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VOL. 8, NO. 2674 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

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Anambra poll: Police attack angry women with tear gas Jega, INEC under fire From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

ANY Anambra State residents are yet to recover from the hangover of last Saturday’s “inconclusive” governorship election, which has been roundly condemned as “flawed” and “shameful”. Hundreds of women blocked yesterday the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protest against the agency’s handling of the election. The protesters, who identified themselves simply as “Anambra Women”, called for the cancellation of the exercise as against INEC’s plan to run a supplementary election. They described the exercise as a “disgrace to democracy”. But the women got a raw deal from the police, who fired tear gas canisters at them. Many were injured in the ensuing stampede. One of the women, Mrs Tina Akonobi, said they were at the commission’s office to “mourn the disaster, destruction, doom, robbery and fraud that took place on November 16.” She told reporters: “The election was a sham, aimed at insulting the integrity, intelligence and intellectual ability of the people of the state and Nigeria in general. “INEC brought a fraudulent register three days to the election where they removed names of voters whose names start with the letter ‘O”, like Okonkwo and Okeke, at IdeContinued on page 2

•Some of the women on the road to the INEC office in Awka ...yesterday

‘

We are calling for the cancellation of the election and resignation of Prof. Attahiru Jega for the doom that is impending because this is what will happen in 2015

’

Boko Haram’s ‘spiritual leader’ in security net •Yunus: I’m innocent T

HE State Security Service (SSS) paraded yesterday a Kogi State University teacher, Dr. Mohammed Nazeef Yunus, for alleged connection with Boko Haram activities. Four other suspects, allegedly under the tutelage of the lecturer, were also paraded. They are: Umar Musa, Mustapha Yusuf, Ismaila Abdulazeez and Ibrahim Isah. SSS spokesperson Marilyn Ogah, who paraded the suspects, described Yunus as a spiritual leader of the sect in Kogi State where he had been indoctrinating students and others with jihadist messages.

PHOTO: NWANOSIKE ONU

Senate queries Okonjo-Iweala’s N8.5b SURE-P spending From Sanni Onogu, Abuja

HE Senate ad-hoc Committee on the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) queried yesterday the disbursement of about N8.5billion by Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala for SURE-P activities. Chairman of the Commit-

From Gbade Ogunwale and Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

Ogar said Yunus commands no fewer than 200 adherents within and outside the university campus where he preached his messages on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. He was also alleged to have sent some of his followers to the Sambisa Forest in Borno State for training with Boko Haram militants before federal troops bombarded the forest. Continued on page 2

•Dr. Yunus...yesterday

Continued on page 2

•EFCC: NO ARMED SIEGE ON NFIU P6 •OYINLOLA TO SHUN DIKKO PANEL P6

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS •President Goodluck Jonathan (fifth left), Vice President Namadi Sambo (sixth left) and some government officials including Oronto Douglas (left) cutting the President’s 56th birthday cake at the Presidential Villa, Abuja …yesterday. PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

Anambra poll: Police attack angry women with tear gas Continued from page 1

mili. “They brought fraudulent people to conduct election here; it was a scam and destruction of a generation and Igbo land.” On the women’s demand, Mrs Akonobi said: “We are calling for the cancellation of the election and the resignation of Prof. Attahiru Jega for the doom that is impending because this is what will happen in 2015.” Another woman, a retired school principal, Mrs Efem Ifacy, said: “We over trusted Jega and he has disappointed us.” The election, she said created a situation where brothers fear brothers. It was a sign of socio-political divide to come among the people, she said. Mrs Ifacy said: “I am calling on the entire Anambra populace that this election, if not cancelled and a fresh one conducted, will divide the people continually.” Mrs Grace Nwadike, a stylist, said she saw the protesters and decided to join be-

Nwoye camp slams Metuh over comments

HE November 16 Anambra governorship election fiasco has taken a new twist with the Tony Nwoye Campaign Organisation (TNCO) taking issues with the ruling party over its comments on the election. In a statement yesterday, the TNCO described statements by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh as arrant nonsense and an act of betrayal. The statement was jointly signed by Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu, Mazi Okwu Okwu, Hon Ikechukwu Onyia and Mazi Orjika Chidi. Metuh had, on Monday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for what he described as peaceful conduct of the poll. Metuh had also described the election as free and fair. But Nwoye’s camp has raised questions over

cause the election was not credible. Nwadike alleged massive inducement of voters by political parties, “even in the presence of security operatives, especially at Umuogwalu, Ward Four, in Awka South where I voted. According to her, many did not vote in many areas there were no election materials. For Mrs Nkiruka Okoye, an indigene of Awka, the “shab-

From Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

Metuh’s sense of judgment and his loyalty to the cause of the party’s governorship candidate. The camp accused Metuh of working for the interest of Governor Peter Obi and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) against the interest of the PDP candidate. Nwoye said: “In a show of shame and in a disgraceful crescendo of delusional act and to please his contractors (APGA and Mr Peter Obi), Olisa Metuh made his statement giving credibility to an election in which his candidate and all his family members, including some of his cousins were disenfranchised and prevented from voting. “An election in which two leaders of the

by” conduct of the election could disrupt the peaceful coexistence of the people. “What we want is to lay a solid foundation for our children’s future. Our anger is that the poll was not conducted well and this was obvious,” she said, adding: “The election was not free and fair; the names of people with voters card could not be found in the voters register. “Jega has betrayed the peo-

Continued on page 58

ple of the state because he promised the whole world that he will set a pace with the Anambra election, but this is not what we have seen and with this we are not sure he can conduct the 2015 election.” Police spokesman Emeka Chukwuemeka, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said he could not comment on the incident because he was yet to be briefed.

Senate queries Okonjo-Iweala’s N8.5b SURE-P spending Continued from page 1

tee, Senator Abdul Ningi, who spoke after Minister of Labour and Productivity Eme-

ka Wogu briefed the committee in Abuja, alleged that the ministry of finance spent N1,435, 190, 999.00 on Graduate Internship Scheme between April 2012 to April 2013. Director-General of the Budget Office Bright Okogu, was also said to have given a loan of

N5billion to the Ministry of Labour and Productivity and allegedly spent N2,482,763,241.00 on vocational training centres. The Committee also frowned at a situation where the Ministry of Finance was directly managing graduate Internship Scheme and Vocational Training Centres, which are components of the SURE-P between April 2012 to April 2013. Ningi said: “You took over this scheme in April 2013, that was

eight months after the scheme took off and I am surprised that even in your submission, the Ministry of Finance was running the Graduate Internship Scheme. “The Ministry of Finance was also running the Vocational Training Centres and you said you received N5billion from the Director General of Budget as loan. “I don’t know anywhere in our law that the Federal Minis-

try of Finance will loan an amount to a sister agency. It is not a bank, the DG’s office is not a bank neither is it a Central Bank that you could see that they have loaned N5billion in order for you to augment the payment of the Community Service and Youth Empowerment. “First the Secretariat, write to the Ministry of Finance to account for N1,435, 190, 999.00 as Graduate Internship Scheme

From Yusuf Alli and Gbade Ogunwale, Abuja

“He has the last chance to make peace with the G-7 or else everyone will determine whether to remain in PDP or join another party. “We do not see him conceding but we want to give Jonathan the benefit of the doubt. He has given enough signs that he does not want peace. Our meeting was disrupted and he has set anti-corruption agencies against our children and relations. “What I know is that our demands remain sacrosanct. We are building consensus on the need to attend the meeting.” The President has not met the demands of the G-7 and the New PDP. The conditions tabled by the G-7 governors for peace are: •sack of factional National Chairman Bamanga Tukur; •reinstatement of National

Secretary Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC); •return of party structure to governors in Adamawa, Rivers, Kano and other states; •sticking to one-term tenure by the President who should forego re-election in 2015; •resolution of NGF and Rivers crises, including Amaechi’s recall from suspension; and •stopping the “harassment” of governors by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC). The leadership of the New Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has flayed the Presidency’s refusal to recognise Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi as chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF). In a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary,

Continued on page 58

‘Spiritual leader’ in security net Continued from page 1

According to the SSS, Yunus taught his followers the virtues of Jihad and the sanctity of the Sharia system as an alternative form of governance and how to entrench it in Kogi State and beyond. The other four suspects confessed to have been recruited by

the lecturer and sponsored for training in the handling of weapons, such as AK 47 rifles, and explosive materials. One of them confessed that he and others were arrested by security agents at Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory while on a mission to Maiduguri on Yunus’s directive. Another of the suspects said he was placed on a monthly salary of N50, 000 as an instructor at the education unit in the Boko Haram camp. But Dr. Yunus denied the allegation, even when the other suspects had admitted having link with him. He said: “I am not a member of Boko Haram. I don’t believe in shedding blood because shedding blood is unislamic. Islam is against bloodshed”. The SSS urged Nigerians to be vigilant and to continue to cooperate with the security agencies by giving information on members of the sect and other terrorist organisations known to them. Also yesterday, the Borno State government urged the Army to set up a military base along the Nigeria/Cameroun border in Gamboru-Ngala to fight incessant attacks on innocent citizens by suspected Boko Haram insurgents. Deputy Governor Zannah

Mustapha made the appeal when he received Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubike Iheajirika in his office in Maiduguri. Mustapha said a military base would protect Nigerians residing along the border areas against incessant attacks by the insurgents. He said Yunus though the military had restored peace to most parts of the state, the activities of some citizens of neighbouring countries had been discouraging. Mustapha also called on the military to introduce air patrol along the country’s borders to check insurgents and other criminals. He said: “Borno has been peaceful over the years, even with the return of democratic rule in 1999 but, unfortunately, we were subjected to all kinds of criminality, with the coming of the Boko Haram insurgents. “We thank God that with the cooperation of the people, the military has been able to chase them out. “Our problem now is the harbouring of these criminals by some of our neighbours, which makes it easy for them to shift base when the heat is on them.’’ Gen. Iheajirika told Mustapha that he was in the state on a routine visit to the newly established 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, and to examine the challenges facing its operations. The army chief praised the state government for its assistance to security agencies. The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) also yesterday raised the alarm over the killing of Christians in the North by Continued on page 58

CORRECTION The Chief of Staff, Osun State, is Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and not Ishola Oyetola as published on page 27 yesterday.

PDP crisis: Jonathan invites G-7 governors for resumption of talks

FTER a month’s lull in the peace process, President Goodluck Jonathan has invited the G-7 governors for resumption of talks on the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) crisis. But one of the governors said the session might be the last, considering what he described as the ongoing hounding of their children, relations and staff by some security agencies. According to a November 12 letter addressed to the leader of the G-7, Governor Babangida Aliyu, the session will hold on Sunday in the First Lady’s Conference Room. The letter, which was signed by the Chief of Staff to the President, Mike .A. Oghiadomhe, reads in part: “ I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 6th October, 2013, addressed to His Excellency,

Mr. President, wherein you requested for the resumption of the postponed discussion between Mr. President and the seven governors. “I am to invite you and the other governors to the followup meeting scheduled to hold in the First Lady’s Conference Room, State House, Abuja on Sunday, 24th November, 2013 at 21.00 hours. “Please convey the message to other governors and accept the assurances of my warm regards.” One of the governors, who spoke in confidence, said: “This is likely to be our final meeting with the President. It is a make or break session in the light of recent developments.

Chukwuemeka Eze, the party described the development as unfortunate, dangerous, unjustifiable, regrettable and unacceptable. Eze said the Presidency’s insistence on recognising Plateau State Governor Jonah Jang as the NGF chair does not only send across a dangerous signal but also serves to frustrate efforts to unite the country’s governors to enable them serve their people better. The statement said: “Everybody knows that Amaechi won the transparently conducted NGF election of May 24, 2013 with 19 votes to Jang’s 16 votes. By refusing to accept his victory due to his personal differences with President Jonathan and his wife, Dame Patience, the Presidency is otherwise saying that majority Continued on page 58

•Aliyu

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS The representative of the Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (Nan), Mr Isaac Ighure, speaking at the 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Public lecture of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Abuja chapter in Abuja...yesterday. With him is the Director-General, National Institute of Hospitality and Tourism, Dr Munzali Dantata.

Nigerians w After decades of efforts by the government to fix the power sector, albeit without success, the Goodluck Jonathan administration has relinquished the responsibility to the private sector. Whether this exercise will translate to a steady power supply is the question on every body’s lips, report EMEKA UGWUANYI, AKINOLA AJIBADE and JOHN OFIKHENUA.

N •From left: Managing Director, AFKAR Printing and Publication, Allan Ballard, Managing Director, Micnet Concert International, Mike Nebo, Acting Chairman, Educational Icon Foundation, Ranti Odimaya and Visioner, Educational Icon Award, Ronke Mary-Faith Brown, during the Educational Icon Award news conference in Lagos. PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA.

•From left: Quality Assurance and HSE Manager, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Fabunmi Mayowa; Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Joal Ajiga and Technical Director, Mr. Taiwo Ayodele Adeniyi, at the company's news conference on Safety and Health Environment Week in Lagos...yesterday.

OVEMBER 1 marked the beginning of a new era in the power sector . That day, the Federal Government, after decades of failed efforts to fix the sector, finally completed its sale and handover to private investors. The government sunk billions of dollars on the sector, yet could not generate up to 5,000 megawatts(MW) of electricity for a population of 160 million. Besides, the transmission network is so weak that it is incapable of conveying more than 4,000MW, hence the frequent system collapse, which results in massive power failure across the country. Therefore, the takeover of the utility from the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) by the private sector is seen as a big relief. Nigerians are full of expectations from the new owners. The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), which superintends the 10 power plants built under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), has also in quick succession, begun processes for the privatisation of the power stations and is expected to announce the preferred bidders in January 2014, the Managing Director, James Olotu, said. These arrangements have revived hopes that by 2015, there would be steady power supply. The new investors said that if Ghana could achieve considerable stable electricity supply, why shouldn’t Nigeria attain the same feat, with all the resources available to it. They foresee a revolution akin to what happened in the telecoms sector. But the question is: how soon will this materialise?

Current issues

•From left: Senior, New Business Manager, Adidas, Astrud Meintjes, Retail Director, Adidas, Warren, Executive Director Mopheth Group, Mrs. Odunola Oyegade, Managing Director, Mopheth Sport, Adidas Retail Partner, Mr. Kunle Oyegade and Sidney Esiri, (Dr. SID), at the launch and 1st anniversary of Adidas in Nigeria in Lagos.

Since the handover, the investors have been holding meetings with the former managements of the generation and distribution companies unbundled from the defunct PHCN. The former managements are being retained to ensure seamless transition. The Nation learnt that some PHCN staff were handed only severance letters; others got both severance and temporary retention letters. Those who got retention letters are seen as those whose services could be retained. The new owners, it was also learnt, are holding series of consultations with the old management to ensure seamless integration of the new owners with the companies. This engagement involves understudying the old hands to be acquainted with

•Femi Otedola

the state of things, what plans they have and the challenges they were facing before they (new investors) came in. It involves the processes and motivation for moving forward, how will they (new investors) come in to ensure that things are operated on different level and enhancement of their services, among others. The Chairman of NEDC/Kepco Consortium, owners of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, the largest distribution company in the country in terms of revenue collection and customer base, and core investor in Egbin Power Generation Company, the largest generation company in the country, Mr. Kola Adesina, told The Nation that the former management is still working with the new owners. He said for the generation companies, they are deliberating on the extension programme, and on how to increase the generation capacity of the power stations, in addition to carrying out maintenance and overhauling of the turbines, training of personnel and modernisation of processes to optimise output from the assets for the benefit of Nigerians. The installed generation capacity of Egbin was 1320MW, but due to lack of maintenance, output from the plants hover between 600MW and 800MW. On the consortium’s plan for Ikeja DISCO, Adesina said they were still assessing the system with a view to drastically reducing commercial and technical losses, increasing revenue collection and ensuring reliability of supply through facilities’ upgrade. Amperion Power Distribution Consortium, owners of Geregu Generation Company, said it would increase the plant’s capacity to over 600MW in the short to medium term. Geregu power plant phase 1 has installed capacity of 414MW, but currently works at very sub-optimal level because of lack of gas supply. The Group Managing Director of Forte Oil Plc, Akin Akinfemiwa, said the optimisation output from the plant, would be a demonstration of the company’s commitment to help bridge the current power deficit in Nigeria and help actualise the expectations that Nigerians have of the power sector. Other companies, especially the distribution companies, are assessing what they inherited from the PHCN and how to improve on them, not just for service delivery and customer satisfaction, but as to recouping their investments in record time.

Cost of privatisation

The privatisation process led to the

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS

wait for steady electricity supply

•Sir Emeka Offor

•Charles Momoh

•Geregu Power Plant

creation of 18 successor companies from PHCN comprising 11 distribution, six generation and one transmission companies. The transmission company was not sold like others but the government hired an international company, Manitoba Hydro International, to manage it. The electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) include Abuja DISCO bought by KANN Consortium Utility, chaired by Alhaji Shehu Malami, Benin DISCO by Vigeo Power Consortium led by Chief Gbolade Osibodu, Eko DISCO by West Power and Gas, led by Mr. Charles Momoh, Enugu DISCO, bought by Sir Emeka Offor-led Interstate Electrics Limited and Ibadan DISCO by Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Limited. Others are: Ikeja DISCO bought by Sahara Energy, led NEDC/KEPCO Consortium and chaired by Mr. Kola Adesina, Jos DISCO by Aura Energy Limited and chaired by Alhaji Tukur Modibbo, Kano DISCO by Sahelian Power SPV Limited, Port Harcourt DISCO by 4Power Consortium, and Yola DISCO by Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Limited. The power generation Companies (GENCOs), are Shiroro Genco by North-South Power Company, Kainji Genco by Mainstream Energy Solutions Limited, Geregu Genco by Chief Femi Otedola led Amperion Power Distribution, and Ughelli Genco bought by Transcorp Power Plc. The privatisation of Afam Genco and Kaduna Discos is on-going because the investors that submitted bids for the assets did not meet the bid criteria, thereby prompting the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to carry out a fresh privatisation procedure for the two assets. The BPE said that on or before 2015, the Federal Government would have concluded the sale of all power assets. The NDPHC is also carrying out evaluation of the bids submitted for its 10 assets through a committee specially set up for the purpose. The BPE said of the 14 successor companies handed over, a total of $2, 525,824,534 was realised as proceeds. It also explained that out of the amount, $1,256,000,000 came from the DISCOs, while the GENCOs raked in $1, 269,824,534. It also said the Federal Government has set aside the entire proceed of N384 billion from the transaction to settle labour liabilities. The money covers workers of the Kaduna DISCO and Afam Genco, whose privatisation exercises have not been concluded, as well as the staff of the

Transmission Company (Transco), which is yet to be privatised. The essence of the payoff is so that the Transco staff would be strictly working as private sector employees under the Transco management. The likely investments from the new owners of the DISCOs and GENCOs in the next five years may exceed, or be equal to the cost of purchasing the assets. For instance, the chairman of West Power and Gas, new owner of Eko DISCO, said to get the required improvement and service delivery in its coverage area, the company would spend $250 million on rehabilitation and upgrade of its network, while the asset was bought for $135 million, thus reflecting over 150 per cent of the cost. If the new investors inject 100 per cent of the cost of purchasing the assets into the rehabilitation and upgrade of their networks and plants, it would amount to $2, 525,824,534.

successor companies and would not hesitate to sanction any core investor that does not deliver on the performance agreement that was executed with the government. Let me assure you all that there is hope that Nigeria will rise and shine brightly very soon.” Adesina said the new investors will bring huge improvement in the power sector and service delivery, stressing that this could be achieved with the cooperation of the Nigerian people. He enjoined customers, particularly institutional customers to pay their bills on time, protect electricity infrastructure and learn to conserve electricity by switching off appliances not in use.

Expectations

HE BPE said that there would be steady and uninterrupted power supply in the years ahead, adding that it expects the sector to witness huge investments as the private investor will bring in state of the art equipment and heavy machinery to boost power generation and distribution. The Director-General, BPE Mr. Benjamin Dikki, who represented the Vice President and Chairman NCP, Mohammed Namadi Sambo, at the handover of Ikeja DISCO to the new owners, said: “The participation of the private sector would bring about higher generation capacities through the provision of more efficient and cost effective power stations and improvement in electric power distribution, in the areas of billing, collection and transmission networks. Such capital injection and efficiency have been inadequate in PHCN over the years, resulting in gross inadequate power supply with the attendant negative effects on the citizenry and the economy at large. “We appreciate you core investors for your faith in the process and your faith in the Nigerian government and economy. We want to point out that the challenge is now for you to ensure that the successor company that is being handed over to you, is transformed to a world class company of reference in terms of the quality of service delivery, social corporate responsibility, customers’ satisfaction and profitability “Let me state clearly here that both the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission and the BPE will continually monitor the operations of the

Challenges Sambo admitted that the challenges facing the electricity sector are enormous, but we are equally convinced that the opportunities in the sector are enormous. But the Federal Government is committed to creating the enabling environment that would incentivise private sector investors to take on these challenges and opportunities.” The Chairman of Ikeja DISCO, Kola Adesina, told The Nation that the challenges that face the DISCOs are natural bottlenecks in the sector. He said that the transmission facility requires upgrade and where necessary complete replacement adding that they are working on reducing technical and commercial losses to improve revenue generation. He also identified the challenge of gas supply to generation companies as a major setback. He noted that they are generally conducting sectoral analysis, identifying weakness and verifying possible solutions. Another major challenge is repayment for cost of facilities built or installed in various DISCOs by the NDPHC under the NIPP to improve power supply. Such installations are not included in the assets bought by the new owners. The Managing Director of NDPHC, Mr. James Olotu, told The Nation that he is currently discussing with the new investors on the issue. He explained that in some DISCOs such as Ikeja, NIPP power installations are about 100 per cent of the PHCN assets. But he allayed fears of the new investors saying that the board of the company has approved 10 years repayment period for them. He said: “The meeting we held with them (new investors) is also to let them know that what they purchased or bought into, doesn’t include anything that NIPP is doing. The assets don’t include NIPP facilities. For

instance, in Ikeja Distribution Company, we have about 34 projects being done by NIPP. We explained to them that these are equipment provided by the three tiers of government. They are not part of what you bought but these are what the equipment and facilities can do for you and already doing for you. “We are not saying pay us for these now, we will discuss that later. We want them to take note that we are taking inventory (stock) of all the equipment and items. What we are doing for Ikeja is about 100 percent of what they have. That is in terms of aggregate value of the MVAs we are putting into their network, which amounts to 100 per cent of what they have. The new investors didn’t know. “However, the board of NDPHC had agreed prior to the time we handed over these sub-stations that we will do an inventory of items. The inventory will enable anyone know what is the make, year and capacity of the transformers? When were they brought into Nigeria? How many of the same items are here? Evaluators are putting values to the items. But as a regulator, we look at the evaluation and ensure it is not inflated because if it is over-valued, it translates to what the tariff will be, which will be passed to the consumer, so we need to balance it. “The board of NDPHC has given the investors 10 years to recover and pay us back the money and also NDPHC board with the owners (the three tiers of government) has also approved that when we get the money, it will be reinvested into the power sector where there are still bottlenecks.” HE money will be huge be cause NIPP installed facilities especially distribution and transmission transformers in the DISCOs are huge and distribution companies that do not make enough revenue and profit might be unable to pay back despite the lengthy repayment period. Illegal connection, which is the act of bypassing meters the record consumption by utility customers, is another challenge the new investors will face because it hugely contributes to commercial losses. The practice thrives despite installation of prepaid meters. Another challenge will be the issue of tariff. With the coming on board of the private sector, electricity tariff certainly will be increased but survey conducted by The Nation showed that the majority of Nigerians are willing to pay more if electricity supply will be regular.

PHCN workers’ view on blackout Workers of the defunct PHCN, however, blamed the Federal Government for the woes in the power sector. The accused government of diverting the funds meant for power sector development and maintenance, which has been responsible for the regular blackout in the country. Former President, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade Mansur Musa, told The Nation that the recurrent blackout in Nigeria is caused by underfunding of the power sector. He said the problem of the sector has always been underfunding. Government did not fund the sector for 28 years. He said that all the monies voted for the improvement of power were not expended on power adding that the fund was spent on other sectors, especially politics, where almost all the former ministers of power became governors. He said: “The money did not go into power sector revamping but political campaigns and things like that.” He also accused former President Olusegun Obasanjo of mismanaging the $16billion that was appropriated for power sector development. The former Managing Director, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Abdulganiyu Umar, also noted that there is a lot of ground to cover. He was of the view that the country was too large for an easy coverage. “The truth also is that the country is pretty large, we have a big population and we have a lot of work to do to step up to the level we desire to be.” Other PHCN staff said that there is no difference between the PHCN and new owners now as they use the same equipment and same power generation level, hence the recurrent blackout. They said that most of the transformers are overloaded and the equipment obsolete begging for overhauling and replacement. They also attributed the frequent outage to weak transmission adding that supply must match demand to provide a stable power supply in Nigeria. Mansur Mus said the solution to the situation should be a Private Public Partnership (PPP) as being done in the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). He said the private sector alone cannot transform the power sector. He said: “I am an engineer. The power sector is always there. There are lots of opportunities in the power sector. So, we should be ready to grab it and continue to be players.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS Senate eulogises Akhigbe, Sekibo

Oyinlola to shun PDP disciplinary panel HE embattled National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, yesterday said he would not appear before the party’s disciplinary committee, headed by ex-Transport Minister Alhaji Umaru Dikko. Oyinlola said he was not aware of the composition of the panel. In a statement issued in Abuja by his Principal Secretary, Mr. Femi Adelegan, Oyinlola said no disciplinary committee could be

Reps back extension of emergency rule

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

constituted without the ratification of the National Executive Committee (NEC). The statement said: “Prince Oyinlola has stated that as a law-abiding member of the PDP, he will not be an accomplice or accessory to constitutional violations, especially after swearing to an oath of office that he will respect and protect the norm of the PDP. “Prince Oyinlola is conscious of the provision of PDP’s constitution, which states that ‘nominations to the Disciplinary Committee at the national level shall

be ratified by the National Executive Committee of the PDP.’ “In effect, Oyinlola, as a law-abiding member of the PDP, is not aware of the composition of any disciplinary panel, which is ratified or known to the National Executive Committee of the PDP. “This reaction is being made out of courtesy for the media and its right to be informed, as Oyinlola has received no correspondence and would not honour any invitation from any illegal body. “The PDP National Secretary has great respect for the

NWC committee; that is, however, not recognised by the PDP constitution, which stipulates that the party’s NEC is the statutory body to approve the composition of a disciplinary body at the national level. “The first meeting of PDP’s NEC deliberated on the composition of the Disciplinary Committee but never agreed on its membership. “I am also sure that the second NEC meeting, ought to have been held by the NWC, did not also agree on the membership of any Disciplinary Committee. “It is rather funny, illogical and antithetical to demo-

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

S •Oyinlola

cratic conduct for the NWC, which has consistently denigrated the Judiciary, the constitution of the PDP and the extant norm of Nigeria, to be talking about discipline and internal party democracy, when it has continued to disregard for the rule of law.”

From Victor Olwasegun and Dele Anofi, Abuja

THE House of Representatives has backed President Goodluck Jonathan’s request to extend emergency rule in Adamawa, Yobe and Borno states. The lawmakers’ support followed the adoption of a motion and the justification by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Admiral Ola Ibrahim, and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakr at plenary yesterday. Ibrahim briefed the lawmakers behind closeddoor. The Defence chief told reporters that the lawmakers were given reasons to support the extension. “The meeting was successful and I think the members were convinced of the propriety of extending the emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. The Defence boss also hinted that the situation in the affected states would determine how long the rule last. “The state of emergency in the first place is in the best interest of the states affected and in due course, when there is peace like we have in other parts of the country, it will be lifted,” the CDS said.

Nigeria’s phone subscribers hit 121m By Lucas Ajanaku

ACTIVE mobile telephone users in Nigeria have hit 121 million while Internet users have moved up from 45 million two years ago to 48 million, President Goodluck Jonathan has said. The President spoke yesterday in Bangkok, Thailand, when he opened Nigeria’s pavilion at the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Telecoms World 2013. He said Telecoms had brought over $25 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), while operators had shown commitment to invest $6 billion. Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, said the industry was growing at about 30 per cent per annum. Jonathan regretted that though the economy was growing, “challenges persist with poverty.”

•From left: Former Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Jide Ajayi; Chief Medical Director, Prof. Temitope Alonge; member, Board of Directors, Mrs Laila Buhari; guest of honour, Prof. Oladipo Ogunlesi, at the inauguration of Prof. Oladipo Ogunlesi Multipurpose Hall, to mark the 56th anniversary UCH in Ibadan...yesterday PHOTO: NAN

Bill on life for rapists scales second reading From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

•Anyanwu

BILL before the National Assembly, the Sexual Offence Bill, 2013, has prescribed life jail for any person convicted of rape. The bill, sponsored by Senator Chris Anyanwu, unanimously scaled second reading in the Senate yesterday. Senators agreed that a strin-

gent law should be enacted to deal with the activities of rapists and paedophiles. Anyanwu noted that sexual violence and related offences against children, teenagers, women and men, have become pervasive in Nigeria. She regretted that there was hardly a day without reports of abhorrent sexual crimes, ranging from rape, among others. The lawmaker said the police in Lagos State recorded over 383 cases of rape this year.

She added: “The children and young people, both male and female, face a danger as they are being routinely targeted by sexual predators and paedophiles. “What is most disturbing is that a number of these crimes are happening in schools and religious environments.” Anyanwu reminded her colleagues that sexual abuses were not provided for in the criminal jurisprudence. She listed gang rape, child pornography and prostitution, sexual tourism, sexual harassment, deliberate transmission of HIV or other STDs, cultural or religious

sexual offences, among others, as some offences not covered by criminal jurisprudence. Zainab Kure (Niger South) said rapist should be shot. She noted that there were suspects who did not need to be taken to court, especially those who confess. Helen Esuene said punishment for offenders should be stern to deter others, just as Sola Adeyeye. He said the bill should be fast-tracked, adding: “If the President doesn’t sign it quickly, we should veto him.” The Osun Central lawmaker noted that in the past, “you dared not touch the breast of a woman without her permission.”

Court defers ruling in suit seeking to abolish security vote

YEAR after parties concluded their arguments, Justice Adamu Bello of the Federal High Court, Abuja, could not deliver judgment yesterday in a case querying the legitimacy of setting aside funds as “security vote” for governors. Parties had anticipated that judgment would be delivered on Monday. But the court did not sit, forcing an adjournment to yesterday. When the case was called, the judge, who retires by the end of next month, asked the parties to re-adopt their final written addresses because the

•Chooses Dec 23 From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

court had exceeded the statutory 90 days for the delivery of judgment. Justice Bello chose December 23 for judgment. The suit, filed in 2010 by a lawyer, Nkereuwem Akpan, is challenging the legality of deducting money from allocation by the 36 governors as “security votes.” He said the court should determine whether by virtue of sections 16(2) and 120 of the 1999 Constitution Cap C 23, Laws of the Federation of

Nigeria 2004, the governors had the power to deduct money from allocations from the Federation Account under the guise of “security vote.” He prays the court for, among others, an order stopping the 36 governors from further deductions in the name of “security votes.” The plaintiff asked the court to determine whether security vote is recognised either by the 1999 Constitution or any other law in the country. He prayed the court to declare as “illegal, fraudulent and unconstitutional” the practice among governors of

deducting from their allocations in the guise of security votes. Akpan averred that there “is nothing in any law anywhere that allows the governors to deduct such mindbugging sums of money and misappropriate them.” Readopting their written addresses yesterday, the defendants, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), challenged the competence of the suit and asked the court to dismiss it.

ENATORS eulogised yesterday the former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe and Senator Tari J. Sekibo. The eulogy for the two statesmen followed separate motions by Domingo Obende (Edo North) and George Thompson Sekibo (Rivers East). Most senators acknowledged their contributions to the development of their communities and Nigeria. The senators noted the contributions of the late Vice Admiral Akhigbe to the smooth transition to civilian rule in 1999. Senate President David Mark described the late Vice Admiral Akhigbe as a highly dependable Nigerian. Mark said: “Admiral Akhigbe was a patriot in the true sense of the word. All through his life, things that affected the nation worried him. “For those of you who know him, Akhigbe was an officer and a gentleman. Throughout his career, he had this disposition of being benevolent, understanding and attentive. “When we all graduated, we did so many good things and bad things, but more of the good things. Some of them are legacies that he has left behind. But the most important thing about Akhigbe is that once he gave you his word, you could go to sleep.” In his lead debate: Demise of Vice Admiral Mike Okhai Akhigbe (GCON), Domingo urged the Senate to note with “heavy heart” the death of the former Chief of General Staff on October 20, at 68. He gave a brief biography of the late officer, who was born on September 29, 1945 in Fugar, Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

NFIU not under, siege, says EFCC From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

HE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday said the the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is not under siege. Also, the new Acting Director of the NFIU, Mr. Francis Usani, yesterday said he assumed office without hiccups. The EFCC spoke in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren. The statement said: “The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has been drawn to a publication by Johnson Ayorinde alleging that the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) is under siege. “The commission wishes to implore the public to disregard the publication, which is intended to create confusion in the wake of the redeployment of the former Acting Director, Ms Juliet Ibekaku, an assistant director in the commission. “There is no unusual presence of armed security on its premises beyond what is necessary to secure its facilities and staff. “In addition, the commission is not denying anyone access to the organisation.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS

Conference: Nwabueze warns against conflict

EGAL luminary and elder statesman Prof Ben Nwabueze has warned against “imminent conflict” between Nigerians and President Goodluck Jonathan over the planned National Conference. Prof Nwabueze noted that Jonathan’s agenda was different from what the people had in mind. He said: “Nigerians want a national conference that will produce a new constitution; a constitution that will embody the terms and conditions on which the people can live together in peace. The elder statesman spoke yesterday at his Lagos home with selected reporters. He said the National Assembly had added a new dimension to the controversy on the status of the na-

By Leke Salaudeen, Assistant Editor

tional conference. The National Assembly, Nwabueze noted, would this week harmonise its position on the amendment of the constitution. He said: “My concern is that we don’t know the nature and character of the conference the President has in mind. “Can’t you see trouble looming? Don’t you think Nigeria is heading for a showdown between the people, the President and the National Assembly?” The elder statesman noted that the conception of the President and the National Assembly contradicted the people’s perception. Nwabueze said unless the conflicts were resolved, the nation might be heading for

a crisis. Nigerians, according to him, were docile, saying: ‘’If you push them to the wall, they react. The reaction is a showdown with the authority.” He advised the President to provide a legal framework to give the conference report a legal backing. Nwabueze said The Patriots submitted a legal framework to the National Assembly, adding that the President should either sponsor the bill or the National Assembly deliberates on it. The legal luminary said there should be a draft to guide the delegates. He said the only agenda for the national conference was to adopt a constitution. Nwabueze recalled that the military, in 1978, enacted a decree setting up a Con-

WHO alerts to respiratory infections

•Prof. Nwabueze

stituent Assembly. He said the Constitution Drafting Committee prepared a draft for the Constituent Assembly. Nwabueze said there was nothing suggesting that the President would do this or that the National Assembly would provide the enabling law for the conference. He urged the President to convince Nigerians that he was committed to the conference, whose report would be become law after a plebiscite.

Jonathan in London for Investors’ meeting

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan arrived in London yesterday for a two-day meeting of Nigeria’s Honorary International Investors’ Council. Jonathan was accompanied by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Nurudeen Mohammed and some senior government officials.

The meeting started yesterday and will end tomorrow. It is expected to address the Petroleum Industry Bill and security in Nigeria. Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan and Kashim Shettima of Borno State , the ministers of Finance, Petroleum, Trade and Investment, Informa-

tion as well as Technology are expected to brief the council. The meeting, coordinated by Baroness Lynda Chalker, will also feature a review of Nigeria’s investment policies by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The Paris-based organisation is dedicated to the

Fed Govt sues Boko Haram man for church attack

HE Federal Government has sued a suspected Boko Haram member Abdulmannan Obadiki in connection with the 2012 attack on the Deeper Life Church in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. Twenty worshippers were shot dead in the attack when gunmen stormed the church during a vigil in August, last year.

•To be arraigned Dec 12 From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

In a six-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Obadiki is charged with alleged terrorism and illegal possession of a firearm. He allegedly committed the offences in collaboration with others, now at large.

The accused, wearing a native dress, was taken before Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday, by security operatives. His planned arraignment was aborted because of his inability to get a lawyer. Justice Kolawole adjourned till December 12.

Ewa-Henshaw, Dan-Abia nominated as NDDC chair, MD

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has nominated Senator Bassey Ewa-Henshaw and Mr Bassey Dan-Abia as Chairman and Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC). The names of the nominees were contained in letter Jonathan sent to the Senate for consideration and confirmation. The President also forwarded the name of former Governor of Edo State, Prof. Osarhiemen Osunbor to the Senate as Chairman, Nigerian Law Reform Commission. While Ewa-Henshaw was nominated to represent Cross River in the NDDC, Dan-Abia was named to represent Akwa Ibom. The other names forwarded to the Senate for confirmation are: Itotenaan Henry Ogiri (ED, Finance and Admin.) Rivers; Tuoyo Omatsulu (ED, Projects) Delta; Ball Turofade Oyarede (Bayelsa), Chief Ephraim Sobere Etete (Rivers); Etim Inyang Jnr (Akwa Ibom); Adah Paul Andeshi (Cross River)

•Osunbor for Law Reform Commission From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

and Sir Tom Amioku (Delta). Others also nominated as representatives in the commission are: Samuel Okezie Nwogu (Abia); Uchegbu Chidiebere Kyrian (Imo); Maj.Gen. Suleiman B. Said (Northcentral); Alhaji Abdulmaik Mahmud (Northeast); Enikuomehin B. G. Olorungbonju (Ondo) and Mark Ward. Jonathan noted that subse-

quent to the dissolution of the Governing Board of the commission on September 13, 2011, nomination for its reconstitution have been compiled in accordance with Section 2(1) of the NDDC Act. On the Law Reform Commission, Mr. Kefas Magaji (Northeast), Mr. P. C. Okorie (Southeast) and Mrs. Zainab Ibrahim (Northcentral) were nominated for confirmation as commissioners.

Ex-Governor Mu’azu named as RESIDENT Goodluck PenCom chief Jonathan yesterday

forwarded the name of former Bauchi State Governor Ahmadu Adamu Mu’azu to the Senate for confirmation as chairman of the National Pension Commission (PenCom). Jonathan also forwarded the name of M’fon Akpan for confirmation as chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The two letters were read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President David

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Assistant Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

Mark. Besides Mu’azu, the President also sent the names of Chinelo O. Anohu-Amazu (Southeast), Omotowa Reuben Gilbert (Northcentral), Mohammed Ka’oje Abubakar (Northwest) and Adesojo O. Olaoba-Efuntayo (Southwest) for confirmation as PenCom’s full-time commissioners.

promotion of policies aimed at improving the economic and social wellbeing of people around the world. The council, established in 2004, has prominent investors from around the world and advises the governments on matters pertaining to their countries’ economic development.

HE World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged countries to keep up their surveillance for severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and to carefully review unusual patterns. In a statement, WHO advised health care providers to be vigilant. It noted that recent travellers from the Middle East, who developed SARI, should be tested for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). WHO alerted to two laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV from Kuwait. The first patient, the statement said, was a 47-year-old man, who became ill on October 30 and was hospitalised on November 7. The global health body added that the infected man was in critical condition.

By Evelyn Osagie

WHO said: “The second patient is a 52-year-old man with underlying medical conditions. He became ill on 7 November and was hospitalised on November 10. He is in critical condition. “Globally, from September 2012 till date, WHO has been informed of 157 laboratory-confirmed cases of infection with MERS-CoV, including 66 deaths. “Patients diagnosed and reported till date have had respiratory diseases as their primary illnesses. “Diarrhoea is commonly reported among the patients; severe complications include renal failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with shock. It is possible that severely immune-compromised patients can present with atypical signs and symptoms.”

FEC celebrates Jonathan at 56

HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yesterday rejoiced with President Goodluck Jonathan at 56. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the brief ceremony, which took place before the weekly meeting, was presided over by VicePresident Namadi Sambo. Sambo described Jonathan as “a gift to the nation” and hailed his leadership style and commitment to transforming Nigeria. He said: “We are privileged Nigerians sharing from the grace of God upon his life. There is no doubt that the great destiny of this man has

helped our individual destiny. “We will continue to pray that Mr President succeeds in transforming our country.” Ministers of Transport and Agriculture Sen. Idris Umar and Dr Akinwumi Adesina offered prayers for the President on behalf of the council. The council, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. Anyim Pius Anyim, also presented a birthday card to Sambo for presentation to Jonathan, before cutting the birthday cake. Jonathan was born November 20, 1957, in Otueke, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS Omuo killing: Pathologist absent at hearing From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

HE pathologist who conducted a postmortem examination on the body of the late Madam Rebecca Adewumi of OmuoEkiti was absent yesterday at the High Court in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, where he was supposed to give his report. Madam Adewunmi died on June 30, last year, after she was allegedly tortured by individuals who claimed to be acting on the instruction of some chiefs and the town’s monarch, Oba Noah Omonigbehin. She was accused of witchcraft. The report of the post-mortem examination done last year by Dr. O.T. Taiwo of the Ekiti State Teaching Hospital, Omuo Ekiti, was rejected by the deceased’s family, led by Mr. Gabriel Omokanju. The family described it as “concocted and a fabrication to favour Madam Adewumi’s” and insisted that another one be conducted. Taiwo was supposed to give oral evidence at yesterday’s sitting, but the prosecution lawyer, a deputy director of public prosecution at the Justice Ministry, O. P. Alabi, said the pathologist told him that he was on leave and was out of the state. Justice Oluwatoyin Bodunde said he would close the prosecution’s case, if it fails to assemble its witnesses and round off cross-examination at the next adjourned date. The hearing was adjourned till January 21 and 22.

Fashola redeems bus pledge

AGOS State Governor Babatunde Fashola yes terday redeemed his pledge to buy an 18-seater bus for Omole Senior Grammar School. A pupil of the school, Juwon Folarin Boadley, who won the 2013 Spelling Bee competition and was the 2013 One-day Lagos Governor, requested for a school bus. The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Samuel Ojo, handed over the bus to the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Mrs. Iyabo Osifeso, who represented the school. Urging the school to continue to produce outstanding pupils, he said Boadley displayed exemplary leadership qualities by requesting for a bus for his school and not for himself. Mrs. Osifeso and Boadley, who was also at the ceremony, thanked the governor.

Psychiatrists’ confab holds By Wale Ajetunmobi

THE scientific conference and annual general meeting of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) will begin next Tuesday in Calabar, the Cross River State capital. The theme of the five-day event is: “Trauma: Beyond the physical”. The programme, slated for the main auditorium of the Cross River State College of Health Technology, will be chaired by Senator Bassey Out (Cross River East District). Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo (Odukpani Federal Constituency) is the guest lecturer.

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (third right); his deputy, Prince Segun Adesegun (right); the Olowu of Owu, Oba Adegboyega Dosunmu (fourth right); his wife, Olori Dosunmu (fourth left); Prof. Wole Soyinka (second left) and his wife, Adefolake (third left); Gen. Godwin Alabi-Isama (left) and Mrs. Andriana Biastrochi at the public presentation of a book, Aba Alapata, written by Soyinka at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta...on Tuesday.

EFCC quizzes ex-Governor Daniel

ORMER Ogun State Governor Gbenga Daniel, who is on trial before an Ogun High Court for “financial mismanagement”, was yesterday quizzed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on “fresh issues”. Also yesterday, Mustapha and Aminu Lamido, the detained sons of Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, were granted bail by the EFCC on liberal terms. It was learnt that Daniel was questioned at the EFCC’s Ikoyi office in Lagos on the N300 million waiver surrounding the hosting of

•Lamido’s sons get bail From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

the National Sports Festival by his administration. Sources said if a prima facie case is established against him, Daniel may be arraigned for fresh charges. A top EFCC source said: “Daniel came around for a follow-up investigation because there are a lot of allegations against him. We cannot take up all the issues at once. “This latest investigation does not affect his ongoing trial for alleged mismanagement of funds during his twoterms in office.

“We will not make any pronouncement until we have established that he is due for trial, but he is co-operating with us.” EFCC’s spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said: “Daniel was on a routine visit to the commission as part of his ongoing trial.” Mustapha and Aminu Lamido were granted bail on liberal terms, having “comported themselves well” during interrogation by the EFCC team. They are accused of laundering about N10 billion. They were asked to sign an undertaking to report to

the commission at the shortest notice when needed. Another source said: “We grilled both of them and decided to respect their fundamental rights by not detaining them beyond the period allowed by the law. “They have made useful statements on the allegations against them. If there is need to arraign them or not, we will let the public know. Investigation is still in progress.” Wilson said: “The governor’s sons were granted bail on Monday night and have been released, having met the conditions spelt out by the commission.”

Industrialist kidnapped in Osun

UNMEN have kidnapped the founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Yinka Oba Foam Nig e r i a Ltd., Mrs. Olayinka Obaleye, popularly called Yinka Oba. T h e s e p t u a g e n a r i an was abducted on Tuesday at the gate of her company at Ilo-Ijesha in Obokun Local Government Area around 7pm. She was leaving for

•Driver killed From Adesoji Adeniyi, Osogbo

her home when the gunmen blocked her car with their vehicle and shot her driver, who died on the spot. The hoodlums forced Mrs. Obaleye into their vehicle and took her away. In the last two years, there have been over five

kidnappings in Osogbo, Ejigbo, Ife and Ilesa, including those of two beer distributors, Alhaji Raifu Olaiya and the late Chief Idowu Obembe. Olaiya was released after paying a huge ransome. Obembe’s body was found over a year later, even though his family paid a ransom. Police spokesperson Folasade Odoro said detectives were on the kidnappers’ trail.

•Mrs. Obaleye

Diya, seven ex-Ogun administrators hail Amosun

EVEN former administrators of Ogun State and eminent indigenes have hailed the performance of the Governor Ibikunle Amosun administration. The former administrators - Oladayo Popoola, Seidu Balogun, Daniel Akintonde, Kayode Olofinmoyin, Rasheed Raji, Deinde Joseph and Ekundayo Opaleye; former Chief of General Staff Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd); former Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Prince Bola Ajibola and a politician, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, said the administration’s reforms have transformed the state. The Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede; Chief Taiwo Alimi; Iyalode Alaba Lawson; Olori

Yetunde Gbadebo; Chief Idowu Shofola (SAN) and Justice Demola Bakre joined them to applaud the administration’s performance on Tuesday, when they visited the governor at the Government House in Abeokuta shortly after he presented the 2013 Appropriation Bill to the House of Assembly. Diya said the government was moving the state to greater heights. He said: “We have come; we have seen and are very impressed with your activities. We are proud to say that the change you have brought to our dear state is drastic and dramatic. We sincerely thank you for making our state progressive with your various programmes and initiatives.”

Urging Amosun to maintain the zeal with which he started, Diya said: “We want to come together towards the eve of your eight years in office to authoritatively and conclusively talk about your performance.” Adebanjo said the administration’s excellent performance was obvious in various ongoing road projects, adding: “I do not belong to your party, but I acknowledge the fact that you are doing well. There is nothing we want in any government other than performance. At the moment, you have performed well and deserve praises. Anyone who does the right thing is my man.” Alimi said: “Whoever knows the worth of investment would appreciate the

efforts of the present administration.” Oloyede said: “I am proud to be an Ogun indigene, because what I have seen in our state shows that we have a politician with a difference. With the ongoing infrastructural revolution, many of us find it difficult to locate our homes and prominent places each time we visit.” Olori Gbadebo said having worked and interacted closely with every past government in Ogun, the present administration was outstanding. “We are grateful to God who sent us this governor at this particular time”, she added. Amosun thanked them for their encouragement and contributions to the state’s growth.

Firms donate N100m chest clinic to Ekiti From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

CONGLOMERATE of petroleum marketing companies, under the aegis of Agbami Partners, has donated a Chest Clinic valued at N100 million to Ekiti State. It is located on the premises of the Oba Rufus Adejugbe General Hospital in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. The clinic will treat patients with thoracic ailments. Speaking with reporters at the handing over of the clinic, the Acting General Manager of one of the subsidiaries of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr. Fidel Pepple, said the gesture was part of the group’s social responsibility. Pepple said: “The Agbami Medical and Engineering Professional Scholarship instituted by the partners has been providing great support for health manpower development in Nigeria. This project is a fruit of partnership, because the government cannot solve all the nation’s problems alone.” He said the conglomerate had built science laboratories and carried out awareness programmes on HIV/ AIDS, malaria and other diseases across the country.

School gets e-library

XCEL College in Ejigbo, Lagos State, will inaugurate the first phase of its e-library next Wednesday. The 150-seater library, which was built in conjunction with the school’s Parents-Teachers Association (PTA) , will be opened by Dr. Wale Okediran, the former president of the Association of Nigerian Authors. A Professor of Library Science from the Federal University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Felicia Etim, is the guest speaker. The Ojoon of Ejigbo and Ijan land, Oba Moruf Ojoola, is the royal father of the day.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS ANAMBRA 2013

Court grants election observers bail

N Owerri Magistrate’s Court sitting in Owerri, the Imo State capital, yesterday granted bail to the 180 independent election observers, who were arrested in Owerri two days before last Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State. The accused, said to be accredited members of an Osun State nongovernment

From Okodili Ndidi, Owerri

organisation, the Justice and Equity Organisation, were charged with misdemeanour and unlawful gathering with conspiracy to commit crime. The defendants, Waheed Lawal and 179 others, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charges. The defence counsel, Uche Onyeagocha, thereafter ap-

plied for bail for the accused, arguing that investigations into the matter had been completed and that the offence for which they were accused was bailable. But the prosecution counsel representing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Emmanuel Ogbodu, opposed the bail, insisting that it would be difficult to get

all the accused back as they were many. Magistrate Maureen Onyewuotu granted the accused bail at N50,000 each with two sureties in like sum. She held that the Owerri prison was congested and would not accommodate more inmates. The case was adjourned till February 5 for hearing.

APGA: supplementary poll irrelevant

HE supplementary election planned by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to complete the Anambra State governorship election will not influence the result, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said yesterday. The party’s Chairman Victor Umeh said APGA had won the election “having satisfied the requirements.” He said: “We have won. We have breasted the tape, we are only waiting for our medal, which is the declaration of our candidate (Willie Obiano) as the governor-elect.” According to him, with the outcome announced by INEC, APGA candidate Obiano’s victory cannot be upturned because the party “won the popular vote of 174,710 of the total 413,005 valid votes cast, in addition to securing 25 per cent in 18 of the 21 local governments.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won 25 per cent in nine local governments, the All Progressives Congress (APC) won 25 per cent in seven local governments, while the Labour Party won 25 per cent in one local government (Nnewi North). “This is in addition to the difference in the gap between APGA and PDP, which is over 70,000 votes.” The supplementary election is billed to hold in 210 polling units of the total 4,608 polling units in the state. One hundred and sixty of the polling units are in Idemili North Local Government where INEC failed to supply election materials, following which election did not hold. The number of registered voters in the areas covered by the supplementary election is 113,113, of which 89,997 comes from Idemili North, the only local gov-

ernment substantially affected by lack of supply of electoral materials last week. Umeh accused the PDP and APC of not being interested in the supplementary election “because they know that there is nothing that will come out of the poll, which will upturn the result as announced by INEC in their favour.” He said: “Those calling for cancellation of the election know that it is beyond INEC. It is only the tribunal that can nullify the results. No court can stop INEC from going ahead with the supplementary election. “No doubt, the election is won and lost. APGA has met the requirements to be declared the winner and I know that INEC will do so after the supplementary election, no matter the noise our opponents are making.”

Ezeemo urges INEC to computerise electoral process From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

HE governorship candidate of the Progressives People’s Alliance (PPA), Mr. Godwin Chukwunenye Ezeemo, yesterday urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to computerise the election process to stop sharp practices. He said he was satisfied with the conduct and outcome of last Saturday’s governorship poll. Ezeemo said: “But for the late arrival of materials and disenfranchising of some voters, I’m happy with what INEC did because to the best of my knowledge, it did its best. However, I advise the commission to computerise its voting process to minimise fraud.” Addressing reporters in his country home, Umuchu in Aguata Local Government, the PPA standard-bearer said he supported supplementary election in areas where voting was declared inconclusive. He enjoined other contestants, who lost the election, to respect the will of the people, “despite that some voters were influenced with money to vote, contrary to their wish.”

Human rights groups threaten to sue REC COALITION of hu-

man rights groups, comprising the Movement for the Survival of Democracy (MSD), the World Alliance Against Terrorism, Violence and Inhuman Treatment (WAATVIT), the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and the Institute for Peace and Justice (IPJ), yesterday threatened to sue the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner

Leave Ngige out of voters’ show of anger’

HE Deputy Director, Media & Publicity, Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation, Okele Madukaife, has said the All Progressives Congress’ (APC’s) standard-bearer in last Saturday’s governorship, poll, Senator Chris Ngige, should be left out of voters’ show of anger. He said in a statement yesterday: “The Senior Special Assistant (Media) to Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Mr. Val Obienyem, was quoted as saying that those protesting against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the November 16 election are not Ndigbo according to a report in some sections of the media monitored through the Vanguard of November 20. “Rather, in the ranting of Obienyem, speaking for his master, the demonstrators were brought to Anambra

State in five luxury buses. He insinuated that Senator Ngige brought the protesters. “First, we must acknowledge that Dr. Ngige, who Obienyem admits he knows, is a direct fighter, who does not need to use the tactics of Governor Obi, Obienyem’s master, to succeed. Therefore he does not need any protester from Osun State, or any demonstrator to establish what is common knowledge-that the still-born governorship election was manipulated with state’s apparatus and with the involvement of the Anambra State government, fronting for anti-Igbo forces, who had been defeated in their quest to control the destiny of the state. “Secondly, the protesters shown on the TV demonstrating on the INEC premises were interviewed in English and Igbo languages and they identified themselves.

“Therefore, Obienyem’s lies can only be believed by those, who did not watch the interview. “Obienyem’s principal once sponsored a false report in a North’s regional newspaper that Ngige was idle in the Senate. The lies in that report have been disproved by Ngige’s superb performance as shown on the TV in a documentary titled: ‘Ngige in the Seventh Senatethe Journey So far’, and in a compendium, ’My stewardship in the Senate’. “Thirdly, Obienyem is reducing Anambra indigenes to a thoughtless, brainless and docile people, who cannot on their own, without partisan prompting, notice that election materials did not arrive in their polling booths at 4:30pm; that fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) men and women were used to organise a feigned strike on election day; that result sheets were taken way from

their booths and results were written on tissue papers; that ballot boxes were taken away from their polling booths; and that fake registers were used to disenfranchise 80 per cent of genuine voters. “With a people in this perception, according to Obienyem’s thought, no one needs him to say that the government he represents has failed. Lest we forget, Anambra State’s voter composition goes beyond Ndigbo to include all ethnic groups resident in the state. “The propaganda lines around Osun State in the failed governorship election is a beaten path, which is getting too boring for the discerning people of Anambra. “We are sure that Prof. Boniface Egboka, the respected Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), can deal with the cocktail of lies placed in his mouth by Obienyem, who is

From Emeka Odogwu

(REC), Prof. Chukwuemeka Onukogu, if he fails to account for how he spent the huge sum given him for the conduct of last Saturday’s governorship election. In a statement, the leader of the groups, Mr. Anthony Orunkoya, an Onitsha lawyer, said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should investigate how the money given to Onukogu was spent. He added that failure to do so, the groups would under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act compel Prof. Onukogu to render account of how he spent the millions of naira given him to conduct the poll.

Nwoye’s camp slams Metuh for comments From Gbade Ogunwale, •Ngige

reputed for careless namedropping. “Finally, it is important to emphasise to Obienyem and to those thinking like him that Anambra State governorship election of November 16 has not produced any winner or loser if it ever will and therefore no assumptions should be built around that ill-fated, but still-born manipulation from the Ogaat-the -top, because the journey is yet far.”

•Women protesting against last Saturday’s governorship election at the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC’s) office in Awka... yesterday.

Assistant Editor, Abuja

HE November 16 Anambra governorship election fiasco has taken a new twist, with the Tony Nwoye Campaign Organisation (TNCO) taking issues with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its comments on the election. In a statement yesterday, the TNCO described statements by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, as arrant nonsense and an act of betrayal. The statement was signed by Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu, Mazi Okwu Okwu, Ikechukwu Onyia and Mazi Orjika Chidi. Metuh on Monday hailed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the security agencies for what he described as a peaceful conduct of the poll. He described the election as free and fair. But Nwoye’s camp has raised questions over Metuh’s sense of judgment and his loyalty to the cause of the party’s governorship candidate. The camp accused Metuh of working for the interest of Governor Peter Obi and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) against the interest of the PDP candidate.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS (SHOWBIZ)

Capacity building fund: 40 Nollywood players get grants

•N700m film production fund launched

ORTY practitioners in the Nigerian film industry have been awarded grants under the Capacity Training Fund of the Presidential Intervention scheme for the industry, also known as Project ACT Nollywood. A statement from the Federal Ministry of Finance, managers of the fund, said “the applications submitted by the practitioners scaled the rigorous qualification processes for the training and skill acquisition segment of the Capacity Building Fund.” The statement signed by Paul Nwabuikwu, special adviser to the coordinating minister for the Economy and minister of Finance, said “grants which are currently being processed will enable the practitioners receive high quality training in accredited institutions to improve their competencies in various areas of film craft.” Nwabuikwu said the training part of the Capacity Building Fund is valued at N150 million and is dedicated to training and skill acquisition for Nigerian movie practitioners along the entire value chain of Nigeria’s movie industry. These include Scriptwriting, Directing, Production

Obahiagbon to host FOZ Concert

ITH the buildup to the Fire of Zamani concert, former lawmaker and Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon has been named host. He joins the list of high-profile guests, including United States-based Grammy award nominated rapper, Wale, who is set to perform in Nigeria for the first time. The concert has been described as a big-budget occasion put in place to commemorate the release of Ice Prince’s critically-acclaimed second album. Urban United Kingdom artiste and petite rapper Chipmunk will also be performing at the Fire of Zamani concert with Jude Abaga aka MI. Known for his high-sounding and extremely jaw-breaking words, Obahiagbon was announced as the host of the Fire of Zamani Concert on Tuesday, November 19. The event has been slated to hold at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday.

Wale Adenuga Productions gets NTA award

P •Nollywood actors: Chioma Chukwuka, Desmond Elliot and Omoni Oboli at the Africa International Film Festival. By Nduka Chiejina (Assistant Editor)

and Production Design, Special Effects, Lighting, Sound, HD Techniques, Acting, Cinematography, Make-Up, Editing, etc. However, he lamented that “the applications from the North has been low. This project is for the movie industry, so practitioners need to take advantage of the opportunity.” The second component of the fund is the Capacity Development Fund, which is also worth N150 million. This

will give grants to existing Nigerian-owned private institutes that offer training, programmes and technical certification in the movie industry. The Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, was quoted to have said that “the objective of ACT Nollywood is to help the industry make progress on a more solid foundation. But more practitioners are needed to come and take advantage of the opportunity.” Those interested were advised to “go to the website and apply. That’s what we

want. We need more qualified practitioners to apply from different parts of the country.” Another segment of Project ACT Nollywood, the Film Production Fund, has been launched. Already the w e b s i t e , www.projectactnollywod.com.ng has been activated and ready for applications. The Film Production Fund (FPF) is a N700 million instrument, which allocates grants to production companies and independent producers for the making of commercially viable films.

By Victor Akande

OPULAR TV drama company, Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), has received accolades for its consistency on family drama series. The company, which is noted for programmes, such as Papa Ajasco comic drama and human interest series, such as Superstory and ThisLife, was bestowed with the “Top Business Partner” award, at the 2013 edition of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) Business Dinner/Award Night at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. The event praised the television outfit, for other initiatives, including the WAP’s cable channel wapTV. A highly elated company’s Managing Director, Mr. Wale Adenuga Jnr., said his company is poised to do better; “we are truly grateful to all the advertisers, viewers and the NTA management, who have continued to believe in, and support our different projects for over 10 years. Our best is yet to come.” wapTV beams its programmes across Africa on Channel 116 on the NTA-StarTimes Decoder - on this channel and other terrestrial TV, the company’s flagships; Superstory and ThisLife air every Thursday, during the family belt •Adenuga hours.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

BUSINESS THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

“Until recently, the Nigerian Banking industry had not given much attention to sustainability beyond ticking off environmental impact assessment on checklist for credit risk assessment for evaluation of loan applications, other jurisdictions have for decades been engraving sustainability ethos in their financial system,” -Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi

Fed Govt spends N1.4t on roads

Senate empanels committee on oil benchmark

From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

From Onyedi Ojiabor, Asst. Editor and Sanni Onogu, Abuja

HE Senate yesterday constituted a six-man conference committee to harmonise the controversial 2014 budget oil benchmark. Senate President, David Mark, named Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, as Chairman of the new committee. Others members are Senators Ita Enang, Enyinnaya Abaribe, Smart Adeyemi, Ayo Akinyelure and Bello Tukur. Mark urged them to meet their House of Representatives counterparts to harmonise the differences between the two chambers on the oil benchmark President Goodluck Jonathan had based his refusal to present the 2014 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, on the failure of the two chambers to harmonise their positions on 2014 appropriation oil benchmark. The Presidency had fixed the benchmark at $74 per barrel, while the Senate and House of Representatives fixed the benchmark at $76.50 per barrel and $79 per barrel respectively. Jonathan said it was infeasible for him to present the 2014 budget without harmonisation of the figures.

DATA STREAM COMMODITY PRICES Oil

-$117.4/barrel

Cocoa Coffee Cotton

-$2,686.35/metric ton - ¢132.70/pound - ¢95.17pound

Gold

-$1,396.9/troy

Sugar

-$163/lb MARKET

CAPITALISATIONS NSE

-N11.4 trillion

JSE

-Z5.112trillion

NYSE

-$10.84 trillion

LSE

-£61.67 trillion

RATES Inflation -8% Treasury Bills -10.58%(91d) Maximum lending -30% Prime lending -15.87% Savings rate -1% 91-day NTB -15% Time Deposit -5.49% MPR -12% Foreign Reserve $45b FOREX CFA -0.2958 EUR -206.9 £ -242.1 $ -156 ¥ -1.9179 SDR -238 RIYAL -40.472

• From left: Mr. Samuel Agbogun, MD/CEO, National Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO); EMike Ilo Uzoigwe, MD/CEO, Egbin Power Plc; Mr. Dapo Abiodun, Chairman, First Power (Lease holders for Ijora Power Company) and Mr. Ademola Adebise, Executive Director, Wema Bank Plc (Financiers to First Power) at the handover of Ijora Power Co by NELMCO to First Power.

Fed Govt okays $100m loan for three states T HE Federal Executive Council (FEC) yester day approved a $100 million loan from the Indian Import Export Bank for Cross River, Enugu and Kaduna to address power infrastructure. The Minister of State for Finance, Yerima Ngama made this known to State House correspondents at the end of FEC meeting presided over by Vice President Namadi Sambo. He said the credit facility will first be taken by the Federal Government and then passed on to the three states. He explained that $30 million of the facility is for Cross Rivers towards actualising its Independent Power Project, while Enugu State will get $40 million for the electrification of 96 communities, as well as the supply and inauguration of 33KVA and four 15KVA lines and for the distribution of transformers and other accessories to the 96 communities in the three Senatorial zones of the

• 70% of firms evade tax

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

state. Ngama said the balance of $30 million, will be on-lent to the Kaduna State government to augment the resources needed for the construction of 70 kilometres transmission line from the Gurara Dam to Kaduna industrial area and the construction of 132/ 33KVA substation power supply to Kaduna industrial area, adding that 56 communities in the state would also benefit from solar electricity project. He stated that the facility would attract concessionary rate of two per cent interest rate and would be repaid over a 10-year period, with three years’ moratorium, noting that it has a commitment charge of 0.5 per cent of undrawn balance and 0.5 per

cent for service charge. He said the facility has been approved by both the National Assembly in the Medium Term borrowing plan and the Houses of Assembly in the respective states. “We believe this facility will go a long way towards transforming our industrial areas, as well as other communities as part of Mr. President’s economic transformation agenda,” he said. On the fear that the loan could bring Nigeria back to the period of high foreign debt burden, he said: “This credit facility is different from the previous loans that led to the pirating of huge foreign debt. “Preponderant of commercial credits led to high interest rates, making Nigeria to pay over $40 billion for debt servicing, under the current

regime, government is getting development loans also known as multi lateral and bilateral assistance.” He said domestic debts are of greater concern to government with government’s borrowing averaging as high as 19 per cent, explaining that government is now encouraging the concessionary foreign debt option. Ngama said the debt to GDP ratio is just slightly less than 20 per cent, but stressed that these loans are geared towards the development of infrastructural facilities. He said N3.6 trillion bond was raised to fund the past 52 per cent salary increase, adding that Nigeria has one of the lowest tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) rates globally. He lamented that 70 per cent of registered companies in Nigeria do not pay tax, saying this is the only country where everybody can import anything. The only people who pay tax in Nigeria are those whose taxes are deducted at source.”

CBN, ICPC, others seek amendments on Dishonoured Cheques Act

HE Central Bank of Ni geria (CBN) and the In dependent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC), are canvassing for amendments to the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act 44 of 1977. Both organisations believe that the punishment of “two years or N5,000” fine for issuers of dud cheques which dates back to 1977, is not adequate, urging that stakeholders should support on-going efforts to amend the Act to capture emerging trends of offences. If the proposed amendment sails through, the CBN and ICPC believe the new Act will discourage fraud in banking sector transactions

From Nduka Chiejina (Asst. Editor), Abuja

in the country. The appeal was handed down yesterday in Abuja, at the Stakeholders Workshop on Legislative and Regulatory Framework for Dishonoured Cheques in Nigeria. Representatives of the two institutions noted that most of the provisions in the existing Act were no longer relevant to emerging issues and challenges relating to dud cheques’ offences. They canvassed for the overhauling of the old Act to ensure that offenders get punished for infractions, and that corrupt and criminal tendencies in the financial services sector are curtailed.

CBN’s Deputy Governor Corporate Services, Mallam Suleiman Barau, represented by the Director Legal Services, Mr. Simon Onoketu, said the on-going efforts to amend the old Act would restore confidence in the banking system. Barau expressed the financial regulator’s full commitment to the on-going efforts to amend the Act, but noted that beyond the amendment of the legal instruments, was the bigger challenge of enforcement which also requires urgent consideration by stakeholders, if the proposed amendment is to be meaningful. Specifically, he said the amendment would help restore “confidence in the bank-

ing system and the expectation is that the gathering will be able to sensitise the general public to the challenges dud cheques pose to the entire economy. The Central Bank wants, as much as possible to have a system where dud cheques are discouraged and it engenders confidence in the banking system generally.” In his remarks, the Chairman of the ICPC, Barrister Ekpo Nta, said the Commission had handled several cases involving issuance of dud cheques, but warned that the increase in the rate of the crime has the potential of negatively affecting the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country.

HE Federal Government has spent a total of N1.397 trillion for construction and rehabilitation of roads, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, has said. Mrs.Oyo-Ita, who made this known in Calabar yesterday at an interactive session with Cross River State based Federal civil servants, said the amount was spent through the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Road Maintenance Agency for 195 projects across the six geo-political zones of the country. She gave a breakdown as follows: North Central, 31 projects of 1054km at N262.3billion; North East, 30 projects of 1464km at N332.9billion; North West, 23 projects of 1028km at N225.5billion; South East, 40 projects of 978km at N149.6billion; South South, 34 projects of 876km at N159.4billion; and South West, 37 projects of 1230km at N236.5billion. She said the projects were in line with the Federal Government’s transformation agenda.

Embrace SONCAP registration, SON urges From Franca Ochigbo and Eneh Abbah, Abuja

HE Director-General, Standards Organisa tions of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu has urged manufacturers to embrace SONCAP registration, as this would check the importation of substandard products. Odumodu, who was represented by the Director, Operation, JohnAchukwu, made the appeal during a 5,000- man walk against substandard products in Abuja, stating that the event was important to Nigerians. He said: “We are appealing to Nigerians to embrace the SONCAP programme, it is a programme put in place to check imports of substandard products. This will make Nigerian consumers have more confidence in locally made products. “Nigerians should develop the habit of utilising locally manufactured products, this way influx of substandard products into the country will reduce drastically. “The objective of this walk is clear; please patronise goods that are made in Nigeria. Patronise goods that are our own, so that if you have any complain, we will be able to trace the manufacturers. “But when you keep buying goods that are made abroad, when there are complains, it becomes very difficult to trace the manufacturer and cut the scene and the root. Patronise made in Nigeria so there will be job availability, this is one of the key issues we are having this walk for SON.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS Flight Schedule MONDAY - FRIDAY LAGOS – ABUJA Departure Arrival 1. Aero 06.50 08.10 2. Associated 07.00 09.30 3. Air Nigeria 07.00 08.20 4. IRS 07.00 08.20 5. Dana 07.02 08.22 6. Arik 07.15 08.15 7. Chanchangi 07.15 8. Air Nigeria 08.15 09.35 9. Dana 08.10 09.20 10. Aero 08.45 10.05 11. Arik 09.15 10.15 12. Chanchangi 10.00 11.00 13. IRS 11.15 12.35 14. Dana 12.06 12.26 15. Aero 12.20 13.30 16. Air Nigeria 13.25 14.45 17. Chanchangi 13.30 14.30 18. Arik 13.45 14.45 19. IRS 14.00 15.20 20. Aero 14.10 15.30 21. Air Nigeria 14.50 16.10 22. Dana 15.30 16.50 23. Chanchangi 15.30 16.30 24. Arik 15.50 16.50 25. Aero 16.00 17.20 26. IRS 16.30 17.50 27. Arik 16.50 17.50 28. Dana 17.10 18.30 29. Chanchangi 17.30 18.30 30. Air Nigeria 17.35 18.55 31. Air Nigeria (T/TH) 18.30 19.50 32. Arik 18.45 19.45 33. Aero 19.20 20.40 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

LAGOS – BENIN Arik 07.30 Associated 08.30 Aero 10.50 Arik 11.45 Associated 13.00 Aero 14.25 Arik 15.30 Associated 16.00

1. 2. 3. 4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

1. Arik 2. Aero 1. 2. 3. 4.

LAGOS – CALABAR 07.30 11.20 12.50 16.00 LAGOS – JOS 10.55 11.15

LAGOS – KADUNA Aero 08.00 Chanchangi 10.00 Arik 10.00 Arik 15.10

NNPC allays fear over fuel scarcity at Yuletide

HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corpora tion (NNPC) has assured that petroleum products will be available during Christmas, urging that motorists should not engage in panic buying. Speaking yesterday after he inaugurated state-of-the-art Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) facility in Abuja, NNPC Group Managing Director (GMD), Andrew Yakubu, cautioned Nigerians over panic buying of petrol, saying the corporation has a stock of petro-

• Keeps mum over privatisation of refineries From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

leum products that is sufficient for over 35 days. He said NNPC is “very prepared for the Yuletide. We have more than enough stock. As we speak, we have over 35 days stock. Between now and Christmas, even if we do not bring in products at all, we have enough to go round the country.

Let me cease this opportunity to call on all Nigerians not to panic. We are properly positioned in terms of stock at our various distribution outlets to support petroleum distribution”. He said in line with the organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility, NNPC will share the benefits of the HSE facility with its publics. “This facility will not be limited to NNPC alone. But we do not pray for emergency, but when it comes, of course, we are available to sup-

• From left: Director, Operations &Technology, Diamond Bank Plc, Premier Oiwoh; Regional Manager, Africa CR2 Group, Andrew Chisembele; Minister of Trade and Development, Ireland, Joe Costello and Executive Director, Lagos Business, Diamond Bank, Uzoma Dozie during a strategic partnership meeting in Lagos.

12.15 12.45 09.10 11.00 11.10 16.20

LAGOS – PORT HARCOURT (CIVIL) 1. Aero 07.15 08.35 2. Arik 07.15 08.35 3. Arik 09.00 10.20 4. Dana 09.27 10.40 5. Aero 10.50 12.30 6. Arik 11.40 13.00 7. Air Nigeria 12.00 13.10 8. IRS 13.30 15.00 9. Arik 14.00 15.20 10. Dana 15.03 16.20 11. Air Nigeria 16.00 17.10 12. Arik 16.10 17.30 13. Aero 16.15 17.30 14. Arik 17.10 18.30 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

LAGOS – OWERRI Aero 07.30 07.30 Arik Air Nigeria 13.40 Arik 14.00 Arik 16.30

08.40 08.40 14.55 15.10 17.40

1. 2. 3. 4.

Arik Aero Arik Aero

LAGOS – WARRI 08.15 11.50 11.55 14.55

09.1 12.50 12.55 15.55

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

LAGOS – KANO Air Nigeria 07.10 IRS 08.00 Dana 08.10 Arik 12.20 IRS 14.00 IRS 18.15

08.50 09.45 09.40 14.00 15.45 19.55

LAGOS – OWERRI 07.20 14.00 16.30

08.30 15.10 17.40

LAGOS – UYO 10.35

11.35

1. Arik 2. Arik 3. Arik 1. Dana

LAGOS – MAIDUGURI 1. IRS 11.15 13.15 2. Arik 15.50 18.00 LAGOS – ILORIN 1. Overland 07.15 2. Arik (M/T/TH/F) 17.30

08.00 18.00

LAGOS – ABUJA SAT/SUN Arik 7.15; 10.20; 2.20; 5.20pm – 7.30; 9.15; 10.20; 2.20; 4.50; 6.45 Aero 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 – 07.30; 09.35; 13.10; 14.50; 20.20 Air Nigeria 08.15; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30 – 08.15; 13.30; 14.30; 17.15; 18.30

Golden Penny, Eagle Flower mills release joint logo From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

08.30 09.10 11.50 12.45 13.40 15.20 16.30 16.40 08.50 12.40 14.10 17.20

port the Fire Service to combat the emergency situation,” he said. The Group Managing Director (GMD) of NNPC, Andrew Yakubu refused to comment on the privatisation of refineries in 2014. When asked to comment on the proposed privatisation of the refineries as announced in London by the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani AlisonMadueke, the NNPC boss quietly walked out on the reporters.

OLDEN Penny Flour Mills and the Nige rian Eagle Flour Mills have released a joint logo on the latter’s product. Unveiling the joint logo before hundreds of bakers and other customers in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital yesterday, the General Manager, Nigerian Eagle Flour Mills, MrKenneLouw, described the development as “a historic coming together of two of Nigeria’s number one brands.” He said the decision was aimed at further strengthening the Nigerian Eagle brand, pointing out that the Golden Penny logo brings strength to the Eagle brand. According to him, while Golden Penny flour is Nigeria’s number one brand, the latter is “Bakers’ number one choice in Oyo and surrounding states. He disclosed that Flour Mills of Nigeria, (the parent company of Golden Penny) bought a controlling share in Nigerian Eagle Flour Mills in 2007 but has since then allowed the company to continue as an independent brand. He pointed out that the joint logo is not a change in that policy but a confirmation of the association between the two mills. He added that that by the development, the Eagle brand would continue to exist with its proud tradition of good quality “at an affordable price as always.”

Firm opens 100-housing unit By Uyoatta Eshiet

• From left: Officer in Charge of Hafsat Eye Centre in Kebbi State, Dr. Lawal Kamba; the Programme Manager of Tulsi Chanrai Foundation (TCF) of India, Dr. M. Sathyanarayana; the Zonal Head (North-West Zone) of the Bank, Mr. Abdullahi Mainasara and Branch Manager (Kebbi 1), First City Monument Bank Limited, Mr. Musa Salihu, at the community outreach for the Priceless Gift of Sight Programme sponsored by FCMB to provide free eye screening and surgery for people suffering from cataract. The event took place at Maiyama Local Government Area in Kebbi State...yesterday.

Non-scheduled airlines still operate, says NAMA

RIVATE jet operators other wise known as non-scheduled airline operators are still operating at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) of the nation’s airports, Director General, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency NAMA, Mazi Nnamdi Udoh has said. He said the airlines that could not operate from GAT were private jet operators that were yet to comply with the new regime. A statement issued yesterday in Abuja, dsiclosed that more than 30 operators have paid the requisite fee and are freely enjoying NAMA services. NAMA on Monday had increased its operation charges for foreign airline to $3, 000 for private jet op-

From Olugbenga Adanikin, Abuja

erators while $2, 500 will be charged on local non-scheduled flight operators. It reads: “Our attention has been drawn to a misleading news story in some newspapers alleging that nonscheduled airlines (private jet operators) have shut down their operations in protest against the new aviation charges introduced for the use of general aviation terminals at the nation’s airports. “We wish to inform the public, especially aviation stakeholders, that the allegation was false as serious non- scheduled operators are still operating their normal flights at our

various airports. The few operators who could not operate are those who are yet to comply with the new regime. “The charges are in compliance with section 30(2) (9) and (c) of the Civil Aviation Act of 2006.” It added that the charges were jointly collected on behalf of all agencies that provide services at our newly constructed and designated private terminals in Lagos, Abuja and 11 other airports where these private terminals would be constructed. The statement noted that in the past, non-scheduled airlines paid different charges to different aviation agencies for the services they render them, with the attendant bottlenecks associated with such arrangement.

FIRM Common Sense Es tate Limited has opened its Dream City Estate in Ikorodu, Lagos. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group, Mr Olumide Emmanuel said the estate has 100 housing units, noting that its vision is to make lands and houses available to subscribers for residence and commerce. The estate is situated within the 70-acre estate at AbuleImagbon, Ita Oluwo off Ikorodu/Ishagamu road in Shagamu Local Government Area of Ogun state. Olumide said 300 plots that are for residence and commerce have already been sold to individuals and groups. He said the house comprises one, two and three -bedroom bungalows in detached, semi-detached and terraced plans. Olumide said the location of the estate is strategic. It is 11 kilometres from Ikorodu and 40 minutes drive from Ikeja and Lekki after the completion of the fourth mainland bridge. The Common Sense CEO said the entire estate has unique facilities and features that all occupants will enjoy. The estate is covered by a global certificate of occupancy and have a government approved layout plan. The whole estate has full perimeter fencing, motorable roads, and electricity with dedicated transformer.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

COMMENTARY FROM OTHER LANDS

EDITORIALS

Killer convoys • Festus Iyayi’s death highlights the tyranny of the Kogi State governor’s convoy as well as others

HE convoy system is meant to protect selected public officials and facilitate their movement to their respective destinations. But that essence would no longer be served when such convoys turn murderous. That is what Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State’s convoy is notoriously becoming - a killer convoy. The convoy’s recent victim was Professor Festus Iyayi, renowned scholar, social crusader and award-winning novelist. His life was truncated when the bus conveying him and other executives of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to the union’s executive committee meeting in Kano had an avoidable collision with that of Wada’s reckless convoy. The accident has shown that the Kogi State governor and his top men have learnt nothing from his previous fatal encounters during similar incidents. Some examples will suffice. On December 28, 2012, Wada suffered serious wounds from an accident involving his convoy along the Lokoja – Ajaokuta Road. Idris Mohammed, his Aide-de-Camp, died in that accident. The governor too spent several weeks in an Abuja hospital. And, as if convoy lawlessness has become routine in Kogi State, the state’s deputy governor’s convoy was involved in another crash that injured five persons. Furthermore, Momoh Lawal, Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly’s convoy’s crash led to the death of Lamidi Akeem, a police corporal attached to him. In faraway Niger State, Ahmed Musa Ibeto, the state’s deputy governor’s convoy equally killed two people recently. What makes this last incident more alarming is the fact that the situation is

avoidably persisting among Kogi State top officials. For instance, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) Corps Marshal, Ositadinma Benjamin Chidoka has said that the rampancy of convoy accidents compelled the commission to commence a training programme for convoy drivers. He said FRSC “…worked with the Governors’ Forum and many state governments submitted their drivers to training. …Interestingly, Kogi State convoy has not been involved in this training.’’ Does the governor place any premium on human lives? We doubt whether he does because it was after this last convoy crash that the FRSC corps marshal confirmed that he recently agreed to send drivers in his convoy and those of principal officers of the state for a training that most other states have acceded to long ago. The training obviously seems to be yielding positive dividends because all the reportedly trained 700 convoy drivers in the last two years have not been involved in any road crash. The convoy crashes that have so far occurred are, sadly, from convoy drivers that have not attended the training. Generally, we are appalled that convoys of principal officers of states across the federation, especially those of elected and appointed persons, listed on the Order of Precedence Act, constitute serious nuisance on Nigerian roads. Their convoys are usually extensive. They show unabashed contempt for other road users in their unnecessary haste to get to their destinations. The convoys erroneously have the impression that nothing can happen to them while in the convoy.

It was in crass display of such excessive speed that Iyayi, the don of the University of Benin, was callously killed. Many other unknown Nigerians would have been killed in similar circumstances unreported. While we believe that some of those currently using convoys need them for security reasons, we want them to note that their lives are not more precious than those of ordinary road users that are daily harassed pointlessly on the roads by their overzealous security men and reckless drivers. Henceforth, all convoy users must be more civil on the roads in tandem with what obtains in other climes. They were elected to give purposeful governance to the people and not to tyrannise them. The time to introduce compulsory installation of speed limiters in convoy vehicles is long overdue to curb their excessive speed.

‘While we believe that some of those currently using convoys need them for security reasons, we want them to note that their lives are not more precious than those of ordinary road users that are daily harassed pointlessly on the roads by their overzealous security men and reckless drivers. Henceforth, all convoy users must be more civil on the roads in tandem with what obtains in other climes’

Just reward

• Nigeria must build upon the success of its successful cadet team

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan aptly demonstrated his understanding of the notion that a good labourer is worthy of ample recompense when he received the victorious national under-17 team, the Golden Eaglets, in Abuja. The players were given N2 million each, while the coach got N3 million. The two coaching assistants received N2.5 million, and proportionate cash rewards were also bestowed upon the team’s back-room staff. The President also promised that members of the victorious squad would receive national awards at a later date. This is a thoughtful way in which to appreciate the hard work, commitment and patriotism of a group of youths who have brought honour and glory to a nation which is not often associated with

‘In the specific case of the current Golden Eaglets squad, efforts must be made to resist the tempting offers that will inevitably be coming from foreign clubs, some of which may result in players taking up contracts that might not be conducive to their professional careers. As under-17 players, it must be remembered that they are still minors, and should therefore not be rushed into the professional game’

positive developments in the domestic and international media. It was appropriately modest, as befits a team of cadet players. Nothing was offered which could not be redeemed, such as the unfulfilled promise of houses in Abuja for the Super Eagles team which won the African Cup of Nations in 1994. The pending offer of national honours is a worthy acknowledgement of the fact that cash rewards are not the only method of celebrating deserving citizens. However, now that presidential plaudits have been proffered, it is important that sustained efforts be made to ensure that the country is able to reap the full benefits of its awesome soccer talent. Unlike nations such as Argentina, Brazil, Spain and France, Nigeria is not adept at ensuring that its youth are able to translate their raw skills to the next level where it truly counts. Indeed, there is a notorious tradition of ignoring cadet and youth teams during their preparations and departure for major tournaments, only to hail them when they return with laurels. Part of the reason why Nigeria has been unable to fully transform its youth talent has been the shameful tendency to utilise over-aged players who are naturally incapable of progressing to higher levels of achievements. Fortunately, changing policies have resulted in this becoming less of a problem; much more will have to be done to ensure that no player representing the country is older than the regulations allow. If the country wishes to maximise the enormous potential that it undoubtedly

has, it must begin to develop comprehensive monitoring processes through which every stage of the development of these players is carefully assessed and facilitated. In the specific case of the current Golden Eaglets squad, efforts must be made to resist the tempting offers that will inevitably be coming from foreign clubs, some of which may result in players taking up contracts that might not be conducive to their professional careers. As under-17 players, it must be remembered that they are still minors, and should therefore not be rushed into the professional game. This is even more important, given the fact that many of the players are major considerations for the under-21 team, the Flying Eagles. Rather than rush outside the nation’s shores, they should be subject to a careful regimen of camping, education, nutrition, and physical development that will make them betterequipped to make the transition from the cadet level to fully-professional status. While it is not expected that the whole team will remain unchanged, there is nothing to stop it from becoming the nucleus of formidable youth and senior national teams in the near future. That can only come as a result of deliberate policy, not chance and happenstance. As the nation justifiably revels in the accomplishments of its latest world-conquering cadet team, it should remember that the contest to become a truly formidable football power has only just begun.

U.S., Israel need to agree on an Iran deal

HE RIFT between the United States and Israel over Iran, which some are describing as the worst dispute between the two countries years, might be seen as and yet a nother chapterinin30the consistently rocky sometimes poisonous relations between President Obama and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. That would be a misreading. In reality, the argument reflects a more profound divergence of U.S. and Israeli national interests. For the war-weary United States, a deal that halts Iran’s progress toward a nuclear weapon in exchange for partial sanctions relief, which the Obama administration hopes to conclude this week, would greatly reduce the possibility that the United States would be forced to take military action against Iran in the coming months. That risk has been growing because of Tehran’s installation of a new generation of centrifuges for uranium enrichment and because of the approaching completion of a reactor that could produce plutonium. If a long-term accord can be struck during a planned negotiating period of six months, the dangers of a new Middle East war and an Iranian bomb could be alleviated. Israel, of course, also wishes to avoid war. But Israeli leaders have more to fear than do Americans from a bargain that leaves the bulk of the Iranian nuclear infrastructure in place, even temporarily. If no final settlement were reached, and the larger sanctions regime began to crumble — as the Israelis fear it would — Iran could be left with a nuclear breakout capacity as well as a revived economy. From Israel’s point of view, keeping sanctions in place until Iran agrees to a definitive compromise — or its regime buckles — looks like a safer bet. But even a permanent settlement would be unattractive to Israel if it meant that the United States would step back from the regional conflict spawned by Iran’s decades-old effort to gain hegemony over the Middle East. Like Saudi Arabia and other Sunni Arab governments, Israel does not wish to be left alone to face Iranian aggression in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon or its terrorist activities across the region. In the short run, there’s probably no way to bridge the divide between Jerusalem and Washington — unless Iran turns down the generous offer the United States and a coalition of five other nations have put forward. The administration has flatly rejected Mr. Netanyahu’s objections to an interim deal, and Congress appears unlikely to respond to Israeli lobbying for additional sanctions before the next Geneva meeting. Mr. Netanyahu would be wise to accept that an interim accord is likely to go forward without his agreement and let Iran take the blame if it does not. Rather than argue in public, U.S. and Israeli officials should be working to forge a consensus on the terms of an acceptable final settlement with Iran. There, differences may not be as great: While Mr. Netanyahu campaigns for a permanent end to Iranian enrichment, a large reduction in Iran’s nuclear capacity, combined with more intrusive inspections, would leave Israel far more secure than at present. At the same time, the Obama administration ought to be assuring Israel and Arab allies that it will continue to reject Iran’s regional ambitions, respond to its aggressive acts and support the aspirations of Iranians for a democratic regime that respects human rights. With such understandings in place, the U.S.-Israeli argument would be manageable. – Washington Post

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THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CARTOON & LETTERS

IR: This is certainly not the best of times for Governor Idris Wada of Kogi state. This is no doubt a season of one day, many troubles for the Dekina-born pilot turned politician. Since his emergence as governor of the Confluence State two years ago, Captain Wada has indeed recorded a plethora of challenges, with some posing serious dangers to his life. He has escaped death by the whiskers in two different road crashes since his entry into the Lugard House in Lokoja. In one of such accidents which occurred while he was on his way from Anyigba, an ancient town in the eastern part of the state, his Aide Camp, Idris Mohammed, an Assist-

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Wada: Governor and his many troubles

ant Superintendent of Police, died on the spot. Other occupants of the SUV, including the governor sustained varying degrees of injuries. Last week, Captain Wada was in the news again for the wrong reason. It was yet another car crash involving the governor’s convoy and the car conveying former ASUU boss, Professor Festus Iyayi,

which regrettably, claimed the erudite Professor’s life. Unfortunately, the latest tragic incident happened at a time the governor was battling with Kogi Elders Forum over his administration’s move to secure a N20 billion bond from a select number of commercial banks. According to the elders champi-

oning the opposition to the bond, the Wada-led administration has not justified how it spent the billions of naira from federation account and funds from the Internally Generated Revenue that have accrued under his watch. Undoubtedly, the issues raised by the elders are germane as well as critical. This is a challenge for the

SOS to Fashola on Ejigbo roads

IR: I am at a loss on who to address this article to on the appalling state of Ejigbo roads. I don’t know if I should call the attention of the Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola or the Ejigbo LCDA chairman, Kehinde Bamigbetan. The condition of Ejigbo roads is simply nightmarish. The sorry states of all but three roads present the LCDA dispensation in a poor light. Aside the NNPC/Coker road, Orisunbare road, and recently re-instated Powerline road, all other roads (major and minor) are in complete disrepair. The only two roads Iyana-Ejigbo and Idimu -that seem to be under-going refurbishment have taken several months without meaningful progress; only fate can tell of their successful completion dates. To mention just a few: Iyana Ejigbo, Egbe, Ifoshi, Idimu, Ailegun, and Killa roads - these are major roads linking Ejigbo, yet they all are very sorry sights. Countless number of vehicles have broken down and damaged on different occasions in the bid to navigate these roads. Several unrecorded casualties, some gruesome in nature, some falling into deep gutters when it rains due to poor

drainage , some sustaining injuries costing fortunes to treat, some suffering accidents resulting to permanent disabilities, and other related cases. The minor roads on streets, avenues, closes, etc, are worse-of. One sometimes spends close to three hours moving within Ejigbo. How sad! Roads leading to the only public primary and secondary schools complex within Ejigbo are almost completely written-off, especially when it rains; part of the surroundings automatically, become dumping sites, yet students tread these

crooked and dangerous paths to school daily, learning under highly unhygienic and hazardous conditions. Space cannot afford me to latitude to portray several other sorry conditions of life within Ejigbo LCDA. In some ways, residents of Ejigbo are being short-changed on dividends of democracy. It’s a hard cry plying the roads daily. Families also dread going to their respective churches on Sundays. Many of them end up having their fellowship hours used up in the traffic that would hold them glued to

the roads rather then get to their church halls. Getting worship centres is becoming a nightmare as a result of the present situation. The situation further worsens the crippling economic, social, and religious activities in the area. This is a cry out to the Ejigbo LCDA chairman, and the proactive government of Lagos State to urgently investigate and attend to these concerns as residents and road users in this area suffer daily in severe and acute hardship. • David Nkenchor Ejigbo, Lagos,

Assembly sometime in September. Others say it was due to the disagreement between the two chambers on the appropriate benchmark for the crude oil. Whatever the reason may be is irrelevant to me. What puzzled me on the issue was that, as part of the arrangement for the President’s visit, a circular was promptly released by the Head of the Personnel Management of the National Assembly directing all staff on grade level 1-14 not to come to their offices until 2:00pm when it was believed that the program

must have been over. In other words, only those on the Directorate cadre should avail themselves for their duties. The question I want to ask here is, is there a dignity in labour if workers are barred from their offices just because the President is coming? Are they not serving the same government? If they are no longer trusted, let them all be sacked and replaced with others who are assumed to be more loyal to the system. Thanks to unemployment grinding the land, you would have seen mass exodus today.

governor and his team. This is a unique opportunity for them to tell the world, and not just Kogites alone, how they have utilized the billions of naira from Abuja and the funds generated from within. Unfortunately, it appears also as a case of the right message delivered by the wrong messenger. The elders are part and parcel of the plethora of problems that Kogi and Kogites are daily battling with. We cannot look for solutions to our problems in the hands of those responsible for our woes. Wada is a product of their machination. This is not the time to distant themselves from a man they literarily handpicked to govern the state. If these elders really want us to see sense in their actions and intentions, they should first and foremost retrace their steps towards Wada’s predecessors, particularly ex-Governor Ibrahim Idris, who allegedly frittered the state’s resources with reckless abandon. Till date, no one, not even the EFCC has deemed it necessary to invite the former governor for questioning. But I’ve lost the number of times this same EFCC has invited and interrogated former Governor Abubakar Audu over alleged corrupt practices. We expect these same elders to beam their searchlight on former leaders of the state across all levels, who are believed to have enriched themselves with taxpayers’ money. • Abdullahi Yunusa, Imane, Kogi state

All just for budget presentation?

IR: President Goodluck Jonathan was billed to present the 2014 budget to the two chambers of the National Assembly on Tuesday. Unfortunately, the presentation was put on halt after all the necessary arrangements were put in place to receive the number one citizen. There were conflicting reports on why the presentation was put on halt; some says it was as a result of plan by the members of the nPDP to boo the President as retaliation for the humiliation suffered by their leaders when they visited the National

I am saying this without any fear of contradiction; the action taken by the National Assembly management to bar their staff from their offices as part of preparation for the President’s visit is not only objectionable, it is a disgrace. It does not happen anywhere else in the world; not even in war-ravaged countries! Let us learn to attach dignity to labour. • Muhammad S. Adamu Auta Badariya, Birnin-Kebbi Kebbi State

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

COMMENTS

Mike Okhai Akhigbe

HAD heard rumours that Vice-Admiral Mike Akhigbe was ill, but I didn’t know it was unto death. When I was travelling out of the country on September 30, I saw a young man and his wife and daughter in the British lounge in Lagos and this young fellow looked remarkably like Mike Akhigbe and I am one 100 percent sure that this guy must be his son. I wanted to call him and ask if he was Mike’s son, but on second thought, I didn’t ask, because young people these days are unpredictable. He could have said buzz off! Although not very likely. I first met Mike Akhigbe I believe in 1984 when I was Professor and Dean of Arts at the University of Maiduguri. I was a member of a committee set up by the Buhari administration to turn the Ojukwu Bunker and the surrounding buildings in Umuahia into a war museum. My former teacher and friend, the late Prof. Emmanuel Adiele Afigbo was also a member of this committee. We had a seminar in Umuahia on the history of Nigerian military in both pre-colonial and colonial Nigeria. A lot of the bright people in the Army, Navy and Air force either served on the National War Museum Committee or came to attend the conference. This was how I first met Commander Mike Akhigbe. Since then, I grew to know him more and more as a highly cerebral and intelligent man who was more at home with academics than perhaps officers in the Armed Forces. When the Babaginda administration came in, the young Mike Akhigbe was made the Governor of Ondo State. I was outside the country at that particular time in 1985, attending one conference or the other. He left words for me that I should kindly get in touch with him immediately I came back to Nigeria. He wanted me to be involved in his administration, but I was not inclined to do so, because I was afraid of local politics. Because of my sad experience with Nigerian politics in the 1960s arising from my Brother Chief Oduola Osuntokun’s equally unhappy experience, I never wanted to be involved in politics, whether military or civilian. Nevertheless, Mike Akhigbe kept in touch with me and I remember his meeting with Ondo State citizens in Lagos and Ibadan, and asking us to ask Babaginda, the then President to give us our due because at that particular time we did not have any representation in government and yet we were the ones producing the cocoa on which the economy of Nigeria rested before the advent of crude oil. I believe it was through the pressure led by Mike Akhigbe that a citizen of our state eventual became Secretary to Government. Mike Akhigbe became not only a champion of Ondo

Y now, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Prof Attahiru Jega is expected to know better when it concerns elections. Elections are no small matter in this country. They are seen as war by other means by our politicians, who go to any length to ensure that they win. When former President Olusegun Obasanjo spoke about a ‘’do or die’’ election, he knew what he was saying. Baba was telling us the uninitiated that it is not the best candidate that wins an election, but the one that is ready to play dirty. By his statement, he was telling us that other extraneous factors come into play in deciding who wins an election. If the contestant is in power as we have seen in recent times. the contest is a walk over. Where other contestants see evil being perpetrated during the election, all he sees is a well organised election, even when many voters are disenfranchised. Our politicians fight elections with all they have. They make use of money, men and materials. Those who don’t have money are ready to borrow, with the hope that on winning they will repay the debt in tenfold. By now, Jega and his men should have become wise to the ways of our politicians, but it seems he has learnt nothing from all the elections he has so far conducted. Jega has integrity, he has honour and he is well respected as a man of principle. These are attributes that a man in his position should have. But what is the essence of having these qualities when they cannot come into play when it matters most : election period. It is during elections that the

State rights, but also a patron of the state. He was more emotional about the state not getting its due than even those of us who came from the state. I remember him leading us to a meeting with the then Minister of Agriculture, Lt. Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Brig. Oni who is from Ekiti, was in this informal meeting in Gen. Akinrinade’s house somewhere in Ikoyi and one of the things that Mike Akhigbe wanted us to argue with the General was the abolition of the Cocoa Marketing Board. This was a carry-over from the old Western Region when the marketing board was created to stabilise price of cocoa in the local market. The marketing board usually bought cocoa from the farming community and their agents, then sold this in the world market at price usually higher than what was paid locally, and kept the excess. These excess was used to cushion the price of cocoa whenever it went down in the world market so that local farmers were not affected by any sudden deep depression of prices. The result of this process was that farmers never really got what was due to them and sometimes up to 60 percent went to the marketing board. So in order for the farmers to enjoy the fruit of their labour, we wanted the Cocoa Marketing Board abolished. The other side of the coin was that abolition could create instability of prices for the local farmers. Mike’s opinion was that the farmers should hold their destiny in their own hands. To cut a long story short, through the force of character and arguments, Mike Akhigbe led us to prevail on government to abolish the cocoa marketing board and this immediately led to increase in cocoa production because farmers got what they deserved. This was vintage Akhigbe. He was never afraid of anybody and even as a military man, he never followed orders blindly, he always spoke his mind and he surely must have gotten into trouble because of his forthright character. He was a great friend of mine. I never socialised with him, but he related with me as a gentleman and as an officer and as a great friend. When he came to Lagos as Governor, he asked me if I would want to serve in the Governing Council of Lagos State University as a member and he appointed me to that council and I remember that one great thing that council did was the appointment of the late Prof. Jadesola Akande as the second female Vice-Chancellor in the country, second to Prof. Alele Williams in the University of Benin. I believed I played a pivotal role in Prof. Jadesola Akande’s appointment and I am proud of it. I continued to maintain contact with Mike Akhigbe when I was Ambassador in Germany and when he rose to the pinnacle of his profession as Chief of Naval Staff. He subsequently

became the Number Two man after Abacha died, and I believe he assisted Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar in transiting from Military dictatorship to democratic governance in 1999. Mike Akhigbe was a great man in many respects. Some would regard him as brash and hot-tempered but he received as much as he gave, and whenever he spoke, he spoke the truth. He did not throw his weight Jide around as others Osuntokun would have done. I remember him complaining to me about a colleague who was disrespectful to his wife, who was one of our graduate students in the University of Lagos. If he had wanted, he could have used his position to make my colleague uncomfortable, but he never did, he merely complained to me. He himself at a particular time was a student of the University of Lagos and he studied Law and graduated as a lawyer while his wife graduated with a PhD in Education. This must have given him tremendous joy because I believe that if he had had the opportunity as a child, he himself would have gone into academia rather than the military and I believe he had the temperament, the ability, the grey matter to excel in any field of human endeavour. He would be surely and sorely missed both at home and in the Nigerian society. My heart goes to his wife and children and I pray that they know that anybody who lives in the hearts of others cannot die. So it is with Mike Akhigbe. Adieu.

‘Mike Akhigbe was a great man in many respects. Some would regard him as brash and hot-tempered but he received as much as he gave, and whenever he spoke, he spoke the truth. He did not throw his weight around as others would have done’

INEC’s great shame strong character of an umpire should stand him in good stead. It is during such period that the world should know the umpire as a no nonsense person. An umpire who will look the contestants in the face, no matter who they are, and tell them that this is a contest in which the people’s votes will determine the winner, no more, no less. Of course, without saying so, we know that elections are won by the highest number of votes. The Electoral Act puts it succinctly : ‘’In an election to the office of the president or governor whether or not contested and in any contested election to any other elective office, the result shall be ascertained by counting the votes cast for each candidate and subject to the provisions of Sections 133, 134 and 179 of the Constitution, the candidate that receives the highest number of votes shall be declared elected by the appropriate returning officer’’. Experience has shown that the problems of our elections come from the electoral officials. In most instances, these officials are compromised and they do everything to favour the one paying them. Having spent three years in the system, Jega cannot claim ignorance of how our politicians use his men to do their bidding. Jega may be honest and sincere but can we say the same of his men? With what happened in the Anambra State governorship election last Saturday, there is no doubt that Jega still has a lot of house cleaning to do, if he wishes to walk the streets with his head held high after leaving the

‘It was a miscalculation on Jega’s part to have waited until the election was over for him to tell us that there is nothing he can do. He can do a lot. The election was ‘’inconclusive’’ long before the returning officer, Prof James Epoke, declared it so on Monday morning’

INEC job. What he should know is that there are many among his officials who will do anything to soil his hard earned name for a mess of porridge. He is the only one that can stop them from doing so by making a scape goat of those black sheep. He cannot wait until these people bring shame to him during elections before he moves against them. Anambra is one state and if INEC cannot handle election in only one state, can it be trusted to hold free and fair elections nationwide in 2015. The Anambra election did no do INEC’s image any good. It was a disaster of an election. Having seen the handwriting on the wall early in the day, Jega should have moved swiftly to stop the election. It was a miscalculation on his part to have waited until the exercise was over for him to tell us that there is nothing he can do. He can do a lot. The election was ‘’inconclusive’’ long before the returning officer, Prof James Epoke, declared it so on Monday morning. The election was bound to end up that way when thousands of voters were disenfranchised. It was at this stage that Jega should have stopped the election if he was truly for a free and fair exercise. He had all the opportunity in the world to do that, but he lost it. hould we be made to pay the price for this error in judge ment? The electorate should not made to pay such price by foisting a fait accompli on them. Jega and his men should carry the can for their shoddiness. Throwing the book at us that INEC can no longer do anything about the election after the declaration of result is bunkum. This is the more reason why he should have acted fast since he knew that INEC’s hands will become tied once the returning officer releases the final result. INEC is looking for an easy way

out by asking the aggrieved to seek redress in court. This is the style of our politicians who rig elections and wait for their opponents to challenge their ‘victory’ at the tribunal. We should not allow INEC to get away that easily without clearing the mess it created. It is sad that an election in just one state ended like this. Can INEC be trusted with the 2015 general elections?

The possessed governor’s convoy

ig men in our country like to move in style. They go about with a retinue of security aides, who clear the road for them and prevent people from getting close to them. These overbearing guards act as if they are possessed. Whether the big man is a politician, a businessman or a musician, they are noisy in their public movement. On such occasion, a lot of damage is done as we have witnessed in Kogi State Governor Idris Wada’s case. A former pilot, Wada moves on ground as if he is flying. When his convoy passes by it does so with jet speed. His convoy does not care about other road users. Does it even care about its master? The drivers do not. If they do, they would not have driven the way they did last year that led to an accident in which Wada broke a leg. His Aide - De Camp (ADC), Idris Mohammed, died. Having recovered, he has gone back to his old way of speeding as if he is in a race. Last Tuesday, his convoy was at it again. It was involved in a fatal accident with a vehicle conveying some Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) officials to Kano in Banda village, on the outskirts of Lokoja, the Kogi

Lawal Ogienagbon

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State capital. The lone casualty was former ASUU president Prof Festus Iyayi. The driver, according to sources, did not stop to see the damage he caused. He sped off like a mad man. Really, if the drivers of these convoys are not mad will they drive the way they do? Why should a governor’s convoy be the one involved in fatal accidents virtually all the time? Are these convoys not subject to traffic rules? Shouldn’t there be a speed limit for them? Does being a public officer confer on one the power to drive recklessly on the road? Shouldn’t these convoys show respect to other motorists? Since Iyayi was killed in that unfortunate accident, we have not heard about the arrest of the driver. Are these convoys above the law? Does it mean that a convoy can just kill and go? We cannot afford to continue to lose people to avoidable convoy accidents. All that is required to prevent such accidents is to ensure that the drivers are sane while on the road. This is where the police and the road safety come in. These institutions have an enormous role to play in calling these convoys to order while on the road. If the police and road safety can harass other motorist why should they shy away from doing their jobs when it concerns convoys? Tall order, eh!

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

COMMENTS

T is hard to understand the ways of a Nigerian politician. That, he is a complex entity whose actions defy logic, we have the authority of a veteran politician, Ebenezer Babatope, once a fire-eating radical, now a PDP stalwart. He recently said something to the effect that ‘to us politicians, two plus two may not always be four’. He went on to assert that President Jonathan is not just the best Nigerian leader so far, but the one that embodied all the combined virtues of all our past heroes. I have consulted those who are close to Opeyemi Bamidele to get an insight into the complex character of this daring, self-assured and smart young Nigerian politician without success. But one thing that is not in doubt is that Opeyemi, with a degree in religious studies from our great Ife backed up with a law degree from a foreign university, is an extremely intelligent and smart politician. We need no further proof of this than his membership of the inner circle of young professionals working for Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a leader who worships intellect and surrounds himself with only the best brains available in his environment and reaches out when circumstances demand special experts as he did during his epic judicial battle to retrieve the stolen mandates of Mimiko of Ondo and Aregbesola of Osun from PDP interlopers. Honorable Bamidele, representing Irepodun-Ifelodun Constituency and until recently leader of Ekitit State caucus in the House of Representatives wants to contest the 2014 governorship election in Ekiti on the platform of his party. The party’s position is that the incumbent should be allowed to go for a second term because of his acknowledged performance in terms of infrastructural development and bringing peace to a state that was for three years, besieged by PDP gangs who settled intra-party feuds through assassinations. But Bamidele is said to be daring

‘Ekitis are known for loyalty to friends. Fajuyi demonstrated that by dying with Ironsi his guest. It is not in our character to be subversive. Ekitis have never been known to be active participants in coups in the country. Ekitis never deny their benefactors’

Opeyemi Bamidele and his PDP promoters his party leaders insisting he would seek accommodation in another party. He has however assured his peace loving people that he is “a child of God who would never seek power like those who have sold their soul to the devil’ or ‘step on blood to rule’. “God sees my heart”, he recently declared, “the only reason I am involved in Ekiti politics is to serve and help the people; I do not have any reason to be desperate”. He claims he is responding to the pressure from his Ekiti people. He is however yet to say if those who earnestly want him to run include those in Ekiti currently celebrating Fayemi’s achievements or those referred to a few days ago with howling newspaper headlines “Opeyemi Bamidele gets the support of USA based Ekitis” Contained in his manifesto is his plan to provide water closets for houses that rely on the use of pit latrines and those who still rely on nearby bushes to defecate’, provide ‘Pipe borne water for houses that still rely on well and fetching water from nearby streams’, speed up ‘access to the use of gas and electric cookers for houses that still rely on the use of firewood to cook their meals’. He also intends to come to the rescue of the blind, the deaf and those with speaking defects as well as the disable who will be provided with mobility and the mentally sick who will be taken off the streets. Part of his argument has not been that Fayemi is not addressing these problems but that he made Fayemi a governor by literarily dragging him down from Abuja where he was busy writing speeches for the presidency to Lagos where he was introduced to Tinubu, his godfather. While we may not be privy to

HE title of a report in the November 2, edition of The Economist reads: Many of Africa’s fastest-growing economies have not relied on oil or mining. It listed six countries in the continent as being in the enviable club of Africa’s fastest-growing economies. The publication listed, among others, prudence and ingenuity in public finance management, leading to higher revenues and enabling climate for private investment, leading to local and foreign investments. “Progress,” according to the story, “was not restricted to economic policy. The six countries in the IMF study are far better governed than they were in the mid-1990s. Based on indicators compiled by the World Bank, they are less corrupt, have better bureaucrats, enjoy more stable politics and are better regulated than their African peers.” (Emphasis supplied) Although these countries, the leading financial medium concludes, still have a lot to do, they are on the right track. The above is simply apt for the appraisal of Ogun State, Nigeria, which, last Wednesday in Lagos, was adjudged the fastest growing economy and first choice for industrialists and entrepreneurs among the 36 states in Nigeria by the Management and Board of Editors of the nation’s leading business newspaper, Business Day, at its States Competitiveness and Good Governance Awards ceremony. According to the Editor of the paper, Phil Isakpa, Ogun won the prestigious award “because it has the highest number of businesses establishing in its domain and that the government has made the environment more attractive to investors. Ogun also has the highest positive number of Gross Domestic Product in the last one year, the number of bank branches has increased more than that of other states in the last three years and its financial inclusion, particularly the embrace of cashless economy and use of Automated Teller Machine by residents had increased tremendously.” It is no longer news that before the advent of the administration of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogun State was in a state of siege. Residents could not sleep with their two eyes closed. Freedom of speech suffered steadily. Banks were closing shops every now and then as insecurity became the insignia of the state. The climate was that of fear. Readers should only visit the libraries of Nigerian newspapers to refresh their memories of what became the story of Ogun, a state that was once a haven of peace and tranquillity. Of course, under such a climate of anxiety, businesses would close shops and move to other states; investors would avoid the state like plague; economy would plummet; unemployment would rise; crime and social vices would become the norm; development would be in abeyance; and life would

the secrets between him and his friend, there is no doubt that they have been close allies who were in the trenches together for three years fighting PDP mandate-snatchers. They were both victims of violence when the state was besieged during PDP’s illegal occupation of the seat of government by assassins and kidnappers who routinely ferried prominent Ekitis including Obas to adjoining states for ransom. But today, Bamidele says Fayemi is a man of violence who masterminded an attack on his person in Igede while visiting their common PDP friend whose son Fayemi recently appointed a local council caretaker. And he has found support from of all places, PDP, their erstwhile tormentor. Senator Ayo Arise has decried “spate of political violence in Ekiti state in recent times”, a development he said called for urgent attention”. From Abuja came a press release by PDP’s acting National Publicity Secretary, Barr. Tony Caesar Okeke attacking Tinubu: “it is extremely wicked and undemocratic for Tinubu to order Hon. Opeyemi Bamidele, to forget his governorship ambition”; such “smacks of tyranny and outright disdain for democracy”; “it is a display of despotic tendencies and utter disdain for democratic process”; and finally, PDP is urging the Ekitis “to rise up to the occasion and defend their rights by rejecting the usual practice of allowing godfathers to select their leaders for them”. And for a good measure, they reminded the people that Tinubu is not from Ekiti. I am not sure if labelling a kettle black by a pot, which is exactly what a fractionalized PDP is doing, will help Opeyemi in his current futile attempt to upstage a performing gov-

ernor, who also happens to be his close ally. And I also think it is doubtful if the people of Ekiti, who according to Professor Akintoye, are the most educated and informed group in Nigeria and Africa need the help of PDP to identify who their true leaders are. If others have forgotten so soon, it is doubtful if the people of Ekiti will forget so easily how President Obasanjo imposed an Ayo Fayose whose role model was Adedibu the head of Ibadan thugs as replacement for a polished, cultured and well educated Niyi Adebayo, who was rigged out as governor of the state. Obasanjo who introduced the culture of “if a mouse cannot eat the beans, it pours them in the sand” into Ekiti, went on to supervise a flawed election that saw disgruntled members of AC emerge as senators and members of the Lower house. That is not to say Bola Tinubu is also perfect. Because he loves the bright and smart, Bamidele can do no wrong. When the Ekiti caucus of the lower house, who know those they represent expect them to call a spade by its name, removed Bamidele as their leader not too long ago, they were over ruled. As a very discerning group, the Ekitis don’t hold those who think they are smart in high esteem. The story is told of a professor who became a federal minister and in character with PDP, erected an imposing mansion in his village. The people who know the worth of their “omowe and ojogbon (Doctors and professors) beyond mansions gleefully show visitors a mansion built by a PDP smart professor. Ekiti is an enchanting land of undulating hills, meandering rivers and waterfalls, a land of honour inhabited by men of character. The Ikogosi spring where warn and cold spring water oozes out of the same source and flowing side by side symbolizes the peaceful coexistence of the people. Of course that does not signify absence of conflict. In fact after their 16 years ‘kiriji’ war of independence, the Ekiti ran a confederacy of 16 kingdoms presided over by the 16 first class Ekiti Obas who met once a month during ‘pelupelu’ to resolve conflicts. And once a consensus was reached, their word was their bond. Ekitis are known for loyalty to friends. Fajuyi demonstrated that by dying with Ironsi his guest. It is not in our character to be subversive. Ekitis have never been known to be active participants in coups in the country. Ekitis never deny their benefactors. Their love for Awolowo even in death is without measure. We never discountenance the advice of elders because we have been taught to appreciate that no matter the size of a young man’s wardrobe, he can never have as many rags as adorned an old man’s wardrobe.

Ogun as Nigeria’s fastest-growing economy By Soyombo Opeyemi become a restriction. That was the public perception of Ogun State before the inauguration of the current government in May, 2011. Matters were exacerbated by the fact that for about two years before May 29, 2011, there was effectively no government in Ogun, as one vital arm of government was completely paralyzed while the other eclipsed by fear. It was a daunting challenge for any new administration. To the glory of God, insecurity has been fought to a standstill. Or when last did you hear of banks in Ogun closing business because of insecurity? That has become a thing of the past. The climate of fear has been removed as residents now move freely and enjoy their inalienable right of free speech. Some unions who agitate for Amosun to clear all the arrears of salaries his government inherited in one fell swoop rather than piecemeal and politicians who incite landlords with illegal structures, indeed, now understand the meaning of freedom. But freedom and responsibility, we must note in passing, are two sides of a coin… During the inauguration of another multi-billion naira investment, Wempco Steel Mills Co. Ltd, Ibafo, on April 18, President Goodluck Jonathan said, “I congratulate the Governor, the Government and people of Ogun State on another landmark achievement in this great state. I thank you for sustaining a conducive and business friendly environment that promotes economic activities in the state. I look forward to coming again in the very near future.” Among the multi-billion naira investments in Ogun in the last 30 months are May and Baker Nigeria Plc, Idiroko Road, Ota; Lafarge Cement Wapco Nigeria Plc, Ewekoro II (Lakatabu); Dangote Cement Factory, Ibese; Metal Recycling Industries Limited, Ogijo and African Foundries Limited, Ogijo. All these are providing employment for thousands of Ogun indigenes. But the success of the Amosun administration is even more patent in the over 45,000 jobs created through direct and indirect employment. Through partnership with institutions like the Bank of Industry, thousands of youths have been taken off the streets and many SMEs established, hence the natural drastic fall in crime rate in the state. The Uplifting Project of the Wife of Governor, Olufunso Amosun, has been of tremendous help in this regard, as hundreds more are provided free train-

ing on handicrafts and empowered with start-off kits. Ogun could not have been known all over the country today as one huge construction site with only gravels, irons and earth-moving equipment in place. Thousands of jobs are equally generated through the construction work. The Olokola Free Trade Zone is receiving attention and the state is expected to reap maximum benefits from its rich deposits of bitumen, kaolin, limestone, phosphate, granite stone, gypsum, bauxite, feldspar, among others. The government is waging war against illegal taxes and fees while harmonisation of company taxes has been substantially achieved, with companies already enjoying the benefits. From a paltry N700 million monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) it inherited, the Amosun-led administration has raised the IGR of Ogun to a record figure of N4billion per month. This is done essentially by plugging the loop-hopes in the old system, automating revenue collection processes, encouraging residents to pay their tax as prescribed by law and removing bottlenecks in the interface of the public with government officials. The administration has zero tolerance for corruption. For instance, officials recently indicted have faced the full wrath of the law. The fact that Amosun is a chartered accountant and highly experienced auditor has equally ensured that processes in government are less prone to corruption; workers are motivated through regular payment of salaries and provision of work-friendly environment. The first international investors’ forum organised by the administration, where rebates and discounts were announced for genuine entrepreneurs, has opened a floodgate of requests for investment in the state: 37 new industries (not SMEs) have already established their businesses in Ogun, 14 are at various stages of building their factories while 32, according to the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, have got approval for land allocation. These new firms will generate another round of thousands of direct and indirect employment in the state. The on-going investment in agriculture, roads, ultra-modern markets, power, water, transport (contract for a light rail has been signed), education, etc, can only ensure one thing – Ogun state remains investors’ destination of choice. •Soyombo, writes from Abeokuta.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

COMMENTS

MAJOR part of the reason for Nigeria’s growing failure is that we do not respect the unique cultural character of each of the many nationalities of our country. In a shallow and unthinking manner, those who control power in our country are forever striving to impose cultural uniformity over Nigeria’s many nationalities – as if, in all situations of human life, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. This integrationist bungling is many-faceted. The federal government subtly pushes an educational programme aimed at suppressing the languages, and even the cultures, of Nigerian nationalities. Ardent Muslim chieftains, when in control of the federal government, seek to use federal power to make Nigeria a radical Muslim country. The rest of us, when a Northern Muslim state adopts Sharia Law, cry foul. Recently, federal legislators from a nationality whose culture accepts the marriage of under-age girls pushed through the National Assembly a resolution making the marriage of under-age girls law in all of Nigeria. Quite often, the integrationist bungling spills over into the realm of the absurd. But, worse still, they often provoke resistance – sometimes violent resistance akin to insurrection – as well as inter-group conflicts. Sudden explosions by Muslim indigenes in the towns of the North, resulting in mass killings of non-Muslims (mostly Southerners), started mostly in the years since the hot controversy over whether the Sharia should be enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The determined opposition from the South naturally gave the Northerners the fear that nonMuslim Nigeria was up against the way of life of the Muslim North. That fear launched an era of spasmodic eruptions by Muslim folks in the North. Islamic fundamentalist terrorist gangs and terrorism were later developments on those mass eruptions. It is not usually recognized that mass eruptions in the Yoruba South-west, following upon blatant rigging of elections, are also a form of culture-based resistance. About 1000 years before the coming of British rule, the Yoruba nation began to build towns and kingdoms, in which they evolved a unique political system of their own. That system was based upon the principle that power belongs to the people. From that general principle, the Yoruba developed the various details of their system. For instance, unlike the citizens of other kingdoms in the world, the Yoruba

N home movies you find clear depictions of prostitution. A tale of ladies who readily let their guards down for money. As ready soul providers, they scandalously solicit male interests. For them, it is all about the Benjamins - sex-for-money. As it is with the home movies, so it is in politics, particularly when an election year becons. You find hordes of political prostitutes displaying their sycophancy shamelessly for altruistic reasons. With the 2015 election in the air, the airwaves, newspapers and online media have been annexed by these growing army of political harlots. Like call girls who stand in the kerbs late in the night mindless of the risks and shame, these political harlots readily throw decency to the dogs to the point of cursing and swearing by their father’s names. All they seek is to be noticed! In Rivers State, you find the supervising minister of state, Nyesom Nwike, dancing naked on the streets for the presidency so he can be imposed on the Rivers people as governor. There is the police, surely, a new recruit, whose duty it is to provide security for all irrespective of party affiliations but have since found a veritable new vocation in politics. Now, a deepening shame of the nation, the police clearly relapse into coma until the ‘Oga at the top’ points them to where duty calls and like zombie, off they go, sheepishly. Prostitutes abound in political parties, whatever name called. It is even worse when there is no culture of internal democracy in such parties. From the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to the Labour Party (LP), you find

‘There is no gain repeating the fact that Tukur is supervising what could best be described as a final interment of internal democracy in the PDP by brooking no opposition and hunting down real and imagined enemies’

Election rigging in the Yoruba Southwest is poison to Nigeria did not accept that a king should be succeeded automatically by his son, without any say by the people. Rather, the citizens of each Yoruba kingdom selected their king from the pool of their eligible princes. Usually, a standing committee of high chiefs did the selecting on behalf of the citizens; but, it was the rule that the citizens, as individuals or as groups, could freely lobby these high chiefs, and that the chiefs must be available and listen to the people. In essence, the selection was done by the people. In some kingdoms, the practice was that, after the high chiefs had decided the selection, they would stand at the palace gate and announce to the crowd of citizens, “We have given you your king” – meaning, we have chosen for you the prince that you wanted the most. In their towns, Yoruba people lived in large family compounds known as agbo-ile, each of which housed tens of families. The chiefs (below the king) were domiciled in the biggest and oldest family compounds. When a chief died, he was not succeeded automatically by his son; all the people of the family compound held meetings and selected one of themselves as the next chief. This process always resulted in competing candidates, factions, meetings upon meetings – and then, ultimately, the selection. In short, the Yoruba people have, for more than 1000 years, elected their rulers. That is their political culture. It was very important to them that their selections of kings and chiefs should be handled fairly and with integrity. That was the way they maintained order and stability in their towns. In the course of hundreds of years, fairness in the selection process became like a religion to them. Then came British rule, and then the British system of election of rulers – in self-governing and independent Nigeria. There is not much difference between the British system and the traditional system of the Yoruba, and the Yoruba people expect the new system to be as fair, and be done with as much integ-

rity, as their own traditional system. Yoruba people can be very passionate about this. Between 1952 and 1960, the Yoruba expectations over elections were considerably well met. The party that managed to win our first regional election in 1951 and to control the regional government, the Action Group, did not try thereafter to use governmental power to manipulate or rig elections. The opposition party too, the NCNC Western Region, did not try to manipulate or rig elections. Usually, the two were close and the races were tight. Many people forget today that the NCNC actually beat the AG narrowly in the 1954 federal election in the Western Region. That is how competitive the elections were – and yet neither party (all Yoruba leaders and all Yoruba candidates) tried to cut unfair corners. Yoruba culture reigned triumphantly, and the Western Region gradually evolved into a solidly democratic modern society. But then came Nigeria’s independence in 1960, and a determined federal-cum-Northern determination to dominate all of Nigeria, including the Western Region. The emergence of a new party in the Western Region as a subordinate ally of the party of the Northern Region opened doors for those who sought to dominate the region. So it was that in the 1964 federal election, we in the Western Region experienced, for the first time, the kind of massive election manipulation and rigging that we had long faintly heard of from the North. Because we had never experienced these things before, we were too confused to respond adequately. But then the 1965 Regional Election came, and it was even more blatantly rigged in the same ways. The insult was now too unbearable, and we the youths of the Western Region refused to accept it. We erupted all over our region. And we continued to fight and resist until we dragged down all order in Nigeria – and until the military seized power. The youths of the Yoruba nation have had to fight the war of resistance against election rigging again and again, and in various forms,

Gbogun gboro since then. They fought a shockingly bloody one in Ondo State in 1983 that again paved the way for military take-over in Nigeria; and a series of technologically sophisticated ones in 2007 – 11. In short, Yoruba people just cannot, and will not, tolerate the horrendous cultural insult that election rigging represents. Today again we have persons elected at our pleasure ruling our six states. We know that this kind of situation has usually tempted those who want to rig election in our land. Those who control federal power in Nigeria refuse accept that, in political culture, the Yoruba nation is different from most of the other nationalities of Nigeria. In spite of the fact that the noise over the National Conference supersedes all other things right now in Nigeria, the South-west is not careless. If there are any persons thinking of rigging in the elections that will soon be due in the Southwest, they should be reminded that rigging elections in the Yoruba South-west is usually a bringer of bad news for Nigeria and Nigeria’s federal rulers.

‘Yoruba people just cannot, and will not, tolerate the horrendous cultural insult that election rigging represents’

Why Bio may not be Kwara Governor By Yakubu Bio Boro giant posters of political prostitutes noisily living their lives. From strange political bedfellows allying for everything but the interests of the masses, to charlatans displaying their shame mindlessly on the pages of the newspapers as well as on television and radio programmes. Only recently, former Minister of Transport and former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Honourable Ibrahim Isah Bio, swelled the ranks of charlatans and political prostitutes dusting off their files to jostle for attention. In a widely syndicated interview, I could only but belch hard; going back many times to be sure that I read the lines properly. Like a broken tongue needing severe and firm stitching, the interview suitably qualifies as a gush of greed, unbridled ambition and sugarcoated lies by someone obviously suffering from a failed ambition. For a young man, who rose from obscurity to becoming a favourite of Kwara political equity, threw up by the same leadership he now seeks to demonise, one would have expected a song of thanksgiving, first to God and second, to those who yielded themselves as human instruments to making him who he is today. For those who do not know him, Bio’s political fortune changed after he was introduced to Elder Saraki by a member of the Saraki family in the House of Representatives. I still vividly recall Bio’s turbulent days as Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly. Perhaps, leveraging and riding on the wave of support he enjoyed from former governor Bukola Saraki, who returned him as Speaker after his first term in office ended, Bio evidently turned the heat against his colleagues to the shock of many. Gradually, but steadily, the monster began to manifest in a young man in whose paths, it could be said, the cards fell in pleasant places with danger signs of arrogance and high-handedness following. Yet Saraki curiously protected him through-

out his tenure. It is still so fresh in the minds of political observers of Kwara politics, the humiliation his colleagues who dared and wanted him removed as Speaker suffered in his hands. For, literarily speaking, the Sarakis gave Bio their shoulders to lean and carry on. It was a show of love that has defied all reasonable logics and yet unmatched till today. This explains why one can only but be amazed that Bio, who, whether in this life or in the next, should be grateful to the Sarakis, should speak ill of Dr Bukola Saraki, in the name of playing politics. It is on this backdrop that one finds Bio’s comments quite disappointing, yet this is all in tandem with the way of political prostitutes - gross treachery and ingratitude. But whatever Bio wants, conscience and decency demand that no attempt is made to further deface and malign the truth just to score a cheap political point and possibly curry favour from those in whose hands his new fond illusionary ambition of becoming governor of Kwara State lie. Again, a little background will help here. Bio had a shot at the governorship of Kwara State in 2011 but failed for the same reason that had worked in his favour in the time past. Saraki had explained to him that Kwara Central had had 12 years uninterrupted reign in the Kwara government house, succeeding Kwara North. Kwara South was barely three months at the government during the tenure of Cornelius A. Adebayo. Saraki, it was said, made it clear to Bio that it was the turn of Kwara South to produce the governor in the spirit of equity. So, would Bio want everyone to become enemies of the Sarakis simply because for once, he failed to get what he wanted? Like he did about the Sarakis, he made an annoying allusion to how in his illusionary world, the Baraje-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) would not survive. Like all modern day political prostitutes, he also forgot that if, a governor like Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, is such a huge challenge for the party, it would be a willful sui-

cide attempt to dismiss a pack of seven serving governors with a wave of the hand. Indeed, Bio must be living in a dream world. Come to think of it, Nigerians know what members of the Baraje-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) want. More than what Bio would want people to believe after going through his interview, the Baraje group like most Nigerians, are opposed to the seemingly enshrined impunity going on in a party that prides itself as Africa’s largest political party. Only a few days ago, the PDP leadership seemingly condemned to rascality, poohpoohed an Appeal Court ruling, which returned Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former Osun State governor, as the authentic National Secretary of the party, further damaging its already battered image. And, to Bio, this backhand leadership style, which clearly demonstrates crave for the absurd and which the Baraje group seeks to correct, should be tolerated so he can fan and fuel his self-serving political ambition. Nigerians are watching and no matter how badly Bio and his co-travellers in ignominy want the truth twisted, it will surely prevail over falsehood. There is no gain repeating the fact that Tukur is supervising what could best be described as a final interment of internal democracy in the PDP by brooking no opposition and hunting down real and imagined enemies. Ridiculously, Bio in his interview, laboriously attempted to deface what is common knowledge that the PDP thrives in rascality and has deliberately tried to squash contrary views tending to put it to scrutiny.Whether this is traceable to sycophancy is anybody’s guess, but it is clear that when a man gets what he craves for by living a false life, it will only be a matter of time for his real person to manifest. This is why like many Baruten youths, one wonders how someone with such a warped understanding of things or who circumvents the truth would be entrusted with the destiny of the peace-loving Kwarans. •Boro writes from Gurei, Baruten LGA, Kwara State.

INDUSTRY

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

THE NATION

industry@thenationaonlineng.net

LCCI: cut corporate taxes H for firms

OW is the economy doing? It is faring well, says the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI). LCCI Chairman Goodie Ibru told The Nation that the macroeconomic fundamentals of the economy are promising. He said the second quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) dropped from 6.56 per cent in the first quarter to 6.18 per cent, like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), noting that this is the fifth consecutive quarter of the GDP growth below seven per cent. The 6.18 per cent falls below the 6.55 per cent growth forecast by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for the quarter. The decline, Ibru said, followed a decline in oil production to 1.88 million barrels daily (mbpd) below the budget benchmark of 2.54 mbpd. He hailed the agricultural sector for lifting 4.52 per cent growth mark, surpassing the 4.14 per cent of the first quarter. He said: “It was the highest growth performance of the sector in the last seven quarters suggesting a positive impact of the on-going

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

agriculturaltransformation programme of the government.” To avoid the “total” collapse of the manufacturing sector, he said, some immediate policy responses were imperative. Ibru recommended that corporate taxes be reduced from the current 30 per cent to 15 per cent for manufacturers. He also demanded the scrapping of import duty on raw materials, machinery and other vital input for manufacturing; Value Added Tax on raw materials and machinery, generous tax allowances on infrastructure related expenditures and strong anti-dumping measures to protect local industry. These measures, he said, were essential for the manufacturers to remain in business under the proposed Common Economic Tariff (CET) regime. Ibru said LCCI was concerned about the dollarisation of the naira and the need to redress it. According to him, the naira suf-

fered significant depreciation in the parallel market on the back of the new policy as the dollar sold for between N166 and N168. The parallel market premium also widened considerably. These conditions have potentially distortionary effects on the economy with consequences. He said the CET recently approved by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of State would advance the economic integration of the West African subregion. It is a move intended to improve the collective well-being of the citizens of the sub-region and promote the development of the various economies, he said, adding that the highlights of the policy regime include scrapping of import prohibition list, export prohibition list, abrogation of import duty waivers and the loss of sovereign authority on tariff policy. The downside of the policy, he said, was huge, noting that the implications for the economy, particularly the manufacturing sector will be profound.

Odumodu seeks harmonisation of standards in Africa

HE National Standards Bu reau (NSBs) in Africa have been urged to tackle the problems of industrialisation through the use of standards. President, African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), Dr. Joseph Odumodu made the call at the 49th Council Meeting of the group in Kenya, Nairobi. He also urged standardisation bodies to embark on programmes that would promote trade and team spirit in the fight against the influx of substandard products in the continent. Odumodu, who is also the Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), urged the Council to realise that the task ahead was difficult and would require bold steps if they were to contribute to the attainment of the Continental Free Trade Area(CFTA). Odumodu, however, regretted that reports, including the African Economic Review, shows that Africa has failed to benefit from trade liberalisation like Asia and some countries in Latin America, noting

Firm praised for its products

•From left: Dr. Odumodu and Mr. Kimola at the Nairobi event.

Used cars not banned under auto policy, says govt T HE Federal Government is committed to the implemen tation of the new automotive policy, according to the National Automative Council (NAC). Speaking when he led members of the board on a tour of the National Trucks Manufacturers (NTM) Limited, in Kano, he said the administration was ready to revitalise the auto industry, adding: “That is why it put in place the policy.” Through the policy the government intends to reduce the high vehicle importation bill, which stood at $3.4 billion (N550 billion) in 2012, “a transformed automotive industry will realise its potential as a major driver of economic growth, job creation, local value addition and technology acquisition,” he said.

By Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie

Saleh said importation of used cars was not banned under the policy, explaining that the government only directed that all vehicles purchased by its agencies should be from the local assembly plants unless they are specialised in nature. In that case, Saleh said the NAC must certify that such vehicles were not produced in the country. He said under the policy three automotive clusters would be established in the country; the metal and steel sector is be revived and the tyre manufacturing

industry would support it. NTM Managing Director, Mr Ibrahim Bayero, said the policy should be implemented for the sector growth. Bayero, represented by the Company Secretary, Dr Samuel Itabiyi, urged the government to mandate the government to patronise local assembly plants. He said the government should guide against policy failure, which is a major factor militating against the auto industry. Bayero appealed that loans would be given to manufacturers at single digit rates, adding that the age limit of imported second hand vehicles should be reviewed.

that African economies trail others in competitiveness. The ARSO chief said some African countries face stiff competition in international markets because they do not have the bargaining powers at international bodies, such as the World Trade Organisation and negotiating economic partnership agreements, noting that there is the need for African countries to standardise their product. The Kenyan Secretary, Ministry of Industrialisation and Enterprise Development, Mr Erastus Kimola, frowned at some African countries where standardisation and quality infrastructure are still not a priority. He enjoined the group to work for Africa to become an investment destination. Kimola emphasised that local industries should be encouraged to harness available raw materials, enjoining African countries to plan for youths. He asked the group not to relent in facilitating intra-Africa and global trade in Africa. He pledged the assistance of Kenyans for ARSO.

HE management of Leo Smart Group of Compa nies, makers of the popular Leo Smart ball pens, has been praised for its commitment to producing quality goods. The Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Olayinka Oladunjoye, gave the commendation at the launch of the Leo Achievers ball pen, a new product, at the company’s headquarters in Isolo, Lagos. Represented by Mr O. A. Laniyonu, the commissioner noted that children who are the future leaders would have a secure future if there is genuine devotion to giving them quality materials that would help in securing their future. Praising the company for its numerous products which help the young generation, she stated that the introduction of the new product underscores the importance it attaches to the development of future leaders and by extension, contributing its own quota to the country’s development. She further commended Leo Smart Industries for its contributions towards creation of employment opportunities for Nigerians. The Managing Director of the company Rohit Daswani said the

By Chinaka Okoro

firm is committed to the enhancement of the country’s education system, adding: “What we are doing is giving back to the society from which we have drawn great inspiration on what we do. Our corporate social responsibility is greatly tilted towards education; which we believe is important to overall development. The firm’s Products Promotional Manager, Mr Afolabi Fadairo, noted that the production of Leo Smart ball pens started in 2006 with the aim of supporting governments in the delivery of quality education to youths. The introduction and launch of Leo Achievers ball pen is another milestone in the company’s efforts to provide quality tool for Nigerian youths for a better future. He pledged the company’s commitment to manufacturing excellent products that stand the test of time and which will give consumers value for their money. He stated that the management of Leoplast has been supporting all initiatives of government through cash donations and provision of other materials. This, he said, is part of the company’s commitments to its corporate social responsibilities.

Group seeks investors for mineral deposit

GROUP, I b i o n o I b o m Youths for Democrac and Development in Akwa Ibom, has called on investors to exploit the community’s large mineral deposits for the growth of the area. The National President of the association, Mr Moses Essien, made the call at a briefing in Uyo during the association’s summit. He said: “There are limestone, gravel, clay and other deposits in Use Ikot Amama that can be used for the production of tiles, cups/plates, selectrical and hospital equipment. “We call on investors to har-

ness these raw materials to create jobs for the teeming youths.’’ He contended that most imported items had enough raw materials that could be used to produce them locally and save the nation some foreign exchange. He said investor’s security had been guaranteed with the recent passage of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and the Akwa Ibom Investment Holding Corporation Bills into law in the state. Essien said the group empowered 10 youths from Ibiono Ibom through apprenticeship in the last one year.

PAGE 23

THE NATION

EDUCATION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Hopes were high last week that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) was going to call off its over four months strike. But, the unexpected happened, throwing a spanner in the works. Former ASUU president Prof Festus Iyayi was killed in an accident involving a vehicle in Kogi State Governor Idris Wada’s convoy. Iyayi was on his way to Kano for the meeting where the strike was expected to be suspended. His death led to the suspension of the talk. But students are worried that they have stayed at home for too long.

• Deserted University of Calabar campus.

Should ASUU F suspend strike? Yes, say students

OR many students, there is nothing they will love more than for the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off its four-monthold strike. The students are tired of staying at home since the strike started on July 1. They were looking forward to returning to school last week following speculation that ASUU may call off the strike after its planned National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Kano. But the unexpected death of former ASUU president Prof Festus Iyayi in a crash involving Kogi State Governor Idris Wada’s convoy on his way to the meeting put paid to their expectations. With Iyayi’s death, the meeting did not hold as planned. It was postponed indefinitely. ASUU has been mourning since then. Talks of reconvening the

INSIDE

Anambra Corps member wins state award -Page 37

Old boys seek to take over alma mater

THE Keffi Old Boys Association has expressed disappointment with the management of the Government College, Keffi and has asked the Nasarawa State government to hand over the school to them in order to restore her past glory. -Page 39

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, Adegunle Olugbamila, Medinat Kanabe, Sampson Unamka and Jane Chijioke

meeting have been relegated. On Monday, Chairman ASUU chapter of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Chapter Dr Karo Ogbinaka, said NEC should be given time to “put itself together before it starts considering reconvening the postponed meeting”. Students do not agree with him. Despite acknowledging Iyayi’s role in the ASUU struggle, they are demanding that the strike be suspended now. Sola Olaoye is a final year Biochemistry student of the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), AgoIwoye in Ogun State. He has been selling fairly used belts in Ladipo Spare Parts Market in Mushin, Lagos, since the strike began. Though he has no regret doing

CAMPUS LIFE Tension as IBB varsity resumes

this, he was very enthusiastic last week when it appeared the strike would end. “When I heard that ASUU and the Federal Government met again two weeks ago and the various chapters of the union were deliberating, over their resolution last week, I began to dream of going back to school. I started informing those who owe me in the market to pay as I would need cash to buy some things in readiness for school. But I was disturbed when I later learned that ASUU lost one of their members in a road accident last Tuesday and, therefore, the NEC meeting was put on hold. “Now, what happened to ASUU has dampened students’ hope again. The question we should be asking the government is:t how do they intend to make us qualitied graduates if we spend half of a year • Continued on Page 26

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

-Page 29

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

EDUCATION

VCs deliberate on varsities’ success

HE Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) has urged Federal and state governments to stop appointing Governing Council chairmen on the ground of political relationship. They advocate that the position should be given to those who have integrity and working experience at the university level. The university administrators made the submissions at the 28th AVCNU yearly conference held at the Federal University Technology, Akure (FUTA) last week. They noted that doing so would help Nigerian universities to achieve their targets of being rated among the best in the world. At the meeting, which had as theme: The Nigerian university system and the challenges and prospects of globalisation, they also deliberated on many other issues, including the appointment of governing council chairmen, union issues, and funding. AVCNU, which comprises ViceChancellors of both private and public universities, also seeks more funding of higher institutions, urging the government to also extend financial assistance to private universities. • Continued from Page 25

on strike? With the postponement, Jane Eruwho, a final year Law student of the Lagos State University (LASU), believes that ASUU and the government disappointed students. She said: “It is not that Nigerians don’t feel for ASUU for losing one of their members; but if we compare this to the future of countless Nigerians youths that are wasting away now due to strike, I do not think it would be fair on ASUU to continue to hold Nigerian students to ransom because of what happened to them. “On Saturday, there were rumours that ASUU was holding a meeting. My friends started calling me as I was also making frantic calls to others, too, on the outcome of the meeting. But, by evening, it dawned on us that it was a mere rumour and many of us were disappointed." Leke Oni, a 400-Level, Agricultural Engineering student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has spent eight months undergoing an internship that should have lasted six months because of the strike. However, he is grateful that he can resume at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akpata, Ibadan, everyday for his internship rather than staying at home idle like many of his less fortunate school mates. He urged ASUU to call off the strike in honour of Iyayi. "I will say they should call off the strike. Like I heard the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin say, they should call off the strike to honour Iyayi," he said. Even if the strike is called off, Leke said the year is gone and he would likely not resume school until next year. He said: "I have spent eight months at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akpata. And probably I will still be there December, January because of the strike. We cannot resume until January. When it is called off, the first week will be for resumption; the second week for revision to wrap up the first semester; then the next two weeks would be for the exams. I just feel back about. Everybody should just do something important during this time so they can add value to their lives. I am doing IT; I am still gaining where I am doing IT. If wasn't doing IT, it would have been a waste of time. I have friends who are not doing anything; they are

From Leke Akeredolu, Akure

They noted that inadequacy of funding by university proprietors is a major cause of declining education quality. The Vice-Chancellors warned that proliferation of universities without increased funding will pose challenges to the new public universities. The communiqué reads: "Teaching/learning and research take place in resource-poor contexts therefore making it near impossible for Nigerian universities to measure up in an increasingly competitive global knowledge economy. The availability of infrastructure such as energy and telecommunication is a critical need in Nigerian universities." The Vice Chancellors also called for the introduction of students' loans and scholarships as well as endowments to increase funding sources outside government and private proprietors. "Funding from the private sector is inadequate because Nigerians do not know how to give to worthy causes. Philanthropy should be encouraged in order to have more advancement in the university system

• From left: Mrs Mulikat Alao, Special Adviser, Higher Education, Osun State, Prof Muhammad, Governor Segun Mimiko of Ondo State, Prof Sola Akinrinade, representing the Executive Secretary, NUC, and Prof Modupe Adelabu, Deputy Governor, Ekiti State at the opening of the conference.

while differentiating between genuine advancement and 'Cash and Carry Advancement' that compromises our integrity." They also underscored the importance of STEM education at all levels of education system to make room for the development of intellectual capability, creativity and innovation and recommended the need "seek innovative and workable solutions to instability in the university occasioned by

student and staff union issues." "There is a need to put Unionism in the right perspective to be responsive and responsible to nation building as it used to be," they said. The Vice-Chancellors commiserated with the family of the deceased and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in a communiqué issued after. The communiqué issued and signed by the AVCNU Chairman,

Prof. M. H. Muhammad reads: "Lastly, the AVCNU received the sad news of the passing on of Prof Festus Iyayi of the University of Benin, and a past President of ASUU in a ghastly motor accident on the Lokoja-Abuja road with shock and devastation. The conference mourned his loss and prayed for his family, ASUU and University of Benin and indeed the entire NUS to be strengthened with fortitude to bear the irreparable loss."

Students seek end to ASUU strike just sleeping, waking up and was sapping (social media)." Chika Nnado, a recent Guidance and Counselling Education graduate of UNILAG, is out of the school system, but is bemoaning her younger sister's fate. She too believes calling off the strike immediately would be an honour to Iyayi. “I felt happy for my sister and other students when I heard that the strike would be called off but when I heard it was postponed again to next year I felt awkward. Festus Iyayi's death is not enough for the postponement. At least a week is enough for them to mourn him and continue with the meeting. Wherever he is, he will not be happy with the event. They should rethink and do something about it. However, another undergraduate, Godwin Joseph, thinks the postponement of the ASUU NEC is in order following Iyayi's death. He even recommends that rather than rush students on resumption, the duration of the strike should be considered as lost. “Postponement is a normal thing to have been done. Festus Iyayi was member of the union and it is a courtesy for them to mourn him first before any other thing. I would even prefer them to call of the strike next year, and take the curricular gradually rather than trying to catch up with the calendar. If they really want to follow the calendar, then the issue of strike should not have come up. If at the end of the day the graduates come out bad, ASUU, lecturers, parents and even the society at large will put the blame on us. What ever they are doing they should consider this fact. It is not about how fast but how well,” he said. Speaking similarly, David Iyoriobhe, a Business Administra-

tion student added: "I don't know what to say. The NEC meeting was cancelled because of the shock they got. I extend my condolence to them. I feel indifferent whether I should be happy or not about their move to call it off. Let us just wait and see how many weeks or month they will use to condole the family of the bereaved." It is not only students that are concerned about the ASUU strike. Others in the line for admission are worried about what the future holds for them if strikes like this are frequent. Ayo Olatunji was happy when she finally secured admission to study Mathematics at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, after eight attempts. But nearly three months since her name came out she is still at home, thanks to the strike. She is now apprehensive about the future. “I felt a great joy the very day I saw my name on the list. But now my interest has waned. I am now beginning to imagine that we have to spend almost six months ahead of our matriculation, how many months or years of strike are still ahead by the time we are fully into the system?” Olatunji asked. The strike has made some students transfer from public to private universities. Mayowa Olakande was studying Mass Communication at UNILAG until November 1 when he transferred to Caleb University, a private university located in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos, because it seemed like the strike would never end. He said since his transfer, many others have joined Caleb from public universities resulting in the sixman hostel room he stays now cramped with nine occupants. He described the postponement of the NEC meeting as selfish. He said: “Everyone knows that if you choose to study in a state or fed-

eral university your four years course automatically becomes six years. I know now that I have two years to spend at Caleb even though I cannot compare the federal university experience with a private school experience. When I heard that the meeting would hold last week, I was sad that I transferred (from UNILAG) but when I heard that it had been postponed, I became glad. "Why would his (Iyayi) death make them postpone it? Why should they hold us back? It is just selfish. Many students are transferring to private universities." Many SS3 pupils are becoming concerned about the protracted strike and how it may affect their entry into the university next year. They are also worried about recurrent ASUU strikes and how it disrupts the academic calendars of public universities, making the private universities an increasingly attractive option for them. This is the case for Jessica Richards an SS3 pupil of Ansar-Ud-Deen High School, Surulere. She said: “After my secondary school education I will like to attend a private university because of this ASUU strike. I don't want it to hold me down; the strike is keeping my elders ones at home and I don't want the same thing to happen to me, so I will love to attend a private university whereby they don't go on strike.” When asked by our reporter if her parents can afford the fees of a private university, she said: “we are looking forward to it.” Esther John, an SS3 pupil of Eva Adelaja Girls' Secondary School, Bariga, is concerned that if the strike continues, it may affect her set's admission into the university next year. The environmental prefect said her elder sister just got admission into the university cannot wait

‘Everyone knows that if you choose to study in a state or federal university your four-year course automatically becomes six years. I know now that I have two years to spend at Caleb even though I cannot compare the federal university experience with a private school experience. When I heard that the meeting would hold last week, I was sad that I transferred (from UNILAG) but when I heard that it had been postponed, I became glad’

to start classes, but has been sore disappointed by the strike. “When she heard that the strike would be called off, she started to pack her bags, preparing for school but when she heard again that it was being postponed, she became sad and even cried. She is becoming frustrated and thinks a lot now,” Esther said. On the postponement because of Iyayi's death, she said one week is enough. “They should consider everyone. Put your children in their shoes, how will you feel? If not that I am from an average income home, I will not consider attending a federal or state university but a private one where I am sure that four years is four years," she said. Samuel Oyegun, an SS3 pupil of SMA College, Isolo, has been dreaming of attending UNILAG. But ASUU strike is modifying that dream. He said: "I wanted to attend UNILAG when I graduate from the secondary school but the ASUU strike is scaring me. Now if I don't attend a private university, I will go abroad. I don’t believe that the strike should be elongated because of the death of Festus Iyayi. I am not saying that we should not respect the dead but the dead is gone, life has to go on so they would have carried out the meeting anyway.“ Itunuoluwa Odutayo is going to apply to study at the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) when she applies for the 2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) because the institution does not strike. “I want to attend UNIILORIN because they don’t participate in the strike activities. I want to study Petrochemical Engineering and the best place to study that course is UNIPORT but because of the continuous strikes in Nigeria, I have to attend UNIILORIN and if UNIILORIN does not offer the course, I will go for another course. The strike is not helping the country at all. What this country needs is to develop its economy,” she said. She added that her cousin who was awaiting admission, has now gone to London to further his education "because his father got angry when the strike started. This was how he sent four of his children to London to study. They all went during strikes”.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Budget officers laud progress A SIX-MAN inspection team from the Budget Department of the Federal Ministry of Finance, and Federal Ministry of Education has praised the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Wukari (FUWUKARI), Prof. Geoffrey Okogbaa for maintaining high standard in job delivery. They spoke when they visited the university to assess ongoing and completed capital projects. The team, led by Mallam Suleman Ibrahim on arrival was received by the institution's Director of Works and Maintenance, Ograbe Ahiakwo who also conducted them round the campus. Projects inspected included: perimeter fence (phase 1), lecture hall, toilets in the female hostel, office furniture, multipurpose and administrative buildings. At a meeting that held afterwards, Mallam Ibrahim expressed satisfaction with the quality of work and encouraged the ViceChancellor to maintain the standard. "We are very satisfied with what we have seen, and we encourage you to maintain the standard," he said.

VC warns bidders THE FUWUKARI Vice-Chancellor, Prof Okogbaa has warned contractors that the institution will not tolerate shoddy implementation of projects. "We will not compromise on standard," Okogbaa said at the prequalification assessment and appraisal for contracting bidders held recently at the university's Multipurpose Hall. The event witnessed a large turnout of representatives of bidding firms, Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) and principal officers of the university. The contractors are bidding for the supply, installation and maintenance of of firefighting equipment (LOT1A), environmental and maintenance equipment (LOT1B), library books and equipment (LOTC), rehabilitation and construction of staff quarters (LOT1), construction of permanent fence phase II(LOT2) and construction of the gate (LOT3). Others includes; construction of entrepreneurship center (LOT4) construction of roads, car park and landscaping (LOT5), construction of students hostels (LOT6), construction of sports ground and supply of the equipment (LOT7)and construction of 500,000 liters capacity overhead water storage tank and reticulation phase 11(LOT8).

• Yoruba pupils identifying objects in their local dialect

‘Our languages must not die’

HE cultural day programme of Eyes On The Future Schools, Oko-Oba, a suburb of Lagos State left parents with many pleasant memories last Friday. They can only smile when they remember a pre-school pupil who sauntered on the stage in the Igbo traditional attire - with a walking stick almost his height. They will also remember boy, who dressed in

“T

By Wale Ajetunmobi

the traditional white Fulani dress, ran to the stage, with the sonda, a smooth stick that herdsmen use for their cattle. The theme of the programme, 'Our languages must not die', resonated in the cultural songs, dances, news casting, poetry and drama presentations by the pupils.

Dignitaries at the event commented on the importance of indigenous languages to the preservation of culture. The proprietor of the school, Mr Peter Omotoso, said the cultural event was put together to encourage the use of local languages to instruct children, so that they will not lose connection with their roots. Senator Gbenga Ashafa, who rep-

resents Lagos East Senatorial District in the Senate, said parents and teachers should embrace the task of preserving the local culture and languages. He added that people lose their culture when they perceive their language as inferior to others. The lawmaker said his bill on promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, which had passed through the second reading in the senate, would revive forgotten cultural practices. He said: ”Today’s gathering is thus one of the many ways to remind ourselves the needs to secure our mother languages from extinction and to serve as another wake-up call for other schools and public places that are yet to do same. This is the only way to ensure that "our indigenous languages do not die." Eze of Igbo in Lagos, Eze Hyacinth Ohazulike, speaking through Chief Herny Okoye, lamented that speakers of the Igbo language are decreasing. "Yoruba and Hausa have never taken their languages to be inferior to any other; but it is common among Igbo to see children speaking English without learning the local language. Many of our children do not know the name for table salt in Igbo dialect, but they are fluent in English," he said, urging parents to allow their wards visit their villages to learn culture from the source. Alhaji Ali Zango, Seriki Hausa of Agege, said the different tongues should not divide the people, stressing that the unity of Nigeria should be strengthened by the diversity of cultures of the citizens.

CIPM debates STEM's role in HR managment

HE role of science and technology in human resource management'' was the focus of the Educational Sector Human Resource Forum organised by the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM), Ekiti State Chapter. The event hosted by the Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), featured a lecture by Prof Biyi Daramola, who underscored the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to the issues of efficiency and productivity in every sector, including education. He explained how the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) has affected the way institutions manage human resources. "This is true because part of the productivity and performance enhancing strategy is the use of computers, smart phones in the management of human resources. Also key is the use of computer-based test

(CBT) for screening of numerous applicants through aptitude tests. There is also e-administration through which memos can be circulated using Microsoft outlook," he said. To this end, Daramola recommended that STEM education should be encouraged so more youths go into the sciences, which can enhance efficiency of other sectors. "All these are to ensure that we build the capacity needed to support our communities and make it in the comity of nations. Therefore the present efforts being made at encouraging the study of the sciences

should be intensified for our economy to get to the level of developed economies," he said. In his address, the President/ Chairman of Governing Council, CIPM Nigeria, Mr Victor Famuyibo said their second HR forum for the year focused on education because it is the sector that prepares human capital for the nation's economy. "Education is the greatest force that can be used to bring about change. It is also the greatest investment that a nation can make for the quick development of its economic political, sociological and human resources," he said. Famuyibo added that the education forum was hosted in Ekiti because of

what education represents to the Ekiti people. "Education and human capital development is the first and most enduring attribute of the Ekiti people. Indeed, education is one of the most important industries of the people of Ekiti State; hence the people are in the fore front of educational development," he said. Dignitaries at the event included the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Prof Modupe Adelabu, represented by Kehinde Ojo, the Commisioner for Education. Aare Afe Babalola, ABUAD Founder/Proprietor who chaired the occasion.

• Mr and Mrs Clement Iloba with their son, Michael, during his graduation from Bowen University, Iwo, with a B.Sc in Economics

Islamic pupils celebrate Hijrah

OR the purpose of educating Muslim pupils on the Islamic calendar, some pupils attending Islamic schools in Lagos converged on Tims Garden Oko-Oba to celebrate the yearly Hijrah (Islamic New Year). They were treated to lots of food and drinks as well as various games and sporting exercises. Besides, the occasion offered a platform for the children and their teachers to make good wishes before Prophet Allah (SAW) as the Islamic year began. The Chief Executive Officer Mazeedah Events & Media Concept, Mr Jefferey Zakariyah Balogun who organised the event told The Nation the purpose behind the celebration. He said: “For Muslims, the Hijrah is not about date; it is historical because it was the day Prophet Muhammad (SAW) crossed from Mecca to Medina. So aside the conventional New Year which is January 1, we also want our Muslim children to be aware that there is another Islamic New year. "Despite that Islamic schools keep increasing nationwide, the Federal Government has not deemed it fit to declare it a public holiday; so this is our own little effort at drawing gov-

By Adegunle Olugbamila

ernments' attention. On our part, we felt that rather than allow the children stay back in schools, let them come here where they can catch their fun." The major challenges, according to him, were financial constraints coupled with how to convince school managements to release their children for such occasion considering the insecurity in Nigeria. A teacher in Tawakkul Montessori School Akute Mrs Bich Onalapo who led the school pupils to the event, said the children always looked forward to it. “We were here last year though the event was held in Alausa. The children really enjoyed themselves and have since been asking when another one would come up. So they are quite happy to be together again. Proprietor Razaq International School, another participating school Mrs Mubarak Risikat, also shared her experience. “You know today (Tuesday) is a normal school day, so people who saw the children were just wondering where they were going. I remember a stranger walked up to me as asked “Is today a public holiday Madam?”

College celebrates accreditation

HE Apa College of Education, Aidogodo-Okpoga has received full accreditation for all its programmes from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). President and Proprietor of the institution, Ambassador Ralph Otobo Odoh who received the team on behalf of the Governing Council, management and workers, expressed gratitude to the Executive Secretary of NCCE for the exercise which he considered very crucial to the growth

From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

and sustenance of the college. He reiterated his commitment to pursuing the goals that led to the establishment of the institution which includes contributing to the development of education, especially teacher education in Benue State and Nigeria in general. He thanked the Benue State Government under Gabriel Suswan and the Senate President, David Mark for their support over time which has

resulted in the rapid growth of the college. The college, which was established in 2010, graduated its first set NCE students in August. The NCCE Accreditation Team was impressed by the modern infrastructure in the college, especially the language and science laboratory. They urged the proprietor to sustain the tempo of growth and to strive to provide more needed requirements for effective teaching and learning.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

EDUCATION AAUA FILE

VC salutes varsity at 14 THE Vice Chancellor, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA), Prof. Femi Mimiko, has congratulated the university community on the 14th Founder's Day of the institution. He urged students, academic and non-academic staff to put the university first always in its 15th year. Mimiko said the university has survived and is pressing forward despite all odds. "AAUA at 14, has come of age. I am saying this with all sense of responsibility. That is not to say we have surmounted all our challenges. But at least, AAUA has become a reality. We are just happy that what looked like a very hazy vision that was not clearly spelt out 14 years ago, is clearer now and we are on track,” he said.

TETFund hails progress A MEMBER of Board of the Trustees (BOT) of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Dr Hannah Kolawole, has lauded the AAUA Management for the massive infrastructural development of the institution. Mrs Kolawole, who is the representative of the Southwest on the TETFund Board, gave the commendation on Tuesday last week when she led a team to the university. She said: “This is my second time of coming to this university. I was here about five years ago, and today, I have seen a lot of changes. The Acting Director of Physical Planning and Development, Architect Emmanuel Orimoloye, already took me round about six TETFund projects and I am highly glad about the construction. From what I have seen, the university has already done a lot to improve the layout of the university community. I say more power to your elbow.”

• Ikpobe and Ms Aso (middle) Principal, The African Church Model College, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mr. Ogunkola Olanrewaju (second right) with teachers and pupils of the African Church Model College ... on Monday.

UPILS of the African Church Model College and Sonmori Comprehensive High School, both in Ifako-Ijaiye who did not read regularly before had a change of heart on Monday when they learnt the benefits of inculcating the habit during an event organised by the UBA Foundation. They were gingered to read when some of their peers who interacted with the Managing Director of the Foundation, Ijeoma Aso, during the event tagged, "Read Africa", demonstrated superior intellect and acumen as a result of reading. Pupils of both schools were called out to mention the names of nonschool books they had read, and it turned out that one book, Excuse Me, a book by Victor Ehikhamenor, had passed through the hands of three SS3 girls of the African Church Model College. The book is a satire on the socio-political challenges of Nigeria. The two boys that turned up from Sonmori said they had read 360 De-

Smart people read, pupils told •’Read Africa’ berths at Ifako-Ijaiye By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

grees Leadership and The Way Out by Steve Jobs. Ms Aso said she was highly impressed by the pupils, noting that their responses was the best from all the schools they had visited under the initiative which seeks rekindle the reading culture of African youths. She counselled the pupils to aim to read one book a month to help them develop their minds and broaden their knowledge base. "You should keep this up. The only way you can expand your horizon is to read. How many of you have been to China? You can go to China by reading. It helps to develop your imagination. Reading is very necessary. It is the only thing that can set

you apart from others," she said. When he took the floor, Deputy Managing Director, Domestic Bank, UBA, Mr. Apollos Ikpobe raised the bar of the reading challenge for the pupils, urging them to read one book every week. Underscoring the importance of reading, he praised the pupils that came out, remarking that he had to buy 2,500 of 360 Degrees Leadership for workers of a bank he once worked for. "If at this age someone has read 360 Degrees Leadership, a book that graduates were told to read, then he is going places," he said. He also challenged them to aim for success despite their backgrounds, motivating them with his own grass to grace story.

"I was born in Ajegunle; when I was five, we moved to Oshodi. I went to Mushin Town Council Primary School and Ikeja Grammar School, Oshodi. You can make a difference anywhere you are. It starts from your mind. The world is wide enough for you to have your vision and fulfil it. I was determined to be one of the best. Where I was coming from did not matter," he said. Afterwards, the Ikobe read a portion from Chinua Achebe's book, Things Fall apart, which was distributed to all the pupils in attendance. The 'Read Africa' initiative, which is in its third year, is an annual programme of the UBA Foundation and it involves donating literature books to secondary schools across the continent. It is anchored by senior executives of the bank and UBAF who also take out time to mentor the students.

Lagos SUBEB trains librarians

• From left: Prof Adelabu discussing with Chief Lawrence Akintola and Prof Jide Osuntokun at the event.

N a bid to encourage primary school pupils in Lagos State to use their school library more often while being monitored, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has held a three-day workshop on capacity building for 30 of its librarians themed: "Effective utilisation of school libraries in public primary schools in Lagos state." Twenty Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) officials and 10 teachers from selected schools were trained during the workshop which held at the SUBEB Hall, Maryland. Speaking at the event, Director, Library Services, SUBEB, Mrs Oluyemisi Oguntimehin urged the librarians to take care of the libraries in their schools and encourage pupils to visit regularly. "We want our children's reading habit to rise. We are training the librarians to be able to handle the chil-

Agitations for return of schools heightens

GITATIONS for the return of schools to their original owners heightened on Saturday at Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, where hundreds of old students of the famous school assembled for their yearly meeting. The old students argued that such measure remained one of the best ways to enhance the standard of education and save the schools from infrastructural decay. Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu joined the agitators in her remark at the Annual General Meeting and Gala Night of the National Old Student Association (NOSA) of the school. She urged every old student to ei-

•Ekiti deputy governor to adopt an orphan ther adopt a classroom, or an indigent pupil as a way of giving back to the school that contributed so much to their attainments. The deputy governor announced her readiness to adopt a child, who she said must either be a full orphan, or half orphan from the Junior Secondary School (JSS) to tertiary level. Mrs. Adelabu asked the school's management to furnish her with the particulars of such pupil to guide her on the next line of action. Adelabu, who is a professor of Education Administration and Management, said returning such schools to their owners will ensure

genuine interest and the full participation of all stakeholders, including the alumni, in the supervision and infrastructural development of the schools. She called on old students of schools across the country not to abandon their Alma matter which had contributed to their attainments in life but to come together and do whatever they could to address the challenges confronting the schools to sustain academic excellence as in the days of old. The deputy governor who also told the audience that the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi

has renovated all schools in Ekiti and built more classrooms to address infrastructural challenges said the government is also collaborating with all stakeholders and will not hesitate to return schools to willing original owners. She said religious bodies who founded the schools have reasons which they would not want it to die but the government may not be able to properly understand this. The guest speaker, Prof Jide Osuntokun, counselled Yoruba leaders not to shun the proposed National Conference, arguing that the conference would offer a platform for them to chart a way forward for the Nigeria of their dream.

By Medinat Kanabe

dren and teach them how to handle the books. We want them to understand that children need extra supervision when using the libraries. That is why we are not just putting any teacher in the libraries but the trained ones," she said. Chairperson, SUBEB, Mrs Gbolahan Daodu while welcoming the librarians said libraries are very important. "It is a reservoir of knowledge where learners and researchers go to get knowledge hence it is compulsory to build libraries in all our schools and make sure they are well utilised." Mrs Daodu, who was represented by the Director, quality assurance, SUBEB, Mrs A.A. Amosu, said it is necessary to undergo the training to equip the officers with the necessary knowledge and skill that will help them carryout their job with professionalism. "They must undergo the training to be in tune with new development in library like the e-library, information literacy and electronic resources," she said. The Director, Lagos State Library Board, Mr TajudeenLawal said it is essential that there are libraries in all Lagos primary schools. He said it will help the children develop their library, writing, speaking, listening and reading skills adding that it is the duty of parents and teachers to encourage the children to visit the libraries. "Children are always excited when they see such things so encourage them even if it is just a library visit," he said. He noted that skill development and use of library is very important to the teachers and students adding that it will help them to be ahead of others in examinations.

Respite for Sokoto varsity students, others

Promoting research, learning Page 31

*CAMPUSES *NEWS *PEOPLE *KUDOS& KNOCKS *GRANTS

Page 34

CAMPUS LIFE

THE NATION

0805-450-3104 email: campusbeat@yahoo.com THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

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

email:- campuslife@thenationonlineng.net

The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State and the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) have pulled out of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike, leading to their students’ resumption on Monday. But, in IBBU, lecturers are up in arms against the Vice-Chancellor (VC), Prof Ibrahim Kolo, over what they call ‘a hasty action’. YINKA OLATUNBOSUN (300-Level Chemistry, IBBU) and OLADELE OGE (400-Level Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka) report.

Tension as IBB varsity resumes •Lecturers: we’re still on strike •’Senate ordered resumption’

HE nation was full of expectations that the Academic Staff Union of Unversities (ASUU) would call off its strike last week. But the unexpected happened. A former ASUU president, Prof Festus Iyayi, was killed by the convoy of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada on his way to attend the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Kano. The NEC was expected to call off the strike, but it postponed the meeting indefinitely in the late Iyayi’s honour. Since then, some universities have unilaterally suspended the strike, signalling a crisis in ASUU. The Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai, Niger State, and the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) resumed last Monday to complete their semesters. While ASUU is mourning, IBBU and ESUT ordered students back to campus. The IBBU management said its action was informed by the outcome of its ASUU chapter’s congress, which, CAMPUSLIFE gathered, was in favour of calling off the strike. Our correspondent learnt that the Senate held an emergency meeting last Thursday to debate the congress’ outcome, after which it decided to reopen the school. But a member of IBBU chapter of ASUU, who attended the congress, said members voted that the strike be

•IBBU students going into a classroom for lecture...last Monday

called off on the premise that their decision would not override the NEC’s resolution. Another local IBBU ASUU member, who did not want his name in print, said: “The university management took the decision in line with the agreement of members that were present at the ASUU congress we held on Monday.” IBBU ASUU chairman Dr Aliyu Badeggi accused the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Kolo, of being mischie-

PHOTO: YINKA OLATUNBOSUN

‘How can IBBU pull out of the strike when the NEC has not ordered it should be called off? You should have known that the Vice Chancellor is being mischievous and playing to the gallery’ vous. He said the national executive of ASUU led by Dr Nasir Fagge had not

taken a decision on whether to shelve the strike, adding that there was no way IBBU chapter would pull out of

the action to which it is a party. He said: “How can IBBU pull out of the strike when the NEC has not ordered it should be called off? You should have known that the Vice Chancellor is being mischievous and playing to the gallery. There is no final decision on resumption because we voted to be part of the strike and we will remain a party to the action until NEC meeting decides we should resume. •Continued on page 30

•Dentistry students go on medical outreach -P32•Iwuanyanwu lays foundation for engineering school-P33

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE The convoy tragedy

UST when we thought ASUU was on the verge of discussing the latest offer from the Federal Government after a crucial meeting with President Goodluck Jonathan aimed, perhaps at ending the almost five month old strike action tragedy struck. The government had offered the union N220 billion as against the N400 billion originally outlined in the 2009 agreement. The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting to discuss the offer would have held last week in Kano, Kano State. But Festus Iyayi, a University of Benin professor of Business Administration and onetime ASUU president and frontline member of the union was killed in a road accident involving the convoy of the Kogi State Governor Captain Idris Wada. Two other leaders of the union were, according to reports, critically injured and receiving treatment at the hospital. Prof. Iyayi alongside others was on his way to attend the meeting. I asked the same question I asked when the late activist, Chuma Ubani died in an accident a few years ago: Why do those that often fight for social justice and equity in society sometimes die terrible deaths? As is often the case, how can a mere mortal like me proffer answer to a question that only God can answer? That the late Iyayi died on his way to ASUU NEC is a testimony to his life-long commitment to the struggle for a better public university education system in Nigeria. Even after his two year stint as president of ASUU, he remained a vocal critic of government antipoor education and economic policies; it was therefore little surprise that he was a prominent member of ASUU’s team negotiating with government the need to honour the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement. I never had the privilege of meeting the late erudite professor, but I met him through his numerous writings and followed his trajectory right from my days in the secondary school. I have read two of his three novels; Violence, The Contract, and Heroes, as well as some of his collection of short stories. One of them,

Pushing Out with

Agbo Agbo 08116759750 (SMS only)

•aagboa@gmail.com

Awaiting Court Martial, exposes the abject penury and disenfranchisement that constitute the social reality of the majority of Nigerians. The novel, Violence is, in some ways, an elucidation of the thoughts of Frantz Fanon in the ‘Wretched of the Earth’ in the manner that Ola Rotimi’s ‘The Gods Are Not To Blame’ explained ‘Oedipus Rex’, an Athenian tragedy by Sophocles. It is the story of a young man’s brave efforts to overcome unemployment and liberate his family from the clutches of poverty. It is also the story of his unwillingness to compromise his integrity in the face of daunting challenges in the form of sleaze and corruption characterising his society. In language that is often vitriolic and stinging, Iyayi’s protagonists potently display his contempt for the rampant corruption that strangles contemporary Nigeria. Business persons, politicians, generals, top civil servants and other officials hoard the country’s wealth and power at the expense of the working class. Through his writings, he frowns at this base depravity of the ruling class. The facts of the tragic accident make it clear that Iyayi was a direct victim of the recklessness, irresponsibility and impunity that characterise the exercise of power at every level of our government, this impunity is at an all-time high in this democratic dispensation. Most road users must have witnessed the thuggish behaviour of drivers in government convoys and many have indeed been killed or maimed by their reckless driving. Often, the ‘urgent matter of state’ for which the convoys break every traffic rule and brutalise citizens who happen to be on the road

Tension as IBB varsity resumes •Continued from page 29

So, don’t believe what the management has said; IBBU is on full strike.” The Director of Information, Alhaji Sule Shehu, dismissed the claim that the resumption directive was the VC’s decision. He said: “The students were asked to resume by the Senate, which comprises lecturers, heads of departments, deans of faculties, professors and directors of units. “All these people took the decision in majority votes and it must be pointed out that it was not the personal decision of the Vice Chancellor.” IBBU’s Director of General Studies Dr Ebenezer Ogungbe said: “Out of the 68 members of the Senate Council, four of them were absent due to one reason or the other. But at the end of the deliberation, the Senate members unanimously resolved that the school should resume for academic activities.” At ESUT, the Registrar, Dr Chris Igbokwe, in a radio broadcast, said the authorities had directed students to return for their second semester examination. He was quoted as saying: “Any student who has lukewarm attitude to the announcement would surely regret it.” It was not clear whether the ESUT’s decision was taken by its Senate. The campuses of IBBU and ESUT came alive last Monday as students returned. A few students, who resumed for ESUT examination, were seen discussing in groups; others milled around. On IBBU campuses, students, who arrived in batches, exchanged banters. There was tight security within and outside the campuses, ostensibly to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the controversial circumstances that led to the school’s resumption. Plain-cloth policemen and operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) were stationed around the campuses. CAMPUSLIFE correspondent Yinka Olatunbosun was arrested by the SSS officers as he tried to get the students’ views. He was detained for hours before the Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Dr John Jiya, and

the Students’ Union Government (SUG) officials secured his release. When CAMPUSLIFE visited Kobo Campus, students were seen going for lectures. Some lecturers gathered outside a lecture room, discussing the resumption. They declined to speak with our correspondent. Bashir Shuaibu, a 200-Level Economics student, praised the management for recalling students, pleading with ASUU to call off the strike. Christian Akor, a Guidance and Counselling student, who is the spokesman for the League of Associations’ Presidents, said students had to obey the directive of the Senate, which is the highest authority, to resume. “I will urge the management to resolve issues connected with the ASUU members properly, so that students from far places will not waste their time travelling down to school,” he said. Dr Jiya urged students to be peaceful while going for lectures. He noted that the management had the right to recall students, saying: “IBBU is the only state university that pays the same salary with the federal universities; so why should we not come back and justify our employer’s confidence?” The university has released an adjusted calendar to make up for the lost period and complete its second semester.

•Students discussing on Kobo campus

at the same time with them, is to convey their “Excellency’s” to a social function or on some personal errand. What is really the essence of leadership? Is it not service? But here, we have – like every other thing - turned the concept on its head thereby making it lose its meaning. Isn’t it high time we demand an end to official convoys that flout with delight every traffic regulation and civilized behaviour on the roads built with our taxes and commonwealth? Given the immediate circumstances of this tragic event, there have been calls in certain quarters – which I also support for the Kogi State Attorney-General to bring charges against the offending driver for manslaughter. We are talking about a precious human life here and if done it will send a clear message to the federal and state governments and to all of the public functionaries who delight in the violent, often bloody, spectacle of official convoys. I spoke to a lawyer friend and he enjoined the Iyayi family to institute a civil action, in which one of the remedies would be punitive damages. Agreed, this would not bring him back, but the sooner we start to take our sanity back by conducting ourselves in civilized manner with a high sense of decorum, the better things would be for us as a nation. More importantly, Iyayi would not have been on that road were it not for the ASUU strike. Had the Federal Government understood its duty towards our public universities, and failing that, kept its commitment to ASUU in numerous agreements, then Iyayi, and his travelling colleagues lucky to have survived the accident but now scarred for life by their close shave with death - would not have traveled for the purpose of deliberating on the Federal Government’s needlessly delayed offer to end the strike. People who believe in the prophetic power of writers may thus find cause to, in retrospection, attach more importance to one of the popular statements from Iyayi’s novel, Heroes “… those who carry the cross for society always get crucified in the end …” Prof. Iyayi saw life as a struggle. He believed that those who struggle must stand for the cause they believe in. This was part of what defined his relationship with ASUU. Whether he lost his job or jailed for the cause of ASUU, he stood

by the union all through. A few weeks ago, he wore academic gown and demonstrated with his colleagues in Benin. At least one thing stands out clearly from the struggles of Iyayi and his colleagues: the Federal Government now understands that the academics are not pushovers and will not just accept anything shoved down their throats, they have sent a clear signal that things should be done the right way. The Federal Government had an agreement with the union on implementing certain financial commitments to better the educational system for everybody, but instead of looking straight at the matter and dealing with it, they resorted to pandering and sentiments. I believe if things go the way ASUU wants; it would not just be a victory for them in this matter, but for the entire system. I don’t share the emotions of the Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswam that the strike was politicised. Far from it, we will miss the point if we fail to understand that the issue here is the signing and adherence to an agreement; every other thing derives from this. No doubt, this has made the government to realise that tertiary institutions have been neglected for so long and that is why the President himself had to join the negotiation with ASUU at the last resort and increase the funds earlier released. Though at some point, ignorant people who do not fully understand the issues at stake lambasted the union for the prolonged action, but I’m glad with the late Iyayi and his colleagues for making their point which forced the government to meet some of their demands. At least, close to 80 per cent of ASUU demands have been met by the government. I need to however add that no meaningful negotiation is achieved if the parties stuck to their guns; the game is called give and take. That’s why it is called negotiation. This notwithstanding, the question in almost everyone’s lip now is would this be the last ASUU strike? Only time and the commitment of the government can answer this question. The scholar of repute would have died in vain if this strike should continue beyond this moment or happens again in the near future over the same issue of funding of our university system.

‘Gospel music chose me’ Victor Amhenrior is a popular gospel artiste in the University of Benin (UNIBEN) known by his stage name Oluwavictor. The 400-Level Banking and Finance student told EDDY UWOGHIREN (100-Level Medicine) why he chose to sing gospel music. lenging for an upcoming artiste like me. There

•Victor

HAT influences your kind of music? There are many factors influencing people to sing. But for me, it is the situation of things in my environment that inspires my kind of music. There are times that I compose songs that I only get to know the meaning much later. For instance, my latest song titled Baba ese (Thank you God) came naturally. I composed the song and got to know its meaning later. That is how music is generally. Why did you choose gospel music, considering the fact that it is not a lucrative? Gospel music is not like other kinds of music. It is more of a mission with great spiritual foundation. It is beyond entertainment and glamour. People have to connect to your message at a deeper level. Nobody can just dabble into gospel music; one has to be called to do it. I would not say I chose gospel music. Rather, it chose me. How has the journey been thus far? It has been exciting and challenging at the same time. There have been ups and downs just like in other professions. It is even more chal-

were times I felt like quitting. But when I realised how the journey started and the fact that God who started the good work is graceful enough to see me through, I move ahead and look forward with renewed vigour. Sometimes, people make you feel that you are not going to make it. And then, you get to ask yourself if really you are following the right path. In all, God has been faithful. How has it been combining music with your study? It has not been easy because these are two areas demanding full attention. Most times, when I am studying, inspiration would just pop up in my head. Then, I would leave my books and quickly put the songs to paper. What has kept me going is effective time management. And to the glory of God, I have been doing quite well in my academics. But when one is passionate about what he does, the enthusiasm keeps you going even in the face of daunting challenges. There are pressures sometimes, but I have been able to survive in the world of music and academics. How many songs do you have to your credit? I have lost count. But I can list a few of them. Baba Ese is one of my songs that received wide acceptability after it was released. I have a couple of others including Shout Halleluyah and So high, all produced by Gabizbeatz Records. I tend to blend a number of genres to show my versatility. For instance, Baba Ese is a mixture of rap and Rhythm and Blues. It is a great song that has earned me accolades from fans. I am working on other songs, which will be released before the end of the year. Which Nigerian gospel artists would you like to work with? I would love to work with Frank Edwards, Samsong and a couple of other acts. I admire their redefinition of the gospel music and I hope that someday, I would rise to such heights. But for now, I am just trying to complete my university education, which is paramount at this stage of my life.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE Oil giant Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL) has donated multi-million naira equipment to the Earth Science Department of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, to aid research and learning. WALE AJETUNMOBI reports.

Promoting research, learning

ORPORATE bodies have been urged to partner the

Federal Government to fund education to promote excellence and global recognition. Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Petroleum Resources in Effurun (FUPRE), Delta State, Prof John Etu-Efeotor, made the plea when the institution received a Petrel workstation, generator, field mapping equipment and an 18-seater bus from Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (EEPNL). Prof Etu-Efeotor said education was central to national development, adding that it may be impossible to attain excellence in tertiary education if funding was left to the government alone. “Government must perform its task of funding the university, but

•Prof. Etu-Efoetor (left), Gen Obada (middle) and Gen Oneya at the ceremony.

corporate organisations and well meaning individuals should also assist in this respect to improve quality and standards of our higher institutions,” he said. The VC praised EEPNL for responding to the request of the management, urging the oil firm to

Spreading the free market gospel

build a structure that would be dedicated to funding practical projects of the university. He added that the equipment and the N5.4 million provided by the firm annually, in its University Partnering Programme for the field work, would be judiciously ap-

plied to aid research and learning in the Department of Earth Science. The EEPNL Deepwater Production Geosciences Manager, Mr. Goodluck Adagbasa, noted that the objective of donating the equipment to FUPRE was to enhance

and complement lecturers’ skills in using latest technology in training students. He said the equipment, which cost N300 million, were similar to those being used in exploration and exploitation of oil and gas in petroleum industry, urging the university to utilise them adequately. The Project Consultant, Dr Daniel Lambert-Aikhionbare, urged the institution management to judiciously use the equipment. In a brief speech, the Head of Earth Science Department, Dr Difference Ogagarue, thaked the oil firm for coming to the rescue of the department, assuring that the workstation and other equipment would be used for the development of the oil and gas industry. The event was attended by dignitaries including the former Military Administrator of Kano and Niger states, Gen. Dominic Oneya (rtd); Gen. O. E. Obada (rtd); Chief Macdonald Ugbewanku; the Acting Registrar of the institution, Mrs Rosalyn Egborge; Dean, College of Science, Prof Olusegun Abiola; Coordinator of Public-Private-Partnership, Prof John Arubayi; Director of Academic Planning, Prof Jerome Adepoju and Acting Dean of Students’ Affairs, Dr Joachim Ukutsemuya.

In the last week of October and early this month, over 30 students from Uganda and Kenya visited 10 universities in East Africa to spread the principles of economic liberty, free market and entrepreneurship. OLUWAFEMI OGUNJOBI writes.

OR two weeks, more than 30 students from Kenya and

Uganda moved across the East African countries to liberate youths from the shackles of poverty. Tagged East African liberty road caravan, the event was devoted to promote entrepreneurship, civil liberties and free market across universities in the sub-continent. Organised by the African Liberty Students Organisation in Uganda Martyrs University, supported by the AfricanLiberty.org and powered by Atlas Network and Students For Liberty, the move was aimed at telling youngsters how they could use their talents to achieve prosperity and liberate Africa from poverty. The East African Liberty Bus Caravan, which moved from Uganda to Kenya, was a project of African Liberty Students’ Organisation (ALSO) chapter in the Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi. The students moved in a carnival-like road campaign to change the thinking of the youth through the use of various approaches, including seminars, oneon-one discussion and games to promote libertarian ideas. It was taken to students of selected institutions, while materials such as books and compact discs were freely distributed to people on the streets as the caravan moved from one city to another. ALSO is the students’ arm of AfricanLiberty.org, a network of youths and professionals whose mission is to promote student-driven platform to promote the principles of economic liberty. The organisation

also empowers students to become leaders and agents of change in their communities, particularly on campuses. The universities visited included Uganda Martyrs University, Uganda Christian University, Makarere University Business School, Kyambogo University and St. Lawrence University. Others are Maseno University, Marist International University and South Eastern University in Kitui, Kenya. The volunteers began the outreach in Mbarara University, Uganda, with a football match between Liberty Boys of Kenya and Liberty Girls of Uganda. The comic match, who had not referee, was used to demonstrate the peace and exchange of love without government intervention. The game ended in 2-1 against the Liberty Boys. The students left the football field and engaged in one-on-one discussion on entrepreneurship with youths around the university. The ALSO team, in a nine-hour journey, left for Uganda Christian University in Mukono, where they met over 2,000 students for discussion on economic freedom. After the lecture, some motivated students showed interest to be part of the ALSO network. At the Kyambogo University, one-on-one conversation was held with students, who were visited in their hostels. Afterwards, a seminar was held in the department of Business Administration on ways to make societies free of poverty. To round off the tour, Kyambogo University and Makarere University hosted the ALSO team in an induction ceremony to welcome new members. The programme was attended by presidents of all Uganda universities in the caravan

•

•The ALSO team at the Uganda Christian University, Nkozi

programme. The inducted members took the oath with copies of abridged version of Road to Serfdom, a book detailing how a nation can achieve economic prosperity. In his address, Adedayo Thomas, Director of Outreach, Africanliberty.org, said the Caravan of Liberty programme was the start of good things to happen in Africa, urging students to stand for freedom and challenge the status quo, which he said gave rise to injustice, tyranny, oppression, and economic backwardness in Africa. In a chat with CAMPUSLIFE, Salwa Kavuka, a student of the University of Nairobi School of Law, who was part of the programme, said he had opportunity to share her passion on how to liberate Africa from economic quagmire. She said: “Many of us have the idea on how to solve Africa’s socio-economic problem, but we did not have platform to express such view. This Caravan of Liberty programme afforded us the platform to air our views and tell our leaders the truth about our socio-economic wellbeing.”

•Students listening to Thomas (standing) during the entreprenuership seminar

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

•Some of the participants before the contest

HE Cross River State Carnival Commission (CRSCC) has held an essay competition as part of activities to start the yearly Calabar Carnival.The contest, which was held across the local government areas in the state, was for secondary school and tertiary institution students. A consultant to the commission, Mr Ibok Ekpenyoung, said the competition was aimed at reviving the literary culture among youths and to enlighten them on the theme of the carnival. He also said there were many misconceptions about the carnival, adding that such competition would showcase the educational aspect and uniqueness of the fiesta. He said: “This competition was initiated to bring back the writing and reading culture in our

Cross River students write essay From Johnpaul Nnamdi NYSC CALABAR

society. Every year’s theme addresses a particular socio-economic issue so that the younger generation will begin to key into the philosophy of the carnival which is to uphold our heritage, know our environment and address issues bordering the state.” The Carnival Calabar Essay competition started in 2007 and this year marks its sixth edition. According to the organisers, the winners would be awarded scholarships and cash prizes while a sum of N1million, books and computers will be donated to their schools. The award ceremony was scheduled for December 10 this year.

•The pupils writing the essay

Ex-students visit prison From Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN

•A resident being tested by one of the students

HEN Elijah Clement was born in Egba community in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State two years ago, the joy of the family knew no bounds. Two months later, his testes got swollen as a result of fluid that accumulated in the membranes surrounding the organs. When he was taken to the village clinic, he was diagonised of hydrocele, a medical condition that requires surgery to be corrected. His parent took him to the churches in the village to solicit funds for the surgery. But they got little. The child was left to his condition because his parents could not afford the surgery. But the joy of the family knew no bound last week when members of the Christian Medical and Dental Association Students (CMDAS) visited the community on medical outreach. His mother could not contain her excitement when her son was wheeled out of the theatre after an hour surgery. Elijah was among the 10 people who benefited from a

•The medical team selecting drugs to be distributed to the participants

Dentistry students go on medical outreach From Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN

free surgery campaign by medical students and surgeons from the University of Benin (UNIBEN). When the medical team visited, the villagers trooped out to benefit from the free medical exercise and drug distribution. The Mission Secretary, Rex Uwaifo, said rural medical outreach was yearly programme of the association which aimed at reaching out to the rural dwellers with the gospel of love. During the programme, participants benefited from free medical examination, BMI analysis, free drugs distribution and consultation. Doctors were on ground to offer counseling to the villagers. In the evening, a crusade was held. Prayers were offered for the land. The following morning, the students were at Egba village. The primary

school was filled with women, children and the aged people who benefited from clothes, shoes and bags that were distributed. At Egba Clinic, graduating medical students were paired to assist the surgeons with the surgery. The team of surgeons from the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) explained to the villagers the benefit of the surgery before the process began. A beneficiary, Abraham Ehime, who underwent herniorraphy, praised the surgeons for successfully handling the operations. “I started feeling pains in my lower abdomen in 1988, but in thought it was mere pain. When I sought medical advice, I was diagonised of hernia. But I left it untreated because I could not afford the cost of the treatment. Later, the condition degenerated,” he stated. Later in the evening, a crusade was held. In his sermon, Dr Osahon Iyawe urged the participants to be rec-

onciled to God. He encouraged them to desist from diabolical activities whenever they were ill, saying that they should always seek medical advice and call upon God whenever they are sick. Speaking to CAMPUSLIFE at the end of the outreach, Igbinosa Nelson, 100-Level Dentistry, said he was surprised to notice that the villagers were ignorant of common diseases. He called on government to send health workers to the village to teach them basic hygine. Odigie Itohan, 400-Level Medicine, commended the villagers for receiving them with open arms. Kate Osagiede, 12, said: “When I saw the students and doctors, all dressed in white coat, I told myself that I am going to study hard to be a doctor someday and help the less privileged in the enjoy sound medical assistance.” She called on the government to help renovate the clinic, saying that the programme was commendable.

HE medium prisions on Sapele Road in Benin City, Edo State, came alive last week when members of the Edo Zone of the Federation of Colleges ExStudents’ Christian Association (FECA) visited the inmates. The students arrived the prision yard at 9:30 a.m and were enlightened on the rules of the prision. An official later led the students to the chapel where they held a fellowship with the inmates. In a sermon, the Chief Executive Officer of Ambidextrous Concept, Ogbonnaya Ndubisi, said God was still interested in them, saying that they should endeavour to learn from their stay in prison. He charged them to make a difference even in the prison custody. “Being free is a thing of the mind and not necessarily being outside the walls of a prison yard. I enjoin you to make a difference with your experience,” he stated.

UNILAG hosts staff clubs

HE University of Lagos Senior Staff Club is hosting members of the University of Ibadan (UI) and that of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife staff clubs for three days, beginning today. According to UNILAG Caretaker Committee Chairman of the club, Dr Akanbi Mudasiru Ilupeju, the yearly event will feature ‘’triangular games in some areas, including swimming, football, long tennis, table tennis, squash, and Ayo’’. He said the aim of the meet is to enable members fraternise and ‘’exchange happiness and things of mutual concern’’, adding that varsity life is not about work alone. Tomorrow at the special night, winners will be rewarded.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

2,000 write post-UTME at Abia varsity

TURU town in Abia State came alive last week when the Abia State University (ABSU) conducted its third postUnified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). A staff member of the university, who pleaded not to be named, said the examination was conducted to fill vacant admission slots. He noted that the number of admission seekers into the university dropped because of high fee. “A lot of people are discouraged from seeking admission here because of the rising school fees. Many of them have taken solace in the neighboring institutions where tuition is relatively affordable,” he said. Some of the candidates who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE said they were not happy with the conduct of the examination. Nwafor Cynthia, a candidate of Microbiology, said the screening was her last resort, adding that she has lost

From Uchechuku Amanze ABSU

hope of gaining admission this year. She said: “I am very happy with my chances of being admitted into the university this year. I had lost hope earlier. I was already preparing for the 2014 UTME when the news of this examination got to me.” Another applicant, Okeke Obinna said: “I am optimistic that I will be offered admission into this university. From the way I fared in the examination, I believe my chances are high.” However, some candidates lamented the inadequate time allotted to them by the invigilators. Nwaokoro Chukwuemeka, who applied to study Public Administration, said: “The questions were not particularly difficult. But I could not finish because they gave us insufficient time.”

•Applicants waiting to write the test

Ike Ngozi commended the management for successfully managing the screening. “Even though mem-

bers of the Man O’ War were not around to help in conducting the test, the management did well in

organising the process. The invigilators handled every stage of the exercise with a high level of commitment,” she said.

FUTO students launch health apps

From Francis Egwuatu FUTO

WO students of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Joshua Ihejiamaizu and Johnson Okorie, both in 400Level Electrical Engineering Department, have launched a mobile health application named Nixit. The students said the innovation was aimed at improving healthcare delivery in the country. He said the application combines a sleek interface design, Google-standard user-experience and partnership with reputable medical data firms, to present health data, news and a hospital locator service. “The application has lifestyle planning tools which provide data on food and recipes as well as recommend exercise and fitness plans, along with a health index calculator to analyse various health indices,” he added. He added: “We intend to link up various data sources as well as generate our own, to create a system that links up a user’s health indices with food and diet plans and exercise and fitness regimes. It’s a fascinating journey ahead for my team.” CAMPUSLIFE learnt that there was the drugs and supplements section in the application. When our correspondent accessed the application, the health news section was impressive. But the inventors said that the interface limits users to generic options. They said the platform allows people to search news based on their interest. They said the next step in their news delivery section was to make users get news updates based on disease categories that they have selected. “The Hospital Locator works fine with users’ location. All that a user needs to do is to ensure that their network is good enough. We also have a first aid service and series of video aids,” Johnson addeed.

•Prof Epoke (left) with Chief Iwuanyanwu at the ceremony

Iwuanyanwu lays foundation for engineering school

HE Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of University of Calabar (UNICAL) Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu has laid the foundation for the Faculty of Engineering of the institution. The Vice-Chancellor Prof James Epoke thanked Iwuanyanwu and expressed happiness for the construction of the new facility. Chief Iwuanyanwu said Calabar occupied a vital position in Nigeria. “I see Calabar as a place where young men and women can stay out of the hustle of big cities and acquire knowledge for their personal development. I feel happy to be part of this project. I am sure that this faculty will produce men and women that will rule this country. We are establishing a faculty that will have international recognition,” he said. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the university, Mr Eyo Effiong Bassey said the project was an ini-

tiative of the institution’s Governing Council. “The council is decisive in ensuring that UNICAL witnesses massive development. The faculty is a new project and it will soon start operation. We appreciate the efforts of Prof Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu for all contributions to education,” he said. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that the faculty is made of four departments. They are Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Petrochemical Engineering. The Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), Prof Eyong Ubana Eyong, said: “The faculty will start with the Department of Civil Engineering after which others will follow. We shall equally include other departments to the ones already proposed. We are hopeful that God is on our side and we will not give up until we achieve our aim.”

Union urges Jonathan to dissolve board •The application interface

Kogi varsity dons represent Nigeria at law conference

WO lecturers, Dr T. F. Yerima, Dean of Faculty of Law and Dr B. Ogwo, Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), of the Kogi State University (KSU) have represented the nation at an international conference on law and justice in Sri-Lanka. The dons were selected based on the quality of their papers. The duo urged leaders to obey law

From Emmanuel Shebbs UNICAL

From Edogbo Mandela KSU

and order, saying that justice was a necessary condition for sustainable development. They said people must make justice an integral part of their lives, stressing that nothing works in an atmosphere of injustice. They added that Africa has had

leadership challenges because of the lack of law and justice in the continent. The dons said that the conference acquainted them with a deeper understanding of law. “It was an outstanding achievement for our university to represent Nigeria in an international conference where legal luminaries from across the world gathered,” Dr Yerima added.

HE National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to dissolve the Dr Masud Adamu Kaziure-led committee of National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) to realise the Transformation Agenda. The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the association, Abdulmojeed Oyeniyi, said the NBTE management had failed to ensure speedy development of vocational and technical education in

From Temitope Yakubu ADO POLY

the country. “The ongoing strike by members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), inadequate funding of polytechnics and poor management are clear signs that the present board of NBTE is unable to make the transformation agenda of a reality,” he said. The union urged the National Assembly to sponsor a bill to that would stop discrimination of polytechnic graduates in Nigeria.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

Respite for Sokoto varsity students, others The bridges connecting the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) to other communities are being rehabilitated. They will take six months to complete. Students staying off-campus are not happy because the alternative route to the campus is far from their hostels. HALIMAH AKANBI (200-Level Law), IBRAHIM JATTO (400-Level Zoology) and SARAT ALABIDUN (200-Level Applied Chemistry) write.

HE Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS) community has not had it so good since the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike started last July. The institution was thrown into mourning a few days after it was closed down. Hadiza Muritala, daughter of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), Prof A. A. Bagudo, died after a brief illness. The late Hadiza was a 300-Level student before her death. A few days ago, another student, Amina Ladan in 500-Level Veterinary Medicine, died also. There is a silver lining at the turnel’s end. The bridges linking the • university to Sokoto metropolis are being repaired. The bridges deteriorated 38 months ago, following the flood that ravaged Sokoto and some parts of Kebbi State. The incident disrupted academic and commercial activities before the intervention of the Federal Government, which provided a military floating bridge as a palliative measure. The eroded portions of the bridges were later sand-filled by the Sokoto State government in January 2011, a situation that heightened the fear of students and residents of the university’s host communities whenever it rained. Several months after the contract to rehabilitate the bridges was approved, the contractor handling the project mobilised workers to the site last Wednesday. CAMPUSLIFE gathered that

the new bus stop, duration of lectures and even a new school calendar are being looked into to prevent disruption of academics,” he said. Some students, who spoke to CAMPUSLIFE, expressed mixed reactions. For Abdulsamad Aliyu, 200-Level Zoology, the reconstruction work is cheering news after months of fear that the bridges

may collapse. “But my own concern is the alternative route provided by the school; it is a very long way, which is about an hour from town. In my opinion, the management should have created a short route within the campus before the contractor began work on the bridges. Many students would miss exam when the school resumes,” he said. Another student, Mubarak Ibrahim, 500-Level Agriculture, said: “This is a welcome development. At least, the anxiety that engulfs the the university community during in the rainy season will naturally end, but my appeal to the management is to consider the students staying off-campus and adjust the lecture timetable because of the distance of the alternative route.” Latifat Umar, a 200-Level student from the city campus, said: “It is a big challenge for us that will be going to the permanent site every week for Biochemistry lecture. It will be hell, considering the distance. Management should facilitate how the lecture will be rescheduled to hold in mini campus.” Mallam Bilya Maisa Dekifi, a resident, said: “We are enthusiastic about the development; people of Kwakwalawa village are very happy since the contractors arrived last week. Even though our businesses may suffer, I must say that we are pleased that a tragedy is being averted with the reconstruction work.”

munication student of FEDPONEK, said the reconstruction was long overdue. She said: “We should hope that the contractor would do a very good job. We should hope the new road would be durable because most of the roads constructed by Nigerian contractors, after some-

times, return to their bad shape again. Probably if heavy-duty trucks are prohibited from plying the route and make it strictly for commercial and private cars as well as school bus, it would serve the students and residents of the community better.”

at Federal Polytechnic,Bida, Kabiru Ayoola said his career goals were threatened by the prolonged strike. Kadre Sikiru, HND II Estate Management in Federal Polytechnic, Ede said ASUP should consider the plight of students and end the strike. Addressing the aggrieved stu-

dents, Deputy Rector (Administration) Dr Ayodele Olaosebikan, sympathised with the students, saying that they should remain calm and pray for quick resolution of issues between ASUP and the government. She assured the students that the national executives of the association were working to end the strike.

•One of the bridges being repaired

there was jubilation in the university community when construction equipment were brought in. The road will be closed for six months to allow the reconstruction. Motorists will have to access the university through Illela-Sokoto route, which is about 20 kilometre to the university. The Dean of Students Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Magawata, said the man-

agement was elated by the construction work but said it could disrupt the activities if the industrial action by ASUU is called off. “When academic activities resume after the ASUU strike, students will make use of the Sokoto-Illela route to visit the campus. Certainly this development will bring about a lot of changes, which the management will roll out soon. Issues such as

The Imo State government is rehabilitating the road connecting the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (FEDPONEK) and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO). FRANCIS EGWUATU (400-Level Mechanical Engineering) writes that its repair will bring relief to students.

Road gets facelift

HEN the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike ends, stu-

dents of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) and the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (FEDPONEK) will have reasons to smile on their return to school. Reason: The Ihiagwa carriageway linking both institutions is being rehabilitated.The government initially promised that work would begin on the road earlier this year but the contractor could not be mobilised to site because of funds. When CAMPUSLIFE visited last week, work had begun on the road. Because of its bad state, students and residents go through pains plying the road, which is the only gateway to Owerri from Ihiagwa. Many lives have been lost on the road. Tankers, trailers and other heavyduty vehicles are said to be responsible for the dilapidation of the road. Motorists go through hell plying the road in the rainy season because of

TUDENTS in polytechnics across the country have joined their counterparts at the Federal Polytechnic, Offa (Offa Poly) to condemn the strike embarked on by members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP). Omuiyadun Hammed, a HND II student of Quantity Survey,

the ditches and gullies dotting the stretch. This usually causes vehicular gridlock. Commercial bus drivers hiked their fares because of the bad road. Vehicles break down on the road, leaving hapless motorists stranded for hours. Vulcanisers and road-side mechanics cash in on the situation to make money. A construction engineer, who spoke to our correspondent, said the rehabilitation work started in October, but he could not confirm whether the project would be completed before December. The ongoing ASUU strike has made vehicular movement on the road lighter, since students are not on campus. But motorists still complained that the reconstruction was affecting easy movement. After the completion, there would be lighter traffic and the attendant pain in plying the road would be gone. Chika Ewulonu, a 400-Level Ge-

•A portion of the road...last week

ology student of FUTO, said he was happy with the road rehabilitation, saying the development would positively affect academic activities when students return to schools. He urged the contractor handling the project not to delay the work. Ijeoma Britney, ND II Mass Com-

Poly students condemn ASUP strike From Afeez Adeyemo OFFA POLY

said the union was not happy with the strike. He said: “Nigerian students are saddened by the bad state of education in the country. No society grows that way. That is why we

gather today to let everyone know that incessant strikes only paralyse the system. It does not help it.” They said the strike has dashed their hopes of participating in the next batch of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). A HNDII student of Accountancy

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

Awaiting the end of ASUU strike

T is no news that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), for over four months, has been on an indefinite strike to demand improved funding of our ivory towers. While the Federal Government has, through the supervising Minister of Education, continued to praise itself for doing its best to make universities give quality education, the striking teachers, supposedly not fighting for their pockets, have criticised the government for relegating the education sector in the scheme of things. Like the proverbial grass on the fabled field where two elephants fight, the students whose educational pursuits have been put on hold for the past four months are the victim of this protracted strike that has paralysed activities in several universities. While I applaud the recent intervention of President Goodluck Jonathan by personally meeting with ASUU officials, I wish to state categorically that this intervention was long overdue as the effect of the strike on students is worse than its aggregate effect on various sectors of the economy. For the benefit of doubt, ASUU had a genuine reason for embarking on the industrial action. Govern-

HE death of the former president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof Festus Iyayi, is, indeed, a sad loss for the nation. The Nigerian state has just witnessed a depletion from its firmament, a bright star whose light shone to the world over. Sadly, Iyayi lost his life on the highway. A careless driver in the convoy of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada collided headlong with the vehicle conveying the late Iyayi and other ASUU officials on the Abuja-Lokoja Expressway. The officials were on their way to Kano to participate in the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting where a decision to end the ongoing strike would have been taken. While he lived, the Ugbegun-born rights activist was known for his radical and, sometimes, tough stance on social and political issues. Iyayi had been rightly described as one, who employed a realistic style of writing to depict the socio-political environment of the nation. To his credit are a few books espousing the truth and exposing hypocrisy of the leaders in the larger society. The most popular of his works is the 1986 fiction titled He-

ULTURALLY, Nigeria is blessed with more than 200 ethnic groups with distinct language and diverse heritage. It is also a country blessed with abundant human and natural resources with prospects for prosperity but the resources have been poorly harnessed to engender the desired growth. As we wander in the wilderness in search of nirvana, we should take note that the growth of this nation depends on its investment in youths. As a nation that anticipates transformation, the development of the youth is an issue that must be taken into cognizance as it is the only gateway to consolidating democracy and promoting national transformation. Youths are the future leaders but we must know that the future of the youths starts today, not tomorrow. The future of Nigeria needs to be protected; we are here today because the older generation protected its future. And where this nation will be tomorrow is dependent on what we do today. This is why the emancipation of the youths is necessary to bequeath a secure future for the coming generation. This nation will forever be a parable of the fallen giant if youth devel-

ment has failed to meet the agreement that it entered into with the union in 2009 and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of 2012. But the Senate President David Mark introduced another angle to the crisis when he said the ASUU representatives displayed superior intellectualism when signing the 2009 agreement than the government representatives, who signed piece of paper difficult for the government to implement. Mark was of the opinion that government representatives led by Deacon Gamaliel Onosode didn’t know their right from their left and just went ahead to sign impracticable treaty. But then, the effect of the strike on the average student and the society is well beyond who said or did what. As we eagerly await an end to this lingering crisis, the issue at stake is that students, who have had to bear the brunt of this unabated crisis, earnestly desire that both parties should weigh their argument properly before reaching conclusion. We expect that ASUU would debate on the government’s offer to ascertain if the recommendation would be in tandem with its wishes and aspiration. Also, we hope the government had weighed its offer

appropriately before presenting it to the lecturers, so next time, it would not say it was forced to present the offer before the lecturers. Granted, the government has, over the years, paid lip service to the development of education sector. But, in the course of the struggle, ASUU erred by not putting the interest of the average Nigerian students at heart. The warring parties may claim they have rights to maintain their stance, but it is quite clear even to the blind that the government and to some extent ASUU have lost track of their cardinal objectives towards educational development. There has been an upsurge in crime rate over the last four months and this is definitely the consequence of the unending strike. In the Niger Delta, oil bunkering is on the increase as criminals are massively expanding the frontier of their illegal business by initiating idle students to join the bad ventures. Female students, who do not have means of support, engage in prostitution to keep themselves busy. There has been increase also in vices such as rape, kidnapping, armed robbery and hooliganism. The alarming rate of social vices is a direct consequence of able youths being kept idle. For, it is out

of place for people, especially youths to be idle. Idleness breeds evil thinking, which is subsequently put into practice. Idleness corrupts good manners and an idle person is easily influenced. While some students managed to engage themselves productively by engaging in one vocation or the other, there are others who have not been very fortunate in doing the same. Final year students in most universities who are supposed to have graduated and probably mobilised for the National Youth Service have had their dream botched by the protracted strike. Recent events in which the president openly associated with private universities is an indication that the pendulum is swinging in the direction of private universities and this is definitely not healthy for the country as the fees charged by these private school are well above the take home pay of average Nigerian parent. As we eagerly await an end to the strike, it is expected that all grey areas would be appropriately discussed, so that public universities will begin to run uninterrupted academic calendars as private schools. It is also expected that with the injection of N1.1 trillion in period

By Philip Okorodudu

of five years, Nigeria’s education sector would become a shining example for other African nation in terms of tertiary education. If used judiciously, the funds could transform our schools and our education would be accorded its rightful place in global rankings. As the strike reaches its climax, it is my hope that there will be a leap in state of the education sector for the betterment of future generations. This older generation must strive not to leave a poor education system to generations yet unborn. •Philip, 500-Level Electrical, Electronics and Computer Engineering, DELSU

Iyayi: Tribute to a foremost writer roes, which won him the Commonwealth Prize for Literature in the same year. Indeed, Iyayi died a hero. He was hero of the downtrodden, the voiceless and everyone working on the path of truth. He presented his thoughts aptly through the characters in his works. The award-winning work is basically about the Nigerian Civil War. He wrote in solidarity with the unremembered hero, the common men who lost their lives, innocence and property as a result of the selfish interests of the ruling class. Basing his judgment on the thoughts on a journalistic character in the work, Osime Iyere, Iyayi was able establish why the war was needless. He wrote: “This is not a war. This is an investment in blood and destruction by those at the helm of affairs with expectation of profit. This war is the great excuse of our natural vices. But in time of war, there are no laws when we misbehave. We are strictly on our own, we are answerable to ourselves then. And see what happens. We looted

our neighbour’s property, we set fire to his house because we say he is on the other side. We loot, we burn, we rape, we murder, lie and steal. We exhibit our vomit then, we show ourselves up for what we really are. And what we really are is ugly and slimy and poisonous and dark and weak.” You would but agree with him that man shows his bestiality unnecessarily at the slightest opportunity. Before the war, every citizen was their brothers’ keeper. Alas, the war turned former neighbours and colleagues into one another’s foes. The character Iyere, therefore, set a third army who saw that the war wasn’t to benefit the people but a plot by the rulers on both sides to take advantage of them by reducing their population. Evidently, the respective generals had their family safely kept somewhere outside the country but never considered the safety of the ordinary man turned into solder overnight. The “Iyere character” in Iyayi himself and his colleagues made them

always to be vocal against oppression and inaction of the government to develop the education sector. As a former President of ASUU between 1986 and 1989, he led a formidable team of lecturers against the then Military Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, after which the association was proscribed. In the early 1990s, he served as the president of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR). His latest struggle was to revamp the Nigerian tertiary education sector. People complain of poor education our graduates received but we pay lip service to righting the wrongs. Like the generals in Iyayi’s fiction, our leaders are not doing much in the education sector even though they claim to be doing their best. But their children are not with us in the public schools. They are sent to best schools oversea. It should be known that the circumstance that led to Iyayi’s death is partly as a result of the poor state of roads in Nigeria and the oppression of the people by the leaders. If it is not lawlessness, how could a

governor’s driver drive so recklessly on the highway plying by other Nigerians? It would be recalled that the same governor’s convoy was involved in an accident last December, leading to the death of his aide. Admittedly, it is God who protects but we should be very careful of our actions to be sure of God’s protection. It is when we fail in our responsibilities that the consequences of our actions affect even the innocent among us. While we mourn Prof Iyayi, let us reflect making the country a better place for common man. Someday, every human will die. Iyayi’s death is a reminder that no one knows who is next. How prepared are we towards this reality? What do we stand for? What do we want to be remembered for? Let us reflect on ways to revive our value system so as to have a brighter and remarkable memorial. May God grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss. Adieu Prof Festus Iyayi. •Abdussalam is a student of Education and English, UNILAG

Youths as future leaders

opment is not prioritised. To promote youth development, the government should begin a total renewal of the mind of the youth through inculcation of a sense of morality and discipline. Any effort by government to promote youth development without instilling moral values in the young ones will be tantamount to building a good structure on a faulty foundation. When the youths are morally okay, their desire for undeserved wealth and material things which often results in violence would not be paramount in their heart. This nation has elevated corruption above integrity; everybody wants to own exotic cars at all cost. One of the ways the change of mentality could be achieved is by introduction of civic education based on ethics, values and integrity in the curriculum of our institutions of learning. In addition, government should provide skill acquisition centres in every state to engage the idle youths. The skills acquired would make them

self-reliant and be responsible members of the society. After learning, government should make loans available for them to start small-scale businesses. Procedures should also be made for them to refund the loan on installment basis. This will help to curtail the increasing rate of poverty and encourage talented less-privileged youths to maximize their potentials. Government does not need to provide white collar jobs for the teeming youths, but creating an environment where educated youths can use their knowledge and skills to produce good inventions will improve the standard of living in this country. As part of the Cooperate Social Responsibilities (CSR) of private organisations, more emphasis should be placed on creating employment opportunities to the youths rather than throwing millions of naira in entertainment industry alone. If this is done, more hands and minds would be put to work and this would save the country billions of

naira being spent annually on importation. Subsidy on certain imports can then be diverted to infrastructure. It is sad that despite existence of many universities of agriculture, we still import staple food such as rice. This is why we need new initiative to engage the youths because the current system of education does not prepare us for life after school. But if craftworks are introduced into the curriculum, graduate will not take to crime to survive after school. Lastly, the leaders should involve the youths in decision-making. A system where old men decide the future of young men will not bring about the desired development. We are the leaders of tomorrow but today’s decisions determine the prospects of our future. Involvement of the youth in decision-making will engender a sense of responsibility and commitment. The consciousness that it is our future being decided would compel us to make decisions and policies that will secure that good future for us.

The immortal word of Mother Theresa is apt to conclude this piece: “Yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to come; we have today, let us begin.” •Taiwo, 300-Level Human Anatomy, UNIMAID

By Taiwo Isola

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

‘Youths are development partners’

•Prof Agunbiade (third left) and Prof Atanda (third right) receiving the students the VC’s office

EW Commissioner of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Ogun State, Prince Lanre Tejusoho has urged youths to become agents of transformation in the country. He gave the charge last week at the opening ceremony of the Batch “C” members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Sagamu. Prince Tejuosho, who represented the Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, welcomed the Corps members from various states of the federation. He said: “The NYSC plays a vital role in promoting skilled manpower, cultural integration and rural development. It is pertinent to note that the youth are a major force for driving national development.” The state Coordinator of the scheme,

From Tosin Adesile ABEOKUTA

Theresa Ifeoma Anosike appreciated the support of the state towards improving the programme. “As you may be aware, every Corps member is expected to undergo a 3week training to help them in developing resilience for confronting future life challenges. I hope you will take advantage of the opportunity to build yourselves into enviable persons in the society.” Justice Elizabeth Oshinuga, who represented the state Chief Judge, Justice Olatokunbo Olopade administered oath on the Corps members. The event was attended by the Commissioner of Police in the state, represented by DCP Aliru Gwandu; Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor, Mr Segun Adesanya; Chairman, odogbolu Local Government Area, Olawale Shittu; Oba of Makun Sagamu, Oba Micheal Adesanya; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of youth and Sports, Mr Adedeji Tajudeen and officials of the national service scheme. The event witnessed a parade and short presentations.

Students’ performance at contest stuns pro-chancellor

HE Pro-Chancellor of McPherson University (MU) Prof Israel Adu, has commended the students of the institution for their impressive performance in the Information Technology programme. However, he warned the university representatives not to rest on their oars, but to keep working at becoming better to bring the highest laurels from the competition next year. The event, which was organised by the Ogun State chapter of Nigerian Computer Society (NCS), was held at Covenant University, Ota, (CU) in Ogun State. The two-day event was tagged Enhancing information technology capacity.

From Ayodeji Adesina ABEOKUTA

The Vice-Chancellor Prof Adeniyi Agunbiade, promised that students of the university would be given more national and international exposure through academic competitions. Receiving the team at the Administrative Block of the institution, Adu expressed satisfaction with Team McPherson which comprised of five students and two academic staff. They included Enyabine Chineye, Lasisi Dara, Michael Magnus, Obayomi Dolapo and

Soremekun Tosin. The team was led by Prof Oladimeji Atanda and Mr Kehinde Ogunyemi. Prof Oladimeji Atanda, who led the team, said he was excited that his team excelled during the event saying that they performed well during the debate section. He expressed optimism that the students would perform well in the coming edition. The objective of the event was to enhance the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills, interest and attitudes of students of tertiary institutions in the state and to provide the needed medium of interaction between international organisations and students of tertiary institutions.

On and Off Campus By Solomon Izekor 08061522600

•Prince Tejuosho observing the march-past of the corps members

UI turns dam to tourist centre

HE University of Ibadan (UI) has established a tourist centre in Awba Dam area in the main campus. The project is being the managed by the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management. Coordinator of the project, Dr Funmi Ajani, said it was aimed at promoting recreation for people from various part of the country. “We have facilities on ground in terms of cage culture and the university is ready to procure more facilities that will enable tourists at the site to engage in fishing, boat ride and other leisure activities. We are also planning to build an aquarium for the benefit of our tourists,” she stated. Dr Ajani explained that the project had high potential of generating income for the university. The head of the depart-

From Hammed Hamzat UI

ment, Prof Ibukunoluwa Ayodele, said creating a tourist centre was one the best ways to train students on how to utilie the knowledge of their course for entrepreneurship. He said: “The project will expose the students of the department to practical aspect of their course of study. This will give them an edge and opportunity to be self-employed.” He decried the poor attitude to recreation by Nigerians. “One of the problems we have in this country is that people don’t recreate enough which is of the factors responsible for short life span in the country,” he said. He commended the management for taking bold steps to invest in the tourism centre. CAMPUSLIFE learnt that the university has procured two state-of-theart fish pond from the United States. Prof Ayodele said many African nations were generating huge revenue from investment in tourism, noting that nothing stops Nigeria from reaping the gains of tourism.

•Ex-CAMPUSLIFE reporter at the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Adenike Ashogbon, with her hubby, Olaoluwa Fabunmi, during their wedding in Lagos.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE

SSANU-LASU threatens showdown over promotion

HE Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Lagos State University (LASU) chapter, has said the closure of the vice-chancellor's office, as well as other offices of top principal officers of the university will be the first among several planned actions by the unions to seek public attention to the 'No Vacancy; No Promotion' policy of the management. This is coming as the university management began the 2013 promotional exercise last Thursday despite the previous ones where only few workers were promoted because of the controversial policy that workers would henceforthe enjoy promotion if there is a vacancy. The union has been on strike since

By Adegunle Olugbamila

October over the issue which other sister unions in LASU, including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), also consider repugnant because it can stagnate their members. Efforts by the union to get the institution's governing council to reverse the policy has not yielded result as the council was said to have ignored the union's letter on the issue, The Nation learnt. After a congress last Tuesday, SSANU resolved to disrupt the new exercise as they were grieved no redress has been made for those who did not get promoted in the 2011/2012 promotional exercise.

They shut the offices of the vicechancellor, registrar and other principal officers on that day. "We believe the management is taking us for granted because ever since the strike began, we still allowed our members to be doing skeletal work. We were even told that the council chairman was not even ready to look into our letter. This council chairman believes if a decision has been taken by the council, it supersedes what we have in the workers' condition of service said the SSANU-LASU chairman Oseni Saheed Adewale. “We are using this platform to draw public attention to our plight by the management. We do not want the public to say 'LASU workers have come again with their stubbornness by putting the university under lock.’

We want the whole world especially the government to know because it is like the government does not seem to be aware of what is happening to us,” Oseni added. He added: “We all love LASU and we want it to achieve her dreams as set out by her founding fathers. But LASU can only get to the peak with a workforce that believes in professional fulfillment. I mean happy workers that believe their progress would not be stagnated and after their toil, can get to the peak of their careers. “The shocking thing about this measure is that a worker can be employed today and in few years time, find himself or herself above other colleagues who have been in the system, for donkey years. This does not give from for fairness.”

Anambra corps member wins state award

AWFIA Comprehensive Secondary School in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State is a shadow of itself. Though it boasts of many affluent old boys, their status is not rubbing off on their alma mater. The President of the Old Boys association, Dr Oliver Onwughalu, said their response to calls for help has not been encouraging. However, a corps member, Lawal Olabode Emmanuel Prince, has done more than the old boys for the school by embarking on many community service projects. Lawalwon a state award for executing 60 projects in one year and probably would win a national award from the Batch ‘C’ during the National Awards hosted by President Goodluck Jonathan. Lawal worked in 15 different establishments during his service year. He served as the Chief Medical Director to both Nigerian Christian Corpers Fellowship and Anglican Corpers Fellowship; he taught Basic Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Further Mathematics and Current Affairs at the school where he executed over 42 projects successfully to the admiration of the Principal, Mr Okechukwu Emmanuel, an old boy of the school. Some of the projects that made the Anglican Church, led by Bishop Alex Ibezim, and the state government to recognise Lawal included construction and equipping of a fivebed clinic, which was his flagship project; organising the maiden Local Government Science Quiz Competition where he hosted 15 schools in the council and presented 12 medals for winners, including academic scholarship worth N50,000.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a private estate development company, El Gado Global World Wide, for the construction of a 5,000-bed hostel. He said the two hostel blocks will be completed in 24 months and will be located in the main and the Kongo campuses. Speaking at the signing ceremony at the Senate Chambers of the university, Chairman and ProChancellor of the institution, Mohammed Dewu said the institution planned to provide about 30,000 bed spaces through private developers in the next five years. He said the university is worried about the living conditions of most of the 50,000 students of the institution, especially as it has only capacity to accommodate about 10,000. When fully developed, Dewu, an architect, said the hostels will be the

Osuntokun supports federalism THE Pro-Chancellor and the Chairman of the Governing Council, Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti Emeritus Professor Akinjide Osuntokun has advocated true federalism and a parliamentary system of government for Nigeria. He also advocated a local government system that is free of corruption, but exists for developmental purposes at the grassroots. The renown professor of History and International Affairs made the recommendation while delivering a lecture titled: “Local government administration, past, present and future,” during a three-day retreat for political functionaries and top managers of local government area (LGAs) at Ikogosi Warm Spring Resort, Ikogosi in Ekiti State. Osuntokun, who traced the evolution of the local government system in Nigeria from the colonial days, believed that it was an error of judgment to allow the Federal Government create LGAs. He stressed that in developed countries, it is not the business of the Federal Government to create local councils.

Commercial farms coming

• Lawal receiving his award from the deputy governor. From Odogwu Emeka Odogwu, Onitsha

The sick bay or clinic he built will serve a population of over 1,500 students within the school and beyond. His works accorded him over 15 commendation letters from public and private organisations before his Passing out Parade (POP). Hence he was one of those who received an award from the state government, which was handed over by the Deputy Governor, Mr Emeka Sibeudu. Speaking on Lawal’s exploits, especially the clinic, Mr Emmanuel said Lawal remains the best corps member in the history of the school. He said: “Lawal never went on holidays. He worked Mondays to Sundays because the school has a boarding school. Even till 8pm, you will still see him within the school. He transformed virtually every

ABU, firm sign MoU on HE Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria has signed a 5,000-bed hostel

EKSU FILE

department in the school; donated a modern clinic, empowered over 1000 students and workers in cosmetology, equipped the school band, bought a fumigating machine and fumigated the school hostel to fight against malaria, which is part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). "Lawalloves his country and I will recommend him for a national award. He was well trained from home as he respected the school authority and the students. He is energetic, passionate, God fearing and very intelligent. He is a genius and a blessing to Nigeria." The school in conjunction with Nawfia community gave the title, Okaaobuluzor 1 Na Nawfia, meaning "a man that will say a thing and will be the first to do it." The traditional ruler of Nawfia, Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo, said Lawal's presence in Nawfia was felt by all. "His love for community

development is amazing. He did everything possible to leave a landmark that people of my community will never forget. He was able to fulfill the purpose for NYSC," he said. On his part, Deputy Director, Post Primary Secondary School Commission, Anambra State, Mr Umerie Anthony, said Lawal should be recognised for his immerse contribution to education development in the state, especially for the competition he organised. Despite Lawal’s noble efforts, former Principal of the school and an alumnus, Mr J.O. Igwebuike, said the school is in a dire need of attention of the old boys to revamp the failing structures and contain the environmental degradation. He lamented that the hostels and classrooms are dilapidated while the school lacks water. He also claimed that portions of the school land have been taken by neigbouring family.

NUC okays PartTime programmes

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

first of its kind in the country, boasting of all the facilities for conducive living and learning. El Gado Global World Wide will manage the facility and recoup their investment within 40 years. Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha said the lack of quality accommodation for students has been of utmost concern to the management and has affected the university’s exchange programme. He noted that his interaction with students revealed that they will be ready to pay for quality accommodation. Prof Mustapha called on other estate developers in the country to emulate El Gado and assist the university in developing quality hostel accommodation for its students.

THE EKSU managment is establishing commercial farming project in the three senatorial districts of Ekiti State. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oladipo Aina said this during a visit to one of the sites at IfakiEkiti where the university will make use of about 400 of the planned 1,000 hectares of land to be cultivated across the state. He said the project will be done in collaboration with an international agro-allied company, Vegefresh. He said the project will offer entrepreneurial training to students, provide training for farmers and provide jobs for the youths all of which will promote socio-economic growth. He further explained that the farming project covers production processing and marketing of agricultural products which will open the state up to international investors. The multi-million naira commercial farming project has started as Vegefresh has delivered farming equipment including tractors for the takeoff at Ifaki-Ekiti.

• Prof Mustapha (left) receiving the signed MoU from P.S. El Gado, Chairman of El Gado group. With them is the President of the student union, Mohammed Rafindadi

THE National Universities Commission (NUC) has given EKSU a moratorium to run parttime programmes - but only on campus. The directive was contained in a memo from the NUC to the EKSU vice-chancellor. Dated October 17, and signed by Deputy Executive Secretary of the Commission, Mr Akinbode Agbaoye, the programmes are expected to be domiciled only in the relevant departments. The university has begun admitting fresh students into the approved programmes, which are: Accounting, Banking and Finance, History and International Studies, Business Administration, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Geography and Planning Science and Political Science.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CAMPUS LIFE SCHOLARSHIPS

ACE FILE

PENCOM, mgt discuss pension TWO senior officials of the National Pensions Commission (PENCOM), Messrs Dauda Ahmed and Muhammad Hussain, have held an interaction with the management and workers of the Adeyemi College of Education, (ACE) Ondo on pension matters in the institution. Addressing the gathering at the Olusegun Obasanjo auditorium, Ahmed spoke on the contributory pension reforms scheme (CPRS), rights of employees under the scheme, investment of pension funds administration, as well retirement procedure. He said CPRS was introduced by the Federal Government, to provide a veritable platform for it to explicitly and accurately budget cost of pension, in order to instill fiscal discipline in the society. Reacting to fears being expressed that the scheme may not achieve its desired result, Ahmed assured that CPRS would not suffer such fate, as proper arrangements have been made to regulate and scrutinise its activities through proper issuance of guidelines and daily monitoring of its handlers.

Don seeks ICT investment in schools A PROFESSOR of Physics Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Gregory Campbell Hillhouse, has advocated massive investment in Information Communication and Technology in all tertiary institutions nationwide order to improve teaching and learning. Prof Hillhouse, a South African, was a lead paper presenter at a conference held at ACE. Hillhouse, in his paper: 'Rethinking 21st Century education,’ observed that Nigeria tertiary education system is virtually identical to the 18th century Prussian Model in which dissemination of knowledge relies mostly on broadcast lectures (using the talk-and-chalk method and the flashy power point presentation) “Rather than constructing physical libraries, universities should invest in wireless internet infrastructure so that students can have access to internet learning material outside class, and also use class time to reinforce concepts via application and individualised support from lecturers and fellow students,” he stated. He added that through the inverted learning process, lecturers can use software to monitor student progress in mastering concepts, adding that in this concept, all students irrespective of levels, can be grouped together so that senior students can assist and mentor junior ones.

HE Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) has advised Batch 'C' 2013/ 2014 of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) undergoing their three-week orientation in Lagos to build healthy relationships with one another. He spoke during their swearing-in that the camp provides them with the opportunity to meet people about their age and qualification from all over the country. He said: "Ensure your stay on

APPROACHING DEADLINES Equity Scholarships Scheme for Domestic or International Students in Australia, 2014 Queensland University of Technology is offering equity scholarships for domestic or international students in Australia. These scholarships are available for pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research at Queensland University of Technology. Scholarships are provided in the field of Business, Creative Industries, Education, Health, Law and Science and Engineering. The QUT Equity Scholarships Scheme offers about $2.5 million worth of scholarships, bursaries and computers to lowincome students each year. Study Subject (s): Scholarships are provided in the field of Business,

Creative Industries, Education, Health, Law and Science and Engineering offered by the Queensland University of Technology in Australia. Course Level: The scholarships are available for pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, postgraduate research level at Queensland University of Technology in Australia. Scholarship Provider: Queensland University of Technology, Australia. Scholarship can be taken at: Australia Eligibility: You must be: •from a low-income background •experiencing financial hardship •we also take personal hardship into consideration when assessing applications. This includes: •personal medical conditions •disabilities

•dependants with special needs. There are some guarantees with our Equity scholarship: •If you're a commencing Smith Family Learning for Life student, you're guaranteed an Equity Scholarship of $1,250 if you start in Semester 2 or $2,500 if you start in Semester 1. You're also guaranteed an Equity computer (a reconditioned desktop computer with internet access and a USB drive) if you need one. •If you're a commencing Q-Step Scheme student, you're guaranteed an Equity Scholarship of $1,250 if you start in Semester 2, or $2,500 if you start in Semester 1. •If you're a commencing Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you're guaranteed the Equity bursary of $1,000. You won't receive this bursary if you successfully apply

for one or more Indigenous Commonwealth Scholarships. •You can't apply if you're a: •visiting student •cross-institutional student •QUT International College student. Scholarship Open for International Students: Domestic or International students can apply for the scholarships. Scholarship Description: Applicants can only receive one of the monetary awards (scholarships and bursaries). If you're eligible for more than one, you'll receive the one with the highest value. If you're eligible for a computer, you may receive that as well as a scholarship or bursary. The QUT Equity Scholarships Scheme offers about $2.5 million worth of scholarships, bursaries and computers to low-

Harvard partners Afe BabalolaVarsity

NE of the world’s best Harvard University is partnering Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD). The deal is coming at a time the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has nearly concluded plans to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ABUAD. Pro Education Plus USA, an education consultancy firm with Harvard, said the partnership will centre on the Multiple Intelligence Theory (MIT), the university’s Head, Public Relations Mr Tunde Olofintila said. Visiting the three and half yearold university for the first time, Mrs Folashade Aladesami, President Pro Education Plus, and her colleague Ms. Dianne Tizzano, explained that the MIT helps in identifying what each student is endowed with.

By Adegunle Olugbamila

Mrs Aladesanmi said MIT assists students to identify and choose their majors (strongest point), thereby leveraging on their comparative advantage. She said evidence abound that those who key into MIT has no cause to regret. Her words: “Every human being is endowed with some potentialities, but unless these potentialities are stimulated and ignited, they remain dormant and inactive. This is the whole essence of Multiple Intelligence Theory. “I am, indeed, excited and encouraged that your young university is pioneering Multiple Intelligence Theory in Nigeria and Sub-Sahara Africa because when students choose what they are naturally gifted for and passionate

Honeywell graduates bakers

about, teaching becomes easier for the faculty and studying becomes easier for students who excel quickly and easily. What is left is for us is to work more closely to improve on what you gladly put in place. This is very encouraging.” Aladesanmi was excited that ABUAD is already involved in leadership and entrepreneurial training for herstudents to make them employers upon graduation. She commended ABUAD's achievements in her less than four years of existence, noting: “I am not only impressed, but I am equally proud and excited about the magnitude of what I have seen here today. It tallies with what I have seen online. I am happy this is happening in my own country and I salute you sir.” In his brief remarks, the varsity’s Founder Aare Afe Babalola (SAN)

• Aare Babalola

said ABUAD is ever ready to work with Harvard, adding the university’s vision of an institution as a centre of excellence tallies with Harvard’s. He also said he deliberately established the university in old age to reform education in Nigeria and model it after Harvard University, acclaimed as one of the best in the world.

O continue to ensure quality baked products, Honeywell Flour Mills, has graduated another set of bakers. The graduation, which took place in Lagos, was for the 23rd set of the Honeywell Flour Mills Plc Baking School (HFMP). The school, according to the company’s Executive ViceChairman Mr Babatunde Odunayo, is an experiential programme designed to give bakers first-hand baking training with well-trained experts in a world class environment. Odunayo said: “It is a subsidised programme aimed at empowering bakers with modern baking skills and flour handling procedures that they can use to maximise yield from flour and run their bakery operations more professionally and profitably.” Odunayo, who was represented by the company's Production Director Dr Nino Ozara, said: "The school remains the best gift any

• From left: Executive Director, Marketing, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, Mr. Benson Evbuomwan, Best Graduating Student, Mr. Jamiu Oke, Dr Ozara, and Chairman, Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), Prince Jacob Adejorin, at the event. By Ajose Sehindemi

flour mills in the country has given to bakers since it touches not only their financial needs, but intellectual and social needs.”

The school was started in 2006 and has graduated over 300 master bakers from different parts of the country in 22 regular courses and one executive course. On the purpose of the school,

Fashola counsels corps members on networking By Medinat Kanabe

this camp counts by leaving behind a positive impact on each other and among the camp officials. Make sure you build good relationships among each other.” Fashola, who was represented by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Chairman Lagos State NYSC Governing Board, Dr Wale Ahmed, said the service comes with great expectations from their host communities.

He told them to take seriously any programme organised for them, especially skill acquisition, which would equip them with the entrepreneurial skills they will need in future. The Lagos State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, thanked the government for completing the renovation of the camp. She said 2,605 members, consisting of 1,575 females and 1030 males, posted to Lagos, were

accommodated in the camp, while 1,169 others were undergoing their orientation in Oyo, Osun and Ondo; making it a total of 3,774 corps members posted to Lagos. Mrs Adeyemi also advised them to focus on skill acquisition. In his own speech Dr Ahmed, whose speech was read by Mr Joseph Aboride, told parents and other family members, to keep away from the camp so that the corps members could focus on their training.

Ozara said: “The company's desire for a better world keeps us on our feet at all times, making us search for better ways to improve the quality of our brands, services and the life and businesses of our customers.” He charged the 12 graduands, (nine males and three females), to continue to reflect on what they learnt and apply same to progress further. Responding on behalf of the graduands, the class captain Mr David Agbonyin, said: "Blessed is the mind on which the idea of the Honeywell baking school was conceived. “We cannot thank the management of Honeywell Flour Mills enough for the opportunity given us to be part of the school.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

EDUCATION

Multichoice unveils 10 resource centres in Osun

frontline cable television network firm, Multichoice Nigeria Limited, has established 10 learning resource centres in 10 secondary schools in Osun State. They were unveiled last Thursday at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, Osun State capital. The component of the resource centres which were built in partnership with the Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited, include DSTV decoder and accessories, television set, uninterrupted power supply (UPS), surge protector, and a white board. Others include: burglary protector for the equipment, a generator set, chairs and tables as well as education bouquet comprising seven channels. Speaking at the event, Osun State Deputy Governor/Commissioner for Education, Mrs Grace Titi-Laoye Tomori praised Multichoice on the introduction and expansion of the project to the state. She added that the state has trained 50 teachers to man the new facilities. Her words: “Technology is the trend in education globally. Technology employed to our schools is done because much is

UPILS have been advised to take advantage of the media in enhancing and securing a healthy sexual life. This advice was given at the grand finale of the 20th Teenage Festival of Life contest courtesy of the Action Health Incorporated (AHI), an nongovernmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to promoting youth health and development. The theme of this year's competition: ‘The media and promotion of youth sexual and reproductive health’ saw speakers, educate public school pupils on dangers they are likely to face as

By Seun Olalude

expected from you (Multichoice). Apart from the components, adequate training has been given to 50 teachers selected from the benefiting schools for the effective use of the facilities" "The distributed accessories to the selected schools as well as the training of the teachers reaffirm further the commitment of this administration to providing qualitative education to the entire students of the state and to sustain the high level of educational development attained through laudable programme of this nature. Achieving this will keep our student abreast of happening on the global scene through methodical teaching and learning." Mrs Laoye-Tomori urged principals of the beneficiary schools to support the project. Multichoice Head of Communication, Mr Segun Fayose, said the gesture is the firm's way of giving back to the society. His words: "To us, this is a way of giving back to the society. We could not have been here without the support we enjoy from our

• Mrs Laoye-Tomori inaugurates the centre as Mr Fayose (second left) and Mrs Bello (right) watch.

customers. We discovered that Osun State is doing much in education therefore, we came in to identify with them. We have 10 resource centers here in Osun and 254 centres in 25 states across the country. Before the end of this year, we are working towards reaching about four other states to make it 29 in this country.”

Fayose urged the students to take advantage of the facility for their future. Executive Director, Innovative Technology Literacy Services Limited, Mrs Aderonke Bello, said the technology would further enhances teachers' performances. “The electronic learning materials

Use media to enhance your life, pupils told By Jane Chijioke

result of inadequate information on sexual health as well as the consequences of using the media negatively. In attendance were some workers of AHI, who distributed leaflets by the NGO, which claimed that among other factors, lack of accurate sexual and reproductive health information and limited access to adolescent-friendly health services, are major contributory factors to the poor reproductive health of young

people in Nigeria. “By the end of their teenage age years, eight out of 10 young people have initiated sexual intercourse. More than half of all new HIV infections occur in people under 25 with girls disproportionately affected. Young girls aged 15-19 are three to four times more likely to be HIV positive compared to boys of the same age. Hospital-based studies show that over 60 per cent of patients with unsafe abortion-related complications are adolescents." The event also featured a talk

session where some media entrepreneurs enlightened the students on the benefits that can be derived from the media. Speakers encouraged participants on how they can earn a living from the pen profession while they are in school. They also urged them to desist from uploading indecent photos on social media, be careful of the kind of movies they watch, and upgrade their knowledge in the academic field. Aside, the event created a platform for the students to explore their

Old boys seek to take over alma mater

HE Keffi Old Boys Association has expressed disappointment with the management of the Government College, Keffi, and has asked the Nasarawa State government to hand over the school to them in order to restore her past glory. President-General of the association, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Abisoye (rtd) told the Emir of Keffi when he led the national executives on a visit. He said members are not satisfied with the running of the school and therefore will be approaching the government to take it over. Abisoye said: "His Royal Highness, I must tell you that although you are a member of our association, we have decided that we will go to Lafia and meet the governor of Nasarawa State and tell him to allow us to take over Government College, Keffi because it is not being run properly as a college anymore. "But before we do that we have to seek your permission, because you are not only our grand patron, your number, as you remember sir is KOBA 01. So if you give us the permission and the authority, we will go to Lafia and ask the executive governor, to give Keffi Government College to KOBA for the simple reason that we want to restore her lost glory. "When the Northern Region government established Government College, Keffi, there were only two government colleges in the whole of Northern Nigeria. "Obviously, the Government of Nasarawa State cannot cope with the managing the college. I got to know that in Keffi alone, there are 14 secondary schools and the state government is insisting that

From Tony Akowe, Kaduna

students should go to school for free." Responding, the Emir said he was not unaware of the concerns and ambitions of the old students towards improving the condition of the college. He gave them his blessings. "We are glad that you are still alive for the existence of this college; otherwise, it would have gone totally. We thank you very much and we will continue to pray for you. We know your ambition

and plan for this school, your spirit is very powerful in maintaining her existence. You have done very well for the maintenance of this school. “I accept that you see the Governor of Nasarawa State. I am very sure, you will come back happily. I am very sure the government will hand over the school to KOBA. We will support you; I will mobilise all the people in Keffi towards supporting the school and they will happily do it.” While addressing the Annual General Meeting of the association

earlier, Abisoye said KOBA will be registered as a limited liability company and will offer shares to facilitate the running of the school. New executives were elected to run the affairs of the association for the next two years. Some of them include: Mr. Tunde Oyelola (1st Vice President), Prof Bello Salim, (2nd Vice President), Alhaji Muhammed B. Ibrahim, (Secretary General) and Dr Yahaya Mohammed, (Assistant SecretaryGeneral).

deployed in schools are not meant to replace teachers and textbooks; they will only enhance learning and classroom practices. There is the visual way of learning and teachers have been trained to serve as guide to the students. This will help students to think of how to learn on their own," she said. creativity competitively in drama, music, poetry and essay. Earlier, a script-writing workshop was held in May for pupils and teachers representing schools from the six education districts in Lagos State with an ultimatum of 10 weeks to develop a good script. The finalists emerged in another exercise, which held at the AHI office where those shortlisted were asked to stage a performance. In the drama category, Tomia Community Senior Secondary School, Alagbado came first; followed by the Angus Memorial Girls Senior High School Yaba, while Jagunmolu Girls Senior Grammar School, Bariga came out third. In the essay category, Egan Senior Grammar School, Egan dwarfed Ideal Girls Senior High School Surulere and Idiaraba Senior High School Mushin which came second and third. Similarly, Ikosi Senior High School, Ketu won the first place in the poetry, the Girls Senior High School Agege topped in the music category. Paul Adeleye, a pupil of Ikeja Junior College who dreams to be a blogger, told The Nation how through the talk, he learnt how easy cash could be made online without being

Braille competition today

• Kemi Okusanya, Business Development Manager, Anglophone West Africa, MoneyGram, (left) and Moneygram officer in Skye Bank Plc, Jones Amaechi, presenting books to pupils of Mosafejo Nursery and Primary School in Oworo, Lagos, Udeh Esther and Dare Adebanjo. With them is the school's Head Teacher, Mrs Olakitan Titilayo; and Education Secretary, Kosofe Local Government Education Authority (LGEA), Abiodun Akhigbe ... on Monday.

HE Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB) is organising a braille literacy competition for blind students. NAB Project Coordinator, Miss Ejiro Okotie, said students will compete in comprehension, spelling, reading and fluency. She said the competition, which is the first edition, holds today at at the Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children in Surulere, Lagos at 10am. She said the competition aims to promote braille writing and reading culture among the blind. Okotie said although technology is good and necessary for the rapidly growing technological age; braille reading culture should be preserved. This, she added, is because it will help the spelling ability of blind students and enhance their sound and quality education from basic to tertiary level.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

EDUCATION

Group seeks hoisting of National, Lagos flags in schools

EDUTALK

Movie ambition goes awry

O arouse patriotism and national consciousness in school-aged pupils, the La Roche Leadership Foundation has partnered with Curo Ten Nigeria Limited to hoist the national and Lagos State flags in all public primary and secondary schools in Lagos State. The project was kicked off on Tuesday last week at the Eko Akete Senior Grammar school, Lagos Island and five other schools. Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), who was represented by the Education Commissioner, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, said the objective of the initiative is to use national and state flags as powerful symbols to create a mindset change in pupils across the state, for them to see a positive, integrity-driven Nigeria and Lagos State as their heritage they can be proud of. “Indeed, this initiative is one of the many means we can arouse the consciousness of these children. We as a people must realise that our actions and inactions will have either a positive or negative impact on these children who see the older generations as role models. Thus, our actions and policies must make them have faith in their heritage," he said. He praised the initiative and its funders she expressed the hope that it would achieve its objective of a mindset change among the youth. The Founder of La Roche

• Mrs Oladundoye hoisting the flag at Eko Akete Grammar School, Lagos. Inset: Ambode By Sampson Unamka

Leadership foundation, Mr Akin Ambode, told The Nation that the project was a way of fulfling their civic duties to youths and the society. He added that beyond the project, the foundation will contribute to education by awarding scholarship and organising leadership programmes to inspire the pupils. Permanent Secretary, Lagos State

Ministry of Education Mrs Omolara Erogbogbo, also commended the project, describing it as educative. “Once the flags are unveiled in all schools, the government will monitor and make sure the flags are properly kept and the children are educated about the symbol of the flags. Mrs Erogbogbo also noted that private schools will not be left out of the initiative.

By Jane Chijioke

Communication Technology (ICT) to boost their delivery. The Director of CHS, Prof Peter Okebukola, represented by Mrs Omotayo Ikotun, the visiting administrative fellow, CHS, said basic education is the core of progress and development in modern societies. She urged the head teachers to exhibit leadership traits even in the face of challenges. “Despite the significant progress in Africa and particularly in Nigeria, the basic education system is still facing a number of challenges. Many of these challenges such as industrial strike action, lack of writing materials by pupils, etc, are many times outside the sphere of your influence as head teachers. But when these pupils are in school, you need to give them a reason to want to come the next day, and every other day. This is called leadership," she said. The organisers also appealed to the Federal government and Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU) to resolve their differences. Expressing her appreciation Mrs

Adebisi Salako, head teacher of Tender Age Children School, Ebute Metta, said the training was an eye opener. "The programme is a brilliant one. In my school some parents don't allow their wards to read Basic Six and this has affected me badly. My primary five is now primary six and it has also led to a great loss on me. Another issue is parents taking their children to another school whereas they are still owing in the previous school. “They don't see the need to pay anymore. This act is not good. With the suggestions made at this seminar for proprietors to a least demand for written document from the previous school from any pupil who wants transfer to a new school, If only we can articulate this idea, I think all schools will have equal treatment . I have also learnt more on how I can use the internet to advance my school,” he said. Another head teacher Mrs Grace Udoh said she has learnt how to tackle some challenges that she has been doing wrongly and also that CHS should make it a routine programme for public schools.

Education Icons award makes debut

OBEL Laureate, Prof Wole Soyinka, the late novelist, Prof Chinua Achebe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and former education minister, late Prof Babatunde Fafunwa are among the 13 personalities, living and dead, to be recognised with the Educational Icons award in March next year. Initiator of the awards and Chief Executive Officer, Micnet Concept, Michael Neboh, said at a briefing in Lagos that they have earned their places as a result of their contributions to development of the education sector in their lifetime. He added that such contributions should be celebrated despite the current challenges facing the sector. "Although the sector has passed

watched the auditions of candidates for a reality TV show, The Next Movie Star on Sunday. It was quite interesting watching the wannabe actors and actresses do their best to Kofoworola convince the judges they were deserving of the Nigerian slot in the competition that will feaKofosagie@yahoo.com ture participants from nine other African countries. 08054503077 (SMS only) Unfortunately for some, they did not get an opportunity to showcase their skills because they got disqualified for seemingly unimportant errors. For instance, two participants got the boot because of their footwear. One lady came for the auditions wearing a flat pair of slippers on a nice gown. She was asked why she did not wear shoes and I think she responded she did not have a good pair. One of the judges then asked whether she would go in a pair of slippers to an interview. And she answered no. She was shown the door. However, the case that touched me most was that of the girl who was born to an Edo mother and Fulani father who could not speak any local Nigerian language except English or Pidgin English. One judge in particular, repeatedly asked her if she could at least understand some Yoruba or Hausa having grown up in Mile Two area of Lagos. But she said no. Her response put paid to her ambition to contest on the show - without even being able to show if she can act or not. I wondered what must have gone through her mind as she left the venue. Unlike other contestants who were told to wait outside until the judges announced those that had been shortlisted, as she left the room she already knew she had been dropped. Did she think the judges were just been beastly? Or did it occur to her that there might be something awkward about being a Nigerian and being able to communicate only in a foreign language? English! Whose fault is it that the girl - perhaps I should name her Zainab - cannot speak her mother tongue? Is it that of her parents or herself? There are so many Zainabs growing up in today's Nigeria. They can neither understand nor speak their mother tongue. And they think it is cool because they are very fluent in English. (Ironically, foreigners are coming to Nigeria to learn our languages, particularly the Yoruba language). Sadly, by the time Zainab's generation start their own families, there will be less Nigerians able to teach their wards their mother tongue because they do not understand it themselves. At a cultural event in a private school in Lagos, I learnt a senator, Gbenga Ashafa warned parents to expose their wards to their mother tongue rather than consider them inferior to others. He said the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has already predicted that many Nigerian languages would disappear in 50 years. According to Wikipedia, UNESCO categorises language endangerment into five levels: "safe", "vulnerable" (not spoken by children outside the home), "definitely endangered" (children not speaking), "severely endangered" (only spoken by the oldest generations), "critically endangered" (spoken by few members of the oldest generation, often semi-speakers). I hope parents, as the first teachers of their wards, will learn from this that their languages are in danger of extinction when they choose to speak only English at home. The fear that the young ones will not be able to speak English fluently is unfounded as researchers have proven that very young children can learn up to three or more languages easily at the same time. The other day in the newsroom, we tried to identify the Yoruba words for mobile phones, internet, flash and other modern items. We found that most of our translations were descriptive, not single words. I believe this is because we are not developing the language enough. If we observe carefully, in the Mexican soaps many of us now watch, signs are letters are written in their local languages. Despite the films being subtitled so we can watch them, we are not able to follow fully when they show a character reading letters written in their languages without translating what is being read. When I visited Dubai in September, I found that every commercial building, billboard and other public notices had two signs one written in Arabic; and the other in English. That is a city that will not lose its cultural heritage or language in a hurry. So why are we in a hurry to lose ours?

Belo-Osagie

Head teachers get leadership training

BILITY to interpret a school's vision and cultivate healthy interaction with workers, parents and pupils were some of the skills head teachers were told to acquire during a leadership training for head teachers of private schools in Lagos. The event, organised by the Centre for Human Security (CHS) of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, was aimed at improving the efficiency of head teachers in their leadership role. The teachers were told to learn to relate the educational objectives of the school to instructional practices to generate good learning outcomes from the pupils. They were also taught how to interact with fellow teachers and parents for a healthy communication to take place and how to employ disciplinary methods that best suit situations as they come. In addition to the above, they were advised to update their knowledge, assist teachers in classrooms, learn ways to spice up the daily teaching process and move with modern trend of managing basic schools especially in using Information

with

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

through turns and twists in the last 52 years, the achievements of our heroes past, whose visions, programmes and actions laid the foundation for education in Nigeria and their remarkable achievements remain indelible to us," he said. Apart from the notable icons, 22 other individuals, agencies, governments and schools will be recognised under five different categories. Under the Best Education Policy category, the best minister, state government, state commission, among others will be recognised. Others include best principal of public/private primary/secondary schools; best vice-chancellor, and best

military school. Acting Chairman of the Education Icons Foundation, Mr Ranti Odimayo, who said that the awards will be the biggest event of next year, assured that the selection would be transparent. "We intend to use the best statistical data to select the recipients. Where that is unavailable we can invite people to make nominations. We expect to get an accountancy body to certify our methodology," he said. Pupils will not be left out of the award largess as an essay competition has been built into the initiative. The essay with the topic: 'Impact of Educational Icons in the History and Development of Education in Nigeria' is opened to senior secondary school pupils from across the country.

From my Inbox Re: 13 years apart (published Thursday November 14, 2013) My dear Kofo, I will strongly suggest that all would be top government officials be elected or selected; must have their children/wards in public schools as a condition for appointment/party nomination. Dare, Ikorodu. Kofo, how are you? I keep seeing your brilliant articles on Page 40 of The Nation. Mr Azubuike. Dear Kofo, just read your piece on '13 years apart'. Always enjoyed your corner; never knew you are an old FGGC. Our time was sweet and memorable and our teachers some of the best around. God help our children. Mrs Pat Emeordi - Nee Akhabue - Senior Prefect, 78/79 FGGC Benin.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

POLITICS Former Senate Deputy Leader Dr. Jonathan Zwingina spoke with reporters on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crisis, the agitation for power shift by the North, the second term ambition of the President and other issues. EMMANUEL OLADESU was there.

‘PDP may suffer setback in Rivers’ M

ANY PDP chieftains led by Adamawa State Governor Muritala Nyako appear to be heading to the APC. Are you also defecting to the APC? It is not entirely correct that my state, Adamawa, is going to the opposition. What is happening is that the governor and a few of his supporters have indicated interest to go to the APC. The governor had always been in the opposition because, during the 2011 elections, while all of us were fighting for the President, he was supporting Gen. Buhari. But after that election, he was the first governor to come to Abuja to greet the President and we obliged him. So, he will not be a stranger in the APC as he’s just gone back home. In the last by-election that took place in his own local government for one of the two House of Assembly seats, the PDP defeated the candidate of the governor. We had 14,000 votes and the governor’s candidate had 7,000 votes. That is the measure of the size of Adamawa population behind him. I agree that he has supporters, but they are not in the majority and he is not going with the entire party members in the state. He is going with a few of his supporters. But former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is also on his way out. Are you saying that he will not take a chunk of the Adamawa electorate to the opposition party? That may not be really accurate. Right now, I am not sure whether really they are together. I have seen a number of meetings of the APC together with the G-7 or G-5, but I have not seen the former Vice President. So, I do not know to what extent that one can say they are still together. But I would also want him to know that Adamawa has been consistently PDP. People have left and come back, but the bulk of the state has been consistently PDP. Even at a time when the former Vice President left, the PDP won the election. Nyako’s victory on the platform of the PDP is not his own making, but the tradition of the state. The State is predominantly PDP. People can exit and re-enter, but the bulk of the majority of the state is PDP. If other aggrieved governor of the PDP join the New PDP, what will be the fate of the party? If the seven of them desire to move

away from the PDP, you cannot deny them the right to do so. But I will also like to say that the party is a national party and that the party has overwhelming majority in the state and that it is not in all cases that the state belongs to the direction of the governor. So, the fact that the seven of them are moving in the opposite direction doesn’t mean that they will all end up in that direction. There are already discordant tunes in the G-7 where a few of them want to retrace their steps. They have their own structures actually in their hand in the PDP. Out there in the APC, they do not have that guarantee. So, we’ve seen some of them coming back. The second stage of the development is that most of them will go without their support base. Thirdly, we are likely also to fish in the APC camp. If they can fish in the PDP, who says that we cannot fish in their nest. So, it will be a diffusion of movement that, at the end of the day, will balance out. Are you saying that the PDP is not threatened by the planned defection? I will also say that, politically speaking, the action of the G-7 has come very conveniently for the PDP. It has given us a long notice that we will get ready and repair whatever damage that would be done by that movement before 2015. So, I will say that their strategists did not calculate the timing very well, because there is enough room to repair whatever damage the exit of some of them may cause. What if the G-7 remains in the PDP and still maintains the same opposition view within. What would that mean to the repair that is being planned? Well, since we already know that they are the opposition and the aggrieved group, it would be very disadvantageous to allow a cankerworm remain inside when serious work is to be done. Are you aware of any agreement between President Jonathan and the aggrieved governors?

ANY stakeholders, believe that a Sovereign National Conference (SNC) will prevent chaos, catastrophe and disintegration. They also believe that a national conference will give ethnic nationalities the opportunity to examine and resolve the national question. One of the critical issues is the resource control. How should the national revenue be distributed among the federating units? Should it be by

To the best of my knowledge and as a member of the campaign structure of President Goodluck Jonathan, I am not aware, either by direct information or by briefing by my principal, that there was such agreement. But let me tell you that, if there was an agreement, it would have been in the papers. You know Nigerian journalists are the most creative anywhere in the world. They are more vibrant, more intelligent and they have better security network.They would have pasted that agreement on the internet and we would have seen copies of it. It may have been a gentleman agreement, but let me also tell you that many politicians do not contest elections on the basis of their own desires. Most times, as political leaders, we yield to pressure from our constituencies, just like it is common knowledge that the President did not desire to be the President. Circumstances pulled him into it. He did not even desire to be the Vice President. He was dragged. So, he may desire not to contest, only to find that a bulk of Nigerians and his support base desire him to do so. Many of the governors, including the G-7, did not actually want to be where they were. They were propelled into it, including our own governor, Admiral Nyako. He has been saying it every day that he didn’t want to run, but that he was compelled into it and he now yielded to pressures of those who urged him. So, why is he not giv-

‘Apart from Governor Amaechi, other governors in the G-7 did not deliver the President in 2011. So, they are not saying anything new. It is only in Rivers that we may suffer a setback. But in the other states, there will be no setback’

force and you lose it, what you have done is to demonstrate to Nigerians that you do not have the capacity to compel that power change. So, after another four years, they will test you with another alliance with a different person to see, if you really can do anything about it. You are actually exposing your vulnerability and the G-7 is exposing northern vulnerability more than assuaging it and that is where I see that they have not really been political strategists. Far from assisting the northern interest, they are actually doing a great disservice to it because they are scaring away the northern allies. Southsouth used to be their allies, but they are now denying a section of the Southsouth, which used to be the traditional ally with the North a chance. So, that is not a correct strategic thinking. If President Jonathan decides to recontest, what achievement is he going to advertise to Nigerians? The things that the President would need to do would be to consolidate what he has started and I think the most important would be the power sector, which he really has concentrated upon and delivered it. It’s all clear that it cannot be fixed in a month or in a year, but if he can concentrate on that and be remembered as the President that eventually resolved the power question, you know the power sector has a spin-off effect for industries, for agriculture, for infrastructure and for everything. Of course, there are other reforms waiting to be consolidated; the Petroleum Industry Bill, which will reform the petroleum sector and in the infrastructural bill which is going to turn round the infrastructure of the country through PPP. These are the things that should be continued. I do not envisage new projects or new programmes for the President but the consolidation, expansion and completion of the ones that he has started, not biting too much and being unable to chew but concentrating on what has been achieved so far and delivering them. Is the APC not threat to the PDP in future elections? No, I don’t because of a number of factors. The PDP has been together for 14 years. The APC has been together for less than six months and it will take lots of energy to push away an incumbent party, led by an incumbent President. Most of the chieftains in APC are only concerned about their States and not the federation. They are more concerned about how to protect the gains they have made in their individual states and they are ready to spend only in those individual states and not in the federation. So, that’s why they are not a threat to the President. Finally, the PDP has the advantage of a sitting President that has not harmed anybody, even with his words or with his actions.

How national dialogue can succeed, by activists By Chinenye Muojekwu

• Okurounbi

• Zwingina

ing the President the right to also yield to the pressures of those who want him to run again? He had the right to yield to the pressures of those urging him and he is trying to deny somebody the same right to yield. The right to yield should be equivocal and also reciprocal and equitable. Apart from the agreement, the G7 Governors, six of whom are from the North, are of the view that power should shift to the North. Do you think that power should actually shift to the North now? Let me say something that is also obvious but, maybe, it has not occurred to you being very active observers and maybe not participants directly. I took part in the preparation of the last election in 2011 and I can tell you that, apart from Governor Amaechi, other governors in the G-7 did not deliver the President in 2011. So, they are not saying anything new. It is only in Rivers that we may suffer a setback. But in the other states, there will be no setback. As to whether power should come back to the North, I concede the right of the North to want power to return to them, just like I concede the right of the President to want to run for a second term for which he has a constitutional right. However, it is the zone and the President that strike the most alliance and the larger support base that will eventually get the ticket. It is not by threat or by compulsion that that alliance can be built. It is through persuasion, dialogue and give and take. The language of some elements in G-7 is a language that is very antiNorthern interest because you seek to scare away people, rather than to endear people to their cause. You seek to threaten rather than to seduce. You seek to compel, rather than to persuade and, as a politician, I do not think that majority of the politicians are happy with the language coming out of G-7. It is not a language that draws sympathy for the cause of the North. It is a language that does disservice to the cause of the North. If that Northern group, which never supported the President in the last election, decides that, for change, let’s support the President, why won’t the President be sympathetic to their cause in 2019 for instance? He would and that is a power change that would be smooth and that will be credible without rancor. But if you insist that you must have it now by force of argument and force of compulsion, of course, which you can’t en-

derivation, need or national interest? Should there be state police? Should power be decentralised? What should be the relationship between the central government and the states? Other fundamental issues resolve around fundamental human rights. These include economic and political rights, education, mineral resource and infrastructural development. Analysts have argued that the current challenges of under-funding of education, infrastructural decay, soaring unemployment, insecurity and poor governance can also be tackled at the conference. “It is an avenue where you sit down and discuss the way forward”, said Emeka Michael, a student activist at the University of Benin. In his view, education should become the priority of government because it is critical to human capacity development. Therefore, Michael, who is the President of Mechanical Engineering Students Association, said that the debate at the conference should focus on how

to reposition the sector for excellence. Another youth leader, Imoniukiri Rukuvwe, said that the conference will bring together Nigerians from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds and offer them an opportunity for mutual understanding. He said that the conference should assist in laying a sustainable foundation for value. Stressing that the youths face serious economic challenges as leaders of tomorrow, Imoniukori, who is the Deputy Coordinator of the Niger Delta Student Union, urged the conference to debate national economic priorities for the purpose of solving the graduate unemployment. However, Philip Muoghalu suggested that the conference should foster national stability. He said that the mode of representation at the conference may pose a challenge. “Really, what I don’t understand is how the participants of this conference would be picked or selected for it to represent virtually the nation. Because I think it i0s not just the political class that their opinions are needed. Let it

comprise the traders, students, and not just the old politicians”, he added. Muoghalu, who is a mass communication student at Nnamidi Azikiwe University, said that, if the ethnic nationalities can evolve new basis for peaceful co-existence, there will be peace. Another activist, Samuel Bright, said that the conference can only be meaningful, if the report is subjected to a referendum, instead of parliamentary ratification. “There are so many issues that need clarifications. Do we want to continue as a people or not? Do we want to practice federalism? Do we need state police? These are the queestions for the conference”, he said. A University of Lagos Law student, Jerry Agbodesi, traced the country’s tragedy to the mistake of 1914. He lamented that peace had eluded the ethnic nationalities, following their amalgamation by the British. But he said that the conference can give birth to a country “where we will not see ourselves as Ibos, Hausas, Yorubas, Tivs, Ibibios”. He added: “The National Conference

is a step towards the right direction. Nigerians are not united and there is no peace. This is evidenced by the crisis of development. The Jos riots, the Kano, Bauchi, and Kaduna riots, the activities of the Boko Haram group, kidnappings and fights in the Niger Delta, and the civil war. “Nigerians should not protect the interest of their ethnic groups alone. They should protect the hopes and dreams of every Nigerian, whether rich or poor, Hausa or Efik, Fulani or Yoruba, Ibo or Auchi; whether Christians or Muslims. The hope of a child in the rural areas of Kano learning the Quran is the same as the hope of a girl learning the Bible in a modern Church in Lagos”. The national conference, in the opinion of Owodeyi Olalekan, should remove the obstacles against political justice, economic justice, social justice, cultural justice, and religious justice. He said the national dialogue should can achieve this goal through a new constitutional frame-work that would guarantee restructuring and reforms.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NATURAL HEALTH THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Natural remedy for nature’s ailment

AUSEA, an uncomfortable sensation in the stomach that induces vomit, can be depressing. The condition can be treated naturally. A traditional medicine practitioner, Dr Lambo Adebisi, said nature provided for the condition. He said: “Most people have experienced nausea at one time or another. Nausea is often associated with dizziness. There are many tried and tested, non-pharmacological methods of combating nausea.” “One can start with the easiest which is to lie flat on a pillow, and rest while waiting for the symptoms to ease. “Another easy way out is to drink clear fluids, take adequate rest, and consume ginger drinks. Others are drinking rice water; taking peppermint and using accupressure,” he said. Explaining how these help out, Adebisi said: “Taking frequent sips of a small volume of clear fluid (e.g water, electrolyte solution) can ensure relieve. "The fluid should be room tem-

By Wale Adepoju

perature. This is a good way to maintain hydration, improve nausea and control vomiting," he added. On accupressure, he said: “People should locate a spot on the crease of their palm between the second and third fingers and press that spot lightly for a few minutes. That will relieve the discomfort because the nerves are inter related, and that point represents the stomach and the organs involved in respiration.” Adebisi said consuming ginger was a good therapy, stressing that clinical trials have shown that ginger was more effective than a placebo for post operative nausea. Fresh ginger, he said can be crushed, boiled in water, simmered for five to six minutes, drained and consumed as an antiemetic tea. He said: "Chewing ginger root, or crystallised ginger, has anecdotally been reported to alleviate travel and sea sickness. "In adults, two to four grammes of fresh ginger root can be taken daily

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to combat nausea, but it is advised not to exceed four grammes a day. "Ginger can be taken in pregnancy for nausea at a dose of one gramme daily. If one is pregnant, however,

people should ask their doctor before consuming ginger." He said people can boil rice and drink the water strained from the rice, after cooling. "This is a tradi-

He said dry starchy food, such as, crackers or toast can absorb excess stomach acids, therefore settling the nausea. "Nuts are easily digested and contain protein to help combat nausea," Adebisi said.

Five things your hair says about your health T

HE secret to shiny, thick and strong hair isn't always found in the right product. Our hair, like the rest of our body, needs the right conditions to really thrive. Read on to check out what common hair problems can tell you about what's going on in the rest of your body.

Dry, Brittle and Breaking Hair It's not just too much coloring, blow drying and styling that can lead to dry and brittle hair; the culprit can also be what is - and isn't - on your plate. The secret to shiny, healthy, and growing hair is little more than a well-balanced diet, with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Iron, Vitamin E, and plenty of protein are particularly important for maintaining a healthy head of hair.

•Balding and hair loss

•Graying hair

Dandruff Though dandruff can certainly be the result of dry skin and conditions that cause dry skin like psoriasis and eczema, the most common cause of dandruff is actually skin that is too oily. Though some of these are genetic, a poor diet heavy in fat and sugar and low in zinc and Vitamin B can also be a factor. Stress, a weak immune system, neurological disorders like Parkinson's Disease and even not washing your hair enough can all lead to the development of dandruff.

Dry, limp and thin hair Has the texture and the body of your hair changed significantly?

•Dry, brittle and breaking hair

levels in people that are genetically predisposed to gray hair. Though it's always a good idea to seek out help from professionals if you are concerned about your stress levels, for the most part, graying hair says very, very little about your health.

•Dry, limp and thin hair

Uncharacteristically limp and thin hair could be the result of an under-active thyroid. Check with your doctor if you experience this or other symptoms, like weight gain and fatigue.

Graying hair

People have long connected gray hair with stress. While science can't fully back that up yet, there is some research that connects premature graying to stress

Balding and hair loss Most men don't need to worry about their health when it comes to hair loss - about 90 percent of male baldness is just the genetic straw

• Dandruff

you drew. Hormones can play a big factor for women since menopause and pregnancy can both trigger hair loss. Weight loss and eating disorders can also lead to shedding hair. Thyroid issues, stress, certain medications and, of course, chemotherapy can also be the culprit. But, as you might expect, your diet can also play a major factor: not getting enough iron, protein and getting too much Vitamin A are all possible causes of hair loss. • Source: www.care2.com

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NATURAL HEALTH

NEW YEAR (2014) is beckoning, winking although it is still about 48 days away. It is, therefore, not too early in my view to carry out the yearly ritual of presenting herbs, food supplements and Alternative Medicine services and ideas which rooted in the Nigerian market this year and should sprout, flower and fruit in 2014. Some of my unforge tables this year have been Eyemaxplus, Lion's Mane, Calamus root and Algavera AV Vigor. Of course, I cannot forget Wheatgrass, Barley grass, Spirulina, Horsetail and the likes of them. Guardian Angel, of which Sola Sowemimo wrote from Mexico should join them soon. Algavera International has added two more products to AV-Vigor, which is designed for brain health in conditions such as failing memory, brain stress or fag, or stroke. One of the constituents, Lion's Mane, the subject of a Nobel Prize Award, stimulates the brain to produce Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) which improves nerve flow and function and supports the repair and regeneration of damaged nerves. The new stablemates of AV-Vigor are (1) AV-VIBRANCE, an immune system support formula, and (2) AV-SILVER. In the course of this series, I will discuss this product in relation to EARTHING. For now, let me quickly say that "earthling" is now widely practiced in some countries. It grew out of earthling protection for houses, such as the "thunder catcher", or electrical appliances. Motor vehicle owners know their vehicle must be earthed, otherwise there may be a blow out. Similarly, the human body may blow up in all sorts of diseases, such as insomnia, diabetes, high blood pressure, prostate enlargement or even cancer if it becomes electro polluted beyond its tensile strength. Just imagine this scenario. You are lying in bed at night. Through your walls, billions of text message data are passing through your body to their destinations. Television pictures and radio broadcasts are doing the same. When the barber cuts your hair with electric clipper, you also absorb some electricity. So do women who dry their hair in electric driers in the salon.Your status of electro pollution may be worse if you are addicted to Visual Display Units (VDUs) such as the computer, cell phones, if you cook with microwave, live near overhead electricity cables or GSM masts. Even women who operate photocopying machines are known to be at risk as the rays they discharge are at the level of the reproductive organs and, as such, may cause infertility. Our bodies produce electricity and is run on it. That is why, for example, a pacemaker battery is surgically placed in an electrically weak heart. The body wears down if the voltage of the current it is exposed to is bigger than its own. We live in an electro polluted world and this has engaged the attention of many researchers for some years. The solution they have now come up with is earthling. That means, as we earth electrical appliances and houses, to protect them against damage by electricity, lightening and thunder, so should our bodies be protected. This idea has led the way back to "primitive" or cave man's medicine. When the feet touch the earth, particularly dew covered grass, radiations from the earth (in this case, electrons) surge into the body as antioxidants to counterbalance or neutralise the oxidizing protons or positive charges from electro pollutions. This brings about a state of balance and health in the body. With this knowledge at the back of my mind, I watch my gardener at work. He is in his fifties. He works bare foot,, connected to the healing rays of the earth. He can lift a 50 kilogramme bag of cement, wanted. I cannot. A moslem, he would work all day at construction sites on empty stomach during the Ramadan, mixing granite, sand and cement motar, into head pans which he would convey on his head to bricklayers. I enjoyed barefoot walk on the granite filled grounds of 34 Ajanaku Street, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, where I lived for about 10 years from the mid 1980s. Now, worldwide, earthing gadgets are making the waves. Algavera International has brought what, arguably, may be the first of such gadgets to the Nigerian health market. Called AG Silver, it comes in the form of a bed liren which is wired and is plugged to a socket to earth radiations bombarding the electro-polluted room and bed area. TODAY, I wish to return to NATURE'S GIFTS FOR LIFE, which I mentioned in passing a few weeks ago in the column ALGAVERA, WELLOME, EYEMAX PLUS. A Cameroonian petroleum engineer resident in Nigeria, Mr. Kame is behind this organisation. His wife, Kate an orthodox medical doctor, is not only the managing director, she wrote all product literature in the products' guide for all the herbal medicines in the stable. I hope I will be able to address two of the promising products today. These are (1) CRUDE BLACKSTRIP MOLASSES and (2)CATARACT CLEAR.

GIFT FOR NATURE FOR LIFE…..

Blackstrap molasses and Cataract Clear from Nature’s Gift for Life growth. Diabetics should take it with caution. Although the sugar of molasses is said to be low on the Glycemic Index, that is it doesn't rush into the blood, burns slowly and doesn't create blood sugar capsules problems, it may be taken with a sugar burner such as Fenugreek, Natures Way Blood Sugar, with gymnester, Bitter Melon Cinnamon, Horsetail (anti-arthritis, blood alkalizer, sugar burner and tumour breaker) and a high dosage B-complex vitamin. For extra potassium, I add lemon, lime or orange juice. And for more minerals, I add two crushed tablets of FLP's Nature Min. sometimes one tablespoonful of liquid chlorophyll helps to add greens. Blackstrap molasses exposes the harm man has inflicted upon himself. For it is nothing but the waste product of the industrial process by which sugar cane is stripped of all its natural nutrients to produce lifeless cube or granulated white sugar. That means that, to make sugar, all the nutrients of sugar care are removed and thrown away as waste. Thanks, all over to the Creator, Who permitted us the knowledge that this so called waste is healing food. Welcome to Nigeria, Blackstrap molasses from Nature's Gift for Life.

Cataract clear eye drop

Herbs and supplements to watch in 2014 (1)

For a long while, the only option available to cataract sufferers is the surgical removal of the congealed lens(es) of their eyes and its replacement with a plastic substitute for patients who can afford it. Where the money cannot be afforded, patients make do with thick eye glasses. Even for patients who can afford it, the plastic lens comes in varying qualities. Soon after, laser surgery came up. In the hands of the skillful eye surgeon, the laser beam dissolves the frozen impediment to light travel in the eye which causes the cloudiness in cataract. Soon after came wonderful drugs, including the pharmaceutical VISTULENT, a potassium iodide based product. It works by stimulating metabolism in surrounding tissue which, then extracts toxins from the lens CATARACT CLEAR is a natural product composed of Boric acid, Potassium, Bicarbonate and Acety-1- canosine . Boric acid is popular for its anti-candida and yeast actions. Potassium helps oxygenation and alkalinity and, when combined with phosphoric acid, helps to stabilize the cells.in a well oxygenated and alkalized environement, few, if any germs exist and cells are caution. Bicarbonate prevents acid build up in the body. Many people's eyes, like their bodies, are acidic and toxic, thereby creating a favourable environment for germ growth and disturbance of the cells. If, as the Yoruba believe the eye is the light of the body, toxicity in the eye is a picture of the entire body. Toxins and acidosis invite candida, other fungi, yeast, bacteria and viruses. That's why I suspect components of Cataract Clear will help cataract conditions. For Acelyl L-Carnosine is reserved the function of dissolving the cataract. In a study of the Efficacy of N-acetyl carnosine in the treatment of cataracts, the Innovative Vision Products, Inc., Country of Newcastle, Deleware, USA, (Markbabizhayev@yahoo.com) reports as follows:

strual syndrome conditions which involve bloating. It is also well used in situations of carpal tunnel syndrome, a wrist and palm condition involving, inflammation or sweating, pain, especially in the wrist and some fingers. So important does Hauser consider blackstrap molasses that he said it should be given the same priority as the salt shake on the dining table. A terrific nutrient in molasses, says Scott, and I agree, is Phosphoric acid. He reminds us that a combined deficiency of phosphoric acid and potassium causes a breakdown of cells, especially those of the brain and nerves. This is an interesting observation because in cell or tissue salt medicine, which is not well known in the country, the five phosphate cell salts are employed to combat this degenerative condition. Scott, who was in his nineties when he wrote the booklet on Blackstrap molasses, said that his eyes were opened to the curative and prophylactic powers of this sugar cane extract by a gentleman named James Persson, "provision merchant of Palmester N., New Zealand. Cyril Scott said of Mr. Persson: "Purpose "Some years ago, Mr. Persson was broken in health and unable to "To evaluate the effects of 1 per cent N-acetylcarnosine (NAC) do even the lightest work. He was suffering from a growth in the solution on lens clarity over six and 24 months in patients with bowels, hardening values of the heart, blocked bronclual tubes, cataracts. constipation, indigestion, pyorhoea, sinus trouble and weak nerves. In addition to his array of symptoms, he was losing weight and his "Trial Design: liar had turned white. Despite consulting doctors and specialists, his "Randomised, placebo-controlled study. condition was getting steadily worse, then, one day, he heard of Mr "PARTICIPANTS: S., who happened to be a neighbor of the postman from whom he "48 subjects (76 affected eyes) with an average age of 65.3 +/-7.0 got the details I will now mention. years with a diagnosis of senile cataract with minimum to ad"Mr S. had suffered from an inoperable growth in the bowels; in vanced opacification in various lens layers. other words, he had been opened up by the surgeons, and then "METHODS: stitched up again, his condition being regarded as so hopeless that 26 patients (41 eyes) were allocated to topical NAC 1 per cent even the idea of surgical interference was abandoned. Thus, he was eyedrops twice daily. The control group consisted of 13 patients discharged from hospital and given seven weeks to live". (21 eyes) who received placebo eyedrops and 10 patients (19 eyes) Mr S. was told by a friend of molasses, he tried it and his bowel who did not receive eyedrops. growths and other symptoms disappeared to the amazement of his doctors. When Mr. Persson heard of Mr. S, he, too, took molasses Main outcome measures: and his bowel growths and other symptoms vanished likewise. "All patients were evaluated at entry and followed up every These cases brought molasses into limelight in New Zealand. Blackstraop Molasses two months for a six-month period (trial 1), or at six-month interCyril Scott speaks of many cases of growths, including those of For many years until I read CYRIL SCOTT'S booklet on it this was vals for a two-year period (trial 2), for best-corrected visual acuity the uterus, cured solely by molasses therapy that I wonder if it a sugarcane refining bypredict I kept a distance from in the 1980s, and glare testing. In addition, cataract was measured using stereo shouldn't be included in uterine fibroids protocols. He says one because of its sweetness. Mrs… Adu, of Abeokuta, later fired my cinematographic slit-images and retro-illumination examination man with a malignant growth on his tongue which made him interest in it. She practically combed the whole of Nigeria for it at of the lens. Digital analysis of lens images displayed light scatterunable to speak recovered his health and speech. that time. Not even the Bacita Sugar Industry in the time of Mrs. Titi ing and absorbing centres in two and three dimensional scales. Cyril Scott reports one of the many cases of uterine fibroid Adeleke as managing Director could furnish some. I do not rememrecoveries: "Results: ber what Mrs. Adu wanted blackstrap molasses for. But I recall she "The sufferer visited Mr. Persson in very distressed frame of did some work as a natural healthcare provider, making plantain "The overall intra-reader reproducibility of cataract measuremind. She had been told by the doctors that she was suffering root juice for people challenged with prostate gland enlargement, ments (image analysis) was 0.830, and glare testing 0.998. After from cancer and could not be expected to live for more than about and I may have shared with her Cyril Scotts suggestions that six months, 90 per cent of NAC-treated eyes showed improvesix weeks. The diagnosis may have been incorrect, but in any case Blackstrap molasses was used in bygone years to break tumours of ment in best corrected visual acuity (7 to 100%) and 88.9 per cent her doctors took a very serious view of her condition, for she had all kinds, some of them cancerous. showed a 27 to 100 per cent improvement in glare sensitivity. lost much weight and suffered from severe haemorrages. Having Topographic studies indicated fewer areas of posterior sub capsuheard of molasses for growths, she subsequently applied to Mr. lar lens opacity and 41.5 per cent of treated eyes had improveConstituents' Persson for a quantity, which she proceeded to take via mouth ment in image analysis characteristics. The overall ratio of image Going by Cyril Scott, the unsulphured crude blackstrap molasses and also to use in blood-warm water as a douche. Some months analysis characteristics at 6 months compared with baseline meacontains after she had started the treatment, she called to see Mr. Persson sures were 1.04 and 0.86 for the control and NAC-treated group, • Sucrose, a simple sugar, 39.5 per cent again, and he reports that she was so changed for the better in respectively (p<0.001). The apparent benefits of treatment were • Inert sugar 11.5 per cent every way that he could hardly believe it was the same woman. sustained after 24 months treatment. No treated eyes demon• Ash 9.0 per cent The bleeding had ceased; she had regained her normal weight, strated worsening of vision. The overall visual outcome in the • Organic matter 17.5 per cent her colour was healthy, and she confessed to feeling 'wonderful'. control group showed significant worsening after 24 months in Most of the constituents are soluble and, therefore, available for There are many case histories mentioned. One was about a breast comparison with both baseline and 6-month follow-up examinathe body's use. The ash content is largely potassium and calcium growth which disappeared without recurrence. Mr. Persson obtion. The overall clinical results observed in the NAC-treated salts. This makes the product an alkalising agent. This alkalizing served some people cough up "rotten growth" from the throat, group by the 24-month period of examination differed signifipotential is boosted by the presence, also, of minerals such as iron, varicose veins are reported cured as were cases of arthritis, ulcers, cantly (p<0.001) from the control group in the eyes with cortical, copper, and magnesium. The B Vitamins family is well represented, elevated blood pressure, to mention a few conditions molasses is posterior subcapsular, nuclear or combined lens opacities. Tolerwith the exception of Vitamin B1. Diet expert of his time Gaylord reported to have helped. Its impact on nerve problems is said to ability of NAC eyedrops was good in almost all patients, with no Hauser, said there was a large presence of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic be most appreciated by the wives of soldiers who returned from reports of ocular or systemic adverse effects". acid) and Vitamin B6. Vitamin B5 is a growth, anti-stress, cholesWorld War II with neurosis and other nerve troubles. Perhaps terol lowering, skin, nail and hair vitamin, among several popular because of the high iron content (one tablespoonful is said to •Welcome to Nigeria, CATARACT CLEAR from NATURE'S GIFTS uses to which it is put Vitamin B6 helps in the elimination of excess provide 40 per cent of an adults daily need of iron), molasses is FOR LIFE. fluid in the body, for which many doctors prescribe it for premenrecommended for pregnant women and children since iron helps e-mail: femi.kusa@yahoo.com or olufemikusa@yahoo.com Tel: 08166759749, 08034004247, 07025077303

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

THE NATION

e-Business e-mail: e-business@thenationonlineng.net

How can connectivity be improved? This was the focus of the AfricaCom Conference held in South Africa last week. It was attended by telecom operators on the continent. LUCAS AJANAKU reports.

Africa moves to improve connectivity V

IRTUALLY all the issues militating against the development of the information communication technology (ICT) sector in the continent were thrown up for discussion at the Africa Com conference held last week at Cape Town, South Africa. There were several paper presentations with breakout sessions where panelists examined topical issues like mobile money, direct billing, customer experience management (CEM) and others.

•From left: Essien; Head, Telecom Sales, Lumata, Omar Fadill; Edun

Mobile money Mobile money was introduced in Nigeria more than two years ago but the scheme, driven by the banks, have remained largely unpopular. It has succeeded in other climes while it has not done well in others. Group Vice President, Executive Business Line, Mobile Authentication, Glesecke and Devrient, Wolfgang Decker identified the absence of a global regulatory standard, trust and low awareness as some of the factors inhibiting the adoption and wider penetration of mobile money services in Africa. Speaking at the International Convention Centre, Cape Town, South Africa, venue of the just concluded annual Africacom, Decker said though the future of financial inclusion is hinged on mobile money, a lot still needed to be done to put the continent on the global limelight.. He spoke on Securing the Future of Mobile Money, and stressed that while banks manage cash inefficiently, there is high level of economic uncertainty arising thereto. In what he described as impossible world, he said proactive regulation, traceability, low influence on economic uncertainty, fragmented identity were the order of the day. He said traditional payment models, fees for payment, disoriented system for services payment and the predilection to hold liquidity were also the features of the impossible, adding that the cloud world where money moves round real time through the internet is the best. At a breakout session, operators insisted that network interoperability among telecoms operators on one hand, and interoperability between banks, merchants and customers, on the other, is vital to drive mobile money in African countries. They argued at one of the breakout sessions that unless the issue of interoperability was addressed, African countries may not go far in driving the mobile money initiative, which had already been launched in most African countries. Senior Manager, Network Rollout at Etisalat Nigeria, Mr. Valentine Amadi who represented Nigeria at a panel discussion during one of the breakout sessions, said interoperability was central to mobile money growth in Africa, since the mobile wallet is linked to the network operators and the issue of transferring money from the customer to the recipient, through authorised mobile money agents, depended on the network. Director, Orange Money, Botswana, Mr. Moussa Dao, agrees with Amadi. He said interoperability should not be an issue, insisting that customers should be allowed to choose any network of choice. “Interoperability should not be an issue if we must achieve financial inclusion,” he said. Another panelist, Head, Strategic Partnerships, Tyme Capital, South Africa, Dominique Collet said interoperability would unlock the future needs of mobile money in the continent and drive mobile money transactions. He stressed the need to educate customers, train customers and merchants as well. On models, Amadi said most African countries adopted the telcoled model, where telecoms operators were allowed to drive the entire process, but expressed regret that in Nigeria and some African countries, the bank-led model was adopted, which he said, would continue to stunt growth and development in the sector. Operators who own the infrastructure and customers are confined to palying docile role in the scheme of things. According to him, telecoms operators have the network and the biggest customer base to drive the scheme in Africa than the banks. “Telecoms operators are closer to the people with more customer base, while the banks are better off in designing financial products that will drive mobile money. The banks are only marketing to those that have bank accounts but the telecoms operators are better positioned to address the unbanked, since they have the reach and the technology,” he said. He explained that the unbanked constitutes a large chunk of the African population and efforts must be done to quickly integrate

•From left: General Manager, Business Development, Econet Wireless, Burundi, Cyrille Nibigira; Cell C, Tshepo Selokela; and Walsh at the panel discussion on CEM.

them into the formal sector. According to him, for Africa to achieve fast financial inclusion through mobile money, the services of telecoms operators need to improve. “It is not the fear of going to the bank or meeting the agents that will slow the growth rate of mobile money in Africa, but the speed of the agents’ network and the telecoms network in sending money,” he warned, adding that there was need for better remuneration of agents too. In his presentation, Sales Director in charge of Russia, Middle East and Africa at MoreMagic Solutions, Mr. Deepak Sachdeva said: “Lack of open system is hindering growth of mobile money in Africa. Operators and merchants need to open the market and come up with innovations that will be relevant to subscribers and enable them patronise any network of choice.”

Customer experience management (CEM) Customer experience management was another issue that came to the fore at the forum. The need to evolve strategies to win and retain customers was highlighted. In his presentation, Head, Customer and User Experience, Vodacom Ghana, Stephen Essien, said the key success factor in winning the war against dominant operators in the continent is customer experience. Speaking on Integrating Customer Experience Management (CEM) into new Business Models and Differentiation Strategies, he said customers were now moving out of pricing, out of technology to customer-centric approach to choosing service providers. Nigeria’s representative on the panel discussion, Head, Customer Experience, Etisalat Nigeria, Abiola Edun, defined CEM as the sum total of the interaction customers have with their service providers. She said CEM is at the centre of Etisalat business, a development that has earned the telco the popularity it has among the youth segment of the society in the country where it has

Telecoms operators are closer to the people with more customer base, while the banks are better off in designing financial products that will drive mobile money. The banks are only marketing to those that have bank accounts but the telecoms operators are better positioned to address the unbanked, since they have the reach and the technology

operated for five years and yet recorded huge success. Edun said while the telco has moved CEM to the level of offering customers personalised innovative services, the key message is that the voice of the customers must not be ignored but listened to attentively. According to her, the telco’s strategies of keeping close to the customers include knowledge of their location, data and voice usage. This it does through the use of intelligent support channels, social media such as Twitter, Facebook and others. She urged telcos to keep investing on CEM so that the user-experience on their networks will keep standing them out of the pack. Essien urged operators not to develop product on revenue target basis but on what customers want. Because of the pivotal roles customer experience managers play in the success of business, he said they should decide voice and data tariff and even places where base transmission stations (BTS) should be sited, adding that customer segmentation needed to be done to separate high spenders and influential customers (whose comments could rock the boat). Another panelist, Customer Care Executive, MTN Jemima Kotei Walsh, opined that CEM should be accorded the top-bottom approach drive, led by the chief executive officer of the organisation. According to her, CEM is strategic business thinking, arguing that customers must always decide. She said at MTN, there is a project in place on customer experience management driven the CEO where the team meets bimonthly and quarterly with customers’ forum.

Direct billing brouhaha Internet firms and operators expressed divergent views on the merits of direct operator billing as a way of stimulating the development of mobile application in Africa. While internet players such as search engine giant, Google and Mozilla were in favour of operators billing as a way to deliver a wide-scale billing mechanism that would enable app developers make money, operators feel otherwise. Head, New Products, sub-Saharan Africa Google South Africa, Brett StClair, said Google would love to have as many payment mechanisms as possible available through the Google Play Store. “The challenge for us is paying out to the app developers and currently, we don’t do it in Africa. We only have 50,000 people working for us. So we prioritise and Africa is lower down on the list. But this is an opportunity for operators,” he said. He said there was growing number of apps developers on the continent with little knowledge about how to make money, adding •Continued on page 48

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

e-Business Glo among Africa’s top five

ELECOMMUNICATIONS giant, Globacom has been ranked among the top five most valuable brands in Africa. In the latest survey conducted by Brand Africa and published in African Business magazine, Globacom made the list because it has won the hearts of the communities where it has its footprint. The report, which listed other leading African conglomerates, stated that Globacom got an impressive brand value of 655 to rank among the Top five brands in the continent in a list of the Top 10 Most Valuable Brands in Africa. In just 10 years of operation, Glo has built a reputation as an authentic African brand with its extensive network across several African countries where it operates such as Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic.

Since inception, the company has established a strong pedigree as a pan-Africa brand with phenomenal equity. In addition to delivering premium telecommunication services to consumers in markets where it operates, Globacom has gained top of mind awareness and strong recall in Africa and beyond due to its strategic sponsorship of the annual Glo CAF Awards, a celebration of Africa’s best footballers; the CNN African Voices, which celebrates heroic Africans in different fields of human endeavour; the X Factor, the world’s biggest music reality TV show; Manchester United, live telecast of English Premier League on DSTV, the league and national teams in Nigeria and Ghana among others.

Mitsumi becomes ASUS distributor

HIRD largest PC manufacturer in the world, ASUS, has announced its partnership with Mitsumi, one of Africa’s largest IT distributors. ASUS is well known for the reliability and the innovative quality of its systems. The partnership with Mitsumi opens up the door for more possibilities and transformative products for users. Speaking during the unveiling of the firm in Ikeja, Lagos, Product Manager, ASUS Nigeria, Simplice Zaongo said the appointment of the distributor marks another turning point in its operation in the country. He said: “We’re at the beginning of our second year in Nigeria and the partnership with Mitsumi, one of the largest IT distributors

By Bola Ajetumobi

of the region is well-timed. We’re happy about that. As a matter of fact, the demand for ASUS products has significantly increased since last year. So partnering with a distributor of the caliber of Mitsumi will increase our reachout in the channel and ultimately our capability to bring these incredible products of ASUS to more Nigerians.” According to him, Mitsumi, as authorised distributor of its global IT hardware and software brands, has been distributing its technologies and solutions to Africa for decades now. Its partnership with ASUS signals the company’s effort to increase its footprint on the local market.

Signal Alliance forms new firm

RONTLINE information communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, Signal Alliance limited, has indicated its intention to offer IT solutions to the operators in the reformed power sector. Making this known in a media interactive session in Lagos, the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Collins Onuegbu, said the company will be bringing to bear, its management expertise and creativity in the IT sector. As part of the restructuring, Mr. Onuegbu unveiled the intention of the company to leverage on its relationship with various top-level original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to provide critical IT solutions for the emerging power sec-

tor as well as other sectors of the economy. According to him, the power companies will have to focus a lot in IT manpower to secure both their investment and for revenue assurance. “Creating efficiency and using IT to run the power sector is a given, and we are poised to show them (power companies) what IT can do for them by partnering with the relevant ministry and regulators in the sector, on the advantages IT will bring to bear in their sector,” he said. He listed assets management, personnel and customer service management as areas where its expertise will be needed in the privatised power sector.

Microsoft IT for Anambra schools

ICROSOFT certified partner WaveTek Nigeria Limited is partnering HP and TD to deliver Microsoft IT Academy to the Anambra State government. The government signed an agreement with Microsoft Nigeria to provide the state’s schools with information communication technology (ICT) education. According to a statement, the agreement will see WaveTek provide teachers in secondary schools across the state with ICT education, as well as the tools needed to effectively train students on

Microsoft technologies. N2.65 billion was provided by the state for the programme. Also, about 25,000 laptops, 1,400 colour printers and other internet connectivity facilities were distributed to ensure its success of the Microsoft Information Technology Academy in the 450 secondary schools. The laptops are programmed with the national curriculum in all subjects. The initiative was kicked off with the launch of Secondary Schools Microsoft Connectivity and Education Programme at the Women Development Centre, Awka.

Africa’s connectivity •Continued from page 47

that they look to the enterprise market instead of the business to client (B2C) market in order to build a revenue stream. This is the most straightforward way to build a business, he argued. Vice President, Apps and Marketplace, Mozilla, Rick Fant spoke in favour of operator billing on the continent where payment mechanisms are limited. “I think there are challenges around the business model. Operators have to come some way and set some standards, help us pay the developers,” he said. But Chief Commercial Officer, MTN

South Africa, Pieter Verkade said operator billing is in some ways a method of the past because the model is economically challenging. According to him, there are a lot of payment mechanisms available to allow app developers make money, adding that operators were building interfaces that allow app developers to bill for their services. Verkade said the telco had built its own app developers programme to help stimulate the market. He said: “Most of the European players don’t have time for Africa yet and that is a bigger concern.”

•From left: Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Kemp and Manager, Executive Projects, Zainab Abiola, both from Etisalat Nigeria, presenting the prize for the Most Innovative Product/Service to Head of Developer Outreach, Google, and member of the judging panel of the Etisalat Pan-African Prize for Innovation, Chukwuemeka Afigbo on behalf of Efiwe mobile application at the AfricaCom awards dinner held in Cape Town, South Africa.

NCC accuses telcos of ‘colluding’ with OEMs T HE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has accused some operators of behaving in a way that is suggestive of collusion with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in order to short change the government and encourage capital flight in the telecommunications sector. Director, New Media and Information Security, NCC, Dr Sylvanus Ehikioya, said some of the OEMs/vendors dismember information technology (IT) equipment supplied to the operators so as to get payment on each of the dismembered parts, adding that invoices submitted to the NCC for such payments are

By Lucas Ajanaku

symptomatic of a deliberate attempt to collude with the vendors to cut corners. According to Dr Ehikioya, payment for a base transmission (BTS) for example is one whole unit but the vendors will want to split it into software and hardware, arguing that there can never be hardware without software. He said: “The distinction between what we call the basic software requirement and the optional software (immaterial). From the NCC’s perspective, a

piece of metal is not worth paying for unless it can operate but the vendors want to separate software of any type from the pieces of that metal. “There is an appearance of collusion through their invoices. I did not say I have seen them colluding. It’s an appearance of collusion.” Dr Ehikioya who spoke on the sideline at a forum on Confirmation of Reasonableness of Services for Foreign Exchange Transaction in the Telecommunication Sector: Trends, Challenges & Way Forward, also said software developed locally were not popular among telecommunications firms in the country because of their low quality.

LAASRA not a duplication of registration agencies, says Lagos

AGOS State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Adebiyi Mabadeje has dismissed insinuations that the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) was a duplication of identity registration agencies in the country, stressing that its mandate was unique. Speaking at the Abat Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, the commissioner affirmed that, unlike other registration agencies that discriminate on the basis of age, nationality and other sundry issues, LASRRA registers only residents and ‘’not even indigenes living outside Lagos.’’ According to him, since the state could not vouch for the integrity of

By Bola Ajetumobi

the process of other exercises, especially the controversies that greeted the competing identity registration exercises in the country, he said LASRRA exercise, which is of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (‘FBI) standard, became necessary to develop a reliable data base that will assist in predicting trends and assisting the state government in planning for the populace. He said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the state government and Microsoft in the United States of America (USA) will strenghten egovernance and facilitating service delivery and ensure that the

technological firm work with its local partners to give back to the people through capacity building and training of indigenous manpower. According to him, the state government also signed another MoU to train 100 Microsoft Certified Applications Support Personnel, who will not only assist the Lagos State government, but other states in the country. The e-governance plat form, he said, will deliver services to the people of the state using smart phones and mobile devices while enable government functionaries to monitor on-going projects and the performance of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

Stakeholders bicker over broadband deployment model

HE ‘Open Access Model’ proposed as an intervention policy by the Federal Government to address the challenges of optic fibre broadband in the country has divided stakeholders in the industry. According to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), its objective is to stimulate the emergence of a new national broadband network that is not only more widespread but also faster and more secure than existing ones to stimulate other sectors of the economy and lead to economic growth for the country. To achieve this objective on an open access basis, the commission has proposed InfraCos, a nongovernment owned broadband company, as the wholesale operator which would be available at various locations in the country. InfraCos will provide a wholesale transmission services on a non

By Tayo Ayetoto

discriminatory, open access and price regulated basis. Stakeholders on the other hand are of the view that the the new model is a ploy to entrench monopoly in broadband service and marginalise operators in the industry. President, Nigeria Internet Group (NIG), Bayo Banjo, said indigenous operators understand the environment better and could provide appropriate solutions if the constraints of insecurity and lack of enabling environment are addressed. He said: “When you want to copy a country or how they do things, you look at the infrastructure is supporting what they are doing. For instance, we have found out that wired systems will not work here because of lack of security of assets. Africa is generally going to be a wireless system because the fibre which has

no commercial value is being vandalised. You are going to get a foreign consultant who does not know that when you introduce this, it will cause this kind of results. You don’t want to pay Nigerians that will bring in factors that we know exist. “Once money is being allocated by the government, what is going to happen? Are the right people going to get the job?’ However, the Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson said the open access model will serve a huge percentage of the economy. She said: “For us to have a broadband, there are four things we need to address. (These are) long distance delivery, regional distribution and the last mile. Open Access is a national broadband available to serve everybody especially citizens who bear the brunt of the challenges bewildering the industry.”

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (second right); Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare (left), Dr Toyin Akomolafe and wife (second left) and Gen Alani Akinrinade, at a funeral reception of Mrs Tejumade Alakija in Osogbo.

•Ekiti State Deputy Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu flanked by the Chairperson of the Ekiti State chapter of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Mrs. Rita Ilevare (left) and Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN) at the FIDA’s Award Night at the High Court Premises, Ado-Ekiti… last weekend

•L-R: DirectorGeneral, Centre for Democratic Governance in Africa, Dr Dafe Akpocha, Vice Chairman, Ega Local Government, Edo State, Hon Desmond Ugbo and the Secretary to the local government, Joshua Uwegboe, at the presentation of an award of excellence to the chairman in Benin

•L-R: Messrs. Kolawole Oludina and his wife; Kayode Yovoyan and Olaide Imoleayo , all recipients of the 10 years Long Service Award, at the Vitafoam Nig Plc’s award ceremony in Lagos.

•Managing Director, Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr Ola Oresanya (middle) cutting the tape to inaugurate and hand over 100 nos mini –– Garbage Trucks to PSP Waste Managing Operators by the authority in Lagos. With him are Divisional Manager, TATA Motor, Mr Sanjay Dahiya (left); Head, Technical Mr Sharma Vishwas; Welfare Officer, Lagos State Association of Waste Managers, Alhaji Lukman Alayaki (second right) and Mrs J. Ogun. PHOTO: SOLOMON ADEOLA From right: Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation (ZSF) Lagos State Female Coordinator, Hajia Khadijah Hussein assisting ZSF Executive Director, Imam Abdullahi Shuaib to present N200, 000 to Ayoka Alao during MiniZakat Distribution in Lagos.

•L-R: Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Chairman, Ikorodu Oga Development Association(IKODASS), Otunba Afolabi Gbadamosi, Lagos State Special Adviser on Education, Otunba Fatai Olukoga and Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Salaudeen Oyefusi, at the 22nd Ikorodu Oga Day... last weekend. •L-R: Mrs Ngozi Olejeme receiving a Distinguished Citizen Award from Mrs Nkechi Chizea at the 65th anniversary and special award ceremony organised by Asaba Development Union (ADU) Women’s Wing in Lagos. With them is Special Adviser to the union’s President, Mrs Bridget Itsueli. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

•Reward for performance: Mr Ismail Ishola of Raobis/Funmis Stores(left) receiving the keys to a brand new Hyundai Accent won by the company as the best performing Distributor in the 2013 Supply Buy ‘n’ Win Promo from the General Manager, Oyin Industries Ltd, manufactuers of Supply Cubes Seasoning, Mr. Wole Aderogba. With them is Sales Manager, Mr Wale Orefuwa •Managing Director, Home Options (right); General Manager, Mr Ajayi and Mr Uche Udeze during a tour of the company’s Sauna’s Section in Lagos

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS

UNILORIN ASUU faction holds procession for Iyayi A FACTION of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) held yesterday a rally in honour of the late expresident of the union, Prof Festus Iyayi. The faction, led by Prof Wahab Egbewole, is recognised by the university authorities but not the national body.

Group gets Lagos exco

HE Christian Ministers Welfare Initiatives, Lagos State Chapter, will hold its inauguration on November 29 at King’s Palace Church, by 10am at 11, Wuraola Street, Captain via Ekoro, Abule-Egba, Lagos State.

Pa Amoseola for burial

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

When the national body got wind of the procession, it reportedly issued a statement banning any procession in honour of its ex-president. It added that it would not accept any attempt by the illegal group to desecrate Iyayi’s memory. But Egbewole argued that nobody could stop such a move to honour the memory of the departed. The lecturers marched from the union’s secretariat in the school premises to the university roundabout and back. Egbewole and other leaders addressed members and reporters. “Prof Festus Iyayi was pres-

ident of ASUU in the thick of the military regime. He discharged his responsibilities selflessly; he did not take opportunity of that office as we have with some leaders today. “He was not a representative of the caricature of leaders we have today. “Iyayi was a man, who cherished the rule of law; he was not someone to stay somewhere with a clique to say you have suspended or expelled someone. He also faced the persecutions of leadership. “At UNILORIN, we believe we are not against the leadership of ASUU, but it’s the one who does not want us. Articulate and progressive unionism is what we stand for and we shall continue to do this.

“We are out in the sun today for Iyayi and we will do that for any other leader found worthy of such honour. Let them say whatever they like; they said we have been banned from organising this procession but we have just done it and that shows they don’t have our numbers.” Prof Albert Olayemi, exchairman of the union in the university, said: “We are today united in grief for the loss of our leader. Iyayi did not insist on continuing as president but here we have people who after 15 years want to continue. “This is the attitude we have here and which is against the position of the national leadership. It’s unfortunate that the national body is condoning

‘Wada’s drivers need training’ By Medinat Kanabe

•The late Iyayi

such wrong attitude. “Unfortunately, what we have are mere cliques who have hijacked the union; no longer do we have the kind of selfless attitude that Iyayi had. “I do not think anybody has the right to deny us the right to do what we have done today. The directive that we should not hold the procession is senseless and illogical; you said you have expelled somebody and you are still sending directives to him.”

CCT to arrest six Adamawa council chairmen

THE remains of Pa Momoh Jimoh Amoseola (95), will be buried on Saturday in IkaramAkoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State. In a statement, the family said the funeral would hold at the Moslem Primary School playing ground in Iyotu.

Yoruba Group slams call for sack of Kuku From Tayo Johnson, Ibadan

Yoruba socio-cultural group, the National Committee of Yoruba Youths(NCYY), has condemned the call for the sack of the Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Kingsley Kuku, by a group The group, Niger-Delta Awareness Coalition and ExMilitant Forum, recently called for the sack of Mr Kuku, on the allegation of fraud. Addressing reporters yesterday in Ibadan, the President of NCYY, Odeyemi Oladimeji, described the group as faceless adding that it was hired by desperate politicians to start campaign of calumny against Kuku. “We have carefully watched events as they unfold in our nation and this is another method by some people to destroy the legacy of a man, who symbolises anything good that could come out of the Yoruba race and Nigerian youths. “We have taken this as a concern not because of the person involved, but also because some of our promising youths are being induced by some politicians and ethnic chauvinists to distract Kuku and the amnesty programme” he said According to Oladimeji, since the beginning of the programme in 2010, about 20,000 Niger-Delta youths have been trained at home and abroad in vocational skills. The NCYY president added:” With PAP, Niger-Delta youths, whose violent agitation almost brought our country to a standstill economically, are well trained and the country’s crude production, which fell from 2.2 million barrels per day to as low as 700,000 barrels per day,is now between 2.4 million and 2.6 million barrels per day.”

HE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kogi State University Chapter, has condemned the failure of the Kogi State Government to oblige the Federal Road Safety Commission train its convoy drivers. It said most of the drivers in the governor’s convoy lack adequate training. In a statement by the Chairman, Dr S.O Ukwuteno and Secretary, Dr Y.M Abdullahi, the group also condemned the action of the governor’s convoy, which led to the death of the former ASUU president, Festus Iyayi. It said: “Public officials should take an interest in the way and manner their convoy drive on public roads and caution them to respect the sanctity of life.”

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

T •Pupils at the 2013 Universal Children Day celebration in Abuja... yesterday.

Court awaits Appeal Court’s verdict in N11.5b fraud case against Alao-Akala, others

N Oyo State High Court yesterday adjourned indefinitely the hearing in the N11.5 billion alleged fraud against former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala and two others, pending the outcome of an appeal against its earlier ruling that the three accused have a case to answer. The court, last December, established a prima farce case against Alao-Akala; a former Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Sen. Hosea Agboola and a businessman, Mr Femi Babalola. But the accused headed to the Appellate Court to challenge the ruling. Justice Akintunde Boade delivered the ruling in February but the judge has since retired and the case was reassigned to another judge. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused the trio of conspiracy, illegal award of contracts, obtaining money by false pretence and acquiring property with money derived from illegal act as well as concealing the ownership of such property. At yesterday’s sitting, the new judge, Justice Bayo Taiwo,

From Bisi Oladele, Ibadan

adjourned hearing when Mr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the counsel to Alao-Akala and Babalola, told the court that no decision had been taken by the Appeal Court on the matter. Fagbemi urged the court to await the final determination of the suit at the appellate court before proceeding on other matter. Agboola’s lawyer, Mr Richard Ogunwole (SAN), begged the court on the absence of his client and aligned with Fagbemi’s submission. Counsel to the accused expressed dissatisfaction with the content of the charge against their client which informed the application to quash the judgment at the higher court. The re-assignment of the case to Justice Taiwo was necessitated by the retirement of Boade on February 21. The judge granted a temporary bail to Alao-Akala, Agboola and Babalola. He adjourned the matter till the appellate court decides on the appeal.

HE Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) yesterday issued a bench warrant for the arrest of six sole administrators in Adamawa State for failing/refusing to appear before it. They are Aliyu Ahmed Gaya (Gaya/Garaha Development Area); Ahmed Yero (Nassarawa-Jereng Development Area); Sule Duhu (Shuwa Development Area); Irimiya Levi (Borrong Development Area); Denis Kakaba (Bidoma Development Area) and Ishiyaku Kawunyara (Yola West Development Area). They were summoned to appear before the CCT yesterday. CCT spokesman Ibrahim Al-Hassan said the warrant was issued in Abuja by CCT’s threeman panel, led by its Chairman, Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar. Justice Umar observed that “this matter was slated for arraignment yesterday, but had to be adjourned in view of the absence of the accused, based on the submission by counsel that their vehicle had fault. “Yet, they could not appear in the court today; the tribunal views this as a lack of respect to it. “Therefore the tribunal hereby issued a bench warrant of arrest on the accused to be produced on December 4.”

Farmers attack Kwara’s agric policies

ARMERS under the aegis of Kwara State Off-taker Farmers Association yesterday criticised the government’s agricultural policies on credit facility. The farmers decried the failure of the state to redeem the pledged credit facility for its members. Chairman of the association Paul Adeshina, who addressed reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, lamented that they had incurred losses because the government reneged on its promise to them. He said his members had committed funds to their farms, hoping that the government would grant them credit facility. Adeshina explained that the government had selected 10 farmers each from the 16 councils to form cooperative societies under its Off-taker policy.

•Govt: we didn’t promise them direct funds

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

The association’s chairmen from the 16 councils attended the briefing. He said the government instructed them to grow soya beans, maize, rice and cassava depending on thecouncil under the government’s policy. “On March 4, the government called a meeting and directed that 10 farmers from each council register a cooperative society to access government loan. “Baruten and Kaima councils were asked to grow soya beans; Edu and Patigi, rice; Kwara South, Cassava while Kwara Central is for maize. “Individual farmer was instructed to grow between 10 to 15 hectares with a promise that

government would create a market for it in addition to the pledged loan facility,” he said. The chairman, however, decried government’s failure to honour its agreement. He added that “some of our members have developed hypertension because of the gov-

ernment’s action. We are now struggling to pay back the loan we accessed with high interest rate. This is unfair!” Spokesperson to Governor AbdulFatah Ahmed, Dr. Muideen Akorede, said: “At no point did the governor promise to give money directly to

farmers. “The Kwara State government is unaware of any association called Kwara State OffTaker Farmer Association and has, therefore, not pledged credit facility to any such body. “What the governor promised the farmers was access to critical farm input rather than cash.”

Institute vows to tackle crime

HE President of the Corporate Institute of Risk and Safety Management (CIRSM), Dr Levi Nwokeafor has said risk education, security and safety management would reduce crime in the society. Nwokeafor said the population of Nigeria required such institution. “Our country being the most populous country in the African continent makes it imperative for human capital development. We shall continue to strive until we realise our vision “Minimising Risk and Promoting Safe-

ty,” he said. Director Training and Development and Rector, College of Risk and Safety Management Dr. Peter Ekong, said the Institute was given the mandate of determining what standards of knowledge and skills to be attained by persons seeking to become members of the profession and to raise those standards from time to time as circumstance may permit. Other mandate, he said, includes securing the establishment and maintenance of register of members and the publication from time to time a list of those qualified and accredited members.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

EQUITIES NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-11-13

FBN Capital predicts positive outlook for equities in 2014 •Equities rally N179b as average return hits 38.24%

IGERIAN equities will witness modest posi tive outlook in 2014 as significant bullish rally yesterday added N179 billion in capital gains to market capitalisation of quoted equities and pushed the average year-to-date return at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) to 38.24 per cent. Analysts at FBN capital said they expected a modest multiple expansion in equities in 2014 with more impressive opportunities in sectors that had trailed below market average this year. Speaking at the second day of the FBN Capital’s Investor Conference in Lagos, Head, Equity Research, FBN Capital, Olubunmi Asaolu, said there could be “modest multiple expansion” in equities in 2014. According to him, there are attractive buy opportunities in the banking and industrial goods subsectors that could support the modest positive market outlook in 2014. He however noted that given the significant gain in the equity market in recent period, the risk-reward appears slightly more favourable in fixed income instruments than equities. He pointed out that consumer goods stocks, which had recorded above-average gains and were major market drivers, now look less attrac-

By Taofik Salako

tive because they are within their ceiling range. Previewing the macro economy, Head, Macroeconomic and Fixed income Research, FBN Capital, Gregory Kronsten, said that Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s cautious and tight monetary stance since 2010 will likely run through 2014. According to him, the outlook on real growth of the nation’s economy is expected to rise to 6.8 per cent from an expected 6.7 per cent at 2013 year end, compared with 6.6 per cent at year end 2012. Inflation is also predicted to rise to 8.0 per cent by the end of 2014, from an estimated 7.7 by the end of 2013. Inflation had closed 2012 at 12.0 per cent. “We see stability for the naira, a tight monetary stance and single digit inflation in the forecast period. The authorities believe firmly in offering positive returns in real terms. The main risk to this picture is not tapering, but a sharp fall in oil revenues. Our oil price projections however suggest that Nigeria will escape this fate,” Kronsten said. Aggregate market value of all quoted equities rose by N179 billion to close yesterday at N12.41 trillion as against its opening value of N12.236 trillion. Reflecting the significant

bullish rally, the main index at the NSE, the All Share Index (ASI), rose by 1.46 per cent from 38,255.86 points to 38,815.64 points. The positive market situation pushed the year-todate return at the stock market to 38.24 per cent. With nearly two advancers to every decliner and above-average turnover of 329 million shares, the market was overtly bullish as investors continued to hunt for values in the conglomerates, breweries, oil and gas and banking subsectors. Guinness Nigeria topped the 40-stock gainers’ list with a gain of N6.93 to close at N241.98. Total Nigeria trailed with a gain of N5.85 to close at N167.85. Dangote Cement followed with a gain of N5 to close at N195. Nigerian Breweries rose by N2.87 to close at N170. Cadbury Nigeria gathered N1.70 to close at N58.50. UAC of Nigeria added N1.69 to close at N66.69 while Oando gained N1.44 to close at N15.56 per share. On the downside, Forte Oil led 20 other stocks on the losers’ list with a drop of N5.78 to close at N109.86. PZ Cussons Nigeria lost 50 kobo to close at N37 while Mobil Oil Nigeria slipped by 45 kobo to N115.55 per share. Total turnover stood at N329 million shares valued at N3.71 billion in 4,626 deals. Transnational Corporation of Nigeria (Transcorp) remained the most active stock with a turnover of 56.51 million shares valued at N274.39 million in 334 deals. Transcorp’s share price rose by 45 kobo to N4.86 per share.

NIGERIAN STOCK EXCHANGE DAILY SUMMARY AS AT 20-11-13

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

MONEY LINK

Etisalat chief advises CBN, banks, T NCC on Mobile Money S

StanChart inaugurates income index

HE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Communica tion Commission (NCC), telecommunication operators and banks need to build efficient mobile money structure that guarantees the project’s success, Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher has said. Mobile Money is a convenient, secure and affordable way to send money to friends and family using mobile phone. Speaking yesterday at the Etisalat GEM (Going the Extra Mile) media briefing in Lagos, he said mobile money remains a huge business opportunity for stakeholders, but there is need to get the fundamentals right. He explained that the GEM project was developed to enable the firm reward high value customers for their loyalty to the brand over the years. He said the customers are rewarded according to how much they spend monthly, as a way of encouraging more people to choose its network. He said his firm now has 16 million subscribers base, five years after it started operation, adding that

•Seeks telcos backing for cashless banking

Stories by Collins Nweze

travelers still remain the biggest GSM spenders in the country. Willsher said big spenders also have greater loyalty to the brand, adding that the company wants to continue to serve these set of customers better and also reward them. “We want to be stronger with customers that spend more,” he said. He said as part of the reward, customers that spend from N10, 000 to N29, 999 monthly will be able to receive calls for free when roaming in the United Kingdom, United States of America, United Arab Emirates and South Africa, among other countries, adding that they will also get free calls and texts on ther birthdays, among other benefits. Equally, subscribers that spend between N30, 000 to N49, 999 monthly, will receive calls for free

when roaming, get free VIP box Tickets to watch FC Barcelona and special invites to exclusive events among other benefits. He added that customers that spend N50, 000 and above monthly, will receive calls for free when roaming, get free medical checkups abroad and free shopping voucher abroad, among other benefits, adding that the gifts are ways of thanking these customers for their loyalty. “We thank our customers for keeping us in business for five wonderful years. We celebrate, not just Etisalat, but each and every unique customer,” he said. He said number portability is not yet a huge success, but operators can find ways to ensure that the process works better. He said the firm is also interested in corporate and small businesses as well as the

higher spending consumer market, while ensuring that these customers get the best quality service. Willsher also said the number portability plan introduced by the NCC still needs to be improved on to get the desired result, adding that telecom is about innovation and exhibition of high level of trust. He said these qualities have assisted Etisalat in achieving the level of success recorded in the last five years of operation in Nigeria. He however said that telcos have a lot of contributions to make to the CBN-driven cash-less banking initiative, adding that providing quality service is one way to achieve this objective. “We track everyday our quality of service and I get a report summarizing each day’s service quality,” he said.

TANDARD Chartered Bank has launched the Standard Chartered Development Index (SCDI), meant to address issues around distribution of income and meeting the need for environmental sustainability across many of its markets in Asia, Africa and the Middle East. According to the bank, the report, entitled, ‘Measuring sustainable development’ seeks to provide answers for global policy makers who are increasingly looking beyond maximising economic growth and seeking ways to define, quantify and achieve sustainable development even as they try and relate economic development with the quest for human ‘well-being’ and ‘happiness’. It said the SCDI measures the change in various development indicators from 2000 to 2012 using Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, years of education, life expectancy, environmental health, ecosystem vitality among other factor. Ghana, Uganda, Korea, Bangladesh and Singapore emerged as the best performers in the inaugural SCDI, with Egypt, Nigeria, India, Brazil and Indonesia making up the remainder of the top 10.

Nedbank seeks 20% share of Ecobank for $500m

EDBANK Group Limited, the South African lender controlled by Old Mutual Plc (OML), plans to exercise an option it has from next month to buy a fifth of Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI) in a deal valued at more than $500 million. Bloomberg report said Nedbank intends to take up its right to convert a $285 million loan made to Ecobank in 2011 into an estimated 11 per cent stake, said Mike Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the Johannesburg-based lender.

A second subscription right allows Nedbank to increase its holding in Togo-based Ecobank to as much as 20 per cent, he said, without giving a timeframe for the plan. “It is our current intention to exercise our rights,” Brown said adding that the bank hasn’t taken a formal decision to proceed. “We have always anticipated that the total cost to get to a 20 per cent shareholding will be greater than the original loan.” Ecobank, which trades on three

African exchanges and operates in 33 nations on the continent, reported last month that profit increased 65 per cent to $250 million in the nine months through September as its business in Nigeria and Ghana expanded. While Ecobank has the reciprocal right to buy a stake in Nedbank, CEO Thierry Tanoh said in May that the lender may delay taking this option to focus on its African businesses. Nedbank has a 12-month window, starting in December, to con-

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

WHOLESALE DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM Amount Offered ($) 350m 350m

MANAGED FUNDS Initial Quotation Price N8250.00 N1000.00

NIDF NESF

OBB Rate Call Rate

Current Market 5495.33 N552.20

Price Loss 2754.67 447.80

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

Amount 30m 46.7m 50m

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

Rate % 10.96 9.62 12.34

Date 28-04-2012 “ 14-04-2012

GAINERS AS AT 20-11-13

TRANSCORP OANDO ETERNA UNITYBNK COURTVILLE NAHCO LIVESTOCK PORTPAINT UTC LEARNAFRICA

2013-11-18

4.41 14.12 3.36 0.54 0.60 5.65 4.05 4.70 0.63 1.71

C/PRICE 2013-11-19

4.86 15.56 3.69 0.58 0.63 5.93 4.25 4.93 0.66 1.79

%CHANGE 10.20 10.20 9.82 7.41 5.00 4.96 4.94 4.89 4.76 4.68

LOSERS AS AT 20-11-13 2013-11-18

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

FO COSTAIN ABCTRANS CILEASING INTENEGINS AIICO DANGFLOUR ROYALEX CWG IKEJAHOTEL

2.00 115.64 0.75 0.77 0.52 0.53 0.81 9.70 0.55 6.05

2013-11-19

C/PRICE 1.90 109.86 0.72 0.74 0.50 0.51 0.79 9.50 0.54 5.95

350m

Year Start Offer

Current Before

Current After

Amount Sold ($) 150m 138m

Exchange Rate (N) 155.2 155.8

Date 2-7-12 27-6-12

113m

155.7

22-6-12

NGN USD NGN GBP

147.6000 239.4810

149.7100 244.0123

150.7100 245.6422

-2.11 -2.57

NGN EUR NIGERIA INTER BANK (S/N) (S/N) Bureau de Change (S/N) Parallel Market

212.4997

207.9023

209.2910

-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

July ’12

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% 11.8%

NIBOR Tenor 7 Days 30 Days 60 Days 150 Days

Rate (Previous) 4 Mar, 2012 9.0417 9.6667 11.2917 12.1250

Rate (Currency) 6, Mar, 2012 10.17% 11.46% 11.96% 12.54%

CAPITAL MARKET INDEX

CUV Start %

%CHANGE -5.00 -5.00 -4.00 -3.90 -3.85 -3.77 -2.47 -2.06 -1.82 -1.65

Amount Demanded ($) 150m 138m

EXHANGE RATE 6-03-12 Currency

INTERBANK RATES 7.9-10% 10-11%

•Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Jibril Aku

DATA BANK

FGN BONDS Tenor

vert the loan into Ecobank shares. Nedbank formed an alliance in 2008 with Ecobank. The Togolese lender, founded in 1985, also operates in France and has representative offices in Beijing, Dubai and London. The Public Investment Corporation, which manages more than 1 trillion rand ($99 billion) mostly on behalf of South African government workers, bought almost 20 percent of Ecobank in April last year, making it the lender’s biggest shareholder.

NSE CAP Index

19-09-13 11.432.09 35,891.90

23-09-13 11.494.75 36,088.64

% Change -

MEMORANDUM QUOTATIONS Name Offer Price Bid Price AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUND 161.31 160.19 ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH 9.17 9.08 BGL NUBIAN FUND 1.09 1.08 BGL SAPPHIRE FUND 1.17 1.17 CANARY GROWTH FUND 0.75 0.74 CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST 1.39 1.33 CORAL INCOME FUND 1,595.27 1,595.27 FBN FIXED INCOME FUND 1,000.00 1,000.00 FBN HERITAGE FUND 115.83 115.83 FBN MONEY MARKET FUND 100.00 100.00 FIDELITY NIGFUND 1.67 1.62 INTERCONTINENTAL INTEGRITY FUND 1.05 1.03 KAKAWA GUARANTEED INCOME FUND 143.11 142.62 LEGACY FUND 0.78 0.76 • ARM AGGRESSIVE • KAKAWA GUARANTEED • STANBIC IBTC GUARANTE • AFRINVEST W.A. EQUITY FUNDARM AGGRESSIVE

Movement

OPEN BUY BACK

Bank P/Court

Previous 04 July, 2012

Current 07, Aug, 2012

8.5000 8.0833

Movement

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS Bayelsa commissioner’s dad kidnapped From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

Akhigbe’s widow, Josephine (third left); and some of their children, Oshioze (left), Ochuwa (second left), Azilomhe (second right) and Iretekhai...yesterday. PHOTO:ADEJO DAVID

Mark, Fashola, Ibrahim, Ezeoba, others eulogise Akhigbe

T was an evening set aside by the Nigerian Navy (NN) to honour one of its own, the late ViceAdmiral Micheal Akhigbe, a former chief of general staff, but it turned out as a militarycivilian gathering. Devoid of the regular military rigidity and solemnity, the Service of Songs for the late Akhigbe, which was held inside a white marquee pitched at the parade ground of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS), Quorra, Apapa, Lagos, was attended by people from all walks of life. It was hosted by the Chief

By Precious Igbonwelundu

of Naval Staff (CNS), ViceAdmiral Dele Ezeoba, and his wife, Vivian. In attendance were Senate President David Mark and his wife, Josephine; Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola and his wife, Abimbola; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim and Senator Chris Ngige. Also present were Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command (WNC), Rear-Admiral Ibok Ette-Ibas; Brig.-Gen. Tunde Ogbeha; former Chiefs of

•’Our father told us not to cry’ Naval Staff, Vice-Admirals Akin Aduwo, Jubril Ayinla and Samuel Afolayan; Special Adviser to the Lagos State governor on Security Matters Maj. Babatunde Panox (rtd) and relatives of the deceased from Fugar in Edo State. In his tribute, Mark, who is the chairman of the 3rd Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) of which the deceased was a member, described the late Akhigbe as “fearless and patriotic”. He said: “This is a huge loss for us. Mike and I met at the NDA as young cadets in 1963 and became inseparable. There were three of us - Mike, Tunde and myself - and we were called the three musketeers. But I was closer to Mike because he was a friend and a confidant. “I nicknamed him NNS Fearless, because he was indeed fearless and patriotic. He was witty, magnetic, kind and a man of excellence. He was brave and we shared each other’s triumphs and pains. The last time we spoke, he told

me he had reached the end of the road on this earth and I told him not to say that again. He would be missed.” Fashola said: “I did not share the same kind of relationship the deceased had with the Senate President, but his legacy lives on. I was an undergraduate when the late Akhigbe was the military administrator of Lagos, but today I occupy the state house and the helicopter pad he built in Ikeja. He was ahead of us in terms of seeing the future and, today, I salute the service of a patriot, who served his people and his country with all his power.” The CDS said the family would “never walk alone” because the late Akhigbe had a lot of goodwill. He said: “He was a man of exemplary leadership, whose visionary actions have impacted generations after him.” The tributes of the late Akhigbe’s son, Ikhane, and daughter, Azilomhe, lit up the atmosphere. Members of the Akhigbe family, who all stood at his bedside on October 28 in a United States hospital, told

the sober crowd that their father told them not to cry. The deceased’s children, who defied the two minutes allotted for tributes, told their mother to take heart because her husband was a good man. They said: “Even though we are frustrated our father left so soon, we cannot fight the Lord. Despite the heavy burden in our hearts, we do not cry because he told us not to. “According to him, death is just the end of a chapter and the beginning of another. He told us to live up to the legacy he left behind. We take solace in the fact that he left an unblemished record of excellence and I am sure he would expect us to toe that path.” The funeral mass will hold today at the Church of Assumption in Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos. Akhigbe’s remains will be taken to Fugar on Friday with a stop-over at the Edo State Government House in Benin. There would be lying-instate and a Christian Wake at the family’s home at the Anchorage, 1, Okhai Akhigbe Way in Fugar. The late Akhigbe would be buried at his family home in Fugar on Saturday.

Three die, 10 injured in Ondo community’s explosion

HREE persons, including a grandmother and her grandson, were reportedly killed yesterday in an explosion at a facility of the Ondo State Water Corporation in Araromi-Obu, Odigbo Local Government Aarea of Ondo State. Ten others were seriously injured in the blast. The victims, it was learnt, died of contaminated chemicals they inhaled from one of the cylinders of the water corporation which burst at 11.30pm on Tuesday. It was also learnt that the community was thrown into confusion because of the heavy sound from the premises of the water corporation, located on the Oke Otunba Street in the town.

From Damisi Ojo, Akure

The residents, who were mostly asleep when the explosion occurred, reportedly ran out of their homes to as-

certain what was amiss. When the curious residents got to the premises of the water corporation, they found a gaseous material emitting from the place.

Vehicle owners warned

HE Lagos and Ogun States Police Command have warned owners of vehicles parked at Owode Onirin, Area ‘F’ Command and Ogun State Command to remove them or lose them to members of the public through auction 14 days after this publication. The vehicles are Honda Accord EJ 212 SMK; MAN Diesel tanker ST 501 LSR; Volkswagen LT bus XJ 772 EKY; Volkswagen Paragon XG 174 AKR; and Toyota Camry unregistered. Also at Ogun and Lagos Commands are: Ifako Division: M/B 280 BH 326 FKJ; Mitsubishi Colt AZ 956 APP, Mitsubishi saloon car AG 207 KAF. Redeemed Division: Peugeot 406 TDU 100 AAA; Fenco QY 154 KTV and two motorcycles unregistered. Area Command, Shagamu, Owode Egba and Atan Ijebu Divisions: Opel Omega DW 708 AAA; Layland truck XA 433 TUT; Mercedes Benz AA 300 TAK and Volvo truck XU 329 GGE parked at Shasha Division.

HIEF Uroh Nelson Tempurah (78), father of Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development Nelson Belief, has been abducted. Tempurah was kidnapped by seven gunmen around 2:56am on Tuesday at Minibeleu in Brass Local Government Area. It was learnt that the hoodlums shot indiscriminately into the air as they whisked their victim away. Nelson said the kidnappers had not contacted the family. He said: “My brother, it is sad that an aged and peaceful man could be abducted. I am in a meeting. I will call you back.” Sources said the gunmen entered the victim’s home through the roof and seized the mobile phones of occupants before escaping with the victim. Police spokesman Alex Akhigbe said the police were searching for the victim.

Seminar on child abuse

HARMONY Life Family magazine will tomorrow in Lagos hold a seminar on child abuse. The seminar is in partnership with UNICEF, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs Abuja, National Association for the Prohibition in Traffic in Persons and other related matters, NAPTIP, Nigeria Immigration Service, CoolWazobia-Nig Info FM, Arik Air Nigeria, Arco Petrochemical Engineering Nigeria Plc and Friesland Campina. The venue is the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria-Island, Lagos. A statement by the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Mrs Mercy Ighofose, said: “the seminar will focus on child trafficking, child slavery, corporal punishment, sexual abuse and child neglect under the distinguished chairmanship of elder statesman Mr. Gamaliel O. Onosode.

Amosun: more projects for Ososa OGUN State Governor Senator Ibikunle Amosun has assured Ososa indigenes of more developmental projects. He spoke through his representative, Mr. Olusegun Odubela, a lawyer, at an interdenominational memorial service organised by the Ososa United Society (OUS), for the deceased members of the association, at St. Thomas’ Catholic Primary School, Ososa. Amosun hailed the society members for organising the interdenominational service to honour the dead. He urged them to assist the deceased’s families. The Ogun State governor said his administration would ensure that the indigenes enjoyed the dividends of democracy.

THE NATION THURSDAY NOVEMBER 21, 2013

NEWS

Reps move to allow public officers hold foreign accounts

HOULD the three consolidated bills on the floor of the House of Representatives become law, public officers may be allowed to operate foreign accounts. The bills passed second reading yesterday. Also yesterday, the House adopted the report of its Committee on Communication on a bill for an act to authorise the issue from Statutory Revenue Fund (SRF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) N61,323,022,000 only for the year ending on December 31, 2013. The consolidated bills on the foreign accounts were referred to the Committee on Anti-corruption Matters for legislative inputs by Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, after it was exhaustively debated.

From Victor Oluwasegun and Adele Anofi, Abuja

The bills “for an act to amend the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap. 15 LFN, 2004 so as to make the leave of the bureau necessary for a public officer to maintain or operate a bank account outside Nigeria and other related matters; a bill for an act to amend the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act by deleting proviso to Section 3, deleting Section 18(1) and enacting an amended Section 81(2); and a bill for an act to amend the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, Cap. C15 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 so as to make accessible assets and liabilities declared by public office holders and other matters connected therein.” However, the main thrust of the amendment hinged on

disclosure as public officers would henceforth have recourse to the Code of Conduct Bureau for use of foreign accounts. The lawmakers said it was important that genuine officers should not be criminalised for good purposes. Deputy Leader Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta) supported the second reading of the bill, but expressed concerned over the effectiveness of the amendment on the fight against corruption. According to him, issue of corruption as raised by the bill would be better addressed through implementation of the extant law. He said it would be economically counter productive to encourage operation of foreign account as a way to fight corruption, as proposed by the bill.

Exxon Mobil, CCHD hold workshop on human trafficking

A •Tambuwal

Ogor said that section of the bill was not patriotic as operation of foreign account would aid capital flight, noting that foreigners within and outside the country have never found it expedient to open naira account for their businesses in Nigeria. Friday Itulah (PDP, Edo) also supported the bill so that it would be well examined at the committee and public hearing stages. He said to remove the power of the President to exempt certain cases from investigation as proposed by the bill would not be in the interest of the office of the President.

Ex-Bakassi member sentenced to death

HIGH Court sitting in Aba, Abia State, presided over by Justice Linda Abai, has sentenced Mr. Kalu Ukeje, a member of the defunct Bakassi Vigilante Group, to death by hanging. Ukeje, popularly called Aka Ogbungwangwa, meaning the hand that kills without wasting time, was sentenced to death after the evidence before the court proved that he murdered Mr. Sunny Nwadike, a Petro-Chemical undergraduate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, in 2009. The Nation learnt that Kingsley Ibegbulam and Uchenna Donatus on October 18, 2009 lured the late Nwadike to Okoro Road, near Ibadan Street junction, where Aka Ogbungwangwa, already waiting in his Mercedes Benz car, killed him with a machete. The accused and his accomplice were later arraigned on a one-count charge of murder, which was said to have con-

From Sunny Nwankwo, Aba

travened Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 30, Vol. 11, Laws of Eastern Nigeria, 1963 (applicable in Abia State) for conspiring to kill the undergraduate. However, on January 30, Kingsley Ibegbulam and Uchenna Donatus were discharged after a no-case submission made on their behalf was upheld by the court. The Nation further gathered that during cross examination, one of the witnesses, who claimed to have witnessed the killing of the undergraduate, testified that Ukeje killed his victim with a machete, stressing that even when the victim brought out his school identity card and showed Aka Ogbungwngwa, the accused not only ignored the boy but also executed his plan. The witnesses further told the court that efforts to stop Ukeje from killing his victim proved abortive as they al-

leged that other members of the Bakassi Group shot into the air to scare away people, who wanted to prevent the accused from killing the boy. The witnesses also told the court that after Ukeje killed the undergraduate, he set him ablaze and remained at the spot until the body was reduced to ashes. In a judgment, which lasted for close to one hour, Justice Abai said: “I have considered the evidence before the court and the submissions of the counsel. The main issue for determination is whether the prosecution has proved its case against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. It is trite that in a murder case, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt the following ingredients: (a) That the deceased died; (b) That the death of the deceased resulted from the act of the accused; and (c) That the act of the accused was intentional with

the knowledge that death or bodily harm was its probable consequence. “If it is found that a man died, the death of the deceased must be directly traceable to the act of the accused. From the evidence before the court, it is not in issue that Elvis Chinaka Sunday Nwadike is dead and that he died a brutal and painful death on October 18, 2009. From the autopsy report tendered as exhibit H1, the cause of the death was due to the multiple lacerations and blunt injuries with severe burns. Lacerations have been described as serious cuts to the skin or flesh. I am satisfied that from the autopsy report and photographs tendered as exhibit AA2, which show the extent of the injury inflicted on the deceased, that the deceased died as a result of multiple lacerations, which were evidently caused by a sharp object, such as a machete and that he was set ablaze and burnt beyond recognition.”

Court asked to restrain comptroller of prisons, minister, others

FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has been asked to restrain the Minister of Interior, the Comptroller-General of Prisons, the Nigeria Prison Service and two others over alleged underhand dealings in respect of a multi-million naira contract for the building of a prison in Nnewi, Anambra State. The prayer is contained in a suit by a firm - Jeph International Nigeria Ltd, alleging that some senior personnel of the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Prison Service were planning to re-award the contract to a new set of contractors, with links with the officials. The firm said in the documents filed in court that the contract was awarded to it in 1983, but it began work in 1985 and self-financed the project up to 50 per cent completion. The contract was for the building of the 80-bed medium security prison, observation tower, access road and perimeter fencing

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

for the prison in Nnewi. The firm added that it later suspended work on the project due to paucity of funds and with the understanding and assurance of the Ministry of Interior and Prison Services that it would be remobilised to site as soon as funds were available. It exhibited a letter containing the assurance from the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) dated January 15, 1998, signed for the Comptroller-General of Prisons by the Chief Superintendent of Prisons (Works), M. M. Ukah. The firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Michael AnagoAmanze, said in a supporting affidavit that they were taken aback to learn that rather than keep to its pledge to provide funds for his company to resume work on the project, the

Comptroller-General of Prison earlier this year, allegedly authorised the invitation of fresh bids for the same project. He averred that the new moves to re-award its valid and subsisting contract was meant to ensure that the project was given to the proxies of some senior officials of the Nigeria Prisons Service, the Interior Ministry and Ministry of Works. The firm, in a motion for interlocutory injunctions, has asked the court to, among others, restrain the defendants from proceeding with its plans to re-award the contract, pending the determination of its substantive suit. It is part of the plaintiff’s contention in the main suit that the defendants can not justify the purported cancellation of its contract on the pretext that its award violated the Public

Procurement Act 2007. It argued that since the Act can not be applied retrospectively, it cannot be applied to a contract awarded over 20 years before the law was enacted. The plaintiff urged the court to declare among others, that the defendants can not revoke the contract under any guise and to order them to provide funds for it to resume work on the project. It also wants the court to award N200 million against the defendants as general and exemplary damages, and cost of prosecuting the case. The hearing of the motion for interlocutory injunctions earlier scheduled for yesterday was aborted owing to its omission from the court’s list of cases for the day, a development that prompted the plaintiff’s lawyer, Okey Uzoho, to apply that the next hearing in the case be brought closer from the December 13 chosen by the court.

ONE-DAY workshop on the topic: “X-raying the fallouts and impacts of human trafficking on the victim” and a skill acquisition/entrepreneurial management put together by Exxon Mobil and Centre For Corrections and Human Development (CCHD), Lagos, will hold tomorrow at the Niger Palace Hotel, 1, Thorburn Avenue, near Ozone Cinemas on Commercial Avenue, Yaba, Lagos. The workshop, according to the Executive Director of CCHD, Mrs. Obioma Evelyn Agoziem, is a continuation of its sensitisation and youth empowerment programme to enlighten the public on the negative impacts of human trafficking on the society. The lead speakers include the Director-General, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Prof. I.A. Ujah (Mni) and Pastor Okey Onyema, the President of Grace Dominion Outreach, while Dr. Onyeka Iwuchukwu of the National Open University of Nigeria will chair the event.

Wine-tasting at Ikoyi Club

By Wale Ajetunmobi

EMBERS of Ikoyi Club 1938 will tomorrow have a wine-tasting event to launch a new brand of wine being introduced to the market by Sade Foods International, owned by Mr Damilola Akinnagbe, a member of the club. The event, which is billed to start by 7pm, will host about 100 members, who will taste Chateau de Lengoust, a French-brewed wine launching into the market to give Nigerian consumers a unique experience. Akinnagbe said the new wine, which had no sugar, yeast and low sulfur content, had no abrasive taste on the tongue because it was brewed from fresh grapes and processed from purest method. He added that the product was coming to give other brands a reasonable competition in taste and market price.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

FOREIGN NEWS

Warlord Kony negotiated with CAR president

HE president of Central African Republic has told the United Nations he has negotiated with Joseph Kony, even as an African force hunts the war crimes suspect, a UN envoy told AFP. Abou Moussa, a UN special envoy, said in an interview that Kony may be sick and that Central African Republic president Michel Djotodia had told him this month he has sent food to Kony. "When we met President Djotodia he told us that he is in contact with him (Kony)," said Moussa, UN envoy for the Central African region where Kony's Lord's Resistance Army is accused of killing 100,000 people in a two-decade reign of terror. "He told us that he had provided him with 20 bags of food,

with manioc, kasava. "He added that Kony had called him, that Kony has asked for these items." Kony was also reported to have asked for the creation of a safe zone for him and his fighters in Central African Republic. Moussa said it was not known for sure where Kony was but that Djotodia believed the LRA chief was in Central African Republic, which is confronted by its own chaos after a rebel takeover in March. Moussa said he had warned the transitional president against providing food to Kony unless it was part of a deal under which the warlord would surrender. "We told him to be careful," Moussa said of the meeting with Djotodia.

$1.1m Gold bars worth found in India plane toilet

STASH of 24 gold bars worth more than $1.1m has been discovered in the toilet compartment of a commercial plane in eastern India. Cleaners found the haul in two bags on board a Jet Airways flight at Kolkata airport, officials said. India is one of the world's main gold consumers and imports are seen as a major contributor to the country's account deficit. It recently raised duty on imports of gold jewellery to 15% from 10%. It was the third increase this year as the government attempts to curb demand for the precious metal, which many Indians tra-

World powers, Iran in new attempt to reach nuclear deal

ORLD powers resumed efforts to clinch a preliminary deal to curb Iran's nuclear program at talks in Geneva yesterday, with Russia and Britain confident that agreement can be reached. Seeking to end a long standoff and head off the risk of a wider Middle East war, the United States, Russia, China, France, Britain and Germany came close to winning concessions from Iran on its nuclear work in return for some sanctions relief at negotiations earlier this month. Policymakers from the six have since said that an interim accord on confidence-building steps could finally be within reach, despite warnings from diplomats that differences remain and could still prevent an

agreement. British Foreign Secretary William Hague said the remaining differences are narrow and a historic deal is within reach. "It is the best chance for a long time to make progress on one of the gravest problems in foreign policy," Hague told a news conference during a visit to Istanbul. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said earlier: "We hope the efforts that are being made will be crowned with success at the meeting that opens today in Geneva." Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tehran would not step back from its nuclear rights and he had set "red lines" for his negotiators in Geneva. But Tehran wanted friendly ties with all countries. "We want to have friendly relations with all nations and

peoples. The Islamic system isn't even hostile to the nation of America, although with regards to Iran and the Islamic system, the American government is arrogant, malicious and vindictive," Khamenei said, according to his official website. Khamenei also criticized France, which had spoken against the deal as proposed earlier, for "succumbing to the United States" and "kneeling before the Israeli regime". France said the comments were unacceptable. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to Russia on Wednesday to appeal for tougher terms in any accord with Iran after failing to convince the United States that world powers are pursuing a bad deal.

ditionally hoard in the belief it will bring financial security. The plane on which the 1kg (2.2lb) gold bars were found on Tuesday had reportedly come from Bangkok, local media reported, before making stops in India. "The cleaning staff of the airport were going though their routine duties and found two bags in the toilets of the plane," airport director BP Mishra told AFP news agency. He was quoted as saying that no arrest had been made in connection with the find, though OneIndia News said a suspect was being questioned. •People lay flowers near a fence of Kazan airport, where a Tatarstan Airlines Boeing 737 crashed yesterday. PHOTO: REUTERS The crash killed all 50 people aboard the aircraft...last weekend.

South Africa: Mall collapse victims's search suspended

ESCUE efforts in South Africa have been suspended at the site of a collapsed half-built mall, police say. Police spokesperson Thulani Zwane told the BBC that the search for survivors would resume after some of the concrete blocks were cleared. One person has died and there are fears that some construction workers, possibly 40, are trapped in the rubble at the site in Tongaat town. About 30 people have been rescued, some with traumatic injuries, medics say. Capt Zwane said 11 of those taken to hospitals in the area are critically injured. The deputy mayor of the municipality told South African media that authorities had obtained an injunction a month ago to halt construction at the site in Tongaat, which is a small town about 40km (25 miles) north of Durban. "There are areas of the law that they [construction firms] did not follow in terms of building," Nomvuzo Shabalala told broadcaster ENCA. "We were not aware that they were continuing building," she added. On Wednesday morning, engineers from the department of labour arrived and are now using heavy machinery to remove concrete blocks. Medics say the collapsed roof is about the size of a rugby field.

NEWS Senate queries Okonjo-Iweala’s N8.5b SURE-P spending Continued from page 2

they spent between April 2012 to April 2013 and then write to the Director General Budget Office for him to provide the legal authority that require him to loan N5billion including where he got the N5billion from. “Write also to the DG Budget to provide vocational training centres for which he spent N2,482,763,241.00. “You see all these amounts I mentioned, we in this part of the divide are under no illusion that the Federal Ministry of Finance do not have the wherewithal to have run this agency for the period that have run it. But that is not the issue. “The issue is that we want to see documentary evidence on the utilization of these funds so appropriated.” The committee also lamented that of the N9billion approved for Community Services Wom-

en and Youth Employment Project (CSWYE) component of SURE-P in the 2013 budget, only N4billion has been released to the Ministry of Labour and Productivity for the programme. In his presentation, Wogu noted that 118,912 beneficiaries comprising 75,823 males, 43,089 females and 5,122 physicallychallenged persons were currently in the service of the CSWYE. The beneficiaries, he said, are working in 8,864 service points spread across 11,139 communities in 8,993 wards across the 774 local government areas. He said the volume of work done by the beneficiaries so far in all the states translates to 160,548,400 man-hours, with environmental sanitation accounting for the highest value of 110,776,900 man hours and traffic control the lowest with a 3,817,300 man hours output. He lamented that an out-

standing 2000 beneficiaries per state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are yet to be engaged, to meet the 5000 each target for 2013, due to budgetary challenges. Wogu said: “Payment of stipends to beneficiaries has not been regular due to the nonapproval of N18billion out of the N28 billion budgeted for the project for 2013, “Delay in these payments cause ripples of protests by the youths across the federation. “An accumulation of three months (July, August and September) stipends has just been paid from a loan granted the project by the Budget Office of the Federation, while the need for funds for the remaining three months of the year still remains.” He further explained that N996,041,000 has been spent on running cost to states. The Minister noted that of

the N11,400,190,999.07 released for the CSWYE project including the loan, N7.6billion was spent on stipends, N996,041,000 was spent on running cost while the sum of N1.64billion was expended on project management. Wogu stated that the major challenge hindering the project is the non-approval of the larger percentage of the 2013 budget. He said: “An initial budget proposal of N29,505,692,580 was prepared for the project for 2013, this was reviewed down to N27,830,114,550, however, only N9,000,000,000 was approved by the National Assembly, out of which only N4,965,000?000 was released to the project by the budget office. “There is then the urgent need to source for funds for the project to enable it run t the end of the year and beyond.”

Jonathan invites G-7 governors for resumption of talks Continued from page 2

decision counts for nothing in an election. “This stance, if not checked, is capable of plunging the country into chaos during the 2015 general elections. Sadly, it is this same disdain for majority opinion that has factionalised the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), thereby putting its very survival in jeopardy. “We appeal to Mr. President to disregard the misleading advice of the hawks around him and make himself an agent of peace and unity, both in the NGF and the PDP. “He should rise above narrow partisanship and see himself as an impartial father eager to reconcile his feuding

children. Anything short of this will not only tarnish his reputation but also have dire implications for national peace, unity and progress. “Sadly, instead of Governor Jang hiding his face in shame, he still projects himself as the chairman of the Nigerian Gov-

ernor’s Forum after he was duly rejected by his colleagues. We all should learn how to protect our democracy and avoid any act that may endanger it. “We wish President Jonathan a prosperous and blissful 56th birthday celebra-

tion. We pray God to continue to guide and protect him from the evil machinations and unholy counsel from misguided hawks in the Presidency and grant him the wisdom to see himself as a statesman and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

PlayStation console PS4 now in Nigeria

HE long-awaited PlayStation Console PS4 which was released in United States 24 hours ago is now available in the Nigerian market. It is being distributed by Jumia.com.ng. “Customers can start ordering, they will have it delivered anywhere in the country.” Ore Odusanya, Head Of Gaming & Electronics Jumia

By Tonia ‘Diyan

Nigeria, said: “We are very excited to be the first company to make the latest PlayStation console available in Nigeria. Every day we strive to make the online shopping experience better for our customers and we are happy to now provide a world renowned product in the Nigerian market.”

To celebrate the launch of the new console, is a gaming competition for customers at the Nigerian Comic Con 2013. The gaming tournament is in partnership with Nigerian gaming network and Nigerian Comic Con where customers will play series of PS4 games. The grand prize is a new PS4 Console along with new games.

‘Spiritual leader’ in security net Continued from page 2

Boko Haram. In a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting in Abuja, CAN expressed worries that despite the state of emergency declared in the Northeast the attacks on Christians in this part of the country had gone unabated. Explaining the history of the recent spate of killings, the Christian body said suspected Boko Haram members attacked Ngoshe village in Gwoza local government area of Borno state on November 3 and killed eight Christians. It also alleged that many churches had been burnt since the killing was carried out without any of the attackers arrested. The communiqué signed by CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor stated that, “On the 3rd of this month (November) at about 8pm, Boko Haram members attacked Ngoshe village in Gwoza local government area of Borno state and killed 8 Christians: Baba Ayuba, Baba Bitrus and Baba Isa Biyabra, the security guard and four others whose names we are yet to get. “They burnt 11 houses owned by the Christians and three churches: EYN church, Deeper Life Bible church and the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). We were informed that when the Christian community sought to meet the governor on

this issue, he said, “He does not have the time to see them until February next year.” Recalling another instance, the Christian body stated that on the night of November 14, Boko Haram also invaded a Christian dominated village in Gwoza local government area and killed two Christians and abducted three others. Apart from that, CAN also allege that more than 100 houses were burnt by the assailants in a midnight raid. While urging Christians to retain confidence in the indivisibility of Nigeria even in the face of provocations and all sort of attacks, CAN urged the Federal Government to strive to protect the lives and properties of the people, particularly the Christians living in the states of Borno and Yobe. It said,” As Christians we must rediscover who we are, why we are who we are, for the sake of the church today, evangelism and the yet unborn. This must be the beginning of your determination to build the Nigeria of our dreams, a Nigeria where no one is judged by their ethnic nationality or religion. A Nigeria where from the North to South, East to West, everyone is equal and treated as equals and as a Nigerian. A Nigeria where hard work is rewarded and wickedness punished.”

Nwoye camp slams Metuh over comments Continued from page 2

party, Chief Arthur Eze and Chief Mrs Josephine “Mr Olisa Metuh, we put it to you that you sabotaged PDP on the 16th of November, 2013 during the election, directing your family members to vote for APGA. “That explains why PDP could not win in your ward at

Otolo Nnewi. “It is a shame that while other political parties like the APC, the Labour Party, the CNPP and others were calling for a total cancellation of the election, you were busy singing a different song. Who are you really working for? Which party do you actually belong to,PDP or APGA?.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

CITY BEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Cynthia: Police tortured us, say suspects

WO suspects in the murder of Cynthia Osokogu, Okwumo Nwabufo and Olisaeloka Ezike yesterday told a Lagos High Court how the Police forced them to admit that they killed her. Nwabufo (34), Ezike (24), who are standing trial with Orji Osita, 33; and Ezike Nonso, 25, said they were tortured to make the statements that are being used against them. The defendants were charged to court for Cynthia's murder at Cosmilla Hotel in FESTAC Town, Lagos, on July 22, last year. The late Cynthia came to Lagos on the invitation of the defendants, some of who she met on facebook. Nwabufo and Ezike were led

By Precious Igbonwelundu

in evidence by their counsel, Victor Okpara and Michael Ajayi. Nwabufo, who at the last hearing, told the court that his confessional statements were made under duress, relived how the police tortured him. At the trial within trial to determine how the police obtained statements during investigation, Nwabufo said those who arrested him, called him a murderer and beat him up. "On the day I was arrested, up to 20 policemen broke into my apartment and asked for my name after which they called me a murderer and started beating me. "I was later blindfolded

while I was putting on only pant and taken into their vehicle; then we drove to the police station," he said. He said, he asked the police to allow him contact his lawyer or relatives but they refused. "When we got to the police station, I was taken to the Area Commander, Dan Okoro's office who showed me a lady's picture and asked if I knew her. "I said yes, she is my friend and he immediately called me a murderer while he pinched the upper part of my left eye with a plier. "I was then taken to a room where I was chained and tortured to accept whatever they (the police) told us concerning the murder," said Nwabufo.

During the torture, he said, the police "brought out a suspect and shot him on the leg to show that they would shoot us if we do not comply". "One of the policemen released teargas into my left eye and I have not been able to see with it since then," he said. The torture, he claimed, led him to make the statements that were being dictated to him at different times. Ezike told the court that he was also tortured and statements dictated to him. He corroborated Nwabufo's claim that the police shot a suspect on the leg to intimidate them to admit to Cynthia's murder. Justice Olabisi Akinlade adjourned the case to January 13.

Commission to settle Lagos, displaced persons

HE National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has offered to broker peace between the Lagos State government and inhabitants of the demolished waterfront communities. Speaking yesterday at the Public Inquiry into Cases of Demolitions and Evictions in Nigeria at the Federal High Court in Lagos, NHRC Chairman Prof. Chidi Odinkalu said the commission would finance a "mighty neutral" that will mediate and work out how to settle those displaced. The affected communities include Otumara Communities, Badia East, and Makoko/ Iwaya Waterfront in Lagos, among others. "Can we work together to get something out of this case for this people?" Odinkalu asked. Lagos, represented by Mr Olanrewaju Akinsola, a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN), said the state was not opposed to negotiating with the commu-

By Joseph Jibueze

nities. "We're not averse to sitting together and mediating," he said, adding: "We are open to a settlement." Executive Director of the Social and Economic Rights Action Centre (SERAC) Felix Morka, who represented four of the communities, relived botched attempts at settlement with the government. He accused the government of insensitivity to his clients' plight, saying: "They deem the people as expendables. They demolish first and ask questions later." Morka said his clients were asked to report at Alausa in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital after the demolitions without being specifically told which office. When the government eventually agreed to meet with the communities' representatives, they were not allowed to bring their lawyer. Akinsola denied Morka's

allegations, saying: "The state is being demonised" by such claims. In his intervention, Odinkalu urged the parties to consider the plight of those who lost their homes, citing

old men and women, many of whom filled the Lambo Hall of the Federal High Court venue of the hearing. He said from interactions so far, the government is willing to resolve the issues amicably.

Ex-UNILAG dean for burial

HE University of Lagos has announced the death of its former dean of Environmental Science, Prof. Simeon Oyediran Ojo. He was 85. The late Ojo was educated at the University College, Ibadan and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). After his doctoral degree, he served in the University of Chicago, (USA) and Makerere University, Uganda before joining the University of Lagos. A wake was held yesterday at his No. 38 Senate Crescent, UNILAG Estate, Magodo, Lagos State home. There will be a funeral service for him tomorrow at Jehovah Jireh

•Ojo

African Church, 10/12, Mathew Street, Off Ojuelegba Road, Lagos. Reception follows at his Magodo home.

Church anniversary

HE Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ the Lord Peace Parish in Ilasamaja, Lagos will hold the second anniversary of its

programme, Wakati Adura (Hour of Prayer), from November 27 - 29. The theme is "In the name of Jesus", according to a statement by the programme coordinator, Pastor Sola Omotayo. Expected at the event taking place in the church auditorium at 9, Agorobogunbolu Street, Ilasamaja, Lagos are pastors from different parts of the country. The morning session holds between 9am and noon; vigil, 11pm to 3am.

Plea for bridge

A •A residential house razed by an early morning fire at Araromi Street, Orile, Lagos State ...yesterday. PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAM

RIGHTS group, Veteran Welfare Group (VWG), has appealed to the Lagos State government to construct pedestrian bridges in Lekki. Its leader, Ayoola Omonigbehin said the bridges would protect residents, students and other road users.

Your Sexual Health & You: Novelty Tips, Questions & Answers

ello everybody. Today we will be discussing more new arrivals for the holiday season and beyond, starting with new vibrators for women. For those who don’t really understand it, a vibrator is that sex toy that ensures ALL women enjoy intercourse. So it is a must have. New in this collection is the Thrusting Orgasm Thrusting Bunny, one of the finest rabbit vibrators you can find. It does everything and thrusts in and out as well. The second on the list is the Lighted Shimmer LED Hummer vibrator, a medium sized but powerful multi speed vibrator that lights up in blue when turned on. It is a very good clitoral toy for women. And if you are looking for something more realistic, then you will love the Life Like Vibrating Night, a hyper realistic 8 inch super vibrator with multiple speeds of vibration. And last but not the least is the Garter Belt Strap –On for women. This strap on is firm, realistic and very fashionable. Strap-On users will appreciate the unique and fashionable design of the Garter Belt Strap-On. And for male toys, we have two very realistic and life size love dolls, complete with real human hair and 3D features. They are the Young and Hot Love Doll and the Lonely and Lusty Love Doll and are very helpful for lonely men who don’t want to cheat or expose themselves to the risk of catching sexually transmitted diseases. In the category of adult entertainment, we have lots of new films for couples too. These movies are very helpful for men and women who want to keep the excitement of their love lives firing at full speed. Make no mistake about it. If you want great sex in your relationship, you need to feed your imagination with movies such as these. They areCouch Confessions, Iron Man XXX, Fighters andScar Face XXX. Some of these films are available in high definition Blu Ray as well, for the ultimate viewing experience.Let us now answer a few of your questions. Hello. I am 56 years old and a big follower of your column. I have been dependent on aphrodisiacs for sexual

performance ever since I started experiencing weak erection when I turned 50. Please what is the best supplement you have now? I have read about many of them and I need help making a choice. Well done with the help you give people – AlhajiUmaru Thanks Alhaji. The best supplement from all that is available is Rhino 5 enhancer. It is the best because it does more than just give strong erections. Rhino 5 is also a penis enlarger. It controls premature ejaculation, boosts performance energy for multiple rounds and the results last for four to seven days on just one capsule. It is good value for money too so I recommend it – Uche Do you still have the Sex Shots sexual performance energy Booster? I like it when I used it but I cannot find it on your site again and no pharmacy has it – Sylvester They have been out of stock but they are back in stock now andare available in three different flavors namely Sex Shots Mega Nymph, Sex Shots Club V and Sex Shots Black Cherry – Uche I cannot take supplements because of my medical troubles. Do you have anything else that can handle premature ejaculation? Chimdi Sorry to hear that. There are many options for controlling premature ejaculation. Get the Max Control Prolong Spray. It is new and very good – Uche I will definitely recommend your office for sexual problems like mine. I have received my order in Sokoto and I am enjoying the Exploding Thunder I bought for weak erection. For my age, it is not harsh and still works well – Ibrahim I am happy you like it. Exploding Thunder is reliable. That’s it for today. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 08027901621 or 08051924159 or any other number here. They can also order them online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. We deliver to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, email us at custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com - Uche Edochie, MD, Zee Virtual Media.

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

SPORT EXTRA

•Ivanovic

•Peter Cech

•Daniel Agger

2014 WORLD CUP

Stars that ‘ll be missing GOALKEEPER PETR CECH - Czech Republic Still rated as the best keeper in the world by Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho, Cech misses out on his second World Cup in succession. DEFENDERS BRANISLAV IVANOVIC - Serbia Serbia did not even make it to the play-offs meaning Ivanovic is denied the chance to help his country improve on a record of three group stage defeats in South Africa. DANIEL AGGER Denmark Denmark did manage to

ENGLAND’S World Cup preparations may have veered off track but at least they are on the plane. And while players from qualified nations across the globe are now sweating on their place for the tournament there are plenty of well-known names who can look forward to a lengthy holiday. MailOnline takes a look at those players who will be making other plans next summer. finish second in their group but were not amongst the eight best runners up so at least Agger can concentrate in cementing his place in Liverpool’s defence. MARTIN SKRTEL Slovakia No repeat of the heroics that took Slovakia to their first World Cup in South Africa. Another Liverpool defender who can put his feet up.

A L E K S A N D A R KOLAROV - Serbia Wrapping up a dismal qualifying campaign for Eastern European defences is Kolarov who moved to Manchester City after South Africa but will be staying at home this summer. MIDFIELDERS CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN Denmark The good news for the

Spurs midfielder, his ankle injury should only keep him out for four weeks. The bad news? No Brazilian adventure to demonstrate his creative talent. MAREK HAMSIK Slovakia A Slovakia stalwart who captained his country in South Africa but can now spend the summer trying to secure a big money move

from Napoli. GARETH BALE - Wales Alright so Wales were never going to make it but it is a damn shame Bale will not be in Brazil, or any other World Cup for that matter.Gareth Bale freestyling with Real Madrid team-mates STRIKERS R O B E R T LEWANDOWSKI - Poland The name on lots of lips in

the transfer window, Lewandowski will doubtless generate plenty of headlines this summer – just not for his performances in Brazil. Z L A T A N IBRAHIMOVIC - Sweden Well he did his best but what you can do when you are only the third best player in the world and you are up against Ronaldo. The biggest miss in Brazil? PAPISS CISSE - Senegal Bang out of form for his club and now he has to share dressing room with Newcastle team-mate Cheick Tiote whose Ivory Coast side qualified at Senegal’s expense.

•Marek Hamsik

•Kolarov •Skrtel

•Bale •Eriksen

•Ibrahimovic •Lewandowski

•Papiss Cisse

THE NATION THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

SPORT EXTRA Copa Coca-Cola 5th edition Why I shunned Chelsea, Milan, kicks off with expanded focus Monaco for Udinese—Isaac Success B

OLDEN Eaglets’ striker Isaac Success, who did not play in the final of the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup due to a hamstring, has told NationSport the reason for choosing modest Serie A Club Udinese ahead of other prominent clubs such as AC Milan, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Monaco. The lanky striker confessed that his genuine interest in developing his game in a club

Glo launches CAF Awards promo

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja

where he would be guaranteed a regular playing time to develop made him to sign for Udinese ahead of other big clubs in Europe that clamoured for his signature. “I must confess to you that I had bigger clubs in Europe looking for me. The likes of Manchester United, AC Milan, Inter, Monaco and Chelsea all made enquiries about me. But I and my Manager went for Udinese because there I believe I can gradually grow in the

game and also have the chance of breaking into the first team easily compared with the other big clubs. Isaac Success explained that he decided to sign for Italian Seria A side, Udiness because of the fact that the club will afford him better opportunity to develop faster into a big time player. "More so, it is nice to start as a beginner in Europe. It will be nice to begin from a smaller club and from there I can move to a bigger club in the future. But if I begin my football at these big clubs breaking into the main

team will take some time and if I choose then to leave my value may drop. So, I am very happy with the Italian club”, Success who was part of the Golden Eaglets success winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates in November 9, 2013 disclosed. The striker agreed to a recordbreaking four- year deal worth •1.4 million with Serie A side Udinese. The deal will see the Serie A club splash out a transfer fee of •400,000 to the young striker’s youth club in Benin City, while he will earn an annual wage of •250,000 for the next four years."

L O B A C O M telecommunications the title sponsor of the annual CAF Awards has launched a new promo ahead of the 2013 edition of the awards designed to celebrate Africa's most successful football icons. The event will hold in Lagos, Nigeria on 9th January, 2014. The sms promo tagged “Top up and secure a seat at the Glo CAF Awards Ceremony” will afford Glo subscribers who spend N10, 000 or more between now and January 2nd, 2014 to call or browse the internet an opportunity to secure a seat as one of the company's special guests during the event. "Our subscribers have been amazing. They have stood solidly behind the Glo brand. This is another golden opportunity to appreciate and reward them for their love. We have lined up a series of world class entertainment in conjunction with CAF to delight them. Whoever secures ticket to the event will cherish the moment forever," said Globacom in a statement. It will be an opportunity for the lucky subscribers to meet and interact with top African footballers and Administrators during the Gala night scheduled for Eko Convention Centre. The Confederation of African Football recently released the list of top twenty five players; including Five Nigerians shortlisted for the 2013 African player of the year award. CAF announced in August this year that Lagos, Nigeria will host the prestigious Gala nite of 2013 Glo-CAF Awards.

•L-R: Ex-Super Eagles striker, Jonathan Akpoborie; Oare Ojeikere, Marketing Director, CocaCola Nigeria Limited, Matthieu Seguin, National Commercial Director, NBC; and another former Super Eagles player, Mutiu Adepoju at the media launch of the 2013 edition of Copa Coca-Cola in Lagos recently.

Eaglets' defender Abubakar won't rush to Europe •Belgium, Poland and Sweden clubs scramble for him

OLDEN Eaglets’ star Aliyu Abubakar Audu's agent is in talks with Anderlecht, Wisla Krakow and an unnamed Sweden club, NationSport has been informed. Abubakar played four matches in Nigeria's road to victory at the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by the United Arab Emirates and he has been the cynosure of all clubs after his impressive display throughout the competition. The Mutunchi Academy player's agent Babawo told NationSport that there are several clubs that have shown interest in the soft-spoken defender but they have only settled with three clubs for now, based on their seriousness. The former JUTH of Jos player revealed that

From Tunde Liadi, Owerri Anderlecht(Belgium) and Wisla Krakow(Poland) have shown genuine interest in the lad and that he has been discussing with their sporting director unlike Sweden's coach whose identity has not been made known. "There are lots of clubs on the trail of my client but for now, we are in talks with three clubs. Anderlecht of Belgium, Wisla Krakow of Poland and a club from Sweden whose identity has not been made public. "We are discussing directly with the sporting directors of the first two clubs but the third it is through third party. We are optimistic that Abubakar would sign a good deal in the coming days, Babawo told NationSport.

Babawo who retired from the round leather game recently to concentrate on player management has six players he manages from the conquering Golden Eaglets' team. They are Abdullahi Alfa, Musa Yahaya, Chidera Ezeh, Zaharadden Bello, Akinjide Idowu and Abubakar. In a related development, Aliyu Abubakar Audu has informed NationSport that he would review all contract offers tabled before him with his advisors before penning a deal with any club. The soft spoken player said that he was not in any rush to sign for an European side and that he would be patient enough to listen to wise sayings before making a decision on his preferred club.

Mark leads 180 golfers to CBN Cup

ENATE President David Mark will lead 180 golfers to the 7th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) sponsored Golf Cup Tournament that will tee off this Saturday at the IBB International Golf and Country Club. IBB Golf Club Captain Debo Olateju disclosed at a Press Briefing held at the club yesterday, that the two-day competition holding between this Saturday and Sunday is a closed competition for IBB Golf Club and the Senate President who is a prominent golfer will compete for honours in the twoday event. “The IBB Golf Club is blessed with prominent people in this

From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja country as members and it’s a very rare privilege to have the Senate President as not being only a member, but a prominent golfer who is expected to participate in this competition”. The CBN Cup is one of the biggest competitions in IBB Golf Club program of events and we are most grateful to CBN for sponsoring the competition”, the IBB Golf Club Captain, Debo Olateju disclosed in Abuja yesterday. Director, Corporate Communications Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Ugo Okoroafor who was represented

by the Head, Internal Communication of the CBN, Mrs. Odesan Ogunmola, disclosed that 180 golfers will participate in the two day competition, while trophies and prize awards would be won too. Okoroafor also explained the essence of sponsoring the competition. “The Management of the CBN is pleased to note that this tournament, otherwise known as ‘CBN Governor’s Cup’, has not only become an annual event, but also an important feature in the calendar of events of this prestigious club of distinguished and eminent Nigerians and foreign nationals. The CBN is committed to making positive contributions

towards the development of the game of golf in line with the Bank’s corporate social responsibility. “I want to re-affirm that the sponsorship of the CBN Governor’s Golf Cup Tournament has come to stay. The objective of this event, as you may be aware, is to develop the game and provide a conducive atmosphere for recreational activities. This annual tournament also creates a platform for interaction with a view to establishing a spirit of friendship, consolidate network partnerships and explore potential business possibilities”, Okoroafor disclosed.

EVERAGE giant and leading football brand, Coca-Cola has kicked off the fifth edition of Copa CocaCola, its popular grassroots football programme, pledging to use the platform to promote active healthy living and community football development. The expanded scope will further increase the impact of the programme which has recorded significant success in recent years and boasts among its alumni six members of Nigeria’s youthful team that won the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The kickoff event held at the Astroturf Ikoyi on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 and witnessed a large turnout of Nigerian football stakeholders including representatives of Youth Sport Federation of Nigeria (YSFON), ex-football players, sports and photo journalists from the print and electronic media, among others. The Copa Coca-Cola Youth Soccer Competition, which has over the years provided a platform for young footballers to gain exposure, has been expanded to include a focus on legacies in the host communities to support every day football and on active healthy living education component for players and coaches. According to Oare Ojeikere, Marketing Director of CocaCola Nigeria, “Our vision with the restructuring of Copa CocaCola is to make it more inclusive, to be enjoyed by all lovers of the beautiful game, while promoting a culture of active healthy living for Nigerian teens. As part of our agenda to promote active healthy living and the development of football at the grassroots, we will support a number of neighbourhood training fields with world class, basic football equipment, and empower local coaches with requisite skills and knowledge to train the next generation of budding football stars.” These new introductions will complement the old Copa tournaments, which will culminate in the selection of 5 teens representing Nigeria in the 2014 COPA Clinic in Brazil to be held during the FIFA World Cup in June. Ojeikere further stressed that COPA Coca-Cola is about creating a large window of opportunity for affected youths in Nigeria to enjoy the beautiful game and improve their chances of making a career in football if they so choose. It gladdens our heart when we see youths who have passed through the programme making their mark on the world stage as recently exemplified by Taiwo Awoniyi and Abdullahi Alfa; two of the six ex-COPA Coca-Cola stars who were part of the Nigerian U17 team that won gold at the just concluded 2013 U-17 World Cup Championship in United Arab Emirates. We extend our hearty congratulations to all of them. According to Godwin DuduOrume, Head, Technical Committee, Copa Coca-Cola, one of the high points of this edition of Copa Coca-Cola is a well-rounded programme that places training and youth development at the core. “The biggest problem with our football has always been lack of technical know-how. Copa Coca-Cola addresses this challenge at the grassroots level with the empowerment of local coaches. This has greatly affected the quality of players available to pick from. But, with Copa

Coca-Cola, talented youths will be exposed to the right routines and get the technical guidance they need to develop. This year, the goal is to make COPA CocaCola a total experience.” Commending Coca-Cola for its consistent investment in grassroots football over the years, celebrity coach, Jonathan Akpoborie, ex-international player, remarked that tournaments like Copa CocaCola are what the country needs to create a vibrant football sector. He enjoined other corporate bodies to follow the lead of Coca-Cola by focusing on developmental football as the NFF could not do this alone. “This generation of youths is fortunate to have the kind of support Coca-Cola is giving. In our days there were no investment in grassroots football, we played on dusty pitches and had no one to teach us the basics of the game. I would encourage everyone to appreciate and utilize this opportunity” Akpoborie said. The 2012 tournament saw the emergence of 15 talented teenagers from the tournament as the Copa Coca-Cola Nigeria Dream Team and represented the country at the International Football Camp/tournament in South Africa. Copa Coca-Cola has grown its reputation as a platform for the discovery of future soccer heroes as exemplified by the exploits of the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi, Salisu Alibaba, Akintunde Idowu, Success Isaac, Chidera Ezeh and Abdullahi Alfa; that were part of the 2013 U-17 World Cup winning squad and are products of past editions of the Copa Coca-Cola tournament.

PUBLIC NOTICE SOWEMIMO I formerly known and addressed as Miss Elizabeth Oluwabukola SOWEMIMO henceforth wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs Elizabeth Oluwabukola Tunde-OGUNGBILE. All former documents remain valid. The general public to note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the General Public that a Deed of Conveyance, Approved Survey Plan and Oluwa Family (Ratification) receipt of the property at 14 Ashafa Street,olodi Apapa. Lagos belonging to my late father Late Emmanuel Oke Rorobi is missing all effort to trace proved abortive. General public please take note. Signed: FREDERICK ROROBI

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the General Public that a Deed of Conveyance, Approved Survey Plan and Oluwa Family (Ratification) receipt of the property at 2 Rorobi Street,olodi Apapa. Lagos belonging to my late father Late Emmanuel Oke Rorobi is missing all effort to trace proved abortive. General public please take note. Signed: FREDERICK ROROBI

www.thenationonlineng.net

TOMORROW IN THE NATION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.8, NO.2,674

C OMMENT & D EB ATE EBA

AST week’s governorship election in Anambra State ended in utter confusion and chaos. According to press reports, voting did not take place in many of the voting centres. Voting materials arrived very late in many of the centres. In many places, voting registers were either not available, or displayed. Where they were available, many of the voters could not find their names in the register and could not vote. There were huge protests by those who were thus disenfranchised. The whole thing was farcical. Of the five political parties that presented candidates for the election, four, including the APC and the PDP, have denounced it as highly flawed and fraudulent. They have called for the outright cancellation of the results of the election. The Chairman of INEC, Professor Attahiru Jega, has admitted that the election was badly flawed and that there will have to be fresh election in Anambra State. Specifically, one senior electoral officer has been apprehended and handed over to the Police for suspected complicity in the massive electoral fraud. The whole sordid affair is being investigated by an INEC panel. The security agencies, particularly the police, have been accused of complicity in the massive electoral fraud in the state election. Many voters were allegedly denied access by the police to the voting centres. Some who were thought to be in support of the opposition parties were manhandled and not allowed to vote. This is one more reason why the creation of state police should be considered as necessary. The federal police have become increasingly partisan in support of the ruling party. Now, it is really a shame that after 53 years of our independence, we still cannot hold free and fair elections in this country. The result of every election in Nigeria has been hotly disputed with some justification. Elections have been successfully held in other African States with none of the rancour, bitterness and violence that mark our elections here. Only last year, Ghana successfully held its presidential elections, which were adjudged by most foreign observers to have been free and fair. Even in Kenya and Zimbabwe, the presidential elections in those countries were considered by observers to have been free and fair on the whole. There is absolutely no rea-

DAPO FAFOWORA

FROM THE SUMMIT dapo.fafowora@thenationonlineng.net

Anambra State governorship election

•Prof Jega

‘Whether, or not, Nigeria survives 2015 is in the hands of the politicians. If the 2015 elections are massively rigged, or the outcome is not clear, then there will be a great danger of the country breaking up’

son, except greed for office, why we in Nigeria cannot hold free and fair elections. In the last few years, the courts have had to over turn electoral results declared by our INEC in several states, on account of blatant fraud and electoral malpractices by INEC officials. Free and fair elections are crucial for the success of any democratic society. Where the integrity of elections is subverted, as is the case here, then this is a direct challenge to the stable and democratic society we have been trying to develop since our independence from British colonial rule in 1960. After the long period of military rule, it is time for Nigeria

to fully embrace the tenets of democracy, particularly the holding of free and fair elections. A State in which elections are so blatantly rigged cannot claim to be democratic. Admittedly, the political stakes involved in elections in Nigeria are very high. Political offices ensure instant access to undreamt of wealth and social preferences. In a poor society, many people are only too willing on financial inducements to sabotage the electoral process. Many are driven to politics, not for public service, but by the attraction of wealth and position. This is no justification for the blatant manner in which our politicians act desperately to subvert the political process by rigging elections.

RIPPLES FAYOSE IS AN EXPIRED POLITICIAN– Ekiti commissioner

NAFDAC...please take note

HARDBALL

ARDBALL always had the prognosis that this presidency suffers from Acute Smallness of Mind Syndrome, (ASMS) but he never made a pronouncement because he sought a second opinion. But in the last few days, he found convincing evidence that this presidential diminution is quite large and dangerous. To begin to see what we mean, consider an elephant being hoisted on the limbs of a goat. Driving the point home, a certain Ahmed Gulak who is described as the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters in a recent interview stated that the presidency recognised Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State and not Governor Rotimi Amaechi as the chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. It seemed like a kind of slip until Mr. Gulak reiterated his position on the matter. Gov. Amaechi in response to Mr. Gulak’s interview pointed out that during the NGF election held on May 24 this year, his colleague-governors had returned him to office by 19 votes to 16. “We know that 19 is always greater than 16,” he said. As if Mr. Gulak had been living with a difficult-tobe-unrelieved pain over Gov. Amaechi’s NGF status, he fired back immediately at the governor insisting that his boss and the entire clan at the presidency knew only one NGF chairman and that is Gov. Jang. Hear him: “If Governor Amaechi is claiming that 19 governors re-elected him as

LAWAL OGIENAGBON

This is why the so-called elected politicians are regarded in the society with disdain and scorn. Electoral rigging and fraud by our politicians alienates the electorate from participating fully in the electoral process, as it lacks any credibility. In most cases, the voters believe that the outcome of elections in Nigeria is predetermined and that there is no point wasting valuable time to exercise their civic duty and right, when they know how they vote is of no avail. In 2015, Nigeria will hold its presidential elections. There will also be elections in several other states. These elections will be crucial for Nigeria’s political future. From what transpired in Anambra, we can expect that the elections will be marred by violence and electoral fraud. In many cases, the results might not be conclusive, as in last week’s election in Anambra. We may be without any legitimate government for weeks, if not months. If there is a political vacuum, this could prove to be a fatal temptation for the security forces to again claim a greater role for themselves in Nigeria’s politics. Nigerians have never liked military rule. They fought against it for decades until the military were forced to step down by strong and unrelenting public opposition. We prefer civilian democratic rule to military rule. But many are beginning to wonder whether the badly divided political class can hold this country together. There are far too many political uncertainties. Many now fear that, as predicted by the American CIA, 2015 may indeed prove to be Nigeria’s apocalyptic year. Whether, or not, Nigeria survives 2015 is in the hands of the politicians. If the 2015 elections are massively rigged, or the outcome is not clear, then there will be a great danger of the country breaking up. The strains of carrying on will, in the circumstances, be too great for the people of Nigeria. They might then come to the regrettable conclusion that Nigeria can no longer be saved as it is. Many who have shown much faith in the unity of Nigeria will then be forced to join those calling for the peaceful break up of the country. This would be a pity. But it would be far better than having to go to war all over again. • For comments, send SMS to 08054503031

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above

President, Nigeria Governors Forum! chairman of the NGF, let him present the 19 governors. You are aware of the poor attendance at the retreat he organised in Sokoto. That was a sign that he is not the leader of the forum.” First, why should it be a source of such intense concern to Gulak and his boss who leads the NGF? Recall that in the heat of the NGF crisis, the presidency had claimed to have no hand in it noting that the president was not a governor thus would never have anything to do with an affair that was strictly about governors. Though no one believed the president and his mouthpieces then, Gulak’s classic Freudian slip has now proven otherwise. President Goodluck Jonathan, it has now come out, is actually obsessed about who heads the NGF and morbidly obsessed about seeing to it that Gov. Amaechi does not head it. This explains why the president committed the moral suicide of hosting in Aso Rock Villa, a renegade gang led by Jang who shamelessly posed as winners of the NGF election even when it was clear to the watching world that they lost. We also now have a concrete explanation why Gov. Amaechi has been subjected to intense persecution and harassment by the presidency using the police and by instigating his

former aides; including several attempts to abort his very rule through a faction of the state’s House of Assembly. That the presidency which sits atop the entire country would be so sorely disturbed and distracted by a ceremonial body of 36 governors takes us back to the issue of a small-mindedness that is large and tottering dangerously. Yes, the NGF could pull political strings and wield enormous influence but all their machinations would pale beside a monstrous presidential might. Was it not said that there are a thousand ways to kill a cat? And isn’t the easiest and most innocuous way is by simply delivering on the numerous promises to the people? Well, since nothing else seems to have worked in the attempt to ‘kill’ this cat of an Amaechi, Hardball would suggest that by some executive fiat or an affirmation to be promoted by the Jang-led band, President Goodluck Jonathan be made the head of the NGF, even if honorary. In doing so, we shall declare that NGF’s headship would no longer be titled ‘chairman’ but ‘president’. Since no citizen would dare challenge the president over this title, he simply becomes president of the NGF by acclamation. Case closed.

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