their two-year tenure has expired, but if it turns around and rules otherwise, APGA

will not condone any breach of the rule of law. The Imo State Government will abide by the court ruling. “We are aware of the plans of the PDP to cause mayhem in Imo State. Their sponsors, no matter how highly placed, will be accountable for any attempt to disrupt the government. The people of Imo voted for APGA after the PDP blew its chances and failed the electorate. So PDP should allow peace to reign and watch APGA deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.”

HE All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in Anambra State yesterday said Igbo Presidency in 2015 cannot be achieved on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party said it would be impossible, considering the statement credited to former President Olusegun Obasanjo that the PDP will choose Jigawa State Governor Suleiman Lamido and Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in 2015. Speaking with The Nation in Awka, the state capital, ANPP State Chairman Chief Chukwuemeka Orjiakor said Igbo would lose out again, if they “sheepishly” continue to follow PDP. Orjiakor said: “Apart from the PDP National Publicity Secretary, there is no other Igbo person in the party’s national executive and when the decision of the party’s standard bearer is being discussed, Igbo will not be there. “Though Obasanjo denied the report, we believe there is no smoke without fire. If this eventually happens, what will be the faith of Ndigbo in the PDP in 2015. “The West has carved out a niche for itself by dominating the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), through the ingenuity of former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, so Ndigbo should rally round Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and the ANPP to pursue their cause. “I am not saying this because I am in ANPP, but because the people are about to lose their identity. They thought the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) would have been a platform, but it is not. The party to beat now in the zone is ANPP.”

Obiozor leads Ojukwu centre board

MO State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday inaugurated the 18man board of the Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu Centre in Owerri, the state capital. The board members include Prof. George Obiozor (Chairman), Prof. Fabian Osuji, Prof. Anya O. Anya, Dr. Alex Oti, Prof. Fred Onyeosiri, Prof A. Nwosu and Prof. Omako Okoh. Others are Prof. Ebere Onwudiwe, Prof. B. Okorie, Prof. Augustine Esogbue and Dr. Ezeogo Agom Eze, among others. Okorocha said the late Ojukwu was a rare nationalist, who fought to address the ills suffered by Ndigbo, and not to break away as is generally believed. The governor said: “The late Ojukwu was born into a very rich family. He had quality education and, despite these privileges,

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

joined the Nigerian Army and fought for the emancipation of his people and the unity of the country. “Although Ndigbo are greatly misunderstood on issues bordering on national unity, they have continued to play an indispensable role in keeping Nigeria together in the face of daunting economic and security challenges.” Urging the board members to take their responsibilities serious, Okorocha said the centre was conceived to continue the struggle for the emancipation of Ndigbo and promote national unity. Decrying the dearth of Igbo customs and values, the governor urged the board to revive the culture of hard work, honesty and brotherhood, especially among youths. The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign

State of Biafra (MASSOB) Second-in-Command and Ogirishi Igbo, Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, urged other Southeast governors to emulate Okorocha and promote the Igbo identity. The late Ojukwu’s son, Emeka, thanked the Imo State Government for honouring his father. He said: “My father was not only an Igbo man; he was a patriotic Nigerian and great African, so let your work be guided by this noble ideal and he will be pleased.” Speaking on behalf of the board, Prof. Osuji praised Okorocha’s effort to secure the ideals, works and memories of “one of the greatest Nigerian and an accomplished Igbo man”. He said the board will deliver the objectives for which the centre was conceived.

Rain disturbs Nnewi festival

WENTY-three hours of downpour yesterday disturbed the Afia Olu festival in Nnewi, Anambra State. Although numerous masquerades were on parade in the streets, the Nkwo Nnewi Triangle venue of the ceremony was empty. The Traditional Ruler of Nnewi, Igwe Kenneth Orizu, his chiefs and some prominent indigenes of Nnewi, including the member representing Nnewi North, South and Ekwusigo Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Chris Azubuogu, defied the rain to attend the festival. Igwe Orizu called for peace and unity in

From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Nnewi

the community. He said the festival was an avenue to thank God for the 2012 harvest and urged the people to be at peace with their neighbours. A resident, Mr. Sunday Ossai, said: “In the past, masquerades of all hues used to be on parade here (the Nnewi Triangle), but you can see that this year’s festival is a flop. The canopies and seats are empty. There are no masquerades and the sponsors will not be happy. Many people are blaming the poor turn out on the heavy rain fall.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24 , 2012

NEWS

RSUST: ASUU declares nationwide solidarity strike on Aug 30

HE national leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it will call a nationwide strike on August 30 to protest the crisis at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST). It described the activities of Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Vice- Chancellor Prof. Barikeme Fakae at the university as “illegal and immoral”. ASUU said the 32-year old university is enmeshed in crisis and that if nothing is done, it may sing “its nunc dimittis.” ASUU President Nasir Isa, at a briefing in Abuja, accused Amaechi and Fakae of using armed mobile police and students to disrupt the union’s congress on August 15, . The meeting , Isa said, was to discuss how ASUU members will begin its strike to protest “the illegal and immoral activities going on in

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

RSUST”. He said the “undeserved and illegal” re-appointment of Fakae has continued to generate ejection in the face of platitude from the ProChancellor and Chairman of Council, Justice Adolphos Karibi-Whyte (rtd). Isa said: “It beats logic that this man could still be appointed to continue in office, at the expiration of his four-year term, in an acting capacity. “On August 13, ASUU held a briefing at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), at the end of the two-day meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC). “Among the major issues addressed was the arbitrary manner in which RSUST is being governed. “The governor, who is also the university’s Visitor, knew that Fakae’s appoint-

ment in 2008 did not follow due process as spelt out in the University Law. “When this was challenged by the RSUST ASUU and other unions, Amaechi visited the university. “He attended ASUU Congress where he pleaded that the matter be dropped. “He assured that the VC’s stay would not be extended by a day on completion of his term. “The union then rested its case. Few months to the expiration of Prof. Fakae’s tenure as VC, the position was advertised as required by law. “The first surprise was that the outgoing VC applied against the existing understanding to which he was privy. “Another surprise was that Justice Karibi-Whyte started justifying the re-appointment of Fakae, as if oblivious of

the gentleman’s agreement with the university community. “Eventually, the Chairman of Council bowed to superior argument that the exiting VC be taken through the due process. “At the end of the day, the anointed candidate, Fakae, who went through due process with other four professors, came last. “The report of the exercise was thrown overboard and the council dissolved to get rid of the ‘dissenting members.” Isa said: “Ameachi, in exercising his executive power, directed the Secretary to the Government to announce Fakae as the Acting Vice-Chancellor.” “On August 30, all ASUU members are to abstain from work. Our union shall pursue this matter to its logical conclusion.”

Four kidnapped expatriates freed

HE four expatriates kidnapped in Rivers State on August 4 were freed on Wednesday, after spending 19 days in captivity. The expatriates were seized off the Coast of Bonny Island. The four, a Malaysian, an Iranian, an Indonesian and a Thai, were working on a Dutch oil servicing company’s vessel, Jascon 33, owned by Sea Trucks Group (STG) in theNetherlands. The yet-to-be-identified

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

gunmen killed two naval ratings and injured two others. STG spokesperson Corrie van Kessel said the four men were in good health when they were freed. She said they have been taken to the hospital, while their families and local consulates had been informed. Ms Kessel did not say if any ransom was paid.

New REC in Edo From Osagie Otabor, Benin

NEW Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) has been deployed in Edo State. He is Baritor Kpagih ,a retired Assistant Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Services. At a handing-over ceremony in Benin yesterday, the former REC, Gaidam Kassim, said the challenge of the new REC is how to handle pending cases at the Election Tribunal and the conduct of Continuous Voters Register to tidy up the voters register. Gaidam noted that the voter registration was cancelled to allay the fears and apprehension of politicians. He said RECs should be non-partisan, impartial and transparent which he noted are critical success factor in the electoral process. The new REC said the conduct of the governorship in Edo State has made the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proud.

Dickson: we’ll invest in education From Isaac Ombe, Yenagoa

AYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson has said his administration’s massive investment in education will tackle the developmental challenges of the state. Dickson said this when the Governing Council of the University of Port-Harcourt led by its Pro-Chancellor and chairman of council, Walter Eneji, visited him yesterday. He identified the development of the human resources as the most compelling need of the country in contemporary times. The governor said his administration will continue to review various policies and programmes for the educational development of the state. He said: “Adequate investment in education will not only serve as a veritable means to secure the future but also create sustainable prosperity in the country.” Eneji praised Dickson for the steps taken to reposition the state for rapid development in all sectors of the economy, especially in the education sector.

‘Security is business of all’ From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

Dickson flanked by Eneji (left) and the Vice Chancellor, Joseph Ajienka, at the Government House, Yenagoa...yesterday

Two suspects die in Bayelsa police custody

WO suspected gunmen have reportedly died in the custody of the Bayelsa State Police Command. But the Commissioner of Police, Kingsley Omire, said the duo died in a gun battle, when some criminals attacked a police team in Igbogene, a suburb of Yenagoa. At a briefing at the Command headquarters in Yenagoa, Omire said the

•‘They died in a crossfire’ suspects, Gbafare Gold and Ayi Benjamin, were arrested following the killing of two ex-militants, known as Orlando Owodo and British Egena, last month. “Owodo and Egena were reportedly driving a Toyota Sports Utility Vehicle, GBK 154 AA, when Gold and Benjamin in another vehicle shot them at close range.

“After confirming that they had died, they drove off. They were arrested after a thorough investigation.” The commissioner said suspected criminals, who were likely working for the arrested suspects, ambushed the police van when it was approaching the armoury of the suspected gunmen. “The criminals around the

armoury opened fire at the police and the police retaliated. In the process, the suspects inside the van were killed by the criminals. “We don’t know if it was a ploy to kill the police officers and escape. “The suspects were chained to the patrol van and could not jump out to escape the surging bullets of the criminals.” Reporters were shown the bullet-ridden vehicle.

Review ICJ ruling on Bakassi, says Imoke

ROSS River State Governor Liyel Imoke yesterday urged Nigeria and Cameroon to evolve ways of resolving the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the Bakassi Peninsula. Imoke told the 12th Brainstorming Session of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Lagos, that despite the ruling, both countries should work toward mutual resolution of the disputed area. The theme of the session was “The Bakassi Peninsula:

Ten Years of ICJ Ruling and the Resultant Problems”. Imoke said: “If the Green Tree Agreement has not produced the intended outcome, both countries and the United Nations (UN) should begin discussion aimed at reviewing the judgment. “Whatever the ICJ judgment say, the two countries can, by agreement, resolve the matter on ground,’’ he said. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mike Aniah, the governor said the agreement between the countries would super-

sede the ICJ judgment. Imoke enjoined the UN to bring the two parties to a roundtable for a mutual settlement. The governor advised the two countries to take advantage of the ICJ provision of application for a review of judgment. “We have to face the reality: the ICJ and Green Tree Agreement have not worked. “We either review these documents by engaging all the parties, through stipulated processes, or wait and allow the situation to play out

with unintended consequences,’’ he said. Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, a former External Affairs Minister, warned against use of force in reclaiming Bakassi. Akinyemi urged the Federal Government to engage the Bakassi Self-Determination Front in a dialogue, and dissuade its members from embarking on a confrontation with Cameroon. “At all costs, we cannot afford for Bakassi Peninsula to become a ‘Kasmir’ between Nigeria and Cameroon,’’ he said

DO State Deputy Governor Pius Odubu has said security business should not be left for the government alone. He made the assertion when members of Orhionmwon vigilance group visited yesterday to felicitate with him and Governor Adams Oshiomhole on their re-election victory. Odubu urged the group to continue to partner the government in community policing to minimise crimes in the communities. The deputy governor assured the group of government’s readiness to continue to encourage it in the fight against crime and criminality.

‘Save Auchi from erosion’ From Osemwengie Ben Ogbemudia, Benin

MEMBER of the House of Representatives, Abubakar Momoh, has urged the Federal Government to solve the gully erosion problem in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government of Edo State. Momoh, who represents Etsako Federal Constituency, said: “The community may go into extinction if nothing is done to address the menace. “The erosion has continued to threaten the existence of the community for over a decade. “Previous efforts at arresting the menace failed because of fraudulent award of contracts to incompetent contractors. “The problem is pathetic and there is need for urgent solution. We have had several houses caving in, many streets cut off as well as loss of lives,” he said.

No crisis in Delta ACN, says chair

HE Chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN)in Delta State, Adolo Okotie-Eboh, has debunked insinuations that the party is in a crisis. Okotie-Eboh, who was represented by Deputy Chairman Ngozi Emeni, spoke at a briefing in Asaba. He accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of destabilising the party by

From Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba

planting agents within the party. His words: “There is no truth in the insinuation that there are crises in Delta ACN. “We, therefore, appeal to all Deltans to take a cue from the recent electoral victory by the ACN in Edo and support us to build a new Delta in 2015.”

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS 70 ACN aspirants for council polls

Akume: PDP senators have no hand From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

EVENTY Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) aspirants, seeking to contest the local government elections in Benue State have purchased nomination forms. The ACN Director of Publicity, Titus Zam, said at the party’s secretariat in Makurdi yesterday that of the number, 30 are vying for chairman; 40 are for councillor. Zdam, a former chairman of Gwer-west Local Government, attributed the high number of ACN aspirants to the confidence the people have in the party’s leadership. “Senator George Akume is a born leader. His leadership qualities have attracted many people to the party. Benue indigenes have defected from other parties to the ACN,” he added. Zdam said ACN would use the coming polls to show that it won the last elections in the state. “We are more on ground than the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP),” he noted. Seventeen aspirants have picked nomination forms to contest the chairmanship on the platform of the PDP. The Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) has fixed November 24 for the poll.

INEC postpones by-election

HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed October 6 for the senatorial by-election to fill the vacant seat in Plateau North. The election and that of the Barkin Ladi State Constituency were initially scheduled for September 15. The seats became vacant following the death, on July 8, of Senator Gyang Dantong and Plateau House Majority Leader, Gyang Fulani. The Plateau Resident Electoral Commissioner, Habu H’Zarma, proposed the new date in Jos yesterday at a meeting with political stakeholders. Addressing the meeting, which he co-hosted with security agencies, H’Zarma said September 15 was no longer feasible. He said the new date was still tentative and could be changed by the INEC headquarters in Abuja. The meeting was called to allow input from the stakeholders to enable them arrive at a suitable date for the polls. Eighteen parties attended the meeting at the INEC headquarters in Jos. They are the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Labour Party (LP), among others. H’Zarma told the stakeholders that the date was shifted to achieve transparency.

•A cross section of newly-appointed magistrates being sworn in by the Chief Judge of Bauchi State, Justice Ibrahim Zango, in Bauchi.

Tension in Offa over verdict O Ruling is travesty of FFA, Kwara State indigenes, have protested the cancellation of the election of the Chairman of Offa Local Government, Prince Saheed Popoola of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Many indigenes held peaceful rallies on Wednesday and yesterday to protest the Local Government Election Petition Tribunal verdict ordering a rerun of the council poll. They marched on the streets of Offa to express their dissatisfaction over the tribunal’s decision. The tribunal said it nullified the election because there was no adequate notification on the conduct of the rerun poll as required by law. It also said there were irregularities in the conduct of the election, including non-compliance with the Kwara State Electoral Law 2004 as amended. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election, Prince Segun Olanipekun, asked the tribunal to nullify Popoola’s electoral victory, alleging irregularities and noncompliance with the Electoral Act. One of the protesters, Taye Omokanye, said: “We are

justice, says ACN

HE Kwara State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) has described as “travesty of justice”, the tribunal ruling which nullified the election of the Offa Local Government Chairman, Prince Saheed Popoola. ACN’s Chairman, Kayode Olawepo, said in a statement in Ilorin yesterday that the party is appealing the ruling and warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ledstate government against any provocative move. An election petition tribunal on Wednesday nullified Popoola’s election and ordered a rerun in the only council controlled by the ACN. The tribunal nullified the election because the ruling PDP claimed it was not properly notified of the rerun election held in January last year. Olawepo urged the people of Offa to remain peaceful and orderly as nothing has changed the status quo.

“Until that time when the court rules on the appeal, the law stipulates that Popoola remains the executive chairman and he exercises full legal authority in Offa Local Government,” the statement quoted him as saying. Olawepo added: “Kwara ACN deems the ruling of the lower tribunal as a travesty of justice. The ruling does not enjoy public support whatsoever as demonstrated by the reaction in Offa town where people took to the streets to register their displeasure. “As a law-abiding party with a strong belief in the rule of law, we urge the people of Offa to remain calm, peaceful and law-abiding. “We warn the PDP and the state government against any attempt to usurp his position. It is our hope that the status quo will be maintained and nothing provocative will be done to test the will of the people in the interest of peace and justice.”

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

been removed. “We voted for him because we know he can deliver the dividends of democracy to the people. We voted for him

surprised that the democratically-elected chairman of Offa Council has

and are now hearing that the judiciary has removed him. We know the election was free and fair. “We want to tell the whole world that as Offa indigenes, we do not want anybody to cause problems in our community. They should leave us alone. They should not cause problems among the Offa indigenes. By the time you say there should be another poll, there will be displeasure, which can cause violence. There is peace in Offa now. The chairman should complete his tenure in the interest of peace.” Confirming the protest, police spokesperson Olufemi Fabode said: “We heard that there was a peaceful protest in Offa. We have put security measures in place. “The town is now peaceful. From the information I got from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), there was no violence and destruction of property.” Addressing reporters, Prince Popoola and the two lawmakers representing Offa in the House of Assembly, Alhaji Hassan Oyeleke and Tope Olayonu, said their prompt intervention prevented the protest from degenerating into a crisis.

Fed Govt to build Mambila, Zungeru power plants

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan said

yesterday in Abuja that the construction of the 3050 megawatts Mambilla Hydro Power Project in Taraba State and the 700mw Zungeru Hydro Plant in Niger State would begin soon. According to him, 10 new power plants will be ready by 2013 in addition to the additional 5,000mw to the national grid. The President, who was represented by VicePresident Namadi Sambo, spoke at the launch of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) initiative. He said: “Several small and medium hydropower

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

projects are also in progress; as well as solar power projects.” The event was organised by the Ministry of Power in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

He said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with Seimens of Germany for the production of 450mw (with seven states as the 1st phase). He added: “Bauchi State is already taking off. About 30mw coal to power is being pursued under the Public Private Partnership (PPP)

arrangement as well as a pilot wind power scheme in Katsina with 10mw. “Waste-to-power schemes are also being implemented in various states and to support the expected developments in addressing power, we are also addressing other areas militating against our growth.”

ENATE Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, yesterday said that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators are not involved in any plot to remove the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, from office. Ndoma-Egba said in a statement that the Senate majority leadership is also not aware of any plot to remove Akume from office except what has been published in the newspapers by him. He said the workings of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, do not place the emergence or removal of a Senate Minority Leader within the powers of the Senate majority leadership. He said: “Our attention has been drawn to newspaper reports saying the Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, alleged that there is a plot to remove him from office and that the Senate majority leadership is behind the alleged plot. “Senator Akume has not denied this widely reported statement as credited to him that the Senate majority leadership is behind an alleged plot to remove him as the Minority Leader. “The Senate majority leadership is not aware of any plot to remove Senator Akume from office except what has been published in the newspapers by him and his party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).”

Dinah Igbokwe dies at 85

MEMBER of the Cathedral of Saint Mary’s Anglican Church, Uruagu Nnewi, Anambra State, Mrs. Dinah Igbokwe, is dead. Aged 85, the social activist and philanthropist who was the wife of the late Chief D.N. Igbokwe, died on August 18. Born into the Nwakanwa family at Umudim Nnewi, the deceased had a close family tie with the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu. According to a statement by one of her children, Mr. Joe Igbokwe, the Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Lagos State chapter, funeral programmes would be announced soon. Igbokwe, who is also the General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructural Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), said the deceased is equally survived by Evangelist John Igbokwe, Ikechukwu Igbokwe, Eze Igbokwe and Chinwe Igbokwe.

Online firm gets new trade name AS one of the nation’s online retailers, Retailer Kasuwa has announced a change of name. It will now operate as JUMIA.com. To celebrate its launch, JUMIA is offering free delivery anywhere in the country and sponsoring a give-away competition where customers who fill out their birthdays in their free accounts stand will win a Samsung Galaxy S3.

Speaking on the reason for rebranding so soon after the initial launch, co-founder, Tunde Kehinde, said: “It has become necessary to accelerate growth and integrate more seamlessly with the rest of Africa. The new JUMIA is larger and better equipped to fulfil the growing demand for online shopping in Nigeria. The rebrand is the outcome of the overwhelming response to the online shop’s offerings in Nigeria.”

•The late Madam Igbokwe

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

NEWS

N400b subsidy cash: Firms making refunds, says govt

HE National Economic Council (NEC) has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s efforts towards recovering the over N400billion fuel subsidy funds from about 25 firms. Some firms have already started refunding monies illegally colleted as subsidy for fuel not imported into the country. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting some of the firms and individuals fingered in the alleged subsidy fraud. The federal government said yesterday it had suspended further subsidy payments until proper reconciliation is made to ensure that monies illegally collected are recovered. Government also insisted that some marketers are behind the ongoing strike threat by oil workers and the fuel scarcity in the Federal Capital Territory in the last one week. The NEC urged Nigerians to back the Federal Government’s effort to clean the mess in the petroleum industry. The NEC which is statutorily presided over by the Vice President also has the governors, governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), minister of National Planning, Attorney General of the federation and minister of Justice, as members. Eleven governors were present at yesterday’s meeting. Deputy Governors represented most of the governors. The governors present are: Rotimi Ameachi (Rivers), Pe-

From Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja

ter Obi (Anambra), Martins Elechi (Ebonyi), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Aliyu Wamako (Sokoto), Isa Yuguda (Bauchi), Idris Wada (Kogi), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano), Patrick Yakowa (Kaduna), Godswil Akpabio (Akwa-Ibom) and Abdullaziz Yari (Zamfara). Speaking to reporters after the meeting Governor Obi, alongside three others and the minister of National Planning, Shamusideen Usman, said council supports the actions of the Federal Government in the effort to rid the oil sector of fraud in the name of subsidy payments. Obi, who was joined by Kwankwaso, Akpabio, Yakowa, and Usman said: “The Council commended the Federal Government on its stand in the prosecution of those who were wrongly paid subsidy money and on the need for them to refund it fully. “From the report we got today some have started refunding, it is a serious case that people were paid for vessels that were not anywhere near the Nigerian waters. “And I think when Federal Government does a thing that is courageous and right, it should be encouraged and that can at least give it the courage to do more. “So, we support the Federal Government in the effort to clean up the entire value chain and process of petroleum industry; they have our full sup-

port”. Other issues discussed according to him include the approval of new Oral Health policy in the country. He noted that the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu made a presentation on the National Oral Health Policy and the need to prioritise and improve oral health in the country by creating Oral health Divisions in the states as part of the initiative for the overall well being of Nigerians. “The Council endorsed the initiative of the Health minister on deepening health insurance because of its apparent sustainability and encouraged all states to participate. “The council also noted that the Federal government has approved a better funding formula of 60-40 sharing formula with 60 per cent MDG fund going to the states beginning from 2013. This is as a result of the need to tackle the issues at the grassroots. Obi said that council approved the planned good governance tour proposed by Information minister Labaran Maku. Already a committee has been set up headed by the Akwa Ibom governor. “The Council considered a presentation by the Honourable Minister of Information, on the planned non-partisan Good Governance Publicity Tour being jointly organised by the Federal Ministry of Information and the National Planning Commission. This is meant to monitor, evaluate and

Video recording for Ondo election Continued from page 4

•Obi

showcase Federal and State projects across the six geopolitical zones. “The Council deemed the tour worthwhile not only for its potential to showcase best practice in project implementation and value delivery, but also for the prospect of exposing the investment opportunities in each state,” Obi explained. The Council has also directed the Governor’s Forum to set up a committee that will meet with the Federal Ministry of Information and National Planning Commission to review the logistics for the tour and agree on the commencement date. Also, the council received briefing from the Minister of Finance and Coordinating minister for the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on the SURE-P youth empowerment programme. He noted that council “endorsed the plan to launch the programme in the states to sensitise the people on the processes of job selection and payment to beneficiaries, beginning from September 06, 2012.“

CBN introduces N5000 banknote Continued from page 4

Sanusi said “efforts are being put in place to ensure that the redesigned N50 and the new N5000 banknotes are launched early in 2013.” “There will be no urgent need for exchange of the old for the new bank notes by the general public for as long as the old banknotes are in circulation, they will remain legal tender,” he added. The CBN helsman also said: “To encourage the usage of coins, the CBN will liaise with relevant MDAs, DMBs, road transport workers, market op-

erators, small businesses, supermarkets, vendors, etc. to create avenues for the usage of the coins. The CBN will ensure that coin collection is convenient and the introduction of the new currency series will be a gradual process as the banknotes will circulate simultaneously with the old series until they are fully withdrawn from circulation.” Many entities collaborated to redesign the new currency series. These include the currency department of the CBN, the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC)

Plc and competent international consultants. The vanished lower denomination banknotes failed to adequately meet expected longevity, Sanusi said. Significant difficulties associated with the processing and destruction (briquetting) of the polymer banknotes, he gave as the reason for the CBN action. “It is important to add that this situation has largely constrained the realisation of the benefits expected from polymer banknotes over paper notes. “The tactile feature for the

Murder suspect ‘pulled down from ceiling’ Continued from page 4

when the prime suspect came out to the balcony. “Immediately he saw policemen, he went back into the house. When we heard noise, like the house zinc was being pulled, we climbed up to his apartment and noticed that he was trying to escape through the ceiling. Unfortunately for him, his legs broke the ceiling as he was trying to escape and I pulled him down.” Cynthia, a post-graduate student of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, was allegedly killed by Okwuoma Nwabufo and his cousin, Ezekiel, on July 21. The suspects had said that they were both accounting students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and the Anambra State University. However, Ezekiel’s claim has been dismissed by Mr. Festus Ntomchukwu, the Public Relations Officer of Anambra State University, Uli. He told reporters in Awka: “Such a character cannot be a

student of the institution. “The school is still in session, and if truly the suspect is a student of the university, as he claimed, he will not be out in Lagos when the institution is seriously preparing for examinations.” He argued that the School of Management Sciences to which the Accounting Department belongs, is holding an international conference, which every student is expected to attend. “For such a character to have been away in Lagos when the school is preparing for examinations and members of his faculty preparing for a compulsory international conference, he should be disregard,” Ntomchukwu said. The Distance Learning Institute (DLI) of University of Lagos yesterday refused to disclose whether Nwabufor, is a student of the institute as he claimed. Nwabufor had told the Po-

lice he is a 300 Level student of Accounting in UNILAG’s DLI. The institute’s Director was not around, when The Nation sought to confirm this claim from DLI but officials at the institute’s secretary’s office requested for Nwabufor’s Matriculation Number. “No student is known by name. We only deal with Matriculation numbers,” said a female official who later went in to ask from the institute’s secretary. When she came out from the secretary’s office, she told our Reporter that “he [the secretary] does not want to be involved. He said the boy is not a student of DLI.” The Nation’s further investigation showed that Nwabufor’s name is not on the register of 300L Accounting Students of DLI. A class representative, who has the register of students from 100L to 300L told The Nation “the name does not exist on the register.”

visually, impaired on the polymer notes has not been as effective as desired,” he said. He gave other reasons for the introduction of the new banknote, saying: Higher denomination banknotes would discourage dollarisation, reduce the volume of banknotes and the overall cost of currency management.

done every 10 years. INEC is already in violation. It is important to do it well ahead of the 2015 elections. “If the RERC recommendation is accepted, INEC should ensure early delimitation of constituencies and the mapping and designation of polling units ahead of the 2015 elections. On the use of corps members during polls, the RERC recommended that INEC should continue to engage them. The recommendation said: “The use of NYSC members should continue. INEC should strengthen inter-agency relationship with NYSC for greater synergy, including ensuring adequate supervision by the NYSC zonal offices. “The work of the NYSC members on election duties should be supervised by experienced INEC staff. “INEC should take measures to ensure greater security for

NYSC members on election duties. “The exact location where corps members are posted should be made known to NYSC Directorate and security agencies. This is also good for advance planning purposes.” The RERC recommended that the “current payment practice through the NYSC Directorate should be continued.” The RERC, which was coordinated by a former INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Adele Jinadu, recommended that the electoral commission should plan towards its “financial independence.” To forestall electoral malpractice in 2015, the panel said: “The commission should pursue the establishment of an Electoral Offences Tribunal. The commission should periodically and consistently publish the prosecution of cases of offenders.”

‘Northern governors not doing enough’ Continued from page 4

the police has not worked because only the Federal Government has been responsive. He urged to his host to persuade his colleagues to meet up with their obligation. To Aliyu, state police will gag opposition parties and could be abused by politicans. ‘’During local government

elections,have you seen any state where the opposition party gets up to 10 per cent representation in the local councils? The party in power in the state takes everything. ‘’If this happens without state police, then, it means with state police, the opposition parties will not have a chance to campaign because the state governments will use the state police for their purpose.’’

Oshiomhole aide’s murder suspects: SSS, police clash Continued from page 4

as Bashir Ibrahim (a.k.a. Adda’u), Ibrahim A. Habibu and Gambo Maiborodi. “For the avoidance of doubt, both groups have no link whatsoever as they were apprehended for different offences at separate locations and at different times. Also, the suspects arrested in connection with the kidnap of the expatriates were between the ages of 19 and 20 years, while those apprehended over

Comrade Oyerinde’s killing are between the ages of 26 and 46 years,” Ms Ogar said. Ogar appealed to members of the public to be wary of deliberate machinations of people she described as mischievous elements who delight in spreading falsehood. Shortly after the briefing, the SSS handed the six suspects over to the Special Anti Robbery Squad, Force Headquarters, Abuja for prosecution.

THE NATION FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

SPORT EXTRA

Akpala welcomes Bremen challenge

OSEPH Akpala has said he is up to the new challenge offered by German Bundesliga side Werder Bremen after he signed a three-year deal. Belgian team Club Brugge announced on Wednesday that an agreement has been reached with Werder Bremen for Nigerian striker Akpala to join the German outfit. Akpala has proved himself a prolific scorer in the Nigeria Premier League and the Bel-

gian top flight with Charleroi and Club Brugge. The 25-year-old striker told MTNFootball.com that he appreciates the fans and all those who made his stay at Club Brugge worth the while and hopes to do well for Werder Bremen. “I appreciate the management coaches, fans and my team mates at Club Brugge for making my stay there worthwhile. Bremen is a new challenge and I will do my best

for the team,” Akpala said.Akpala, who was left out of Club Brugge Europa League game against Debreceni, arrived the German city of Bremen, where he underwent a successful medical on Wednesday. His transfer fee is believed to be around 2.5 million Euros. Four-time German champions Bremen placed ninth in the Bundesliga last season.

AHEAD OF EKO 2012:

NSC zone1 sets for eliminations

N preparation for the zonal eliminations that always prelude the National Sports Festival, the southwest zone 1 of National Sports Commission (NSC) embarked on facilities inspection tour to finalised venue for the zonal tourney. The zonal head of NSC zone1, Steve Olarinoye led other representatives from Lagos and Ogun to Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba Ibadan which was one of the venue pencils

By Innocent Amomoh

down for the eliminations to ascertain its state. The General Manager of Oyo State Sports Council, Mrs. Folake Oyelakin took the inspection team round the basketball court, Volleyball court and handball court which was earmarked for the ball games. Olarinoye, NSC zone 1 coordinator, however, disclosed to newsmen that Lagos as host State have decided to opt out of the pre-

FPISA product good for Golden Eaglets– British coach

FTER the completion of a 12 weeks intensive football training programme, the British born foreign manager of Ibadan based soccer school, FRENAGE-Progression International Soccer Academy (FPISA), Tony Calver has described his product as suitable material for Nigerian Under-17 team known as Golden Eaglets. The former Ajax Assistant Coach disclosed to newsmen in Ibadan while leaving for his 3 weeks vacation in England after the completion of the first session of the academy that Eaglet Coach should beam his searchlight on the 60 players that would be graduating in few weeks time from the academy. Saying “I can vouch for the capabilities of the boys, they would be a suitable materials for any Coach considering their intellectual psyche and level of football technicalities we have imputed into them which was tailored towards the European standard”. He added that the authenticity of the age of the players which always subject the integrity of Under-17 teams to scrutiny can easily be ascertain through the accurate age databank keeping by the academy, calling on Golden Eaglets' coach, Manu Garba not to belabour himself looking for talent around when he can get them at his finger tips. Saturday September 8th has been picked for graduating ceremony of the first batch of players from the academy. The Chairman of FPISA, Prince Oluwole Ololade also,

expressed his appreciation to all football stakeholders in Nigeria, especially Oyo State where the Academy is situated for their supports toward the outfit, while thanking the parents who shared in FPISA’s vision of building a solid base for the round leather game in Nigeria. “After this session, 20 outstanding players out of the enlisted ones have been selected for trials with different European club-sides which would leave shortly after the passing out ceremony”, FPISA boss noted.

liminaries which now left the battle that will be on home and away bases though on a same venue between only Oyo State and Ogun State. Speaking with newsmen after the inspection, the director of Coaching, Ogun State Sports Council, Samson Oyeledun expressed satisfaction over the state of facilities at Lekan Salami Stadium, saying it’s not below their expectation. “I’m impressed with what I saw here although they promised to put finishing touches to few places noticed that needed attention but by and large these facilities are in good shape”, Oyeledun noted. While speaking on the level of their preparations for the by-annual sporting event he disclosed that Ogun would commence its close camping before the week runs out. “With the blessing of our sports-loving Governor, Ibikunle Amosun we would start our close camping before this week runs out and we are going to give the preparations all the attentions it deserved so that we can get our desire result”, the ex-international noted.

'Mourning' Uche Kalu joins Turkish club

NYIMBA striker Uche Kalu has joined Turkish second division side Caykur Rizespor after he was granted compassionate leave by Eagles. The highly-rated striker signed the contract Thursday European Cups Results Anji Makhachkala 1 - 0 AZ Alkmaar FK Neftchi 1 - 1 APOEL Nicosia Tromso 3 - 2 Partizan Belgrade Ekranas 0 - 2 Steaua Bucuresti AIK Stockholm 0 - 1 CSKA Moscow Atromitos 1 - 1 Newcastle U. FC Sheriff 1 - 2 Marseille Legia Warsaw 1 - 1 Rosenborg Liberec 2 - 2 Dnipro D'petrovsk Molde 2 - 0 SC Heerenveen Bursaspor 3 - 1 FC Twente Enschede Dinamo Bucuresti 0 - 2 Metalist Kharkiv Lucerne 2 - 1 Racing Genk Trabzonspor 0 - 0 Videoton FC Dudelange 1 - 3 Hapoel Tel Aviv Feyenoord 2 - 2 Sparta Prague

afternoon in Istanbul when he was to be bereaved following the death of his father and so back with his family. “I am very happy to be transferred to a club as big as Rizerspor,” the striker declared. “From the first moment that Rizespor showed interest in me, I knew they are a serious and ambitious team. I believe I will be successful here, everything here is nice, the stadium and everything, I will do my best to score many goals.” He has scored five goals in the Nigeria Premier League this season. Last year, a proposed move to Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca fell through. According to an official statement, Uche was excused from the Eagles training camp in Abuja to allow him return to his family in Abia State following the death of his father while he was away on international duty last week.

TODAY IN THE NATION

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24, 2012

TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM VOL. 7,

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

URSUANT to the declaration that the” motto of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress” the 1999 Constitution pledged that “national integration shall be actively encouraged, whilst discrimination on the grounds of place of origin, sex, religion, status, ethnic or linguistic association or ties shall be prohibited.” This is the central political objective of the document that constitutes the grundnorm of the nation’s existence. To the extent that the Constitution recognises the importance of national integration as key to the realisation of unity and faith, peace and progress, its framers deserve credit. It might be argued that this recognition is only on paper. The answer to this charge is that the constitution is a written document, and its provision can only be on paper. It is the responsibility of those who pledged to uphold the spirit of the constitution to implement its provisions and transform it from an ordinary paper to a living reality in the lives of citizens. Indeed, the document goes on to enumerate the means to the realisation of the objective of national integration when it identifies the duty of the State to “provide adequate facilities for and encourage free mobility of people, goods, and services throughout the Federation; secure full residence rights for every citizen in all parts of the Federation; encourage inter-marriage among persons from different places of origin, or of different religious, ethnic or linguistic association or ties; and promote or encourage the formation of associations that cut across ethnic, linguistic, religious or other sectional barriers.” The framers of the Constitution truly believed that the State, through its elected leaders, can make all the foregoing happen. After all, “ought implies can.” In light of the experience of the last thirteen years, it would appear that the optimism of the framers was a little bit misplaced. Of the group of four ideals that comprise the motto of the nation, we cannot pretend to be close to beginning the journey toward the realization of three: unity, peace, and progress. The fourth, faith, is the most vague in what it includes and therefore perhaps the most difficult to know if we are inching towards it. Does it mean faith in the republic? Or does it mean faith in God, gods, humans or wealth and greed? The nation has moved from militancy to terrorism in thirteen years; it has found itself in the belly of ethnic and religious whales, and the god of its creation has not been able to deliver it. It is debatable whether that god is not somewhere having a belly laugh at the expense of its creature. Didn’t he/she/it anticipate these outcomes? In order to give teeth to the idealistic provisions of the constitution regarding national

RIPPLES EIGHT POLICEMEN ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL ROAD BLOCKS–News

they must go for ROAD BLOCK DUTIES IN YOBE

NO. 2,227

‘Feminists are teaching young girls to be selfindulgent and self-pitying. Thanks to feminism, Nigerian society is now full of ‘virtuous’ women, with ugly personalities’

African nations) and the other countries where this works. American is a land of immigrants. The Natives are history. Human movement is what gives the United States an edge. Mitt Romney’s father was governor of Michigan. Mitt moved to Massachusetts and became governor there. Barack Obama moved from his birthplace of Hawaii and became a Senator from Chicago. Bill Clinton was governor in Arkansas and from there got elected as President of the United States. He them moved to New York where his wife was elected Senator. The list is long. The reason this is possible in the United States is that the idea of residency is not tied to any fundamental ideal of belong-

ing concretised in the symbolism of umbilical cord burial. In the defence of some of our practices, we self-indict by referencing our level of development or maturity. They say, for instance, that we are not ripe for State Police because governors will abuse it. Of course, I think this is a spurious claim. But the fundamental ideal of belonging that we all cherish doesn’t even belong to that category of practices. Grant residency rights by law and empower individuals to be integral parts of the communities in which they reside. Grant them that right, and what do you have? At census time, they pack their families to their birthplace where they feel they truly belong. The right to free movement cannot prevent this from happening. And what they fail to do in life, they choose to have done at death. For the Yoruba, royalty (and everyone is included here) deserves proper hometown internment (ori oye kii sun ta). In the circumstance of our cultural beliefs, it is the beneficiaries of full residency rights that are most likely to be its worst violators. Yet there is something unsettling about referencing negatively those cultural beliefs and practices that appear to counter our notion of national integration as violations. These practices have been recognised by the peoples as part of their being—what makes them who they are. They are what psychologists understand as identity markers. It would appear then that the objective of political integration can truly conflict with the fundamental notions about who we consider ourselves to be. Of course, it might be argued that the encouragement of integration through residency rights does not force anyone to take advantage of such rights. The issue, however, is this. When an adequate enabling environment is created, and people internalise the norms of citizenship through voluntary interactions, they can collectively develop relationships that supersede their various private and group enclaves. The National Assembly may be wellintentioned. But it needs to provide the enabling environment. One way to do this is through the initiative of a conference that avails the nationalities the opportunity to discuss and negotiate further the terms of association. To the extent that this is regarded as a no-go area, we are engaged in the game of the ostrich, also known as self-deceit. •For comments, send SMS to 08057634061

HARDBALL

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

SEGUN GBADEGESIN gbadegesin@thenationonlineng.net

On residency rights ‘When an adequate enabling environment is created, and people internalise the norms of citizenship through voluntary interactions, they can collectively develop relationships that supersede their various private and group enclaves’ •President Goodluck Jonathan

integration and residency, the National Assembly, as the beneficiary of the people’s sovereignty, has flown again the kite of residency right. It is laudable in the context of the goal of national integration. But how will this work? The Federal Government can promulgate a residency requirement: if you live for ten years in a locality, discharging your full legal and civic responsibilities, you qualify for full residency rights, including the right to vote and be voted for. This is what happens in other nations. Now, that proposal appears very reasonable until we identify one significant difference between this country (as well as many

OLATUNJI OLOLADE

Read our lips: no dialogue with Fed Govt, says Boko Haram

FTER what seemed like an interminable yo-yo over the issue of dialogue between the federal government and the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, it now seems the negotiating table and room are strewn with red herrings. On Wednesday, the sect’s spokesman, Abul-Qaqa, told the press once again that no dialogue was ongoing between Boko Haram and the government. Decrying what it called propaganda, and the exasperating eagerness of the Nigerian press to be used by government, Qaqa warned the press and all impostors to stop spreading false stories about any dialogue to resolve the violence that has nearly brought the northern parts of the country to heel. The sect reserved the right to punish the obstinate and offending press and impostors purporting to act as negotiators, it warned ominously. It will be recalled that the greater part of last week was taken up by stories of an ongoing dialogue between the government and the sect. The government was quoted to have said conspiratorially that the identities of the negotiating team could not be disclosed in order not to offend the sensibilities of the sect. We were reminded that dialogue was once broken off on account of the premature exposure of the details. The country was also last week abuzz with colourful descriptions of the shape and texture of the negotiations, complete with price fixtures needed to mollify the rage of the sect. In fact, N2 million per extra-judicially murdered sect member

was even mentioned as the price required to procure peace. Perhaps the sect felt insulted. Government spokesman, Mr Labaran Maku, was also quoted as exulting that dialogue was the only way out of the dangerous and inflammable impasse, for the violence attributed to the sect, he said patronisingly, could not vitiate the fact that sect members were ‘our children.’ Well, as it looks, all the blandishments have gone up in smoke. Determined not to be deceived twice, as the sect doctrinally and elegantly put it, it said there would be no further attempts at negotiations until the Qur’an replaced the secular Nigerian constitution. It hinted, judging by some of the names it mentioned in the statement, that some discussions could in fact be going on in some corridors, but said it had nothing to do with the dialogue or with any travels to Saudi Arabia to further the search for peace. Saudi Arabia, it insinuated, was treacherous. It is not known whether the sect’s statement, which was brimming with threats, was designed to deflect attention from any secret dialogue. It is also not known which of ‘our terrorist children’ Maku said the government was negotiating with, seeing that Boko Haram continues to repudiate any knowledge of dialogue. We may also be in the dark concerning why some of the characters said to be negotiating on behalf of the sect feel so inured to danger that they posture as Boko Haram’s self-appointed repre-

sentatives. What is clear is that for the past few months the sect has listed and continued to reiterate its terms for peace, but the government has refused to respond adequately to those terms. Many Nigerians think those terms are inconceivable, but apparently the government knows a thing or two we don’t. If the sect has not raised a team, it is passing strange to imagine the government could feel so inventive and desperate as to wish into existence a negotiating team for the sect. In all this, the sect, at least for the foreseeable future, will be the only group smiling. Given the way it has compelled the press to concede that the State Security Service (SSS) only succeeded in arresting Abu-Dardaa, not Abul-Qaqa, as was first reported, the press would be sailing close to the wind to continue insisting that negotiations are on when Boko Haram says they are not. The media have sworn to maintain their independence in news judgement, but in the face of threats from Boko Haram, they have doubted themselves and their news judgement, forsworn their characteristic impetuousness, and sometimes cast headlines gingerly. After all, they can hide under their rule books to leave important sect news out when in doubt. Just as George H. Bush asked American voters to read his lips on the subject of taxes during the 1988 US elections, the press in Nigeria will almost certainly in the coming months turn to lip-reading, assuming they can convince Mallam Muhammad Shekau to shift his turban a little.

Published and printed by Vintage Press Limited. Corporate Office: 27B Fatai Atere Way, Matori, Lagos. P.M.B. 1025,Oshodi, Lagos. Telephone: Switch Board: 01-8168361. Editor Daily:01-8962807, Marketing: 01-8155547 . Abuja Office: Plot 5, Nanka Close AMAC Commercial Complex, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja. Tel: 07028105302. WEBSITE: www.thenationonlineng.net E-mail: info@thenationonlineng.net ISSN: 115-5302 Editor: GBENGA OMOTOSO