The Nation October 07, 2014

Ekiti APC, PDP row over violence plan NEWS

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News Abandoned girl ‘not from Chibok’ P6 Sports Victor Moses’ absence a big blow P24 Business ‘Fake crude lifting order in town’ P11

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VOL. 9, NO. 2994 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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‘Report on missing NNPC $10.8b ready soon’

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HE last may not have been heard of the Audit report on the $10.8bn alleged to be missing from the coffers of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said yesterday in London that the report will be ready next

•Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala

From Nduka Chiejina, Abuja

month.

She spoke at the Financial Times Africa Summit 2014, adding that the audit report was commissioned because of the need for transparency and the interest generated on the matter. ”Initially it was $48bn, then $20bn; but the figure

we have always had is $10.8bn. I am Minister of Finance; if money is missing I want it – to use it for good things for the country and that was why when we went to the Senate, we demanded for forensic audit. The president supported it and asked for it to be done.

“We engaged PwC, with

the Auditor General taking the lead. They asked for 16 weeks to complete the work; they have spent 11 or 12 weeks so far and they will be done in a couple of weeks.”

Director General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Ms Arunma Oteh said Nigeria had been focusing on Small and Me-

dium Enterprises development as a way of creating more jobs and improving the standards of living.

She said: “I think first and foremost is the recognition globally about the importance of SMEs because they are the ones that create jobs. I think there is Continued on page 4

•INSIDE: KWARA: AHMED, MINISTER DIFFER ON WOKERS’ PAY P58 THREE DIE IN OYO P7

Bad arms deal: Nigeria loses $5.7m more to South Africa Official blames fifth columnists

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SOUTH AFRICAN government agency has seized $5.7million cash allegedly belonging to the Nigerian government.

The cash, like the $9.3million seized three weeks ago, is reportedly meant for purchase of arms.

But a top Federal Government security source said last night that “fifth columnists” might have generated the story. The source claimed that there was no fresh cash seizure.

The government official described the report published by a South African newspaper as “refreshment of the old story with a new story angle”.

South African newspaper Rapport, a sister publication of City Press, reported that the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has seized $5.7million for yet another arms deal between South Africa and Nigeria.

This, said the report, is the second multimillion-rand arms deal between the two countries in the past month that has resulted in the money being frozen in South African banks.

Last month, $9.3million in $100 bills stashed in suitcases was seized at Lanseria Airport, north of Johannesburg.

The money was frozen in both cases for allegedly being the proceeds of illegal transactions.

?

Continued on page 4

WHEN WILL THE CHIBOK GIRLS KIDNAPPED ON APRIL 15 BE FREED?

•THE CHAMPIONS: Imo Deputy Governor’s float on parade during the Imo Carnival in Owerri

Boko Haram beheads seven as troops kill hundreds STORY ON PAGE 2

Military retakes Michika Catholics: we’ve lost 154 parishes

•TRANSPORTATION P14 •ENERGY P17 •SPORTS P23 •POLITICS P43 •PROPERTY P48

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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Saved from B

•Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun (2nd left), his wife Olufunso (left), Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona (2nd right) and the Special Guest of Honour and former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma at the 2014 Ojude Oba Festival held in Ijebu-Ode…yesterday.

Nigerians who have fled attacks

by Boko Haram are crowded into Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon, living in increasingly squalid conditions and at risk of contracting measles and other diseases

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• Metropolitan Grand Knight, Mr. Charles Mbelede (second from right) presenting an Appreciation Plaque to Sir. Patrick Ikemefuna, the Immediate Past Metropolitan Grand Knight, Lagos Metropolitan Council (second from left) during a send forth ceremony organised in honour of Ikemefuna in Lagos...With them are Supreme Treasurer, Mr. Lawrence Okonofua (left) and Deputy Metropolitan Grand Knight, Mr. Egbert Imommoh.

HOUSANDS of Nigerians who have fled attacks by Islamist militant group Boko Haram are crowded into Minawao refugee camp in Cameroon’s Far North Region, living in increasingly squalid conditions and at risk of contracting measles and other diseases, according to relief agencies.

The camp’s population over the past four weeks has risen from 6,000 to 15,000, says the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), putting a severe strain on camp services.

“The population has reached a level where more urgent actions need to be taken to build more tents and provide sanitation facilities such as toilets and new wells,” said Muhamat Alhidi, UNHCR’s camp site manager.

There are 110 functioning toilets in camp, meaning each, on average, is shared by 136 people. The international standard for emergency settings such as refugee camps is one latrine for every 50 people. There are plans to construct an additional 500 latrines, and to set up additional tents.

Around 9,000 of the residents now live in communal tents which hold 100 people each, or in 14 classrooms.

•The crowded camp where refugees live in Cameroon

“I wonder what will become of us when we already go for days without [adequate] drinking water and all toilets are full. Everywhere in the camp is faeces,” said Konye Shetima from Borno State.

The camp - the only one in Far North Region - is just outside Jagala village in Mokolo District.

Access to water is a major problem. When IRIN visited the camp none of its three water points were working properly and trucked-in water was insufficient, forcing women and children to walk 1.5km to the nearest water point in Jagala village. Alhidi said a private company had been contracted to build more boreholes and repair wells in the camp and the nearby village.

“We spend all day waiting in long lines hoping they will bring us water. We even leave our containers here in lines for days… Women suffer every day walking in search of water and when we come back our children are crying `Mama, Mama, I am hungry’,” Patima Muhamed, a 27-year-old woman, told IRIN. “The toilets are all full and I take my children behind the tents to defecate. Adults have to go far into the bushes. We also go to the stream not

Texas Ebola vi

•From left: Nigerian Union of Teachers ( NUT) Chairman, Lagos State, Segun Raheem; Sales Director Glo 1 Enterprise, Bolanle Ogundogba, MD, Roberts & John Founder of Roducate, Femisola Awosika and two students of May Day College and Rainbow College at the official launch of Glo Mobile Tutor.

•From left: An official of the Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB), Mr.Adedeji Akolade; Solar lamp winner, Mr. Gbenga Akeju and another LSEB official, Mr. Damilola Oduntan at the 2014 Energy Conservation Month road show in Ajah, Lagos Island.

•Spanish nurse becomes the first to contract virus outside of Africa

T

HE stepdaughter of Texas Ebola victim, Thomas Duncan, who called 911 and rode in the ambulance with him, was told she was free to return to work.

Nursing assistant Youngor Jallah, 35, has been in ‘quarantine’ in her small Dallas apartment along with her husband, Aaron Yah, 43, and their four children ages 2 to 11 since Thomas Duncan’s devastating diagnosis last Monday.

MailOnline has reported that Mr Yah, also a nursing assistant, had been told he could return to work at the end of last week.

Ms Jallah whose contact with Mr Duncan - who remains in a critical condition - was far more intimate and prolonged than that of her husband, told MailOnline on Monday: ‘The CDC came yesterday. They said I can go back to work but I do not know what I will do. I will not go back yet.’

Doctors say that no-one is at risk of catching the virus unless they come into contact with a sufferer who is exhibiting symptoms.

But it is unlikely that Youngor will return to work until the family have gone through the 21 days considered the latest time between exposure and manifestation of Ebola.

She does not intend to allow her eldest child to return to school before the October 17. She has no child-care provisions either - as her mother, Louise Troh, 54, the woman who Mr Duncan traveled to the States to marry, provided childcare and remains in quarantine in a secret location along with her 13-year-old son, nephew and a friend.

The decision to let Ms Jallah return to work is proof of CDC official’s confidence that there are no contagious carriers of Ebola in the community.

But Ms Jallah and her family still live with the fear that they may develop symptoms.

She does not hug or kiss her children out of fear and the family pray together each day, asking God to ‘Destroy Ebola’, to save their family, to save America.

It was Ms Jallah who first raised the

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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m Boko Haram but suffering abroad

• The dire condition the refuggees are forced to live

far from here,” Mariam Unana, a 33year-old mother of five, told IRIN. Unama comes from Bama District, Borno State. All the refugees in the camp are from Borno and Adamawa states, with most from Gwoza in Borno.

“The whole place stinks of excreta and when it rains, dirty water runs into the tents,” one aid worker, who preferred anonymity, told IRIN. Women have resorted to relieving themselves close to their tents at night for fear of attack. Around the camp, the ground is dotted with excrement close to the tents and children can be seen relieving themselves in the same environments.

A measles outbreak is threatening children in the camp and nearby communities.

“A dangerous strain of measles was detected in children and immediately an outbreak was announced in the area,” Zra Moko, head of the Jagala community health centre, told IRIN. UNICEF has launched a measles vaccination programme covering children aged six months to 15 years (instead of the usual age limit of 5 globally, unvaccinated children under age 5 are most at risk of death, according to UNICEF).

Jonathan to meet neighbouring countries’ leaders in Niger over terrorism

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RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan will undertake a one-day official visit to Niamey, capital of Niger Republic today to participate in an Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

Jonathan and other participating Heads of State and Government, according to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, are expected to review ongoing collaboration against terrorism and agree on further joint action to curb terrorism and insurgency within and across their national boundaries.

Jonathan and the Heads of State and Government of the neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad, Cameroon and Benin Republic resolved at a meeting in Paris in May to intensify joint efforts to curtail terrorism and violent extremism in the region.

At the Paris Summit hosted by President Francois Hollande of France in the aftermath of the dastardly abduction of the Chibok girls, Jonathan and neighbouring Heads of State and government also agreed to establish joint anti-terrorism patrols and a system of sharing intelligence to support operations “This is a particular case of measles outbreak, so effort is being done to eradicate it as much as possible, because [given] the living conditions, people might affect the effectiveness

From Augustine Ehikioya, Abuja

against terrorists and other cross-border criminals.

They agreed to create a dedicated team to draw up and advise on the implementation of a regional counter-terrorism strategy under the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

Benin Republic, which participated in the Paris Summit but not a member of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, has been invited to the Niamey talks.

The Lake Chad Basin Commission was established in 1964 by Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon with the mandate of sustainably and equitably manage shared water resources of the Lake Chad Basin and promoting regional integration, peace and security across the Basin.

Jonathan, who will be accompanied to Niamey by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Aminu Wali, Minister of State for Defence Musiliu Obanikoro, Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshall Alex Barde and other senior government officials, will return to Abuja at the conclusion of the one-day summit.

of the vaccines if the vaccines do not reach all children.”

Over 5,800 children in the camp were vaccinated against measles last week and the plan is to cover all com-

munities in the Mokolo health district.

According to Kaoussiri Brekmo, the coordinator for disease control in the Maroua regional public health office, “cholera remains a threat to

the camp population despite the fact that in the past two weeks all cases of cholera have been contained.

Minawao camp had 52 cases of cholera with five deaths since July… We remain watchful against cholera because of the poor water and hygiene facilities in the camp and villages.”

A cholera outbreak in northern Cameroon between April and August killed at least 75 people.

Unana said all her children were with her in a communal tent. Her husband lives in a men’s tent and cannot help her with the children.

Her oldest boy is 12.

“I fetch water, food and wood. The men don’t help us. All they do is sit under trees and wait for food. The water point pumps [in Jagala] are hard to operate but the men do not help us. Our husbands even beat us when women and children ask for money or support,” Unana said.

James Naga, a refugee and Christian community leader in the camp, said: “Most of us have lost the lives that we had been building for decades and have come to live in a place where you cannot provide for your own family. This is so frustrating to the men in particular.

ola victim’s step-daughter free of deadly virus alarm after Mr Duncan’s condition suddenly worsened. He had been sent home from his first hospital visit with medication for his diarrhea.

Ms Jallah had seen Mr Duncan following his arrival in the States at the end of last month. Her children had slept in the apartment.

A Spanish nurse who treated an Ebola victim in Madrid has become the first person in the world to contract the deadly virus outside of Africa.

The 44-year-old is said to have spent the last 15 years working at Madrid’s Carlos III Hospital, where the two Spanish missionaries infected with Ebola died.

The woman, who was married, was part of the team that treated Spanish priest Manuel Garcia Viejo, who was brought back from Africa last month so that he could be treated for the deadly virus.

Two separate tests confirmed that the woman, who has yet to be named, had contracted the disease.

Colleagues tonight expressed their surprise at news that the nurse, from Galicia in northwest Spain, had died from the virus, saying that there had been ‘extreme’ measures in place to protect hospital staff.

One told Spanish daily El Pais that nurses were equipped with two protective overalls, two pairs of gloves and glasses.

Mr Viejo died at the hospital the following month after contracting the virus in Sierra Leone.

Ebola spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of someone who has the virus and the only way to stop an outbreak is to isolate those who are infected.

The current outbreak in West Africa, the worst ever, has infected nearly 7,500 people and caused more than 3,400 deaths.

On Sunday September 28, Ms Jallah said, her mother called her and asked her to come to their home in the now infamous Ivy Apartments complex.

Speaking to the Washington Post Ms Jallah recalled her mother’s words: ‘She said, “Your step daddy is not feeling OK. He’s been going to the bathroom all night. You should come over and fetch him some breakfast.’

Ms Jallah did not bring her children with her when she went over, though Mr Yah also saw Mr Duncan that morning.

He told MailOnline: ‘He was lying on the bed. I asked him how he was

and he said, “I’m not okay”.’

By the time Ms Jallah arrived Mr Duncan had no appetite for breakfast.

She recalled: ‘I brought him hot tea but he could drink only half of it.’

A trained nursing assistant, Ms Jallah took his temperature which was 104F and his blood pressure which was low.

The CDC came yesterday. They said I can go back to work but I do not know what I will do. I will not go back yet - Youngor Jallah She said: ‘I went to Walmart to get him a blanket and put it round him but he was so sick.’

It was Ms Jallah who told Mr Duncan he had to go to hospital and who called 911.

She travelled with her stepfather in the ambulance, bringing the contaminated blanket with her and warning the emergency workers to be careful of ‘viruses’ because he was from West Africa.

They immediately put on their masks.

Yet in spite of this close and prolonged contact with Mr Duncan - who neighbors reported was ‘vomiting wildly’ before the arrival of the ambulance - Ms Jallah and her family were

left completely in the dark as to what precautions they should take.

MailOnline first reported the family’s distress at having no instructions from the CDC and revealed that they had placed themselves under quarantine.

When violent storms swept Dallas on Thursday they were left without power, without information and without food and diapers for their youngest child.

Power was only returned to their apartment yesterday.

As Mr Duncan continues to fight for his life and remains in critical condition the emotional toll that this ordeal has taken on the family as a whole is clear.

The Spanish nurse is understood to have tested positive for Ebola in a first analysis after going to hospital in Alcorcon near Madrid with a high fever early this morning.

Doctors isolated the emergency treatment room.

A Ministry of Health source told respected daily El Mundo: ‘She arrived at the University Hospital Alcorcon Foundation with fever and has undergone tests. The first test has come back positive.’

Spain’s Health Ministry today held

a crisis meeting as they awaited for the results to be confirmed.

British nurse William Pooley, 29, who was infected with the virus while working in Sierra Leone, recovered last month after being flown back to London for treatment.

He later jetted to the US to give blood to an American battling the disease.

Thomas Duncan, the first person diagnosed in the west with the disease, contracted Ebola last month in Liberia and is now ‘fighting for his life’ at a hospital in Dallas after flying to the US to visit his fiancee.

Leading charity Save the Children warned recently Ebola is spreading at a ‘terrifying rate’ with the number of recorded cases doubling every week.

Speaking at a conference in London co-hosted with Sierra Leone last week, UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond called for more financial aid, doctors and nurses.

Scientists have warned the Ebola virus could spread across the world infecting people from the US to China within three weeks.

The team of US researchers have predicted there is a 50 per cent chance a traveller carrying the disease could touch down in the UK by October 24.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

‘Report on missing NNPC $10.8b ready soon’ Continued from page 1

•Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola (third right); former National Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande (second left); first civilian Governor of Osun State Senator Isiaka Adeleke (left); elder statesman Senator Ayo Fasanmi (third left); former Deputy Governor Chief Adeleke Adewoyin (right) and the celebrator/Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, during his 60th birthday celebration at Iragbiji, Osun State …yesterday.

Boko Haram beheads seven in Borno

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OKO Haram militants yesterday killed seven people in Ngamdu, Borno State in an overnight raid.

Residents and an official said reports indicated that the victims were beheaded in a revenge attack by the sect, which suffered some reverses recently.

Borno, along with Adamawa and Yobe states, under a state of emergency, have been hardest hit by the fiveyear-old insurgency.

When locals woke up, they discovered “seven people had been brutally killed”, said resident Musa Abor, according to French News Agency (AFP) The gunmen “slit their (victims’) throats just the way people slaughter goats”, he added.

Abor and a Borno State official, who asked that his name be withheld, said the

•Hundreds killed as troops retake Michika •Catholics: we’ve lost 154 parishes From Barnabas Manyam, Yola

bodies had been decapitated, in the latest act of gruesome violence blamed on the Islamists who have killed more than 10,000 people since 2009.

In recent months, Boko Haram insurgents have targeted reprisal attacks at locals who have fought alongside the military as vigilantes.

An army officer in Borno, who also requested for anonymity, said 15 Boko Haram fighters were killed in clashes in Ngamdu two weeks ago and the group had vowed revenge against the community.

Those killed yesterday could not immediately be identified as vigilantes and the Defence Headquarters

was not available to comment on the attack or the alleged beheadings.

The violence came as Muslims marked the Eid al-Adha festival.

The militants are thought to be in control of more than two dozen towns and villages in the northeast, but the military has vowed to retake all lost ground as part of a continuing offensive.

The military imposed a travel ban across Borno and neighbouring Yobe State to last through the Eid holiday to guard against insurgent attacks.

But the measure is almost impossible to enforce in the remote region, where analysts say the army does not have enough troops on the ground to patrol a vast area with a terrible road network

and poor mobile phone coverage.

Also yesterday, the Catholic Church claimed that its 154 parishes have been lost to the insurgents.

Stating that at least three local government areas in Borno and Adamawa states are completely under the control of Boko Haram, the Director of Social Communication, Catholic Diocese of Maiduguri, Rev. Fr. Gideon Obasogie, in a statement titled: “While our people perish” said: ”As a church, we are really going through a severe moment of persecution. The ecclesial circumscription is facing sharp disintegration. In the last few weeks our churches, numbering 154, have been deserted” as the insurgents hold sway. “ While our people perish in action or rather slow acContinued on page 59

a greater focus on how SMEs can be supported.

“In our own country, President Goodluck Jonathan recently set up an SME council. He sets up a job board; all of that is focused on how we can practically address the challenges we are facing with SMEs. ”We need to provide funding at reasonable cost; capital that is patient so that people can grow their businesses and banking finance is not patient. What we need is capital that would be there for a long time; a market-based finance that is long term and there is a global recognition of this fact.

“Housing is big and government is definitely focusing on it. This is because apart from providing housing for Nigerians to bridge the housing deficit; the sector is also capable of providing the much-needed jobs to move

the economy forward.”

On successful containment of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) the finance minister said Nigeria needed to be commended for the efforts it made in ensuring the index case did not take the illness out of the country and the manner it was also contained.

"Nigeria did a great service by stopping Sawyer who was Minnesota-bound. Ebola cannot be said to be the real elephant in the room as it has been hyped beyond proportion by the media.

"We all want democracy, but how do you get it? It involves money. If you want accountability and good governance you must discuss issues relating to campaign funds.

People who sponsor campaigns believe they must get something from the government when elections are won.

These are the real elephants in the room and we need to deal with it" Okonjo-Iweala added.

Amaechi, Wike in war of words

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IVERS State Governor Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of State (Education) Nyesom Wike yesterday engaged in a war of words over the 2015 election.

Wike fired the first salvo, saying the PDP would stop ‘the abuse and insults’ by Amaechi of President Goodluck Jonathan and other PDP leaders, with their votes during the 2015 elections.

The Rivers governor accused Wike of daydreaming, hallucinating and confused.

Amaechi, who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, maintained that the APC would retain Rivers State which Wike is trying to take.

Okocha said: “Wike and I are from Apara Kingdom. We have just buried the Kingdom’s First Class monarch, His Majesty Simon Wali.

Wike was in Port Harcourt during the burial, but he did

From Bisi Olaniyi, Port Harcourt

not show up, which shows how disrespectful he is and how Rivers people hate him.

“Wike did not deem it fit to pay the members of the family of the late king and the council of chiefs of Apara Kingdom condolence visit. He did not make any contribution to the burial. He is accustomed to hiring crowds. He is confused, hallucinating and daydreaming. Rivers remains an APC state. ”There is no Federal Government presence in Rivers State, in spite of the over two million votes that we gave President Jonathan in 2011.

Soku is in Kalabari part of Rivers State, but the Soku oil wells have been ceded to President Jonathan’s Bayelsa State. Do they expect Governor Amaechi to keep quiet?”

Addressing the people of Apara kingdom, Wike said: Continued on page 59

Bad arms deal: Nigeria loses $5.7m more to South Africa Continued from page 1

Rapport reportedly learnt that the department for offences against the state in the Special Investigating Unit is also involved.

The South African newspaper said documents in its possession show that the first consignment was personally signed off by the National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki, who issued the end-user certificate for the transaction.

An entire “shopping list” was supplied with the certificate, which included everything from helicopters to unmanned aircraft, rockets and ammunition, it said.

The latest transaction, according to the paper, was between Cerberus Risk Solutions, an arms broker in Cape Town, and Societe D’Equipments Internationaux, said to be a Nigerian company based in Abuja.

The paper said the deal fell apart after Cerberus, which had earlier received from Nigeria R60 million (N1.02 billion) in its account at Standard Bank, tried to repay the money as it it could not resolve its registration formalities with the South African authorities.

F

Fifth columnists at work, says official

OLLOWING alleged seizure of another $5.7million arms cash

by South Africa, a top official said yesterday that the Federal Government suspected that fifth columnists were at work to frustrate its plan to tackle Boko Haram.

He said there was no fresh arms deal, besides the one that resulted in the seizure of $9.3million last month.

Worried by the negative backlash, the Federal Government has opened talks with the South African Government.

A top security source in the intelligence service, who spoke in confidence last night, said the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is statutorily empowered to issue enduser certificate for arms purchase.

The source, who gave insights into arms purchase , said: “In issuing enduser certificate, the ONSA ensures that it carries all relevant agencies and stakeholders along. Therefore, “Cerberus was previously registered as a broker with the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC), but the registration expired in May ,” City Press said.

“The marketing and contracting permits also expired at the same time. The company has since applied for

From Yusuf Alli, Abuja

such a responsibility is not a unilateral development.

“For security reasons, the chain leading to the issuance of end-user certificate cannot be put in the public domain.

“The recent interest in arms purchase was informed by the challenges of insurgency which our nation has been grappling with in the last few years. This is why the understanding of all Nigerians is necessary.

“Nigeria is desperate to counter activities of terrorists, no matter what it takes even when some of our friends are not being fair to us.

“The government appeals to the media and all Nigerians, especially the opposition, to consider the overall national interest on security issues.

They should not read negative meaning to every good intention of government in tackling insecurity in the

re-registration, but the application lay in the NCACC’s mailbox for more than two months.

“Sources told Rapport that Cerberus apparently tried to pay the money back to the Nigerian company, after which the bank became suspicious,” the paper reported.

The paper added that

country.”

The source said the recurring interest in the nation’s arms purchase might be the handiwork of some fifth columnists.

The source added: “The curious interest in the nation’s arms deal in the past few weeks appeared to have suggested that some vested interests do not want the nation to win the war against insurgency.

“Some fifth columnists are certainly at work to achieve a clandestine purpose.

“The government and some top intelligence officers in Nigeria are concerned about how some officials of South Africa decided to frustrate the efforts of Nigeria at containing the activities of terrorists operating in the North-Eastern axis, especially since authoritative sources confirmed that there were official communications at

while the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit subsequently obtained a court order in the South Gauteng High Court to seize the money, the NPA spokesperson, Nathi Mncube, said there were no indications the two transactions were related.

“However, both are now the subject of a criminal in-

Continued on page 59

vestigation and all possible information and connections are being investigated,” Mr. Mncube was quoted as saying.

Last month, two Nigerians and an Israeli national were arrested in South Africa after they attempted to smuggle US$9.3 million meant for buying arms for the Nigeri-

•Col. Dasuki (rtd)

an intelligence service.

The men landed at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg, on September 5 in a private jet from Abuja with the money stashed in three suitcases.

At the time, the South Africa Revenue Service, SARS, said customs officers became suspicious when the passengers’ luggage were unloaded and put through the scanners.

South Africa’s National

Continued on page 59

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THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

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of APC hails Adeboye for disowning NNPC to track downfakewriters letters T offensive CD T HE All Progressives Congress (APC) has hailed the General Overseer (GO) of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, for dissociating himself and the church from the offensive and divisive audio CD being circulated by “political pastors.”

In a statement in Lagos yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said by his action, the cleric has again exhibited his characteristic exceptional leadership and shown what religion should be about, which is love, rather than hate and incendiary statements.

It expressed satisfaction that the GO asked the RCCG pastors to ignore the contents of the audio CD, especially the references to parties, including the APC. The party said: “The GO’s statement, in his response to the APC, which had written to protest the divisive and corrosive statements contained in the audio CD, which has been smuggled into some RCCG parishes, made it clear that the RCCG is neutral and apolitical, and

that it prays for all, irrespective of political persuasion or creed.

“We, in the APC, are delighted at the GO’s prompt action and statement that the RCCG did not endorse divisive comments in any form or shape. That it has sons and daughters in all parties, and that the allegations contained in the audio CD are false, unsubstantiated, illconceived and mischievous.

“Equally satisfying is the GO’s directive asking everyone in possession of the audio CDs to return them, and the directive to the church’s pastors to communicate such to their congregation immediately.”

On the obviously-sponsored audio CD, produced by Pastor Bosun Emmanuel, the party wondered why a cleric would engage in lies to propagate hatred, incite Christians against Muslims so brazenly, as if the adherents of both religions are not children of the same God, and then use the platform of the church to campaign for

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while seeking to destroy the APC. It said: “In a country where the citizenry, whether Christians or Muslims, have been shortchanged by greedy, selfish and clueless political leadership, a pastor went on record, saying President Goodluck Jonathan has performed 100 per cent, while at the same time demonising and denigrating the APC as an ‘Islamic party’ without a scintilla of proof. Much as he struggled to couch his inflammatory and discordant message in flowery lies, it is clear that he was sponsored to disseminate lies to shore up the dwindling fortunes of the ruling party.

“Where in the world has an Islamic party been led by a Christian? Where in the world has the membership of an Islamic party been populated by Christians and Muslims? Why would a pastor, whose primary purpose is to preach the gospel (good news) now make himself available, for whatever rea-

son, as a tool to disseminate lies and bad news?

“Had this pastor any sense of history, he would have realised how the propagation of hatred, as he is doing, led to the killing of over 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutu in Rwanda in 1994. This pastor made it seem as if the terrorists called Boko Haram are fighting the cause of Nigerian Muslims, when he knows that this evil group has not spared Muslims either.

“We have said it repeatedly: Boko Haram is a danger to Christians as it is to Muslims. Boko Haram is as dangerous to the rich as it is to the poor. It is as dangerous to the North as it is to the South. Simply put, Boko Haram is an enemy of Nigeria and all Nigerians, irrespective of their religion or ethnicity, must unite to defeat the terrorists.”

APC appealed to Nigerians of all creed and ethnicity to repudiate politicians or politicians in religious garb, who may be seeking to divide them on primordial basis, especially as the general elections approach.

HE management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) cried out yesterday on the circulation of fake letters of authorisation, purportedly from the corporation, to buy and/or sell crude oil.

It vowed to, in collaboration with security agencies, track down the perpetrators and bring them to book.

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, who spoke in a statement, urged the public to be wary of persons with fraudulent intents, circulating letters authorising the lifting of Bonny Light crude oil from Nigeria.

A paragraph in one of the fake letters reads: “We hereby confirm that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has entered into contractual arrangements with Lavi International Corp to supply Bonny Light Crude Oil to the Lavi International Corp Associated Refineries and or

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Odigie-Oyegun: why I shunned national awards

HE National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has said the silence by the Federal Government on the attacks on judges in Ekiti State was the reason he did not attend the national awards.

He said he was too shocked on the desecration of the judiciary “for me to wear agbada and shake the hands of the Federal Government officials.”

Odigie-Oyegun said he could not comport himself and receive an award in a

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From Osagie Otabor, Benin

country where its halls of justice had been desecrated and there was no reaction from the Federal Government.

The APC national chairman spoke in Benin City after he received members of the Ijaw Youth Group, who gave him a copy of their resolution not to vote for President Goodluck Jonathan.

He said the judiciary was on trial and that the world was watching what the judges would do.

Odigie-Oyegun noted:

“How seriously will they react? Will they get cowed again by the power structure of the nation or will they stand up for themselves and say we cannot have this? It must not happen. I was traumatised.

“This is a very unprecedented happening, the humiliation of the judiciary.

Thuggery in the sacred halls of the judiciary. Has this country degenerated to that extent?

“What does it portend for the nation that somebody, who we thought was going to be the governor to lead a

team that will manhandle judicial officers in those sacred chambers. It has never happened before. I urge the press to unravel what happened and ensure severe punishment is meted out to the culprits.”

He debunked the allegation that the APC planned to stop the inauguration of governor-elect Ayodele Fayose, but said the party would seek interpretations of the law on the matter.

Odigie-Oyegun warned aspirants in Edo State not to drop his name that he had endorsed them for elections.

Human rights’ activists support court martial

PRO-democracy, nong o v e r n m e n t organisation, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has supported court martial by the Army.

It urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to initiate a transparent, accountable and comprehensive investigation of the procurement processes in the Defence and the Police since 1999.

•Seek Defence budget probe From Gbenga Omokhunu, Abuja

In a statement yesterday by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko and the National Media Affairs Director, Miss.

Zainab Yusuf, HURIWA said: “It is imperative that while the Nigerian system struggles to re-establish disciplinary regime among the rank-and-file of the Armed

Forces, as it battles insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast, it is also germane that the country opens a probe of the remote and immediate circumstances surrounding the decline, which has afflicted our soldiers and how the once feared and respected Army has found it a task to defeat the ragtag Islamic rebels, who have threatened the corporate existence of the country.”

HURIWA slammed the Amnesty International and the Human Rights Watch of the United Kingdom and the United States of America for condemning the court martial.

It said: “We advocate investigation of the expenditures in the procurement of military software and hardware since 1999 to determine what happened to the money said to have been released to the Defence and the Police.”

Abuja

Global Traders, and that Lavi International Corp has the power and authority to sell or otherwise deal with the Bonny Light Crude Oil, the subject of those contractual agreements.”

NNPC said Messrs Lavi International Corp is not one of its crude oil off-takers for the 2014-2015 Term Contract Period and therefore has not been allocated any crude oil volume as speculated in the fake letter of authorisation.

It noted that the list of local and international companies approved as NNPC’s crude oil off-takers for the 2014-2015 Term Contract Period has been publicised and enjoined the public to avail themselves of such information to avoid being duped by unscrupulous elements.

“We are working with the relevant security agencies to bring to book those behind these nefarious activities,” management said.

Production-driven economy ‘ll create jobs, says Obasanjo

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•Commercial motorcyclists posing danger to road users at Second Rainbow, Mile 2, Lagos... yesterday.

From John Ofikhenua,

From Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta

ORMER President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has urged companies to move from importation and service delivery to the production of goods, as a panacea for unemployment.

Over a year ago, Obasanjo warned that the jobless youths were a time bomb and enjoined the government and business operators to go into agricultural-based businesses so that jobs could be created.

He said at the weekend that it was only a productiondriven economy that would create jobs for the unemployed and wealth for others directly or remotely connected to it.

The ex-president spoke in his Abeokuta Presidential Hill Top Estate when the Chinese-Nigeria Business Council and the management team of Skyrun International (a home appliances manufacturing company) visited him.

Obasanjo, who expressed satisfaction that the Chinese firm, which he inaugurated in 2006 at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, Cross River State, has gone into manufacturing, said “this remains the way to attain industrialisation.”

He said when he visited the China home-country of the electronic company, it was agreed that in less than eight years, Skyrun should not only be assembling its products in Nigeria, but should also begin production to create employment for Nigerians and market for export.

Obasanjo said: “I’m happy the dream is coming to reality with these products before me. It shows that with commitment, dedication and spirit to get things done, we can achieve industrialisation.

“I understand that Nigerians are getting jobs in the company. I’m pleased with this success story.”

The former president, who received samples of the products, including TV set, split-air conditioner and other home appliances, urged the company to also explore the West African market by manufacturing quality and competitive products.

The Skyrun Marketing Manager, Kevin Is, hailed the expresident for ensuring the company was established in the country.

He said: “It is a success story.”

The National Coordinator of the Nigeria-China Business Council, Chief Emeka Onuchukwu, said the seed planted by Obasanjo in 2006 had yielded fruits, “hence this visit to show appreciation.”

Commissioner hails corps member

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HE Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka, has hailed a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Dr. Anuri Emeh, for the beautification and flooring of Agbado Health Centre in Agbado-Ijaiye, Ogun State.

Soyinka, who spoke at the inauguration of the project, said it was commendable.

He said a conducive environment was essential in health care delivery.

The commissioner, who

By Raymond Mordi

was represented by Dr. Akindele Adeyemi, praised the corps member for the project.

His words: “What Dr. Emeh has done is commendable. Having seen the state of the health centre, he decided to make a change.”

Emeh said he embarked on the project as part of his community development service, because the health centre was usually waterlogged and accident-prone.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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NEWS Foundation to help govt fight insurgency

By Raymond Mordi

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HE President of the Crisis Control Foundation, Dr. Kingsley EzeatakwuluOsakwe, has said his organisation will assist the Federal Government to fight crime and insecurity.

Ezeatakwulu-Osakwe, in a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, said the solution to crime and insurgency lie in turning the Police into a honest, friendly and hardworking organisation.

He said the new order could be achieved through a comprehensive reorganisation of the Police, the Army and other bodies, through the introduction of incentives to improve productivity and discourage corruption.

In the letter, EzeatakwuluOsakwe said policemen were burdened with unnecessary duties not stipulated in the Police Act, such as involvement in civil matters, which diverted them from their core duties.

He added: “When the attention of the Police is focused on civil matters, the tendency is for its operatives to engage in molestation and intimidation of the citizenry, illegal arrests and detention and extortion of money from hapless Nigerians.”

The foundation president said his organisation has developed a blueprint to assist the Police to focus on its core duties of maintenance of law and order, through crime investigation and punishment of offenders.

He said the organisation would make the blueprint available to the government, as part of its contribution towards restoring peace and security.

Ezeatakwulu-Osakwe, who is also the commandant-general of the Crisis Control Squad, said his body has been helping the police and other organisations.

“But, because of the bureaucratic bottlenecks associated with government agencies, such offer has always been rebuffed,” he added.

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•Officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) during the ember month safety campaign in Lagos…yesterday

Saraki: APC ‘ll emerge stronger after primaries F ORMER Kwara State Governor Senator Bukola Saraki is confident that the All Progressives Congress (APC) will emerge stronger after the December 2 presidential primaries.

He responded yesterday to insinuations in some quarters that the ambition of the APC presidential aspirants would tear the party apart after the primary election.

Saraki, the lawmaker representing Kwara Central and a chieftain of the APC, briefed reporters in Ilorin, the state capital.

Said he: “This is a propaganda by the opposition. I assure Nigerians that the fact that we are going to have primaries should not disintegrate the party. I believe the primaries will even help

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

unify the party. We saw it during the era of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). After the primary election, the party did not disintegrate. Rather, it made it stronger.

“Even in the early days of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Alex Ekwueme went for primaries and the party did not disintegrate.

“I have had the opportunity to sit with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

and there are assurances from them that whichever way the primaries go, they will support the party. When we merged with the legacy parties, the opposition said the party would disintegrate after the merger. Later, they said by the time we organised the national convention, the party would disintegrate.

“APC will not disintegrate because we are making sacrifices everyday. It is not easy to come together and take on a government with this level of impunity. We are doing this because we believe this is the best way for the country. I have confidence that whoever emerges as the

presidential standard bearer of the APC, we will support the person.”

On whether he has a presidential ambition, the chairman of the committee on Environment and Ecology said: “Very soon I will make my position on the presidential poll known. I appreciate people’s concern on this issue.

“I believe 2015, for a lot of us, is about Nigeria. It is about the sacrifices we will have to make and we will take the decisions based on the sacrifices.

“The key thing is that we must rescue Nigeria. We must put the country in the right direction. Nigeria is not in the right direction and I think nobody’s personal ambition is too big for that.”

‘Abandoned girl not Chibok schoolgirl’

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TEENAGE girl abandoned by her captors in Adamawa State about two weeks ago is not one of the schoolgirls abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents, the leader of the Chibok Elders Forum, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, has said.

The girl was abandoned at Mararraban Mubi in Hong Local Government and was feared to be one of the abducted girls.

She was reportedly dumped at an unidentified location from where she trekked for three days to a village near Mararraban Mubi, where she was found by villagers and taken to a police station. The girl was later moved to Abuja and kept in the custody of the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI).

It was learnt that to ascertain her true identity, lead-

ers of the Chibok community in Abuja and the assistant headteacher (Academics) of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, were brought to Abuja to identify the girl, who gave her name as Suzanna Ishaya.

However, it has been established that the girl was not one of the Chibok girls.

Bitrus said: “We have confirmed that she is not from Chibok and is not one of the

girls abducted in April. She is in the custody of the security agencies.”

The Chibok leader said the girl might have been abducted in another location by Boko Haram insurgents and given in marriage to one of their commanders.

The girl, upon examination, was found to be four months pregnant, with signs of physical abuse on her body.

World awaits LNG’s Nigeria Prize for Literature laureate

ITH barely 72 hours to go before the announcement of this year’s winner of the Nigeria LNG (NLNG)-sponsored annual Nigeria Prize for Literature, literary enthusiasts are struggling to contain their excitement about who among the three shortlisted writers will emerge winner.

The prize comes with a $100,000 cash, courtesy of the NLNG and rotates yearly among four literary genres: prose fiction, poetry, drama and children’s lietrature. This year’s prize is for drama.

The three shortlisted authors are Friday John Abba (Alekwu Night Dance), Jude Idada (Oduduwa, King of the Edos) and Sam Ukala (Iredi War).

Authors entered 124 books for the award, but the rigorous standards applied by the

panel of judges comprising eminent scholars and renowned literary critics saw that number reduced to 11 for further scrutiny, before the final three emerged.

“I congratulate the three authors and wish each of them success as we await the judges’ final decision, to be announced on October 9,” said Kudo Eresia-Eke, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature, since its establishment in 2004, has earned a reputation for demanding uncompromising quality in the books that vie for its recognition.

On two earlier editions, its first year in 2004 and later in 2009, the judges declined to award the prize because of what they adjudged to be shortfalls in the quality of the works submitted.

Nevertheless, the honour received by winning the Nigeria Prize for Literature, considered the gold standard by the literary community, has brought some of the country’s writers to the fore.

A roll call of the past winners shows a rich variety of recipients, comprising joint winners in poetry for 2005, Gabriel Okara for Chants of a Minstrel and Prof. Ezenwa Ohaeto for The Dreamer, His Vision; Ahmed Yerima’s Hard Ground for drama in 2006; joint winners in Children’s Literature for 2007, Mabel Segun for Reader’s Theatre and Prof. Akachi AdimoraEzeigbo for My Cousin Sammy; and Kaine Agary’s Yellow Yellow for prose in 2008.

In 2010, Esiaba Irobi clinched the prize posthumously with his drama titled:

Cemetery Road. Adeleke Adeyemi won the prize in 2011 for his children’s literature, The Missing Clock; Chika Unigwe in 2012 for prose with her novel, On Black Sister’s Street and last year, Tade Ipadeola for poetry, with his collection of poems, The Sahara Testaments.

The cash that comes with the award has had an impressive history.

At inception in 2004, the reward was $20,000. This was increased in 2006 to $30,000. In 2008, it was again upped to $50,000 and in 2011, another review by NLNG saw the reward pegged at $100,000.

Each of the three writers contending for this year’s prize has an interesting background in literature.

Jude Idada, a screen writer, filmmaker and dramatist, has published works in the three

genres of literature. He is the author of Flood, Brixton Stories and Lost. He is also the winner of the 2013 Association of Nigerian Authors’ Prize for Drama with his book, Oduduwa: King of the Edos.

Idada. Idada, who lives in Canada, is a graduate of Theatre Arts, from the University of Ibadan.

Friday John Abba, a playwright, was Chairman of Kaduna Writers’ League and former Vice Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA).

A playwright, theatre director, film producer and an academic, Sam Ukala was the Chairman, Delta State chapter of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA). Ukala’s other published plays include The Slave Wife, The Log in Your Eye, Akpakaland and Break a Boil.

Terminal achieves 14-year safety milestone

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HE Forcados Terminal in the western Niger Delta operated without a significant safety incident between September 2000 and last month.

About 1.25 billion barrels has passed through the facility, which is operated by the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC)-operated Joint Venture.

The safety milestone translates into a daily average of 300 workers handling nearly two export tankers every week.

“This is a significant achievement in a work environment, which involves multi-disciplinary staff teams and contractors,” said SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell companies in Nigeria, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu.

“Over the years, SPDC has improved its work processes and trained workers, leading to the introduction of the Goal Zero initiative on safety. We’re happy that the improvements continue to manifest not only at Forcados Terminal, but also in other installations,” he added.

Over the past 365 days, a number of high risk maintenance and engineering activities have also taken place at the Forcados Terminal, including rehabilitation of crude oil storage tanks, subsea repairs to the tanker loading system and upgrade to the jetty, among others.

The asset did not record any disruption relating to these multiple concurrent activities, which is also an evidence of the sustained and proactive engagement of the host communities.

The Forcados Terminal was inaugurated in 1971, and was upgraded between 1994 and 1998. The terminal receives, treats, stores and exports crude oil produced

by SPDC and other operators in the western Niger Delta, and has an installed storage capacity of 6.3 million barrels.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

NEWS

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Ekiti APC accuses PDP of planning mayhem

KITI State All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of planning another round of mayhem, with the aim of intimidating the state ahead of the October 16 inauguration of the Governorelect, Mr. Ayodele Fayose.

The APC called on security agencies “to be vigilant and beam their searchlight on those beating the drums of war.”

The party’s Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatubosun, in a statement, alleged that the PDP, fearing the legal hurdle to be crossed by its candidate before he could be sworn in, was mobilising for another showdown against the state’s innocent people, the government and the judiciary.

But PDP Spokesperson Kola Oluwawole debunked the allegation, saying: “Nothing could be farther from the truth than such wanton fabrication.”

•‘Our focus is on Fayose’s inauguration’ From Sulaiman Salawudeen, Ado-Ekiti

He said what the APC was planning was what it was accusing the opposition of.

Oluwawole, who noted that the PDP was already preoccupied with preparations towards the inauguration of the governor-elect. He queried: “What will be the basis for such insurrection?”

The APC’s statement reads: “We have our facts that beginning from tomorrow, Wednesday October 8, 2014, Fayose and the PDP leadership will take to the streets again to foment trouble, using some thugs brought in from the neighbouring states and Ibadan.

“The plan was hatched at a meeting at the Spotless Hotel belonging to the governorelect. Barring a last-minute

change of heart, they will start another round of protests and attacks on opposition leaders in the state capital to prevent the judiciary from a smooth dispensation of the cases before it following the resolution of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

“This clandestine and antidemocratic move is actually showing that Fayose is above the law. There are provisions in the Constitution that qualifies one to vote and be voted for. The issue of election is not complete until the Election Tribunal dispenses all the cases or petitions emanating from such election or electoral process.

“We remain unperturbed by the threat. Our only worry is that their usual resort to mayhem in the bid to take over the state by force and by fire is giving the state a bad name.

We may be heading for another season of one week, one trouble.”

The APC said it gathered that anytime from now, Fayose and PDP thugs would start causing civil unrest.

It added: “We have it on good authority that they have been importing new sets of thugs into the state to harass innocent people. We have it on good authority that they have been inciting some people to start protesting against the system.”

“If indeed Fayose is duly elected and has the legitimate right to the position, why is he afraid of crossing the legal hurdles as required by the statute? Why does he want to ride on the back of chaos to the seat of government?

“We are seizing this opportunity to warn our peace-loving Ekiti sons and daughters to allow things to be done legally and

orderly. Even Fayose should realise that whatever action he is taking today will become a sword in the hands of his perceived followers tomorrow when they are tired of his usual highhandedness. The earlier he follows the path of honour to power, the better.

“On our part, we will continue to follow the peaceful legal path.”

The PDP’s counterstatement reads: “People across our dear state already know the style of the APC. It would cry wolf where there is none. People are seeking peace now and such an allegation has no basis.

It is entirely unfounded.

“As far as PDP is concerned, we are planning the installation of Ekiti’s next governor. We are too busy in the preparations towards the inauguration and shall not be distracted a bit.”

Collapsed wall kills three in Oyo From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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HREE persons have been killed and many others injured in Ilogbo, Oyo town, Oyo State, after a wall of a dilapidated residential building collapsed on them.

The building was said to have been deserted by tenants, following complaints about its state.

Some residents, who sell electronics near the building, used its wall as cover from the sun while displaying their products for sale.

The electronics sellers and other residents were sitting behind the wall in the evening when it collapsed.

Three persons died instantly.

Many were hospitalised.

The whereabouts of the owner of the house remained unknown as at yesterday.

But angry youths protested the incident, storming the building with an intention to burn it.

The intervention of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, saved the situation from degenerating into violence.

The Alaafin reportedly sent an emissary to commiserate with the families of the dead.

He also appealed for calm.

SARS operatives kill ‘robbers’ From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo

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•Atiku cutting the tape to inaugurate the hospital...yesterday. Watching are (from left) Oba Adejugbe; Dr. Fayemi; Chairman, State Health Management Board, Chief Bayo Oriire; and Senator Alhassan.

EN of the Oyo/ Ogbomoso annex of the Special Antirobbery Squad (SARS), Oyo State have foiled a robbery at Mabolaje area of the ancient town, killing two of the robbers.

The Nation learnt that the gunmen robbed a woman of her Toyota Camry on Sallah day, which was reported to the SARS men.

Following a tip-off after an intensive search, the SARS operatives traced the stolen vehicle and engaged the robbers in a shootout, which led to the killing of two of the three-man gang.

A source said the third robber was arrested after sustaining gunshot wounds and was helping the men of SARS in their investigation.

Atiku canvasses devolution of power to states

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ORMER Vice President Atiku Abubakar believes the Federal Government should shed some of its powers for the states.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant spoke yesterday while inaugurating the 300-bed Oba Adejugbe General Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, built by the Governor Kayode Fayemi administration.

He argued that by devolving power, the presidency would be less attractive to people, who do not have wellthought-out plans for the nation.

Atiku stressed that the devolution should also be accompanied by a commensurate increase in the resources that would go to states to meet their responsibilities.

He said: “I have always said that our Federal Government is too powerful. Our Federal Government has taken in so many responsibilities and some of these responsibilities can best be handled by the

•Ex-VP inaugurates hospital in Ado-Ekiti states.

“What I am saying in essence is that there is need for us to devolve more powers to the states and give them more resources. When we move the powers, let us also move away the resources that the Federal Government controls and move them back to the states so that we can see real development.

“Believe me; in the last two months that I have been inaugurating roads, schools, hospitals, water supply projects and so on, none of them is a federal project. They are all state projects. So, why don’t we then devolve more powers to the states and give them more resources and leave the Federal Government with very little: foreign affairs and defence?

This will make the Presidency less attractive”.

Atiku noted that the governor’s feat in the provision of infrastructure was an indica-

tion that Nigeria needs devolution of power to the states for state governments to perform optimally.

He described Fayemi’s performance as “extraordinary” and added that it was high time the Federal Government stopped getting involved in some sectors of the economy because they are better handled by states, which are closer to the people.

He was amazed at the physical infrastructure, which Fayemi had put in place, noting that only an extraordinary and intellectual leader could do so.

“I think his (Fayemi’s) performance is extraordinary. Early this year, I was here and when I came here, this very edifice was not available and driving round the city is also amazing because there are quite a number of infrastructural facilities that have come up. So, I think it is an extraor-

dinary performance,” he said.

Fayemi praised the former Segun Oni-led government for initiating the hospital, adding that his administration’s commitment to a healthy population led to its completion.

The governor, who described the inauguration of the hospital named after the traditional ruler of Ado Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe, as timely, said it became imperative to give attention to the health care sector because health is wealth.

Fayemi said: “What is happening today is a demonstration of another promise kept. What we have with this edifice as well as 18 General Hospitals around our 16 local governments is to let our people know that we are committed to their well being. We are committed to good health. We are committed to ensuring low maternal mortality, in-

creased life expectancy, a committed and virile people.

We have achieved this. It is a long way to go, but it is not accident that today in Nigeria, according to the statistics of the Federal Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ekiti has the highest life expectancy in this country.

“Today, it is also not an accident that apart from the free health mission that we run, we were the first state to institute a social welfare programme that pays a stipend to our elderly population and that has contributed to prolonging the lives of those who ordinarily could not have been here with us if they have not been taken good care of by the support safety net that we provided to that segment of our population.”

On resumption of the state’s schools, which was de-

layed as a result of the outbreak of Ebola in some parts of the country early in the year, the governor said his government had put in place an isolation unit as well as procured sanitary equipment for all the 187 secondary and 889 primary schools.

Fayemi, who said the provision of the equipment was preceded by a training session for those to handle them, stated that sanitation should be a major priority and the people should focus more on their hygiene before the outbreak of any diseases.

The event was witnessed by the governor’s wife, Erelu Bisi, Deputy Governor Prof. Modupe Adelabu, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemi Adejugbe, Senator representing Taraba North, Senator Aisha al-Hassan, Speaker of Ekiti State House of Assembly, Dr. Adewale Omirin, an APC leader in Ondo State, and Otunba Johnson Fasawe, among other well-wishers.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

NEWS Man stabs mum to death From Chris Oji, Enugu

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MAN, identified as Uchechukwu Ugwuozor, has allegedly stabbed his mother to death in Enugu.

A police bulletin said the man, who is said to be of unsound mind, reportedly killed his mother when she was asleep.

The incident happened at 5am at Ubiekpo Abor, in Udi Local Government Area.

A statement by police spokesman, Ebere Amaraizu, said Uchechukwu’s mother, Mrs Eunice Ugwuozor, “was sleeping when she was stabbed to death over a yetto-be-identified reason”.

The police said the “killer” escaped after committing the crime. But he was arrested shortly.

“The alleged murder is linked to an unresolved psychological problem,” the statement said.

The body of the deceased was deposited at the mortuary of Our Saviour Hospital, 9th Mile Corner at Ngwo Enugu.

The police have begun investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

We won’t fail your govt, youths tell Obiano From Nwanosike Onu, Awka

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NAMBRA State youths have promised to assist the Governor Willie Obinao administration to maintain peace.

The youth, under the aegis of United Anambra Youth Assembly (U-AYA), spoke yesterday in Awka, the state capital, when they endorsed their leader, Comrade Chinedu Obidigwe, for the House of Representatives seat for Anambra East and West.

They hailed Obiano for ridding the state of criminals, who had disrupted the peace for many years.

Obidigwe, who was the youth leader in the state, is vying for the seat next year on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Before yesterday’s declaration, Obidigwe had presented U-AYA to the government to support the Obiano administration, following his election petition victory at the Supreme Court.

The governor was not in town when the youth visited the Government House but the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Chief Tony Nnacheta, spoke on his behalf.

The commissioner said the governor’s victory was for all.

He urged the youth not to engage in any act that could tarnish the image of the state.

Obidigwe assured the governor that under his leadership, youths would ensure his administration’s success.

Also, speaking with our reporter yesterday, the Secretary General of U-AYA Magnus Eziokwu said Obiano would enjoy the support of the youth, having saved them from criminality.

He said the youth would ensure that U-AYA members seeking elective positions, irrespective of their party leanings, succeed in next year’s elections.

The group wished Muslims a happy Sallah.

'Enugu PDP not in disarray over Ugwuanyi’

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HE Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it is not in disarray by making House of Representatives member, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, its consensus candidate for next year's governorship election.

The party was reacting yesterday to reports that its members were in disarray over the choice.

It described the reports as "blatantly false, mischievous and calculated to deceive the public".

In a statement in Enugu by its Publicity Secretary, Dr Okey Eze, the PDP gave further insight into the circumstances leading to the emergence of Ugwuanyi.

The party said the process that led to Ugwuanyi's emergence was an "epitome of democracy".

It said the reports were the handiwork of mischief makers, who want to undermine the party for selfish reasons.

The statement said: "The PDP in Enugu is as strong and united as it has been since the inception of the Sullivan Chime administration.

The party is even stronger and more united now that we have a consensus governorship candidate who was chosen through a smooth, transparent and democratic process. It is the first time such a thing happened in the history of the state. Anyone saying the party is in disarray is clearly being mischievous."

The party regretted that the

From Chris Oji, Enugu

report had been anchored on a false interpretation of the absence of few political figures at its state caucus meeting when Ugwuanyi was endorsed last Saturday.

It explained that contrary to the reporters' conclusion, Senate Deputy President Ike Ekweremadu, Senators Jim Nwobodo, Ken Nnamani and Fidelis Okoro as well as Chief Dubem Onyia, were excused from the meeting to attend to pressing official and personal engagements.

The statement said the absentees promised to abide by the decisions reached.

It said Onyia issued a rebuttal, through his lawyer, on the report that he boycotted the meeting.

The politician was said to have travelled abroad when the meeting was held, after attending the Enugu West caucus meeting where Ugwuanyi was endorsed.

The party stressed that some other political figures, who were reported to have been absent at the meeting, were not members of the state caucus, based on the party's constitution and could, therefore, not have been part of the meeting.

Such people, the statement said, included Admiral Allison Madueke (rtd), Chief Anayo Onwuegbu, Frank Nweke Jnr and Prof Barth Nnaji.

Eze noted that the journey to Ugwuanyi's endorsement

started on September 26 when Governor Sullivan Chime convened a meeting of the Enugu North Senatorial District caucus, comprising the major stakeholders, past and present political office holders, party functionaries and governorship aspirants.

According to the statement, the meeting was attended by "76 political heavyweights" from the zone, who were chosen in accordance with the party's constitution, besides the 10 other aspirants from the zone.

Notable politicians at the meeting were: Senator Ayogu Eze, State Chairman Vita Abba, House of Assembly Speaker Eugene Odo, former PDP National Chairman Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Pat Asadu, Princess Stella Ngwu, Dr Dan Shere, Justina Eze, Dr Sally Adukwu, Gen. Fred Eze (rtd) and Gen. Godwin Ugwoke (rtd).

Also present were the chairmen of the local government areas in the zone and their deputies, members of the House of Assembly from the zone, past and present office holders and party executives from the area.

The 10 aspirants at the meeting were: Fidel Ayogu, Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, Prof Osita Ogbu, Chief Ikeje Asogwa, Prof Simon Ortuanya, Chief Eddy Ugwu, Mr Dan Onyishi, Prince Matthew Agu, Obetta Mark Chidi and Onyishi Maduka Sam. The statement said Chime

did not state the purpose of the meeting in his invitation.

It explained that when he tabled the main issue for discussion as the 2015 governorship race, the meeting agreed to deliberate on it.

The statement said: "The governor allowed everyone to express his views on the matter. And, at a time, he even offered to allow members of the caucus to go home and return on a later date. But they agreed to stay back and discuss it there."

The party said after extensive deliberations, the other aspirants agreed to step down for Ugwuanyi, adding that this could be deduced from the actions of Fidel Ayogu and Chief Okechukwu Itanyi, who moved and seconded the motion, although they were aspirants.

The PDP stressed that Chime called for a countermotion, adding that it was when there was none that he called for a voice vote in which the members unanimously affirmed Ugwuanyi as the consensus candidate of the caucus.

Eze said: "I wish to stress that the governor never participated in the deliberations. But everybody who wanted to speak was given the chance to speak. At the end of extensive deliberations, the other aspirants stepped down for Ugwuanyi."

The statement added that "any other account of what transpired at the meeting was false and would also be an insult to the intelligence and in-

tegrity of the eminent personalities and party chieftains who were in attendance".

The party chieftain explained that to test the popularity of the decision of the Enugu North caucus, Chime summoned meetings of the Enugu East, Enugu West and state caucuses of the party after the general meeting.

He said they unanimously adopted Ugwuanyi.

Among the 80 political figures at the Enugu East caucus meeting were: Senator Gil Nnaji, Kinglsey Ebenyi, Princess Peace Nnaji, Offor Chukwuegbo and the chairmen of local government areas, members of the House of Assembly, party executives, and past and present political office holders from the zone.

Senators Ken Nnamani and Jim Nwobodo could not attend the meeting but sent their apologies.

Eze said prominent figures at the Enugu West caucus meeting included Power Minister Chinedu Nebo, Special Adviser to the President on NEPAD, Mrs Fidelia Njeze, Ogbuefi Ozomgbachi, Toby Okechukwu, local government chairmen, members of the House of Assembly, party executives and past and present political office holders.

He said Ekweremadu sought permission to be excused because of his official engagements abroad.

Senator dumps PDP for APGA From Ogochukwu Anioke, Abakaliki

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•Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi (left) with others at a funeral mass for the Emeritus Bishop of Awka Diocese, Rev. Simon Okafor, at St. Patrick's Cathedral, Awka...yesterday.

Deputy governor’s team wins Imo maiden carnival

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HE team of Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere has won the maiden edition of the state’s carnival.

The carnival took place yesterday at Owerri City School, Owerri, the state capital.

Governor Rochas Okorocha spoke at the event after receiving the result of the parade, which adjudged Madumere’s team as the best.

The governor said Madumere’s float was best in concept, costume, expression and performance.

He said the team was perfect for its blend of synergy and synchronisation.

Okorocha hailed the participants for putting up a good show, adding that some of the groups could not differentiate between cultural festival and carnival.

The governor urged such teams to return to the drawing board and come back for

the next edition.

Madumere’s float had a concept of a village with huts, which signified a call for the re-invigoration of the people’s cultural values.

The deputy governor told reporters that the concept of a village scene was in appreciation of the people’s values.

He said the Okorocha administration had brought good governance to the people through its Rescue Mission.

Madumere said the government emphasised Agriculture, which he said would ensure food security, tackle unemployment and guarantee foreign exchange.

He said: “Under the Owelle Okorocha-led administration, we have come up with PlantA-Palm programmes to break the dependence on oil.

This is one effort the governor is not joking with. We are serious about it and it has got

‘The deputy governor’s float won a new Nissan Hummer bus with N2 million cash. The second position got a bus and N1 million cash, while the third got a bus and N500,000’ off the ground. We are even giving awards to the communities that have shown so much zeal and interest through their effort at creating a future in palm trees.”

The deputy governor said carnival was an expression of the people’s innermost feel-

ings and realities in dances, costumes and floats.

He noted that it was a means of passing vital information to the people.

On the success of his team at the carnival, Madumere said it assembled the right people to enable it realise its goal.

He said: “It took the understanding of what we wanted, assembling the right team players, team work and teachable players, who are ready to complement one another.”

The Imo State University Band came second and the Generation Rochas, led by Nollywood star, Nkiru Sylvernus, came third.

The deputy governor’s float won a new Nissan Hummer bus with N2 million. The second position got a bus and N1 million, while the third got a bus and N500,000.

HE senator who represented Ebonyi North in the last National Assembly, Anthony Agbo, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Agbo told reporters in his hometown, Mgbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, that APGA provided him the veritable platform to realise his governorship ambition.

The senator, who was a founding member of the PDP, said APGA was an amazing national party with an amazing motto: Be Your Brother’s Keeper.

He said: “Things have, however, changed. It has become difficult to reconcile my personal philosophy and ideology with events in the Ebonyi State chapter of the party.”

The aspirant noted that his beliefs had become irreconcilable with PDP’s activities, adding that he was leaving with a sense of nostalgia.

Agbo said: “I will miss the original PDP members who toiled during the party’s formation till today and waded through many battles in the process. But I assure them that the incoming APGA-led government, which I will lead, is also going to be their government.”

He noted that he had forwarded his resignation letter to the PDP Chairman in Abakaliki, noting that APGA’s motto encapsulates the entire essence of leadership, love and godliness.

“The party was fathered by the late Chief Chukwumeka Ojukwu, the immortal leader, philosopher and defender of his people; and is ready to claim more states in next year’s general elections.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

9

NEWS

•Lagos women waiting to collect foods and other items from the wife of Lagos State governor, Mrs. Abimbola Fashola, during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration at the Lagos State House, Marina.

•Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) (second right); Baba Adinni of Lagos, Sheilk Abdul Hafeez Abou (middle); Aremo Fuad Akiolu (right); Osupa Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sinari Bolaji Daranijo (second left) and Mr. Tunde Folawiyo, during the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Lagos Central Mosque.

• Mrs. Fashola addressing guests during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration at the Lagos State House, Marina, before giving them foods and transport fares.

•Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Aderemi Ibirogba (right); Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Mr. Hakeem Bello (left) and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs and Culture, Mrs. Omotayo Amoke Olabanjo, during the Eid-elPHOTOS: OMOSEHIN MOSES Kabir celebration at the Lagos State House, Marina.

•Imo State Deputy Governor Eze Madumere’s float, which won the star prize at the maiden Imo State Carnival in Owerri...yesterday.

Okorocha: every ward ‘ll feel govt presence

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•Another group at the carnival in Owerri...yesterday.

MO State Governor Rochas Okorochas has said his Rescue Mission administration will ensure that no ward is left out in the even development of the state.

The governor spoke in Owerri, the state capital, when addressed the people of Awa and Oru wards in Oguta Local Government Area when they visited him at the Government House.

He noted that for the first time in the state, the local government was getting a voice in government through several appointments.

Okorocha promised to ensure an even distribution of development of the wards.

The governor assured that his administration’s programmes and projects in the area would be completed soon.

He urged the people to remain peaceful and support the government to attend to their requests.

Okorocha advised Oguta residents to encourage their youths to acquire quality education, especially with the 100 per cent free education the Rescue Mission government was providing for primary, secondary to tertiary institutions.

The governor said his love for the people spurred him into politics, adding that “this government is ready to do more, not because I want to get votes but because I am duty-bound to protect my people”.

The leader of the visitors, Felix Uba, thanked Okorocha for establishing developmental projects in Oguta and giving political appointments to deserving residents.

He urged the governor to ensure that Awa and Oru wards, which were allegedly not getting the appointments it deserved, be given fair treatment.

Uba said Oguta residents had always been keen supporters of the Okorocha administration.

A member of the delegation, Ezenna Okoro, told then governor that most projects in their wards were in progress while the Oguta Electricity project was almost complete.

A statement yesterday by Jane Amucha quoted him as saying the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) was giving bills for services it did not render.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

10

CITYBEATS

CITYBEATS LINE: 08023247888

Residents hail Fashola

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•L-R: Head Welfare Dept, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Mrs Morayo Ojeniyi; a beneficiary, Balogun Temitope; LASTMA Chairman Mr. Young Arebamen; and Assistant Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Raheem Hakeem, during the presentation of insurance claims to injured LASTMA officers.

PHOTO: BOLA OMILABU

My pastors misled me into my marriage, says divorce-seeking wife

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28-year-old computer operator, Akorede Kolawole, has blamed her pastors for allegedly misleading her into marrying her husband, Leke.

She described her husband as hot-tempered and uncaring and is praying the Alakuko Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve their marriage.

Accusing her husband for constantly attacking her, she said.

“My mother warned me against getting married to him, but I was misled by clerics who told me to marry whoever my mother disliked. Now, I am suffering the aftermath. I want a divorce.

She added: “From the outset of our relationship, Leke has always lied to me. He brought his friends in place of his parents during our introduction. He said he did that

By Basirat Braimah

because his parents are dead. Surprisingly, his sister called a year after, informing us about their mother’s death. He was shocked when he learnt that I had been told about his mother’s death. He had planned to travel to his home town alone.

“I have always heard that most stammerers are prone to anger and are violent, but I never knew how true this could be until I met my husband. He usually goes tempestuous over any little misunderstanding. Whenever I teach him the alphabetical letters or how to convey messages on social networks, it always results in a heated disagreement. He gives me N300 daily, which also covers our child’s needs. The last time I

asked him for money, he beat me mercilessly so much that I ended up in hospital. On that day, my husband, in annoyance, wanted to use a belt on me, so I held a bottle in defence, thinking it would scare him. But unfortunately, I was wrong. I mistakenly stabbed him in the head when he hit my head against the wall.

“It’s been seven months since I left the house. But each time my husband sees me at any bus stop, he takes a pair of my shoes, leaving me to go barefooted. He even told my mother, without any regrets, that his family had got another woman, who is from his tribe, for him to marry.”

Defending himself, Leke, 37, a panel beater, said his wife was also temperamental, aading: “I couldn’t take my parents along

because my relations don’t like her. My wife is always on the phone every night. Each time I attempt to collect her phone, she slaps me, claiming they are her customers. She doesn’t cook for me, but she likes to eat from the food I buy.

“My wife threatens me with a knife each time she wants her daily allowance increased. Our landlord had to eject us when my wife’s behaviour became unbearable. I don’t want her anymore”.

The three-year-old marriage is blessed with a two-year-old daughter, Fiyinfoluwa.

The court’s President, Chief Awos Awosola, ordered Leke to pay N7,000 monthly for the child’s upkeep.

He adjourned the matter till October 23, for dissolution.

‘What to do with captured Boko Haram members’

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SECURITY expert, Dr Ona Ekhomu, has urged the military to change its strategies in its handling of captured suspected Boko Haram members. The suspects, he said, could be put to better use.

The “first chartered security professional in Nigeria” faulted the policy of charging captured terrorists to court where they are often released to become a threat to citizens.

Ekhomu, the President of the Association of Industrial Security and Safety Operators of Nigeria (AISSON), said captured Boko Haram fighters should be detained in military facilities for interrogation and debriefing.

Those accused of murder should be prosecuted and those cleared of heinous acts enrolled into the disarmament, de-radicalisation and reintegration (DDR) programme, he said.

Speaking in Atlanta, Georgia USA at the 60th Annual Seminar and Exhibits of the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS International), Ekhomu said Ni-

‘Nigeria needs special anti-terrorist rifles, attack helicopters, technical intelligence and training from the Americans in order to expedite defeat of the enemy’

By Joseph Jibueze

geria needs America’s support to end insurgency.

The countries, he said, were fighting a common enemy which he cited as ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda, Ansar Dine, Jabhat Al Nusra, Khorasan, Talibans, among

others.

“Nigeria needs special anti-terrorist rifles, attack helicopters, technical intelligence and training from the Americans in order to expedite defeat of the enemy,” he said.

He called for the sale of “fresh gear” or “the good stuff” to Nigeria’s military rather than donation of antiques which is a strategy of getting rid of scraps under the guise of “foreign aid.

Ekhomu said Boko Haram and ISIS were ideologically and operationally linked. Boko Haram’s land grab strategy in the Northeast and the declaration of the Islamic Caliphate of Gwoza, he said, were similar to ISIS’ land grab in Syria and Iraq and declaration of Islamic Caliphate in Iraq and Syria.

Ekhomu described the human rights abuses allegations against the military by Amnesty International as “untrue, exaggerated and unsubstantiated.”

Urging the US to conduct independent verification of the “nonsensical allegations”, he said the

Nigerian Army is disciplined and focused in doing its job of defending Nigeria against internal and external enemies.

“Due to undue political interference, the military appears to be fighting with its hands tied behind its back,” he added.

Ekhomu urged the politicians to close ranks and be united in the war on terror.

“Loose political statements made by ruling and opposition politicians are providing warrant for policies that are detrimental to Nigeria’s war on terror. Every politician should rally round the flag and support the military in its mission to rout the enemy and win back Nigeria’s real estate occupied by elements of international terror,” he said.

Ekhomu sought greater cooperation between Nigeria and the USA, maintaining that despite the fact that in a bipolar world, Nigeria had other options in terms of sources of arms supply, it preferred and cherished its long standing relationship with the United States.

By Basirat Braimah

HE Lagos State Government’s campaign for the use of cooking gas to preserve the forest is paying off.

Resident of Lagos Mainland Local Government Area have embraced cooking gas and dumped the use of firewood and stove.

At the council’s secretariat venue of the distribution of free gas cylinders to residents, they hailed Governor Babatunde Fashola administration, saying gas is cheaper and safer than wood and stove.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mrs Regina Obasa, said Fashola conceived of the project as part of efforts to solve economic, health and environmental problems.

She said Fashola plans to donate the cylinder to over one million residents for a start, adding: “The governor would not rest on his oars until the state and its residents fully reap the dividends of the exercise.”

The council chairman Oladele Adekanye, who assisted Mrs Obasa during the presentation, praised Fashola for the gesture, describing it as a milestone in the people-centred programmes of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The leader of traders in the area, Alhaja Basirat Balogun, described the gesture as exemplary, adding that it would further convince Lagosians of government’s unflinching commitment to their wellbeing.

Riders Club preaches safety

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By Basirat Braimah

GROUP, Ride East Motorcycle Club (REMC) has urged commercial and private motorcyclists in Lagos State to adhere strictly to safety rules.

The group appealed to other road-users to recognise the right of motorcyclists, as part of measures of ensuring saferty on the roads.

Its Chairman, Chibuzor Obi, said though there is no law on mandatory training for motorcyclists, riders have a duty to observe basic safety rules, in their interest and that of other roadusers.

Obi, who spoke during the first anniversary of REMC, said the Lagos Road Traffic Law insists only on license, noting that there is more to be observed in the area of weight management, traction during braking and acceleration, slip angles, accident avoidance manoeuvre, and more.

He said: “Motorcycles may be inherently less safe than cars, but there are a lot of things motorcyclists and drivers can do to keep everyone safe. That is where adequate sensitisation becomes very important.

“No one should be allowed to ride without knowing the safety tips of riding. We don’t want a situation where your brother, uncle or friend goes on a motorcycle and you are scared whether he would come back safe or not.

“The national body will coordinate associations of bikers nationwide, and also correct the wrong impression about bikers.

Bikers have been seen as hooligans and never-do-wells. But we need to change that.”

The club, which was formed a year ago, is aimed at changing the perception of the public about biking; introduce a new dimension of safety for bikers and other road users.

BUSINESS

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- bussiness@thenationonlineng.net

11 Sovereign Wealth Funds are managed conservatively.

They don’t borrow money the way banks do, so you can’t compare this business to banking business. This business does not expose itself to that kind of risk. It is not the same thing as private equity •Managing Director/CEO, NSI A, Uche Orji

Why power supply dipped,

by NERC chief

IBEDC assures of improved power supply

I

From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

By Akinola Ajibade

BADAN Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), has assured its customers of improved electricity services, blaming consumers’ complaints on activities of vandals which it said brought about epileptic supplies.

Addressing the grievances of clients during a Customer Forum in Abeokuta, IBEDC Managing Director, Fortunato Leynes, said: “Our transformer cables and feeder pillars, oil and other line materials suffer untold theft and damages. The aftermath of these vandalism are blackouts which throw your communities and neighbourhoods into darkness, which also affects IBEDC in terms of losses in revenue.”

Leynes, told the forum that power generation had dropped, but blamed the problem on efforts of some consumers who attempted to bypass the approved cable route.

He said: “The company is not unaware of the menace of tampering with our meters, diversion of wires from the meters and running of same through the ceilings, all effectively bypassing their electric meters.

“These acts are offences and are punishable by law. We also know that there are several rampant direct connections, that is, enjoying electricity without paying a single kobo.”

Citing the case of Ona-Ara communities in Oyo State as an example, the IBEDC boss explained that the company has expended over N150million to rehabilitate some of its vandalised substations.

“A case in point is the OnaAra communities in Ibadan, where our two 15MVA transformers were burned down by irate youths during the national fuel hike protests in 2012. This has cost the company over N150 million to rehabilitate,” he said.

Commenting on the fixed “service charge”, Leynes explained that the N650 being charged was part of charges approved by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to enable all electricity distribution companies repair, service and maintain their installations, such as transformers and other equipment.

Leynes, pleaded for understanding of the consumers, saying the firm has imported additional 200 brand-new transformers which would enable it improve the supply of electricity to consumers in all the affected states.

“We are appealing for understanding and cooperation from you our dear customers,” he said, adding that IBEDC is saddled with the challenges of operational and infrastructure expansions and upgrading.

“Our goal is to keep our feeders and installations safe and in excellent conditions,” he said.

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•Leynes, addressing the customers during the IBEDC Customer Forum in Abeokuta...yesterday.

NNPC raises alarm over fraudulent oil lifting letters

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HE Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday raised the alarm over the circulation of fake letters of authorisation purportedly written by it to buy and/or sell crude oil.

It however said it would, in collaboration with security agencies, track down the perpetrators and bring them to book.

Its Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Ohi Alegbe, in a statement. called on members of the public to be wary of persons with fraudulent intents circulating letters authorising the lifting

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From John Ofikhenua, Abuja

of Bonny Light crude oil from Nigeria.

A reference to a paragraph in one of the fake letters of authorisation in circulation, Alegbe said, reads: “We hereby confirm that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has entered into contractual arrangements directly with Lavi Inernational Corporation to supply Bonny Light Crude Oil to the Lavi International Corp Associated Refineries, and or Global Traders, and that the Lavi Inernational Corporation, has the power and authority

to sell or otherwise deal with the Bonny Light Crude Oil, the subject of those contractual agreements.”

The NNPC, however, stated that Messrs Lavi Inernational Corporation, is not one of its crude oil off-takers for the 2014-2015 Term Contract Period (TCP) and therefore has not been allocated any crude oil volume as speculated in the fake letter of authorisation.

It further noted that the list of the local and international companies duly approved as NNPC’s crude oil off-takers for the 2014-2015 TCP has been widely publicised, and called on members of the public to

Govt launches SONCAP From Franca Ochigbo and Halima Farouk, Abuja

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• NNPC GMD, Dawah

avail themselves of such information to avoid being duped by unscrupulous elements.

Alegbe said the Corporation is working closely with relevant security agencies to track and bring to book all those behind these nefarious activities.

NGO vows to resist monopoly in cement industry

HE cement grades battle took a new dimension at the weekend, as a non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Alliance Against Monopoly (AAM), staged a peaceful rally at the head office annex of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in Lekki, Lagos.

It was all aimed at raising public awareness for the protracted cement ‘war’ rocking the construction industry.

AAM, at the rally, vowed to resist all overt or covert attempts by the hired forces of industrial monopoly to colonise the country’s cement industry by concentrating it in the hands of one or few individuals or group.

Its President, Omife I. Omife, said members of his group will remain committed to their constitutional duties to seek the welfare of other Nigerians as contained under Section 24 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said: “As we have done

By Muyiwa Lucas

before, we shall continue to denounce the so called new cement standardisation and pigmentation policy of the SON as being illegal, antipeople and unreasonable because the policy was not generated from within the SON establishment through its statutory channels and organs or according to the procedure laid down by the SON Act but was imposed from outside.

According to him, the new purported “standards” not having been made in accordance with Section 12 of the Act, does not qualify as a national industrial standard and is not and cannot be binding on anybody.

He also pointed out “that the Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives through which the new policy was midwifed, expressly acknowledged in its report that there was a consensus of all the

stakeholders at the public hearing that cement quality is not responsible for building collapses in Nigeria.

“SON itself, which had certified grade 32.5mpa cement had also defended that grade at the public hearing, saying that it is suitable for light construction work, block making and rendering. The Federal Ministry of works and Housing which has built and which maintains thousands of buildings across the country, had stated in its submissions to the Ad-Hoc Committee that a qualified structural engineer can achieve every desired construction purpose using any grade of cement.”

He declared that even the only company that championed the banning of the 32.5mpa grade at the hearing and which alone stands to gain from the relegation of that grade eulogised that same grade in another country through the Sephaku Cement Pty Ltd, with which

HE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) could not supply 72.01megawatts (Mw) of electricity out of the 3,556.70Mw produced by the electricity generation companies because of ongoing repairs on the stations, the Chairman, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, has said.

He said that it’s not a strange thing to record stranded power in the power value chain, especially when there’s ongoing repairs.

“There has been generation and gas constraints for a long time. There has been stranded power. Sometime, some amount of power has problem. Like now, we have to repair the damage. It will affect the industry,” he said.

it has already achieved near monopoly.

The Sephaku company agrees that 32.5mpa grade has the same early strength quality grade as the 42.5mpa and is very versatile, cost effective and usable in a wide range of home construction purposes, including concretes, mortars and others.

“Since the reasons given for the new policy are blatantly false and contradict the original and publicly declared position of SON, the question is who got SON to contradict itself in this laughable manner and for what reason?” he asked.

Omife argued that every grade of cement as well as any raw or building materials can be misused with disastrous consequences.

Therefore, he maintained that the only panacea to building collapse remains a strict adherence to a strict code of construction ethics and enforcement of best practice standards and benchmarks in the construction industry.

HE Federal Government has launched the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) for automobile used vehicles, in order to ensure standards within the automotive industry.

The Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr Joseph Odumodu and chief executives of three accredited companies that would implement the programme, signed the agreement at a ceremony witnessed by the Director General of the National Automotive Council (NAC), Aminu Jalal.

The companies are Quality Assurance Projects Limited, Medtech Scientific Limited, and Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited.

He said out of the over 2, 000 parts that make up a typical car, only about 120 safety and environmental friendly ones could be validated. This, calls for the need to institute a regime that would ensure the effective enforcement of these standards and monitor their compliance.

Jalal pointed out that part of the expectation of automotive policy requires that we begin to aggressively monitor the importation of new vehicles into the country and create a regime which would ensure that they conform to the applicable Nigerian standard.

He said that part of the SONCAP regime requires that a separate pre-shipment verification of conformity to standards on used vehicles be implemented by the organisation, adding that this is being premised on the fact that the pre-shipment conformity be done against NIS 127 and NCP018 certifications.

“The government in its efforts at growing the automotive industry made it a key component of the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan, NIRP, which is a programme, aimed to diversify the nation’s economy and revenues through industry.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

MONEYLINK Fidelity partners Sokoto on IGR collection

Why Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, others need $300b for power, by AFC

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RESIDENT and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), African Finance Corporation (AFC), Andrew Alli has said the sub-Saharan Africa will require more than $300 billion in investment to achieve universal access to electricity by 2030.

The governments of Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania are named the “Power Africa Countries” where the investments are expected.

In a statement, the AFC chief said the bank will provide additional investments in energy projects annually, far in excess of its commitment to the Power Africa initiative. AFC aims to provide Power Africa Countries not only access to financial, deal structuring and sector technical expertise, but advisory services, project development capacity, funding to bridge the power infrastructure investment and access deficit, a critical pillar for economic growth across Africa”.

The AFC, recently participated in the United States (US) Presidential

Stories by Collins Nweze

Power Africa Initiative meant to accelerate investment in Africa’s power sector over the next five years.

The key goal of the Power Africa Initiative is to increase access to clean, geothermal, hydro, wind and solar energy. It will help African countries develop newly-discovered resources responsibly, build out power generation and transmission, and expand the reach of mini-grid and off-grid solutions, by providing the capacity and resources to generate an additional 10,000MW of power.

The President Obama Power Africa Initiative, coordinated by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is a multistakeholders’ partnership among the US government; USAID; The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC); The U.S. ExportImport Bank (Ex-Im); The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC); U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA); US –Africa Clean Energy Finance Initiative (US-

ACEF); The U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) and the Governments of Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria and Tanzania (“Power Africa Countries”) and the private sector.

AFC, a multilateral finance institution, was established in 2007 with an initial capital base of $1.0 billion, to be a catalyst for private sector infrastructure investment across Africa.

AFC was established to help fill a critical void in providing project structuring expertise and risk capital to address Africa’s infrastructure development needs, and is increasingly being seen as the benchmark institution for private sector investment in the core infrastructure sectors of power, natural resources, heavy industry, transport, and telecommunications.

The lender said it will invest over $250 million in the power sectors of Ghana, Kenya and Nigeria, whilst catalysing a further $1 billion in additional investments in sub-Saharan Africa energy projects.

•Fidelity Bank MD, Nnamdi Okonkwo

F

IDELITY Bank Plc has announced its appointment as the lead bank to Sokoto State government on internally generated revenue (IGR) collection through Point of Sale (PoS). With this, Sokoto becomes the fourth state to appoint Fidelity Bank on such project.

A statement from the bank said the lender pioneered the initiative in collaboration with the Abia State government in January last year.

This scheme has also been implemented by local governments as an easy and efficient tool for IGR collections.

According to the Divisional Head,

AfDB supports women entrepreneurs

T

HE African Development Bank (AfDB) has reiterated its commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in the continent.

About 100 African business women gathered in Nairobi, Kenya for the African Women Linkage Forum from August 18 to 20. The session was organised by the Chairperson of the Bureau of the African Union (AU) in partnership with the UNDP Regional Services Centre.

The Forum sought to enhance women’s leadership in public and private sector institutions at both national

and regional levels.

Recognising that women in business play a major role in the economy despite facing great challenges, the Forum addressed some key challenges, including tax-related issues, trade and customs constraints, limited access to productive resources, finance and markets, limited capacity and skills to run effective businesses, among other issues.

The Forum presented a platform for business women to learn and share with each other what works and what doesn’t.

It helped identify opportunities for in-

Name

Offer Price

AFRINVEST W. A. EQUITY FUND ARM AGGRESSIVE GROWTH BGL NUBIAN FUND BGL SAPPHIRE FUND CANARY GROWTH FUND CONTINENTAL UNIT TRUST CORAL INCOME FUND FBN FIXED INCOME FUND FBN HERITAGE FUND FBN MONEY MARKET FUND

168.45 9.17 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.39 1,676.09 1,118.84 121.30 121.16 1,117.51 1.2381 1.2875 0.8705 1.0829

• UBA BALANCED FUND • UBA BOND FUND • UBA EQUITY FUND • UBA MONEY MARKET FUND

O/PRICE

C/PRICE

DATA BANK RETAIL DUTCH AUCTION SYSTEM (RDAS) Transaction Dates 29/09/2014 24/09/2014 22/09/2014 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Inflation: August

8.5%

Monetary Policy Rate

12.0%

CHANGE

Foreign Reserves Oil Price (Bonny Light/b)

CHAMPION

10.18

11.21

1.03

IKEJAHOTEL

1.66

1.82

0.16

18.85

20.00

1.15

3.91

4.10

0.19

Credit to private Sector (CPS) Primary Lending Rate (PLR)

BETAGLAS HONYFLOUR FIDELITYBK

1.99

2.08

0.09

33.60

35.00

1.40

NPFMCRFBK

0.98

1.02

0.04

INTENEGINS

0.53

0.55

0.02

CONTINSURE

0.95

0.98

0.03

UBN

8.69

8.95

0.26

STANBIC

LOSERS AS AT 02-10-14

SYMBOL

O/PRICE

GUINNESS

214.98

204.24

-10.74

35.00

33.25

-1.75

CUSTODYINS

4.30

4.09

-0.21

VONO

1.49

1.42

-0.07

PZ

C/PRICE

egy is looking for ways to address financing and is proposing the establishment of funds to address the needs of women in SMEs. She also encouraged the women to network and form conglomerates that would be future blue chip companies on the continent. Fraser Moleketi emphasized the need for women to dare and get into nontraditional business ventures such as those in the extractive industry and construction which are some of the drivers of economic growth on the continent.

Bid Price 167.01 9.08 1.12 1.19 0.69 1.33 1,676.09 1,118.03 120.45 120.30 1,116.70 1,2298 1,2875 0.8539 1.0829

GAINERS AS AT 02-10-14

SYMBOL

tra-trade as well as mentorship by women champions. The Forum also presented new opportunities for women in dynamic trade sectors.

In a keynote address, Geraldine Fraser Moleketi, African Development Bank (AfDB) Special Envoy on Gender, highlighted four main barriers encountered by women in small and medium enterprises. These include limitation of accessible, affordable and appropriate financing women’s business choices and the gender digital divide, as well as limited social capital. She noted that the AfDB in advancing its gender strat-

CHANGE

Money Supply (M2)

Amount Sold in ($) 499.95m 349.96m 349.96m

Currency

Buying (N)

Selling (N)

$39.5b

US Dollar

154.70

155.71

$97.9

Pounds Sterling

250.7724

252.3929

Euro

200.3394

201.634

Swiss Franc

165.7385

166.8095

Yen

1.445

1.4544

CFA

0.286

0.306

231.3531

232.8481

25.1773

25.3409

N16.42 trillion.

N17.2 trillion 16.5%

NIGERIAN INTER-BANK OFFERED RATES (NIBOR)

Tenor

Amount Offered in ($) 500m 350m 350m

CBN EXCHANGE RATES September 29, 2014

19-09-14 Rate (%) Rate (%) 29-09-14

WAUA Yuan/Renminbi

Overnight (O/N)

11.00

10.917

Riyal

41.259

41.5256

1M

12.464

12.393

SDR

232.156

233.6562

3M

13.281

13.201

6M

14.205

14.110

FOREX RATES

CUTIX

1.90

1.82

-0.08

REDSTAREX

4.59

4.40

-0.19

R-DAS ($/N)

157.29

157.29

NASCON

9.70

9.31

-0.39

Interbank ($/N)

162.75

162.75

1,090.00

1,050.03

-39.97

MANSARD

3.00

2.90

-0.10

Parallel ($/N)

167.50

167.50

NEM

0.79

0.77

-0.02

NESTLE

Retail Banking, Fidelity Bank, Mr. Richard Madiebo, the bank had come up with several initiatives aimed at supporting the cashless policy of the federal government.

“Fidelity Bank’s pioneering role in the PoS-led informal sector IGR collection is one of the strategies to support the cashless policy. “Of particular interest is the offline PoS collections mode that has capabilities of collecting taxes and bills in the rural areas with little or no network coverage,” he explained.

According to him, the system also warehouses data and assists in the generation of unique Tax Identification Numbers (TIN).

He said with the development, the bank “is poised to render this service to government and private organisations using innovative and cutting edge technology.”

Madiebo also assured stakeholders of the bank that more of such initiatives would be introduced to the market, pledging that the financial institution would ensure that the Nigerian banking public are served in the most flexible and convenient way.

In line with desire to promote epayment, Fidelity Bank recently went into partnership with PayPal. Fidelity Bank had announced the acceptance of its payment cards on the PayPal platform.

With this, Fidelity Bank’s cardholders can now shop from the world’s major international retailers with more flexibility and convenience.

The bank’s Divisional Head, Electronic Banking, Adédèjì Olówè said the introduction of PayPal was a deliberate attempt by the bank to make financial services easy and accessible to its customers.

GOVT. SECURITIES YIELD – SECONDARY MARKET

Tenor

Sept. 29, 2014

Rates

T-bills - 91

10.10

T-bills - 182

10.22

T-bills - 364

10.30

Bond - 3yrs

11.52

Bond - 5yrs

11.55

Bond - 7yrs

12.13

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

13

14

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS TRANSPORTATION

E-mail: ynotaderibigbe@gmail.com

Tukur urges haulage firms to use rail

N

IGERIA Railway Corporation (NRC) chairman Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has advocated the use of rail for the haulage of goods and heavy items.

Speaking during a tour of facilities across the country, Tukur urged manufacturing companies and other major industrial concerns to use the rail in transporting their goods and heavy items.

This, he said, would reduce the cost of road maintenance and make the roads safer.

Tukur said more wagons were being ordered to increase the corporation’s capacity to respond to increasing demand for haulage business.

According to him, the corporation is becoming more dynamic as efforts are being made in re-fleeting its rolling stock to ensure that it delivers on the mandate of becoming the backbone of government’s mass transit initiatives.

He said: “Giving the people the opportunity of riding on a train, like before is a great experience. This is one of the dividends of democracy.

T

Stories by Adeyinka Aderibigbe

“I am here to see the transformation going on in the railway system and I am glad to say that it is a happy story. I came here in one of the trains that have air conditioner facility and I can testify that this is almost the standard you get in China and other parts of the world where rail system is working.

“The rail system is being transformed to encourage fuel, cement and other heavy items haulage so that our roads will be safer. We have started talking to companies that transport goods across the country to patronise the rail system. We are trying to develop the rail transport business as well as contribute to the nation’s economy.”

On the welfare of the workers, Tukur described them as the soul of the corporation, adding that their contributions would continue to be appreciated.

“In one of the discussions we had at the corporation’s board meeting, it was decided that the welfare of the workers must improve. Workers are the greatest assets to any organisation. Without them the system cannot run,” he said.

TRACE begins ‘operation road sanitation’ in Ogun

HE Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) has begun early morning sanitation tagged: road management exercise, on Abeokuta/Idiroko/Ijoko expressway.

The exercise, it said, was aimed at sanitising the roads from illegal parking and trading, causing avoidable gridlock on the expressway.

TRACE’s Zone II Commander Kunle Ajibade said the command is determined to free the area of traffic gridlock.

While speaking on the Corp’s ongoing road safety campaign, Ajibade said TRACE has been going to major motor parks to enlighten drivers and other road users on safety tips that would guide them through the ‘Ember’ months and beyond.

He said the Corps enlightenment’s effort were being supported by of Bishop David Oyedepo of the Winners Chapel, and the Chairman, Ota Local Government, Comrade Rotimi Rahman, who have been sponsoring the printing of handbills and road signages which were always distributed free during the enlightenment campaigns.

He said compliance with traffic

By Olalekan Ayeni

rules and regulations is the only antidote against road crashes.

Ajibade said motorists should always imbibe defensive driving culture, adding that defensive or strategic drivers must be able to see danger ahead and be able to respond quickly to prevent it.

He warned motorists against night travelling, adding that it is dangerous and is one of the major causes of casualties whenever accident occurred on the road due to the lack of adequate attention.

He urged drivers to make use of seat belts while driving, which he described most effective vehicle occupants’ safest device.

He said: “Drivers must also be aware of speed limits. Speed kills faster than gun shot. It is better to arrive late at your destination than adding a new name ‘late Mr or Mrs’.

“That no road user is expected to drive with the influence of alcohol and thorough vehicle inspection is expected of a good driver before embarking on a journey.”

The TRACE chief promised to administer punishment to any road users violating the traffic rules and regulations.

LAGBUS refurbishes 30 buses

T

HE Lagos Bus Assets Limited, (LAGBUS) said about 30 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses have been refurbished and will soon be in use.

The buses are the first batch of the 180 buses being refurbished by LAGBUS. A statement by the LAGBUS’ General Manager (Fleet Operations) Mr. Seyi Osiyemi, said the buses were withdrawn by the company for refurbishment in June.

He said when the refurbished buses are eventually deployed, it would help alleviate the challenges being faced by commuters in the

state.

The project, which he said is being undertaken by LAGBUS maintenance department with the support of some foreign technical partners, is expected to be completed

by November.

He said more buses would be released in phases as soon as work is completed on their repairs.

He said the firm is currently recruiting male and female bus captains to strengthen its workforce, adding that efforts would be made to ensure that more BRT buses are provided for the commuting pleasure of Lagosians.

• Train...return to the old haulage culture.

Corps Marshal lauds World Bank’s intervention

T

HE Corps Marshal and Chief Executive, Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi, has described the World Bank-assisted Safe Corridor project in Nigeria, as a value-added impetus to road safety and traffic administration.

He said the assistance has impacted on road culture.

Speaking during a visit to the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, the Corps Marshal said the intervention on road rehabilitation has boosted safety as the roads are with adequate road marking and signs.

According to him, the improved partnership between the FRSC and Ministry of Works has also provided extensive mileage to concerted efforts by the Federal Government to bequeath conducive motoring environment to Nigerians as part of the transformation agenda.

He said that plans have been concluded for the formal commissioning and deployment of three heavy duty trucks, 11 multi-carrier ambulances and motor bikes

during the 2014 ‘Ember’ month flag-off programmes in line with the Corps’ sustained efforts to achieve its strategic goal on road crash reduction by the end of the year.

The Corps Marshal also reminded the Minister of Works of a recent approval by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria of the design for maximum road speed limiting devices for installment on vehicles in Nigeria to address the menace of speed-related crashes.

He added that the FRSC has already begun series of public engagement programmes to attract the buy-in of relevant stakeholders as part of measures towards a seamless enforcement which will commence from June 1, 2015.

He also urged the Minister to integrate the Abuja-Keffi road into its work plan in order to reduce the usual traffic gridlock and attendant traffic challenges faced by motorists plying that route on a daily basis.

Replying , the Minister of Works praised the robust partnership which has existed between the two

government agencies as manifested by the improved road network across the country and enhanced operational activities by the FRSC. He said plans are in underway to undertake a re-engineering process along the Abuja-Keffi road through the creation of alternative routes, erection of fly-over bridges and other appropriate road furniture to ease the traffic challenges faced by motorists plying that route and also pledged to support the FRSC in its drive to engender strict compliance with directive to construction firms to install appropriate warning signs at construction sites to reduce the spate of avoidable road crashes in Nigeria.

According to the minister, the huge success recorded by the World Bank –assisted programme has underscored the need for a replication of the same initiative on other critical corridors of the highways, adding that the Works Ministry will sustain its support for the Corps’ 2014 Ember season campaign to further underscore the need for all hands to be on deck for improved road safety management in Nigeria.

Road safety: FRSC takes training to motor parks in Akwa Ibom

T

HE Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Akwa-Ibom State Command, has started a training for drivers, park managers and the general travellers preparatory to the expected high traffic associated with the ‘Ember’ months.

The command at the Nnung Oku Park in Uyo, the state capital, told drivers that the training was brought to motor parks to ensure that many drivers are trained.

The command said, road accidents are not caused by spirits but by other factors chief of which is human (drivers).

Other factors such as overloading, overspeeding, use of bad or expired tyres were also listed.

•To prosecute those who make calls while driving

By Uyoatta Eshiet, Uyo

The Sector commander Mr Ramalan Yerima, told drivers, park managers and passengers that only the living celebrates.

He advised drivers to apply commonsense while driving.

Drivers and vehicle owners were trained on how to know the expiry dates of tyres.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Godsgift Uwen, said the ’Ember’ months are a peculiar season for FRSC in the state as they always roll out programmes aimed at reducing road crashes all over the state.

Uwen stated that every state has

their programmes but in Akwa Ibom, FRSC’s strategy is to collaborate and complement state government’s efforts in ensuring that people stay alive.

“There are many good roads across the state. To ensure drivers drive to stay alive, we are out to physically visit all major motor parks in the state to sensitise them and answer their questions.

They were also trained on how to handle the dreaded Ebola cases in case of outbreak in the parks.

The PRO also informed the gathering that henceforth any driver in the state caught making calls while driving will be prosecuted by the command.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

15

THE NATION

BUSINESS MARITIME

e-mail: maritime@thenationonlineng.net

Customs to fight smugglers with armoured tanks T HE Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deployed three Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to combat smugglers between Lagos and Ogun states, The Nation has learnt.

The APCs, findings revealed, were deployed following a gun battle between operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, Lagos and smugglers of rice, used vehicles and other prohibited items through illegal routes in both states.

The, vehicles, according to sources, will be in the bush showing the ember months and the EidEl-Kabir celebration.

The FOU, findings revealed, has identified the flashpoints and other illegal routes used by smugglers in the Southwest and are now on aggressive patrol to stop them and boost the nation’s economy.

Officers of the zone, it was gathered, have uncovered a hideout in Igbesa Creek, Ogun State where 11,264 bags of illegally imported 50kg parboiled rice were seized from smugglers last week.

The value of the rice and the expected duty payable on it, according to a source, is over N100 million.

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

The Area Controller, FOU, Adamu Turaki, it was gathered, mandated his officers to destroy all the canoes, the smugglers’ storage facilities and the out board engines used in transporting the rice through Gbaji River to the country. This, he believed, would frustrate any future attempt by the smugglers.

Contacted, Turaki said his officers intercepted the rice following intelligence report that smugglers were said to be planning to use the Igbesa creeks to bring in rice through Benin Republic before the Eid-El-Kabir celebrations.

After receiving the report, Turaki said, his officers in the Lagos Roving Team Operations headed by Assistant Controller (AC) Adamu Mohammed sprang into action.

“It is good to note and point out here that the Igbesa creek is reputed as both volatile and inaccessible particularly for Customs in the past. Several attempts to raid the place before now were met with serious opposition from the smugglers sabotaging the nation’s economy.

“We must also place on record

that they have, in the past, attacked Customs patrol teams that have attempted to stop their nefarious activities. I am therefore, happy that the Lagos Roving Team led by AC Adamu Abubakar Mohammed was able to deal with the smugglers and make the seizure.

“On arrival at the scene of the crime, we started evacuation, even though we were faced with the challenge of unmotorable terrain.

On completion of evacuation, I ordered the destruction of all the instruments of crime like the wooden boats, their storage facilities, out board engines and other items to deny them any future attempts.

“It is actually amazing to understand the naivety of the Baale of the community, who from all indications seemed not to know that smuggling is an economic crime.

He told us point blank that smuggling is their only means of survival and that they use the proceeds from it to develop their community.

“I was perplexed when he told me that because he doesn’t know the implication. Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to urge you and your colleagues working in the

print and electronic houses to help us educate and sensitise the local communities on the dangers of smuggling and its effect on the nation and its economy,” Turaki said.

Turaki also said Customs’ Controller-General, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi gave the unit an express permission to use its APC for the anti-smuggling operations in view of the volatile nature of the terrain.

“These tanks were rolled out with the express permission of the CGC, Alhaji Abdullahi Dikko, who clearly understands the nature of such assignment. The Lagos Roving Team met stiff opposition from the smugglers, hence the need for reinforcement from the neighbouring Commands of Ogun and Seme, as well as the Military, Navy and others, who provided security for the evacuation of the consignment.

“The rampaging smugglers were contained by our operatives, who brought the experiences from their various trainings to bare. Even though the smugglers engaged our operatives in a shootout, the combined team of our operatives over powered them with their superior fire power.

The Controller thanked Alhaji

Dikko and his management for the support the unit has received.

Turaki said his officers and men are fully prepared to take the war against smuggling to the deadliest and most volatile parts of the southwest.

He attributed the welfare programmes of the CGC, which included motivation, remuneration, training and re-training, provision of functional patrol vehicles, arms and ammunition and the general well being of all officers and men of the service to success recorded so far.

Turaki promised that the unit will strategise on how to sustain its antismuggling tempo particularly, in the ember months to guide against complacency.

“As daunting as the challenge of suppressing smuggling may be, we will continue to face it with unrelenting determination and will remain resolute in our attempt to suppress it to the barest minimum. The relentless commitment and tireless effort of officers and men of this unit is quite commendable,” Turaki said.

Controller preaches cleanliness at border

T

•One of the armoured vehicles.

PHOTO: OLUWAKEMI DAUDA

Dangote Group to support shippers’ association

D

ANGOTE Port Operations, owners of Greenview De velopment Nigeria Limited (GDNL) terminal in Apapa, has pledged its support to Shippers Association of Lagos (SALS). It said the port cannot survive without the shippers.

GDNL Managing Director, Captain Joshua Oyewunmi made the pledge when SALS President Rev. Jonathan Nicole visited the terminal.

Oyewunmi said the shippers’ association is a watchdog, which keeps all operators, especially the terminal operators on their toes, adding that the association stands for honesty and integrity “We know the importance of the shippers’ association in port op-

erations. We know that you are very important to the nation, you are also a sort of life wire to all of us, so we must also keep you going.

“We continue to look up to you as a form of watchdog to make everybody tow the line of honesty. We know that without you, we may also derail and we know that you can also guide us against doing something wrong” he said.

On the forthcoming event tagged: “Towards a New Port Order”, which is anchored by SALS and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Capt Oyewunmi assured that the group would support the organisers of the event to make it a success.

“You cannot do this thing alone

on your own. We have to give you support and when we talk about support, we are not just talking about members, but also financial support. There is nothing one can do without financial support and you can always count on Dangote group to give you 100 per cent support,” he said.

Rev. Nicole called for a new port reform where cost of doing business would be drastically reduced and controlled.

The SALS President said nothing much has been achieved on cargo management and urged the Nigeria Customs Service to provide the enabling platforms to instill sanity in cargo clearance at the ports. He wondered why the old order still operates at the ports.

“Shipping and terminal charges are on the increase. Most of the existing clearing hazards are still in the port. The emergence of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as economic regulator is yet to achieve its objectives, because they are being strangulated by lack of funds.

He solicited more financial, moral and professional support for SALS by presenting its programme before President Goodluck Jonathan and seeking recognition in government circles.

“We have reached a stage where we have to forge a new road map for posterity,” Nicole said.

He lamented the traffic gridlock on Apapa road, saying that it has impeeded effective operations at the ports.

HE Area Controller, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Seme Command, Mr Willy Egbudin, has urged private companies operating at the border to keep the place clean.

Speaking at the Customs/Community Relations meeting in Seme, the Customs chief said he was not happy concerning the issue of not keeping the border environment clean.

He also advised banks operating in the area to tidy their environment to prevent epidemic outbreak.

“The environment of some of the private companies that operate here in Seme is in disgusting state and this isn’t good for everyone who works here.

“It becomes worse whenever it rains because the whole environment will be flooded and submerged in water, and people will not have access to the bank for weeks.

“Every organisation should learn how to keep its environs clean because hygiene plays an important role in keeping us healthy.

“I have received so many complaints from people about the state of the banks and I have spoken to the representatives of the banks, and they promised to look into it, but nothing has been done.

“They should speed up action or at least make an interim solution in order to make the road accessible to the banks,” he said.

He assured members of the community that the Customs Clinic is well equipped to take care of their medical needs.

“The clinic is well equipped and has all the facilities needed to take care of your medical needs.You should use the clinic frequently because it is also yours,” he explained.

The meeting was attended by representatives of banks and various chiefs of various communities in Seme and Badagry.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

16

MARITIME

Police, Customs, Immigration for joint border patrol T

HE Federal Government has deployed over 300 security personnel from the police, Customs and Immigration, in the borders to beef up security, The Nation has learnt.

The security agencies, it was gathered, will engage in a joint border patrol to curb smuggling.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), sources said, has donated 30 vehicles to the joint patrol.

Customs’ National Public Relation Officer (PRO) Mr Wale Adeniyi said the patrol was imperative because of the prevailing security challenges.

He said: “These are just normal things we have to do because of national security. Along the borders, we have been having seizures of arms and ammunition.

“In the last three months, more than 6,000 rounds of ammunition

Stories by Oluwakemi Dauda Maritime Correspondent

were seized around Oyo, Osun and Ogun borders with Benin Republic.

“These are the areas where we have also recorded seizure of large amount of narcotics. We want to see a situation where agencies of government will not work as if they have individual goals, but see the issue of national security as a collective objective,’’ he said.

Adeniyi said between 2009 and now, NCS recruited more than 5,000 workers to boost its operations, adding that 1,000 of the number had been trained in Information Communication Technology (ICT).

According to him, the service within the first eight months of the year, has made about 3,961 sei-

zures, which included rice, textile materials, poultry, wine and alcoholic beverages and vehicles.

In 2011, he said, the service realised N741.8 billion, while it made N850.8 billion in 2012. Last year, according to Adeniyi, the NCS realised N622.2 billion and by the end of last month, the service had raked in N622.2 billion.

He noted that in order to improve efficiency, the service has concluded the training of 3,000 of its men with their counterparts from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Police while the service donated patrol vehicles for a joint patrol with the two other agencies.

According to him, relevant agencies of government are now working together and linking their eplatforms for smooth clearance of

goods being imported into the country.

He explained that since the service took over the management of the destination inspection scheme in December last year, an average of 22,500 clearances were being issued per month as against the combined figure of 15,000 achieved under the three former destination inspection service providers.

Unfortunately, progress was slowed down because a lot of machines and equipment inherited from the agents had broken down while some others were not installed during the seven-year contract period.

“When we took over the Destination Inspection services in De-

cember 2013, one of the things we told government was that we needed an independent audit to let us establish the state of the health of these machines, not just scanners, but everything that was done by the Destination Inspection service providers because the project was on build, own, use and transfer basis.

“They were to build the entire infrastructure that were needed over the period of seven years, maintain it, train customs officers on how to operate and use this equipment and then transfer it at the expiration of the contract. And so, scanners are just one infinitesimal part of the process,” Adeniyi said.

How ship chandling can create jobs

T

HE Nigeria Customs Service has been called upon to coor dinate and regulate the activities of ship chandlers across the country, to professionalise it and create more job opportunities for Nigerians.

The Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Maritime Services, Mr. Olugbenga Leke Oyewole, said the activities of ship chandlers would boost the transformation agenda of the President and create more jobs for youths.

Speaking with The Nation in Lagos, Oyewole said the economic potentials of the ship chandlers need to be tapped into, urging the Customs boss to champion the move to boost the maritime sector.

He wondered why the ship chandelling sub-sector remained untapped for so many years.

“I want Customs to recognise and regulate the activities of the chandlers. It is an area where the nation can make so much money and it also

provides enormous employment opportunities for Nigerians.

“The Chandlers are those group of people that when a ship comes to the nation’s ports, or even those ships that cannot get to the ports, the chandlers give their needs to them.

They need to eat onboard, a ship that sails for months will need to replace its stock when it gets to any country.

They need to take food and water to them and other things they will be needing, some even buy clothes.

“So, I want to call the attention of Customs to regulate and make sure that these activities are placed in proper focus,” he said.

He praised the service for taking positive steps to realise its N1.2 trillion revenue target for this year.

“With the revenue base of the Customs, it means we only need two to three agencies to produce the national budget. This is unprecedented even in the history of the Customs,” Oyewole said.

Govt urged to link depots, stations by rail

T

•Customs National Public Relations Officer (PRO) Wale Adeniyi and Defence spokesman Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade at a joint security meeting in Abuja.

Disburse fund Cabotage funds, NIMASA told

T

HE Nigerian Indigenous Ship owners Association (NISA) has urged the management of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) The call was made by a member of the group, and a former Director-General of the agency Mr. Temisan Omatseye.

Omatseye hopes to become NISA President at its forthcoming election.

He assured ship owners and members of the association that if elected he would use his position to prevail on the agency to disburse fund.

He said plans are ongoing with the government to ensure that the CVFF fund is disbursed to Nigerian ship owners.

“The CVFF belongs to the ship owners as far as I am concerned and it is the money that the ship

owners have collected that have built up to the CVFF and this is the money ship owners are supposed to manage in acquiring vessels and it is a private sector money.

“The system we have in place now, we will not want to unveil because of our competitors in the association who might hijack our concept as regards the election. But when we get into office we will tell you those things that we have in place in ensuring that CVFF is disbursed to ship owners,” he said.

He assured that the Federal Government was planning to disburse the money and would work with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council to promote and re-position maritime industry as a key driver of nation’s economy. He added that there would be maximum government support and guarantee for Nigerian ship owners for fleet renewal.

“Our vision becomes a reality when there are platforms for expression and it is our heart’s desire for so many years to see a new maritime industry evolve in our nation,” he said.

He promised to work with the Nigeria Navy to provide 24-hour cover for all NISA members’ vessels by developing a portal where emergencies by any NISA vessel is exchanged among the Nigeria Navy, NIMASA, NISA and the owner for quick engagement.

“We will build up the integrity of Nigerian ship owners and get our deserved respect from government, international ship owners and the security agencies.

“We will open relational opportunities for NISA and other ship owners and we will work with foreign shipyards to get ship assets with NISA as the lead and driver,” Omatseye said.

HE Federal Government has been urged to link the six Inland Container Depots (ICDs) and Container Freight Stations (CFS) across the country by rail.

The President, Shipper’s Association, Lagos State, Jonathan Nicole made the call in Lagos.

Nicole said the depots and stations would be more effective if linked by rail.

He said an effective rail system would ease the movement of goods and persons across the country.

He said if the ICDs and CFS are connected by rail, it will decongest the Lagos ports, whose facilities

and the adjourning roads have been overstretched.

He said he was happy that the Federal Government is planning to build deep seaports in the country.

“Aside from creating more job opportunities, it will increase the cargo throughput (imports and exports) of Nigerian ports.

“The seaports will be to the advantage of Nigerian shippers (importers and exporters) if they receive bigger vessels, discharge more cargoes.

“But there will be a problem if the deep seaports are not linked by rail and that is the issue we want the government to look into before it becomes a problem,” he said.

Clearing agents call for synergy with Customs

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HE Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has urged the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to synergise with its members to boost operational efficiency at ports.

ANLCA said that NCS is making effort to achieve 48-hour cargo clearance to boost the nation’s economy.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, the Chief Executive Officer, Kingsoo Global Maritime Limited and a member of ANLCA, Chief Kingsley Offor urged members of the group to always embrace the global best practices while carrying out their duties at ports.

The ANLCA chief said the success attained by the association could traced to the hard work and sacrifice of its stakeholders,urging officers and men of the Customs Service to partner with the leadership of the association for due diligence.

“The role and impact of Stakeholders in the freight forwarding profession has to a large extent boosted the Nigerian economy.

“The Nigeria Customs Service has

made frantic efforts and improvement to achieve 48-hour cargo clearance at the port and our members need to key into it.

“Change cannot be achieved without operational activities enhanced in line with global standard and best practices.

He urged ANLCA members to show more commitment and participatory role in the nation’s industry.

Also, the immediate past chairman of the Onne Chapter, Mr Prestige Ossy said the group needs an independent and progressive minded people like Kingsley to facilitate trade at the port.

Ossy said the association needs a selfless leader who is disciplined, committed and transparent in service delivery to boost Customs and clearing agents relation.

With Kingsley, Ossy said, the era of using the platform of ANLCA to enrich few selfish individuals is over and urged members to support those that can boost clearing operations by synergising with Customs.

17

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS ENERGY

E-mail:- energy@thenationonlineng.net

FirstBank to fund firm’s multi-billion F dollar project IRST Bank Nigeria Plc is to finance the multi-billion fabrication and construction yard of Kaztec Engineering Limited, a subsidiary of Chrome Group. The project is located at the Snake Island, Lagos.

The bank management led by its Group Managing Director, Mr. Bisi Onasanya, toured the facility to assess the project and determine the level of finding for the company.

First Bank’s Group Executive, Institutional Banking Group, Bashirat Odunewu, told The Nation that the bank was impressed with some of the jobs done by Kaztec for some oil exploration and production companies.

She said Firstbank would finance the project, but did not state to what tune. She said the bank is financing the Chrome Group’s power firm, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Com-

the past. Also, their client, Addax Petroleum, was satisfied with what pany. they are doing. We are interested in However, she couldn’t confirm what they are doing. We went to see whether First Bank alone will fiwhat is on ground and how far we nance the Snake Island project, or can support them.” whether it will be done in She debunked allegation that First partnership with other banks. She Bank doesn’t finance oil and gas only said that as the project is being activities. She said: “To say that First done in phases, there is a ratio Kaztec Bank is not active in the oil and gas has to bring and some that First industry is not correct. We are very Bank will fund. Sometimes, we much involved in the oil industry. invite some of our colleagues if we We are actually in the fore-front of need to do syndication. Sometimes, oil and gas activities. As at today, I we do it on our own. You know that think we are among the top three in for the banks, there is a certain limit oil and gas, but we don’t make too set by the financial sector regulators much noise about it. Our customers know we are the first point of contact in whatever they want to do because they know we have a lot of expertise in it. Sometimes, we work with our sister company, FBN Capital. So there is hardly any transaction you can talk about in the recent times that we are not part of.

“Also, it is not difficult for Nigerian companies to access facilities from the banks but they need to know that first, they have to be competent, and be able to prove to the bank that they have already invested some of their own equity into the project. In the banking industry, we have what we call bankable projects, so someone doesn’t wake up to say, I want to do a yard like what Kaztec has in the Snake Island, and tells the bank to finance it. The firms have to use some of their own funds. The idea is that when you start, you have to show that you can manage funds on your own, and when the banks see what you are •From left: Adelekan; Chief Financial Officer, Chrome Group, Nixon Alanza; Onasanya; and Project Manager, doing and where you are going; they Kaztec Engineering Limited, Kingsley Nnodu, during the visit. will work along with you. But a lot of people don’t want to do anything on their own first; they want the banks to finance everything. But you OTORISTS are protesting must show your own commitment • DPR: we’ve received several complaints what they called sharp practices by attendants at filling

By Akinola Ajibade tion manager for not dispensing the stations. Many filling stations use unright volume to him. der-dispensing fuel pumps that do not meters and adjust them without the He said: “I have been shortrecord accurate sales information. changed by filling stations owned by The Department of Petroleum Re- express permission of his or her HE delay in the compleindependent oil marketing compasources (DPR) said it had received manager. People who perpetrate tion of Alaoji,Omoku and nies. Many of my friends said they complaints from many motorists. such evils make a lot of money. Many Gbarain power plants petrol attendants have two cars or do not want to fall victims again, and The Nation gathered that many of will not affect the sale of the 10 have resorted to buying fuels from the fuel pumps do not present accu- more. The question is: Where did power assets under the NIPP, petrol stations that belong to major rate readings, making it easier for they get the money to buy those the Niger Delta Power Holdmarketers and the Nigerian National petrol stations to short change their cars?” The source asked how many ing Company (NDPHC) that Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to customers. A visit to some petrol sta- attendants earn N20,000 monthly? ensure accurate volume delivery. The superintends the National Intions in Iyana- Ipaja, Ikotun, Ikeja, The older ones do not collect more NNPC and major marketers have tegrated Power Plants (NIPPs), Oshodi, Ketu, Ikorodu and Ebute- than N13,000 per month, he said. has said.

A lawyer, Ponle Olurotimi, said something at stake. They invest bilMetta in the Lagos metropolis gave The company has completed lions of naira into the business and confirmed this assertion. It was fur- many people have fallen victims to the construction of Omotoso, would not do anything that will tarther gathered that the distortions of this sharp practice at fuel stations.

Egbema, Ogwode, Olorunsogo, nish their reputations.” the readings of the meters were Olurotimi said she has been inunHowever, the Director, Department Benin and Calabar, while mostly done by petrol attendants, dated with reports of people that of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Alaoji, Omoku, and Gbarain albeit with instructions from their were duped by filling stations. I have power plants are yet to be comheard motorists, housewives, and George Osahon, said the agency will managers. pleted. move against any petrol station A petrol station manager, who other users of petroleum products The Bureau of Public Enterfound short-changing its customer. does not want his name in print, said complain about the issue, she said.

She said: “The issue of shortOsahon said the DPR has received prises (BPE) has said the onthat the issue is disturbing because complaints on the issue via short going privatisation of the NIPP customers have lost confidence in the changing customers cuts across the assets is being delayed by the messages and e-mails. He said that filling stations that commit such three petroleum products namely problem of gas that had stalled DPR is ready to act on useful inforcrimes.The sources said the perpetra- diesel, kerosene and petrol. The the signing of the gas purchase mation that can lead to discovery of tors operate like a chain, adding that transporters, women and other agreements that would make the filling stations engaging in such pracmany people were involved in the household users of petroleum prodtransactions bankable. ucts have been cheated in the past. tices. issue.

NDPHC’s spokesman, Yakubu “DPR has received several com“From my experience in the indus- For instance, many have said that Lawal, told The Nation, that plaints on the issue of retail outlets try, I know that a lot of workers were they got 15 litres of petrol, instead shortage of gas is the only probunder-dispensing products to their used to short-change customers. of 20 litres they paid for.”

An Executive Director, African customers. Just as it is not possible lem delaying the privatisation of There is a top-down approach to the the plants. He said that non-comfor the police to be everywhere at issue. Senior and junior members of Centre for Media and Information the same time, so it is with officials pletion of the three plants by the staff in the petrol stations are in- Literacy, Lewis Asubiojo, said some contractors has no basis with the of DPR. We have told the public to volved in the crime. It is wrong to petrol stations in Abuja are fond of sale of the 10 plants from which come out with information on any conclude that only the junior work- under-dispensing products to cusstation short-changing its customers the government is targeting 5,000 ers short-change customers. No pet- tomers. Asubiojo said he has once for necessary action,” he added. megawatts (MW) to achieve its rol attendant has the courage to open reported a petrol attendant to his staBy Emeka Ugwuanyi

and you cannot go beyond that for any particular customer, she added.

On the impression of the bank after the tour, she said: “It was impressive because Kaztec is 100 per cent Nigerian company. They made presentation to us, and we had a walk round the facility. I must say that all the things we saw were very encouraging especially when a Nigerian company can do such good technical work. They showed us what they were doing presently and even those that have been concluded; a lot of engineering and technical works.

These are works that are normally given to foreign companies to do in

Motorists accuse fuel attendants of fraud

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before the banks can come in to assist you. Sometimes, a group can come together to pool resources and once the banks can see how far they have gone, the banks will join them.”

“We were already involved with Kaztec in other areas such as the electricity distribution company in Enugu. We were their banker, so we have a relationship with the company and we know what they are doing. As the banker, we have to know what they are doing, we need to know where the next good transaction is going to happen; there is no more armchair banking.”

The Group Head, Institutional Banking Group – Energy, Mr. Olalekan Adenekan said: “The bank had last year alone, invested over $1.2billion in oil and gas. This comprises upstream- exploration and production; and midstream companies where you find Kaztec.

Let me say that Kaztec is really one of the top three companies in Nigeria today and I am happy to say we are in the forefront of supporting all these companies. So in terms of investments, we are very high in the industry.”

Chrome Group’s Business Development & Head Communications, Dr. Edwin Ndukwe, said: “The Snake Island project is being done in phases, phases 1-4. Phase 1 is the fabrication yard, while Phase 2 is the pipe rolling and pipe coating yard.

Phase 3 is the drydock yard, where we will be doing the refurbishing and rehabilitation works for boats, tug boat, barges and other marine vessels. The Phase 4 is the logistics base. Right now we are still in the Phase 1. We are anticipating the end of this year for the completion of phase 1. There is work ongoing at the moment, which is establishing the concrete yard, the workshops, the blasting and paint shops, which are all under construction now. By next year, we will be moving into the pipe laying and pipe coating stage.”

‘Non- completion of Alaoji, others won’t stall privatisation’

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By Akinola Ajibade

aspiration to generate 10,000MW. Lawal said that due diligence has been conducted by the companies that bought the plants, adding that the transactions was done in a transparent manner.

He said: “There was a shares agreement between the companies and the government before transactions on the plants started. The buyers have carried out due diligence and know the state of the plants. It is not compulsory that the plants must be completed before the plants are sold.”

He said the NDPHC has done a lot to make the plants look better, strong and effective, adding that the plants would improve power supply when they are privatised.

The BPE’s Director General, Benjamen Dikki, said the country has a capacity for 11,000 megawatts, adding that power supply would improve when the infrastructure problems in the sector are solved. Dikki said the combination of adequate gas supply to thermal and hydropower plants would help in improving electricity supply.

18

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

ENERGY

Shippers set access to gas pipeline

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HE West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAGPCo) has opened its pipeline to be accessed by independent gas shippers to maximise the potential of the facility, which has been underused over the years.

Its General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Harriet Wereko-Brobby, said the management decided to open the facility so that there should be additional gas to fill it.

Data show that the capacity of the pipeline is 474 million standard cubic feet of gas (mmscf) but the contractual volume signed with the foundation customers is 134mmscf, which is about 170 million British thermal unit Btu. British thermal unit is used to measure the energy of gas, that is, the caloric value (heat content), while the volume of gas is measured in standard cubic feet.

She said what the company wants to achieve by opening access to the asset is to put into use a substantial part of the unused capacity. The data obtained

by The Nation, shows that even if the entire foundation customers’ volume of 134mmscf is fully utilised, there is still 340mmscf unused capacity. Therefore, by opening access to the pipeline, the company tries to encourage independent gas shippers to buy gas directly from producers, that is, oil companies in Nigeria such as Shell, Chevron, Seplat, Total, among others, after which WAGPCo will transport the gas to the shipper’s destination in Togo, Benin Republic and Ghana.

However, such shippers, according to WAGPCo, will be registered and

•Constitutes committee to explore possibilities

By Emeka Ugwuanyi

licensed, and must meet all the necessary requirements and standards needed by the regulator, West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA).

WAGPA regulates WAGPCo as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) regulates the Nigerian oil and gas industry, so before WAGPCo moves gas for a shipper, the shipper must have a licence, have the gas, demonstrate ability to meet specification, and ensures meeting all the requirements.

Mrs Wereko-Brobby said: “What we have been doing is encouraging and working with our stakeholders, that is, those for whom we transport gas to enter into arrangement with the producers of that gas so that we would be able to fill our pipeline. Some of them in Ghana, Togo and Benin Republic, have started engaging with gas producers in Nigeria trying to get contract memoranda of understanding so that they would be able to get additional gas to fill our pipeline.

“At the same time we are continuing our engagement with those protecting our pipeline. We have had two forums; we brought together the stakeholders, subject matter experts from different organisations, naval forces, maritime and ports authorities from different countries. They all came together, sat down and talked about what can be done and how to protect the pipeline. And they also indicated their interest in protecting the work-

ers giving instances of pirates that are not only dangerous to WAGPCo but also all the companies that have formations in the sea. So in the sub-region and even on the ECOWAS’ level, they have assured that it is a matter of highest priority to protect the pipeline and all the nations are collaborating to do that.

“We brought them together so that we can discuss not only the physical protection but any technological advancement that we can take advantage of. The success of WAGPCo is very important to ECOWAS. What they feel is that if WAGPCo succeeds, that means all other efforts for regional integration can succeed, so they are very interested in WAGPCo success as a way of making sure that we will have a framework for regional integration programme.

“We also have a committee set up right now that will set forward the programme. The committee will try and come up with different methods of protecting the pipeline and also ensuring the reliability.

“The committee is now developing its terms of reference and the expectation is that the terms of reference will be prepared by next month. Once members of the committee come up with their terms of reference, which will be within the next six months to one year, they should have come up with a plan, which will be commenced immediately after. Some of the actions that were identified at that forum such as physical patrol have been started.”

Kwankwaso, NERC, TCN chiefs for WorldStage confab

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ANO State Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, and Managing Director of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr. Mack Kast, among others, have confirmed participation in the fourth WorldStage National Electricity Power Conference.

According to the organisers of the conference, the event has been rescheduled to hold on October 23, from the September date earlier announced. But the venue remains Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos. The date was shifted to accommodate more requests for participation.

The event will be chaired by President of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCL), Alhaji Aderemi Ismaila Bello; Amadi is expected to deliver a paper titled: ‘Commitment of NERC towards regulation and effective consumer’s right on electricity supply chain’ and the TCN boss will speak on ‘TCN: Meeting the electricity transmission capacity for Nigeria post-privatisation.’

Governor Kwankwaso, whose state has achieved commendable progress in power generation through independent power projects (IPPs) for economic development, will share his experience with participants at the forum.

The President/Chief Executive Officer, World Stage Limited, Mr. Segun Adeleye, said

By Akinola Ajibade

with about 30 million households in Nigeria still without access to electricity even liberalised electricity power sector, it is crucial for stakeholders to meet to address the challenges facing the power sector.

He said: “The challenges that surfaced with the new dispensation are numerous but not un-surmountable.” He listed these to include the rising activities of vandals who burst gas pipelines and other power transmission equipment; high level of power theft and meter bypassing; gas supply limitation; revenue collection; transmission wheeling capacity; funding model for transmission; expected declaration of Transition Electricity Market; lack of accurate data on power demand of the entire country; non-alignment of the entire value chain of power generation, transmission and distribution; security of investment; right pricing and efficient usage of available electricity; paucity of fund for transmission facility upgrade and replacement of aging 132KV lines.

“As banks invested about N750 billion in the power sector since its privatisation, it’s imperative that the security of this huge exposure rests squarely on stakeholders to ensure success of the privatisation process,” he said.

Oil glut beyond OPEC’s control

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• Mr O'Neal (left) receiving a souvenir from Governor Akpabio during the visit in Uyo.

HE supply side glut in the oil market combined with the decline in global demand makes it difficult for oil producers to effectively exercise any control over oil prices, according Seth Kleinman, Citi Energy Analyst.

According to Hellenic Shipping News, even in the context of recent serious geopolitical issues that could potentially cause supply disruptions and high oil prices, the world is witnessing a decline in oil prices. Brent has traded since early July within the range of $95 to $110.

It is hovering around $98 to $100 a barrel on the London-based ICE Futures Europe exchange.

On the supply side a lot of excess stocks combined with new sources of production such as US shale oil, massive gas substitution are depressing the oil prices. Kleinman said the medium term outlook for oil demand is not encouraging as the emerging market demand growth, particularly from China is on a decline.

The long held belief that emerging markets are perennial sources of oil demand is fast changing partly because of the changes in

Akpabio intervenes in Mobil, host communities’ feud

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KWA Ibom State Governor, Godswill Akpabio has urged ExxonMobil’s host communities to withdraw pending law suits to enable the company execute projects in their areas.

According to the Governor’s Special Assistant, Media, Deacon Jackson Udom, Akpabio made the plea when the Chairman/Managing and Lead Country Manager of ExxonMobil Companies in Nigeria, Mr. Nolan O’Neal, visited his office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital.

He said: “I thank you for the assurance that I should pass to the people of the state that the special community projects that we had negotiated and agreed upon that

you finally receive leadership approval and the money is ready to start the project.

“But what is impeding the projects is that some of the communities went to court and there are about 14 cases pending in the courts. I think it is in the interest of those communities affected to immediately withdraw those cases from courts to allow contractors be mobilised to site and commence meaningful projects in the areas.”

He explained that if those projects are not executed as and when they should, the communities would be at the losing end, considering the bureaucratic procedure involved in getting approval for such community projects.

Akpabio directed the Commis-

sioners for Health, Housing and Urban Renewal, Environment, Culture and Tourism as well as Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity to work with the Secretary to the State Government in persuading the communities to withdraw the cases from courts to ensure amicable settlement within one week. This, according to him, would enable Mobil execute meaningful development projects in the communities.

Governor Akpabio, while assuring the management of ExxonMobil that his government would ensure the withdrawal of pending court cases, extolled the symbiotic relationship between the state and the oil company. “We believe that we have a symbiotic

relationship such that will outlive many administrations. We are excited, it is like renewing the cordial relationship, the fraternal relationship and business relationship that existed for decades and will exist in future as far as oil production continues to remain,” he said.

Akpabio, who congratulated O’Neal on his elevation, described him as a square peg in a square hole. He said: “Having lived with the people, you know their pains and aspirations and you know what to do to bring smiles on the faces of the host communities.”

O’Neal thanked the governor for the warm hospitality to ExxonMobil, describing the state as a fantastic place to do business.

economic growth dynamics and partly because of massive energy substitution of natural gas — often obtained through the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock for oil, and fuel-efficiency mandates in many key countries.

Kleinman said the prospect of oil demand hitting a plateau this decade looks increasingly possible than the market seems to think. The Shale boom in the US has already upended energy markets and it has largely accepted the fact that the spread between gas and oil will stay wide for the foreseeable future.

The huge rush for substitution of oil with gas in the US, Europe and some of the leading emerging markets like China and Latin America is going to have a long-term impact on oil prices than previously anticipated.

While European regulations are also putting pressure on its oil industry, even in China LNG substitution in automobile sector is happening on a massive scale. In February last year the European Commission issued draft legislation that would mandate LNG filling stations be located every 400km on the core trans-Europe highway network. This same legislation will mandate LNG filling stations be located at all 139 maritime and island ports in Europe, also by 2020.

Kleinman said increased focus on fuel economy across the US, Europe, Japan and China have started impacting the oil demand. Research by Citigroup estimates that new vehicles’ fuel economy is increasing by about 2.5 per cent a year.

Adding to the downward price pressure on oil will be the lack of incentive for Middle Eastern oil producers, particularly Saudi Arabia to cut production. Petroleum exports account for about 90 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s state budget. Saudi Arabia announced $130 billion of investment in 2011 to create jobs and a $500 billion plan infrastructure projects, making deep cuts to stabilise the market a difficult possibility.

THE NATION TUESDAY,OCTOBER 7, 2014

19

COMMENTARY EDITORIALS

LETTER

Happy Eld-El-Kabir

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•We should keep the spirit of the season beyond the festive period

LD-EL-KABIR as the feast of sacrifice is inimitable for its spiritual connotation and underlying divine commandment. The celebration is of high significance in the Islamic Calendar, which is observed in commemoration of Abraham’s unalloyed obedience to Allah’s commandment that he should sacrifice his only son, Ismael, to Him. At the nick of time, Almighty Allah sent Angel Jibril to stop Abraham from killing his son, replacing him with a white ram instead.

Ever since, Muslims observe annually, this age-long ritual, as epitomised in the slaughtering of animal,s including cows, rams, goats and even camels.

The Federal Government declared yesterday and today public holiday to mark this feast, celebrated on Saturday, which fell as usual on the 10th Dhul-Hyjahcoinciding with the climbing

‘The unalloyed display of unity and love with no religious impediments, witnessed in this season, should go beyond the moment. Such fraternity should be for all times so that our nation can grow from strength to strength: Also, on a broader scale, for the world to be a better place for all to live in, irrespective of race, religion or colour of the skin’

of Mount Arafat to mark the end of this year’s holy pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Almighty Allah was satisfied and convinced with Abraham’s unalloyed faith in Him. And since then, He foreclosed the use of human-being for any sacrifice. Abraham’s venerable decision to sacrifice his only son, even at an old age - with little hope of having another remains the profundity of his faithful act.

We wonder why some criminal infidels in Boko Haram and others are engaging in wanton killing of fellow beings in the north under the guise of keeping tab with erroneous tenets of Islam.

In Islam, submission to Allah is unconditional as typified by Abraham who did not compromise his faith during the several decades of his childlessness. This year’s commemoration remains so dear to true Muslims across the world. They eat and merry with friends and well wishers. The true spirit of this season is that we should learn to live together as brothers, with mutual benefits of harmony, peace and stability.

The needless cruel killings by Boko Haram under the dubious guise of Islam are unacceptable because the religion preaches development, growth and progress. It also spreads the gospel of love; it teaches peace; preaches tolerance, as does Christianity.

The unalloyed display of unity and love with no religious impediments, witnessed in this season, should go beyond the moment. Such fraternity should be for all times so that our nation can grow from

strength to strength: Also, on a broader scale, for the world to be a better place for all to live in, irrespective of race, religion or colour of the skin. Father Abraham was a recipient of immense blessings because, in obedience to Allah’s commandment, he obliged to use his only son as a sacrifice to Him before Allah stopped him.

While we as a nation anticipate such blessings, the people and the government should also be prepared to make inevitable sacrifices for the well-being of the country - during this occasion and beyond. Unfortunately, the country is still bogged down by unbridled insecurity arising from the criminal/inhuman Boko Haram’s activities. Lives and property are being daily wantonly destroyed, all in the name of politics/religion. Mosques and churches are attacked by these criminals that are denting the image of Islam.

The miscreants behind the Boko Haram are soiling the reputation of Islam - the religion of peace. Also, we want a change in value degeneration ravaging the polity as the nation needs to make transparency and trust as genuine planks of public service. These vices are all consequences of official hypocrisy which Islam absolutely abhors in household as well as public affairs.

This important season should serve as test of faith for all Muslims and non-Muslims to reflect on the selfless divine commitment of Abraham and also emulate his good virtues so as to ensure the growth of our society and democracy as we approach 2015 when another general election comes up.

Landing so un-ministerial •Jelili Adesiyan is a minister of the people, not an emperor that can land his chopper just anywhere

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T is a measure of the galloping impunity in the land that Jelili Adesiyan, Minister of Police Affairs, would just land his helicopter, without much ado and with absolutely no permission, in a private premises.

It is also a measure of the crass insensitivity of the government towards the governed. That property is a private school, with primary and secondary sections.

His Unquestionable, the Minister of the Federal Republic, must land; and the sports complex of the Bodija International School, Ibadan, Oyo State, was as good as any for his golden chopper. Though it was on a Sunday, the school’s boarders were in the premises. The pupils must therefore have been impressed by the minister’s whirlwind landing!

The snag is: the school authorities are crying foul — and so should any private owner of property in a country governed by law. As far as we know, trespass is still in our statutes. The irony of a lawless minister in charge of the police, chief enforcers of Nigeria’s criminal-justice system, is lost on Mr. Adesiyan!

Already, Olajumoke Ojo and Co, attorneys to Bodija International School, have already written a petition against the minister. “It has been brought to our notice that your helicopter landed on the school grounds without the knowledge and consent of the school’s authorities,” a newspaper quoted the petition in part.”We hereby remind you sir that ours is a private organisation and landing the helicopter on our premises without permission constitutes trespass.” We advice the school to go the full measure and claim its

rights under the law, if only to make the point that, under democracy, law, not impunity, rules.

But there is something else. The chopper landed in the school’s sports complex, currently undergoing renovation, and allegedly “caused considerable damage to underlying drainage pipes.” This could well be willful damage, to which the school is entitled to lawful redress and fulsome compensation.

Then there is the psychological aspect of the incident. A private school, in which the oldest of the dominant population are no more than teenagers, gets its peace suddenly cut to pieces by a chopper! How would the youths react? Psychologically traumatised? Helpless captive to noise pollution? Or simply develop a sense of gripping siege, against which they feel angry but totally helpless and impotent?

No respectable minister of the state should put the people to such discomfort.

But bad as the situation is, it only reinforces Mr. Adesiyan’s less-than-stellar conduct as minister. Indeed, he and Musiliu Obanikoro, his counterpart and Minister of State for Defence, have gained clear notoriety, the way they have turned the sacred requirement of their high offices as ministers to sheer profanity to serve partisan ends.

While this tag-team of two were the leading hands in propping the so-called “federal might”, corralling the security agencies to, in the most cavalier of manner, try to brazenly fix elections, each has been using the security agencies under his charge to fight partisan battles.

Mr. Obanikoro, as part of his opening

acts as minister, pushed soldiers to disrupt work at the Ilubirin housing project under development in his native Lagos, while Mr. Adesiyan has not shied away from despicable use of the police in political matters.

It is these ceaseless acts of impunity that seem to have emboldened Mr. Adesiyan to land, without much ado, in a private school, perhaps thinking his King Kong reputation as minister would intimidate his victims into silence. That must not happen.

But beyond rights breaches and claims, President Goodluck Jonathan must call his errant minister to order. Ministers should serve the people with all their strength, not ride rough shod over their rights and feelings with all their might.

‘It is these ceaseless acts of impunity that seem to have emboldened Mr. Adesiyan to land, without much ado, in a private school, perhaps thinking his King Kong reputation as minister would intimidate his victims into silence. That must not happen. But beyond rights breaches and claims, President Goodluck Jonathan must call his errant minister to order’

Ebola: Complacency takes over?

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HE introduction of Ebola to Nigeria by Patrick Sawyer was a wake up call to all healthcare workers in Nigeria. I strongly recommend that the management and staff of First Consultants Hospital, Lagos be compensated for the patriotic role they played which ensured that the index case was contained even when they later paid dearly with the lives of some of their staff.

Now that Nigeria has been declared Ebola free, do our experts really take into consideration that another ‘Patrick Sawyer’ can easily fly into the country anytime and any day? Do we still have direct or indirect flights to and from Liberia? How prepared and vigilant are health officials at our ports of entry?

Why was it impossible for the laboratory at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH) to run a confirmatory test on the Sawyer’s sample sent to them initially and why must we wait till a confirmatory result was done outside the country?.

Many hospitals and public places that installed health measures at the outbreak of the index case of Ebola in Nigeria have since abandoned them since the country was declared Ebola free. To an average Nigerian, we remain Ebola free forever. I think the current index case of Ebola virus disease diagnosed recently in Dallas, Texas USA will really tell us that we can be hit again by this deadly virus disease. If the United States of America can be hit with this deadly virus despite all sensitization and their preparedness, how much more a developing country like ours where some officials manning our ports of entry prefer dying for their pockets and stomachs to dying for their country ?

I am not comfortable with many of these our infrared thermometers currently in use accross the country because I know that some dubious businessmen must have gone into their importation and production the same way they were into the production and importation of fake and substandard drugs into the country before the late Professor Dora Akunyili became Director-General of NAFDAC. There was a day I was checked with the infrared thermometer and the reading was 34.1 degrees centigrade. I know that the normal body temperature varies between 36 and 37 degrees centigrade, so Iquickly rechecked my body temperature with the conventional clinical thermometer and I got 36.6 degrees centigrade – a difference of 2.5 degrees centigrade!

Recently, a colleague complained that a patient managed by his team was first checked with the infrared thermometer at the entrance and the result was normal (about 36 degrees centigrade) but on physical examination, it was found out that the patient was febrile to touch hence the temperature was rechecked with conventional clinical thermometer and it was found out that the patient’s actual temperature was above 38 degrees centigrade.

It is now clear that something must either be wrong with the readings given by some of our infrared thermometers or that we may not have understood how to use and interpret the readings. It follows that if these infrared thermometers can give readings about 2 to 3 degrees centigrade below what our conventional clinical thermometers can give us, it calls for immediate investigations as Ebola patients with body temperatures of about 38 or 39 degrees centigrade may erroneously give readings of 36 and 37 degrees centigrade respectively with the infrared thermometers hence they will pass this initial and very crucial screening exercise. I do not know the agency that regulates, approves and certifies the importation of these so called infrared thermometers; they should immediately brace up to the challenges of ascertaining the quality of these thermometers especially at this time when the prices have skyrocketed from N5000 to about N25000.

We should not relax yet as the battle is not over. Just like any other diseases (eg cholera, influenza etc ) that come as epidemic, Ebola can pay us an unscheduled visit anytime and it will be easily through our ports of entry. Surely, this is no time to be complacent.

• Dr Paul John Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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CARTOON & LETTERS

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IR: He is not the indecent movie star acting dirty or the decadent music star singing rubbish. Never the model in the nude or the character in the show of shame or the infamous Personality of the Year among the Most Influential People of our TIME. He is not into politricks and never a thief executive of the federal republic. He is not into oil and gas business collecting payments for products not supplied. He is not known to be in any public-private partnership sharing contracts in Nigeria. He is a God-fearing man and not a businessman of god. Unlike the godfathers, he is a good father. He is Deacon E.A.O. Adeola,

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Celebrating my teacher a retired school principal and an educationist par excellence.

Anyone who knows him can testify that Deacon Adeola is a blessing to mankind. When he was teaching us English and morals, he actually was providing leadership to little stars like diamonds in the sky.

I will never forget the day I travelled from Igboho to Saki in the company of Douglas, Ibrahim, Mr. Ogundiran – a teacher, and Deacon Adeola – the school principal.

Douglas, Ibrahim and I had been selected to represent our school in a competition organized for students from Oke-Ogun area of Oyo

result.

What I saw shocked me: “Post utme score: 8 0ut of 50” kept staring back at me from the computer screen. Still dazed, I headed online to see what others scored, only to see several complaints of similar scores, some 0 (zero), 5, 8 ,11 and several other funny scores over a maximum score of 50.

I still don’t get how I could get 16% out of a very easy exam compared to JAMB. I sent mails to the school, seeking an inquest into the situation or even to have my papers remarked only to get NO reply.

I feel we were taken for a ride and only monetarily exploited, since the school authorities have refused to address the troop of disgruntled candidates who have stormed the school to seek answers.

If the school is sure it’s in the clear on this saga, why has it refused to yield to demands by the candidates for remarking the papers as any credible institution would?

It’s a shame that JAMB has to leave its students at the mercy of ex-

ploitative institutions. Why would students who passed JAMB, scoring at least 50% score 10% and even less in an inferior exam?

• Olatunji Akinkunmi, olatunjiakinkunmi@gmail.com

FUPRE owes us an explanation

IR: I still can’t find enough words to describe the injustice meted out to some candidates of Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun, (FUPRE), Delta State, in the recently concluded post UTME exercise.

After stumbling upon the school on the internet, I did some internet search on this institution and discovered they prided themselves on being the first petroleum resource institution in Africa, and sixth in the world. I then concluded they were indeed prestigious, especially after my sister recommended them.

On August 6, the day of the exam, my take-away was that the months of ferocious reading amounted to an overkill, as the exam was relatively easier than anything presented in the past questions. So, I did it happily under the stipulated one hour, happy to have finally put the excessive stress and strain on me to rest.

Two weeks later, we were notified on the school’s portal, about the availability of the results, but we had to pay N3,000 to check the

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State.

We left very early in the morning and arrived at the venue in good time. I remember we carried a bag but only Ogundiran and the principal knew we had an envelope containing the question papers.

Contestants from the schools all had science backgrounds but Douglas from my school did neither Physics nor Chemistry where most of the questions were drawn from. We wondered how other schools got to send only science students but my school got no hint even though we were with the question papers alone all the way.

Needless to say it wasn’t going to be an easy ride for my school.

Although Ibrahim emerged the overall best student, Douglas’s performance dropped our average score below the average. Predictably, my school didn’t come out on top.

We wished we had known the contest was purely for science students but no regrets never opening the envelope on our way to the venue. Thanks to Deacon E.A.O. Adeola and the other teacher, who believe that hard work with honesty and integrity is the key to success. Deacon would not condone any act of indiscipline and could dismiss a student for slightest involvement in examination malpractices.

Time would fail me to tell of G.O. Aponbiede, a shining star, who served his country meritoriously without blemish. In the meantime, let’s celebrate Deacon E.A.O. Adeola. Real celebrities let’s celebrate.

• John Adebisi, Abuja

APC: Give us Buhari

IR: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” - Martin Luther King Jnr. As the 2015 Presidential Election is gathering momentum, the core PDP supporters are at the moment, rooting for the candidature of General Muhammadu Buhari, stating confidently that the pride of Duara is the easiest for Jonathan to maul if presented by the APC. It’s all lie! It’s a strategy to confuse the APC. If the APC want to have a good show in 2015, I am of the opinion that only Buhari has the character and pedigree to deliver.

Take for instance, the total votes that will come from the whole of

South-south and South-eastern Nigeria for Jonathan cannot be more than what Buhari will garner from Kano, Jigawa and Sokoto States respectively.

I give Imo to Jonathan, but with Okorocha, it won’t be a landslide like 2011 for the PDP. Same in Rivers and Edo. Jonathan will win but won’t be as much as 2011 figure.

Buhari’s age? Of course, Buhari is aged! However, it is necessary to remind Nigerians that the hero of virtually all African democrats, Nelson Mandela was older than Buhari when he successfully governed South Africa.

It is also germane to expressly state that Jerry Rawlings was Buhari’s age-mate when he meritoriously served the people of

Ghana.

Lastly, without being sensational, today, I can confidently avow that the only political leader that can stand on the streets of Kano, Dutse, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Damaturu, Zamfara, Lafia, Minna and within a twinkle of an eye, more than two million electorates will surround him is Mohammadu Buhari! Yes, he is!

In 2015, the alternative to Buhari is the continuity of President Goodluck Jonathan. Aside Buhari, none of those interested in Jonathan’s job at the moment fare better than Jonathan.

In GMB I trust!

• Maxwell Adeyemi Adeleye, Magodo, Lagos.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

COMMENTS

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all during the real course.

Must a governor-elect, charged with most un-gubernatorial conduct, eternally remind everyone that though he was BUKO de, oorun de” is the tiger at the polls, he lacks the sententious dismissal, by the brains and temper to serve as Yoruba, of not unexpected governor, even before gaining knavery. Where does the obuko (billy office? goat) go without its overpowering And the brainless body smell?

Olakunle comparison between Fayose’s “To be thus is nothing,” Lady Macbeth lordbeek1@gmail.com, 08054504169 (Sms only, please) Abimbola mob sacking the Ekiti warned her regicidal husband in judiciary, simply because a Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth, “but to be judge ruled he had jurisdiction safely thus.” over a case; and the public It was shortly after Macbeth’s murderassault and battery of another usurpation of King Duncan. But not judge, simply because he even the phantom promise of Macbeth’s out into mere mob-ocracy, is painfully playing out. The man reminded Fayose to act civil and gubernatorial. three witches, with Lady Macbeth’s own concentrated evil, that won a glorious election under the law, though with The cheek of it: these low-lifers in the public space even could steel the mind of this most evil of women, against the plebeian tactics, has resorted to inglorious means, nay brazen childishly accused Justice they had mugged of bias, in a case ultimate futility of evil. outlawry, to consummate his mandate; using mobs to sack they would rather stall, out of blind panic! Ingenious, isn’t Add a third, another Yoruba saying: “Nwon pe l’ole, o ngbomo the courts. Pray, if the courts stay sacked, which institution of it? Indeed, the guilty are always afraid! eran jo” (They call him a thief, yet he capers with a newly state would swear in Fayose on October 16?

Back to the pseudo-comparison between the Ekiti court stolen kid), and you would probably get the full impact of Yes, yes, Fayose and his promoters claim he was set up. bedlam and others in the land. Did the Kogi case, cited by the the macabre drama now gripping Ekiti State.

Maybe — for you cannot put anything past the politician: and Fayose lobby trying to question the shutdown of Ekiti courts, Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi’s branded Ile Iyi, Ile Eye (Land of even the best of politicians is still a politician. Maybe not. involve a party to a case sending thugs to sack a court in Nobility, Land of Honour), had plumbed from the apex dream Still, it is instructive that, after four short years, the grand session, chase out the presiding judge and shred court records? of a philosophical king to the violent nadir of a plebeian’s re-entry of Fayose into Ekiti politics also marks the grand reDid it involve a gubernatorial thug that allegedly supervised stupor. A people’s collective folly, and happy self-ruin, never entry of hooliganism into Ekiti, in its most virulent form. the assault and battery of a judge? haunted so early in the day!

Obuko de, oorun de!

Unfortunately, those who should know have even weighed Between outgoing Governor Fayemi and Governor-elect, With all due sensitivity to the feelings of the dear ones they in on the side of anarchy. Ripples thinks of no other than the Ayodele Fayose, Ekiti’s evolving tragedy is out in bold relief. left behind, the late Busari Adelakun, the inimitable Eruobodo, reported claim by David Mark, president of the Senate, that The one cannot lift the people to his dizzying heights. In a and Lamidi Adedibu, the kingpin of amala-and-gbegiri politics, nobody can stop Fayose’s swearing-in. moment of mad rage, the people threw Fayemi out of power in all their chequered career as dreaded grandmasters of Nobody should do that, to be sure. But even if someone did — and with a vengeance too! rough-and-tumble politics, were meek as lambs in the — assuming without conceding, as lawyers would say — The other must pull the people to his base trough. In a hallowed precincts of courts. must the complainant embrace jungle justice as Fayose clearly moment of mad passion, laced with subversive joy, Ekiti Kete Yet, the highest either attained in formal office was a did? And is Senator Mark endorsing such infamy? nose-dived into Fayose’s rough-and-tumble netherworld. commissionership — Eruobodo was commissioner for Local Let Mark and other deluded players in the Jonathan Wherever Plato the Greek is right now, his eyes must be Government and Chieftaincy Affairs under Governor Bola Presidency beware of Somalising the polity. In Somalia, there sparkling with mischief: for in Ekiti, 21st century Nigeria, Ige in old Oyo State (now Oyo State and State of Osun). is no president, no senate president, no governor, no fancy both the folly and wisdom of his philosophical king theory Ayo Fayose is Ekiti governor-elect. Yet, that putative high professional, no nothing. Everyone is ruled by the rabble have validated themselves. responsibility of state — to which he is not even new, having bearing arms, and low-lifers call the shots!

In Dr. Fayemi, the distant, all-knowing philosopher king, been governor once (2003-2006) — did not stop him from For Ekiti Kete, it is a serial tragedy of doom foretold, if with a permanent chip on his shoulders for the manifest storming the High court precincts in Ado Ekiti, ferocious thugs totally avoidable. From hubris-smitten “progressives” that goodness of his deeds, has proved a misfit — indeed, a disaster. in tow! left a fatal chink in their armour; to a “man of the people”, far His sterling performance in office earned him sterling And after all the defilement and travesty, all Fayose could worse than Chinua Achebe’s fictional Chief Nanga, MP, taking thrashing at the polls; with the people blind to their future essay was empty bluff and bluster, thinking he could bluff his full advantage of the mess, with the full support of plotting and, like Roman plebs, howled after “stomach infrastructure”, way out of trouble. Is there no more shame in this land? Is and colluding federal authorities, for short-term partisan blind, deaf and dumb to solid evidence of infrastructure to a there no more honour in Ile Iyi, Ile Eye? gains; and finally, a people who merrily cut their noses to soaring future.

Which one is more annoying: Fayose’s eternal yakking that spite their faces.

But in Ayo Fayose also, Plato’s fear of democracy petering he crushed Fayemi in all local governments — isn’t that a Enter, the Ekiti Rehoboam! Compared to the whip of his notorious fact? — and his lobby’s clearly unintelligent inglorious first coming, from which he exited in disgrace, comparison of the fracas at the Ado Ekiti High Courts complex Fayose appears set to tan his dotting people with scorpion, “Enter, the Ekiti Rehoboam! Ekiti and elsewhere? starting with the Ekiti court ruckus: the ominous morning Fayose carries on with the bluster of a student who eternally Kete, it is morning yet on howling presaging a hopeless day. But then, that is the beauty of brags that he worsted all during a qualifying examination, as democracy! day!” cheap bluff against crippling fears he would be worsted by Ekiti Kete, it is morning yet on howling day!

“Obuko de, oorun de” — Yoruba saying “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus” — Lady Macbeth

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epublican ipples

Ekiti and doom foretold

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HE arraignment, last week, of another batch of 97 soldiers by the military authorities for offences ranging from mutiny, assault and misconduct to tampering with military property, would appear to suggest that the rot in the Nigerian military may have been understated after all. Coming after the fierce debates provoked by the death sentence passed on an earlier batch of 12 soldiers charged with the same serious charge is yet to abate, Nigerians who have expressed opinions might yet find them to be premature in the light of more terrifying revelations of the arrest, at the weekend, of a serving Brigadier-General attached to the 3 rd Division of the Nigerian Army over allegations of “negligence”.

The charge of course is that the, Brigadier-General, commander of a whole Brigade in the North-east, together with his Chief of Staff and troops, took to their heels at the sight of advancing Boko Haram insurgents in Bama. This was supposed to be a Brigade with two units of a battalion each, supported by 122 medium artillery guns with shilka and tanks.

Of course, the insurgents not only secured free entry to the armoury of the Brigade Headquarters, they carted away military vehicles, tanks and weapons, which they deployed to attack the infantry battalion at Konduga. Ironically, the commander and his Chief of Staff would later be rescued by the same battalion in Konduga stationed about 15 kilometres from Bama!

Strange? Shouldn’t be. Similar strange things have been known to happen in the past. In 2008, a General Military Court Martial sitting in Kaduna sentenced six soldiers – one of them a Major – to life imprisonment for selling arms to the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND).

Were things to be normal, the resort to applicable service laws would seem the natural order of things. But then, just like the debates that followed in the wake of the conviction of the 12 soldiers on September 16, the process, as important as it is, seems unlikely to settle anything.

‘The seeds of soldiers wedded to non-combat, non-regimental duties has not only matured, (the military did practically nothing in the intervening years to exorcise the ghost), it has produced an army so flat-footed that it would run from a rag-tag army of insurgents’

Policy Sanya Oni sanyaoni@yahoo.co.uk 08051101841

Military and its demons

Aside the fact that the larger society is prone to being eternally divided on just about everything under the sun to the point of being permissive of wrong-doing, the military itself has not proven that its standard of justice is nearly fair and equitable. In the circumstance, we may well prepare for another round of muddled debates that in the end serves neither the military nor the larger public cause!

The issue under focus is indiscipline in the armed forces.

Perhaps, the much that can be said is that the daemon is as old as the institution itself. A little more than two decades ago, the then Chief of Army Staff Lt-General Salihu Ibrahim had described the Nigerian army as “an army of anything goes”. His other comment, although less publicised, obviously bear more relevance to the problems at the moment.

I quote: “It is an open secret that some officers openly preferred political appointments to regimental appointments, no matter the relevance of such appointments to their careers…we became an army where subordinate officers would not only be contemptuous of their superiors, but would exhibit total disregard to legitimate instructions by such superiors…We created such a situation whereby we were operating mini-armies within the larger Nigerian army.”

That was some 21 years ago. Today, the seeds of soldiers wedded to non-combat, non-regimental duties has not only matured, (the military did practically nothing in the intervening years to exhorcise the ghost), it has produced an army so flat-footed that it would run from a rag-tag army of insurgents. That is what Boko Haram has done: exacerbate the ingrained delinquencies of the body as a fighting force.

Again, it goes to the point that the problem has long been understated. The military, we are all agreed, is in a mess.

Truth is – a good number of the men currently bearing arms have no business in the disciplined profession. We see evidence of this daily among the lower ranks when they serve their brand of ‘justice’ on hapless civilians, or, as is also not infrequent, when their officers wilfully act in ways as to suggest being above the law. The difference is that the virus has been taken to the war theatre where obedience to orders may mean life or death for the troops. And to imagine the possibility that what is currently before the public is only a tip of the ice-berg!

Yes, the demon of indiscipline is one the Nigerian military as an institution must confront – and win! The issue however is whether the mess can be cleaned up by the draconian justice that the military has long perfected – and one that makes no fine distinction between dissent, no matter how legitimate, and the more grave charge of refusal to obey lawful orders. That appears to be the point being made by those opposed to the maximum sentence imposed on the convicted soldiers.

The debate is of course ‘live’ and open, and, as it appears, one that would endure for a while. To be sure, it is one unlikely to be obviated by reductionist argument about the military court-martial being an inescapable component of military justice system. For while the soldiers truly signed to die fighting for their country, nowhere is it implied in the service rules that they could be treated as expendables! Indeed, their preparedness to lay their lives down for their country would seem to impose the onerous burden on society, and no less their primary constituency – the military – to discharge their own burden of equipping them and watching their backs!

This is what the military call espirit de corps; it’s what gives colour to the patriotic spirit. It seems about time the military high command reflect on those.

‘The demon of indiscipline is one the Nigerian military as an institution must confront – and win!

The issue however is whether the mess can be cleaned up by the draconian justice that the military has long perfected – and one that makes no fine distinction between dissent, no matter how legitimate, and the more grave charge of refusal to obey lawful orders’

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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COMMENTS

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T is often said that when people are about departing this world, they do some things that were not normally associated with them. I don’t know if this was true of Mr Dimgba Igwe, the ‘twin’ brother of Mr Mike Awoyinfa, both of who can claim to be the ‘father’ of tabloid journalism in Nigeria.

As we gathered at the domestic wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja (MM2) that Wednesday afternoon late August on the way to Katsina for the 10th All Nigerian Editors Conference, I saw Dimgba Igwe seated as I entered the departure hall and I made my way to where he was to pay homage to a former boss and senior colleague. ‘Ah Waheed how are you’ he said and stretched his hands towards me as I bent down in greetings.

‘This man is unusually warm towards me’ I said to myself.

Later as I was discussing with NGE president and Managing Director/EditorIn-Chief of Sun Newspapers Femi Adesina, Dimgba came over and started chatting with us. This looked strange to me as I was not really close to him to the point of sharing banters with him.

At the conference proper in Katsina, Dimgba was active throughout in a way I had never seen him before. ‘This is a new Dimgba’ I thought, different from the man I knew in our days at Concord Press and later The Sun Publishing. ‘Dimgba of the people’!

I had never seen that side to his person before or maybe I didn’t look closely.

Dimgba to me was a man devoted to journalism and serious work and had no time for throwing of banters or even ‘unionism’

‘Dimgba, whichever way you look at him, made his mark in journalism and together with his good friend Mike Awoyinfa will be remembered for making Saturday newspapers in Nigeria a delight they are today’

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To Dimgba and Auntie Remi as to be associated with the NGE. As we returned to Lagos, I still had that mental picture of him and I was beginning to look at myself and those stereotypes of me that some people have. Then the news came. Dimgba is no more. I couldn’t believe it. How? Where? When? I was asking nobody in particular. Then my mind went straight to my last encounters with him at the airport and in Katsina and I asked ‘was he saying goodbye in a way’?

And what a way to say it!

Dimgba, whichever way you look at him, made his mark in journalism and together with his good friend Mike Awoyinfa will be remembered for making Saturday newspapers in Nigeria a delight they are today.

Prior to the emergence of Weekend Concord from Concord Press stable, which both pioneered, Saturday papers were the weakest links in the chain of most newspaper organizations in Nigeria and the readership was expectedly poor. But Dimgba and Mike brought life and dynamism into Saturday journalism and the weekend papers have never remained the same ever since. They took journalism to the people and the people loved it. And if there was any doubt that this genre of journalism could succeed on a daily basis, they put that to rest with the phenomenal success story of the Daily Sun, Nigeria’s first daily tabloid. Everybody now seems to be on the bandwagon, thanks largely to the efforts of Dimgba and Mike.

They were like Siamese twins, seemingly

The excellent performance of the Falconets in the recent FIFA World Cup was a source of pure unadulterated joy to many of us. I stayed up late into the night and watched all their matches, for apart from being good entertainment, those teenagers exhibited such flair and dexterity in a game previously monopolised by men. The wonder girl Aishat from Ikorodu mesmerised the opposition.

The Federal Government, but particularly, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu – the Minister of Health; the Lagos State Governor Raji Fashola and his team deserve tons of encomium for the speed with which the wicked Ebola virus disease was contained and kept off limits and at bay. Those two recent performances made me walk tall as a Nigerian.

We cannot of course let our guards down as our borders are extremely porous and there are still many Patrick Sawyers lurking around seeking whom to devour.

As the big brother in Africa, it is my considered view that it is now time for Nigeria to export our expertise in EBOLA DISEASE MANAGEMENT to those sister African countries that are still hurting. Their grief must be shared with all who can help and we must not leave this to the United States or Europe.

The examples given demonstrate convincingly that we can win if we try hard enough. Nigerian students, especially at the post-graduate level have demonstrated repeatedly their ability to hold their own against the best in the world.

The great mathematician and physicist adjudged by Time Magazine as the greatest genius of the last century was once eulogised by his peers for his brilliance. His response was that it is not a matter of brilliance. The difference between him and his peers was that he stayed at problems much longer than his colleagues.

Every birthday is a milestone whether celebrated or not.

There is a class of people who forget their birthdays but this is a minority. Each birthday is therefore unique. Age 54 which Nigeria has just celebrated is nothing special. The more important milestones are 50, 60, 70, 75, 80 and for those genetically richly endowed 90 and above.

Age 54 is also time to redefine our goal as a nation and reassess our road map to that destination.

Please pause for a brief interjection. There is this unfortunate but misguided phobia in some of the President’s men.

These see any criticism of government or governance as an attack on the President. Reflexively, they mobilise with all cylinders firing in defence.

For avoidance of doubt, let it be clear to all who care to listen that government as defined by the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is the sum total of the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary working in synergy.

inseparable. What Mike lacks you found it in abundance in Dimgba and vice versa.

They were an example of what Nigerians could achieve if only they could put religion and ethnic differences aside. What a place Nigeria would be if we could have more Mikes and Dimgbas around.

In different ways, Mike and Dimgba were good examples to the younger breed of journalists then at Concord Press as we looked up to them and tried to be like them. While Mike could turn anything into a story or smell a story a thousand kilometers away, Dimgba was the painstaking one who would put your story together in a way that as a cub reporter, you’ll love, crossing the Ts and dotting the Is. He was the listening type, thorough and no time for frivolities; the enforcer. I don’t know whether he had a social life, but what he probably ‘lost’ there he gained by devoting his other life outside journalism to his Christian faith. As he begins his final journey home this weekend, we wish him eternal rest in the bosom of The Lord.

Goodnight Dimgba.

Just as we were trying to get over the loss of Dimgba, tragedy struck the journalism family in Nigeria again, last week when it was announced that Auntie Remi Oyo, one time President Nigerian Guild of Editor, Presidential Spokesman during the presidency of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and immediate past Managing Director News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had passed on.

I don’t know whose death was more shock-

Slackers @ 54

By Eddie Mbadiwe For further clarification let us also be aware that there is a fine dividing line between the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the person Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

You can call this line a thin permeable membrane if you will. Enough for the detour.

There are a few questions which a country at 54 must address. Have we achieved all we are capable of? If not, why not and can we do better going forward? Have our levels of efficiency or inefficiency in routine administrative matters affected or slowed us down in our march to Eldorado?

Why is it that in October 2014 (three months to the end of the financial year) only 30% of the capital projects in the 2014 Appropriation Act have been implemented? Why must it take the whole life of the current 7th National Assembly to pass an important bill like the Petroleum Industry Bill? Why must anybody, including all government departments award contracts without capturing the necessary payments funds in banks?

My fellow compatriots can we really be talking transformation if these basic and fundamental issues are not addressed and rectified?

The Nigerian Project is our collective march but the direction to a large extent is determined by the helmsman.

Each month the Federal Bureau of Statistics and the Ministry of Finance roll out a lot of figures – most of which try to convince us that our economy is getting better. The reality on the street and that is what matters most as any straw poll will show is totally different. The average Nigerian says life was better 10 years ago than today. The money in peoples pocket has diminished purchasing power and there is insecurity in the land. Night life don quench – to put it in Fela’s language.

Our newspapers and media houses have a sacred responsibility to write and reflect the true state of the nation. For purposes of emphasis, let us take one more look at the time we waste in processing documents for this is crucial. A director literally sat on a file to be processed for C of O for a period of 12 months. That director has no business being in the civil service and the Permanent Secretary who continues to shield him is inflicting terrible damage to Nigeria. Both of them are enemies of this country. The explanation when queried is that it is the Nigerian system or factor. That of course is rubbish as there is only one acceptable system and that is efficiency system.

ing to me, Dimgba’s or Auntie Remi’s.

Since the day I met this woman some time in 1990, she remained not just a big sister or senior colleague, but like a mother to me. I recall the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) holding its Information Ministers Conference in Abuja some time in 1990 and I was assigned to cover the event for Concord Press. Then Abuja was not what it is today. We were all holed up at the then NICON-NOGA Hilton Hotel, the only 5-Star facility in town, so everything had to be done there. In the course of the conference, I took ill and this woman I never knew from anywhere took care of me like her younger brother, took me to the clinic in the hotel, ensured that I got treated and insisted I used my drugs as prescribed. Auntie Remi made sure then Information Minister Prince Tony Momoh was aware of my situation and I was given a VIP’s treatment. She was God sent to me as I had nowhere or no one to turn to in Abuja. Auntie, I pray that God will also send a helper to your children wherever and whenever they need help. Though you are no longer with us, wherever you are I pray that God will grant your soul eternal rest and perfect peace. Amen. Goodnight Auntie.

As Fayose’s episode continues…

On this page last week I called for support for Ekiti State Governor-elect, Mr Ayodele Fayose as we move towards his swearing in on October 16. Some read that as an endorsement of the mayhem he visited on the state judiciary a couple of weeks ago; far from it. I strongly hold the opinion that he should be punished for whatever part he played in the reign of terror that he led his supporters/thugs to unleash on judges and others on that fateful day. I belief he is unworthy of the office of the governor of Ekiti State into which his people have ‘voted’ him. But what can I do? It is only the people of Ekiti State and their judiciary that can address the situation, but the constitution must be allowed to prevail. The judiciary must fight for itself while the people must also take their destiny in their hands. Fayose and his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have set a dangerous precedent. It is left for Ekiti people and the judiciary to act. But the rest of Nigeria is watching.

I understand that Chief Obafemi Awolowo as Premier of Western Region made sure no file stayed on his desk for more than 24 hours. He also did not take any office work home. Paul Ogwuma, as Managing Director of Union Bank adopted Chief Awolowo’s style but went one step further and could see as many as 20 customers in an hour leaving all of them satisfied. The current Head of Federal Civil Service straight from petroleum ministry may like to explore this route.

Not too long ago, I was in a discussion with a foreigner who said he was frustrated out of investing in Nigeria because of delays and bureaucratic bottlenecks. Another doctor friend of mine who retired from the Federal Public Service has been processing his retirement benefits for two years and is still counting.

The reality is that all these need not be so. A paradigm shift is our work ethics is an urgent desideratum if we want to join the league of developed nations. This transformation can happen in a few short years as Singapore has shown.

To achieve this, eminent dermatologist and author Professor Anezi Okoro is convinced some loose screws upstairs need tightening. I, on the other hand am convinced it is a matter of passionate committed reorientation from top to bottom. It is impossible to escape the positive trickle-down effect. Murtala Muhammed, for the few short months he ruled, did it.

At 54, one commodity that Nigeria has a surfeit is sycophancy. We seem to be lacking in courage on the other hand. As we move forward to building a virile and prosperous nation that will be a source of pride to us all, my prayer is that God will grant Nigeria and Nigerians courage to know when to stand up and speak and also courage to know when to sit down and listen.

• Hon. Dr. Mbadiwe is a member of House of Representatives

‘Why is it that in October 2014 (three months to the end of the financial year) only 30% of the capital projects in the 2014 Appropriation Act have been implemented? Why must it take the whole life of the current 7th National Assembly to pass an important bill like the Petroleum Industry Bill? Why must anybody, including all government departments award contracts without capturing the necessary payments funds in banks?’

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

25

’

The vessel, MT Brave came to our jetty and we attended to it. We discharged 4,264 metric tonnes into the tank farm and the balance was taken away

’ See page 38

E-mail:- law@thenationonlineng.net

Chief Idowu Sofola (SAN) turned 80 on September 29. Born in Ikenne, Ogun State, he was called to the English Bar at Middle Temple Inn of Court, London on July 17, 1962. He enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria on July 30, 1962, after studying Law at Westminster College of Commerce, London and Holborn College of Law. He was elected General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 1979 and Secretary-General of the International Bar Association (IBA) in 1986 - the first African and the first non-white to hold the office. Sofola was elevated to Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 1989 after 29 years at the Bar. In this interview with JOSEPH JIBUEZE, he speaks on improving the legal profession and tackling the prevailing security challenges.

‘Some of our judges are lazy’ OW do you feel at 80?

I feel great. Sometimes, I ask myself: ‘Am I 80 really?’

A few years ago when people called me ‘Baba’, I would say: ‘Why are you calling me Baba? I’m a young man like you.’ But now I think the truth is I’m ‘Baba’. I thank and I give glory to God. How do you see the profession now compared to when you began your career?

Things have changed. Those days we were very highly respected. A lawyer was respected and trusted, but now we’ve lost a lot of that. Our boys are not as serious as we were those days. There was a lot of hard work and preparations before going to court. Otherwise, we’re coping; we’re managing.

Who were your mentors?

There were many of them, such as my late brother Kehinde Sofola and Chief Rotimi Williams (SAN). Chief Fani Kayode (SAN) was a fantastic man; H. O Davies many of them.

Why did you go into the profession?

First, I think it must have been the work of God. But then when my late brother arrived from England as a lawyer, I was always with him, and I was like his office clerk. Especially during the holidays, I would go out serving court processes and letters and doing the job of a clerk–even during school days. I was going to court with him and I was carried away with how he handled cases. He made a lot of impression on me. The way he dressed those days, one could not but get carried away. In order to become a lawyer I had to go to England. In our own days we had only the University of Ibadan and they were not offering law. They were limited in the courses they offered in those days.

What would you have studied if not Law? I probably would have been a doctor, and maybe I would have made it, but I have no regret with this one (law).

What was the experience in your early days of practice?

When I made up my mind to go and read law, I resigned from the Federal Ministry of Labour and joined the judiciary as a court clerk. That gave me some experience. When I finished in England and after being called to Bar, I enrolled for nine-month post-call classes. By the time I came back, I was not just a certificate holder. I had gone beyond that. My brother would give me file and ask me to go to so and so court and handle this ex-parte motion. I went and I did it. The following day he would say go to that court. I was a bit jittery alright, but not as bad, and quickly I got over it.

Did you specialise in any area of Law? It’s good to specialise, but when we started, if you say you specialised, and somebody comes to you with a problem outside your area of specialisation and you say ‘no, I don’t deal with that’, he would think this man didn’t complete his law studies. So you have to be prepared to take any case. It costs you more time because you have to go and read up the law on the issue, but somehow you get used to it. But now that we’re getting many and we’re now having chambers with partners and associates, we can now specialise. It is unlike our days of one-man practice and you must be able to handle any case which came to you. To

INSIDE:

H

‘Law to stop abandoned projects coming’ -Page 27

• Chief Sofola

PHOTOS: SOLOMON ADEOLA

•Continued on page 26

UNILAG wins moot competition -Page 28

Kudos to small scale enterprises -Page 39

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

26

LAW COVER CONT’D •Continued from page 26

specialise is better. You become better.

How can the falling standards you referred to be addressed?

You have to go back to the schools, to the university, because the products – when they speak English you will think they’re good, but let them write something down for you.

You will be surprised. We have to sit them up from there, and even at the Law Schools.

When some come into practice, they’re thinking of money, money, money. Money will come when it will come. You should take the first years of your practice as an extension of your law school studies. Money will come when it will. Work hard.

Can a young lawyer learn on the job on their own?

I’ll ask them to think twice, because they cannot make it. What you learned in the Law School is how to find your law when you need it. You learn the law itself in practice.

When we come to practice we come to learn it. And how do you learn it? By practicing it.

And how do you practice it? You must have the case. If you graduate as a lawyer with first class, your father has money and gives you a whole house and you set up a chambers, spend millions to buy books, if clients don’t come to you to handle cases, you won’t have cases to learn from or practice with. So you have to work with a senior, who will give you cases, then you practice, make mistakes and learn. Even your father, as rich as he is, cannot bring his friends to come and experiment with his son. It’s not possible.

Were there adjudication delays in your early years of practice?

In my days, if you had a case in the High Court – we used to refer to Mondays as ‘callover days’, you take a date for hearing. Sometimes they give you one day; sometimes two, sometimes three and the cases will go on those days. Nobody has reason to come and say I’m not ready, not even the judge. Now you go to court on any day and you see about 20 to 30 cases on the judge’s list! He could spend half a day giving dates and before taking a case that day. That really kills time.

The old system of just taking a date is important. We have more judges, yet problems still come up.

What other problems have you noticed?

Another problem is with our judges: some of them are lazy. I think we should be more careful the way we take in judges. Let us appoint serious ones and when they get there get them to work hard. In those days, at 9.am, the judge knocks on the down and he is sitting. But now you find some judges sitting 10.30am or 11.30am. Some that sit at 9.30am, in an hour’s time, they would say: ‘The court will rise and come back’. All these cause delays.

How can lawyers help to save time?

Some lawyers too are always asking for adjournments, sometimes because they have so many cases in a day. Why should you have two cases in a day before different judges?

And some lawyers who are not ready find reason to cause an adjournment. Sometimes they know they have bad cases; instead of telling the client from the word go that it is a bad case, they say ‘let’s go on’. And he keeps on finding reason to take adjournment.

What is the way out?

Also, asking judges to do cases like election petitions or sit in tribunals – taking them away from their own job means cases before them are not heard. So let us leave some of these things to retired judges. There are retired ones who are still strong, active, agile and able to deliver. For some of them, you wonder: ‘Why is this one going on retirement’? There are good ones who leave the

‘I think it’s a national problem. I think all politicians should forget politics and sit down together. There are things they should know that must not be exposed to the public. Nigeria is for all of us. I’m not happy that the insurgents are gaining the hand they are gaining’

• Chief Sofola

‘Some of our judges are lazy’ Bench all because they have reached the retirement age. They are good materials for this type of thing. There are many of them.

Are you worried by corruption in the judiciary?

When I came back from England in those days and started practice, there was no corruption in the judiciary. When it was starting, it was in the magistrates’ court where they said some magistrates were collecting money to grant bail. I didn’t believe it because nobody took money from me. But later, it went from there to the high court. It remained in the high court for a long time before it went to the Court of Appeal and now the Supreme Court. At that time the Body of Senior Advocates gathered and said look, let us talk to the authorities not to make promotions from magistracy to the high court automatic so they will not go and corrupt the place.

How can it be tackled?

We said let us appoint people from the Bar, decent people, Senior Advocates of Nigeria to the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court since the law allows it. We passed that resolution at that time and gave it to the authorities. Corruption would have been killed at that time. But those we knew were actually corrupt as magistrates were elevated. Now it is there and we cannot allow it to continue.

The present Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Mukhtar is doing her best. They dismiss and retire judges. I think she should continue that way and let others follow suit.

Should corrupt judges better not be tried for corruption?

We’ve started from somewhere. Something has started. But I agree with you. But before now, how many of them were retired, or dismissed or sacked? We’ve started somewhere.

We should encourage those who are doing it to keep doing it.

Terrorism is one of Nigeria’s biggest challenges. Is the fight against it being handled aright?

Before one can judge, you have to be in possession of facts. The problem we have in this country is that many of us we say things that will suit us, and we attack when we think we’ll gain advantage from there. For example we heard America said Israel should not send drones. I also heard America and England refused to send to us because they believe we’re not using them in the right way. We also heard from the news too that the boys we sent out are running away from battlefront because they don’t have enough ammunition.

What is the solution?

I think it’s a national problem. I think all politicians should forget politics and sit down together. There are things they should know that must not be exposed to the public. Nigeria is for all of us. I’m not happy that the insurgents are gaining the hand they are gaining. I thought they would have been crushed within six months. Let us work together. Let us all be patriotic and fight as patriots. In

England and America, if anything happens, everyone forgets politics and faces the national problem and fights it together.

How does Nigeria of the past compare to now?

A lot has changed. I was born in Ikene where there was no hospital or maternity centre. I was told my mother gave birth to me unaided because there was nobody around to help her. While we were taking our school certificate, an officer would come from the Ministry of Works to interview us for employment. By the time we finished our exams, we already had jobs. Also by the time we were finishing from the university, work was already waiting for us with a car and accommodation. But things have changed now. As a school certificate holder, you can’t even look for job except the job of a houseboy or a messenger.

Would you say that values have changed?

Lawyers used to be highly respected. One day I was coming from the court and I passed through Leventis, I saw brand new cars. One of the sales people asked me which one I wanted and I told him that I was just looking at them. He asked me to take one and pay later. Their own car was 850 pounds but they said that I could trade in my own for 250 pounds and they told me that I could pay the remaining 600 pounds in installments within three months. I raised the first installment but my elder brother ended up paying the rest. They allowed me to take the car home without depositing or signing any document.

Can they do that to anybody now? No one can be trusted. One day I was in the high court and wanted to use the rest room. I kept my wig and gown at the entrance. When I came out in two or three minutes, my wig and gown had disappeared. They must have been stolen by a lawyer!

Did you ever consider leaving the Bar for the Bench or politics?

I was invited to the Bench, initially as a magistrate and later as a judge, but I refused.

I have never been interested in politics because I can’t stand the way politics is being practised in Nigeria. There is no patriotism in Nigerian politics. I was interested in the Labour Party when I was in England. I was attending their meetings but when I came back and saw the way things were done, I decided that it was not for me.

Court rules on ex-Transcorp directors’ trial tomorrow

T

HE Federal High Court sitting in Abuja will tomorrow rule on a nocase submission made by a former Group Managing Director of Transnational Corporation (Transcorp) Plc Mr Thomas Iseghohi and two others.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him, the former Company Secretary Mohammed Buba and Deputy General Manager Mike Okoli in 2009.

They were tried on 32-count charge of fraud and money laundering in connection with the botched acquisition of Nigeria Telecommunications (NITEL)

by Transcorp.

The prosecution opened its case on January 23 last year. Trial began before Justice

By Joseph Jibueze

D.U Okorowo before it was transferred to Justice Evoh Chukwu.

The first prosecution witness (PW1) was Helen Iwuchukwu, now Company Secretary and former Legal Adviser, Department of Shared Services and Strategic Partnership of Transcorp when the alleged crime was committed.

She testified that her job was to review and draw up commercial contracts. She said the Department of State Security Services (DSS) collected all the contracts in her possession for investigation.

When asked on cross examination if she could tell the court how the accused persons transferred N15 billion to three com-

panies, she said she was not in a position to know.

She also stated that she knew nothing about a company or any contract drawn for Global Employment Solutions Incorporated (GESI) as alleged in counts three and four of the charge.

Five other witnesses testified for the prosecution, with PW4, who was in charge of audit and finance, saying he did not trace any money to the accused persons.

The prosecution could not secure the attendance of former Transcorp chairman Mrs Ndi Okereke Onyuike to testify despite adjournments.

The fifth prosecution witness, Aminueem Mohammed, an EFCC operative, said he investigated the case but

added under cross examination that the commission did not receive any petition from Transcorp and NITEL against the accused persons, nor did they complain about missing funds.

EFCC, on May 22, closed its case, but the defendants’ lawyers believe the prosecution did not prove the allegations.

Consequently, they filed a no-case submission, urging the court to dismiss the charge because it established no prima facie case against the defendants.

According to them, the core ingredients of all the offences were not proved, adding that all the companies named in the charge have no link to the accused persons.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

27

LAW PERSONALITY Mr. Ntufam Fidel Ugbo, a lawyer, is the Executive Secretary National Planning Commission (NPC) and Secretary to the National Economic Council (NEC). A former Director with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Ugbo was Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner for Finance, Planning and Budget in Cross River State before he was appointed to the NPC. He is a governorship aspirant in Cross River State. He speaks with JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU on law and economic development.

‘Law to stop abandoned projects coming’

C

AN you give us an insight into your background, where you were born and how you started as a young man?

Well, every human being, no matter what he or she is in life and how highly placed, must have started from somewhere. And anywhere you start from, you can call it your scratching point. So, I started from the scratch. I was not born in the city.

I’m a rural boy, I grew up in a rural community, went to primary school in a rural community, except that I was exceptionally brilliant in my academics.

What do you mean by this ?

Well, I said that because I made a distinction in my primary school examinations, that is First School Leaving Certificate. I went to secondary school in the then East Central State. I then went to the University of Calabar, first degree in economics, second degree, finance and eventually, I went to read law, went to Nigerian Law School. I was eventually called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005.

What have you been doing all these years?

In all these years, I have worked in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). I was one time the commissioner for finance, planning and budget and eventually ended up as the Secretary to the Government of Cross Rivers State and now, Executive Secretary, National Planning Commission and Secretary, National Economic Council.

As the Secretary to the National Planning Commission, what is the work of the commission?

The commission is special. It is the only commission in Nigeria that has its duties spanning the three tiers of government, the Federal, states and local governments. We oversee every planning activity across the tiers of government and whatever we do as the planning commission also cascades to all these tiers of government.

We are also a window to the world in attracting grants from donor agencies, from bilateral partners into Nigeria. We are also a coordinating commission. We coordinate all development assistance that comes into Nigeria for any ministry, department or an agency of government. While the Ministry of Finance is in charge of credit facilities, anything such as loan facility, credit facility, it is the Ministry of Finance. Any grants, in aids to Nigeria either in cash or in kind, comes through the National Planning Commission.

Law has been defined as an instrument of social engineering. What aspects of our laws do you think should be amended to fast track economic development in the country?

Law and economics go hand in hand, law and development go hand in hand. If you create an enabling environment what it means is that your legal systems are perfect. You can encourage investors to come and invest because the legal environment is conducive for them to operate and when that happens, it brings devel-

• Ugbo

opment, so you see the nexus between law and economic development. When you embark on projects and programmes of governments, governments come and go, but the programmes and projects you established would continue to remain.

How do we ensure that the law helps us to ensure that progress and development are sustained? What we in the National Planning Commission noticed is that when governments come into power, the first thing they do is to abandon what the previous administration did.

And to us, that is a loss to the Nigerian populace.

What are you doing about this?

We came up with a law which we call Projects Continuity Bill, which is before the National Assembly, believing that the National Assembly will look at it and pass it into law so that no administration, whether it is the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) or is the All Progressives Congress (APC), will come to power and abandon what the immediate past administration did. This is beneficial to Nigerians and not to any particular person or any political party. So we expect that such a law would be put in place as it will help us in our development efforts. It will help Nigerians to realise the benefits of their taxes. That is how law can assist in ensuring that there is development.

That is how law will ensure that people, who are supposed to bring in money, invest and bring development come in when the environment is right and the legal systems properly put in place. That is the relationship between law and development and we believe that we are doing a great job in addressing that.

One of the problems in Nigeria is lack of continuity in government policies. What is your commission doing to stop this?

We are trying to see that there is continuity in government development policies. Remember that we started with the vision 2020. About 5000 Nigerians participated in tracking the Nigerian vision. Why did we get all Nigerians from all walks of life to participate in that? It is because we didn’t want it to look as if it is Federal Government document.

No, it should be a Nigerian document. So, every Nigerian was given the opportunity to make a contribution to that plan. And when that came up, the states in the same vein, followed suit by developing their own vision which was derived from the national vision.

To ensure that we coordinate and ensure the working together of the three tiers of government, we have the National Economic Council, which is chaired by the Vice President with all the 36 Governors in at-

tendance and you know that the constitution places the responsibility of the governance of the third tier of government, which is the local governments in the states.

So, if the governors are in attendance, they are representing their states. So, this meeting holds every month where we discuss matters that affect the Federal Government, the states and the local governments in one sitting and everything we need to do as a nation. This is very important and we coordinate this meeting from the National Planning Commission, which is an aspect we think we are doing well.

Which values do you think have been added to the governance of this country?

Well, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, a sitting President did a mid-term review of his achievements. That is Mr President’s Transformation Agenda mid-term report.

He published a report where he challenged Nigerians, saying, this is what he has achieved in the two years of his presidency and if anybody doubts what was contained in the report, he is free to debunk it by showing that what was written was not correct. Up till this moment, nobody has come out to say that what the President presented was not true. That report was was facilitated by the National Planning Commission, they came up with that report.

We have set up a national monitoring and evaluation system for the country, which is working very robustly. We have established a Geographic Information System (GIS) monitoring laboratory in the National Planning Commission because we know that we are in an age of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) which we must apply in running all our processes.

We have done all that, which is the pride of the commission, and it happened during my tenure as the secretary to the commission. So, I am indeed, proud that we are doing what we ought to do and we partner other organs of government that are available to us like the Joint Planning Board What is the work of this Joint Planning Board?

The Joint Planning Board is a body where all the states planning commissioners meet quarterly to discuss issues that affect the three tiers of government and what can be done.

We make resolutions, go ahead to enforce them and at the same time monitor what is going on. The National Monitoring and Evaluation that we have put in place, is also encouraging the states to adopt the same system because it will help us to know what we are achieving and where we are failing. This is be-

cause once we know where we are achieving well and where we are failing, we can correct the failures and improve on the positively. So, to that extent, we are making wonderful contributions and we are coordinating what happens across the three tiers of governments.

What do you monitor and evaluate?

We monitor budgets and programmes implemented by the three tiers, Federal Government fiscal projects. We develop a monitoring evaluation report every year to tell what ministries and departments are achieving every year and whatever do not achieve, we report also.

Why do you do this ?

We do this because we want to give them an opportunity to see what they are doing, because as the saying goes, you do not see yourself, you can only see yourself with a mirror. And we being the mirror through which the ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) see themselves, we give them that report, so as to see clearly what they are doing right and what they are not doing wrong. We a also monitor programmes and not only projects.

It is widely speculated that you intend to be Cross River State governor next year, what is your reaction to this?

Service to me has been part of my life because when I was talking to you about the areas I have offered services here and there, you will see that it has always been a life of service to the people, service the nation and all that. And if at this point in time I consider that I have all it takes to step up my service to my state, I think I’m right.

What makes you think you are the man for the job?

Yes, in 2006 I aspired to be the Governor of my state. I am a team player and at the end of the day we agreed and came together. We worked together to actualise the dream for one of us, who happens to be the current Governor.

Now 2015 is around the corner , the guidelines are indeed, out and my people still believe that I have what it takes to give them that leadership and I have been urged to renew the aspiration I started in 2006.

I cannot let my people down, I will take up the challenge and I will show interest.

There was an advertisement in the newspapers where you were quoted to have said that you rejected the Lagos accord of three musketeers, what is your reaction to this?

I was shocked to the marrows when I read the advertisements in the newspapers. I was shocked be-

‘You can encourage investors to come and invest because the legal environment is conducive for them to operate and when that happens, it brings development’

cause I did not understand why human beings could go to the extent of concocting, fabricating and publishing such lies in the newspapers just to undermine other candidates and achieve political gains.

That advertisement did not come from me nor did it emanate from my campaign office. How can I go ahead to say that a government, which I am fully part of, is a slave driver? It then means that I am a slave driver. Above all, we have done our best for our people and the country in general. Mischief makers used the photographs of our Governor and that of our former governor to do that. They made it sound as if it came from my campaign train. It is really unfortunate and this kind of politics must be discouraged by all. The press should always cross check who is sending advertisements to them.

They should always confirm the authenticity and verify the source, so as not to embarrass innocent citizens, defame them or infringe on their fundamental rights.

As an embodiment of economics, law and finance, how do you intend to touch the lives of ordinary people of Cross River if elected as Governor in next year?

At times when you are growing up in life, you go through certain processes that may look like you don’t know what God is doing, but He is deliberately preparing you for certain responsibilities.

You may never know that. But somehow, somewhere along the line, you will begin to realise that God was indeed, preparing you for a great task. I started my life as an economist. I was engaged in the Central Bank of Nigeria as an economist where I worked for 24 years. Out of the 24 years, 20 years were with the CBN and four years were the years I spent as Commissioner for Finance, Planning and Budget in Cross River State. That was between 1995 and 1999.

When I returned to the Bank, I read law and took a Masters’ degree in Finance, which exposed me to all forms of financing options and all that. As if that was to say look, you are going to face a state that is financially challenged, you should have those views to decide on how you are going to innovatively create some financing that will help to propel development in the state.

So, I believe that these backgrounds I had, with the fact that I worked at the CBN and in the International Economic Relations Department of the Bank, I am now working in National Planning Commission where I have to coordinate and direct development assistance to Nigeria, interface with development partners and interface with bilateral partners from different parts of the world that send one form of development assistance or the other to the nation. That in itself has also placed me in a better position to bring this experience to bear on the people of Cross River State to be able to share the benefits.

How do you think your law background would help in governing the state?

Politics is all about law and order.

My law background will be able to give me an insight into what should be the proper legal frameworks, the proper laws that we should put in place to propel our economic development in order to create the enabling environment for governance.

How does it enhance the understanding between the executive and legislative arms of government? If you have somebody who has a fair idea of the law, you will be able to manage the relationship among the Legislative, the Executive and the Judiciary. So, these have placed me in a position where I will be able to address some of these issues for the benefit of the people of Cross River State.

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LAW & SOCIETY The Law Faculties of Nigerian Universities come together every year to hold the Moot Court Competition to develop advocacy skill. Last week, six universities participated in the competition sponsored by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN). ADEBISI ONANUGA reports.

•Magistrate Olagbegi-Adelabu (first left) presenting awards to Jaiyeoba and Oyewo

UNILAG wins moot competition

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HE Students Association of the Law Society, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos (UNILAG) has won the fourth Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) Annual Mooting Competition.

The society scored 82.25 per cent to beat five other universities including University of Benin (UNIBEN); University of Nigeria, Nnsuka (UNN); Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo and Babcock University, Ilishan.

They were marked “Team A-F”.

OAU was the first runner-up with 81.25 per cent while UNN was the second runnerup.

The competition, which held at the auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies(NIALS), had Magistrate Adejumoke Olagbegi-Adelabu and Ms. Onyinye Ukegbu as judges.

John Odey of OAU won the award for the best “Oralist Advocate”.

The UNIBEN team won last year, defeating UNILAG and LASU. In this year’s competition, Manedi is as a imaginary republic; Tavardi a state and Fentoc a local government council area in Tavardi.

Team F (UNILAG) was represented by Jaiyeoba Daniel and Timilehin Oyewo; Team B (UNN) by Omeye Emenike and Micheal Nwaneka and Team E (OAU) by Odey and Elizabeth Whesu .

The plaintiff, Gaston Minerals Limited, rep-

resented by Team F, filed a suit at the Federal High Court of Manedi, within the Tavardi judicial division, against the Federal Government of Manedi and prayed the court for damages for frustrating a contract to mine uraniums. Gaston Minerals listed defendants to include the Attorney-General of the Federal Republic of Manendi as first defendant and Fentoc City Local Government as second defendant. They were represented

by Team B and Team E respectively.

The plaintiff, Gaston Minerals, sought seven reliefs from the court, urging it court to determine whether Fentoc City Local Government exists under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Manendi; whether the Tavardi State House of Assembly can validly pass a law renaming Fentoc town as Fentoc City; whether Fentoc City amended law amounted to a declaration of the independence of Tavardi State under the constitution and international conventions and laws.

Gaston further prayed the ‘court’ to determine whether Fentoc City Local Government has jurisdiction to seal off the uranium mines; whether the new President of Manendi, Kato, can validly terminate and re-award mining contract earlier awrded to another company, Toma Company International Limited, and whether President of Manendi is stopped from denying the de jure existence of Tavardi State as a republic among other prayers.

•Ukegbu (left) presenting the award to Odey

The Attorney-General, the first defendant in the suit, filed a defence where he claimed that the suit was wrongly filed and that the matter ought to be between the plaintiff and Tavardi State with Fentoc Local Government as co-defendant.

Fentoc Local Government, on the other hand, filed a statement of defense in which it claimed control over the uranium mine and other minerals in the state, having declared that the state is independent of the republic of Manendi and as attested to by its state House of Assembly, which passed a bill into law to declare its independence and which has been signed by the governor, Dansaki.

All the counsels filed written briefs to support their clients’ positions, the judges however, did not deliver any judgment but made observations on the briefs. In her observation, Magistrate Olagbegi-Adelabu noted that the briefs of Teams F, E and B are similar

in style and are more of rulings and judgments than lawyers’ submissions. She took the students through how briefs and submissions are written by lawyers as against the style for writing judgments.

Ukegbu, who said she had “floor fright” on her first day in court, commended the students for exhibiting confidence and standing their ground in the defence of the reliefs they sought.

The two judges noted that the teams were articulate and praised the students for their diligence and for presenting well researched positions before the court. They told the teams that their verdict was based on the facts presented by the counsels for the plaintiff, the first and second defendants.

Court asked to reopen Abuja multi-billion naira market

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HIGH Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has been urged to order the reopening of the multi-billion naira Wuye Market, Abuja.

It was shut following an earlier order of the court.

The market, with a capacity for 1,700 shops, was commissioned in February by President Goodluck Jonathan. It has not been put to use due to the disagreement among interested parties.

The court had, shortly after the market was commissioned, restrained the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), a mortgage firm, All Purpose Shelters Limited (APSL) and the Abuja Property Development Company, from allocating the shops or opening the market for business.

The court had, in its interim order, restrained the defendants “from allocating any office or offices in the market pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.”

The suit with No: M/864/14 was filed by over 370 subscribers to the market project, under the aegis of Wuye Ultra Modern Market Owners, built under the public private partnership (PPP) and Build,Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement.

But the 3rd defendants, APSL, in its amended statement of defence, urged the court to dismiss the plaintiffs’ case and order the re-opening of the market for business.

Trouble started when the plaintiffs had demanded for keys after being given letters of provisional offer of allocation of shop/ open space, but APSL was said to have insisted on their payment for the shops on the

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

ground that it built the market with its own resources and bank loan.

The plaintiffs claimed that APSL had, through an advertisement, invited and other members of the public to pay certain amount for allocation of shops in the market.

The plaintiffs stated that the offer letter was released o them because they had met the terms of their allocation, a claim APSL de-

scribed as untrue.

“The letters released to the plaintiffs were clearly marked “letter of provisional offer of allocation of shops/open space” which is dependent on other conditions stipulated in their letters of provisional offer”, APSL said.

It stated that the time it ought to recoup its investment has started running since February 6, 2014 when the market was commissioned.

“The 3rd (APSL) defendant humbly urge the honourable Court in view of its investment to hold that the Plaintiffs are not entitled to Shops at Wuye Ultra Modern Market, Order that the shops be allocated t people who have paid for the value of development and Order that full scale business transaction be commenced to avoid dapidation of the buildings”, the 3rd defendant said.

The case has been adjourned to October 9, 2014.

Court adjourns APC member’s suit

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HE Federal High Court in Lagos will on November 20 hear a motion for substituted service in a suit by an All Progressives Congress (APC) member Mr Bamidele Avoseh against the party.

The plaintiff is praying the court to nullify the party’s state congress held in May for allegedly being irregular.

The APC, Mr Joseph Ayodeji, Mr Tayo Sanyaolu, Hon. Tunde Balogun, Chairman APC Lagos, APC National Chairman and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are the respondents.

Earlier, Avoseh’s lawyer Mr Omoniyi Aruwayo, had sought to move his motion exparte, but Justice James Tsoho directed that the defendants be put on notice, adding that it would be tidier to do so before it is moved.

At the resumed hearing, the lawyer said he was unable to serve Sanyaolu and Chairman of APC in Lagos, alleging they evaded service.

Aruwayo, therefore, sought to serve them by alternative means, such as by pasting the suit on the walls of their offices or publishing

By Joseph Jibueze

it in a newspaper.

The plaintiff is seeking a declaration that the alleged refusal to submit his name as a delegate duly listed to contest the state Delegates’ Congress was contrary to the Electoral Act. In a supporting affidavit, Avoseh said the APC guidelines required the state congress committee to display the names of candidates vying for party positions in wards, local government and state congresses.

He said that the committee was to announce aspirants’ names within 48 hours before the election, and forward them to INEC, informing it of the congress venue.

The plaintiff said his name and those of four others were listed as state congress aspirants from Apapa Ward C on a harmonised list, signed by Ayodeji, the council chairman.

Avoseh said Sanyaolu was listed as an aspirant for the Local Government Area (LGA) Election in Apapa Ward C

According to the plaintiff, on April 25, the list of all Wards in Apapa LGA was published and delegates’ tags released to aspirants, but Apapa Ward’s list was missing.

The delegates’ tags, he said, were not given to him and others who were listed on the harmonised ward list, and so he was not allowed into the APC state’s secretariat, venue of the congress on April 26, on the basis that he was not accredited.

Avoseh said Sanyaolu was then handpicked as an aspirant for the state congress election without vying for the position, and was eventually elected APC youth leader.

The plaintiff is, therefore, seeking a declaration that the non-accreditation of aspirants and the exclusion of his name is unconstitutional, and constituted an affront on due electoral process.

He is seeking an order nullifying results of the APC local government and state congresses for irregularities, and for not complying with electoral guidelines.

Newspaper of the Year

AN 8-PAGE PULLOUT ON NORTHERN STATES

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

PAGE 29

The rate at which most federal roads across the country are deteriorating has become a source of concern. Nigerians have been calling on Federal Government to fix them, especially the Okene/ Ajaokuta/Itobe Road that has become a haven for robbers. JAMES AZANIA reports

•The road

M

Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe Road: Haven for robbers

OTORISTS and other users of the Okene/Ajaokuta/ Itobe Roadm, in Kogi State, have been going through harrowing experiences of late. The road occupies a very important position as it links the North with the Eastern parts of the country.

During its good days, travelling from Okene to any of the states in the East took less hours. The road was smooth, making the journey

Vandals sabotage Nigeria’s economy,

by IPMAN •PAGE 30

James Azania, Lokoja

easy and comfortable.

Unfortunately, the once-smooth road has become a nightmare. It cuts across three local government areas of Okene, Ajaokuta and Ofu. Travellers on the road are daily afraid of robbers because of the bad nature of the road which was constructed in the mid-1980s; and cur-

rently ranks among the worst federal road in Kogi State. The road has, in recent times, claimed several lives, including prominent personalities of the state and others who plied the road.

The Kabba-Isanlu-Egbe-Ilorin Road is yet another terribly bad road in the state as well as the KabbaOkene Road, which links Kogi and Kwara states. The road traverses

Women farmers in Kwara get attention •PAGE 31

Kabba-Bunu, Yagba West and Ijumu local government areas.

Investigations by our correspondent revealed that fatal accidents occur on these roads almost daily, forcing several people to avoid it. Those who now ply the road are those without alternative routes to their destinations. Some of the critical accidents that have been recorded on the road within the last two months in-

Ndigbo and the festivity of their day •PAGE 33

cluded the one involving the member representing Ajaokuta Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sadiq Mohammed, which reportedly claimed the life of five persons. Mohammed survived the crash.

On September 3, this year, the immediate past Commissioner for Education in Kogi State, Mrs. Grace Elebiyo, died in a motor accident on the Kabba-Okene Road, another federal road begging for government’s attention.

Before her death, she was said to have been on the entourage of Governor Idris Wada’s “thank you” tour to Kabba. The member of the House of Representatives •Continued on page 30

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

30

THE NORTH REPORT

How Vandals sabotage Nigeria’s economy, by IPMAN ‘Many of the roads leading to T our depots are an

HE Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) has blamed nonavailability of petroleum products at the Ilorin Depot in the last eight months on the activities of petroleum pipelines vandals, even as it said the country loses millions of Naira daily to the activities of vandals.

The Chairman, Western Zone of IPMAN, Ogbonewo Adekoya said this in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, shortly after the inauguration of members of his executive.

Other members of the executive inaugurated included Mrs. Yemi Adeaga (Vice-Chairman), Otunba Odeyemi (Secretary) and Mr. Ogunbola Ayodeji (Assistant Secretary), among others.

Adekoya also berated the deplorable state of most of the roads leading to Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)’s depots across the country.

“Many of the roads leading to our depots are an eyesore and those are the places where the money is coming from. How much will it cost to make the roads linking these depots motorable? It is disgusting honestly.

“Government has a lot to do to help our operations and the oil industry at large. Government needs to put in place adequate security measures to monitor the pipelines as vandals have taken over our rights of way.

“In Ilorin Depot, the last time we had fuel supply was February this year, no thanks to the activities of vandals. It is worrisome. We are ready to collaborate with the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the menace.

“Pipelines vandalism has wreaked a lot of havoc to Nigerian economy and to even IPMAN members. I just said in the last eight

eyesore and those are the places where the money is coming from.

How much will it cost to make the roads linking these depots motorable?

It is disgusting honestly…

Government has a lot to do to help our operations and the oil industry at large. Government needs to put in place adequate security measures to monitor the pipelines as vandals have taken over our rights of way’ From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

months we have not loaded in Ilorin depot. It costs N180, 000 for a trailer to haul fuel from Lagos to Ilorin

•Some pipeline vandals paraded by the police

here. It is more viable and profitable for us to pick our products at the depot here and put it in our nearest stations than go to 300 kilometres. In essence, vandalism is causing us hardship. Government is losing millions of Naira from oil spill as a result of the activities of vandals,” he said.

The IPMAN boss extended hands of fellowship to all IPMAN members so as to move the association forward.

He said: “We need to wake up to our responsibilities in the Indepen-

dent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN) and move the association forward. A situation where some few people turn themselves into a cabal and corner what belongs to thousands of people is unacceptable. This can cause a lot of chaos and we don’t want that, as we are businessmen.

“Members of my executive will carry everybody along. We are not in enmity with anybody. We want to make IPMAN one. We should be one. I believe in reconciliation, that is my aspiration.”

‘We need to wake up ties in the Independent ers of Nigeria (IPMAN ciation forward. A situa few people turn themse and corner what belong people is unacceptable of chaos and we don’t w businessmen’

Okene-Ajaokuta-Itobe federal road is haven for robbers •Continued from page 29 was also said to be returning from one of such “thank you tours” to Ajaokuta.

Special Adviser to the Chairman of Ajaokuta Local Government Area Ibrahim Obansa said the deplorable condition of the roads is a source of concern to residents of the local government, pointing out that the horrible situation is having adverse effect on the economy of the local government.

He said: “The road has become a very serious concern to us, as stakeholder and motorist who ply the road, because the road is in a very sorry state; there are potholes that are as deep as gullies.

“Men of the underworld use the bad portions of the road as cover or hideout to rob, maim and sometimes even kill unsuspecting commuters. The chairman of the local government area and other groups, have written and visited the Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA). The visits were aimed at imploring the Federal Government to come to our aid. The road is very critical and key to the Nigerian economy.

“Remember that the road leads to Ajaokuta Steel Company and two integrated power plants (Geregu I and II). People coming from SouthSouth, South West and the North Central states make use of the road.

The deteriorating condition of the

road has affected economic activities on the routes.

“So, we are appealing to Mr. President to direct the relevant agencies to reconstruct the road as a matter of urgency. We want the road reconstructed because some parts have collapsed completely. It needs reconstruction, complete reconstruction.”

A commercial driver, Samuel Unekwu who plies the road said it has simply become a nightmare, even as he urged government to come to their rescue by putting the road in good condition.

He said: “As a result of the bad condition of the road, we have to take our vehicles to mechanic workshops all the time. You can’t see any good vehicle plying the road.

“We have complained to the relevant authorities for several times.

We have begged local government, even the Federal Government to alleviate the suffering of the people by fixing the road, but nothing has happened. Added to the problem of bad road is that robbers have taken over the whole route. It is not their fault; they operate anytime they like; nobody is safe. What have we done to them? Government has completely abandoned us and we are now helpless.”

The Head of the Kogi Office of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, Mr. Kayode Emmanuel could not be reached for comment on why the agency has failed to rehabilitate the road and other federal roads across

‘Men of the underworld use the bad portions of the road as cover or hideout to rob, maim and, sometimes, even kill unsuspecting commuters. The chairman of the local government area and other groups have written and visited the Federal Ministry of Works and Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The visits were aimed at imploring the Federal Government to come to our aid.

The road is very critical and key to the Nigerian economy’ the state.

However, a credible source within the agency in Lokoja told our correspondent that the Okene-AjaokutaItobe Road may not receive government’s attention in a long time to come. The source, who spoke in confidence because he was not permitted to speak on the matter, said the agency simply don’t have the amount of money required to repair the road and other roads in the state.

“Do you know when FERMA was created? Do you know when that road was built? Did you know that that road has become a death trap before the formation of FERMA? FERMA’s mandate is to maintain

federal roads. We work in synergy with the Federal Ministry of Works.

The ministry’s responsibility is to rehabilitate federal roads and hand it over to FERMA. “FERMA is aware of the bad condition of that road. The agency could have repaired it long ago, but it doesn’t have the amount of money required to fix the over-112 kilometer road which stands at about N3 billion. If you know the mandate of FERMA, you will realise that the road is beyond the agency’s mandate. It is within the purview of the Federal Ministry of Works to undertake reconstruction work on the road.

“It requires reconstruction not re-

•Another bad portion on Okene/Ajaokuta I

habilitation, because the road has collapsed totally, and that one falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of Works.”

Coming from the Ganaja axis, sharp curves dot the road, even as fallen containers and overturned trucks have become a daily sight along the road. Sections around Adogo, headquarters of Ajaokuta Local Government Area have

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

31

THE NORTH REPORT

H

up to our responsibilient Petroleum MarketAN) and move the assotuation where some mselves into a cabal ongs to thousands of ble. This can cause a lot n’t want that, as we are

OW to bring succour to small and subsistence women farmers took the centre stage in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

The event, which attracted participants from the state House of Assembly, Ministry of Agriculture and women farmers from three local government areas, was organised by the Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE), a non-governmental organisation (NGO).

After the event, the participants concluded that women farmers are in good stead to ensure the muchclamoured food sufficiency in Nigeria.

At one of the interactive sessions, Chief Executive Officer, CCEPE Alhaji Abdulkareem Sulaiman, said the forum aimed at bringing the right holders and the duty bearers together.

He said the right holders are the government while the duty bearers are the farmers.

He said: “We just brought them together so that the government and other stakeholders that are in charge of these women farmers can be abreast of their problems and challenges and how to assist them so that they could produce more than what they are doing now.

“We know they are the people feeding the cities and they are in the rural areas. They have a lot of problems such as bad roads, lack of basic necessities of life and inputs to their agriculture work such as fertilizers and tractors. They even had not seen extension workers around here. The extension workers would advise them on what to do and how to take their cases to the government.

“That is why we brought these two parties together: the famers and the people representing the government from the House of Assembly and the Ministry of Agriculture, so that they will have direct contacts and direct discussion with one another and from there they can move forward.

“Women farmers are the producers of what we eat in the cities. If you go to those communities, you will see that women are better farmers than many men. That is why we focus our attention on small holder farmers. They are small holder farmers because they do not have access to huge resources to go into

•A woman in her farm

Women farmers in Kwara get attention From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

mechanised farming. They are very fundamental and relevant to food security in the country.”

Contributing, Senior Programme Officer of the NGO, Ayuba Akindele urged the state government to always factor in the women farmers in its annual budgets.

“Women should be given special priority and the government should create enabling environment. We need women budgeting, gender sensitive budgeting, budget that will take care of the concern and challenges of women farmers. Women farmers feed the nation,” he said.

A member of the House Committee on Agriculture and Water Resources, Mrs. Segilola Abdulkadri expressed her happiness over the interactive session Mrs. Abdulkadir, who represents Ilorin Central in the House said: “I am happy that this group exists.

They have been on their own for a very long time without anybody coordinating them. Now that they have an organisation coordinating

‘Women farmers are the producers of what we eat in the cities. If you go to the communities, you will see that women are better farmers than many men. That is why we focus our attention on small holder farmers. They are small holder farmers because they do not have access to huge resources to go into mechanised farming. They are very fundamental and relevant to food security in the country them, at least they will have access to all helps that the government is putting in place in the budget for them.”

She expressed her optimism that women farmers could serve as vehicles that would ensure food security and sufficiency in the country.

She said: “You heard all of them introducing themselves as farmers.

They produce so many food stuffs.

They are not limited to little products such as pepper and tomatoes; they said they produce cassava, soya •Continued on page 32

Mambilla honour for Taraba Acting Governor

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HE Acting Governor of Taraba State, Alhaji Garba Umar, has been described as not just a political leader but also one of the greatest sons of the Mambilla ethnic group. And what is greatness if it is not recognised by the anonymous many. The aftermath of recognising him as one of their greatest sons was the conferment on him of the most prestigious chieftaincy title in Mambilla Plateau. He is now the “Sardauna Mambilla.”

For him, the day will ever remain memorable, as the people of Mambilla honoured him at a colourful and carnival-like ceremony. In Umar, the people saw hard work, loyalty and humility.

Preparations for the conferment of the title on him took a week.

uta Itobe Road

completely collapsed.

The President-General, Igbo Community in Kogi Central, Chief Joseph Anakwe regretted that the dilapidated state of the road is hampering business activities in the area.

He said: “From the Okene/ Auchi Junction, through the steel town of Ajaokuta, to Itobe in Ofu Local Government Area, the road

is in a state of total disrepair, a situation that has made travellers victims of armed robbery attacks.”

A resident of Adogo, Adiukwu said: “Hardly does 48 hours go by without a robbery incident reported. Bandits operate freely without fear of being apprehended. We are begging the Federal Government to come to our rescue”.

From Fanen Ihyongo, Jalingo

But when the day finally came, the crowd that attended the event was more than what the organisers had bargained for.

There were various cultural displays to thrill the guests who came from different states across the country. There were also guests from the neighbouring Cameroun Republic. The people said the title was their traditional way of appreciating the immense contributions of Umar to the development of the Mambilla ethnic group in particular and the state in general.

Some of the personalities that graced the occasion included Gombe State Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo; his Bauchi counterpart, Isa Yuguda; Minister of State

‘Developing Mambilla Plateau must be a priority of the government of Taraba State, because it will mean developing the people of the area by encouraging their education for the exploitation of the abundant potential there…The state government should establish a potato processing plant to tap the potential as well as set up special insemination units on the Mambilla Plateau to produce better cows with better value’

•Umar

for Niger Delta Mr. Darius Ishaku and the Deputy Governor of Katsina State.

Others were the Premier of Adamawa, Dr. Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha; Emir of Gombe Alhaji Abubakar Usman Abubakar; the Chief of Kaltungo, Mr. Saleh Mohammed. as well as other Emirs and chiefs in the state.

“This is a platform for uniting the people of Taraba State and Nigeria,” one observer said.

The revered Chief of Mambilla, Dr. Shehu Audu Baju II performed the conferment at the Muhammadu Mansur Stadium in Gembu in Sardauna Local Government Area.

The chief said the event was in appreciation of the Acting Governor’s “immense contribu•Continued on page 32

32

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

THE NORTH REPORT

Women farmers in Kwara get attention •Continued from page 31 bean and others. Who else are potential beneficiaries?

“I think they have started now. I believe that by next year, they will have more voice to talk and more people will get to know them. I have solicited from the ministry that they should add some money in the next budget. The same will apply to the Federal Government.

By the time the state starts, I am sure that the Federal Government and even the local governments will have some packages for them.”

Director, Agriculture and Engineering Services, the state’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Oyedele Abifarin said the state plans to make every farmer a mini-commercial farmer.

He said: “The N250 million loan that was granted to the farmers this year has already been disbursed to 172 farmers.

“If these people are willing to pay, the governor had promised that he will expand it from the pilot scheme to a full blown one where everybody will become mini-commercial farmers, because the determination of what you are going to grow will be

•Women in their farm

from the beginning, knowing your off-taker and knowing where you are selling.

“This year’s loan facility is already gone but by the time they register, we will know them and we will be able to plan for next year. The ministry has been assisting women in their agricultural development activities.

But it can never be enough.

“We will continue to strive to develop our women because they are

the other arm of men. Women are very useful to the family.

Since women are in agriculture, we know that our family will be properly fed. As a result of this, we will continue to empower them.

“We have advised them to form co-operative societies; because it is through the society that they can access loans. Government, as a facilitator, will continue to provide grants in order to develop agriculture and

to ensure that they get what is required for them to develop our agriculture.

“If they are in co-operatives, the banks will be able to listen to them.

With government’s off-taker-driven agriculture, this allows the producers which are the farmers, to be able to determine and know what to produce even before they start.

“From there, if they articulate it very well, they would have known

the person to buy their product, who is the off-taker and the price to sell to be able to determine their gains.

This will develop our agriculture very well and there would be no wastage.

“The era of when you produce and you do not have somebody to buy the produce is gone. We are to determine who will buy it before the farmer produces. That is what Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed is doing.”

Mambilla honour for Umar •Continued from page 31

•One of the tourist sites in Kwara

‘Tourism can earn more revenue than oil’

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MID dwindling economic fortunes of the Federal Government, experts in the hospitality industry, under the aegis of Association of Hotel Owners in Kwara State, have said the tourism sector has the potential of generating more money to government’s coffers than crude oil, if properly harnessed.

Therefore, the association canvassed a synergy between the state and the federal governments in the development of tourist sites in various parts of the country.

The chairman of Kwara State chapter of the association, Chief Michael Oyeyipo, disclosed this to reporters in Ilorin, the state capital, while briefing them on the activities lined up by the association to mark this year’s World Tourism Day. “If you go to Obudu Cattle Resort, you will be surprised at what you find there. International tourists come there as a matter of cause; sport enthusiasts from all over the world come there. I believe if the Federal Government allocates enough funds for the development of the sector, huge revenue will ac-

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

crue to its coffers.

“The federal and state governments can jointly establish such a place all over the country and develop them. Dubai in the United Arabs Emirate was developed within a short time and it has become such a tourist attraction all over the world. Such feat can be achieved in Nigeria,” he said.

He also challenged the National Assembly to advise state governments to pay more attention to tourism development, adding that state governments should make tourism one of their policy thrusts.

He further said tourism had contributed immensely to enhanced internally-generated revenue (IGR) of many state governments. He cited Cross River’s Obudu Cattle Ranch, Bauchi’s Yankari Games Reserve and its Warm Springs, Ekiti’s Ikogosi Warm Springs and Holiday Resort and Yobe’s Argungu Fishing Festival as some of the tourists’ sites that yield huge revenues for the respective states.

The hotelier, who said tourist sites abound in Kwara State, which he

said include Esie Stone Image Museum, Patigi Regatta, Awon Festival, Owu Waterfall and Owa Kajola Warm Spring. He added that genuine effort towards developing them would boost the revenue profile of the state.

Chief Oyeyipo, who identified inadequate infrastructural facilities such as access roads, provision of potable water and inadequate electricity supply as some of the challenges the industry is experiencing in Kwara State, called on government to address them urgently to help business growth.

“To worsen the already very difficult operating conditions faced by the hospitality industry, the rates and tax regime in the state have not been friendly. More often than not, multiplicity of taxes has almost crippled the industry,” he said.

He maintained that operators in the industry remained undaunted in carrying out their businesses despite the challenges, adding that they are determined to meet the aspiration of government which regards them as the engine of growth for the state’s socio-economic development.

tions to the development of the Mambilla Plateau and Taraba State.”

The monarch noted that the Acting Governor played a pivotal role in settling the chieftaincy crisis which had rocked the people of Mambilla for 12 years.

“He (Umar) used his wisdom to reconcile the hitherto warring ruling houses within the few months of his assumption of office,” he said.

Baju added that the Acting Governor should see the title -which is highest in the land, as a challenge to do more for the development of not only Mambilla Plateau, but also the entire state.

The Sardaunan Mambilla said he has been honoured in the past with several traditional titles and awards, but the recognition by the Mambilla people was “very special and dear” to him.

Umar said the honour was special because of its historic attachment to the shining star of Northern Nigeria, the late Sardauna of Sokoto Sir Ahmadu Bello.

“I feel humbled to be honoured by the people of Mambilla. As I took time to reflect on the significance of this event, I have come to the conclusion that, for whatever reasons, I have been chosen to serve as the Sardaunan Mambilla. What I will not shy away from is the fact that I have, again, been called upon to do more.

“I assure the royal fathers and everyone present that I will do my best to justify the confidence reposed in me,” he said.

The Emir of Muri, Abbas Tafida praised the people of Mambilla Plateau for “building a bridge of peace,” by conferring on the Acting Governor the title of Sardaunan Mambilla, as Umar hails from Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of the state.

Tafida sued for unity among the various ethnic and religious groups in Taraba State to enable the state to develop. He added that the people

‘The state government should establish a potato processing plant to tap the potential as well as set up special insemination units on the Mambilla Plateau to produce better cows with better value. The government should acquire and provide grass seeds which could be grown on the Plateau to improve the forests for both domestic and international consumptions; for the people and cattle’ would have nowhere to go if Taraba is destroyed.

He said: “Developing Mambilla Plateau must be a priority of the government of Taraba State, because it will mean developing the people of the area by encouraging their education for the exploitation of the abundant potential that abounds there.

“The state government should establish a potato processing plant to tap the potential as well as set up special insemination units on the Mambilla Plateau to produce better cows with better value.

“The government should acquire and provide grass seeds which could be grown on the Plateau to improve the forests for both domestic and international consumptions; for the people and cattle.”

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

Website: http://www.thenationonlineng.com

Page 33

•Some Ndigbo leaders in their traditional regalia

Ndigbo and the festivity of their day T

HE Old Parade Ground in the Central Business District of the Federal Capital Territory was a beehive of activities on Monday, September 29, this year when Nigerians of Igbo extraction gathered to celebrate the World Igbo Day. It was a day set aside by the umbrella body of the Igbo race, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, to celebrate the rich culture of the Igbo across the world.

From hundred of metres to the venue, visitors could hear the sound of Igbo music; well dressed men and women danced to the melodious rhythm of the music.

Interestingly, even though the atmosphere was a festive one, organisers of the event were, no doubt, conscious of the security challenges in the country.

Right from the entrance of the venue, the security was tight as visitors were subjected to serious security scrutiny. The fact that the venue shares boundary with the Defence headquarters, may have contributed to the tight nature of the security put in place by the organisers.

Dressed in their traditional Igbo attire, with flowing beads and traditional caps, among others, both young and old added colour to the event as the different Igbo traditional dresses beautified the place, conveying a typical Ndigbo style of celebration.

Typical of an Igbo celebration, visitors were ushered into the venue with fanfare as guests were entertained by masqueraders and other traditional dances. Those who were witnessing the day for the first time may think they were

•A masquerader entertaining the guests From Olugbenga Adanikin

watching a film that should not end.

There were assorted foods and drinks for everyone’s satisfaction.

Even though they came from the FCT with their leaders for the celebration, it was not all merriment as they found time to express their thought about various issues which include the need to promote the Igbo language at home, the need for Igbo businessmen to invest more at home rather than states outside Igbo land, the need for equal representation in governance non-imposition of candidates on the people during the 2015 general elections.

President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Abuja, Chief Emeka Mbagha was excited about the success of the event, especially the large turnout of Igbo resident in the FCT, even though it was a working day.

He told our correspondent that he had passionately appealed to all Igbo residents in the territory to suspend everything they were doing in order to attend the event. He was excited that the people listened to his appeal, suspending their trading and other businesses to participate actively at the event.

Mbagha was, however, concerned about the security situation in the country. He said the problem of in-

What the Igbo are celebrating, today, is pure culture, custom, what to do, what to eat and what to avoid. Everything being celebrated here is totally Igbo. As men who have versed knowledge about tradition, we want to tell the world that everything we do, we do it for the Igbo…Ohanaeze is the backbone of the Igbo. Anything that happens to an Igbo man here in FCT, he runs to the Ohanaeze security in the country has greatly celebrated here is totally Igbo. As affected his people, even though it was not restricted to the Igbo alone.

He expressed optimism that the situation would be resolved through collective effort.

The Igbo leader in Nyanya, Chief Ifeanyi Nwoye, said the importance of the celebration to them was enormous because it was a showcase for the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo, their character and their identity.

He said: “What the Igbo are celebrating today is pure culture, custom, what to do, what to eat and what to avoid. Everything being

men who have versed knowledge about tradition, we want to tell the world that everything we do, we do it for the Igbo.

“Ohanaeze is the backbone of the Igbo. Anything that happens to an Igbo man here in FCT, he runs to the Ohanaeze. So, our purpose and aim is to protect the interest of every Igbo person in the FCT.” Also speaking, Chief Cosmas Okolo said, aside from being a day set aside by the Igbo to celebrate themselves, it was a day to celebrate the new yam festival. For Mazi Paul

Nwachukwu, the celebration is a special day to the Igbo race.

“It is meant to remember their beginning and the events that have evolved in Igbo nation until today.

It will enable us to assess and reassess all that had happened to the Igbo in the time past,” he said.

The founder, Movement for the Restoration of Igbo People Dignity and Unity, Archbishop Chy Oriaku described the occasion as an opportunity to encourage Igbo parents to always interact with their children at home in Igbo language.

She said plans have commenced to come up with measures to inculcate Igbo language in school curriculum.

“If it is enforced, teaching and learning the Igbo language will be made easy. More so, in occasions like this, we won’t need to speak the English language but our Igbo language,” she said.

Prince Bashiru Osondu Emetumah said the event aimed at preaching peaceful co-existence and progress of the Igbo Kingdom.

Emetumah attributed the survival of the Igbo race to God, even as he implored Ndigbo to be at peace with other religions and ethnic •Continued on page 34

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

34

ABUJA REVIEW

Suya: Special delicacy for Abuja residents

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OOD, as one of the basic necessities of life, has different appeal to different ethnic groups in Nigeria. For instance, people from the Southwest relish ewa aganyin which is mashed beans and sauce. Those who reside in other regions look forward to enjoying it when they travel home. So, it is for those from the Southsouth.

They look forward to having a taste of their native soups, such as Afang, white soup and Edikainkong.

Food business is such that booms in Abuja as sellers never complain of low patronage. There is always someone to buy food, irrespective of the location.

In Nigeria, food business is mostly engaged in by women, being, as it were, part of the home chores they carry out daily. There are also some businesses that seem to be the exclusive reserve for men. One of such is suya delicacy or barbecued cow meat or chicken.

Some men, especially from the North, are not ashamed to be in suya business.

In the North, what most travellers look forward to having is suya. It is a special delicacy peculiar to the North, even as it is enjoyed by people from other parts of the country. It is prepared and served in grades.

Just as we have social classes, suya is prepared and served in a manner depicting one’s social class.

Suya in the North is usually served with cabbage, onions, tomatoes, masa and their spice is made from blended kuli kuli, ground pepper, ginger, seasoning and salt.

In Abuja, the love of this delicacy by most residents has increased the number of its peddlers greatly.

Residents reveal that there are several types of mai suya; as the peddlers are called. There are the local ones that carry the suya in huge transparent bowls with its sauce gushing out of the side of the bowl, covered with newspapers or transparent nylon. This is the type of suya mostly patronised by the low income earners, mostly motorcycle riders and labourers, who want to have a taste of what the real suya is like.

Then, there is the kind carried about in showcases to markets and parks, just like Kilishi is peddled about at such venues. Although this type of suya is again mostly patronised by the low income earners, once in a while, you find travellers enjoying it as well.

But, the most popular kind of suya, which is well-liked in Abuja as in other parts of the country is the type made at bus stops, junctions or busy locations. It always looks mouth-watering because the men are experts in its preparation; they prepare it in such a way that it looks attractive. People always eat this type of suya.

Another type is called balango, which is the normal type of roasted beef, in-

•A man preparing suya for customers From Faith Yahaya and Grace Obike testine, fats, heart, liver and it is sold depending on the amount the customer has. The lowest amount that can fetch this type of suya is N100.

There is also a type called dambonama. It is the shredded type of meat prepared from goat, sheep, lamb and chicken. This type is more expensive than the balango as the least amount of money that can fetch this type is N300.

For lovers of meat, Abuja serves the very best of it and it can be seen in different locations. Our reporters went round some major suya spots to observe the processes it takes to get a suya to ones table.

The one that catches the attention and makes tongues salivate is the chicken suya. The main suya which is inserted in a long stick to attract the attention of buyers who take turns irrespective of their class to get what they love to eat.

Chicken suya which is mostly roasted or barbecued goes for N1, 300 and the beef goes for N300. The consumers don’t mind the price as they buy as much as they want. Some claim they use it to entertain special visitors.

What caught the attention of our reporters is the patience most customers exhibit. Those who sell mostly at night paused at a point for their evening Magrib and Isha’a prayers.

While they left for prayers, customers were still seen hanging around waiting patiently for the mai suya to come back.

When asked why they waited, they simply replied: “It is a special delicacy that is worth waiting for. Meanwhile, their prayers do not take long.”

Most customers told our reporters that they prefer the chicken suya because of the process of preparation and the spice used in its preparation.

Although suya stands can be found in almost all streets and junctions of Abuja, most buyers do not mind the distance the suya stand is located, as

•...ready for consumption

‘I don’t know how long these people have been selling here, but I know I have been patronising them for over 10 years. I love their suya because it is prepared with charcoal…It is not like oyibo microwave. This suya gives you the feeling that you are eating real and well prepared meat and the spices get into the innermost part of the meat. I take it with non-alcoholic wine. It is something you will relish’ they drive as far as over 30 kilometres for the kind of suya they love.

Some of these spots have become extremely famous as most consumers patronize them regularly because of

their tasty suya.

In Abuja, there is a very famous suya spot that does not need much description as it is visited by most people.

The spot has its brand name on cars

and other items. Although some people might say it is just suya, residents who frequent the spot are so excited by the brand, even as they admit that they cannot imagine going elsewhere.

A customer who pleaded anonymity regards going elsewhere to buy suya as “being unfaithful and cheating on his favourite spot with another which is difficult for a faithful guy like me.”

Most of the customers do not only come to wait patiently to buy for themselves, family and loved ones but some who are travelling outside Abuja also buy the delicacy to take to loved ones outside the city because they claim that finding one as good as the kind they get at the spot is very difficult.

According to Muhammed Kolo, as long as I am concerned, this is the best suya spot in the whole of Abuja and beyond. Trust me, I know a lot about suya because I have been to a lot of spots and I love this one more.

“The unfortunate thing about the joint is that people come from far to this place just to buy this suya and people like us have to try to fight them off often. Most of my friends who are familiar with this spot always pretend to come and visit me so that I can bring them here and buy suya for them. Sometimes, it can be frustrating, especially when I don’t have enough money.

“Their chicken suya is not just like your typical kind of barbecued chicken you find in most spots. Theirs is wellspiced and they have a way of slicing the chicken in different spots while it cooks to ensure that the spice really gets in and when you eat it, you will not be able to go somewhere else again.”

Mahmud Akilu, who was seen in the popular spot located around Maitama said: “This suya is worth it. I like it because it is the local chicken. It is not the type of chicken you find in most eateries. This type is locally groomed with strong bones. The good thing about it is that, the bones can also be chewed and enjoyed. I come from Area 11 Garki just for this and I do this at least three times a week.

Mr. Ismaila who was seen with three big nylon bags filled with chicken suya said he has been patronising the place for over 10 years.

He said: “I don’t know how long these people have been selling here but I know I have been patronising them for over 10 years now. I love their suya because it is prepared with charcoal.

“It is not like oyibo microwave. This suya gives you the feeling that you are eating real and well prepared meat and the spices get into the innermost part of the meat. I take it with non-alcoholic wine. It is something you will relish.

Another customer; Mrs. Adesina who came in company of her two children lamented the lack of proficiency in Hausa language, which she said has denied her the opportunity to interact with the sellers in their language to enable her to get her suya on time.

She said: “Most people simply come and speak Hausa language to the mai suya and they get their meat in a matter of minutes. I have been standing here for long and I am yet to be attended to. My husband will be coming back from his trip today and he called that I should get it for him as he likes taking it with soaked Ijebu garri.”

Ndigbo and the festivity of their day •Continued on page 30 groups across the country.

President, Solid Women Initiative for Development, Chief (Mrs.) Queen Ezike urged Ndigbo resident in Abuja to always remember to invest at home.

She said: “Whatever we make here, don’t invest all here in Abuja.

Go back to Igbo land and invest your money. That is why Chairman of Chisco Transport Company has relocated most of his establishments to Igbo land, especially in Anambra State.”

Chief Daniel Atuonwu restated the importance of the festivity and urged every Ndigbo to be united in order to forge a common front.

“We review our activities and see what we have done well. Where we failed to do well, we improve on it.

Normally, it is one thing that will bring us together. There is nothing that will bring us together here in Abuja except this celebration,” he said.

Another resident, Chief John Okpor said there was the need for

•Ndigbo displaying their unity during their Igbo day

Ndigbo to come together and assess the progress and achievements re-

corded by the Igbo people within the previous year, adding that “we

are doing these things in remembrance of Igbo Day. Every Igbo com-

munity will come out and display what they have to offer.”

35

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

ABUJA REVIEW

•President Goodluck Jonathan (left), decorating Senator Christopher Babajide Omoworare with CON, at the 2013 and 2014 National Honours Award in Abuja.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

•From left: The Pro-Chancellor Baze University, Dr. Datti Baba-Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor Baze University, Prof. Michael Hodd and Registrar Baze University, David Ogbonna during the ConPHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN ference on the University’s first graduation ceremony in Abuja.

•Deputy Head of Delegation, European Union to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Young (left); Minister of National Planning, Dr. Abubakar Suleiman; Executive Secretary National Planning Commission (NPC), Fidelis Ugboh and First Secretary, European Union Delegation, Mr. Alan Munday during the signing ceremony of the 11 th European Development Fund Support to PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE Nigeria’s Electoral Cycle in Abuja

•Protem Vice-Chancellor, Edwin Clark University, Prof. Timothy Oyebode Olagbenro (left); founder, Chief Edwin Clark and founder, The Truth Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Love Arugu during the donation of books and journals to the university in Abuja.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

Minister restructures FCDA

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From left: Representative of the Permanent Secretary, Chudi Uwadel, Director of Agriculture, Damilola Eniaiyeju, Managing Director Terjimn Farms, Samuel Aende and Divisional Manager Dizengoff West Africa, Patrick Ohaji during the Farmers’ Field Day Celebration in Abuja.

PHOTO: AKIN OLADOKUN

HE Board of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has approved the immediate re-structuring of the Authority.

Minister of the FCT and Chairman of the Board, Senator Bala Mohammed, revealed this after the board’s meeting.

With the re-structuring, Mohammed said a new Department of Engineering Design and Evaluation has been established, which aimed at boosting the morale of staff to accelerate the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

According to a statement issued by the Assistant Director/Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Muhammad Sule, the minister said the Department of Engineering Design and Evaluation will have four divisions namely Civil Design ‘North’ Electrical/Mechanical Design, Civil Design ‘South’ and Evaluation Divisions to be headed by Deputy Directors.

Community praises council chief

M

A plantain chips hawker waiting for buyers at the Eagle Square at Independence Day in Abuja.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

From Gbenga Omokhunu

He said: “The re-structuring is desirable in view of the apparent need for the expansion of the infrastructure of the Federal Capital Territory occasioned by the new concept of PublicPrivate-Partnership (PPP), particularly the Abuja Land Swap Initiative.”

According to him, the Authority will only use its existing stream of staff to occupy the proposed offices; and also mitigate the incidence of stagnation which has prevailed over the years as a result of lack of vacant positions with its attendant toll of low morale on the staff.

Meanwhile, the minister has revealed that the board had also approved the immediate promotion of 281 senior members of staff to fill vacant positions in the FCDA. He said the board had also approved the advancement/upgrading of 61 members of staff that were qualified.

EMBERS of Kpaduma community in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have praised the chairman of the area council, Hon. Micah Jiba for evolving policies and programmes that affect positively on the lives of people.

Hon. Bala Iyah, a former Councillor that represented Garki in the council and a citizen of the Kpaduma community revealed this on behalf of members of the community while speaking with journalists in a press briefing tagged: “The State of Abuja and the way forward for FCT Citizens.”

He said: “It is now obvious that the council is moving forward to greater height. The positive movement started from the administration of Hon. Zephaniah Jisalo, who worked for six years as AMAC chairman to improve the lives of the people and later decided to give FCT citizens improved and better leadership by representing them at the House of Representatives.”

Iyah advised residents of AMAC and the entire FCT to support the present

From Gbenga Omokhunu

governments at all levels, to enable them to further improve the lives of the people, saying that only governments with good intention can work towards enhancing the wellbeing of the people they are leading, adding that they deserve commendation from the people.

“We the citizens of Kpaduma communities are very grateful to the government of AMAC led by Hon. Micah Jiba for not neglecting our communities.

Jiba has really done well for the people of AMAC. When we had no electricity, we cried to him and he embarked on rural electrification and even pipe borne water. The same thing he did for other communities in the council.

“We cannot stop commending all our leaders, because they have never let us down. Although, there are still much for improvement, mostly on the issue of our ancestral land and I believe that God will continue to give them the grace and strength to work for the people they are leading,” he said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

36

ABUJA REVIEW

The ‘great’ man in Jonathan’s kitchen

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HE Head of the Presidential Stewards in the State House, Abuja, Mr. Onuh Michael, was a shining star last Monday when he stepped out alongside 313 others to receive national honours from his boss, President Goodluck Jonathan.

Onuh, who has put in over 30 years as a steward, has an unbroken record of serving nine presidents from Alhaji Shehu Shagari’s to Jonathan’s administrations.

He has been attending to the domestic needs of the first family, which has given him opportunities to travel to so many countries, including the United States, Libya, Venezuela and Jerusalem.

Not only was the 59-year-old steward, who lives in a rented apartment at Karu, Nasarawa State, given Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) Award at the 2014 National Honours Award at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, for meritoriously serving nine presidents, he was also among the three award recipients singled out for free housing in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Before the award was given to him, he had earlier admitted that he had accommodation challenges, saying: “The regret I have is that for someone that has been working for his country for over 30 years, it is not good that I don’t have my own accommodation. I live at the outskirts of the city (in Karu, Nasarawa State) in a rented house.

“My greatest challenge is coming all the way to work from a very far distance every day. Waking up by

I

T is a rare occasion for a lady to ask the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, President Goodluck Jonathan, who was already seated at a public gathering, to not only rise to his feet but remain standing for about five minutes.

But, it actually happened at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday last week when the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh led a delegation of the Anglican Communion to the State House.

The delegation was at the Villa to confer the “Primatial Award of Excellence in Christian Stewardship” on the President.

The way the President was asked to stand up for about five minutes before a medallion was hung on his neck and the award plaque and a copy of Holy Bible were handed to him

he expressed gratitude to President Jonathan for putting smiles on his face.

He said: “The President is always full of surprises. He has done it again today.

“I thank my God that I am witnessing this in my lifetime, that I am now a landlord in Abuja. I will ever be grateful to him.”

From the Villa

By Augustine Ehikioya 3:00 a.m. to be at work and closing in the early hours of the morning only to be back again very early to work is

a big challenge for me.” After receiving the award and listed among those to get free accommodation in the FCT,

‘My greatest challenge is coming all the way to work from a very far distance every day. Waking up by 3:00 a.m. to be at work and closing in the early hours of the morning only to be back again very early to work is a big challenge for me’

Asking Jonathan to his feet took some top officials and journalists in the hall by surprise.

The lady, Augusta Maduegbuna, who came with the delegation and read part of the procedure for the conferment of the award on behalf of the Primate, did not only ask the Presi-

dent to stand up but also asked him to remain standing.

But she did it with the authority and on behalf of Most Revd Nicholas Okoh.

She said: “And the authority of the Primate of all Nigeria is this, the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, I now invite his

‘The regret I have is that for someone that has been working for his country for over 30 years, it is not good that I don’t have my own accommodation. I live at the outskirts of the city (in Karu, Nasarawa State) in a rented house…My greatest challenge is coming all the way to work from a very far distance every day. Waking up by 3:00 a.m. to be at work and closing in the early hours of the morning only to be back again very early to work is a big challenge for me’

Speaking on the Head of Presidential Steward at the 2014 National Honours Award, President Jonathan said: “A very dedicated steward who has survived every heads of state loyally since President Shehu Shagari.

From Shagari till today, to have survived about nine presidents and nine first ladies, you must be a great man.”

Excellency, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to please rise and remain standing.”

Many in the hall felt it would have been appropriate for the President to have been allowed to sit while the lady read through the conferment programme and the President should only stand up for the conferment proper.

They expected the President to feel offended and to remain on his seat.

But the President was not ruffled as everything has to do with the church that has touched his life right from his primary school days to date.

So, as a gentleman, he obeyed the feminine voice and stood up for about five minutes as the lady, assisted by another church official, read out from

the award conferment programme.

After the conferment, Jonathan said: “I sincerely thank the Anglican Church for finding me worthy to be so recognised. I’m most grateful for this honour. I grew up as a member of the Anglican Church. At that time, it was only Anglican Church that was in my tiny village. But now, I don’t know the numbers of churches that are there, almost all the classrooms are churches.

“I have been part of the church from the beginning; I attended Anglican primary school as a pupil. So, I have to be very grateful to the Anglican Church that brought me up. I am what I am today because of the Anglican Church.

“I therefore thank you our Bishop, fathers and to use this unique opportunity to thank Christians and all the religious bodies that constantly pray for this country.”

Pray for Ebola-free country, minister urges pilgrims

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INISTER of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Oloye Olajumoke-Akinjide has appealed to intending pilgrims to Saudi Aradia to pray for Nigeria to overcome the nagging security threats and for it to clampdown on the deadly Ebola virus disease.

Akinjide made the appeal while addressing the FCT’s intending pilgrims at the Permanent Hajj Camp, Abuja.

She said the forthcoming 2015 general elections would be the strength of Nigeria’s democracy, adding that the country would overcome the odds through prayers.

She said: “Like many other countries, Nigeria is passing through some challenges ranging from insecurity to Ebola epidemic.

Similarly, the forthcoming general election is one that would, no doubt, test the strength of our democracy. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that with your prayers and the help of Almighty God, We shall overcome all these odds.

“The FCT Administration had evolved effective orientation programme, medical screening, pre-and post-hajj logistics.”

She urged intending pilgrims to recipro-

From Grace Obike

cate government’s efforts by being good ambassadors of Nigeria, adding that there was need for them to co-operate with the hajj officials to achieve success.

“You should reflect Nigeria’s devotion to God by being disciplined, timely and dedicated to spiritual exercise. Let people who come in contact with you be able to see your good conduct and respect for our country, Akinjide said.

Speaking earlier, the director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Bashir Muhammed said the board had conducted series of activities in line with Saudi Arabia directives for all intending pilgrims.

He said: “We had conducted all necessary medical screenings for everyone and FCT’s administration has secured befitting accommodation for its contingents in Makkah.

“A one-day interactive session was held for officials with stern warnings to zero tolerance of indiscipline as anybody found wanting during the exercise shall have himself or herself to blame.”

•Executive Director, Operation of Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Prince Aghatise Eredia Uawa and Director, Research, Policy and Internal Relation Department of NDIC, Dr. Afolabi Jacob Ade (middle). With them are members of Dis Stars Football Club, winners of the NDIC 25th anniversary novel football match in Abuja.

PHOTO: ABAYOMI FAYESE

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

37

LEGAL & SOCIETY

‘How judges, magistrates contribute to prison congestion’ T HE Nigerian Prisons Service (NPS) has attributed the growing incidence of congestion in prisons and death of inmates to the delay in the nation’s criminal justice system and attitude of prosecutors, who mostly do not handle cases diligently.

The NPS argued that judges and magistrates engage in delay and abuse their pre-trial detention discretion. It queried the wisdom in the practice where prosecuting agencies bring multiple charges against accused persons in different courts, when such cases could be consolidated and tried with dispatch.

The Service, in a statement issued in Abuja by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ope Fatinikun, reacted to allegations linking it with the deaths of some prison inmates. It denied involvement in the illegal killing of inmates as claimed in a recent publication by rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN).

Citing the most recent case of death in prison of the alleged trans-border criminal, Hamanni Tijanni, Fatinikun said the late inmate died as an awaiting trial, having been on trial for over 10 years, during which he was taken

to various courts for more than 100 times.

Tijanni’s cases, Fatinikun said, were never completed before he died.

Tijanni, from Benin Republic, was being tried for his alleged complicity in the robbery attempt on the vehicles conveying the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Iyabo.

He was first remanded in the Maximum Security Prison, Lagos by a Chief Magistrate Court in Ijebu- Ode, Ogun State on June 22, 2003. He remained in prison until his death.

“Tijanni, was remanded in Maximum Security Prison,Kirikiri, Lagos on June 22, 2003 by the Chief Magistrate Court, Ijebu-Ode, for allegedly receiving stolen property. On December 12, 2003 an Abeokuta High Court also detained him, having been charged with conspiracy to commit armed robbery. A Lagos High Court remanded him on February 14, 2004 for allegedly receiving stolen property.

“Trial in the Abeokuta High Court

case began on 2nd February 2005.

Despite the constraint of inadequate vehicles at the Lagos State Command, a vehicle was dedicated to him (Tijanni) since he was standing trial in multiple cases in different locations in Lagos and Ogun States,” he said.

Fatinikun said Tijanni was taken to courts 194 times before he died on December 19, last year. He gave details to include: Chief Magistrate Court, Ijebu-Ode, 50 times; Abeokuta High Court, 37 times and the Lagos High Court, 117 times.

“On December 7, 2007, after about four and a half years, as awaiting trial person, he was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Ijebu-Ode Court; the Abeokuta High Court discharged him for lack of diligent prosecution, while the Lagos High Court was still hearing his case till his death.

“The Maximum Security Prison, Kirikiri has a referral hospital, which caters for the medical needs of all inmates in Lagos. The hospital runs 24 hours and usually has about four doc-

tors on shift duty.

“On admission, Tijanni was diagnosed with hypertension and was placed on drugs. But on February 20, 2011, his condition deteriorated, the hypertension became severe and he was immediately admitted into the Maximum Prison’s referral hospital.

“On February 13, last year, Tijanni took voluntary discharge from the hospital and refused medication despite his blood pressure being very high and as against medical advice.

The Welfare Section of the prison referred him to the Counseling Unit.

The Controller of Prisons, Lagos State Command advised him against such action, but all efforts proved abortive.

“Sadly, on the night of June 16, last year, Tijanni had a left sided stroke and was rushed to the Maximum Security Prison’s referral hospital, where he was initially admitted for stabilisation. On June 18, (less than 48hrs after the initial stroke) he was referred to the Nigerian Navy Refer-

ence Hospital, Ojo, Lagos (with card no 07-08-38).

“He was seen by a cardiologist, and Physiotherapist and treatment started the same day. He was usually taken to the Navy Hospital every two days and was always seen by the Cardiologist as and when due.Based on his condition, the prisons formerly wrote the Lagos State’s Attorney-General on Mr. Tijanni’s health challenges and the need to expedite action on his trial, which was characterised by frequent adjournments.

“To this effect, on December 24, the Attorney-General of Lagos State sent a team of doctors from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) to ascertain the health conditions of Mr. Tijanni. The team examined him and took samples for investigations. The team promised to come back, but never did until his death.

“Finally, Mr Hamanni Tijanni died in his sleep on December 19. All necessary agencies were notified and autopsy was carried out by the Lagos State Government in the presence of members of his family and lawyers.

The report of the autopsy is available ,” Fatinikun said.

UN agency trains judicial officers

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HE United Nations’ Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) has held workshops for workers in the judiciary.

It is in line with its objective to ensure a reformed and effective justice delivery system.

Two of such workshops, under the “Support to justice sector in Nigeria” project, with funding from the European Union (EU), were held in Lagos.

One was for information officers in justice sector institutions. They included the courts, ministries of justice, Nigerian Prisons Service and the police. The other was a training programme to build the competence and skills of justice sector officials in the use of computer and related information and communication technology (ICT).

During the workshop for information officers, which held for two days, participants were trained on various components of information dissemination in justice sector institutions and how best to effectively disseminate information.

Facilitators included the Project Coordinator, Ade Omofade; National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), Lagos, Oluseyi Soremekun; UNODC’s Outreach and Communications Officer, James Ayodele; Communications expert, Kaneng Rwang-Pam and Head of Department and Coordinator, Akinola Aguda School of Post Graduate Studies, Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies (NIALS), Mrs. Comfort Chinyere Ani. Omofade explained that the project, with a • 26,000,000 funding from the EU, began in last year and is meant to last 42 months.

Stories from Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

He said the objective of the project, meant to cover the federal justice sector institutions and similar institutions in 10 states - Anambra, Bayelsa, Benue, Cross River, Federal Capital Territory, Imo, Osun, Katsina, Lagos and Yobe, was to strengthened the rule of law through enhanced accountability, accessibility, transparency and fairness of the justice system.

Omofade said the project has so far achieved increased justice sector coordination / policy development; development of operational capability; training and research capacity of justice sector and enhanced access to justice and respect for human rights.

Mrs. Pam advocated a coordinated relation among information managers in justice sector institutions and stressed the need for vibrant and symbiotic relationship between justice sector’s information managers and the media.

She noted that the media play an integral and vital role in all aspects of justice, including funding, adding that the media is the first to define events (agenda setting) and inform the public, thus heightening awareness.

Ayodele stressed the need for the justice sector spokespersons to always be involved in raising awareness about the activities of their sector with the intention of influencing public attitude, behavior and belief towards the achievement of a defined purpose or goal.

Soremekun, who noted the waning public confidence in the nation’s justice sector, argued that the task of raising community confidence in the justice sys-

tem was not the exclusive responsibility of the Information Officers in the Ministry of Justice.

According to him, it is the responsibility of all information managers in the agencies that form components of the justice system. He urged information officers to” liaise effectively with the media colleagues covering their organisations.”

Mrs Ani, who noted that access to justice was an essential appendage of the rule of law and the fulfillment of the vindication of the right of the citizen, said easy access to the court requires a wide range of steps, which include amending some existing legislations; review and modernisation of court process; the police force and prisons service.

“The aim is to build up respect for the rule of law and due process among stakeholders in the administration of justice and buttress their roles as protectors of those rights, which will ultimately engender unhindered access to justice,” she said.

Mrs Ani suggested the general adoption of the various alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures in view of the many benefits of the ADR over the conventional court process with its attendant technicalities and delays. ”The alien nature of the legal system; the attendant inherent delays; the public’s unfamiliarity with the nature of litigation process; the technical nature of law and its procedure are factors making ADR a better option for litigants.

Lawyers and litigants have to be well sensitised to embrace this new process, which is actually a return to our traditional African dispute resolution method

•From left: Oyo State Attorney-General Mr. Ojo Adebayo; his Enugu State counterpart Mr. Anthony Alli (SAN); Director, Justice Research Institute Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); Zamfara State Attorney-General Mr. Mohammed Garba and Dr. Bob Arnot at Body of Attorneys-General Conference

“A strong, courageous, independent and incorruptible judiciary is indispensable for the people to have confidence in the justice system, thereby shun self-help or jungle justice,” Mrs Ani said.

For training on ICT usage, three of the project’s ten focal states - were trained.

They were 100 participants with 30 from Bayelsa, 32 from Benue and 38 from Cross River States.

The participants included investigators, prosecutors, administrative staff of the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice, as well as police and prison officers. Each training session lasted five days and participants learnt, among others, how to use the computer to create, organise and store documents, prepare and make presentations, surf the internet, manage basic data, and access the social media.

The Training Consultant, Olatunji Komolafe said 10 of the trainees, who had never used a computer before, were able to use the device to perform basic administrative tasks at the end of the training.

“Despite the short period of the training, feedback from the trainees shows

•Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Adoke (SAN)

that all of them are now computer literate and can use the device to perform various tasks at work and at home,” he said.

Most participants at the workshops expressed delight and praised UNODC for the initiative. They sought more of such opportunities.

Copyright owners urge NCC to obey judgments

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GROUP, the Concerned Copy right and Intellectual Property Owners (CCIPO), has urged the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) to obey Federal High Court judgments recognising the Musical Copyright Society of Nigeria (MCSN) as a legal entity.

It said the court gave judgments in favour of MCSN in two cases numbered FHC/L/CS/35/08 and FHC/ L/CS/1163/12 on July 25, 2011 and on March 18 last year.

The verdicts, CCIPO said, affirmed the legality and constitutionality of MCSN’s existence and operations.

The group decried the centralised administration of copyright, particularly the business of royalty collection in the entertainment industry.

CCIPO, in a letter to the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke (SAN) recalled that the House of Representatives also held a Public Hearing on forced monopoly in royalty collection and directed that the NCC approves or licenses MCSN forthwith.

“Instead of the NCC to obey these judgments of the Federal High Court, they continued in the acts of persecution of MCSN by filling series of spurious criminal charges against it and its officials on the same alleged offences at different divisions of the

By Joseph Jibueze

Federal High Court,” the group said the letter signed by its National Coordinator, Mike Pam; President, George Dureke and Public Relations director Yinka Davies It alleged the commission has continued to disobey the National Assembly by refusing to approve MCSN or review other applications for approval, and accused a “cabal” in the NCC of engaging in regulatory rascality, thereby hurting the entertainment industry and intellectual property sector.

“If monopoly is bad for every other sector in our economy, including the political sector, why should it be good for only the entertainment/intellectual property sector?” it asked.

The group sought the immediate de-monopolisation of collective administration of copyright, saying the sector should be opened up through deregulation in the spirit of the Transformation Agenda.

“The imposed monopoly has continued and become entrenched. This has become unbearable for genuine copyright and other intellectual property owners in Nigeria, particularly our members whose constitutional and fundamental human rights are being trampled upon,” it added.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

38

LAW & SOCIETY At the conferment of National Honours by President Goodluck Jonathan

•From left: Dr. Valerie Janette Azinge (OFR); Prof. Epiphany Azinge (SAN) (OON) and Mrs Boma Ozobia (OON)

•From left: Minister of Labour and Productivity Emeka Nwogu; Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji; Minister of State for Education Chief Nyesom Wike and Hon. M. A. O. Ohuabunwa.

•From left: Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) (OFR); a former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Alfa Belgore and Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama (SAN) (OFR).

•From left: Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) (OFR); Designer of National Flag Pa Micheal Taiwo Akinkunmi (OFR) and Engr Amin I. Moussalli (OFR).

•From left: Mr. Emmanuel Ifejika (OFR), his wife Uju; Chief Victor Umeh (OFR) and his wife, Prisca PHOTOS: JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU

•From left: Chief Micheal Olawale-Cole; Ondo State Gov. Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (CON); Chief Kola Jamodu (OFR); Dr. John Tunde Ayeni (CON) and Jimoh Ibrahim (CFR)

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WITNESS of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kehinde Akinmolayan, has denied the commission’s claim that his life is under threat.

Akinmolayan, who was said to be the star witness in a N1.1 billion fuel subsidy fraud charge brought by the commission against two oil marketers, Opeyem i Ajuyah and Abdullahi Alao, testified before Justice Lateefat Okunnu.

Akinmolayan, a former Terminal Manager of Lister Jetty, Apapa, was summoned to testify in the trial.

EFCC Counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo had told the court that Akimolayan, an engineer, refused to honour invitations to give evidence.

Oyedepo claimed that the witness alleged that some persons were after his life and that someone attempted to gain entrance into his residence.

He said the witness refused to show in spite of assurances made to him to protect his life.

Oyedepo then prayed the court to issue a summons on the witness.

Justice Okunnu had granted his request.

Witness, EFCC disagree on threat to life

By Adebisi Onanuga

But at the resumed trial, Akinmolayan denied that his life was under threat contrary to the EFCC’s claims.

The witness, under cross-examination by defense lawyers, Mr Olarenwaju Ajanaku and Mr Aderemi Oguntoye, said his life was not threatened.

“I have not been attacked, but I am conscious of my security,” he added.

The marketers, Ajuyah and Alao are being prosecuted with their firms, Majope Investment Limited and Axenergy Limited and a banker, Olanrewaju Olalusi. They, however, denied the charge.

Akinmolayan confirmed to the court that he supervised the alleged transaction between January 20 and 22, 2011.

“The vessel, MT Brave came to our jetty

and we attended to it. We discharged 4,264 metric tonnes into the tank farm and the balance was taken away,” he said.

Akinmolayan, however, denied signing any of the documents relating to the said transaction because as he only played a supervisory role.

Justice Okunnu adjourned till November 10.

Lawyer writes airline over missing luggage N Onitsha based lawyer Mr. Steve Ononye has written Air France over his missing luggage.

The lawyer alleged that he travelled with his family to the United Kingdom on August 3 and also returned by Air France.

“On arrival at Port Harcourt International airport, I lodged a complaint about the missing bag to the Air France Customer Relations unit on August 18. I filled the inventory form.

“It is very unprofessional and unethical that

A

By John Austin Unachukwu

up to one month of lodging the said complaint, no reply in whatever form or manner has been communicated to me with respect to the missing bag and the management of Air France has consistently neglected to reach out to me in this respect “The bag which the management of Air France has refused to deliver to me contains so many gift items including some clothing materials, which I bought for my mother. It

is quite a pity that my mother will never set her eyes on the clothes and shoes which I bought for her because she died exactly one week after we returned to Nigeria.

“The missing bag with Ref No: PHC AF 22389 be retrieved from wherever it could be and same delivered to him without delay,” the lawyer said.

He added that he would sue the airline if the bag is not returned to him within seven days.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

39

LEGAL OPINION

Appeal Court to computerise operations

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HE Court of Appeal is set to modernise its operations by introducing electronic filing and more use of technology.

Its President, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa led a team on a visit to Australia to study how they apply technology in their courts.

The choice of Australia, it was learnt, was because the country operates a hybrid judicial system which copies the United States and the United Kingdom.

The team visited the Federal

By Joseph Jibueze

Family Court of Australia to see its e-filing system, and was received by the court’s Chief Justice, Diana Bryant.

It is believed the e-filing, when functional, will transform the Court of Appeal from a paperbased system to an electronic one, where interactions can occur via internet or automated voice-responseS. It was learnt that when the tech-

•Justice Bulkachuwa (left) and Bryant during the visit.

nology is deployed, lawyers can file cases through their computers or tablets, get hearing dates, receive notices, access cases electronically, track cases and recall decided cases.

It could also help reduce conflicting judgments.

An information technology expert, Adegbenro Alao, who was a part of the visit, said: “We are confident that the PCA is on the right path to modernise legal administration in Nigeria and hopefully her vision will be appreciated by generations to come.”

It was learnt that the e-filing will be based on the online electronic filing system developed for the appellate courts, and the pilot project will begin in the Lagos Division.

However, analysts say poor power supply, erratic internet services and computer illiteracy of some lawyers, justices and judicial personnel may work against the project.

Still, others believe application of technology in court processes will speed up cases’ adjudication. Mrs Mrs Funke Adekoya (SAN), said: “This is something that is being practiced all over the world, so it is not entirely new. If we say Nigeria is the giant of Africa, we should demonstrate that in all ramifications.

“For those countries that have adopted it, it often makes judicial process easier and faster for them, so we stand to benefit a lot from it. I think Nigerian judicial system is ready for it.”

Experts seek better care for ‘insane’ inmates AW and mental health experts have advocated a review of the criminal justice system, policy change by the government and attitudinal modification by the people to reverse the current plight of prison inmates with mental disorder.

They observed that, not only was extant mental health laws archaic, the criminal justice system, government’s underfunding and the unfriendly disposition of the society do not secure the rights of mentally ill prisoners.

The experts spoke in Abuja at a two-day national workshop on: “Mental health and justice in Nigeria: Strategies for effective and humane management of prisoners with mental health challenges,” organized by the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria (LACN), with supports from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU).

Speakers included the Minster for Justice and Attorney General of Federation (AGF) Mohammed Adoke (SAN), Chairman, LACN, Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN), Director General, LACN, Mrs Joy Bob-Manuel, Acting Controller General of Prisons, Aminu Sule, a London-based Psychiatrist, Dr. Akintunde Akinwunmi and Dr Uju Agomoh of the Prisoners Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA).

Adoke faulted the current arrangement which give scant regard to the interest and rights of mentally ill offenders, while Ayorinde suggested a review of the current trial procedure to ensure that the mental state of any offender was determined before he or she is subjected to trial.

Mrs Bob-Manuel, Sule and Akinwunmi suggested the review of existing legislature, provision of adequate funding for the maintenance of prison inmates who are suffering from mental disorder. The population of prisoners with mental health challenges is currently put at about 150 nationwide.

Adoke, represented by a Senior

L

From Eric Ikhilae, Abuja

Special Assistant, Adebola Odugbesan called for the establishment of special courts for the trial of mentally ill suspects. Ayorinde, represented by Okey Akobono regretted the current plight of prisoners with mental health challenge.

Mrs. Bob-Manuel, who faulted the current practice where only relatives of mentally ill prisoners were empowered to bear the cost of conveying such persons to asylum, called for more favourable policies from all levels of government to ensure that mentally ill inmates were well catered for.

She noted that in most cases the relatives a mentally ill inmate, who the law empowered to fund the transportation of the sick prisoner, are generally poor and unwilling to be seen with a person of unsound mind due to social stigmas.

Sule, who noted an increase in the population of prisoners with mental health challenge, said new mental health legislation was necessary to ensure adequate protection, rehabilitation and re-integration of mentally ill persons in the country.

“Mental health is neither by choice nor a crime. As their human right, it is the duty of the state to provide adequate care for such individuals, not punishment. We can no longer afford to look the other way even as the World Health Organisation warns that there is a growing global burden of mental disorders,” Sule said in a speech read on his behalf by Peter Ekpendo.

Sule called for the inclusion of mental disorder treatment and management in the primary healthcare system to ensure that freed inmates, who suffer from mental health challenge could easily access care. He suggested enhanced training of mental health professionals to bridge the current gap in the availability of mental health experts in the country.

Dr. Akinwunmi observed that re-

cent studies in the country have shown a prevalence rate of about 12 per cent in the general population and up to 34 per cent in the prison population, and argued that like every individual, people with mental disorder were entitled to the right to fair trial.

He contended that the existing mental health law, inherited from the colonialists, was inadequate in the face of current mental health challenges. He urged the National Assembly to pass into law before the end of their tenure, the Mental Health Bill submitted to the Legislature since 2004.

Dr Agomoh said the workshop was intended to address the current plight of mentally ill inmates, which results mainly from factors within and outside the criminal justice system, which are often caused by corruption, negative stigmatisation, poor legislative framework and policy, and lack awareness and skills in the treatment of persons with mental health challenge.

As a way out, she advocated the development of an effective framework to guide to processing and management of mentally disabled persons within the criminal justice system, including the provision of appropriate mechanism for their transfer to hospitals.

To achieve this, she noted, requires the review of existing legislation and ensuring that the protection of the rights of mentally ill inmates becomes an acceptable social norm, not an exception to the rule.

Dr Agomoh noted that the nation’s prison system was illequipped to provide appropriate treatment for the mentally disabled population of inmates and called for enhanced collaboration among relevant agencies to ensure a well-coordinated, humane and effective treatment of mentally ill prisoners within the criminal justice system and the community.

LAW AND PUBLIC POWER

with gabriel AMALU email:gabrielamalu1@yahoo.com For comments: 08033054939 (sms only)

Kudos to small scale enterprises

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HE recent revival of support by the federal government for small scale entrepreneurs through a 220 billion naira intervention fund referred to as the micro, small and medium enterprise development fund (MSMEDF) deserves all the encouragement. To further this cause to entrench the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME), well beyond the current efforts, the federal government should as a matter of priority establish a Ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises, to galvanize and concentrate enough bureaucratic efforts to grow this important segment of our economy.

Interestingly under this fund, the federal government through the Central Bank of Nigeria is working to eliminate gender disparity in the MSME sub-sector. So at the lunch of the MSMEDF on August, 15, 2013, the Central Bank of Nigeria, earmarked 60% of the 220 billion naira seed capital for women, while 40% is for men.

The program defined a woman enterprise as one that is at least 75% owned or operated by female Nigerians. The fund has two main objectives. First is the social/development object and grants which account for 10% of the fund. The second objective is commercial which accounts for 90% of the fund. Also it provides that 80% of the monies in the commercial component of the fund will be allocated to micro enterprises and 20% to small and medium enterprises.

The guidelines defined micro enterprises as one with less than 10% employees with a total asset of less that 5million, excluding land and building, and operated by sole proprietor. Small and medium enterprises are defined as entities with asset base of more than 5 million and not more than 500 million, excluding land and buildings, with employees of between 11 and 200. The businesses covered by the fund are listed as agricultural value chain activities, trade and general commerce, cottage industries, artisans, services: hotels, schools, restaurants, laundry, etc, and other income generating projects as may be prescribed by the managing agent.

The channel for distribution of the fund is from the CBN to the participatory financial institution (PFI) and then to the MSMEs. PFIs include micro fiancé institutions (NGOs and financial cooperatives) and finance companies that meet the criteria.

Quite a number of banks have keyed into the program and have designed gender related funding programs to tap into the CBNs plan of action. The interest in female, while seeking to engender gender parity in business ownership, may actually be tapping into to the well heeled notion that women are more trustworthy than men, in this case as borrowers. After all, according to Petrokis and Kostis (2012); while empirical results indicate that inter personal trust dose not affect the number of SMEs, trust becomes widespread in a society when the number of SMEs is greater.

As I had posited at the beginning of this piece, there is the need to create a ministry for MSMEs, which will be charged to push for the insti-

tutional reforms that will help the sub-sector to make the needed impact in the economy. This is the case in other developing economies, where institutional support is developed, to make similar fund more effective. Some of the support includes organized cluster based approach to lending, which the minister of finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has pushed for among some industry operatives.

A cluster based approach has been shown to be more beneficial in dealing with well define and recognized groups, the availability of appropriate information for risk assessment, monitoring by the lending institution and reduction in costs for borrowers.

Another institutional help to the MSMEs will be the creation Credit Guarantee Fund Trust, as a counter poise to lending without collateral.

Under such scheme, the lender concentrates effort on project viability, and so the security is secured purely on the primary security of the asset financed. As practiced in other jurisdiction, the Credit Guarantee Trust Fund is structured to minimize the risk of the lender and assure him that in the event of failure by the borrower to meet his obligation, the Fund will step in to ameliorate the loss incurred by the lender. In turn the Fund is paid guarantee and annual service charge by the MSMEs. Another institutional help to maximize the benefits of MSMEs is the use of credit ratings in risk assessment. Where there is a reliable credit rating for the MSMEs, the lending institutions find it easier to make their decisions, especially when lending without collateral. Credit rating may also be useful in determining the interest rate for both the lender and the borrower, as MSMEs with favourable ratings may likely get better lending rates than those with poor ratings. Associated with credit rating will be a credit bureau which the Central Bank and the financial institutions are already building, which will keep the data on the borrowing characteristics of companies and individuals, which ordinarily is a sine qua non to the very survival of the lending institutions themselves.

A further bulwark to protect the new national wave for MSMEDF will be the establishment of laws to protect the MSMEs from their customers, with respect to payment for supplies and for services. Such laws will impute into contracts, where there are no provisions, mandatory payments for services and goods on the due date, and for penalties to accrue to the benefit of the supplier or service provider, after a named date. In some cases the banks will be under legal obligation to pay the supplier or service provider from monies of the benefiting companies in their custody. This will save the MSMEs from the debilitating legal challenge to recover monies due to them from the courts. Also the laws can provide for arbitration and mediation, where there is a dispute in place of litigation. No doubt, the benefits of a viable MSMEs sub-sector are indeed innumerable.

•Continued from page 28

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

LAW REPORT

Trespass claim valid where there’s no ownership proof IN THE COURT OF APPEAL IN THE AKURE JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT AKURE ON THURSDAY, THE 7TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2014 BEFORE THEIR LORDSHIPS MOJEED ADEKUNLE OWOADE, J.C.A. MOHAMMED A. DANJUMA, J.C.A. JAMES SHEHU ABIRIYI, J.C.A. CA/AK/65/2011 (2014) LPELR-23706(CA)

Between MR PETER ODERINDE ………….……………………………………………..….… Appellant And ENGR. J. A. AYODELE & ANOR. …………………..….……….…….... ................Respondent LEAD JUDGMENT DELIVERED BY MOHAMMED A. DANJUMA, J.C.A. •Chief Justice of Nigeria, Aloma Mukhtar

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HE Appellant as Plaintiff had at the High Court of Osun State at the Oshogbo Judicial Division instituted an action against the Respondents as Defendants claiming damages for trespass and injunction on the business premises known as Groovy Cafe and Restaurant lying and being at opposite Osogbo Grammar School, Iwo Road, Osogbo.

The Appellant is the proprietor of the Groovy Cafe and Restaurant where he carried out his hospitality business which includes a restaurant, beer parlour, night club, games and event centre, where at he has been in lawful occupation of the premises thereof as a yearly tenant for about 10 years before the action in 2008. The Appellant rented the said premises from one late Chief Rasaki Alli and was paying rent to him. After the death of the said Chief Rasaki Alli, his children through a Management Committee wrote to the Appellant in respect of the Rented Property. The Appellant paid rent to the said Management Committee and subsequently to the firm of M. A. Laogun & Co. as the family’s Solicitors in charge of the estate of late Chief Rasaki Alli. In January 2008, the Appellant was issued a quit notice by the the 1st Respondent as a purported new owner of the rented property. The Plaintiff/Appellant was told by the solicitors to his landlord and the Management Committee of the Chief Rasaki Alli estate to disregard the said Notice as it was not their act and that the 1st Respondent had no such interest/title in the said property. The Appellant wrote informing the 1st Respondent of the reaction of the Rasaki Alli family and warned against any further interference with his peaceful enjoyment of his tenancy. Not done yet, the Respondent in November 2008 issued a Notice to quit within 7 days to the Respondent. The Appellant’s landlord, through the late family again reassured him to ignore the Notice. This he did, but not without responding by a letter to the Respondent through his solicitors. Notwithstanding all the aforesaid, the 2nd Respondent led a group of people to the premises and purporting to be acting for the 1st Respondent, on November 16th 2008, made a fence round it and blocked the access or entrance thereto. The Appellant had to invite the police, who invited the 2nd Respondent to the police station. The Plaintiff/Appellant proceeded to write through his counsel, demanding the removal of the fence blockade to the Business premises while the 1st Defendant/Respondent may sort out his problems with the late Chief Alli family in respect of the ownership of the premises.

There being no response to the letter, the Plaintiff instituted the action leading to this appeal. Appellant insisted that he was the sole occupant of the premises i.e. Groovy Cafe and Restaurant and had never met the 1st Respondent before, nor was the 1st Respondent ever introduced to him as a purchaser of the said premises.

On the other hand, the case of the 1st Respondent is that the premises in dispute belong to one Mrs. Rosemary Alli, alleged to be one of the wives of the late Chief Rasaki Alli and that the premises was sold to him in 2006 together with shops near to the building by the said Rose Mary Alli. That the late Rose Mary introduced the 1st Respondent to the Appellant and the occupants of the shops, who vacated the shops on the 1st Respondent’s order, except the Appellant who refused to leave the premises. He admitted that the 2nd Respondent was in the premises to carry out renovation work, including the fencing of the premises on the instruction of

the 1st Respondent, and that the police invited the 2nd Respondent upon the Appellant’s report. He denied any act of trespass but admitted that the Appellant was in occupation and paying rent and for many years to Chief Rasaki Alli and after his death to his family Management Committee. He acknowledged the correspondences between the parties prior to the suit and the fact that there was no prior court order for the taking of possession, There was no document in proof of Rose Mary Alli’s title to the property as alleged, however the document of purported sale by her to the Respondent was tendered and rejected in evidence, for not being an admissible registrable instrument in law.

At the close of hearing, the learned trial Judge dismissed the Plaintiff’s case on the ground that the Plaintiff had not proved that he was in occupation or exclusive possession of the premises and that the entry into the premises was not an invasion, such as to constitute trespass as according to the learned trial judge, the 1st Respondent had purchased the premises from the late Rose Mary Alli and that the Appellant had become a mere licensee on the land after the purchase.

Peeved and so disappointed with the decision of the learned trial Judge, the Plaintiff appealed to the Court of Appeal. The Appellant formulated 6 (six) issues for the determination of this appeal; the said issues were also wholly adopted by the Respondents in their opposition to the appeal. The issues are: i. Whether the learned trial Judge was right in his decision that the description of the premises on which the Appellant sued is not clear. ii. Whether the learned trial Judge was right in his decision that the possession of the premises on which the Appellant sued cannot be ascribed to the Appellant. iii. Whether from the nature of the claims before the lower court, the reaction of the Appellant’s landlord to the entry into the premises by the Respondents is necessary for the success of the Appellant’s claims against the Respondents. iv. Whether the learned trial Judge was right in his decision that he believed that the 1st Respondent purchased the premises from Mrs. Rose Mary Alli. v. Whether the learned trial Judge was right in dismissing the Appellant’s claim for damages, for trespass and injunction. vi. Whether the decision of the learned trial Judge can be supported by the weight of evidence adduced before the lower court.

Arguing issue No. 1, the Appellant’s learned counsel submitted that the trial judge was wrong in his decision that the description of the premises upon which the suit was brought was unclear. That the endorsement of the claims on the writ of summons and the statement of claim describes the premises as Groovy Cafe and Restaurant lying and being at opposite Oshogbo Grammar School, Iwo Road, Oshogbo. On his part, the Respondent submitted that the description given by the Appellant is at variance with his pleadings and exhibits tendered in proof of his description of the premises and that the Judge was therefore right in so holding that the description was uncertain.

On issue 1, the Court held that the fact that the Respondent issued quit notices severally on the Appellant as Defendant in respect of the premises was a clear statement that the premises in dispute and in occupation of the Appellant was well known to the Respondent and the trial Court had no reason to doubt the description as the issue was not a

claim of declaration of title to a piece of land of a specified dimension. The Court stated that the simple question related to whether the Respondent had trespassed into the said premises. The Court held that if there was an unlawful interference with the right of peaceful enjoyment of the property by somebody in lawful occupation thereof the dimension or specific area of the said subject property was an irrelevant fact for any consideration.

The Court held further that the slightest act of interference be it by the physical presence there, or by fencing as done or the quit notices severally issued without basis amounted to trespass against the Appellant’s right of occupation and use as a tenant. Issue No. 1 was resolved in favour of the Appellant.

On issue 2, Learned Counsel for the Appellant argued that the claim was based on trespass hinged on fact of lawful occupation by tenancy and not upon any question of ownership of the property. It was, therefore, submitted that a tenant in possession or occupation of land can maintain an action in trespass against all parties including his landlord. See Akinkugbe v. Ewulum Holdings

(2008) 6 SCM 23 at 40; (2008) LPELR-346(SC).

The Respondent in answer to this issue submitted that the Respondents had exercised various acts of ownership over the premises such that he had proved better title than the Appellant.

Arguing issue 5, learned counsel for the Appellant contended that action for damages for trespass lies at the suit of a person in possession and that the slightest act of possession suffices. It was emphasized that an action in trespass is not conterminous with ownership claim as the person entitled to claim need not be the owner of land forming the subject matter of the trespass. See Echere & ors v. Ezerike (2006) 5 SCNJ 120; (2006) LPELR-1000(SC). It was also submitted that there was no need to prove actual injury as the mere stepping of foot on the land or premises in possession of another person without consent gives rise to damages for trespass even when no physical injury or loss occurred. In response, the Respondent submitted that a possessor of premises or land can maintain a valid action in reaction to the slightest disturbance of his possession against everyone except a person who can show a better title to possession. The Court in determining this issue re-iterated that the law is settled that a claim in trespass is not dependent on a declaration of title. That trespass being an injury to possessory right, the proper Plaintiff to an action in trespass is the person who was or who was deemed to be in possession at the time of the trespass. The issue was resolved against the Respondent.

The Court further held that the reaction/consent of the landlord or owner of the property, (a non-party to the suit) is not a requirement of the law for a competent and successful claim in trespass.

On the whole, the Court held that the judgment of the trial Court is perverse in all ramifications. The Court held that the appeal succeeds and it was allowed.

LawPavilion Citation: (2014) LPELR23706(CA) Compiled by: LawPavilion

Ikeja NBA wants Ekiti Courts re-opened

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HE Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ikeja branch, has decried the closure of Ekiti State courts, saying it endangers democracy and rule of law.

The chairman, Yinka Farounbi said this while briefing reporters after a three-day fact-finding mission to the state following the attacks on judges.

He urged the Chief Judge of the state, Justice A.S. Daramola to re-open the courts, saying peace has returned to the state capital.

Farounbi condemned the attack on judges of the state High Court by thugs suspected to be loyalists of the governor-elect, Ayodele Fayose.

He said the hoodlums’ action amounted to threat to the independence of the judiciary.

“In view of the fact that our democracy was hard won from long years of military rule, it should be the concern of all well meaning Nigerians, particularly legal practitioners to protect the nascent democracy zealously,” he said.

Farounbi said their findings revealed that the attacks were clearly carried out with the aim of stopping the court from discharging its lawful and constitutional responsibilities of adjudicating over disputes before it.

“Evidence abound that the invaders of the courts had clear intention to overawe the court.

Their action in proper legal context was treasonable,” he said.

The NBA chairman held Fayose liable for the mayhem and physical assault of Justice J. O Adeyeye.

Farounbi said his team spoke with the All Progressives Congress (APC) lawyer Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); lead counsel for the People Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti, Hon. Obafemi Adewale; the Commissioner of Police, Mr F.T. Lakanu; the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Wale Fapohunda, among other eye witnesses.

The fact-finding mission, he said, took place between September 28 and 30.

He said they discovered that Fayose “did not stop” his supporters from assaulting the judges.

According to Farounbi, the PDP governorelect watched his supporters physically assaulting the judge without any attempt to stop them. “ Justice Adeyeye was indeed assaulted with

By Adebisi Onanuga

fist blows, whips and kicks by about 20 people who were with the governor-elect, as he was passing by the former’s court.

“The assault on the judicial officer happened when the judge left his chamber and went over to Fayose, asking him to control his noisy and unruly followers.

“This led to an argument between the duo and the assault on the judge took place. The governor-elect ‘did not stop his followers,” he noted.

The branch, therefore, called for the arrest and prosecution of the offenders.

“Those that may be found to have participated in the desecration of Ekiti judiciary should be made to face the wrath of the law no matter highly placed because the law is no respecter of any person.

“Democracy cannot survive where there is no rule of law and respect for the judiciary,” he said.

Fayose denied assaulting or beating up any judge.

•Farounbi

POLITICS

TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

43

THE NATION

E-mail:- politics@thenationonlineng.net

EDO NORTH POLITICS The battle for the Edo North senatorial ticket has started within the two major parties; the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Ten aspirants are in the race. Who wins the ticket? EMMANUEL OLADESU examines their strengths and weaknesses.

• Ihonvbere

E

• Momoh

• Senator Obende

• Lamai

Edo North: Gladiators battle for Senate

DO North Senatorial District is a politically conscious zone. It has produced promi nent politicians who are making waves in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although the ban on campaigns has not been lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the aspirants are mobilising stakeholders, ahead of next general elections.

Instead of campaigns, contenders and their supporters have resorted to rallies, which are campaigns in disguise. Town hall and village square meetings, visit to palaces of prominent monarchs and homes of party elders and influential community leaders, and meetings with interest groups have increased. There is also a gale of endorsements for aspirants by stakeholders.

The contenders are bold, courageous and determined. In the politics of Edo North, they have not taken the back seat. They have served in government before and they are in reckoning with the people. However, the senatorial poll appears to be a different ball game. Therefore, the wheat will still be separated from the chaff at the primaries.

The aspirants include Senator Domingo Obende (APC), Hon. Abubakar Momoh (PDP), Prof. Julius Ihonvbere (APC), Francis Alimikhere (APC), Hon. Pascal Ugboma (PDP), and Chief Richard Lamai (PDP).

Obende Obende became a senator in 2011 on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). The politician from the Akoko Edo area is now one of the leaders of the APC in the district. Edo North is made up of Akoko Edo, Etsako and Owan. It is a tripod arrangement.

Indeed, the senatorial election has always created tension among these three areas.

Obende has a second term ambition. His campaign train has rolled into towns and villages.

Armed with his score card, he has been calling attention to his achievements as a federal legislator and a community man. His ambition has divided the district. But, his supporters believe that his achievements will continue to endear him to constituents. These include the hand pump boreholes, which he attracted to the area, the sponsoring of Christians and Muslims on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and Mecca and skill acquisition training for constituents.

But, his major feat as a senator is that he sponsored the bill, which criminalised same sex marriage. The bill has become and act.

Those objecting to his re-election bid have said that they were not impressed by his performance. Critics have alleged that Obende os inaccessible, although they acknowledged that he has attracted some projects to the constituency. Others have an axe to grind with him on the projects. They said he sited many of the projects in his area, thereby leaving other five local governments in the cold. Some constituents even questioned the quality of the work done by the contractors.

Stakeholders from Owan (East and West) and Etsako (Central, East and West) are agitating for power shift. But, those supporting Obende in Akoko Edo have urged them to wait for their turns. Their argument is that the two areas have enjoyed the slot in the past. Etsako produced Senator Kassim Oyofo, who was in the Upper Chamber between 1999 and 2007. Also, Owan produced Senator Yisa Braimoh, who served from 2007 to 2011. But, Braimoh is campaigning against his successor, saying that he is unfit for a second term. He urged stakeholders to beam a searchlight on his credentials. Obende camp believes that the senator is a victim of blackmail and bitter struggle for power.

But, can Obende get the ticket? A source said that, unlike 2011, his popularity has waned, not because of non-performance, but because some powerful forces are not willing to back him for a second term. Having seen the handwriting on the wall, some of his supporters deserted him.

Momoh Momoh, an engineer from Etsako, is a member of the House of Representatives. He represents Etsako Constituency, which comprises of Etsako Central, Etsako East and Etsako West.

He is a grassroots politician and he has supporters. For him, the Senate should be a compensation for hard work and a sort of elevation. Momoh has served as a councillor, supervisory councillor, and Chairman of Etsako East

Council. He was a member of the House of Assembly for eight years. In 2003, he won election into the Lower Chamber. In 2011, he returned to the House. Momoh is a household name in Edo North. But, some stakeholders have grudges against him. According to them, Momoh has not become an exemplary federal legislator. He has also been accused of playing the ethnic card. The legislator is said to be behind the “Etsako Agenda.” The agenda is to mobilise all Etsakos to endorse him for the Senate. Hid ally, according to sources, is Alhaji Usman Shagadi, who is in charge of the mobilisation. The Shagadi/Momoh calculation is that, since Etsako is more populous than AkokoEdo and Owan, Momoh can rely on the bloc votes from his area to defeat other contenders.

However, since this calculation may flounder, he defected to the PDP. Alimhikhena Alimhikhena is a retired soldier and lawyer.

He is a veteran aspirant, having tried his luck thrice at the PDP primaries. Many party men have hailed his courage, despite the political adversity of losing at each turn. Alimhikhena has not stirred controversy. But, his ambition is not a threat to any contender. He has experience, which he garnered in the military. He has built political structures, which he can rely on.

He is a reliable politician. He is popular in Etsako East.

Ihonvbere The political scientist and university don fought for democracy. He was in the trenches during the dark days of the military rule. When he returned to the country, many were taken aback when he joined the Obasanjo Administration. But, while in that government, he did maintained his puritanical zeal. Many are still expecting him to document his experience as the former Presidential Adviser on Project

‘The contenders are bold, courageous and determined.

In the politics of Edo North, they have not taken the back seat. They have served in government before and they are in reckoning with the people. However, the senatorial poll appears to be different ball game. Therefore, the wheat will still be separated from the chaff at the primaries’

Monitoring and Evaluation from 2003 to 2007.

During the period, he developed a wide network of contacts locally and internationally.

An accomplished and erudite scholar, the Secretary to Edo State Government left the PDP for the defunct ACN in 2012, when he was shortchanged by the PDP in his quest for the governorship ticket. He was indeed, the front runner in the race. Ihonvbere defected with thousands of supporters. His ability to communicate, integrity, accessibility, and experience are assets.

Ihonvbere is also a modest philanthropist.

Through the Julius Ihonvbere Foundation, he has extended a duty of care to the needy. Many ouths and women have benefitted from his empowerment programmes. He is perceived as a tested and trusted politician, who has what it takes to represent the district in the Senate.

Already, stakeholders from four local governments have endorsed him. These are AkokoEdo, Owan East and Owan West. He also has some supporters in Etsako Central, East and West. Party chieftains believe that his credentials place him above other aspirants. He is focused, humble, charismatic and goal-oriented.

Ugbome A lawyer and an astute politician, Ugbome served as the former Chairman of Etsako Central local government between 2004 and 2007.

He is the Director of Organisation of the PDP. He was a member of the House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003. He represented Etsako Central Constituency. Like Obende, Hon. Ugbome is a Deacon. He has connections. He is a loyal party member, committed and dependable. Stakeholders say he stands a good chance of clinching the ticket of PDP as a fitting reward for his commitment, loyalty and dedication.

Lamai He is the son of the late Senator Ekpemoriri Lamai. He is the youngest aspirant. Lamai is a shrewd businessman with interests in hospitality, oil and gas. He contested in 2007 and lost narrowly to Senator Braimoh at the primaries.

His supporters now believe that he will do better at the proposed shadow poll. But, the aspirant has some hurdles to cross. Some have questioned his commitment to the party. They point out that he only comes around during the electioneering. Some have advised him to vie for a seat in the House of Assembly. In their opinion, age is still on his side.

THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

44

POLITICS APC chieftain calls for urgent reconciliation

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By Musa Odoshimokhe

CHIEFTAIN of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Badagry Federal Constituency, Hon. Abu Orieni, has called for reconciliation before next year’s election.

He alleged that some aggrieved members have resolved to frustrate the party in Badagry Division.

The party chieftain spoke shortly after some members disrupted the reconciliation meeting organised by the state leadership of the party.

He said the visit by state leaders was disrupted because some politicians turned the occasion into a campaign ground.

Orieni said: “If there is going to be genuine reconciliation, it cannot take place under such condition. The meeting should be between the core leaders of the three local governments and the party chieftains in Lagos.

“Apart from that, the council did not hold congress in the Badagry West LCDA. We expect the chairman of our party in Lagos to call us together and put the house in order. He is our father and we expect him to look at all the complaints and take decision.”

Orieni saidthe aspirants, who stormed the venue to receive visitors with their campaign posters, did so in bad faith.

He added: “I can assure you that the oppositions are praying very hard for us not to have peace in our party. The party’s reconciliation must be between the leaders in a well organised environment.”

The politician said the party leader, Hon. Sunny Ajose, who reconciled other councils in the constituency because it was well coordinated.

He stressed: “At this junction, I will implore our National Leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, to step in to save the party from being hijacked by those who considered themselves as above the law because if it not done now, it will be too late.”

My Agenda for Ijebu Central, by aspirant

All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Mr. Lanre Kuku, is an aspirant for the House of Representatives in Ijebu Central Constituency, Ogun State. He spoke with reporters on his agenda the constituency. Excerpts:

A

S an aspirant for the House of Representatives, what is your agenda?

Education is the cornerstone for any country’s development. A nation’s progress, national security, economic, cultural, social and political prosperity is anchored in an educated citizenry. Consequently, I will introduce legislation that provides avenues that ensure that education is available to all irrespective of a persons’ family background or situation.

Is the security of the people not your concern?

Nigeria needs to take care of its citizens as they go through the vicissitudes of life; the jobless, the elderly, and especially, the pensioners deserve better social accommodation than they currently have. Legislation that offers assistance to Nigerians at various stages of life’s needs will be introduced. For pensioners, legislation compelling payments of their monthly entitlements one week before current employees get paid will be presented.

Ijebu is noted for commerce. What do you want to do in this regard?

Nigerian employees are yet to be properly recognised and compensated adequately for their labour, especially if they work in the private sector where they may not get paid for months nor have their monthly salaries paid in bits and pieces by sometimes unscrupulous employers. Laws enforcing minimum wage payments on time will be initiated and those in violation will be promptly sanctioned. Other salient benefits; health, family, retirement, vacation, etc., will be proposed. Also, businesses, especially those managed/owned by women will receive significant attention in legislations that will be proposed.

What other programmes do you have?

A nation’s wealth and progress depends very critically on the availability of a healthy citizenry.

Consequently, every segment of the population would be provided for in legislations that will be proposed. The idea of visiting doctors and nurses will be proposed and healthcare facilities will be established based on a designated population figure.

A nation’s youth are its future. Programmes that match manpower needs to the education process will be presented for legislation so that human capacity development can proceed in a way that ensures their employment. Creativity, in abundance in the youth, will be encouraged.

• Kuku

Ope joins governorship race in Lagos

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By Emmanuel Oladesu

ORMER member of the Lagos State House of Assembly Hon. Lanre Ope has joined the governorship race in Lagos on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The former legislator told reporters in Lagos that he joined the race because he has the experience to govern the state.

Ope left the House of Assembly in 2003. He defected from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, he defected to the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) two years ago. In 1994, he was a delegate to the National Constitutional Conference in Abuja.

Urging Lagosians to vote for continuity, the aspirant said the state deserved a competent successor to Giovernor Babatunde Fashola next year.

Ope said he looked forward to a democratic primaries where the APC flag bearer would emerge.

The politician called for a specialstatus for Lagos, adding that the next governor will inherit the agitation for improved fuunding for the former Federal Capital Terrritory (FCT).

He said: “If you are talking about the Value Added Tax (VAT), over 65 per cent comes from Lagos. Therefore, Lagos should have more VAT allocation. In addition, as Lagos population grows, a lot of Federal Government’s responsibilities is being undertaken by the Lagos State Government, thereby overstreching facilities and this has huge security implications.”

Ope chided the Federal Government for its propaganda on the success of the Transformation Agenda, describing it as a fable.

He said pro-Jonathan forces are exagerrating the success of the Jonathan Administration, despite the growing poverty, squalour and insecurity in the country.

Ope said the PDP cannot win the governorship poll in Lagos because the Federal Government has not fought the infrastructure battle in the state.

He added: “Lagosians cannot vote for the PDP because it lacks what it takes to win the state.”

Prince Kalagbor Wordu from Obokoro Orochiri Kingdom, Rivers State, is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant. He spoke with PRECIOUS DIKEWOHA in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on his ambition and other partisan issues.

‘Wike can’t be PDP candidate in Rivers’

W

HY do you want to be governor of Rivers State?

I am qualified in all ramifications to contest for the position of the governor of Rivers State. To be candid, I joined the race to stop Chief Nyesom Wike from picking the PDP ticket in Rivers State. I was chosen by my people to contest the governorship of Rivers State. I was supposed to be adopted as an unopposed candidate by the party.

But, because democracy is founded on the basis of principles, I must join the queue, to pass through some processes with others to get the party’s ticket. So, that is why I am running under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I am one of the pioneers of the PDP in the state. The party does not belong to anybody; it is a platform for any candidate, who wishes to contest for any elective position. My dream is to make Rivers State an industrial haven by exploiting its God-given resources fordevelopment. I will use my experience as an expert in the oil and gas industry to turn the economy around and make every citizen a stakeholder. I will invest massively on human capital development like education and make sure that there are two or three graduates in every household.

Look, I want you to know that many people are suffering in Rivers State. There are some families that cannot afford to send their children to tertiary institutions.

This is one of my worries. My plan is to ensure that I reduce drastically the fees paid in state tertiary institutions. I will provide avenues to put more money in the pockets of lecturers, to ensure that they stop embarking on strikes. If a professor in the university cannot boost of one million in two months and a House of the Assembly member gets N100 million in two months, it is irritating. People are not happy seeing those entrusted with their votes been millionaire overnight while people are living in misery. This is one of the major issues that should have been addressed before now.

Can you beat Wike at the primaries?

If I am afraid of anybody in the party, it is not Wike. Believe me, he will retire from politics by next year. He was a local government chairman for eight years, Chief of Staff for four years and within those four years, he was appointed as the Director-General of Governor Chibuike Amaechi Campaign Organisation before he was made the Minister. So, Rivers people are

•Wordu

saying thank you, go and sit down.

Look, people should not turn politics to their family farm land. It is sad that we are talking about Wike now when Rivers people are tired of him. There is nothing he can offer as governor that any other candidate cannot offer. I am a crowned prince and I had all my studies in Germany. I have transacted many international businesses with men of high sense of decency. These are people who believe me today. I respect my leaders, especially those who contributed in making me to be where I am today. I am not those who stage protest for their masters, those who want to be richer than those

‘If I am afraid of anybody in the party, it is not Wike. Believe me, he will retire from politics by next year.

He was a local government chairman for eight years, Chief of Staff for four years and within those four years, he was appointed as the Director-General of Governor Chibuike Amaechi Campaign Organisation before he was made the Minister. So, Rivers people are saying thank you, go and sit down

who made them. That is why Rivers people must protest against such candidates.

What makes you think you are a better candidate?

Because I am better than Wike.

The only thing that makes him look as if he has much power and influence is because of the influence of the wife of the President.

Any day the President’s wife tells him, look it is over between us, no nobody will hear his name again. Let me tell you, the President does not trust him; he has a very bad record of betrayal. I have a wealth of experience, which other candidates do not possess.

The youths of Rivers State are solidly behind me. I want to tell you something. Almost all the candidates jostling for the PDP ticket in Rivers State are more interested in what they will gain and not what they will do for Rivers people.

That is why the party must be careful about who they give the party flag. If the wrong people are allowed to take the PDP ticket and they eventually win, the people will suffer; the wealth of the people will be looted. They have nothing to offer. That is why we are doing our best to ensure that the party does not make the greatest mistake. Let me make it clear. I will not step down for anybody.

As an Ikwerre man, what is your position on the agitation for power shift by riverrine people?

I also have sympathy for them.

But, in the PDP, there is nothing like zoning. We were advised to contest. If in the process of seeking the ticket of the party and there is an order that Ikwerre man cannot contest, I will step down. I will obey my party. But, where the same party is pushing for an Ikwerre candidate, then, no one has the right to criticise me. Secondly, this is democracy where people have equal rights to seek any elective position. So, for now, my party has not said a particular ethnic group should step down for others.

Do you think the PDP will win APC in the state?

Rivers State is for the PDP. This is not arguable. There has been a lot of political propaganda that the APC will win Rivers State, but that will not happen. Frankly speaking, we are prepared for it. We are prepared to engage the APC. What they are doing now is to misinform Nigerians about what the PDP truly represents. The problem is that, in the PDP, we have problem. Even, here in Rivers State, we lack internal democracy. But, I know we will get over it.

‘My agenda for Ede Constituency’

•Lasisi

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LL Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Prince Saheed Lasisi has joined the House of Representatives race in Ede Constituency, Osun State.

The politician from the rustic town, Sekona, told reporters in Ede that he was motivated by the desire to serve the people.

He said stakeholders, including royal fathers, party leaders, women and youths are rooting for his candidature because of their yearning for change.

Lasisi, who was at the palace of the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, for roayal blessing, promised not to let the people down, if elected as a legislator.

The monarch advised him to conduct his campaigns peacefully and avoid politics of bitterness.

Addressing the people of his ward, Lasisi, who is an associate of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), unfolded a four-point

agenda encompassing youth empowerment, education, rural development and legislation.

He promised to initiate laws that would boost small scale industries in Ede Constituency. He also promised to give scholarship to indigent students in tertiary institutions.

The Chairman of the APC in his ward, Kadiri Adeola, commended Lasisi for his vision. He urged him not to renege on his promises, if elected as a lawmaker.

Lasisi is a financial expert with over 14 years experience. He has served as the director of the Nigerian Wire and Cable Plc, Guardian Health Care Ltd, True bond Capital and Asset Management Ltd. He was a member of the Transition Management Team of Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL).

THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

45

POLITICS

‘Kosofe deserves quality representation’

The Chairman of Afenifere in Lagos State, Chief Supo Shonibare, reflects on the National Conference, preparations for next year’s general election, national security and the Afenifere crisis. He spoke with Assistant Editor LEKE SALAUDEEN.

How to avert disintegration by, Sonibare D ID the National Conference succeed in addressing the national question?

It was an imperfect situation. But, it has helped to address the issue of devolution. All the agitations for the Sovereign National Conference were prompted by the need to devolve power from the centre to the states. It is critical for the sustenance of the Nigerian entity and for development.

The National Conference has achieved that through its approval for the establishment of state police, allocating more resources to the states as federating units and the adjustment of exclusive and concurrent legislative lists by ceding more functions to states. If some administrative directives are adhered to, you will find that the National Conference was a worthwhile exercise by this administration.

Though the Southwest’s proposal for the adoption of the six geo-political zones as federating units and that of allowing each region to create as many states as its resources can bear was rejected. But, we believe there should be an enduring template for the federating zones. The Southwest also made a case for a return to parliamentary system of government. This was also turned down. However, we supported the creation of new states because there are certain areas that are agitating for more states.

But, the recommendation for the creation of 18 states has been described as outrageous. What is your view?

It depends on how you look at it.

The best option is to re-arrange the allocation of resources within the zones they are being carved out from.

It is difficult to limit the right of those clamouring for new states. They have the legitimate right to ask for states of their own, particularly because of the notion that it will bring development nearer to the grassroots.

Given the agitation from each zone and the insecurity threatening its stability, can Nigeria avert disintegration?

What is going on now is beyond insurrection. When a religious group takes over some communities and claims to establish a republic, we are facing a struggle for the territory. It is time we had a political summit, irrespective of party affiliations, to take a common stand on all issues that could lead to disintegration. A partisanship approach should not be adopted for the summit. The situation in the country today is a reflection of leadership failure over the years. The Northerners are questioning the Southsouth leaders over how the special allocation received from the Federation Account over the years have been spent.

But, if you go to the North, you will ask a similar question because of the under development and the level of poverty in the region.

The consequence of the present situation will throw up a state of hopelessness. There will be no jobs because the issue of job creation requires a degree of education, in enabling the growth of manpower resources that are necessary for any modern industrial growth. Entrepreneurship requires an educated workforce. The inability to apply resources correctly in the past 30 to 40 years is responsible for the country’s under-development and portraying it as a failed state.

The solution lies in good governance and elimination of power and money mongers from the system. If the trajectory we have been follow-

ing in the past 40 years continue, this country will collapse. It can be averted if we are able to throw up a selfless leader with vision to create a fairer society. We need leaders that will address the challenges facing the educational sector as the utmost priority in building the nation.

There has to be some degree of unity.

In any event, the two major parties in the country, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are similar. That is why it is easy for members to cross carpet. If the two parties are patriotic, it should not be difficult for them to sit together and forge a common front. Ethnic nationalities and civil society groups should also join hands in addressing the problems of emergency the country is now facing. This has to be done through united and democratic approach. The coming together of major stakeholders and the exchange of ideas will bring about development and understanding.

Do you think next year’s general elections will hold, in view of the security situation in the country?

I think it will hold. In countries like Iraq and Syria, where there are more serious challenges, they held elections.

We should always stress the need for democratic process in choosing our leaders. A situation where leaders rig themselves into office will not solve the problem. If either Jonathan or Buhari wins the presidential election next year, would the winner succeed in solving the nation’s problems? My answer is no.

Some say Boko Haram insurgency have political and economic undertone.

Do you agree?

No. At the beginning, they said Boko Haram was a Southern conspiracy to weaken the North. Those enforcing law in the country today are from the North; the National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police are northerners. In Sahel and Middle East, there has been a fundamental Islamic group linked to AlQaida trying to create an entity where it can practice Islamic ideology. There are break away groups of these fundamentalists scattered all over the world, like in Mali, Somalia and Kenya.

There was a political dimension at the beginning because politicians used the militia to intimidate their opponents.

The kind of expertise being thrown to Nigerian army shows that the Boko Haram insurgents enjoy international support. Insurgency is a global threat.

But, the inability of Federal Government to evolve a virile society, coupled with abject poverty in the North, has

‘It is easy for insurgents to get followership because they consider it very attractive in taking them out of poverty. Religious zeal pushed people into suicide bombing. The failure of leadership has made it easier for the Boko Haram group to thrive in Nigeria and recruit innocent people into the cause’

Toyin Balogun is an aspirant for the House of Representatives in Kosofe Constituency, Lagos State. In this interview with MUSA ODOSHIMOKHE, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain explains his mission in politics.

W • Shonibare

made it a fertile ground to recruit local naive people who are facing a state of hopelessness, joblessness and no means of livelihood. It is easy for insurgents to get followership because they consider it very attractive in taking them out of poverty. Religious zeal pushed people into suicide bombing. The failure of leadership has made it easier for the Boko Haram group to thrive in Nigeria and recruit innocent people into the cause.

Can Nigeria endure this instability in the next four years?

If the instability does not abate, Nigeria can’t sustain it. But, if corrective measures are put in place to address the issue of education, then we are taking the right step to stabilise the country.

Government should meet the infrastructural needs of the people, ensure there is stable power supply and then the issue of insurgence must be tackled seriously, otherwise Nigeria state will collapse.

How would you react to the allegation that Afenifere has jettisoned its role of being a virile opposition, by joining the mainstream politics?

Afenifere has never departed from the essence of its formation. The precursor of Afenifere was Action Group. Those of us who subscribed to the ethos of Afenifere are reminding people that our political philosophy is rooted in Afenifere. Under the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Afenifere was a partisan group and was made up of people that believe in its political ideology. Afenifere was left of centre which evolved a fairer society in the old Western Region. You don’t expect all Yoruba to be in Afenifere. This tradition was maintained in 1998 when the Afenifere sponsored the formation of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which swept the polls in the Southwest states in 1999. Since that time, there has been a schism. The selection of the AD presidential candidate polarised the group. Since that schism, efforts have been made to restructure Afenifere.

Afenifere should not be an all comers group. It was never intended to be that way. If we don’t have a political party of our own, we have to look for the best option in the polity during this transition, a party that can bring about stability and evolve fairer society. We have to choose from two evils. We have to align with the lesser evil.

What steps have been taken to restructure Afenifere?

Steps are being taken to realign Afenifere. It will be repositioned firmly and squarely along the trajectory that the founder laid down in 1951 and that political trajectory is that of honour, integrity and the evolution of a fairer society.

Stomach infrastructure is a new phenomenon in politics today. Is it strange in Yoruba politics?

If money is the mantra of the political groups, you can’t blame the voters. They believe that is what they can benefit from the politicians seeking their votes. To them the issue is not about free education or any other programme that will benefit the larger society. This is because the politicians lack honour and integrity and cannot be trusted. There is the need to evolve a political movement that has integrity. This would remove the scepticism and lack of confidence in the ruling groups. If that phenomenon has permeated the Southwest, you can imagine what will happen in other zones.

HY are you contesting for the House of Representatives?

I am contesting in compliance with the clamour by the people of Kosofe Constituency that I should go the House to represent them.

This is informed by my contributions to the party in Lagos State, particularly my efforts towards mobilising the youths. The efforts have yielded good results for my great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). You know the youths are the engine room for the electoral victory. Over the years, I have been a loyal party man. I have served the party with all my strength. I have the youths behind me. They are ready to support the cause we are clamouring for. My election into the House of Representatives will enable me serve my people better through legislations. The youths are not the only people supporting this dream; the leaders in Kosofe are supporting it too. I want to say that the youths have been marginalised. The youths need to be thoroughly engaged through empowerment. If the youths are properly engaged, parents will be relieved because there would no longer be fears of exuberant behaviours. When the youths are engaged, the crime rate will be reduced. So, going to the House is for their interest. I am not going there for personal reasons. I also believe that there should be enabling laws to create better opportunities for the youths. There must be opportunity for employment, security, education and business development. To become a House of Representatives member is to engage discerning minds in shaping the soul of the country.

Why are you engaged in youth mobilisation?

I have been a friend of the youth. My advocacy to secure the basic needs of the youths has been in the forefront in my political career. When the APC leaders noticed my ability in the direction of youth mobilization, they encouraged me to contest for the House. I have been engaged in youth empowerment, through skills acquisition and mobilisation for positive developments. These are some of the reasons why they are saying I should represent them in the House. They believe I can defend them, no matter the challenges I may face in the course of doing that. I have been working with non-governmental organisations to develop the potentials of our youths. My objective is to restore the glory of the youths, which has been stolen for so many years. In view of the confidence they repose in me, they have been moving from one house to another in their campaign to send me to the House of Representatives.

Can you successfully mobilise the youths for the party in next year’s election?

Let me tell you that we have the capacity to sustain the tempo. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s quest to capture Lagos is an empty ranting. Their ambition to take over Lagos is dead on arrival. With the foundation the APC government has put in place, I can tell you the youths will stand up for the party. The PDP has been saying this for over eight years now, but Lagos is for the progressives and it will remain so. With the rural/urban renewal programme of the administration, provision of basic infrastructures and road construction and rehabilitation that started right from the period of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Centre of Excellence will continue to appreciate the landmark innovations that have been put in place. The PDP is known for corruption. It is not possible to take Lagos State from the APC. It is an unrealistic dream.

The records of the APC are there and it will take several decades for any other party to meet up with it, including the PDP. The APC has positively paid its dues to the masses of this country in the states where it is in control.

Is your party going to pick its candidate through primaries?

My party has come up with guidelines to enable it conduct the primaries.

Everybody that wants to run on the platform of the APC is aware that they would have to pass through the primaries. That notwithstanding, the party leadership knows who the cap fits. It knows the strength of every contestant.

The party leaders know those that can serve the people. There are aspirants who are contesting for one position or the other, but do not have the interest of the people at heart. Our party is aware of these challenges and I believe they have the antidote to such problems. I see myself as a potential candidate for Kosofe Federal Constituency; with my antecedents I have not left anybody in doubt of what I am up to. I believe I can take Kosofe to the next level, through concrete legislative engagement at the National Assembly. We are all making our promises and the followers are watching. All things being equal, the people will decide who will lead them.

Can your party make the difference at the federal level?

Now the PDP has endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan to continue in office. The records of the PDP are nothing to write home about, particularly in the area of corruption. Nigerians are not fools; they have seen how the PDP-led administration has incapacitated the country. They have seen that this administration hold the best record on corruption. For some people to put their heads together to endorse an administration that has done very little to improve the lives of the people and dissipated much energy to sustain corruption is an act of criminality. For close to five months now over 230 school girls have been in captivity. Look at the recent $9.3 million scam; the aviation sector failure; the N20 billion that vanished from CBN accounts and many more. Yet, they are still endorsing such a leader to continue. It is only in this part of the globe that things like that are feasible. The PDP has failed and I am very confident that the people will vote the party out. As youth leaders, we are mobilizing, and we will ensure that we deliver in the areas we cover. We are equally planning to extend our frontiers, to enable us push our party to victory.

How do you assess those vying for your party’s presidential ticket?

I believe the party leaders know what is good for us in the APC. Our party believes in democracy and I think all the aspirants seeking the party’s nod for next year’s election are credible. General Mohammadu Buhari is a man of integrity; likewise other aspirants. If you look at the Buhari antecedents, he is a man of integrity; he has held many key positions in this country. Yet, nobody has been able to link him with corruption. His record remains unblemished. It will take another generation to erase this record, if at all.

• Balogun

46

HEALTH

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

THE NATION

E-mail:- health@thenationonlineng.net

Nordica Fertility Centre’s first In-vitro Fertilisation (IVF) baby has turned 10. The facility joined Master Julian Onwudinjo’s family to mark his birthday in Lagos where his mother, Francesca Onwudinjo, recounted her experience.

OYEYEMI GBENGA-MUSTAPHA reports.

‘I have never hidden the fact that I did IVF’

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MMANUEL and Francesca Onwudinjo had been searching for the fruit of the womb for five agonising years when on September 14, 2004,they joined the growing list of happy parents of perfectly healthy IVF children with the birth of their son, Julian Oluchukwu, meaning "God's work”.

At birth, Julian was a miracle to his parents. He clocked 10 last Sunday. In a chat, the boy, who wants to be an engineer, said his parents had always been open about the way he was conceived and born.

Julian's mother, Mrs Francesca Onwudinjo recalled her journey to motherhood. “I got married in July 1999 and had Julian in 2004, that was five years interval. I was taking treatment at Lagoon Hospital, but went to the internet to search for solution.

I was 25 and desperately looking for the fruit of the womb. I was in the office and was just going through the internet when I saw the website of Nordica Fertility Centre, I took the address, at that time the clinic was at Victoria Garden City (VGC) in Lekki. I went there and made enquiries. That was how I met Dr. Abayomi Ajayi who I had known at Lagoon Hospital. I tried the first time and to God be the glory, it was successful. There is never any harm trying.

Mrs Onwudinjo said she has never defended the fact that she gave birth though IVF. “We went through the normal tests, there was nothing wrong. I was not intimidated by the cost. I had no fears or reservations at that time. I read a lot and I found out what the process was about. It was a kind of assisted process. I knew that. It wasn't as if the baby was going to fall from heaven, it is a natural process. Julian was a normal baby, and has grown into a normal child”.

Mrs Onwudinjo has stood before congregations to talk about her experience. “I had no problems about the issue of stigma. I have never hidden the fact that I did assisted reproduction. There is nothing to hide because he is my blood. It was my egg that was taken as well as my husband's sperm. So there is nothing to hide. For those that are hiding, it is ignorance. They need to be better educated about the process.

“The Church I attend does not preach against IVF. I recall a few years ago, a doctor was invited from Abuja to lecture women on the IVF. He did with his team and educated women and asked the church to bring out three women to be given free IVF cycles. They did. Out of them, one was 54 years old; now she has two kids, twins - a boy and a girl. The husband was 69 last year.

Another is carrying her baby now.

“If I were to be in a Church that preaches against IVF, since I have gone through the process, I would try to educate the women and let them know that it is not as if the baby is coming from another planet.

It is an assisted procedure just to help you to conceive. I can even go to the Pastor and use myself as example.

Why would you suffer in silence when you know there is an alternative? Why are you dying in pains?

Children come from God. You just try the best you can,'' Francesca recounted.

“Julian is like a son to us all here, our greatest achievement indeed," said Medical Director/CEO, Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr Abayomi Ajayi,

•From left: Dr Ajayi; Uju Onwudinjo, Julian, Mrs. Onwudinjo, Clinic Manager, Mrs. Ranti Ajayi, and Fertility Unit Head, Mrs. Gbemisola Babalola at the event.

who remarked that in keeping hopes alive by “Completing families” brought about the vision of setting up Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos in 2003.

He recalled that the primary aim is to combat infertility by providing true ‘comfort centres’ where the pain of childless couples could be soothed emotionally and medically.

On Julian's birth, Ajayi said it represented a milestone for Nordica and a new hope for parenthood.

“Julian's parents walked into Nordica Fertility Centre on October 11, 2003 and four months down the line after just one treatment cycle, the couple was greeted with the good news of the mother being pregnant with Julian. On September 14, 2004, the couple was blessed with Julian.

“In view of our successes, first with Julian our first baby and all those that came thereafter, has come the need for further advocacy by the parents in order to share the good news. While we have achieved

monumental growth in the number of babies conceived, we have equally not neglected our corporate social responsibility. Working in conjunction with the Fertility Treatment Support Foundation, FTSF, free fertility treatments have been made available to over 58 couples with diverse infertility challenges.

We also work with the ESGN, Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria, the only Foundation supporting this cause in West Africa."

“The first centre opened on April 14, 2003 at Victoria Garden City, Lekki Lagos. But owing to the need for expansion, we moved to Ikoyi, Lagos in January 2008. The Yaba Clinic opened its doors in October 2003 and the Clinic in Asaba opened November 2009 . The newest centre in Asokoro Abuja was commissioned in November 2012.

“We were then and still are driven by our essence, which is completing families. The numerous successes recorded within the organisation (and still counting) can

be attributed to God, the hardworking staff and the clientele who have reposed their trust in us”.

On IVF, Ajayi said it is unfortunate that infertility is seen as a personal problem when it is actually a social problem which government can help put on the front burner. He said IVF success rate is the same everywhere in the world, but regrets the lack of nationwide data in Nigeria.

“The success rate is age-dependent. Julian's mother had age on her side, because life comes primarily from the egg, so the younger the egg, when every other thing is normal, the better the success rate. This is why we tell people not to leave IVF as the last resort, because if you do, you are actually compromising on success rate.

“We want people to report early so that there will be proper assessment and if you need IVF, do it when chances are best, and the best can be done for you. For people above 35, we still have above 40

percent success rate; the problem in Nigeria is that a lot of people above 37 are doing IVF. But things are getting better.

According to Ajayi, sometimes there are couples that are seeing the traditional gynaecologist who is doing the assessment on them and everything is ok, but that is not so because the basic test can only identify a certain percentage of the problem.

“For somebody that is 45, the first thing to look at is the age. If we look at it from this point of view, it is the eggs that become babies, for such woman. Even if she is still menstruating regularly, the problem lies with age which cannot be detected by regular tests. We are not going to look at whether she is ovulating or not, we are not looking at the stock ovaries, even then such person has normal function, we know it cannot be true. You have to interpret your tests holistically, so it is like a 60-year old woman who has an ovary function test that says normal. It cannot be, you have to look at the whole person to make your decision.

He said when the vision of setting up Nordica Fertility Centre, Lagos was conceived, the primary aim was to courageously combat the plague of infertility by providing true “comfort centres” where the pain of childless couples could be soothed both emotionally and medically.

“Our first Centre opened on April 14, 2003 at Victoria Garden City, Lekki Lagos. But owing to our desire to be close to our clients and the fact that we were also rapidly expanding, we moved to Ikoyi, Lagos in January 2008. The Yaba Clinic opened its doors in October 2003 and in our bid to make our clients the centre of their world, another Clinic opened in Asaba in November 2009 and the newest Centre in Asokoro Abuja was commissioned in November 2012.

“The lack of information about fertility options coupled with the stigmatisation associated with childlessness has contributed to the reason why a lot of people do not explore the possibility of assisted conception. This should not be seen as a taboo but seen as a means to an end. “

Health insurance scheme attendance hits 600,000

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O fewer than 87,000 people have enrolled in the Kwara State Community Health Insurance Scheme, the Commissioner for Health, Abdul K. Isah, has said.

He put general clinic attendance at 600,000, adding: “Out of these figures, deliveries are about 6,000 while five per cent was done through caesarian section.”

The commissioner spoke in Ilorin, the state capital, during a meeting with a health team from Ogun State.

The team led by Ogun State Health Commissioner, Dr Olaokun Soyinka was on a study tour of the Kwara State community health insurance scheme.

Isah said: “Today, the state is ranking as the first in community

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

health in the country because of the progress we have been able to achieve since we started in 2007.

Between 2007 and now, we have been able to move across 10 of our 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs). We have also been able to cover the three senatorial districts of the state.

“The beauty of this is that we now use our community health insurance to take out the other areas through which the government is participating in maternal and child mortality reduction.

When you look at the clinical attendance in the last years, you will see that the indices should naturally be going up, not to talk of the fact that within the last three years of this government we have been able

to shore up our human resources for health. Currently, we have about 25 consultants working with us.

“We have partners that are supporting us. We initially started with the Dutch Government taking responsibility for the larger part of funding as the scheme is more or less free for our people.”

Speaking on the process of eligibility, he said: “You only need to pay N500 and then you have access to quality healthcare for the whole year including drugs, surgery etc.

Later as we started scaling up they started doing larger while we were doing lower percentage. We are at the current stage of doing the larger while they will do the lower percentage. We are gradually migrating to when the state will pay 100 percent. This is not only in terms of

resources but government’s commitment.

“It is the funding aspect that is the most challenging because of the fact that our federal allocation accruals have shrunk abysmally. We are currently the first from the bottom in terms of Federal Government’s monthly allocations to states.

“I don’t think your state will have much challenges moving the scheme forward as soon as it takes off.”

Earlier Dr Soyinka expressed optimism that the visit would be beneficial to his state, saying that “we are on a study tour of the Kwara state Community Health Insurance Scheme and we do hope at the end of the day that we will have something to take back to our dear state. our purpose here is to learn about your operations.”

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

47

HEALTH

Doctors urged to improve healthcare

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IVERS State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi has called on resident doctors across Nigeria to give their best always to improve the healthcare delivery system.

He spoke during the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) held at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). The theme was Postgraduate medical training and national development, challenges of the past, present and future.

The governor charged them not to depend on government for everything, rather they should look outside the medi-

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From Precious Dikewoha, Port Harcourt

cal book to improve the system.

Amechi, represented the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Sampson Parker, said NARD has become a force in the fight to restore the dignity of the sector, adding that this is owing to the demand for a better healthcare.

The governor enjoined doctors to embrace best practices to develop the sector.

He said NARD can achieve the needed result without resorting to strike, adding that a conducive environment must be created to improve the system for the good of all rather than embarking on a

strike.

He said the country has what it takes to operate a healthy system if the demands of doctors are met.

"We must think strongly of private sector participation in healthcare system. This is the time to think how we can improve ourselves because we must think of policies that will make us be in charge of the medical sector," Amechi noted.

He further said, "I cannot use the words "Port Harcourt is free of Ebola," but we have been able to contain it and whenever it comes up we are ready to tackle it. We have made the people have con-

By Wale Adepoju

nificant progress we have made to reduce death rate from cancer is through early detection; this yields better long term outcomes and lower morbidity rates. Pink Pearl Foundation contributes to the reduction of suffering, permanent physical damage/ disfigurement and death caused by breast cancer as we believe that if you can save a woman, then you have saved a generation.”

Okpu said “Hope session” shows the dedication by the foundation to increase public awareness through education about symptoms, prevention and diseases processes as well as the importance of regular examination for early detection.

•From left: Director-General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii, Director Investigation and Enforcement, Dr Umar Musa, Director, Registration and Regulatory Affairs, Dr Monica Eimujeize during the agency briefing on seizure of fake hand sanitisers and Ebola kits in Lagos.

Mobile firm inaugurates healthcare programmes

N an effot to reduce infant and maternal deaths in the country, Airtel Nigeria has inaugurated two mobile programmes to increase Nigerians access to healthcare.

Its chief commercial officer (CCO), Mr Maurice Newa, said two innovations “Dial-a-doctor” and “Mobile midwife” were designed to improve the health status of Nigerians because more people can get medical advice through their mobile phones.

Newa, who spoke during inauguration of the programme in Lagos, said 40 doctors will be attending to health concerns of expectant mothers, children and men via the mobile network.

He urged people to subscribe for the application on the network to enable them benefit from the programme, which costs N30 weekly.

By Wale Adepoju

The CCO said people could be advised by a team of doctors on different health issues.

"Expectant mothers can be guided through pregnancy by using the "mobile midwife" while the “Dial a doctor" can be used by anybody who requires the help of a doctor," he noted.

Saving One Million Lives (SOML), Programme Manager, Seyi Ibidapo said the government collaborated with the company to increase access to health services.

Ibidapo, who represented the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), said the programme would drive people towards seeking healthcare.

"This is not to say that it is replac-

ing hospital consultancy, rather to aid treatment," she said.

A General Practitioner (GP), Dr Adegboyega Oke said the initiative would prevent patients from seeing quacks and ensures better health outcome.

The Mobile Midwife service was made possible by a grant provided by the GSMA Connected Women Programme to Grameen Foundation with technical support provided by VAS2Nets Technologies Ltd. Claire Sibthorpe, Director of the GSMA Connected Women Programme, said: "The GSMA Connected Women Programme seeks to accelerate the growth of the female digital economy by working with partners to bring significant socioeconomic benefits to women consumers and employees.

Sensitisation on continuous medical education

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IGERIANS have been urged to use the right drugs and dosages as prescribed by medical experts.

The advice was given by the Chief Executive Officer of BOOTS Company of Nigeria, Mr Ahmed Yusuf, at a programme tagged: “Continuous medical education of key brands.” It organised the programme to sensitise the public in Lagos.

Yusuf said the programme was to sustain people’s health and safety needs as well as promote good

By Everistus Onwuzurike

health consciousness.

He said the company is known for using the best raw materials to produce healthcare products and cosmetics, such as nerve and bone liniment.

Responding, the chairman of the company, Prof E.M Essien said products are available across the country, adding that their quality will not reduce because the company aims to bring the products closer to the people.

Mr. Herbert Coker said most

people do not recognise traditional medicine but orthodox medicine as such aspirin have stood the test of time.

In his presentation entitled Pain management, he said aspirin is still relevant for managing pain.

He said aspirin is used to treat inflammatory diseases, such as headache, migraine and ischemic stroke.

Coker said continuous use of aspirin, can predispose a patient to asthma, adding that it does not interact with codeine.

Rotary donates eye equipment to Ogun

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dent doctors leave outside hospitals, due to lack of accommodation, adding that this should not be because they need to live closer to the environment where they work.

Abdullahi called for good working environment, adding that people will have confidence in the doctor and over-dependence on health tourism will be reduced."

NARD chairman, UPTH chapter, Dr. Dan-Jumbo Prince said resident doctors are affected by factors, such as poor quality tools and working environment, among others.

Foundation holds breast cancer session

S part of the global campaign against breast cancer, Pink Pearl Foundation has said it will hold its maiden Hope session to sensitise people on breast cancer.

The programme is entitled: Pink Hope PPF. Hope session, it said, is a breast cancer support group designed to provide psychological help to breast cancer patients and survivors.

It said the event aimed at ensuring stable psychology, well-being and therapy for patients.

Others are body aesthetics and recreation programmes.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Pink Pearl Foundation, Orode Ryan Okpu, “The most sig-

I

fidence in the system. Ebola is still ravaging other African countries, so we have to be careful."

Responding, NARD President, Dr. Jibril Abdullahi, said many issues relating to professional calling of doctors have been politicised, adding that this was why they embarked on a strike.

He said doctors invest in themselves to improve in their profession rather than the government.

Abdullahi regretted the decision to continue the strike during Ebola outbreak, adding: "This is when the country needed us the most."

He said over 90 percent of resi-

GUN State government has received eye equipment, such as keratometer and Ascan from the Indo-Eye care Foundation and Rotary Club International District 9110.

Receiving the items in Abeokuta, the state’s capital, Commissioner for Health, Dr Olaokun Soyinka

By Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

praised the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for their partnership with the state.

According to him, people with are eye problem will benefit from the gesture.

He said: “When patients are screened, those who require surgery

are brought to the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta for restoration.”

Soyinka said another project set up with the partnership between government and the two NGOs is the “artificial limb service project that has been on for the last three years and a section of the State hospital has been converted to an artificial limb service centre”.

PHOTO: ABIODUN WILLIAMS

Better life for the aged

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HERE has been a call for the society to take good care of the elderly so that they can live a more meaningful life.

Making this call was an orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Olatunji Babalola at a scientific conference organised by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos.

The programme was organised by the ARD in collaboration with Mercy of God to the Aged Foundation. It has the theme Ageing: A Burden or a Blessing.

Nigeria, he said, was presently undergoing a demographic transition with an increasing population of the aged, stressing that this is posing major challenges to the country.

Near-absence of social security service for the elderly in our society is chief, he added.

Moreover, ageing is perceived by many as a burden because it fails to tap from the intelligence of the aged.

Babalola said ageing is a life-long process because individuals begin this process from birth as a life course.

This process, he said, accumulated a range of experiences that may positively or negatively affect their capabilities and well-being in future.

He said ageing and diseases are different, adding: “As people grow old, they at one time or another fall sick. ‘’People age because ageing is timed in their genes and because of the stress their bodies go through.”

Babalola advised the elderly to eat more of fruits and vegetables because they can make them live longer.

He stressed the need for the government to initiate a forum where the aged would be assured they are not being neglected.

By Wale Adepoju

The governments at all levels, he said, need to develop health and financial policies to improve the well-being of the elderly. ‘’The aged are valued because they are the leaders, ‘’ he noted.

Co-ordinator, Mercy of God to the Aged Foundation, Mrs Folorunsho Lawal, decried the loneliness and neglect experienced by the aged.

Lawal said that there was the need for re-adoption of the old tradition of extended family system where everyone in the family, especially the aged are integral part of the home.

“These people are fragile and vulnerable; they need utmost care and attention to live healthy and longer lives. The elderly are important as they are embodiment of wisdom, knowledge and ideas, and custodians of family and traditional values.

“The aged have the capacity to disseminate wisdom and skills to the younger generation, therefore, we need the government, relations and the society to place utmost priority on their needs,” she said.

The ARD Chairman, Dr Akintayo Akindele urged the Federal Government to subsidise the health bill for the elderly to reduce burden on their relatives.

Akindele said the absence of social advocacy for the elderly in Nigeria had not only compounded their problems but also affected their contributions to societal growth.

“There should be sustainability plans in the policy for the elderly.

They have put in their best for the progress of the country when they were at their peak,” he said.

Akindele called for the urgent review of the national pension system, to eliminate the sufferings of the senior citizens by ensuring they get their pensions and gratuities without stress.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

48

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‘Asaba is new investment haven’

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•A block of flats in FESTAC Town Phase 1.

Six firms set to market FESTAC Phase II C • N25m is introductory price • Mortgage facility for prospective buyers ONCESSIONAIRES to the FESTAC Town Phase II, the New Festac Property Development Company Limited (NFPDCL), has appointed a consortium of six Real Estate firms to handle the project. They will be in charge of the 1,126-hectares land.

The firms are M.I.Okoro & Asssociates; J. Ajayi Patunola & Co; Osas & Oseji; Herbert Onodingene & Partners; Godwin Iteghete & Co and Sola Badmus & Co. They are to market the Egolima district of the scheme. The consortium, led by Chief Meckson Okoro, is saddled with marketing the project to deliver the serviced plots to the general public devoid of any fraudulent dealings and to protect the general public, who may wish to buy some of the plots.

The consortium has begun off-plan sales of the property, with an introductory price of N25 million per plot size of 850m2. This price, The Nation gathered, is an incentive for buyers of the first 100 plots after which the land would sell for between N35 million to N40 million immediately after the first 100 plots have been sold. Physical possession of the land would be handed over to buyers within 24 months when sand filling and other infrastructural facilities would have been put in place.

Okoro, while defending the off-plan sales, explained that discerning investors know that property in such location remains a hot cake and that waiting for when physical infrastructure are put in place in such places would prize the land out of the reach of a lot of people.

He buttressed his explanation with the Lekki scheme, which he said sold for as little as N700,000 as off-plan sales, and even N1.5 million in 1999.

The same location, he said, now sells for as much as N150 million per plot.

Besides, Okoro explained that for investors who can discern the thinking of the government, they will

Stories by Muyiwa Lucas

easily know that the FESTAC and Badagry corridor represent the next destination for government developmental focus. For instance, the Lagos State government’s present drive to open up Festac/Badagry corridor by the massive investment in road and other infrastructural development and rail lines is an indication that the state has decided to make the corridor the next destination and investment haven for property investors.

Stakeholders in the Real Estate business are of the opinion that, the federal government keying into the development agenda of the state by concessioning the New Festac Phase II, is an indication that it is the investment for whose time has come. They, therefore, urged investors to take advantage of the opportunity in investing in the New Festac Phase II districts now that the prices of land are affordable. Okoro, agreed with this submission, saying that “Festac areas will be the next central business district cum hub, apart from Lagos Island, and no doubt, land values will now begin to appreciate on daily

basis in that corridor,” he said.

This projection for the New Festac Phase II project may have influenced the appropriate land uses zonings and regulatory arrangements. In a sketched plan of the land area made available to The Nation, the entire land area has been zoned into high, middle and lower classes residential scheme, while adequate zoning arrangement has been made for commercial, recreational, industrial, institutional and other complimentary uses.

These are said to be in tandem with town planning regulatory laws. A green environment is also assured as the entire zones would be decorated with ornamental plants, trees, shrubs and adequate green areas.

Also, once the sand-filling and degrooving are done, infrastructural facilities such as road network within the estate, street lights and maximum drainage with paved drive ways, installation of security hardwares and adequate security of the entire district, are other features the marketers have assured buyers.

“Going by the pedigree of the promoters of the New Festac Phase II, and our reputation as real estate consultants of several years standing, we guarantee prospective buyers in the scheme of absolute provision of all that has been promised. We would not stick out our reputation on this

‘Festac areas will be the next central business district cum hub, apart from Lagos Island, and no doubt, land values will now begin to appreciate on daily basis in that corridor’

project if we are not sure of it,” Okoro assured.

Already, arrangements have also been concluded by the concessionaire with some Nigerian banks, led by Sterling Bank Plc, to provide mortgage facilities for any buyer or investor, who may need financial assistance for the purchase of land in the scheme. Such interested buyers seeking mortgage facility will however, need to approach the marketing consortium for referral to the participating banks.

Buyers or investors in the scheme will also get a Registered Deed of Assignment / Lease with 99 years term, which will be granted by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA), once the buyer has certified all the purchase requirements and fully recommended by the NFPDCL, whose tenure of contractual agreement with the federal government for the development of infrastructural facilities and management of same is 30 years with three years moratorium period.

It will be recalled that on September 12, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, on behalf of the federal government, signed the concession agreement with NFPDCL, for the development of FESTAC Phase II. After the second world black and African festival of Arts and culture otherwise known as FESTAC ’77 in 1977, which gave rise for the massive development of FESTAC Town which today housed a good percentage of Nigerian population, no development has taken place in the FESTAC scheme, leaving the remaining 1,126 hectares of land open to trespassing and encroachment.

HE Managing Director of Grace Bounty Properties Limited, Mr. Stanley Obumneme Awaogu, has described Asaba, the Delta State capital, as the new investment haven for property investors.

Awaogu, whose firm is the developer of Grace Garden Estate (Phase 1 & 2) in Agbara, Ogun State and MacBerry Estate, Asaba, Delta State, in a chat with The Nation, explained that the state was becoming much more stable.

These factors and the need to help in decimating the increasing housing deficit in the country, he said, influenced Grace Bounty Properties to situate its MacBerry estate in Asaba.

According to Awaogu, his firm has brought a first of its kind initiative into the Asaba real estate sector, bringing a different thing into the Asaba real estate sector. “Before now what they have on ground is quarters. That is why you see the senior staff quarters, the federal housing quarters, etc. But now, we have upped the ante, and liberalised land ownership there,” he said.

This is premised on the ease of payment, which the company offers.

For instance, the Mac Berry estate scheme is divided into three categories-gold, silver and bronze.

Here, with an initial deposit of N20, 000, and subsequent instalmental monthly payment of N20, 000 over a 30 month period, interested persons can key into any of the three categories. A plot of land in the gold category measures 80 x 100 square meter (m2), sells for N700,000; in the silver category, which measures 60 x 100 m2, sells for N600, 000; and the bronze category, where a parcel of land measures 30 x 100 m2, is N350, 000. Hitherto, it is believed that such system of instalmental payment for land has never existed in the state.

The sprouting estate is located near the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and has a close proximity of five minutes’ drive from the Asaba Airport.

“Grace Bounty Property is bringing this type of initiative here for the first time. This will make it easy for everybody to buy land and live together irrespective of their status,” he said, adding that such systemic flexible payment has been a welcoming idea from the people, who finds it difficult to get 50 percent down payment very challenging.

Similarly, the firm’s Grace Garden estate in Agbara, Ogun State, cost N750, 000 and has similar payment flexibility of N20, 000 monthly payable over a period of 30 months.

Facilities in place include the perimeter fencing, security house, entrance gate, road network. For ease of construction and to save cost, the promoters of the estate are also siting boreholes randomly in the estate to help owners get water supply during their construction works, just as a block moulding industry has been set up to ease the stress of getting materials for building. There will also be a green area in the estate, CCTV cameras, and also a park for residents to relax, when fully built.

“We are not only hosting an estate, we are ensuring that each individual can key into the scheme and become a landlord. With the ongoing scheme, it makes it possible for the person to invest and buy a property because of our very flexible payment options,” Awaogu said.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

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PROPERTY/ENVIRONMENT

Can LASBCA rise to the challenge?

The Lagos State Government has warned against the violation of its building code.

This measure will task determine the preparedness of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, to apply the law, reports, MUYIWA LUCAS.

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IOLATORS of the Lagos Building code will no longer have it easy.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has come under scathing criticism, especially in the wake of the Synagogue Church guest house collapse, an incident that has become an international embarrassment for the country. The agency appears to set to avert such incidents.

The General Manager of LASBCA, Dr. Abimbola Animashaun, told The Nation that the target of the agency is to achieve a monthly zero incident of building collapse The agency will ensure strict monitoring, compliance and enforcement of the building codes, Animasahun said. The government will be stricter in ensuring that property owners and developers adhere to global best practices across all the phases of building construction.

“We’ll seal any construction site where the work is not being done properly. We’ll seal any defaulting structure where the builder has no approval. We will seal any site whenever we see a dangerous structure being constructed. Even if you have approval and you are not complying, we will seal your site. For example, if someone was granted the approval to build a bungalow and now has a storey building, we will not hesitate to take action; we will seal it immediately,” a tough talking Animashaun warned.

Her pains can be understood. Going by the revelations coming out of the Synagogue collapsed building saga, LASBCA has literally drawn the ire of the public, who have not stopped to blame the regulatory agency for “negligence” in the incident that has claimed 115 lives.

Therefore, to reinvigorate the new phase of strict monitoring, enforcement and compliance (MEC), the agency is putting in place new measures. One of this is the appointment of approved inspectors, whose duty will be to ensure that residents of the state complied with building regulations. “We need to get approved inspectors; it will be like privatising the inspection stage before certifica-

tion. We found out that no matter how many staff we have, we cannot cover it all. So the approved inspectors will be helping us to carry out the stage inspection and certification.

The approved inspectors are coming very soon. They will be in all the nooks and crannies of the entire state,” Animashaun said.

She regrets that the agency’s work has been made more difficult because people try to play smart by not abiding by what has been approved for them to build. She explained that if a foundation has been designed to carry a specific weight, and it is exceeded, then that is the beginning of problems for the structure. Besides, she further said, some people belief that their premises is their empire, hence, they cannot be told what to do. “Look at the barracks, the structures there have a lot of defects; there are a lot of partial collapses in the barracks and the moment they (police and military) see us (LASBCA) they threaten us. There are instances that they have beaten up our staff or even harassed us. A place in Ikorodu, they have broken our seals several times,” Animashaun explained.

Proper procedure

The LASBCA boss explained that there is an Inspectorate and Quality control department in the agency responsible for ensuring that all new construction follow the proper process. Explaining this process, the Director, Inspectorate and Quality Control, LASBCA, Mr. Ayo Sodeinde, said that after the necessary approval has been obtained from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development (MPPUD), by an intending builder, the day construction is to commence on the site, LASBCA gets involved. “We must be involved in the excavation, to ensure that it is the approved dimension that is done.

Then you get approval for the blinding works to commence. At each stage of the construction, we come to inspect and certify the job done before you can continue. We also check the type of reinforcement to be used and the spacing of the bars.

Before then, we must have tested the materials at the Lagos state materials testing agency at Ojodu Berger.

When they tell you that those materials you want to use are the right irons, then you can continue,” he said.

Sodeinde further disclosed that LASBCA will also come to assess the building when completed and after the engineer that certified the work has written the agency to say it is good. “What that means is that the owner is applying for a certificate of fitness for the building for habitation. If there are things that are not okay, we let the owner know. When the engineer is writing us, you need to furnish us the insurance for the house, fire protection certificate, at least two sides of the building,” he emphasized.

Aware that builders may hide under the excuse of a cumbersome process, LASBCA is presently working on the concept of a one stop shop where all the agencies involved in the building process will be under one roof. This, Animashaun reckons, will eliminate the problem of clients moving from one end to another.

Presently, the agency is unable to do put this in place because even the office it presently uses does not belong to her. “Immediately we have our own office complex, other agencies like the materials testing agency will be here. We will also have our own laboratory to verify the reports that may be brought to us. The one stop shop will make the process faster,” she hopes.

LASBCA was established in 2010 according to the Urban and Regional Planning Development Law 2010.

The purpose is to ensure that people are safe in their environment; to reduce to zero, building collapse in the state ; to ensure that safety concern is adhered to at all times and to also ensure that building standards and specifications are adhered to all the time.

Laudable as these seem, the concern is how well can the agency rise to the challenge ahead of it considering the several external factors and influences that dodges every government agency.

• LSBCA General manager, Abimbola Animashaun flanked by Director and Head Inspectorate and Quality Control Departmenty, Ayo Sodeinde (left), and Assistant Chief Building Officer, Divisional Head, Adeoye Adeyemi, during the agency’s media interaction in Lagos .

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CALL has been made for surveyors, involvement in building construction projects across the country. This plea was made by the Chairman, Lagos Chapter of the Association of Private Practising Surveyors of Nigeria (APPSN), Mr. Adeleke Adesina, at the just concluded professional development seminar organised by the association.

Adesina, who regretted that campaigns by surveying bodies had not yielded much result in changing the perception of people about the profession, noted that surveyors are

Ogun to upgrade slums

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HE Ogun State government yesterday marked this year’s United Nation’s World Habitat Day, with a call to residents to cooperate with the state government in its urban renewal and rural development programme aimed at ensuring a conducive living environment for all and sundry.

The state’s Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning, Mr. Gbenga Otenuga, made this call while speaking at a programme organised to commemorate the Day in Abeokuta, the state capital, noting that the state government, through its urban renewal policy, would strive to see that no resident lives in degenerated environment.

The commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Stephen Adewolu, said the theme of this year’s celebration, “Voices From Slums” was very timely considering that due recognition is being given to slum dwellers in the state. He, therefore, called for collaborative ef-

forts to improve the quality of living conditions in the existing slums.

“The government has put in place programmes and policies that would allow better living conditions for slum dwellers.It will also integrate the live in the slum into that of the city. However, some of the slum dwellers are resistant to these policies for fear of the unknown” the commissioner said.

Adewolu added that strict compliance to town planning laws, and Building Regulations Act, would reduce the issues of slum in the society, assuring that the present administration is working to curtail all the none compliance, hence, its desire to have a working master plan for the state.

He listed the Home Owners Charter programme as another important contribution of the present administration in the state to ensure slum upgrading and adequate housing, as proper checking and inspection would be done before issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to the applicants.

First National Urban Forum World Habitat Day holds

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FFORTS to evolve a comprehensive, but inclusive urban agenda for the country appears to have received a boost with the hosting of the First National Urban Forum slated for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, later in the month. The event will hold as part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Habitat Day. The World Habitat Day is commemorated on the first Monday in October each year, in line with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 40/20A of December 17, 1985.

It is set apart for reflection on the state of cities and an assessment of progress made in efforts to ensure sustainable urbanisation and adequate shelter for all.

This year’s commemoration will hold in Abuja on October 13–14, because the first Monday in the month is a public holiday. The theme for WHD 2014 is ‘Voices from Slums,’ which campaigns to recognise life in slums and gives voices to slum dwellers for improving quality of living in existing informal settlements, as well as highlights the efforts made towards the Millellium Development Goals (MDGs) process.

The hosting of National Urban Forums at country level was conceived by the United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN HABITAT), as a critical part of the preparatory process for the forthcoming third United

Nations Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III), scheduled for 2016. The Habitat III Conference is being convened as directed by United Nations General Assembly in line with the bidecennial cycle that saw the hosting of Habitat I in Vancouver, Canada in 1976 and, Habitat II in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1996.

The Habitat III summit is expected to reinvigorate the global commitment to sustainable urbanisation, focus on the implementation of a “New Urban Agenda” and, build on the Habitat Agenda adopted during Habitat II in Istanbul in 1996. Already, Nigeria is supporting the preparatory process at the continental level to the tune of $3 million, through the strengthening partnerships for a New Africa Urban Agenda project.

The country’s First National Urban Forum, which will be the highpoint of this year’s World Habitat Day commemoration, will bring together all key stakeholders in the housing and urban development sector to deliberate on and validate the work of consultants commissioned for the preparation of a National Habitat Report, among other activities.

On February 20, the Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Akon Eyakenyi, inaugurated the National Habitat Committee ahead of the summit.

How surveyors can prevent building collapse

By Muyiwa Lucas

grossly under utilised.

“Surveyors are under-utilised; the only aspect that people engage us on is cadastral surveying, but if this is the only thing we do, we won’t have spent five years in the university before we graduated,” he said, adding that surveyors work in other various areas because surveying is in all stages of building development.

Adeleke said surveyors, after completing a building, play an important role of monitoring such buildings for subsidence and deformation activities, and are able to advice the owner on steps to take in caring for the structure.

Building, he said, does not just fall down in a day, but involves a process which makes it important for such a building to be monitored for proper maintenance.

“There must be subsidence before you talk of deformation; surveyors are the best to do this. This issue of building collapse is not just bad mixing of cement or using quacks; Lagos is described as a low land area. So, we need to engage surveyors to do monitoring of subsidence and deformation. When they finish the foundation level, when they are erecting the building, the columns must be vertical; it is only a surveyor that can

determine the verticality of any column or the extent to which a building can go,” Adeleke said.

The guest lecturer at the seminar, Dr. Abimbola Akintunde of Health Care International, who spoke on the seminar theme: ‘Common diseases of the middle and old age,’ explained that those within those age brackets have the chance of living healthy lives provided they take proper precaution.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

THE NATION

BUSINESS AVIATION

Experts advocate slot allocation to enhance public revenue

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ARRING any hitches the Federal Government will from October 27, stop collecting royalties, commercial air agreements paid by foreign carriers flying into Nigeria.

It is estimated that the nation will lose several billions of naira hitherto earned from these payments .

But, experts have argued that more money could be earned if government goes ahead to introduce slot allocation system at airports for foreign carriers .

Only indigenous carriers will be given in aviation parlance , “grand father rights “, priority. Other carriers are expected to apply for and pay to get a landing and take off rights at major international airports .

The abolition of the payments is in compliance with the directive issued by global aviation regulator : International Civil Aviation Organisation ( ICAO).

Last year in Montreal , Canada, the headquarters of ICAO , delegates of member states at the 38th session of the assembly, adopted a new framework to ensure longterm of sustainability of the air transport industry .

The focus of the new framework, is to further deepen the liberalisation of the industry.

According to ICAO, this has become imperative because of the increasingly global and competitive environment in which air transport operates.

The ICAO regulation states: ”We hereby direct member states to abolish restrictions and liberalise air transport . This involves non discriminatory and transparent treatment of foreign airlines. This would involve, for example, no royalties or mandatory commercial agreements between nations and foreign airlines.”

Some aviation experts, including former spokesman of the liquidated Nigeria Airways Limited, Mr Chris Aligbe, and Aviation Economist, Mr Taiwo Adenekan and Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, have canvassed slot allocation system for foreign carriers as a alternate window to generate revenue for government.

They said the revenue lost to the abolition of royalties and commercial agreements could be regained in another way if the slot allocation system is adopted .

Slot allocation system, according Aligbe, is the right granted by an airport owner which allows the slot holder to schedule a landing, or departure during a specific time .

He said : “A landing slot, take-off slot, or airport slot is a right granted by an airport owner which allows the slot holder to schedule a landing, or departure during a specific time period.

Landing slots are allocated in accordance with guidelines set by the IATA’s Worldwide Airport Slots Group. All airports worldwide are categorised.

Allocated landing slots may have a commercial value and can be traded between airlines.

If an airline doesn’t use the allocation of its slots, then it can lose the rights. Airlines may operate ghost or empty flights to preserve slot allocations.”

He said: “We should go ahead and create a slot allocation system and move away from bilateral air services agreements ( BASA) and royalties because BASA royalties are a disappearing phenomenon that will become anachronistic in many places and they tell us it is com-

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

mercial, they have transferred earning from BASA to slots.”

Aligbe insisted that payment for royalty or demand for royalty is becoming outdat-ed and no longer obtainable in the industry.

Rather than depend on royalties arising from the commercial agreement, the government should commence slot allocation systems for airlines operating into Nigeria.

He argued that in today’s global avia-tion industry, players are requesting for open skies, multiple designations, instead of dual designations and freer air, adding that as a result of open skies agreements, none of the US operating into the coun-try pays royalty to the Nigerian government.

He argued that with effective slot allocation system on ground, the Nigerian government would earn much more revenues from the sys-tem than what it is presently earning through commercial agreements from airlines.

He said: “What has come into place now is slot allocation system and the money made from slot, if we have one, will be 10 times more than the royalties that we are currently get-ting from the airlines. In Europe and America, they have created slot as a quota system based on the argument that they have congestion and that slot has become very difficult to get.

“That was why when Arik Air applied to London from Abuja and they were asking it to pay for a pair of slot, the sum of 9,000 pounds daily, which means if you are going to fly seven times a week; that is 9,000 pounds times seven weekly.

“Royalties should be out completely and we should put in place the slot system.

“Even in the books of airlines, the Lloyds did a study on European airlines, the money they earn from the secondary sales of slots is beginning to en-ter their account books. Some of them make now over 30 million and 60 million pounds. That is even the airlines and not the airport itself in secondary trade of slots.”

There is an indication that Nigeria could make about N30 billion annually from slot allocation to for-

eign airlines as an alternative to royalties paid on Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

The accruals will evolve from extra frequencies given to these airlines as many of them operate from different entry points in the country.

Slot is a system whereby the airport management sells landing time and space to an airline for extra slots in addition to the existing frequency agreement between the country that owns the airline and Nigeria.

He said :” For example, when Arik Air wanted to fly from Abuja to London, the airport management in London, the British Airports Authority (BAA) insisted the Nigerian airline should pay for slot amounting £250,000 (N63, 098, 225) per schedule (there are Summer, Winter, Autumn and Spring schedules) which is equivalent to quarter of a year.

“UK and Nigeria have bilateral agreement that offered 14 frequencies to both countries, so while British Airways utilises seven frequencies between London and Lagos a week; Virgin Atlantic utilises the remaining seven frequencies between Lagos and London per week.

“The federal government allo-

cated only seven frequencies to Arik Air, which it is using for its Lagos to London operation. So when it wanted to operate from Abuja to London, BAA demanded the aforementioned sum of money per quarter of a year.

So in the event Nigeria introduces slot allocation, these foreign airlines will start paying fees for the extra frequencies they operate from different airports in the country. For example, Ethiopian Airlines will be paying for slot to Enugu, Abuja and Kano, while Air France will pay for slot in Port Harcourt and Abuja; the same with Lufthansa and other airlines that operate into more than one airport in the country.

“The difference between slot and frequencies allocated on BASA is that the latter is periodic; it could be for a quarter, for a season etc, but BASA allocated frequencies could last for over 10 years, until both countries agree to review the BASA. “Before now Nigeria was making about $25 million from the royalties paid on BASA annually (about N4,125,000,000), but now every country will have to migrate to slot allocation, which nullifies the old system of payment of royalties.

Industry operators said the sale of

slot allocation would multiply the earnings from royalties and could accrue to N30 billion annually.”

Aligbe said Nigeria could be generating so much money if it had adopted the slot allocation system.

“The critical issue in this country is that we should create slot allocation system. If we create it, the money we will make from slot will be almost 10 times the money we will be making from BASA and that is the truth. Nigeria can sell slots, they can sell it in a season, the next season they take it back. They can sell it for one year and the next year they take it back, and look for a higher bidder. This is a study by the Lloyds”, he said.

The managing director of Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole urged the Federal Government to establish a strong policy on how foreign airlines should be paying for slots because that is the only thing the country could benefit from them.

“If foreign airlines want to go into every airport in the country, they will be welcomed, but Nigeria should have something in return to develop Nigeria’s airports. This is because the foreign airlines are not adding any value; they come, drop and go. They are not establishing jobs for people; they are not putting anything on the ground for Nigerians,” Bankole said .

In his comments, Adenekan said collection of money from air agreements are outdated .

He said introduction of slot allocation system could earn more money for the country .

Industry analyst, Olu Fidel Ohunayo seemed not to be optimistic about slot allocation working successfully in Nigeria.

But he believes that, if government sees it as better option, it could embrace it. Many however noted that the way the situation is, Nigeria does not seem to have many options and for it to earn money from foreign airlines, it must introduce the slot allocation option.

He said : “I sincerely hope they have weighed their options before opting for slot allocation. Slot allocation is for congested airports and efficient use of time and space; that is not the scenario in Nigeria. The foreign airlines easily and quickly increase frequency courtesy of the Ministry of Aviation and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). How they expect slot revenue to effectively surpass and strengthen our carriers is really puzzling. Our policy, whether slot or BASA should encourage primarily the domestic airlines, while revenue should be secondary.”

‘How Nigeria will gain from Category One safety rating’

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HE recertification of Nigeria’s civil aviation’s safety rating by the United States Federal Aviation Administration ( US FAA), would increase investment opportunities in the country , the acting Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Benedict Adeyileka has said .

Adeyileka, who said the safety rating would also open another window for indigenous carriers to be designated to fly into multiple points in the United States of America.

He said the category one safety rating will now restore more confidence of air safety in Nigeria, because all the identified deficiencies pointed out by the team of experts from the US FAA have been corrected .

Adeyileka said the NCAA has begun a continuous self regulation mechanism to enhance its regulations

in line with global standards.

The NCAA, he said despite the retention of the United States Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, Category One Status would not rest on its oars.

Rather, the authority he said will continue to train and retrain its staff in order to sustain the professionalism that is already in existence in the authority.

Adeyileka said NCAA has indicated its readiness for the International Civil Aviation Organisation(ICAO) audit, assuring that unlike the FAA audit where it requested for an extension in order to put all the necessary measures in place, it will not request for such for the ICAO audit.

Adeyileka noted that with the retention of the status, which the country attained in August 2010, both lo-

cal and foreign investors would now have broader confidence on Nigeria while foreign airline operators would continue to fly into the country with more confidence.

He said that the retention of the status had further revealed that safety and comfort are already entrenched in the country’s civil aviation industry.

The retention of the status would further lead to low insurance premium for the country’s carriers, continuous direct flights, more competition and convenience to the passengers.

He said, “Today, we are very happy for how far we have gone. I commend the cooperation of all stakeholders including all the agencies in the sector as everybody ensured that we came out successfully in this audit.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

51

HIS EXCELLENCY (SEN.) DR. CHRIS NGIGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME ANAOCHA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

ADAZI-ANI I No Awardee 1. Eziukwu Mirian Chinemekem 2. Ejilika Jennifer Ozioma 3. Offiri Chisom 4. Stanley Kosiso Afudu 5. Okafor Mary-jane Ujunwa 6. Ndubisi Emeka Benedict 7. Chukwu Mary-cynthia Chinaza 8. Kaosiso Olisakwe 9. Okonkwo Lilian Chinyere 10. Okafor Ifeyinwa Modester 11. Uchegbu Mary-cynthia Chinelo 12. Offia Chisom Maureen 13. Okeaba Jacinta Obianuju 14. Chinaenyenwa Onwudiwe 15. Affusim Mac-donald 16. Chuikwuebuka Kenneth. A. 17. Umezuruike.s. Odiachukwu 18. Ibedaonu Vivian Chinaelo 19. Chiamaka Okpala Kaosiso 20. Deborah Oluebube Anaekwe 21. Ubah Ekwutosi 22. Chiamaka Okeke 23. Udeh Onyinye Angela 24. Anah Paschaline Chinemerem 25. Ndubuisi Paschal Chukwudindu ADAZI-ANI II 1. Elisa Pascal Kosischukwu 2. Egwuonu Chidiogo Nmesoma 3. Okeke Perpetua Amarachukwu 4. Okafor Chibuzor 5. Onwudiwe Ikechukwu. L. 6. Eyisi Ebube Bright 7. Chidinma Omenudo 8. Udoka Chisom 9. Ezejelue Mmesoma. M. 10. Umeh Chidimma 11. Okafor Emmanuel 12. Eze-akudo Charles Chidera 13. Eyisi Paul Chukwunonso 14. Okafor Somotochukwu 15. Akpukaorji Charles Chikezie 16. Ezeabata Chiagozie John-bosco 17. Chinaza Favour Emekwue 18. Amalachi Echekwubelu 19. Okonkwo Chisom Jennifer 20. Ezeakudo Ugo. Augustine 21. Ezenwugo Lawrencia Chioma 22. Okeke Chukwujekwu Simon 23. Florence Ezeonugo 24. Anoliefo Ifeanyi John-bosco 25. Ekwe Chidimma Joan 26. Ekwe Chinaemerem 27. Obiejesi Chinedu Stanley NRI I 1. Moneme Racheal Chidimma 2. Anike Nnamdi Godwin 3. Nduba Ifunanya 4. Onyekwelu Scholastica 5. Chiamaka Cynthia Anagboso 6. Nkwocha Chinecherem 7. Okeke Samuel Uchenna 8. Nwokike Godwin Chiadi 9. Okafor Chineye 10. Okoye Valentine Obinna 11. Chinedu Ifeka 12. Moneme Collins Emeka 13. John-bosco Ikeh 14. Okoye Valentine Obinna 15. Paschal Obumnaeme Okeke 16. Ifeanyi Micheal Onyesoh 17. Okechukwu Nancy Chidera NRI II 1. Ejidike Louis Nonso Jnr. 2. Ajagu Charity Chisom 3. Ikechukwu Chinaza 4. Emmanuel S. Oluchukwu 5. Uzoegbo Chijioke Livinus 6. Nwankwo Chisom Benjamin 7. Okeke Ngozi 8. Ajagu Henry Ebuka 9. Sebastine Somadina Ajagu 10. Chinaza .s. Okafor 11. Chisom Justina Okoye 12. Chidinma Ann Sunday 13. Onyejekwe Cynthia 14. Aneke Chimelum 15. Jideobi Somto Frank 16. Okoye Ifeanyi 17. Osita Igbokwe 18. Okonkwo Cynthia Chiagozie 19. Nweke Chidera John 20. Oputa Obinna 21. Okafor Esther Ogechukwu 22. Okafor Ilechukwu Paul AGULUZOIGBO 1. Ogbuka Ifunanya. M. 2. Oguekemma Chidube Innocent 3. Anaekwe Kingsley Tochukwu 4. Afonne Chinecherem 5. Anakudo Maria Gorathy 6. Ezeobi Chinelo Euphemia 7. Okeke Chimaoge Anthony 8. Onyemena Vivian 9. Okeke Isidore Okwuolisa 10 Anulue Anurika 11. Onwuneme Ifunanya 12. Anakebe Chidindu. C. 13. Igbeli Sunday. V. 14. Obianika Tochukwu 15. Nduka Ifunanya Blessing 16. Onyemena Chukwuma 17. Okafor Chika Chrisitana 18. Chinecherem Callista Ike. O. 19. Ajaegbo Heneritta Nebolisa 20. Agbai Chinedu Vincent 21. Anisi Favour Chinaza 22. Anikam Chinenye Cythnia 23. Onyenwe Emilian Chioma 24. Asiegbu Chibuike 25. Ikegwuonu Chidiogo. P 26. Nnoruga Chinedu 27. Obinna Cynthia Chioma 28. Okoye Kenechi Perpetus 29. Obiaeli Chinecherem .s.

30 Egwuonwu Oluchukwu. J. 31. Chioma Ananeme 32. Onyemalu Moses Somadina 33. Oramasionwu Kosiso 34. Nwankwo Peter Chidi 35. Olisa Chinaza 36. Onyekwelu Chikaodili 37. Uche Roseline Adaobi 38. Timothy N. Ofo 39. Ogukemma Innocent Chidube 40. Uche Rose Adaobi ICHIDA I 1. Ezeife Miracle Oluebube 2. Ezeokafor Nnamdi 3. Agbalakwe Ijeoma 4. Ogochukwu Chinenye 5. Chinecherem Iloka .p.

6. Ugwueke Jacinta Chidera 7. Duru Victor Tochukwu 8. Ndubisi Okwuchukwu 9. Okafor Maryjane Chinaza 10. Kingsley Ezeabasili 11. Ezenibe Charles Chinecherem 12. Ebilide Chikaodili 13. Samuel Chukwuebuka Ekwuka 14. Ezenwoye Jane Uchkwu 15. Ezenwanne Malachy Uchenna 16. Ubaka Mercy Chinenye 17. Ezeaniekwe Chisom Henerrita 18. Abosi Pascal Chukwuzutelu 19. Obinna Umeaku 20. Ohaeri Chukwuma Canice 21. Ezenabor Agatha 22. Ofojekwe Francisca Chinyere 23. Ezekwibe Ifeoma Esther 24. Ezisi Paschal 25. Ohaeri Juliet Chisom 26. Okafor Mmachukwu 27. Okoye Chinecherem

School Prince Memorial High School Onitsha Ojiakor Memorial School Adazi-ani Community Secondary School Nnokwa Flora Azikiwe Secondary School Neni Community Seconary School Obeledu Marian Foundation Sec. School Oraukwu Marian Foundation Sec. School Oraukwu Government Technical College Onitsha Loretto Special Science School Agulu Immaculate Girls Model School, Nnewi Ojiako Mem. Grammar School , Adazi- Ani Ojiakor Mem. Grammer School, Adazi-ani Flora Azikiwe Model Comprehensive, Neni Marian Foundation Sec. School Oraukwu Onitsha High School Onitsha Ojiako Memorial School, Adazi-anu Ojiako Memorial School, Adazi-ani Ojiako Memorial School, Adazi-ani Community Sec School Nnokwa Community Secondary School, Nnokwa Commun Ity High School, Adazi-ani Community High School, Adazi-ani Community High School, Adazi Holy Rosary College, Enugu Christ The King College Onitsha Promise International School Ado Girls Secondary School , Onitsha Girls Secondary School Alor Mater Dei Model Secondary School Community High School Adazi Christ The King Seminary Commun Ity High School, Adazi Community High School, Adazi Community High School, Adazi Trinity Model Secondary School Nnobi Trintiy Model Secondary Scool, Nnobi Supreme Knowledge Comp. School, Nkpor-agu Ojiakor Memorial School Trintiy Model Secondary School, Nnobi Fed.science & Tech. College Awka Marian Foundation School, Oraukwu Community High School, Adazi Commun Ity High School Adazi Community High School Adazi Fed. Science & Tech College ,Awka Marian Foundation Sec. Sch. Oraukwu Community Secondary School. Nnokwa Anglican Girls Grammer School, Alor Supreme Knowledge Nkpor-agu Queen Of The Rosary College Onitsha Government Technical College Onitsha St. Edmundsec.school, Nkpor Regal Secondary School, Nri Lake City Sec. School, Nri Regal Secondary School, Nri Lake City Sec. School, Nri Ide Secondary School Enugwu-ukwu Rosary College Nise Regal Secondary School, Nri Regal Secondary School, Nri Regal Secondary School, Nri St. Anthony's High School Nkpor- Agu Regal Secondary School, Nri Regal Secondary School,Nri Boys Secondary School, Nri St. Anthony's High School, Nkpor Regal Secondary School, Nri Holy Child Secondary School, Isuofia Royal Saints Intl. School, Awka Lake City Secondary School Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Micheal Tansi Agulu-esi Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Community Secondary School, Umuokpu Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri St Joseph Girls Sec-school, Nimo Lake City Secondary School, Nri Lake City Secondary School, Nri Hez-dike Memorial Secondary School, Awka Hez-dike Memorial Secondary School, Awka Community High School, Aguluzoigbo Community High School,Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School, Aguluzoigbo Community High School Akwaeze St. Joseph's High School, Umuona Community Secondary School, Obeledu Holy Child Secondary School, Isuofia Holy Queen Secondary School, Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen School, Aguluzoigbo St. Joseph's High School ,Umuona Community High School, Aguluzoigbo Community High School, Aguluzoigbo Community High School, Aguluzoigbo Unity Comprehensive Sec. School, Isuofia Madonna International College Asaba Holy Queen Secondary School, Aguluzoigbo St Joseph High School Umuona Community High School, Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School Aguluzoigbo Community High School, Akwaeze Community High School Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School Aguluzoigbo Community High School Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School Aguluzoigbo Community High School Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School Aguluzoigbo Girls High School Agulu Community High School Aguluzoigbo Community Secondary School, Isuofia St. Joseph's High School Umuona St. Patrick's Sec. School Obosi Community Sec. School Ora-eri Holy Queen School Aguluzoigbo Community High School Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School,Aguluzoigbo Agulu Grammar School, Agulu Community High School, Aguluzoigbo Holy Queen Secondary School, Aguluzoigbo St. Monica College , Ogbunike Community Secondary School, Ichida Destiny Sec School,Ichida Community Secondary School, Ichida Loretto Special Science Adazi Destiny Secondary School Ichida Girls Secondary School, Ichida Girls Secondary School, Awka-etiti Fed. Paul Memorial School Awka-etiti Divine Pro Education Benin St. Charles College Onitsha Fr. Paul Memorial School Awka-etiti Fr. Paul Memorial School, Awka Etiti St Paul Memorial School, Awka -etiti Fr. Paul Memorial School, Awka Etiti Girls Secondary School Igbo-ukwu Flora Azikwe Model School,Neni Corporate High School Benin St. Charles Borromeo Obosi All Hallow's Seminary School, Onitsha Community Secondary School, Ichida Destiny Secondary School, Ichida Community Secondary School ,Ichida Community Secondary School, Ora-eri Ado Girls Secondary School Onitsha Community Secondary School Ichida Community Secondary School Ichida

28. Chidera Anyanebechi ICHIDA II 1. Ezisi Nicholas Somotochukwu 2. Okafor Mark Anthony Chigbo 3. Okechukwu Chinaza M. 4. Nwabuzor Ogochukwu 5. Obiawonda Oluebube Danatus 6. Mbanefo Emmanuel Chukwuemeka 7. Ezeokafor Maria Ozioma 8. Emelda Ijeoma Udeogo 9. Ezedigwe Obioma 10. Okwummuo Samel Nnaemeka 11. Okafor Chinaecherem 12. Abazu Nnamdi Henry 13. Nnebedum Chinaza 14. Okeke Philip Chisom 15. Azubuogu Ebube 16. Okeke Emmaunel Tochukwu 17. Okonkwo Martin Chukwuemeka 18. Okoye Ifunanya 19. Ezikeagu Nkechi J. 20. Okagwu Ifunanya Nwanneka 21. Chibuike Precious Ezeife 22. Ebele Kingsley Chinaecherem 23. Ezeumenwa Maryjane Chigozie

Destiny Secondary School Ichida Community Sec. Sch. Ora-eri Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti Sacred Heart College Nteje Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti Community Sec. Sch. Ichida Mercy Seminary Bende Destiny Sec. Sch. Ichida Community Sch. Suleja Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti Community Sec. Sch. Ichida Girls Sec. Sch. Awka-etiti Community Sec. Sch. Ichida Community Sec. Sch. Ichida Fr. Paul Memorial Sch.awka-etiti Community Sec. Sch. Ichida Community Sec. Sch. Ichida Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti Girls Sec. Sch. Awka-etiti Destiny Sec. Sch. Ichida Christ The King College Onitsha Holy Child Sec. Sch. Ichida Destiny Sec. Sch. Ichida

OBELEDU 1. Ezejide Francisca Ebuka 2. Anismba Syricacus Chibueze 3. Muoyama Ukamaka Herrita 4. Eziegbo Chisom 5. Ohagui Emmanuel. O. 6. Asiegbu Chidiogo. M 7. Ilonulugo Tochukwu 8. Okoye Chukwuebuka 9. Chibuzor Anthony Ezenwaka 10. Igbonugo Mmasichukwu. M. 11. Igboanugo Paulinus Chijioke 12. Ezenwaka Ukamaka Vivian 13. Okonkwo Chibueze Sylvanus 14. Ejiumaku Onyinye Linda 15 Anozie Chinazaokwu Mary 16. Ezulumike Stephen Ifeanyi 17. Ejeagwuncha Amara Mary 18. Okpala Linda Ngozi 19. Onyekwelu Kingsley Ekene 20. Oguejiofor Theresa Ngozika 21 Ugochukwu Chimnaemelum .e.

22. Chibueze Ifunanyachukwu Favour 23. Okafor Stephen Chukwuma 24. Ezebuilo Tobechukwu 25. Okonkwo Joseph Chiemelie 26. Oknokwo Josephine Chikansi

Community High School, Akwaeze Community High School, Obeledu Community Secondary School, Obeledu Community Secondary School, Obeledu Community Secondary School,0beledu Army Day Secondary School, Onitsha Community Secondary School, Obeledu Community Secondary School, Obeludu Community Secondary School, Obeledu Community Secondary School, Obeledu Community Secondary School, Obeledu Community High School, Awkaeze Communtiy Secondary School,Obeledu Community Secondary School, Obeledu St. Joseph Secondary School, Nimo Community Secondary School, Obeledu St. John Of God Secondary School, Awka Community Secondary School, Obeledu Austica Memorial College Nanka St Anthony's Cath. Comprehensive Agulu At Anthony's Cath. Comprehensive Agulu Anchoreg Inter. Academy, Portharcourt Our Lady's Secondary School, Nnobi Holy Child Secondary School, Isuofia Community High School, Akwaeze Fed. Government Girls College, Onitsha

AKWAEZE 1. Chibuike Odika Community High School, Akwaeze 2. Onyeanusi Ogochukwu Community High School, Akwaeze 3. Onwuka Marycybthia Ngozi Community High School, Akwaeze 4. Ikegwonu Chinaza Community High School, Akwaeze 5. Odika Maryann Chetachukwu Ideal Minds Foundation Nkpor 6. Ofojebe Glory Nnachetam Community High School Akwaeze 7. Ogochukwu Gloria Onwuasoanya St. John Of God Secondary School,Awka 8. Chidozie .s . Obiano Community High School, Akwaeze 9. Ekemezie Chidiebere St John Science Technical College, Alor 10. Muozoba Kingsley Chibuzo Okongwu Memorial Grammer School,Nnewi 11. Obiagbaoso Onyinyechukwu Community High School, Akwaeze 12. Okafor Chinwe Anastatsia Holy Queen Secondary School Aguluzoigbo 13. Kwuonowu Ujunwa Calista Community High School Akwaeze 14. Mbamalu Blesssing Chinaza St Paul University Secondary Nibo/Nise NENI I 1 Chinwendu Chinwuba Community High School, Akwaeze 2. Obodozie Adaeze Jane Loretto Special Science School, Adazi 3. Arron Dahira Charles Community Secondary School, Obeledu 4. Ajuaeweogu Ugochukwu. I Community Secondary School Obeledu 5. Mmaduagwuwo Johnbosco Abachi Fr. Paul Memorial School, Awka-etiti 6. Ezeh Chioma Flora Azikiwe Model School Neni 7. Udechukwu Shedrack Emeka Community Secondary School Obeledu 8. Chinwuba Charles Onyeka Floral Azikiwe Model School Neni 9. Chisom Egwudike Floral Azikiwe Model School, Neni 10. Ibrahim Abubakar Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu 11. Chidera Ezeokwelume St. Micheal's Boys School, Eziora 12. Eze Chibike B.m.a. S. Adazi-nnukwu 13. Okonkwo Faith Mmachi Community Sec. School, Obeledu 14. Ibekendu Christian Chukwudi Community Secondary School, Obeledu 15. Onyeka Ugwuaka Communtiy Secondary School,Obeledu 16. Oluchukwu D. Oguezue Community Secondary School, Nawfia 17. Ilonze Favour First Baptist School Enugu 18. Ilogbene Nkechi Gloria Community Secondary School, Obeledu 19. Azubugwu Patience Ebere Flora Azikiwe Model School, Nnewi 20. Okpala Chinecherem. C. Community Secondary School, Obeledu 21. Onu Augustine Chinenye Community Secondary School, Obeledu 22. Molokwo Joy Chiamaka St Paul's University Sec. School, Awka 23. Enekwesil Slyvenia I. O Community Sec. School Obeledu 24. Okpala Ozioma Vivian St Anthony Catholic Comp. Sec. Agulu 25. Ofoegbu Nnedimma Floral Azikiwe Model Comp. Neni NENI II 1. Ukammadu Chidimma Girls High School ,Agulu 2. Adaoma Glory C. Nwachukwu At Anthony Cath. Comp. Institute Agulu 3. Ikenena Chidiebere Sylvania St. Anthony Cath. Comp. Institute Agulu 4. Benjamin Ikebudu Chibuzor St Anthony Cath. Comp. Institute Agulu 5. Ugwu Gloria Chinecherem St Anthony Cath. Comp. Institute Agulu ADAZI-NNUKWU I 1. Obianisi Vivian Chisom St Anyjhony's Catholic School Agulu 2. Mgbeatuike Chidimma Judith Girls Secondary School, Adazi-nnukwu 3. Alfred Chinaza Enemuo Jnr. Bubendoff Memorial School 4. Okafor Joseph Elochukwu Bubendorff Memorial Grammar Sch, Adazi-nnukwu 5. Emedo Anthony Maduabuchukwu Bubendorff Memorial Grammar Sch, Adazi-nnukwu 6. Chiamaka Mavis Okoye Girls Secondary School, Adazi-nnukwu 7. Enemuo Andrew Chinedu Bubendorff Memorial Grammar Sch, Adazi-nnukwu 8. Okoye Andrew Ekene Bubendorff Memorial Grammar Sch, Adazi-nnukwu 9. Chiamaka Orakah Girls High School, Agulu 10. Obieke Jennifer Mmasinachi Girls Secondary School, Adazi Nnukwu 11. Obi Kingsley Chukwuka Bubendorff Memorial Grammar Sch, Adazi-nnukwu 12. Oraekwilim Bibian Ijeoma Girls Secondary School, Adazi-nnukwu 13. Amuche Chidera Bubendorff Memorial Grammar Sch, Adazi-nnukwu 14. Ugwu Jennifer Girls Secondary School, Adazi-nnukwu 15. Mgbeatuike Chidimma Judith Girls Secondary School, Adazi-nnukwu 16. Nweke Francisca Chidimma Girls High School, Agulu 17. Emeka Anaekwe Bubendorff Memorial Grammar Sch, Adazi-nnukwu 18. Kingsley Chukwuemeka Okeke Fed. Science & Technical College , Nise 19. Obikili Chinaza Mary-jane Girls Secondary School, Adazi-nnukwu 20. Anisiobi Anthony Afamefuna St. Anthony Catholic Comp. Institute, Agulu 21 Oraguia Ijeoma Juliet Girls Secondary School, Adazi-nnukwu ADAZI-NNUKWU II 1. Ezeobi Maryjane Kosara Queen Of Rosary Compr.eziowelle 2. Okafor Chiamaka Blessing St. Anthony's Catholic Sch. Agulu 3. Ugonabo Emmanuel Mmesoma Girls High School Agulu 4. Ibeh Makochukwu Judith St. John Of God Secondary Awka 5. Ojiuba Chijioke Cieralo Bubendorff Memnorial Sch. Adazi Nnukwu 6. Odira Emmanuel Okeke B.m.g.s. Adazi-nnukwu 7. Chikeluba Henry Ebulechukwu B.m.g.s. Adazi-nnukwu 8. Maduelosi Obinna Kingsley B.m.g.s Adazi-nnukwu 9. Mbanu Chukwujekwu .m.

B.m.g.s. Adazi-nnukwu 10. Ezeogwu John Mary Vianrcy Community Sec. Sch.obeledu 11. Aforka Somtoo Sixtus St. Anthony's Cath.comp.inst.agulu 12. Enechukwu Emmanuel Chukwuemeka B.m.g.s. Adazi-nnukwu 13. Cynthia Ikefuns Girls Sec.sch. Awka-etiti 14. Edibelu Kosisochukwu B.m.g.s. Adazi-nnukwu 15. Ene Cicilia Chinazaekpere Girls High School Agulu 16. Nwoguh Chinasa Poseline Girls High School Agulu ADAZI-ENU I 1. Offiah Chinaecherem Ifeoma Best Gate Heritage Obosi 2. Udechukwu. K. Osondi Kabe College Amawbia 3. Chukwujama Victor Chidera Bishop Crowther Seminary Awka 4. Ezeanya Nnamdi Community High School Awka 5. Nebolisa Anthony Aghaji Washington Memorial School 6. Obiukwu Chimzurum Ojiakor Memorial School 7. Ezeokoli Chinaemelum Girls High School Agulu 8. Nzekwe Francisca Chimezie Queen Of The Rosary Collage Onitsha 9. Okeke Johnson Kenechukwu Ave Maria Secondary School 10. Nwakonobi Kenechukwu David Community High School Adazi 11. Okpalankwoka Paphael Govt. Techincal College Nkpor 12. Ifechukwu E. Muojimbe Community High School Adazi-enu 13. Ezeanya Oscar Chinemelum Christ The King College Onitsha 14. Agu Evangeline Chisom Flora Azikiwe Model Comp.neni 15. Okpalaneduabuchi Chiamaka Community High School Adazi 16 Ezeukwu Uchenna Community High School Adazi 17. Onyekelu John Paul Olisemeka Okongwu Memorial Grammer Sch. Neni 18. Agu Chioma Girls Secondary Sch. Adazi Nnukwu 19. Okpala Chinaza S.s. Peter & Paul Nkitaku ADAZI-ENU II 1. Ofojebe Henry Chisom Community High Sch. Adazi 2. Ileme Rosejane Chinemelum Holy Sprirt Int. Sch, Onitsha 3. Okoye Chiamaka Blessing Queen Of Rosary College Onitsha

4. Akpunonu Jeanta Chisom 5. Okye Jacinta Chisom 6. Nnoli Mmesoma .j.

7. Okeke Emmanuel Chisom 8. Ezenwa Chubueze Samuel 9. Sopuni Joseph Aniefuna 10. Amalachi Stella Unegbu 11. Akpunonu A. Gloria 12. Igboamaeze B. Ekene 13. Ezekwem Mmasichukwu .h.

14. Udeze Nary Nnenna 15. Ezenwa Chibuike Isidore 16. Ezekwem Chiamaka. M. 17. Anekwe Chinaechelem. E. 18. Okonkwo Chika Cynthia 19. Ezeike Kenechukwu Daniel 20. Ezejiofor W. Chinecherem 21. Obiekezie Chijioke ,I. 22. Okoye Chikamso Chioma 23. Ezeokoli Benechcia Nneoma 24. Anagboso Chiamaka Paschaial AGULU I 1. Peter O. Odeborah 2. Otika Ugochukwu Kingsley 3. David Marget Mary Chinechere 4. Emeche Mmesoma Chidiogo 5. Okeke Ifeoma 6. Ejie Ozioma Favour 7. Ezebelu Chidimma Mary-ann 8. Aniekwu Chidimma Blessing 9. Aguluka Sopuruchukwu 10. Onuegbu Chinwendu Mary Jane 11. Chibueze Chigboh 12. Obi Chinazaekpere .l.

13. Obiajulu Evans Chidiogo 14. Otika Chinaza . G. 15. Chukwuelobe Ebubechukwu 16. Obiekii Promise Nzube AGULU II 1. Okeke Uchechukwu Rita 2. Abasili Chidimma 3. Chioma Ezechukwu. S. 4. Obienyem Ebuka Anthony 5. Nwagwu Vivian Chiamaka 6. Mmaduagwu Chekwube Mary 7. Egbobe Linda Chinagorom 8. Chinaecherem Ezeh 9. Ezeani Ogochukwu Juliet 10. Chibuike Anochie 11. Nnadozie Nwabunwanne 12. Muogbo Johnpaul Chinedu 13. Obinna Vincent Josephat 14. Ezennia Chibueze Josphat 15. Enemuo Chinaza Vivian 16. Maduka Kosichukwu 17. Paul Chigozie Madueke 18. Okonkwo Norbert Chukwemeka 19. Obi Charles Oderachukwu 20. Ebefu Kaosisochukwu. C. 21. Chigbo Philip Chukwuemeka 22. Ochor Chidimma 23. Amarachukwu Ezeani 24. Mac-anthonyoluebube Okonkwo 25. Chibueze Juliana Ogechukwu 26. Ugoji Chinwendu 27. Mbolu Kosisochukwu Betty 28. Egbobe Ebubechukwu. M. 29. Ezekiel Chinaza 30. Oguadinma Chisom Calistus

Community High Sch. Akwaeze Okija Grammar Sch. Okija Loretto Special Sec.sci. Sch. Adazi Community Sec.school Obeledu St. Paul's University School Nibo-nise Community High Sch. Akwaeze Community Sec. School Obeledu Community Sec. School Akwaeze Community Sec. School Obeledu Crux Sancta School Nkpor Agu Fr. Paul Memorial School Awka Etiti Deonstration Sec. Umunze Community Sec. School Nnokwa Flora Azikiwe Model Sch. Neni Our Lady's Sec. Sch. Nnobi Community High Sch. Akwaeze Holy Sprirt Inter. Onitsha Our Lady High Sch, Onitsha Community High Sch. Akwaeze Fed. Govt. Girls College Onitsha Community High Sch. Adazi Glory Secondary School, Ogoikilia Agulu Grammar School St Anthony Cath. Comprehensive Sch. Agulu Demostration Sec. Sch. Eziagu Communtiy Sec. School Agulu Girls High School, Agulu Community Secondary School, Agulu Fed. Govt. Secondar School, Nise Community Secondary School Agulu Community Secondary School, Agulu Kenneth Dike Memorial School, Awka Community Secondary School, Agulu Girls Secondary School. Awka St. Monica College , Ogbunike Agulu Grammar School Agulu Grammar School, Agulu Anglican Girls School, Onitsha Ourlady's Comprehensive School, Nkpor Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise B.m.g. S. Adazi-nnukwu Girls High School, Agulu Girls High School, Agulu Rosary College Nise Girls High School, Agulu Girls Secondary School, Agulu Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise Community Sec. School Ukpor St, Anthony's Cath. Comprehensive Agulu Technical School, Enugu B. M.g.s.adazi-nnukwu St. Anthony Cath. Comprehensive, Agulu Union Secondary School Agulu Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise Austica Memoraial College , Nanka B.m.g.s. Adazi-nnukwu Girls High School, Agulu St Joseeph Specical Science School Queen Of The Rosary Onitsha Girls High School Agulu St Anthony Cath. Comprrehensive, Agulu St. Anthony Cath. Comprehensive, Agulu Madonna Girls School Umunze Girls High School , Agulu Rosary College Nise Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise Bubendorff Memorial Secondary School, Adazi

AGULU III 1. Obiano Ifechukwu Malachy St. Catherine Comp. School, Nanka 2. Chukwubike Anigbo St. Anthony's Catholic Comprhensive, Agulu 3. Okafor Chikelue Festus St. Anthony Comp. Institution, Agulu 4. Afamefuna Praise Chukwuemeria Evangel Seminary Aba 5. Agbasobe Ifedilichukwu Union Secondary School, Agulu 6. Obiefuna Perpetua Kasie St. Cathrine Comp. School, Nanka 7. Obiano Chinaza Juliet St. Catherine Comp. School, Nanka 8. Ifunanya Vivian Ikele St. Anthony Comp. Instution Agulu 9. Miracle Chinonye Dim Union Secondary School, Agulu 10. Emeh Chinaza Kingsley Agulu Grammar School, Agulu 11. Agbakaja Nnaemeka .o.

Community Secondary School, Agulu 12. Okwaji Nmesoma Judith St Anthony Comph. Instutitue Agulu 13. Okoye Chidebere Faith Union Secondary Agulu 14. Ogwo Chimaobi John Agulu Grammar School 15. James Emegwalu Nnaemeka Adazi Boys High School, Adazi 16. Egoh Chukwuebuka Emmanuel Adazi Boys High School, Adazi 17. Okafor Catherine Nneka Community Secondary School, Umueze Anam 18. Dim Oluebube .o.

Community Secondary School, Umueze Anam 19. Ogunwa Ogechukwu Community Secondary School, Umueze Anam 20. Ebere Ngene Community Secondary School, Nanka 21. Agbago Chinaza Evaristus Community Secondary School, Umueze-anam 22. Enweluji Henry Kosisochukwu Bubendoff Memorial Secondary School, Adazi Nnukwu AGULU IV 1. Immaculata Ngozi Okoye Community Secondary School, Agulu 2. Blessing Chinonye Obiadim Girls Secondary School, Abagana 3. Muojoma Ebuka Justice Agulu Grammar School 4. Mmadiagwu Nneamaka Bibiana St Anthony Cath. Comp. Institute, Agulu 5. Okoye Ifunanya Agatha St. Anthony Cath. Comp. Institute Agulu 6. Chidum Aturuiama Kosiso Bishop Uzodike Seminary, Nnewi 7. Anagor Micheal Somtochukwu Austica Memorial College Nanka 8. Oluchi Egwuonwu Community Secondary School, Agulu 9. Uzodike Ukamaka Vivian Community Secondary School Agulu 10. Okafor Uchenna Benneth Community Secondary School, Agulu 11. Eze Okehukwu Samson Agulu Grammar School, Agulu 12. Izuegbunam Immaculate Ukamaka Girls High School, Agulu 13. Ofuluchi Emmanuel Emeka Community Secondary School Agulu 14. Celestine Amuche Imoh Community Secondary School, Agulu 15. Chukwunonso M. Anonye Agulu Grammar School, 16. Cornellius Chibuzor Okeke Community Secondary School, Agulu 17. Obeche Peter Chinedu Community Seondary School, Agulu 18. Okafor .m. Ogochukwu Rosary College, Nise 19. Aforekidim Oluchukwu Holychild Secondary School, Isuofia ICHIDA II 1. Ezisi Nicholas Somotochukwu Community Sec. Sch. Ora-eri 2. Okafor Mark Anthony Chigbo Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti 3. Okechukwu Chinaza M. Sacred Heart College Nteje 4. Nwabuzor Ogochukwu Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti 5. Obiawonda Oluebube Danatus Community Sec. Sch. Ichida 6. Mbanefo Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Mercy Seminary Bende 7. Ezeokafor Maria Ozioma Destiny Sec. Sch. Ichida 8. Emelda Ijeoma Udeogo Community Sch. Suleja 9. Ezedigwe Obioma Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti 10. Okwummuo Samel Nnaemeka Community Sec. Sch. Ichida 11. Okafor Chinaecherem Girls Sec. Sch. Awka-etiti 12. Abazu Nnamdi Henry Community Sec. Sch. Ichida 13. Nnebedum Chinaza Community Sec. Sch. Ichida 14. Okeke Philip Chisom Fr. Paul Memorial Sch.awka-etiti 15. Azubuogu Ebube Community Sec. Sch. Ichida 16. Okeke Emmaunel Tochukwu Community Sec. Sch. Ichida 17. Okonkwo Martin Chukwuemeka Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti 18. Okoye Ifunanya Fr. Paul Memorial Sch. Awka-etiti 19. Ezikeagu Nkechi J. Girls Sec. Sch. Awka-etiti 20. Okagwu Ifunanya Nwanneka Destiny Sec. Sch. Ichida 21. Chibuike Precious Ezeife Christ The King College Onitsha 22. Ebele Kingsley Chinaecherem Holy Child Sec. Sch. Ichida 23. Ezeumenwa Maryjane Chigozie Destiny Sec. Sch. Ichida NOMINATION BY CHURCHES/PARISHES 1. Chukwuekezie J. Ofor Agulu Grammar School, Agulu 2. Ndimnobi Nneoma Paschaline Floral Azikiwe Secondary School,Neni 3. Ezeobi Chibueze Vitalis Community High School, Aguluzoigbo 4. Chukwuneke Ebele Community High School, Awkaeze 5. Ezenechukwu Chinenye Mary-jane St. Augustine's Sec.school Ichida 6. Charity Chinenye Nwokoye Community High School, Aguluzoigbo 7. Onwurah Nmesoma Chidinma Community Sec. School, Akwaeze 8. Ezebielonwu Promise Uchechukwu Community High School, Adazi 9. Ofuluchi Somtoo Nkeiruka Girls Secondary School, Awka 10. Amadi. C.m . Chiamaka Ojiako Mem. Grammar School, Adazi-ani 11. Ezeobi Lilian Community High School, Adazi 12. Okeaba Ujunwa Jacinta Flora Azikiwe Model, Sec, School, Neni 13. Nwankwor Stanley Ifeakachukwu St. Dominic Savio Seminary Akpu 14. Chukwujama Victor Chidera Bishop Crowther Seminary Awka 15. Ogunwa Celestine Adaobi Community Secondary School, Obeledu 16. Udoye Izuchukwu Johnbosco Community High School Akwaeze 17. Ozumba Adaorah Gloria Lake City Secondary School, Nri 18. Kosisochukwu Chukwujekwu Nwafor Agulu Grammar School, Agulu

DUNUKOFIA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

UKWULU I N Awardee 1 Nweke Joel Onyedika 2. Chinedu Ukamaka Celestine 3. Nwankwo Francisca Obinna 4. Obidi Obinuju Blessing 5. Okoye Stella Ifunanya

School Community Secondary School. Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Communtiy Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

52

HIS EXCELLENCY (SEN.) DR. CHRIS NGIGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 6. Nwafor Micheal Chisom 7. Okeke Nnamdi Daniel 8. Ogbudike Onyebuchi 9. Aniekwe Emmanuel Chidera 10. Blessing Ebube Emekwisie 11. Innocent Okoye 12. Ndibe Micheal Chimnedu 13. Chizoba Nwafor 14. Okeke Kosisochukwu C. 15. Dominic Obiora Okolo UKWULU II 1. Emmanuel Obidi 2. Nwakasi Gloria Chiamaka 3. Makachi Maryann 4. Gloria Aniekwe. C. 5. Oraeke Dons Obianuju 6. Okafor Blessing Chinasa 7. Okoye Blessing Chidera 8. Okoye Chinasa 9. Echezona Maryann Oluchukwu 10. Echezona E. Chinaza 11. Nwakasi Ekene Stella 12. Okonkwo Chinyere R. 13. Nwakasi Onyebuchi 14. Okoro Chilotam Cynthia 15. Nwankwo Maduaburochukwu P. 16. Nwoye Vincent Chimezie 17. Akam Sampson N. 18. Ilemuo Victor 19. Chima Chris Promise 20. Makachi Angela Oluchukwu 21. Marycynthia Ilochi 22. Adee Blessing Chinenye

Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Communtiy Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Communtiy Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary Schoo, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi

NAWGU I 1. Nwoye Faith Chinwendu 2. Nwosu Emmanuel Onyebuchi 3. Nwamadu Hilary Chukwunonso 4. Nwankwo Ugochukwu 5. Collins Oliora 6. Nwankwo Nkemakonam John 7. Roland Hope Nonyelum 8. Nweke Stella Amuche 9. Nwana Peace Ukamaka 10. Nweke Blessing Ebele 11. Morah Dennis 12. Uchendu Joy Chikaodili 13. Nkeanyi Ifeanyi Charles 14. Okafor Andrew Chinedu 15. Okolo Chibundu Chinenye 16. Okafor Elizabeth 17. Tagbo Timothy Obike 18. Joseph Nnebedum 19. Blessing Ngozi 20. Nwoye Amarachukwu Esther 21. Nwosu Lucy Amalachukwu 22. Nwoye Anulika Christiana 23. Innocent Oliora Uchenna 24. Nwoye Ruth Ogo 25. Daniel Susan Obiageli 26. Jonas Florence Ijeoma 27. Emenike Chibuzo 28. Ilouno Blessing 29. Uzochukwu Chibuzo 30. Onwubuya Mabel Chimmuanya 31. Nnebedum Emmanuel Kosisochukwu 32.. Udeozor Favour Okwuchukwu 33. Okoye Solomon Kosisochukwu 34. Nwogbo Janet Chinasa 35. Nwafee Glory Ogechi 36. Nwoye Anthony Ugochukwu 37. Okoye Favour Chinwe 38. Nwosu Florence Eberechukwu 39. Anunobi Liana Tochukwu 40. Bernard Oluchukwu Favour 41. Nnatu Godswill Chidera 42. Emenike Chinaemelum Christopher 43. Nwegwu Chinenye 44. Ilozue Onyinyechukwu Marycynthia 45. Omaba Chinonso Stephen NAWGU II 1. Ofoegbunam Gospel Ozioma 2. Nnayelugo Celestine Ugochukwu 3. Nnayelugo Augustine Amechi 4. Okafor Chuma Innocent 5. Okoye Mercy Ebere 6. Nkwoemeka Onyedikachukwu .g.

7. Emelife Benjamin Chukwualuka 8. Okafor Chidera Stanley 9. Obiora-okeke Chioma Stephanie 10. Anisiobi Onyinyechukwu 11. Emelie Thankgod Valentine 12. Emelife Benjamin Chukwualuka 13. Ezike Ogechukwu Mary-cynthia 14. Okoye Faith Chikasie 15. Oliora Chinwoke Valentine 16. Cecilia Ebelechukwu Anaso 17. Okeke Peter Chimezie 18. Nnamah Vivian Chinyeaka 19. Mmadubuko Stella Amarachi 20. Alado Chritian Chukwualuka 21. Emelife Rita Ukamaka 22. Onyekwelu Grace Ijeoma 23. Onwugo Miracle 24. Praise Tabugbo 25. Mmaduka Ukamaka Jacintha 26. Nwogbo Sandra Mmesoma 27. Nwokolo Blessing Chinwe 28. Nwankwo Blessing Ngozi 29. Okonkwo Maryrose Chinaecherem 30. Ekwunife Daniel Abuchi 31 Madubuko Stella Amarachi UMUDIOKA I 1. Onwuka Francis 2. Onuekwusi Edwin Chibueze 3. Egbuonu Chinenye Esther 4. Azodo Chidimma Emmanuel 5. Egbuonu Chidubem Joseph 6. Maduakor Ekperebuike .t.

7. Achi Abuchi 8. Ogualili Chike 9. Ogualili Chibuike Anthony 10. Okwuosa Chidera Miracle 11. Ogualilianthonia Makua 12. Ofoegbu Christiana Obioma 13. Abanaeke Emmanuel Ugochukwu 14. Mbamalu Rosemary Chioma 15. Okoye Somtochukwu .m.

16. Anosike Chidimma Rosemary 17. Okoye Rachael Ifechukwu 18. Maduba Miracle Ebuka 19. Maduba Temple Chiagozie 20. Okeke Blessing Ngozi 21. Okechukwu Ikechukwu Vincent 22. Metu Mmesoma 23. Nwafor Ukamaka Christiana 24. Okeke Ikechukwu Vincent 25. Nwosu Emeka Henry 26. Chuma Ebube Cynthia 27. Maduka Chukwuma Thankgod 28. Onuorah Chidera Precious UMUDIOKA II 1. Emmanuel Chukwunwike 2. Emmanuel Stella Amala 3. Ezekwugo Stella Chioma 4. Nnoruka Juliet Obioma 5. Akamelu Chijioke 6. Akubue Callistus Kenechukwu 7. Mbanugo Prince Ugochukwu 8. Mbanugo Perculia Chidiebele 9.

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Chinaza Dorathy Eekwugo Ifonu P. Ujunwa Ofodile Chinaza Kaosisochukwu E. Igboneme Ikemefuna Anoliefo Chiamaka Edet Chiama Celestine Okoye Agu Lilian Ginika Onyejekwe Theresa Ujunwa

18. Akubue Ikenna UMUNNACHI I 1. Chinemerem Ikechukwu 2. Amaucheazi.n. Innocent 3. Chidebelu Chidubem 4. Aniebo Ifeanyi

Community High School, Nawgu Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School,, Nawgu Girls Secondary School, Awka Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Washington Mem. Grammar Sch. Onitsha Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Community Secondary School, Ukwulu Community High School, Nawgu Comprehensive Sec. School, Nawfia Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nagwu Rosary College, Nise St. John Of God Sec. School, Awka Rosary College, Nise Community High School, Nawgu Rosary College, Nise Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu St Edmund Sec. School, Maryland , Nkpor Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nagwu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Rosary College, Nise Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Comprehensive Sec. School, Nawfia St. Edmund Secondary School, Maryland, Nkpor Community High School, Nawgu Lorreto Special Science School, Adazi Community High School, Nawgu

Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nagwu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Comprehensive Secondary Sch. Nawfia Community High School, Nawgu Santa Maria Sec. Sch. Nza Ozubulu St. Kizito Girls Secondary School. Umudioka Comprehensive Sec. School, Nawfia Comprehensive Sec, School, Nawfia Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu Community High School, Nawgu St. Anthony Comp. Sec. School,Umudioka Community Sec. Sechool Ukwulu St. Anthony's Comp. Sec. School,Umudioka St. Anthony's Comp. Sec. School,Umudioka St. Anthony's Comp. Sec. School, Umudioka City Comprehensive School, Ogidi City Comprehensive School, Ogidi St. Anthony's Comp.sec. School,Umudioka St. Anthony's Comp.sec. School, Umudioka St.anthony's Comp.sec.school, Umudioka St. Anthony's Comp.sec.school, Umudioka St. Anthony's Comp. Sec.school, Umudioka St.anthony's Comp.sec. School, Umudioka St. Anthony's Comp.sec.school, Umudioka St. Kizito Girls Sec. Sch. Umudioka St. Kizito Girls Sec. School, Umudioka St. Kizito Girls Sec. School, Umudioka St. Anthony's Comp. Sec.sch. Umudioka St. Anthony's Comp. Sec.school, Umudioka Girls Secondary School, Awka Bethany School, Ifitedunu Coal Camp Secondary School , Enugu St. Anthony's Comp. Sec. School, Umudioka Betheny School, Ifitedunu St.anthony's Comp. Sec. School, Umudioka St. Anthoy's Comp. Sec. School, Umudioka City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi Njikoka Secondary School, Umunnachi St.kizito's Girls Secondary School, Umudioka St. Kizito Girls Sec. School, Umudioka City Comprehensive Sec. School,Ogidi City Comprehensive Sec. School, Ogidi City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi Royal Saints International School, Awka Destiny Comprehensive Secondary School, Awka St. Kizito Girls Sec. School, Umudioka St. Anthony Secondary School, Umudioka Elite Creative College St.charles College , Onitsha City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi Daystar Secondary School, Ogidi Starlight Sec. School,Ogidi St.anthony's Comprehensive Sec. School, Umudioka City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi Ezesaw College Lagos Community Secondary School, Umunachi Community Sec.school, Umunnachi St. Mary'high School, Ifitedunu

5. Nwabunie Ifeanyi Victor 6. Nwabunnie Ifeanyi Victor 7. Ikechukwu Promise Nnamdi 8. Mbah Ozomena Nnamdi 9. Okoye Chinenye Promise 10. Chidera Onwughalu 11. Okeke Chioma Loveth 12. Okeatu Nwakoonobi Micheal 13. Okeke Chidimma Christiana 14. Egwim Chinaemelum 15. Chidera O. Igboka 16. Anilozie Chinecherem Chidimma 17. Obika Favour Chinaecherem 18. Ikechebelu Stella 19. Odiliora Ginika Chinaecherem 20. Okafor Chukwunonso Christian 21. Mmasichukwu Praise Aronu 22. Chinonso Aronu 23. Ikeaba Evelyn 24. Ezeugbo Christian Chileobi 25. Kosisochukwu Sarah Ilonze 26. Atuegbu Odinaka Chinaza 27. Nwoye Chinaza Afoma 28. Egwim Davidson Somtochukwu 29. Okoye-afoma Irene 30. Okoye Ikechukwu Chimezie 31. Augustine Ani 32. Chisom Anonye 33. John Chidera Osondu 34. Morah Judith Chidimma 35. Udegbunam Somtochukwu 36. Okonkwo Joshua Udechukwu 37. Nwoye Faith Chidimma 38. Ude Anthony 39. Okechukwu Chiemelie 40. Chukwuma J. Onyebuchi 41. Onyinye Lynda Nworah 42. Ezebialu Emmanuel Chiemerie 43. Onochie Perpetua Amara 44. Ikeanyi Chinazaekpere 45. Udegbunam Chinaza Victoria 46. Anaekwe Cosmas Kelechi 47. Chidinma Anonye 48. Udegbunam Nwike Nelson 49. Udegbunam Victor Emeka 50. Amara Hope Nweke 51. Udegbunam Chinecherem.m. Ebele 52. Okafor Chukwunonso Christian 53. Okeke Ikemefuna Justine 54. Asomugha Ebele Maryanne UMUNACHI II 1. Ezekwe Chinenye 2. Michael Chinaemelu Anoliefo 3. John-mary Chidera Okonkwo 4. Maduabuchi Damian 5. Aniofor Vincent 6. Okechukwu Mmesoma 7. Nwankwo Chinaza Evangelyn 8. Nnaji Cornelius Chidubem 9. Udezue Marycynthia Chinecherem 10. Udezue Janefrancis Chisom 11. Emmanuel Francis Okoye 12. Ofodile Chiagozie Blessing 13. Okonkwo Francisco Chima 14. Anoliefo Ginika 15. Udeorah Uchechukwu 16. Chiamaka Ilunoh 17. Chidubem Emmanuel Mmodilim 18. Nwankwagu Juilet Chinaecherem 19. Mary Cynthia Okeye 20. Ujunwa Anyabunsi 21. Okongwu Marycynthia Chinaza 22. Chidubem Oforah 23 Nwankwo Onyedika 24. Chizoba Chukwuma 25. Anoliefo Amalachukwu 26. Okafor-odu Ikechukwu 27. Ezekwe Lovelyn Odinaka 28. Ezechi Livinus Ugonna 29. Emeh Ebuka 30. Okoye Chumuanya Precious 31. Okafor-odu Ugochukwu 32 Okoye Isreal Chiagozie 33. Innah Ebube 34. Ofoedu Francis Ebuka 35. Chidozie Ogbu Samuel 36. Johnmary Chidera Okonkwo 37. Olu Lucy Amarachukwu 38. Obichukwu Kosisochukwu. I. 39. Ibeogu Amuche Lucy 40. Nwankwogu Livinus Chidera 41. Onwe Okwudili 42. Mary-anne Chidimma Okoye 43. Martha Chiamaka Nwaolisa 44. Okeke Ifunaya Agatha 45. Arbaluezema Marthagoretti 46. Iloduba Fransic Nnaemeka 47. Emmanuel Ifeanyi Okoye 48. Obiora Felix Mmaduka 49. Osonu Ann Chinaza 50. Odionu Francis Chimelumeze 51. Egechi J. Chukwuebuka IFITEDUNU I 1. Uderika Okeke 2. Vivian Nwamaka Maduka 3. Chima Nancy Mmsoma 4. Ezeudu Maxwell Chekwube 5. Nnabuenyi Lovelyn Chinache 6. Ofozoba Sandra .i.

7. Nwafocha Chizoba Maria 8. Ilobi Chinaza Jennifer 9. Chukwualuolum Amarachi 10. Ugozor Agatha Chinyere 11. Ogochukwu Christian Nwoyeh 12. Anene Kelvin Chidera 13. Nwakozor Ifeanyi Festus 14. Nwankwo Henry Chidera 15. Achonwa Cypril Chidera

St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu St. Mary's High School,Ifitedunu City Comprehensive College, Ogidi Community Sec. School,Umunnachi Community Sec. School, Umunnachi Community Sec. School, Umunnachi Community Sec.school,Umunnachi Community Sec.school, Umunnachi St. Kizito Girls Sec.school, Umunnachi Community Sec.school, Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary Comp. School,Eziowelle Community Secondary School,Umunnachi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi City Comp. Secondary School,Ogidi Cave City Secondary School,Ogidi Community Secondary School, Umnnachi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi St. Kizito's Girls Sec. Sch. Umudioka Community Sec. School, Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary Sec. Sch. Eziowelle Girls Secondary School, Ogidi Holy Rosary College Enugu Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Starlight Sec School, Ogidi Community Sec. School, Umunnachi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary College , Eziowelle St. Mary Sec. School, Ifitedunu St Anthony Comp. Sec. School,Umudioka Bishop Crowther Seminary Sec.sch. Awka Bishop Crowther Seminary Sec.sch. Awka Starlight Secondary School, Ogidi Mendu International Secondary School, Ogidi Mendu International Secondary School, Ogidi Parent Pride Secondary School Akuzor-nkpor Community Secondary School, Umunachi Fed. Science & Technical College , Awka Kizito Girls Secondaru School, Umudioka Queen Of Rosary Comprehensive College Carol Standard Convent Ichi Community Secondary School, Umunachi Queen Of Rosary College, Eziowelle Mendu Intl. School, Ogidi Mendu Intl. Secondary School, Ogidi Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi Holy Innocent Juniorate Convent ,Nkpor Community Secondary School, Umunachi Community Secondary School, Umunachi Community Secondary School, Umunachi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi St. Mary Secondary School, Ifite-dunu Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary Comp.sec. School Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary Comp. Sec. School Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary Comp. Sec. School Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary Comp. Sec. School,Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary Comp. Sec. School,Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary Comp. Sec.school,Eziowelle Jesus Foundation Special School, Abatete Destiny Secondary School, Awka Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia Queen Of Rosary College,Eziowelle Community Sec. School, Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary College, Umunnachi Tropical College Kano Community Sec.school, Umunnachi St. Kizito's Sec. Sch, Umudioka Community Sec. School, Umunnachi Community Sec. School, Umunnachi St. Mary High School, Ifitedunu Comprehensive Sec. School, Nawfia Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary College, Eziowelle Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary Comp. Sec. School,Eziowelle City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi St. Kizito Girls Sec. School, Umudioka Community Sec School, Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary Sec. School, Eziowelle City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu St.mary's High School, Ifitedunu St. Kizito's Sec. School, Umudioka Community Secondary School, Umunnachi City Comprehensive Secondary School, Ogidi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Communtiy Secondary School, Umunnachi Community Secondary School, Umunnachi Dominican Sister College Holy Child Secondary School, Isuofia Community Secondary School, Umunachi Community Secondary School, Umunachi St. Kizito's Girls Secondary School, Umudioka Queen Of Rosary Sc. School, Eziowelle City Comprehensive School, Ogidi St. Mary High School Ifitedunu Community Sec. Sch. Ukwulu Carol Standrd Convent Ichi Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu Girl Sec. School Abagana St. Anthony's Sec. Sch. Umudioka Holy Child Secondary School, Isuofia Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi Community Sec. School,Umunnachi Queen Of Rosary Comp. Sec. School,Eziowelle St. Kizito's Girls Secondary School,Umudioka Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu

IFITEDUNU II 1. Chukwunkelubetterlyn Nzube 2. Nnacho Somto Minicent 3. Nwakwesili Emmanuel Chukwubuikem 4. Onyeogu John 5. Obi Cecilia Ukamaka 6. Chinaza J. Nweze 7. Nwoji Chisom 8. Madueke .c. James 9. Chimaobi Charles Chisom 10. Nwankwo Blessing Adaobi 11. Nwakwesili Chinaza Maryanne 12. Ofili Charles Onyemaechi 13. Udobi Chinaecherem Jeniffer 14. Ezikwelu Callista Chinenye 15 Ezikwelu Mirian Kosisochukwu 16. Cynthia Ebele Okoye 17. Nweze Immaculata Chidera 18. Nweke Maryjane Chiamaka 19. Okoye Chukwunaemelu Johnbosco 20. Akwaeze Romanus 21. Chiobi Obiageli Theresa 22. Ejike Chidinma Gloria 23. Anigbogu Esther Ukamaka IFITEDUNU III 1. Okey Emmanuel Kosichukwu 2. Abuchi Chizirim Joy 3. Abaeme Maureen Ogechukwu 4. Nwankwo Obioma Lovely 5. Ekwenugo Njideka Charily 6. Chigbata Mmesoma 7. Chigbata Chinaza 8. Nwoye Chikaodili Divine Marcy 9. Nworji Paul Chukwuemeka 10. Nworji Emmanuel Onyeka 11. Ilodigwe Obioma Veronica 12. Oramalu Patricia Chinaecherem 13. Emeh Faith 14. Elizabeth Chimalume Ilouno 15. Udemezue Lilian Somtoochukwu 16. Emeh Ifeanyi Francis 17. Nweke Ifeoma Isabella 18. Nwoye Obiamaka Hope 19. Ogbuagu Marcynthia 20. Otute Evangelina Ifeoma 21. Chigbata Chiamaka UKPO I 1. Ogboo Stanley

Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitidunu Arch Angel Gabriel Sec. Sch.ifitedunu Arch Angel Gabriel Sec. Sch.ifitedunu Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu Nneamaka Comm. Sec. Ifitedunu St. Mary's High Sch. Ifitedunu St. Mary's High Sch. Ifitedunu Unity Sec.school Awkuzu Arch Angel Gabriel Sec. Sch.ifitedunu Arch Angel Gabriel Sec. Sch Ifitedunu Arch Angel Gabriel Sec. Sch.iftitedunu Fed. Govt. Girls College Onitsha Queen Of Rosary College Onitsha Nneamaka Girls Sec. School, Ifitedunu Queen Of Rosary College , Onitsha Nneamaka Girls Secondary School, Ifitedunu Angel's Secondary School, Ifitedunu Queen Of Rosary College Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary College Eziowelle Redemption Sc.school, Obosi Community Secondary School, Amansea Arch Angel Gabriel Sec. Sch Ifitedunu Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu New Era Sec. Sch. Nteje Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu Walter Eze Memonal Sec. Sch. Ukpo Sacred Heart College Nteje Nneamaka Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu Nneamaka Sec. School Ifitedunu Arch Angel Gabriel Sec. Sch. Ifitedunu St. Peter Marist College Ifitedunu St. Mary's High School Ifitedunu Holy Rosary Sec. School Umuahia Sacred Heart College Nteje St. Marys High School, Ifitedunu St Raphael's Sec. School, Awkuzu Federal Government College, Nise Community Secondary School, Abba Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifitedunu Sacred Heart College Nteje Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo

2. Onunkwo Bumebi Tessica 3. Chukwura Praisa Ebubechukwu 4. Ndubisi Paul Tochukwu 5. Okoye Onyinye Gift 6. Chikelue Emmanuel Ifeanyichukwu 7. Isiego J. Chidinma 8. Omenife Stanley Chekunbe 9. Nwachukwu Chima Joy 10. Modili Ekene Blessing 11. Nwoye Chukwuebuka Samuel 12. Okoye Goodness Chinaza 13. Ebuka Ogboo 14. Chukwuma Samuel Ekene 15. Ozor Somtochukwu Henry 16. Henry Chukwubuikem Ezeisi 17. Eze Chimezie Innocent 18. Ochiagha Chizitere Peace 19. Chioma Maryrose Egozoba 20. Tochukwu Ekemaka 21. Nwume Gloria Chinenye 22. Nwankwo Kosiso 23. Egwuatu Ben Collian 24. Nwachukwu Walter Maxwell 25 Oliobi Christian Onyedika 26. Kingsley Chibundo Eze 27. Ikunegbu Paul Chiadikobi 28. Tochukwu Ekemeka 29. Udemezue Chisom Goodness 30. Okeke Chinaza Promise 31. Uche Lynda Chiemelie 32. Okoye Nneka Hope UKPO II 1. Okonkwo Okechukwu Ediwin 2. Nebunwa Vivian Chienye 3. Nnanyelugo Chukwuma Samuel 4. Chinaza Lucy Ndupechi 5. Okongwu Chinonso 6. Nwasinoke Chinonso 7. Nweke Oluebube Chinaza 8. Sunday Somtochukwu Okeke 9. Thankgod Chiemelie Okeke 10. Nweke Johnpaul Okechukwu 11. Okafor Etoh Valentine Ifeanyi 12. Amaku . S. Chidinma 13. Mmodili Chinenye Peace 14. Ezenwa Chioma Anasthesia 15. Divine William Ebube Okoye 16. Akude Malus Elochukwu 17. Chijoke Modili 18. Chidinma Oguno 19. Nkechi Ogudo 20. Ebuka Stanley Nwafor 21. Miracle Nwamaka Ozugha 22. Ozara Kosisochukwu Jacintha

Carol Standard Convent Sch. Ichi Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo St. Mary's High School Ifite-dunu Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch Ukpo Okpatu Comprehensive Sec. Sch. Ukpo Okpatu Comprehensive Sec. Sch. Ukpo Nnamdi Azikiwe Sec. Sch. Abagana Fed. Govt. Girls College Ezzangbo Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo Comprehensive Sec. Sch. Nowfia Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo Parent Pride Primary & Sec. Sch. Nkpor Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo St. Therase Sec. Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo Girls Secondary Sch.abagana Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo Community Sec. Sch. Ukpo Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch Ukpo Fed. Secnce & Tech College, Awka Kabe College Amawbia Walter Eze Memorial Sec. School, Ukpo St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu Walter Eze Memorial Sec. School, Ukpo Community Sec. School, Ukpo Community Secondary School, Ukpo Community Secondary School, Ukpo Community Scondary School, Ukpo Walter Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo St. Kizito Girls Sec. Sch. Umudioka Walta Eze Memorial Sec. Sch. Ukpo Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifitedunu Community Secondary School, Eziowelle Community Secondary School, Eziowelle Walter Eze Memo. Sec. School, Ukpo Walter Eze Memo Sec. School, Ukpo Community Sec. School, Ukpo Sacredd Heart College, Nteje Walter Eze Memo Secondary Shool, Ukpo Walter Eze Memo. Sec. School, Ukpo Community High School, Ukpo Busy International Secondary School, Nimo Austica Memorial College Nanka St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu Community High School, Ukpo Our Lady's Comprehensive Sec.school, Nkpor Walter Eze Memo. Secondary School, Ukpo St. Micheals Memo School, Nimo Walter Eze Memo Sec School, Ukpo Eastern Academy Secondary School, Onitsha

UKPO III 1. Okafor Bona Nzube David 2. Okafor Mary-patience Chinagorom 3. Okafor Tobena 4. Okafor Adaobi 5. Akunna Goodness Chisom 6. Atanalu Chinelo Charity 7. Okoye Chizoba Miracle 8. Ejiofor Chidimma Anasthesia 9. Emeka Faith Ogedu 10. Mmesoma Precious Ezenwokolo

Walter Eze Mem. Sec. School, Ukpo Walter Eze Mem. Sec. School, Ukpo Walter Eze Memo. Sec. School, Ukpo Walter Eze Memo. Sec. School, Ukpo Community Sec. School, Ukpo Community Sec. School, Ukpo Walter Eze Mem. Sec. School, Ukpo Dunukofia High School Ukpo New Era Secondary School, Nteje Girls High School, Abagana

DUNUKOFIA SPECIAL DISPENSATION - TRADITIONAL RULERS, TOWN UNION PG'S, TOWN UNION WOMEN WING & STAKEHOLDERS

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Awardee School Elizabeth Chiamalu Ilouno Holy Rosary Secondary School, Umunnachi Nwachukwu Walter Maxwell Fed. Sci & Tech. College , Awka Okeke Kosisochukwu .c.

Community Sec. School Ukwulu Chizoba Nwafor Community Sec. School, Ukwulu Dominic Obiorah Okolo Community Sec. School, Ukwulu Udeh Anthony Mendu Intl. Secondary School, Ogidi Okechukwu Chiemelie Mendu Intl. Secondary School, Ogidi Chukwuma J. Onyebuchi Parent Pride Sec.school,Akuzor -nkpor Emenike Chinaecherem Christopher St. Edmund Sec. School,Maryland, Nkpor Ilozue Onyinyechukwu Mary-cynthia Loretto Special Science School, Adazi

DUNUKOFIA SPECIAL DISPENSATION

CHURCHES 1. Chinaza Lucy Ndupuechi 2. Nweke Chinecherem Hope 3. Okeke Joseph Ifechukwu

Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifitedunu Community High School, Nawgu All Hallows Seminary Onitsha

IDEMILI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.

ALOR I 1. Obineke Francis Chineme 2. Prosper Odinaka. O 3. Marycynthia Oranu 4. Nwoye Chinagorom. F. 5. Ugozu Njideka 6. Izuako Judith Ujunwa 7. Ogbunuko Solomon 8. Okonkwo Chinecherem 9. Ogbunuko Daniel .c.

10. Onwuanyia Henry 11. Odo Emeka 12. Geonald Esemo.c.

13. Onyebuchukwu Kingsley. M 14. Ugoebelu Simeon Somto 15. Nzekwe Chioma J. 16. Nzeribe Chioma 17. Nweke Ifechukwu 18. Chidinma Blessing Ugonwafor 19. Ezeadili Chiemeilie 20. Ezeasobie Chioma. V. 21. Okoye Chinakueze .d.

22. Izuegbunam Thankgod 23. Onyeonagu Somtochukwu 24. Ojukwu Chidiebere 25. Obiora Chimezie 26. Akunyiuba Chinaza 27. Anichebe Kosisochukwu 28. Ojukwu Adaobi. P 29. Ugwu Okolo Ogochukwu 30. Ezeani Emmanuel. O. 31. Ojukwu Ukamaka 32. Ngige Augustina 33. Oluebube Ojukwu 34. Iloka Confidence 35. Adaobi Ojukwu 36. Ngige Chinweogo Marycnythia 37. Benjamin Nzubechukwu Umeadi 38. Omenaka Goodness Nwanneka 39. Okeke Chukwuemeka 40. Ijeoma Ngige 41. Benedict Dubem Amugo 42. Sussan Chidimma Okeakpu 43. Onyinye Glory Ngige 44. Obah Loveth Chinecherem 45. Okeke Chukwuemeka

ALOR II 1. Aniedebe Chiamaka 2. Obinna Gloria Odo-okafor 3. Ezekwesili Chinecherem 4. Okoye Faith Ginika 5. Ezekwesili Somto 6. Ezekwesili Chinecherem 7. Ogbuijanyim Ginika 8. Oluebube Ebuka. K 9. Asugo Ifechukwu C. 10. Master Chimezeie Akaigwe 11. Master Anunobi Emmanuel 12. Ifunanya Okpala 13. Christiana Udoagwu 14. Ikemefuna Frances. O 15. Ejiofor Chinaza 16. Obiorah Ifeanyi K. 17. Chibuzor Okafor 18. Okpala Lucy Njideka 19. Ibekwute Chidera .c.

20. Ndubisi Ikemsinachi 21. Ifediora Samuel .c.

22. Onyinyechukwu Ofoedu 23. Enemchukwu Uchechkwu Mallison 24. Ezeanyika Onyekachukwu. C 25. Anoruka Chigozie .p.

OJOTO 1. Chidiebere Patrick Obinwa 2. Chidiebere Jude Anadi 3. Obiora Okwuchukwu Blessing 4. Anyasia Chidimma E. 5. Emekwuo Chidiebere. F. 6. Obieze Judith Chiamaka 7. Maduabuchukwu Chinecherem 8. Onyinye Steph Chukwudubem

St. John's Sci & Tech. College Alor St. John's Sci & Tech. College Alor Matar Dei Secondary School Alor Holy Spirit Inter. Sec. Sch. Omoba Girls Secondary School Alor Girls Seconadry School, Alor St John's Sci. & Tech. College Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor St. John's Sci & Techn College, Alor St. John's Sci & Tech. College, Alor Mata-dei Model School, Alor Victory Point Model College Egbe-lagos Mata-dei Model School, Alor Unity Secondary School, Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor Girls Seconadry School, Alor St. John's Sci.& Tech. College , Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor St. John's Sci & Tech. College, Alor Dominican Sisters School, Abatete St. John's Sci & Tech. College, Alor Trinity Model College, Nnobi Royal Divine Step College Orile, Lagos Girls Secondary School ,Alor Trinity Model Sec. School,Nnobi St. Charles College , Onitsha St. John's Sci & Tech. College , Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor St Edmund Secondary Sch, Nkpor Agu Mater-dei Model School, Alor Godswill Int. School,Nnewi Mater-dei Model Secondary Sch. Alor Anglican Girls Grammar School, Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor Girls Secondary School, Awka-etiti St. John's Secondary School, Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor Holy Ghost College Umuahia, Abia Mater Dei Secondary School, Alor Mater Dei Secondary School, Alor Mater Dei Secondary School, Alor Carol Standard Conenant Ichi Ideke Girls Secondary School, Odaekpe Holy Ghost College, Umuahia Trinity Model School, Alor St. Joseph Sch. For The Deaf, Oraifite Supreme Knowledge Comp. School Nkpor Girls Sec. School, Alor Anglican Girls Secondary School, Alor Anglican Girls Secondary School,Alor Mater-dei Model School, Alor St. John Sci & Tech. College ,Alor Fed. Girls Govt. College , Alor St. John's Sci & Tech College, Alor St. John's Sci & Tech. College, Alor United Learners Model College, Onitsha Mater-dei Model Sec. School, Alor Kezz Foundation Schools, Fegge Onitsha Girls Secondary School, Alor Bethlelem Secondary School, Fegge Osha St. John's Sci & Tech. College , Alor Mater-dei Model Sec. School, Alor New Era Sec. School, Nteje Kingston College , Ibadan.

St John's Sci & Tech College , Alor Anglican Girls Grammar School, Alor Dennis Mem. Grammar School, Onitsha Metu Mem, Secondary School, Onitsha Anglican Girls Grammar School, Alor St. John's Secondary School, Fegge Osha Okaigbo Memorial Inter. School Ojoto Okaigbo Memorial Inter. School Ojoto Okaigbo Memorial Inter. School Ojoto Okaigbo Memorial Inter. School Ojoto Okaigbo Memorial Inter. School Ojoto Justice College Nnewichi, Nnewi Boys Secondary School, Ojoto

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

53

HIS EXCELLENCY (SEN.) DR. CHRIS NGIGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME

9. Philip Chidera Ozor 10. Theodora Ifeanyi Anyichie 11. Anyaralu Chibuike 12. Ezedialo Amara 13. Innocent Onyebuchi Mbaneme 14. Orijakor Maryann Adaobi 15. Onyekachukwu Emefoh 16. Okonkwo Marvellous 17. Ndulue Martin Chimezie 18. Chidubem Samuel Anadebe 19. Anikwezie Chinaza F.c.

20. Ikejiaku Onyinye Josephine 21. Chukwuma Chiemelie Ogonna 22. Ejionu Christiana .m.

23. Ejikeme Divine Amara 24. Okafor Onyinyechukwu 25. Okoye Vivian Ukamaka 26. Nwabunike Somtochukwu 27. Okafor Chimezie 28. Umeora Ifeanyi Innocent 29. Peter Chinonso Okafor 30. Ezeukwu Cynthia Chiamaka 31. Amara Okonkwo 32. Aroh Maryrose Ifeoma 33. Muomaife Anaesthesiac 34. Chibueze Okafor 35. Okoye Chinonye Gift 36. Ezeji Ginika 37. Okoye Ngozika 38. Amadi Chibuike 39. Anaedum Maduabuchi Joel OBA I 1. Ifeoma Enedu 2. Uyelumuo Chika Rapulu 3. Enedu Rapuluchukwu Nkechi 4. Chukwudi Aniemenam 5. Amalachukwu Peace Aniedu 6. Obichukwu Nonso Miracle 7. Nnamdi Emebo 8. Chisom Onwuemelie 9. Otagbam Oluma Goodness 10. Ifunanya Nnoruka 11. Eze Kenechukwu Victor 12. Ibeabuchi Emeka 13. Samuel Ikenna Etoniru 14. Idimmachukwu Chukwujekwe 15. Chigbo Chinonso Emmanuel 16. Thomson Chiagozie 17. Orafu Chinedu 18. Chinecherem Onyibo 19. Kenechukwu Nwankwo 20. Uzoakor Victor .c.

21. Chukwudubem Ejiofor 22. Chibuzor Chidiebere 23. Anyadiegwu Ifechukwu 24. Miracle Anoduadi 25. Ogbonna Amara 26. Nwangwu Abuchi OBA II 1. Joy Chinenye Obiagwu 2. Anafe Chidinma Chinecherem 3. Ibeagha Chidubem 4. Chibuzo Ifeoma 5. Chukwudi Ndubisi 6. Orjiakor L. Chinenye 7. Anene Makuachukwu Victor 8. Oluchukwu Ali 9. Okonkwo Ifeanyi 10. Orakposim Dabere 11. Somtochukwu Okoloji 12. Nwasa Nnamdi Philip 13. Ekene Ajakorom 14. Chiadikobi Chukwu Ede 15. Bassey Chidimma Mary Jane 16. Igwilo Amalachukwu AWKA -ETITI I 1. Kingsley Izuchukwu Olisakwe 2. Okafor Chibuike 3. Ugochukwu Ifunanya Maryann 4. Somtochukwu Okafor 5. Okonkwo Felix Nzubechukwu 6. Chukwuebuka Ezeorachi 7. Oguego Chukwuebuka Desmond 8. Okudo Mmesoma 9. Chinwendu Miracle Udemezue 10. Okoye Ifeanyichukwu 11. Chidimma Ekenna Onyinye 12. Oyichigbo Eberechukwu .e.

13. Ometa Kelechi 14. Unachukwu Obianuju Mary 15. Onyekachukwu Cyprain Okafor 16. Unachukwu Chukwunetam 17. Muoka Chinaza 18. Ikechukwu Vincent Chiemelie 19. Okoye Blessing Ngozi 20. Igboanugo Chika Francisca 21. Okoye Chibuike 22. Agu Okwudilichukwu. F. 23. Uche Benjamin Kosisochukwu 24. Ikebe Chukwuebuka Samuel 25. Asomugha Chidiomimi 26. Ezenwa Onyemaechi Esther 27. Ogbonna Ifeanyichukwu 28. Agbaa Chidimma 29. Anojulu Chinedu Emmanuel 30. Okeke Chioma Rita 31. Okeke Collins Kosisochukwu 32. Okpalaugokwe Chukwujindum 33. Gabriel Ifeabunike 34. Egbosi Ifeoma 35. Charles Chukwudalu Ibe 36. Emmanuel Chibuike Itumo 37. Okpala Odinaka 38. Nzube Izuegbunam 39. Ezeoka Ijeoma 40. Anyachebelu Chizoba AWKA-ETITI II 1. Timothy Udodi 2. Ifediora Akachukwu 3. Okeke Chidera Oscar 4. Oguekwe Chukwunonso 5. Okafor Francis Chisom 6. Anyaegbunam Johnmary. O. 7. Odilibe Paulinius Arinze 8. Ezeafulukwu Chizaram. A. 9. Okoli Ebere 10. Chinecherem M. Maduka 11. Anyachebelu Makuachukwu 12. Izewi Amaka Maureen 13. Uzodimma Onyeka 14. Amarachukwu Anumba 15. Ugwu Chinecherem 16. Nwokolo Nneka Racheal 17. Mercy Ogechukwu Muoghalu 18. Obiezenwile Harry Emodi 19. Olikeze Chimereze .m.

20. Okonkwo Cynthia Chinenye 21. Odikaesieme Chidimma F. 22. Somtochukwu Unaegbu NNOBI I 1. Ifeanyi Obidike 2. Ogbunuko U. Ginika 3. Amaefuna Chnenye M. 4. Esther Chukwu 5. Ezemba Chinaza Lucy 6. Okwudili Adibe 7. Chinedu Ufudo 8. Ilozulu Chinedu 9. Chiamaka Ifesie 10. Chinyere Mary Okonye 11. Akudolu Vivian Ukamaka 12. Uzoewulu Mary Stella 13. Anuka Joseph 14. Okeke Amarachukwu 15. Nzubechukwu Muoneke 16. Ejikeme Chisom Emmanuel 17. Ezekobe Chimelugo H. 18. Ezeogu Chinasa 19. Amaefuna Anthony T. 20. Chigbo Chidimma C. 21 Ikechukwu Mmesoma. P. 22. Omekaodimma Chiagozie 23. Ezeonu Calistus Somto 24. Judith Chioma Afulukwe NNOBI II No Awardee

Ojoto Boys Sec. School Okaigbo Memorial Sec. School Ojoto Okaigbo Memorial Sec. School Ojoto Okaigbo Memorial Secondary Sch. Ojoto Okadigbo Memorial Secondary Sch. Ojoto Okadigbo Memorial Sec. School, Ojoto Okadigbo Memorial Sec. School, Ojoto World Changers Int. School Ojoto Okaigbo Memorial Int. School Ojoto Community Sec. School, Uke Okaigbo Memorial Int. School Ojoto Girls Secondary School, Ojoto St. Andrew's Sec. School, Obosi Community Sec School Uke Holy Child Covenant Amichi World Changers Int. School, Ojoto Victory For Real Inter. School, Ojoto World Changers Inter. School, Ojoto World Changers Inter. School, Ojoto Okaigbo Memorial Int. School, Ojoto Okaiigbo Memorial Int. School, Ojoto Okigbo Memorial Int. School, Ojoto Okigbo Memorial Int. School, Ojoto Okigbo Memorial Int. School, Ojoto St Monica's College Ogbunike Merchant Of Light School, Oba St. Patrick's Int. Sec. School , Ichi Community Sec. School, Uke World Changers Int. School, Ojoto World Changers Int. School, Ojoto Christ The King Seminary School, Nnobi Girls Secondary School, Oba Mechant Of Light School, Oba Divine Knowlegde Secondary Oba Divine Knowlegde Sec. School, Oba Carol Standard Convent Ichi Merchant Of Light, School, Oba St. Peters Special Sci. Sec. School, Oba Anglican Girls Sec School, Oba Vision Builder College, Oba Girls Secondary School, Ojoto Merchant Of Light School, Oba Devanse Comp. Secondary School, Oba Redeemers Int. High Sch. Awka Merchant Of Light School, Oba Merchant Of Light School, Oba Devanse Comprehensive School, Oba St. John's Sci & Tech. College , Alor One Foundation Sec. School, Oba Devanse Compr. Sec School, Oba Holy Family Inter. School. Oba Crest Heritage College, Lagos Crest Heritage College, Lagos Vision Builders College , Oba Girls Secondary School, Oba Eco Foundation Sec. School, Obosi Vision Builders College Oba Anglican Girls Secondary School, Oba Anglican Girls Secondary School, Oba Divine Knowlegde Sec. School, Oba Girls Sec Schol, Oba One Foundation Int. School, Oba Divine Knowledge Sec. School, Oba Merchant Of Light Sec. School, Oba Devanse Secondary School, Oba St. Christopher Junior Seminary 33,Osha Merchant Of Light School, Oba Merchant Of Light School, Oba Merchant Of Light School, Oba Good Shepherd Creative School, Oba Merchant Of Light School, Oba Devanse Comp. Sec. School, Oba Okongwu Memorial. Grammar School, Nnewi Father Paul Memorial School, Awka-etiti Divine Sec. School, Achi Divine Sec. School, Achi Divine Sec. School, Achi Glory Royal Academy Awka-etiti Glory Royal Academy , Awka-etiti Glory Royal Academy, Awka-etiti Victory Secondary School, Nkpor Girls Secondary School, Awka-etiti Ave. Maria Secondary School, Nnokwa Glory Royal Academy Awka-etiti Glory Royal Academy Awka-etiti Madonna Int. Academy Nnobi Father Paul Mem. Sec, School, Awka-etiti Father Paul Mem. Sec, School, Awka-etiti Father Paul Mem. Sec, School, Awka-etiti Maria Regina Model Comp Nnewi St. John's Sci & Tech College, Alor Father Paul Mem. Sec. School, Awka-etiti Father Paul Mem. Sec. School, Awka-etiti Father Paul Mem. Sec. School, Awka-etiti Nnewi High School, Nnewi Christ The King College, Onitsha Glory Royal Academy, Awka-etiti Father Paul Mem. Sec. Sch, Awka-etiti Divine Sec. School, Achi All Saints High School, Nnobi Divine Secondary School, Achi Father Paul Mem. Sec. School, Awka-etiti Mathamablis Sec. School, Umuoji Divine Sec. School Achi Father Paul Mem. Sch. Awka-etiti Father Paul Mem. Sch. Awka-etiti Father Paul Mem. School, Awka-etiti Mabel Divine Int. School, Nnewi St. John's Sci & Tech. College , Alor Divine Secondary, School, Achi Divine Secondary, School, Achi Divine Secondary School, Achi Glory Royal Academy Holy Innocent Sec. School, Nnewi Father Paul Mem. Sec, School Awka-etiti Nazereth Sec.school Nkpor Glory Royal Academy Awka-etiti Dr. Alutus College Of Excellence, Nnewi Father Paul Mem. Sec. School,Awka-etiti St. Joseph Sp Sci & Seminary Awka- Etiti Girls Secondary School, Awka-etiti Glory Royal Academy Awka-etiti Girls Sec. School, Awka-etiti Fr. Paul Mem. Sec. School, Awka-etiti Loretto Sp. Sci. School Adazi Nnukwu Fr. Paul Mem. Sec. School, Awka-etiti Girls Sec. School, Awka-etiti Community Sec. School, Nnokwa Fr. Paul Mem.sec. School, Awka-etiti Fr. Paul Mem. Sec. School, Awka-etiti Holy Rosary Sec. School, Uke St. John Sp. Sec & Seminary, Awka-etiti Girls Sec School, Awka-etiti Girls Secondary School, Awka Etiti Fr. Paul Sec. School, Awkaetiti Bishop Uzodike Memorial Seminary Nnewi Our Ladys Girls Sec. Sch. Nnobi Our Lands Girls Sec. Sch. Nnobi Girls Sec. School Awka-etiti Madona International Sch. Nnobi Madona International Sch. Nnobi Seat Of Wisdom Comprehnsive Nnobi Beneolent Comprehnsive Sch. Nnobi Trinty Model Sec. School Nnobi Madona Sec. School Nnobi Reginpacis Model Sec. School Nnobi Our Lands Sec. School Nnobi Seat Of Wisdom Comprehensive Nnobi Trinity Model Sec. School Nnobi St. John Sch. & Tech. College Nnobi Our Lands Sec.school Nnobi All Saints High School Nnobi Madona International Academy Nnobi Our Lands Sec. School Nnobi Girls Sec. School Awka-etiti Trinity Model Sec. School Nnobi Our Lands Sec. Sch. Nnobi St Micheals Boys Sec School, Ozubulu Glory Academy Secondary School, Awka Etiti School

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Tochukwu Nwankwo Okoye Chidimma Okeke Michael Olinya Sunday Ebube Ikeagu Johnpaul Nwachukwu Okeke Ogechukwu C. Chijioke Ugbo Ofeli Chigozie Michael Echezona Omeife Ujunwa Rose Ezeugoigwe Chinwendu Ugoebuka Ibekwe Ekpereamaka S. Atupulu Chinaza Ifeyinwa Ugbo Christiana Chidera Okigbo Ukamaka M. Ikechukwu Ugonwanne Ezeakabundu Chiedra Aguchi Chidera Henry Ezedigwe Chinyeka S. Obidile Odunze Ekene Eruchalu Sotomon Patrick Chibuike Unegbu Ojukwu Chinaza 0.1maduka Paul Ogochukwu Ogbuefi Thankgod Kosi Maria Chinaza Igwilo

NNOBI III 1. Eze Chidozie Dominic 2. Joy Oluchukwu Okoye 3. Aghabalu Chiome 4. Ugorji Adaobi Mary Ann 5. Okeke Victoria Ndidiamaka 6. Ugorji Chinenye Maria 7. Ugbogu Chukwudi Anold 8. Uzokwe Lilian Mmesoma 9. Okigbo Oluchukwu M.c.

10. Ugorji Ikenna Peter 11. Francisca Chimeleogo Mokwe 12. David Chimuzuluoke Levi 13. Okeke Anulika Dominica 14. Master Sunday Onah 15. Udegbunam Obianuju 16. Osisa Odo 17. Emmnuel Uche Anoliefo 18. Obika Chimelogo Sylvia 19. Okpala Chibuzor C. 20 Ugwumba Kosisochukwu 21. Ogbu John Onyedika NNOKWA 1. Ifesi Linda Chiemelie 2. Augustina Ani 3. Udonkwo Chukwuebuka James 4. Idemmadu Cynthia Onyinye 5. Peter David 6. Osunkwo Promise 7. Akunne Kosisochukwu 8. Okoye Ifeoma Rita 9. Rapuluchukwu Ezudegbe 10. Ekeagu Kosisochukwu 11. Chikwelube Chiamaka S. 12. Idemili Ndubuisi 13. Ezeyim Kingsley Chidozie 14. Ifeoma Mbaegbu Ojukwu 15. Ezejideaku Benjamin .n.

16. Mmasichukwu Okoyeudo 17. Chibueze Chisom Victor 18. Ezekwem Favour Chim.

19. Nwosu Chidalu 20. Mbadugha Kosisochukwu S. 21. Ani Semion Obiora 22. Udogu Mmesoma 23. Okpala Chibueze Kelvin

All Saints High Sch. Nnobi Our Ladies Sec. Sch. Nnobi Community Sec. Sch. Nnobi Our Ladies Sec. Sch. Nnobi Madona International Nnobi Our Ladies Sec. Sch.nnobi St. Paul University Sec. Sch. Nnobi Christ The King Seminary Sch. Nnobi Nnobi Community Sec. Sch. Nnobi Madona International Sec. Sch. Nnobi Our Ladies Sec. Sch.nnobi Christ The King Seminary Sch. Nnobi Our Ladies Sec. Sch. Nnobi Fr. Paul Memorial Sec. Sch. Awka-etiti City Of Wisdom Comp. Sec. Sch. Nnobi Community Sec. Sch. Nnobi De. Alutu's College Of Excelnce Nnewi Mother Pauloffia Boys Sec. Sch. Azia Holy Rosary College Uwani Enugu Community Sec.sch. Nnobi Community Sec. Sch. Ichida City Of Wisdom Sec. Sch. Nnobi Madona International Academy Nnobi All Saints High School Nnobi Trinty Model Sec. School Nnobi Our Ladies Sec. School Nnobi Madona International Sec. Sch. Nnboi Madona International Sec. Sch Nnobi City Of Wisdom Comp Sec. School Nnobi Maria Regina Model Comp. Sch. Nnewi Seat Of Wisdom Camp. Sch.nnobi Maria Regina Model Comp. Sch. Nnewi Seat Of Wisdom Comp. Sch.nnobi Our Ladies Sec. Sch. Nnobi Our Lady's Sec. Sch. Nnobi St. Paul Seminary Nkpor Our Lady's Sec. Sch. Nnobi Christ The King Seminary Nnobi Immoculation Girls Model Sch. Nnobi Our Land's Sec Sch. Nnobi Our Land's Sec. Sch. Nnobi Our Land's Sec. Sch. Nnobi Orukwu Crammar School Immaculate Girls Model Sec. Sch. Nnewi Our Land's Sec. Sch. Nnobi Christ The King Sec. Sch. Nnobi All Saints High School, Umuru Nnobi Avemaria Sec. Sch. Nnokwa Community Sec. Sch. Nnokwa Community Sec. Sch. Nnokwa All Saints High Sec. Nnokwa Community Sec Sch. Nnokwa Unity Sec. Sch. Nnokwa Community Sec. Sch. Nnokwa Avemaria Sec. Sch. Nnokwa Trinity Model Sec. Sch. Nnobi Avemaria Basic Nnobi Holy Rosary Sec. Sch. Enugu Community Sec. Sch.nnokwa Unity Sec. Sch.nnokwa Community Sec. Sch. Nnokwa Our Land's Sec. Sch. Nnokwa Avemaria Sec. Sch.nnokwa Trinity Model Sec. Sch.nnobi Fed. Demonstraty Sec. Sch, Eziagu Commaria Girl Sec. Sch. Nkpor Avemaria Sec. Sch. Nnokwa Community High Sch. Umunze City International Sec. Sch. Fed. Demonstraty Sec. Sch. Ezigu

AKWU-UKWU 1. Nwokike Cecilia Chinweokwu St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 2. Makwo Chukwudozie St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 3. Umeadi Chukwunwike J.p.

St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 4. Kosiso Chukwunafu St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 5. Amarachukwu Ejimbe St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 6. Onwuamaeze Ezinne Emelda St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 7. Igwebuike Onyebuchi .k.

St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 8. Ofili Philip Ndubuisi St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 9. Okoro Glory Wisdom St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 10. Agusiokwu Chukwuebuka St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 11. Ekechukwu Ijeoma St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 12. Chinemelum Emelda Ubakaeze St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu 13. Chukwuyama Okeke St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu 14. Okeke Kenechukwu Precious St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu 15. Nwokedi Chukwualuka C. St. John's Secondary School, Akwukwu 16. Nebokike Chioma Mj St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu 17. Nwakile Patrick .o.

St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu 18. Ejimba Ejimkeonye St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu 19. Ugochukwu Gabriel L. St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu 20. Igboekwu Chukwuemeka St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu 21. Somuadina Nwachukwu St. John's Secondary School, Awkukwu SPECIAL DISPENSATION - CHURCHES 1. Chukwubuikem Nzubechukwu Ascension Model Secondary. School, Nnobi 2. Okeke Amblessed C.o.

Trinity Model Secondary School, Nnobi 3. Abasilim Alphonsus Emelie Madonna International School, Nnobi 4. Arinze Kindness Somto Trintiy Model Sec. School, Nnobi 5. Ekene Ogechukwu I. Great Heritage College Lagos 6. Amala Favour Maduabuchukwu St. Monicas College Ogbunike 7. Oguekenma Emeka Community Secondary School, Uga 8. Precious Nmesoma Iyiegbu Girls Secondary School, Oba 9. Ejiofor Ndubueze Devans Comp. Secondary School, Oba 10. Ukadike Ifeoma Amaka Crest Heritage Secondary School, Lagos 11. Olianya Chinwendu One Foundation Intl. School 12. Nwoke Chinaememu. F. Good Sherphard Sec. School, Oba 13. Onyeka Victor Ofodile Merchant Of Light Secondary School, Oba 14. Chisom Odenigbo Boys Secondary School, Oraifite 15. Amanambu Chiemelie.c.

Devine Knowledge Secondary School,Oba 16. Nwoye Chinedu Merchant Of Light Secondary School, Oba 17. Emmanuel Chinaza Favour One Foundation Inter. Sec. School, Oba 18. Okechukwu Ejike Merchant Of Light Secondary School, Oba 19. Nzeribe Promise Adachukwu 20. Ezeugwu Tochukwu Victor Nnewi High School , Nnewi 21. Ochuba Meshack Glory Sec School, Awka Etiti 22. Ugochukwu Joseph St John Secondary School, Akwu-ukwu 23. Ezudike Somtochukwu Kingsley Unity Secondary School, Nnokwa 24. Ezeyim Pascal Chinedu Unity Secondary School, Nnokwa 25. Nwachukwu Uchenna .c.

Vision Builders College , Oba 26. Obasi Chisom St. Johns Secondary School, Akwukwu IDEMILI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA. UMUOJI N Awardee School 1. Okafor Uchechukwu Anastesia Our Land's Int'l. Academy Umuoji 2. Mbamalu Esther Chinaemerem St. Albert The Great College Odume Obosi 3. Onwuagana Charles Chinecherem Christ The King College (Ckc) Onitsha 4. Chika Chidubem Holy Rosary Sec. School Uke 5. Ufondu Uchenna Mater Amabilis Sec. School Umuoji 6. Nzeamalu Pascal Chidiebere St. Augustine Of Hippo Sec. School Nkpor 7. Obinwugo Obinna Victor St. Anthony Of Padua High School Nkpor 8. Ofordike Chinemelum Mary Cynthia Fountain Of Knowledge Model Sch. Nnewi 9. Aghaegbunam Ifeanyi Innocent Community Sec. School Umuoji 10. Udegbuna Onyedika Community Sec. School Umuoji 11. Mbaelina Godswill Munachi City Comprehensive Sec. School Ogidi 12. Osegbo Chidera Maureen Mater Amabilis Sec. School Umuoji 13. Ndulue Chibuzo Johnbosco Community Sec. School Umuoji 14. Nwadike Chiemelie Community Sec. School Umuoji 15. Ngene Chinaza Eastern Academy Sec. School Onitsha 16. Anene Faith Chinazaekpere Community Sec. School Umuoji 17. Obiechina Emmanuela Obianuju Community Sec. School Umuoji 18. Onyekwue Chibuike Emmanuel New Era Vocational School Umuoji 19. Okoye Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Community Sec. School Umuoji 20. Ikenga Chinecherem Augustina Community Sec. School Umuoji 21. Nwoke Nzube Joyce Mater Amabilis Girls Sec. School Umuoji 22. Ebeaga Chinemelum Community Sec. School Umuoji 23. Iluba Chiemelie Deo-gratias Sec. School 24. Chukwujekwu Chiamala Scholastica Holy Spirit Int'l Sec. Sch.omagba Onitsha 25. Onuagha Emeka Jude St. Edmund Sec. School Nkpor 26. Anaedebe Chiamaka Mary Cynthia Mkeme Memorial Pri/Sec. School Umuoji 27. Ofoje Ogochukwu Community Sec. School Umuoji 28. Igweonu Oluoma Community Sec. School Umuoji 29. Okafor Valantine Chiemelie Our Lady's Pri/Sec. School 30. Okafor Nwamaka Sholastica Mater Amabilis Sec. School 31. Mmoka Jude Chukwubuikem Community Sec. School Umuoji 32. Okenwa Mmachukwu Miracle Community Sec. School Umuoji 33. Okafor Chikosolu Marycynthia Okaigbo Memorial Secondary Sch. Ojoto 34. Egbosimba Patience Uchechukwu Our Lady's Intl.secondary School, Umuoji UKE 1. Mbanememe Kenechukwu Chinaza 2. Ikwueme Chiamaka Prisca 3. Ejinkonye Chidi 4. Ezekwugo Chibuzor Emmanuel 5. Anisiebo Micheal Chibuike 6. Onwuanibe Chibuzor 7. Okeke Chidera

Federal Government College, Onitsha Anglican Girls Grammar School, Onitsha City Comprehensive Sec. School, Ogidi Our Lady Comprehensive School, Uke Community Secondary School, Uke Community Seconadry School, Uke Community Secondary School, Uke

8. Emelobe Sunday Emmanuel St. Charles Secondary School,Onitsha 9. Nweke Ekwutosi Cave City Secondary School, Ogbunike 10. Izuchukwu Barthlomem Unit Comprehensive Sec. School, Okpoko 11. Okongwu Odinaka Blessing Macelia Montessori Sec. Sch. Umuoji 12. Ozodimma Oluomachukwu Community Secondary School, Uke 13. Umekwe H. Chizaram Macelia Montessori Sec.school, Anogu Umoji 14. Onuzuike Chiedu St. Agnes Group Of School, Effurun Delta 15. Ezeude Augustine Chinemelu Community Secondary School, Umuoji 16. Nweke Chimeebele Cynthia Community Secondary School, Umuoji 17. Ifemeh Chinweokwu Ifemeh Holy Rosary Secondary School, Uke 18. Onwughalu Peter Chukwunweke Community Secondary School, Uke 19. Udoh Tochukwu Felix Community Secondary School, Uke 20. Nnadabe Joseph Onyekachukwu Community Secondary School, Uke 21. Obidigbo Emmanuel C.c.

Community Secondary School, Uke 22. Umekwe Chidinma .c.

Mater Amabilis Umuoji 23. Uchendu Rosemary C. Our Lady's Secondary School, Nnobi 24. Onyiaorah Chukwuemelie Holy Rosary Secondary School, Uke 25. Oba Eberechukwu.m.

Anglican Girls, Secondary Nkpor 26. Nwaka Stella Adachukwu Holy Rosary Secondary School, Uke ORAUKWU 1. Emmanuel Nwabuike Muojekwu Oraukwu Grammar School,Oraukwu 2. Chukwuebuka Nnakwe Maria Academy School 3. Achusim Leonard Chibueze Community Secondary School, Oraukwu 4. Olisa Chisom Marycynthia Community Secondary School, Oraukwu 5. Agbakwulu Perpetua Chiamaka St. Patrick Secondary School, Obosi 6. Mbaegbu Blessing Onyinye Arcbishop Albert Obiefuna Sec.sch.

7. Ukonze Kosisochi\Ukwu Maria Foundation Sec. School, Oraukwu 8. Emelugo Blessing Nwannalbia Ojiakor Mem. Grammar School, Oraukwu 9. Igata Ugochukwu Oraukwu Community Secondary School 10. Daniel Obijekwu Oraukwu Grammar School, Oraukwu 11. Obineliaku Chisom David Oraukwu Boys Seconadry School 12. Olisa Ukamaka Community Secondary School, Oraukwu 13. Obiandue Emmanuel Chinaza Urban Boy's Secondary Sch. Fegge Osha 14. Uchegbu Kosiso Cynthia Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha 15. Obidiegwu Chiadikobi Victor Mater Dei Secondary School, Alor 16. Okeke Ikechukwu Oraukwu Grammar School, 17. Ogbunamkpu Chiemeka Community Secondary School, Oraukwu 18. Nwancho Ifeanyi Emmanuel Oraukwu Grammar School 19. Nwazunji Uchechukwu Flora Azikwe Model School 20. Ilodi Chibueze Augustine Maria Foundation Academy 21. Onyeme Peace Chisom Ojiakor Memorial Grammar School 22. Uduchukwu Mmasi Evelyn Anyaegbunam Memorial Primary School 23. Udoraka Chidera Army Day Sec, School, Onitsha 24. Nnakwe Sylvia Nonye School Of Basic Health Services ,Nkpor ABACHA 1. Onyiagha Chidubem Franklin Maria Assumpta Secondary Sch. Abacha 2. Ogbue Chinaza .r.

Maria Assumpta Secondary Sch. Abacha 3. Anonye Ogechukwu Maria Assumpta Secondary Sch. Abacha 4. Okeke Chimaobi Standard Intl. School, Eziowelle 5. Anonye Kosisochukwu Goodnews Academy , Nkpor 6. Anyichie Vivian Chioma Maria Assumpta Secondary Sch. Abacha 7. Akulue Chiamaka Community Secondary School, Eziowelle 8. Nkwuda Ugochi Patience Community Secondary School Eziowelle 9. Ezeani Florence Maria Assumpta Secondary Sch. Abacha 10. Agbanu Adaobi Norte Dame High School, Abatete 11. Anonye Nonso St.mary Virgin Model School 12. Aroh Chukwunweuba Maria Assumpta Secondary Sch. Abacha 13. Ekume Rita Ijeoma Notre Dame High School Abatete 14. Ikeanyionwu Chioma Maria Assumpta Sec. School, Abacha 15. Mbelede Anthony Ifeanyi Maria Assumpta Secondary School Abacha 16. Anonye Chisom Anderson Goodnews Academy Nkpor 17. Monwelife Anthony Maria Assumpta Secondary School Abacha 18. Glory Gift Nneka Maria Assumpta Seondary School Abacha 19. Okafor Chinedu Community Secondary School, Eziowelle 20. Okonkwo Chinwe Queen Of Rosary Sec. School, Eziowelle 21. Awachie Ginika Q.r.c. Eziowelle 22. Okonkwo Chidera Q.r.c. Eziowelle 23. Chiekwe Chioma Q.r.c. Eziowelle 24. Okeke Udechukwu Q.r.c. Eziowelle 25. Anikwue Marycynthia Nnamdi Azikiwe University Sec Sch, Awka 26. Adabany Nzube Standard Inter. Secondary School, Eziowelle 27. Okonkwo Kosiso Henry Queen Of Rosary Comprehensive Cllege.

28. Oguno Daeze Iga Notre Dame High School, Abatete 29. Nzeakor Henrietta Amara Notre Dame High School, Abatete OGIDI I 1. Ebele Chinedu Boy's Seconadry School Ogidi 2. Nwoye David Chinonso Cave City Secondary School, Ogbunike 3. Okonkwo Emmanuel Chukwunonso Boy's Secondary School, Ogidi 4. Okafor Miracle Chiemelie New Era Girls Sec. School, Onitsha 5. Nwandu Makua Chukwu Precious Anglican Girls Secondary School,Ogidi 6. Oforka Onalson Chikammanume Cave City Secondary School, Ogbunike 7. Igboanugo J. Somto Boys Secondary School, Ogidi 8. Obi Nzube Boys Secondary School, Ogidi 9. Okafor Elizabeth. C. Cor Mariae Girls Sec. School, Nkpor 10. Ifedi Chisom Prisca Regina Pacis Model Sec. Sch. Onitsha 11. Chinedu Pascal Community Secondary School Nnokwa 12. Okonkwo Joy Amalachukwu St.monica College Ogbunike 13. Okonkwo Chioma Girls Secondary School, Ogidi 14. Ojukwu Ekene Clement Metu Mem. Secondary School, Onitsha 15. Azoani Amalachukwu Precious Girls Secondary School Ogidi 16. Aghanwa Joseph Ebuka Boys Secondary School, Ogidi 17. Okoye Chiamaka Stella City Comp. Secondary Sch. Ogidi 18. Anichebe Ifunanya Daystar Secondary School, Ogidi 19. Agbogu Chinaza Victory Cave City Secondary School, Ogbunike 20. Ikwuemesi Cletus Boys Secondary School Ogidi 21. Okoye Veronica Wisdom Secondary School, Ogidi 22. Okonkwo Florence Chinecherem Girls Secondary School, Ogidi 23. Okudo Precious .r.

Girls Secondary School, Ogidi 24. Mbah Kenneth Odinakachukwu Cave City Secondary School, Ogbunike 25. Maduakor Chinenye Rosemary Starlight Secondary School, Ogidi 26. Okakpu Precious Nmesoma Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi 27. Ozioma Mefor Our Lady's Girls Secondary School, Nkpor 28. Chukwunulu Emmanuel Kosisochukwu Bishop Uzodike Memorial Seminary 29. Aronu Justina Ifeoma Cave City Secondary School, Ogbunike 30. Okeke Peace Amalachukwu City Comprehensive School, Ogidi 31. Ibegbu Chinagozie Chukwudi Galaxy Academy Mararaba 32. Atuanya Mmelichukwu Splendour Christ The King Colege, Onitsha 33. Odu-onyeka Chinedu Marist Comprehensive College Nteje 34. Orij Andrew Chinweike Gtc Onitsha OGIDI II 1. Chikezie Anthony Kenechukwu 2. Agudosi Uchenna Cynthia 3, Ajaegbu Justin Somtoo 4. Okafor Chinaza 5. Okeke Blessing U. 6. Anonye Esther Ekperamaka 7. Ogidika Nonso 8. Ifezuoke Emeka 9. Okeke Mmesoma 10. Osakwe Ifunanya Ifechukwu 11. Anene Ikechukwu Praiseway 12. Nweke Chinedu 13. Anierobi Ngozika 14. Maduegbunam Chisom 15. Nweke Arinze 16. Nnoka Eunice Chidiogo 17. Udemba Lucy Chioma 18. Agusiobi Chisom 19. Ifezuoke Ifunanya. H. 20. Igwealor Ginika 21. Obichukwu Oluchukwu 22. Obiaku Chukwuemelie 23. Onyekwe Chiamaka Blessing 24. Udeorah Nmesomma Promise 25. Chukwukelu Chioma 26. Okongwu Ifeoma 27. Mbamalu Uzoamaka 28. Achebe Ikechukwu L. ABATETE 1. Ojiakor Ifeoma 2. Ezenwafor Stanley Ifechuukwu 3. Omaliko Christian Chukwuebuka 4. Ogbur Fidelis Chikelue 5. Achebe Marycnthia Kosisochukwu 6. Okoye Chiatua Chukwuma 7. Ezekwe Esther Makua 8. Nweke Innocent 9. Adibe John Chukwuemeka 10. Oranika Kenechukwu Joseph 11. Oyogbolu Johnpaul 12. Ifezulu Micheal Ekene 13. Odeluga Ngozike Chikodili 14. Onyechi David Chidubem 15. Ezeigwe Chibueze Franklin 16. Omaliko John Onuboju 17. Okafor Chinecherem 18. Nwaorah Johnbosco Ifeani 19. Otigba Chibuike Emmanuel 20. Nwafor Chisom 21. Onwuka Raymonda Chinaza 22. Okafor Chidinma Maureen 23. Ofuogu Paul 24. Akama Chinenye 25. Onyiaorah Makuchukwu 26. Ilobi Chigozie Charles 27. Orijakor Ifeoma

St Anthony Comp. Sec. School ,Umudioka Girls Secondary School, Ogidi St Anthony Comp. Sec. School, Umudioka Mendu Intl. Secondary School, Ogidi Anglican Girls Sec. School, Ogidi City Secondary School, Ogidi City Secondary School, Ogidi Boys Secondary School, Ogidi Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi Carol Standard Convent , Ichi-nnewi St. Kizito Girls Sec. School, Umudioka City Comp. Secondary School, Ogidi Uru Na Akanona Central School City Comp. Secondary School, Ogidi City Comp. Secondary School, Ogidi Ogidi Girls Secondary School City Comp. Secondary School, Ogidi Cave Cite Secondary School, Ogbunike Anglican Girls Secondary School, Ogidi Mendu Intl School, Ogidi Cave City Secondary School , Ogbunike Boys Secondary School, Ogidi Federal Science & Tech. College , Awka Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka Cave City Secondary School, Ogbunike Starlight Comprehensive School,Ogidi City Comprehensive Sec. School, Ogidi Boys Secondary School, Ogidi Queen Of Rosary Comp.sec.sch.eziowelle St.john Science & Technology Alor Abanna Secondary School, Abatete Notre Dame High School, Abatete Abanna Secondary School, Abatete Abanna Secondary School , Abatete Abanna Secondary School, Abatete Dominican Sisters College, Abatete Queen Of Rosary Comp. Eziowelle University Secondary Sch.enugu Notre Dame High School,Abatete Dominican Sister College ,Abatete Notre Dame High School, Abatete Notre Dame High School, Abatete St. Charles College Onitsha Notre Dame High School Abatete Notre Dame High School, Abatete Abanna Secondary School, Abatete Winners International School, Nkpor Notre Dame High School, Abatete Holy Secondary School, Uke Abanna Secondary School, Abatete Notre Dame High School, Abatete Notre Dame High School, Abatete Calvary Educational Institute Onitsha Metropolitian College Onitsha Queen Of Rosary Comp.school, Eziowelle

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

54

HIS EXCELLENCY (SEN.) DR. CHRIS NGIGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME IDEANI 1. Ojekwe Chinaemelum Johnbosco 2. Nwajide Chrysogonus Chuka 3. Muozunwelu Chukwuka Johnbosco 4. Okechukwu Chisom 5. Uwaezuoke Sylvia Chioma 6. Ochubuilo Peter Chukwuebuka 7. Ojukwu Evaristus 8. Ezika Chisom 9. Akulue Chioma Mercy 10. Onyeka Chukwu Lawrence Anyadufu 11. Emenike Chinaza Nzubechukwu 12. Ugonweze Chinaza 13. Okeke Chinaza 14. Okafor Chinaza Maryann 15. Ojilindu Chidiebere 16. Onwughalu Chinenye Favour 17. Onukwili Scholastica Adaobi 18. Igwe Kosisochukwu Collins 19. Akudolu Nnonye 20. Okpala Akachukwu 21. Ojukwu Onyinye Chimaobi 22. Nwaobodo Anthony 23. Ojukwu Chioma Favour 24. Ojekwe Chinaecherem. E. 25. Udeh Nkiruka 26. Okoye Chidimma 27. Okafor Emmanuel Somtoo 28. Okeke Joseph Olisaemeka 29. Okeke Ndubuisi 30. Ogueli Chikodili Favour 31. Ojukwu Emmanuel Onyedika 32. Udeh Adaeze 33. Ojiludu Chiecheta P. 34. Enebeli Blessing C. 35. Okoye Mary.c.

36. Okpala Chikaodili Onyinyechukwu NKPOR I 1. Nwabuobi John Chukwudi 2. Ikechukwu Ogochukwu 3. Nwofia Makuochukwu Francis 4. Aniegboka Ugochukwu 5. Umeghalu Chidera 6. Igweonu Ifeanyichukwu 7, Ugha Chinyere 8. Attanwaeze Chimaobi 9. Okafor Favour C. 10. Ochili Samuel Chisom 11. Ebeji Francis 12. Obiakor Okeke Charles Kosoru 13. Echiegbue Chinenye 14. Mbanugo Peter 15. Okeke Lynda Chinyere 16. Obiekwe Stella Amara 17. Aforegboka Oluebubechukwu 18. Okolo Gideon Ebubechukwu 19. Okeke Adaobi Clementina 20. Mbolu Amala 21. Imoke Onyeka Innocent 22. Offorma, Precious Ogugua 23. Chigozie Nwabufor 24. Enekebe. C. Chukwuma 25. Maduka Uchenna 26. Imoke Onyeka Innocent 27. Mgbemena Kosisochukwu 28. Aboma Chidera Cyprain 29. Chigozie Nwabufo 30. Nwafor Miracle Chinaza 31. Chiekwu Chinyere Mary Cynthia 32. Okoye Chukwuebuka 33. Chike Patrick 34. Okeke Precious 35. Umerah Ngozi 36. Enekebe Oluchukwu 37. Onwuka Nkiru Gloria 38. Adibe Lilian Oluchukwu 39. Nwofia Lorrita Chinaza 40. Okeke Onyinye Maryjane 41 Omenyi Clinton 42. Enendu Henry Ndubuisi BOARD MEMBERS IDEMILI NORTH 1. Obiorah Stella 2. Ejeh Chinecherem 3. Odibi Rita NKPOR II 1. Ani Sopuluchukwu 2. Muorah Chiderah 3. Uzoigwe Paul 4. Obiefuna Chidiebele 5. Obiefuna David Nonso 6. Uchegbu Promise Kamtochukwu 7. Chukwulobe Stella Ifunanya 8. Ezeaputa Collins 9. Omaliko Chinelo Mary-cynthia 10. Nneji Izuchukwu 11. Onyedumekwu .u. Chidera 12. Ifediora Chibuike Victor 13. Ifediora Onyinye Doris 14. Ubah Ifeanyi Cyril 15. Aneke Chisom Winny 16. Njegbu Mmesooma. J. 17. Okongwu Christopher Onyedika 18. Olisa Onyeka 19. Chibuzor Ifunanya 20. Nida Andrew Emenike 21. Onyechi Victor Okechukwu 22. Ezego Blessing Ngozi 23. Okongwu Chidera 24. Chimamanda Anowo 25. Onyinye Cynthia Ogbu 26. Paul Osondu Uzoegwu 27. Sopuruchukwu Ani 28. Samson Onyekonwu EZIOWELLE 1. Obiorah Elochukwu 2. Ughakesili Innocent Chiagozie 3. Ifediorah Stanley 4. Efobi Chinaza Marycynthia 5. Uwagu Chibuzo 6. Ogueji Chidiebele 7. Osingo Micheal Abuchi 8. Anyaefena Christian Chibuikem 9. Oraedu Chinaza 10. Unegbu Onyinye 11. Amaobi Precious Kosisochukwu 12. Nwafor Silas Chukwuemeka 13. Oguaju Kosisochukwu 14. Aroh Deborah 15. Okoye Ogechukwu 16. Achebe Jacinta Ngozi 17. Akpudo Onyinye 18. Achebe Ifunanya 19. Amaobi Chibuzor 20. Ekwunife Chikelue 21. Obi Onyinye 22. Anumba Charles Onyeka 23. Nzelu Chiemeri 24. Ekwunife Chioma 25. Arinze Nmesoma 26. Efobi Chiagozie Vivian 27. Oraedu Chisom Emmanuel 28. Mmaduabuchi Chinecherem James OBOSI 1. Ogbu Ebere Lynda 2. Umenna Somto 3. Ndubuisi Joshua Obichukwu 4. Ogbue Nzube Favour 5. Muonagor Kingsley Chukwuebuka 6. Offor Ifeyinwa Jennifer 7. Awachie Oluchi Charity 8. Okenwa Ezim Chidimma 9. Emekwue Esther Ogochukwu 10. Okolo Faith Chiagozie 11. Iruogu Kingsley Chinedu 12. Obodozie Jubilee Chibueze 13. Nworah Dabeluchukwu .j.

14. Asidanya Miracle Chinaecherem 15. Okoye Esther Chidimma 16. Udeh Chisom 17. Molokwu Nkechi 18. Onubogu Ogochukwu 19. Nweke Kosiso 20. Onwudinjo Anayo Philip 21. Ukwuegbu Favour 22. Okafor Chimehelem Success 23. Uzowulu Chisom Alex

Dominican Sisters College Abatete Holy Ghost Juniorate Ihiala Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School,Ideani Abanna Secondary School, Abatete Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School,Ideani Girls Secondary School, Abatete St. Anthony Comp. Sec.sch. Umudioka Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School,Ideani Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha Crux Santa Secondary Sch. Nkporagu Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School,Umuokpu St. Edmund Secondary Sch. Nkpor-agu C.s.s Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani St. Christophers Junior Seminary Community Secondary School,Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School,Ideani Community Secondary School,Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School, Ideani Community Secondary School,Ideani Community Secondary School Ideani Rosary Secondary School, Uke Community Secondary School, Ideani Inland Girls Sec. School, Onitsha Community Secondary School, Ideani St. John's Sci& Tech. Alor Bright Future Sec. School, Nkpor Government Technical College Nkpor St.rita Intl. School, Nkpor Government Technical College Nkpor Nkpor Technical School, Nkpor St. Rita's Intl. Schools Daystar Secondary School, Ogidi Summit Comp. Sec. School, Obosi Government Technical College , Nkpor St. Alphonsus Sec. School, Nkpor-uno St. John's Sci & Tech College Alor Eco Foundation Intl. School, Obosi Government Technical College Nkpor Victory Modern Sec. Sch. Obosi St. Monica College Ogbunike St. Rita's Sec. School, Nkpor-agu Bishop Uzodike Mem. Seminary Nnewi Bright Future Sec.school, Nkpor Government Technical School, Nkpor Tech Secondary School, Nkpor Girls Secondary School, Onitsha St Alphonsus Catholic Sec.sch, Nkpor Govt. Technical College, Nkpor St. Alphonsus Sec. School, Nkpor Nkpor Technical Secondary School St.alphonsus Secondary School, Nkpor St. John's Sci & Tech Sec. School, Alor St. Alphonsus Sec. School,Nkpor-agu Christ The King Sec. School, Obosi Trinity Model Sec. School, Nnobi Government Technical School, Nkpor Eco Foundation Sec. School, Obosi Eco Foundation Sec. School, Obosi St. Rita's Sec School, Nkpor Government Technical College Nkpor Metropolitian Sec School, Lagos Government Technical College, Nkpor St. Alphonsus Sec. School, Nkpor Federal Government Girls College, Onitsha Boy's Secondary School, Ogidi Urban Secondary School, Nkpor Royal Family Sec. School, Odume Obosi Charles Henry Intl. School, Obosi Mater Dei Secondary School, Ddl Awkuzu Union Secondary School, Obosi St. Edmund Secondary School, Nkpor-agu Trinity Secondary School, Onitsha Our Lady Comp. Secondary School, Nkpor Supreme Knwoledge Comp Nkpor Agu Urban Secondary School, Nkpor St. Kizito Girls Sec. School, Umudioka St. Augustine Of Hippo Sec.school Nkpor St. Edmund Secondary School, Nkpor Franc-chris International Sch.nkpor Our Lady's Comprehensive Sec.sch. Nkpor Seat Of Wisdom Sec. School, Nkpor Seat Of Wisdom Sec. School, Nkpor Kings Foundation School, Nkpor Mater Amabilis Sec. School, Umuoji G.t.c. Nkpor Dominican Sisters College Abatete Urban Secondary School, Nkpor-agu St. Albert The Great College Odume Obosi Govt. Tech. College Nkpor St. John Sci & Tech College Alor St.edmund Sec.school, Nkpor-agu Franc-chris Intl. School, Nkpor Kingdom Heritage Model School, Onitsha Our Lady's Comp. Sec. School, Nkpor Trinity Secondary School, Nkpor Girls Secondary School, Obosi Our Lady's Comprehensive Sec.school, Nkpor Maria Assumpta Secondary School,Abacha Community Secondary School, Eziowelle Holy Ghost Juniorate Ihiala Queen Of The Holy Rosary Comp. Sec. Sch Community Secondary School, Eziowelle Community Secondary School, Eziowelle St.joseph Major Seminary Standard Intl. Sec. School, Eziowelle Standard Intl. Sec. School, Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary College , Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary College Eziowelle Community Secondary School, Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary Comp.school, Eziowelle Q.r.c. Eziowelle Q.r.c. Eziowelle Q.r.c. Eziowelle Notre Dame High School, Abatete Queen Of Rosary College Eziowelle Standard Intl. Sec. School, Eziowelle Achivers Intern.sec. School, Obosi Union Sec. School, Amawbia Queen Of Rosary Comp.sec.sch Eziowelle Queen Of Rosary Comp.sec. Sch.eziowelle Queen Of Rosary Comp. Sec. Sch.eziowelle Ogidi Girls Secondary School, Ogidi Queen Of Rosary Comp, Sec, School, Eziowelle Standard Intl. Sec. School, Eziowelle Standard Intl. Sec. School, Eziowelle Victory Comprehensive College Obosi Prince Mem. High School,Omaba Onitsha Union Secondary School,Obosi Summit Comp. Sec School, Obosi Bishop Uzodike Mem.seminary Sch.onitsha Union Secondary School, Obosi Holy Innocent Juniorate Convent Nkpor Union Secondary School, Obosi Fed. Government Girls College Onitsha The Lord's Foundation Sec.sch. Nnewi St. Anthony Of Padua High Sch. Nkpor Genius Model Secondary School Christ The King Secondary School, Community Secondary School, Obosi Ekwuno Memorial Comp. Sec.school,Obosi Prosperity Comprehensive Sec.sch.obosi Girls Secondary School, Oba Choice De Immaculate Dem.school,Obosi Union Secondary School, Obosi Austica Memorial College Nanka Evengel Model Secondary School St. Anthony Of Padua High Sch, Nkpor Agu Federal Govt. College Nise

24. Ogbuegbe Prisca Chinecherem Unity Comprehensive Girls School, Okpoko 25. Ekwunife Chinenye Kenechukwu St. Kizito Girls Sec.school, Umudioka 26. Emejulu Chinelo Christ The King Secondary School,Obosi 27. Offor Nnamdi Union Secondary School, Obosi 28. Osuji Chidera Clinton St. Albert De Great Sec. School,Obosi 29. Ukachukwu Chinemerem Lady Hannah Model Sec. Sch. Awada 30. Ogbogu Cynthia Chinazor Mater Amabilis Sec. School, Umuoji 31. Ndieze Chigaemezu Community Secondary School,Obosi 32. Maduegbunam Goodness Chigozir St. Paul University Sec.sch.nibo-nise 33. Uganwa Alexander .c.

Dominion Comp. Sec. School, Obosi 34. Obionwu Chidera Progress Bishop Uzodike Memorial Seminary 35. Dike-ocha Innocent Charles Henry Intl. School, Obosi 36. Obiora Stella Royal Family Sec. School.odume -obosi 37. Odibe Rita Mater Dei Secondary School,Ddl Awkuzu 38. Osakwe Chizoba Union Secondary School, Obosi 39. Ejeh Chinecherem Charles Henry Intl. Sec Sch. Onitsha 40. Anibogwu Somto Kingsley D Christ The King College, Onitsha 41. Ikeokwu Valentine Lotanna Dennis Mem. Grammar School, Onitsha 42. Odogwu Chukwubuikem Eb Urban Sec. School, Nkpor 43. Ogbu Ebere Lynda Victory Comp. College Obosi 44. Ojukwu Ebube Royal Family Secondary School, Obosi SPECIAL DISPENSATION- CHURCHES 1. Obidelu Christian Chukwuma St. Patrick's Sec. School, Ugwuagba -obosi 2. Ejanobi Chinecherem St.paul Uni. Secondary School, Nise 3. Ezenwamma Ike Odinachukwu St.charles College Onitsha 4. Dike Amarachukwu Precious Holy Child Convent Amichi 5, Okafor David.o. Emmanuel Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha 6. Uzoagu Favour Christ The King Sec. School, Igboukwu 7. Ogugua Monica Chidimma Queen Of Rosary Comp. College Eziowelle 8. Chukwuemeka Ruth Ukamaka Our Lady's Comp. Sec. School, Nkpor 9. Udegbe Grace Chisom Abanna Secondary School, Abatete 10. Anyachebelu Cynthia Ijeoma Unizik- Post Graduate 11. Chitomma Ekwulugo St Andrews Secondary School, Obosi 12. Okudo Assumpta Ogochukwu Kizito Secondary School, Umudioka 13. Nwankwo Amara Loveth Flora Azikiwe Model Comp,Sec.sch, Neni 14. Okafor Victor Chukwuemeka Notre Dame High School, Abatete 15. Nwizu Christabel Oluebube Mater Amabilis Sec.school, Umuoji 16. Ezeme Victor Chibuike Akunne Oniah Memorial School 17. Okoye Chidera Sandra St Albert The Great College ,Obosi 18. Etokwudo Udoka St. Kizito Girls Sec.school, Umudioka 19. Bonaventure Onyedika Dozie Boys Secondary School, Ojoto 20. Obiefuna Chiamaka Emmanuela Community Sec. School, Iyiowa Odekpe 21. Umeka Augustine Chukwuemeka Federal College Of Education, Asaba 22. Promise Chinecherem Okafor Merchant Of Light Oba 23. Ejelue Abuchi Sunday City Comprehensive College, Ogidi 24. Obi Eucharia Good Mercy Special School, Ogidi 25. Okudo Mesoma Promise Day Star Secondary School, Ogidi 26. Agbo Akachukwu Timothy 27. Nwakwe Somfejesus Holy Innocent Juniorate Convent Nkpor 28. Anene Chinonso Holy Rosary Secondary School, Uke 29. Ifeyinwa Blessing Okoye Wisdom Secondary School, Ogidi-ani 30. Ndilika Chidera Winner Christ The King Secondary School,Obosi 31. Agbata Mmesoma Love New Early Girls Secondary School, Onitsha 32. Ebepusi Chinecherem Cynthia Anglican Girls Secondary School,Onitsha 33. Iruoma Okeke Delight Secondary School, Ogidi 34. Nwizuchukwu Joseph Sunday.c.

Daystar Secondary School, Ogidi 35. Ejiofor Ekenedilichukwu.b Standard Intl. Secondary School,Eziowelle 36. Okafor Chiamaka Loveth Federal Polytechnic Oko 37. Iyile Ugochukwu Forture All Saints Comp. Sec. School, Obosi 38. Belonwu Toochukwu Kingsley Fed. College Of Education , Asaba 39. Umeh Somkenechukwu Bishop Uzodike Mem. Seminary , Nnewi 40. Oli Chidubem Chigozie University Of Nigeria, Nsukka 41. Ekpereamaka Mary-magdalene Maria Assumputa Secondary School, Abacha 42. Mmadubugwu Emmanuel Chisom Federal Sci. Technical College Awka 43. Ejeh Chidiebere Maryann New Era Secondary School, Onitsha 44. Ezeoke Ikechukwu Augustine Anambra State University, Uli 45. Nwafor Akadike Godson Bishop Crowther Seminary, Awka 46. Ojukwu Ebube Royal Family Secondary School,Odume Obosi 47. Ikezue Chidinma Christiana St. Monicas College Ogbunike 48. Iriemene Francisca Oluchukwu Ideal Minds Foundation School, Nkpor Agu 49. Chukwudera Okeke Community Secondary School, Uke NJIKOKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA. ABAGANA I N Name School 1. Okutalukwu Amarachi Grace Girls Secondary School, Nimo 2. Nwokolo Chimuanya St. Mary High School, Ifitedunu 3. Okeke Chisom Happiness Girls Secondary School, Abagana 4. Okafor Joy Chinaecherem Girls Secondary School, Abagana 5. Onwurah Mirian Chineneye Girls Secondary School, Nimo 6. Onyedika Emesue Okoye Fed. Bilingual Sec. School, Abagana 7. Chiamaka Oduikolo Nneamaka Sec. School, Ifitedunu 8. Emezina Chinaza Mary Q.r.c. Eziowelle 9. Chinaza Ojiakor Fed, Bil Sec. Sch. Abagana 10. Ezeikolo Chinenyenwa Mary Community Secondary School,Umuokpu Awka 11. Onyenwee Okeke Walter Eze Memorial Sec, School, Ukpo 12. Onyebuchi Thankgod Obiechina Walter Eze Memorial Sec. School, Ukpo 13. Ifeofor Chukwunonso.c.

City Comp. Secondary School. Ogidi 14. Okpala Chiamaka Prisca Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu 15. Diji Chukwuemeka Solomon Nnamdi Azikiwe Seondary Sch. Abagana 16. Onyeamalu Johnbosco Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana 17. Ifeoma Miracle Akunna Girls Secondary School, Abagana 18. Akidi Faith Ifechukwu Girls Secondary School, Abagana 19. Nwokolo Judith Ujunwa St.john Of God Secondary School, Awka 20. Aniebonam Deborah Odinaka Girls Secondary School, Abagana 21. Aniakor Miracle Ebele Day Star Sec.school, Ogidi 22. Obiechina Chiemelie Chidera. N Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana 23. Ilonze Chinaecherem Mount Zion Intl. Model School, Obosi 24. Promise Chijioke Onwurah Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana 25. Obeleagu Kosiso Stella Maris Girls Secondary Sch, Abagana 26. Eze Nnaemeka Virginus Boys Secondary School, Ogidi 27. Chikendu Chiagoziem Precious Holy Child Convent Amichi ABAGANA II 1. Cecilia Chinaza Nwanga St. John Of God Secondary ,Awka 2. Eze Francis Onyedikachukwu Q.r.c.eziowelle 3. Nwadike Clara Q.r.c. Eziowelle 4. Icheke Ginika Okechukwu Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana 5. Agummadu Ginika Miracle Community Secondary School,Umuokpu Awka 6. Nwabuisi Augustine Chidubem Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana 7. Nwamba Maryann Nonye Walter Eze Mem.secondary. School , Ukpo 8. Ukamaka Lilian Okechukwu Walter Eze Mem. Secondary School, Ukpo 9. Okoye Chidera . V. Q.r.c. Eziowelle 10. Igboeli Frank Obinna Fed. Government College , Nise 11. Ogbuagu Xtopher Obinna St. Mary High School Ifitedunu 12. Anene Kenechukwu Franklin Nnamdi Azikiwe Sec. School, Abagana 13. Okoye Joseph Chibuzor Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana 14. Chibuike Okuani St, Mary's High School, Ifitedunu 15. Chinenye Okafor Ugo Okpatu Memorial Comp. School, Ukpo 16. Onua Chinaza Roselyn St. John Of God Seconadry School, Awka 17. Ogbutue Akachukwu Perpetua Community Secondary School, Umuokpu-awka 18. Egbe Nzubechukwu Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana 19. Amanna Perpetua Chikaodili Kabe College Amawbia 20. Nwako Amos Odinaka Nnamdi Azikiwe Seconmdar School, Abagana 21. Amaku Amala Fed. Bil Secondary School, Abagana 22. Okoye Ignatus Izuchukwu Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana 23. Chidubem J. Okaro Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana 24. Ebuka Amaku Boys Secondary School, Ukpo ABAGANA III 1. Chidume Ugochukwu St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu 2. Udezue Chisom Blessing Q.r.c. Eziowelle 3. Anajemba Judith Chinaecherem Girls Secondary School, Awka 4. Ogbuefi Mary Chidimma Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifitedunu 5. Apolonia Aguagba Stella Maris Girls College, Abagana 6. Obiakor Vincent Kosiso St.charles College Onitsha 7. Obiekie Oluchukwu Stella Girls Secondary School, Awka 8. Offordozie Mabel Chinwoke Girls Secondary School, Abagana 9. Egbum Prisca Ogechukwu Stella Maris Girls College Abagana 10. Ogochukwu Kene Samuel St. Paul University Sec. School, Nibo Nise 11. Ogbuze Chiamaka Charity Girls Secondary School, Abagana 12. Ozokpo Ifechukwu Jah-love Bishop Crowther Seminary Sch, Awka 13. Okafor Francis Nzube Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana 14. Immaculate Chidimma Udechukwu Girls Secondary School, Abagana 15. Chinecherem Akwudolu Community Sec School Umuokpu- Awka 16. Otiji Nkemdilim Community Secondary School,Umuokpu-awka 17. Chekwas Ogochukwu Fed.govt. Girls College, Ibusa 18. Igwelo Amalachukwu Rita Girls Secondary Shool, Awka 19. Tochukwu P. Akaenyi St Mary' High School, Ifitedunu 20. Ebisi Chinaza Gloria Girls Secondary School, Agulu 21. Ogbonna Chiagozie Joseph Metu Memorial Sec. School, Onitsha 22. Anagor Echiemelie Girls Secondary School, Umuokpu- Awka 23. Akwudolu Amuche Victor Frank New Dim Sch. Nimo 24. Obiakor Chinaza .h.

Queen Of Rosary College Onitsha 25. Ogbuze Kenechukwu Victor Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana 26. Umezulike Chibueze Kingsley Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana 27. Okeke Chidozie Charles Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana ABAGANA IV 1. Ikeaba Ikechukwu James Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana 2. Onwurah Otitochukwu Our Lady Secondary School, Nnobi 3. Enibe Chisom Queen Of The Rosary College ,Eziowelle 4. Obelue Felix Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School Abagana 5. Nwobi Chiemelie Godwin St. Mary High School, Ifitedunu 6. Victory C. Asiegbu Girls Secondary School, Abagana 7. Okoye Onyinye Rita Community Secondary School, Eziowelle 8. Nganaga Kosisochukwu Girls Secondary School, Abagana 9. Iruamalu Ugochukwu. I. Queen Of Rosary College Eziowelle 10. Agbanu Samuel Chibuzo St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu 11. Iyiegbu Amauche Helen Community Secondary School, Eziowelle 12. Ncheluoba Onyeka Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School Abagana

13. Obielue Chinedu 14. Anichebe Chioma Cnia 15. Okpaneje Chidimma Justina 16. Ikedigbo Fabian Chibuzo 17. Enibe Chinedu 18. Okafor Ogochukwu 19. Anike Felicia Ozioma 20. Abachi Divine Daniel 21. Esther .c. Okoye 22. Elusi Chidubem .v.

ABBA I 1. Okeke Hycinth Chukwunalu 2. Okeke Blessing Chinazaekpere 3. Chinenye Okoli 4. Akpe Evangeline Chioma 5. Esther Chiamaka Nweke-akpaka 6. Nwankwo Loretta Chinaza 7. Okeke Ginika Scholarstica 8. Maduabuchi Nwafor 9. Akupue Euphemia Chidimma 10. Vivian Onyinyechukwu Okpala 11. Franklin Nwankwo 12. Anikpe Celestine Tochukwu 13. Nwafor Samuel Somtochukwu 14. Maduka Chinaza Mary-cordis 15. Nweke Chinaza Ruth 16. Charity Chinelo Okeke 17. Okekelie Chinenye Cynthia 18. Akuchukwu Joseph Chidiego 19. Remi Chukwunonso Franklin 20. Nwoye Chikodili Emmanuel 21. Chukadibia Blessing Edochie ABBA II 1. Onwuamaeze Chidera Loretta 2. Onyiaji Chisom Akpuaka 3. Okwuonu Ogochukwu Cynthia 4. Umeadi Loveline Chiamaka 5. Nweke Augustine Chukwuma 6. Abalu Ogechukwu Stella 7. Nwoye Chidinmma 8. Muodili Christopher .c.

9. Nwankwo Batholomew Olisa 10. Oraonwu Godffrey Chekwube 11. Onyieyi Chidera Akpuaka 12. Oraonwu Chinaza Vivian 13. Nwafor John Emeka 14. Nwankwo Innocencia Uju 15. Okeke Chidimma 16. Igwegbe Evelyn Uzoamaka 17. Nwafor Maryann Chinecherem 18. Akujieze Precious Mmeso 19. Okonkwo Onyekachi Anastesia 20. Modilim Nnamdi .f.

21 Nwankwo Augustine Chukwuebuka 22. Nwoye Chekwube. J. ENUGWU-AGIDI I 1. Chukwuebuka Okafor 2. Nwoyeocha Amara Beatrice 3. Okeke Chimuanya Christopher 4. Ekwenugo L. Ebubechukwu 5. Nwoyeocha Uche Angela 6. Somtochukwu Amarachi Obi 7. Onyejelu Chetachukwu Peace 8. Ekwenugo Chiganezu Hope 9. Chedom Reoseline Amaka 10. Okeke Solomon Sopulu 11 Innocent Christian Odinaka 12. Okafor Ogochukwu Johnson 13. Nkemakonam Okoye 14. Nwankwo Chief Chikelum 15. Anawana Theodora Chinaza 16. Amarachi Ede.b.

ENUGWU-AGIDI II 1. Okonkwo Emmanuel Nduka 2. Okoye Chidera Mary-ann 3. Okeke Chizoba 4. Festus Nwolu 5. Charles Ifechukwu Onyenyili 6. Lucy A. Udekwu 7. Perpetua Ilorah Chiamaka 8. Valentine C. Nwokike 9. Patricia Okeke 10. Onyebuchi A. Emmanuel 11. Peter Nwolu 12. Amadike. G. Ndubisi 13. Morah Maryann Chinecherem 14. Chedom Roseline Amaka 15. Nwankwo Calista Nkemjika ENUGWU-UKWU I 1. Okafor Arinze Solomon 2. Chibueze H. Chidiugo 3. Mgborogwu.f. Lotachukwu 4. Promise Ifunanya Issac 5. Micheal Chizoba Obulunne 6. Nnenwa .m. Kosiso 7. Nwosu Sylvia 8. Chime John Ifeanyi 9. Okoye Obinna.m.

10. Okafor Nkenjika.p 11. Okoye.i.kingsley 12. Okafor Chidubem ,V, 13. Okeke Ginika Vivian 14. Okafor Christopher.k.

15. Nwife J. Beatrice 16. Nwebo Chinemerem.j.

17. Odezugo Henry Nonso 18. Odiegwu E. Somtochukwu 19. Nwokolor Okechukwu 20. Umeano Chinelo .c.

21. Ufoma Onyedika 22. Okeke M. Ikechukwu 23. Nwogbo Alfred .c.

24. Ekeh Ogechukwu Perpetua 25. Emeka Onyechukwu .j.

26. Ogochukwu Divine Glory Ebede ENUGWU-UKWU II 1. Afonta Mmesoma 2. Ezeoba S. Chinecherem 3. Okoye Blessing Makuo 4. Okeke John Chiamaka 5. Ekpe Odinaka Jacintha 6. Ekemezie Chisom 7. Akaenyi Amara Blessing 8. Ibebegbu Chinemelum 9. Iyoo Christopher Oluchukwu 10. Nwabude Chidera. M. 11. Olume Obinna Daniel 12. Amilo Cyprain Chisom 13. Ikemba James Chukwuebuka 14. Anagor Rosemond Okwudili 15. Okafor Anthoy R.r 16. Okafor Chiemelie 17. Anene Ogechukwu 18. Ifediora Mischak Kosisochukwu 19. Anigbogu Chinenye Cynthia 20. Okafor Ebuka Christopher 21. Ideh Chizoba Henrietta 22. Chidiebele Vincent Micheal 23. Akaose Daniel Chibuike 24. Okoye Adaobi Mary-cynthia 25. Nwafor Innocent Chidera 26. Nwoba Oluebeune.e.

27. Ikechukwu Ebuka 28. Maduka Judith Sochima 29. Ubani Chinaza Charity 30. Chiamaka Okeke 31. Abaeme Maureen Ogechukwu 32. Ezedimelu Chinaza ENUGWU-UKWU III 1. Okonkwo Chibueze Macanthony 2. Ezedike Daniel Chukwudi 3. Chukwudi Samuel Ezenwinyinwa 4. U.k. Nwonyike 5. Nwoye Maduabuchi 6. Obuma Ebuka Jeremiah 7. Chiagozie Amblesses Nwosu 8. Adinwa Justice Chibuzor 9. Chisom Nwogbo 10. Nwosu Augustine Chukwuemelie 11. Nwosu Ifeanyi Gospel 12. James Chisom Nkwocha 13. Ezeh Ukamaka Miracle 14. Ozobialu Ukamaka Jennifer 15. Osuaku Benjamin Chimezie 16. Ezedike Mike Okechukwu 17. Agu Chioma Faith

Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana Girls Secondary School, Abagana Girls Secondary School, Abagana Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Abagana Queen Of The Rosary School, Eziowelle Community Secondary School, Eziowelle Walter Eze Mem School, Ukpo Community Secondary School,Umuokpu-awka Girls Secondary School, Abagana St. Mary's High School, Ifitedunu Communtiy Secondary School, Abba Redeemers Intl. High School, Awka Community Secondary School, Abba Community Secondary School, Abba Walter Eze Mem. Secondary School, Ukpo Scared Heart College Nteje New Era Seconadry School Onitsha Community Secondary School, Abba Nneamaka Secondary School,Ifitedunu Walter Eze Mem. Secondary School, Ukpo Community Secondary School, Abba Community Secondary School, Abba Community Secondary School, Abba Nneamaka Secondary School,Ifitedunu Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifitedunu Walter Eze Mem, Secondary School Ukpo Community Sec. School Abba Comprehensive Sec. School, Nawfia Q.r.c. Eziowelle Busy Brain Intl School, Onitsha Asaf College Onitsha New Era Secondary School, Onitsha Sacred Heart College Nteje Mater Dei Secondary School, Awkuzu Q.r. College Eziowelle Community Secondary School, Abba Community Secondary School, Abba Community Secondary School, Abba Community Secondary School, Abba Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifiitedunu Scared Heart College , Nteje Sacred Heart College Nteje Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifitedunu Community Secondary School, Abba Nneamaka Secondary School, Ifitedunu Okpatu Memorial Comprehensive Sec,Ukpo Nneamaka Sec. School Ifitedunu Arch.angel Gabriel Sec Ifitedunu Anglican Girls Grammar School, Onitsha Arch. Angel Gabriel Sec. School, Ifitedunu St. Paul University Sec. Sch. Nibo/Nise Community Secondary School, Abba Community Secondary School, Abba Technical Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Community Secondary School, Nawfia Government Tech. College Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Govt. Technical College Enugwu-agidi Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka Tudun-wada Day Sec. School,Enugwu-agidi Govt. Techincal College Enugwu-agidi Anerobi Intl College Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Govt. Technical College Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Govt. Technical College, Enugwu-agidi Govt. Technical College Enugwu-agidi B.m.g. School, Adazi-nnukwu Community Secondary School, Amawbia Community Secondary School, Amawbia Govt. Technical College Enugwu-agidi Govt. Technical College,Enugwu-agidi Govt. Technical College Enugwu-agidi Community Secondary School,Enugwu-agidi Community Sec. School, Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-agidi Girls Secondary School, Enugwu Agidi National Secondary School, Awka Krosa Secondary School, Amawbia Okutalukwe Community Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community Sch,Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Netherland Intl School, Awka Okutalukwe Community Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Compehensive Secondary School, Nawfia Community Secondary School, Awka National Secondary School, Awka Comprehensive Seconadry School, Nawfia Community Secondary School ,Umuokpuawka Okutalukwe Community Sch,Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community Sch, Enugwu-ukwu Community Sec. School, Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community Sch.enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community Sch.enugwu-ukwu St. Theresa Sec. School, Enugwu-ukwu Kabe College Amawbia Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Holy Ghost Secondary School, Amawbia.

St.thersa's Sec.school, Enugwu-ukwu Community Secondary School,Enugwu-ukwu Divine Royal College , Nkpor Community Secondary School,Umuokpu-awka St. John Of God Sec. School, Awka Walter Eze Mem. School, Ukpo Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu St.john Of God Secondary School, Awka Community Sec.school, Umuokpu-awka Community Sec.school, Umuokpu-awka Fed. Science & Technology College Awka Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Ide Secondary School,Enugwu-ukwu Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu St Micheal's Compr. Sec. School, Nimo St John Of God Secondary School, Awka Fed. Govt. College Nise Nnamdi Azikiwe Sec.sch. Abagana St. John Of God Sec.school, Awka St. Micheal's Model Comp. School, Nimo St.john Of God Secondary School, Awka Comprehensive Sec School, Nawfia Community Secondary School,Umuokpu-awka Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Girls Secondary School, Agulu Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu St. Micheal Model Comp.sec. Sch. Nimo Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu St. Theresa Model Sec. Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu New Era Secondary School, Nteje Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia St. Dominic Savio Seminary Enugwu-ukwu Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School,Abagana Rock Of Wisdom Secondary School, Nkpor Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia Community Secondary School,Umuokpu-awka Okutalukwe Commun Ity Sch. Enugwu-ukwu Comp. Secondary School, Nawfia At. Albert The Great College ,Obosi M.m.m.secondary School, Ekwulobia Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Comprehensive Sec. School, Nawfia Community Sec. School, Umuokpu-awka Girls High School, Agulu Fed. Government College, Nise St. Theresa'secondary School,Enugwu-ukwu Ide Boys & Girls Sec. Sch. Enugwu- Ukwu

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

55

HIS EXCELLENCY (SEN.) DR. CHRIS NGIGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

23.

24.

Isintume Nosike Godwin Nweke Nnamdi Joseph Ozigbo Sopulu Kingsley Chisom Nwanaje Okeke Chioma Mary Sandra Somtochukwu Ozigbo Anigbogu Cynthia Chinenye

ENUGWU-UKWU IV 1. Okoye Samuel Echeze 2. Nwachukwu Martins 3. Abomezi Chidera Esther 4. Abomezi. E. Victor 5. Okafor Sebastine.c.

6. Chidera Nwudo 7. Nwosu Jacinta Amara ukwu 8. Dike Chinenye.c.

9. Oyekwe Chukwuma 10. Ezeife Juliet C. 11. Nwadinigwe V. Chinaza 12. Ebubechukwu Chukwuma 13. Dunu Miriam Anulika 14. Anita Kosisochukwu .o.

NIMO I 1. Chukwuebuka Obiefuna 2. Arinze Chinenye Hope 3. Obiefuna Valentine Onyebuchi 4. Okonkwo Chetachukwu Peter 5. Akpu Calista Chinenye 6. Oramife Chika J. 7. Nwokolo Chiemelie Vincent 8. Nwolisa Chinenye Mary-jane 9. Aziagba Chinaza Vivian 10. Mbuba Judith Amala 11. Obiekwe Sylvia Mmasi 12. Elochukwu Ogwu 13 Ediogu Chukwunonso.m.

14. Okoye Chiamaka 15. Akubalu Theresa Chikaodili 16. Ndidi Nwoye 17. Ayiba Chidimma 18. Okwudimma Osinachi Vivian 19. Ezeakor Chukwuemerie Henry 20. Ajagu Chidebere Paschal 21. Chinweike Livinus Aroh 22. Chinecherem Perpetua Ikepu 23. Amara Celestine Ikeh 24. Ogujiofor Jane Oluchukwu 25. Nwankwo Genevive Chinaza 26. Ajagu Blessing Ukamaka

Okualukwe Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu St. Mary High School, Ifitedunu Community Secondary School,Umuokpu-awka Ide Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Ide Girls Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu St.john Of God Secondary School, Awka St. John Of God Secondary School. Awka Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia Okutalukwe Com. Sec.sch.enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Com. Sec. Sch. Enugwu-ukwu St. Theresa Sec. School, Enugwu-ukwu Community Secondary School,Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Com, Secondary School.enugwuGirls Secondary School,Enugwu-ukwu Okutalukwe Community School, Enugwu-ukwu St. Theresa Intl. Sec School,Enugwu-ukwu Rosary College Nise.

St. Theresa Intl. Sec. Sch, Enugwu-ukwu Community Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu St. Joseph Girls. Sec. School, Enugwu-ukwu St. Micheal's Model Com. Sec. School, Nimo Queen Of The Rosary School, Eziowelle Busy Intl. Secondary School, Nimo Nnamdi Azikiwe Seondary School, Abagana Handmaids Girls Sec. School Amansea Girls Secondary School, Nimo Holy Ghost Academy Amaokpala Handmaids Girls Seondary Amansea Unizik High School, Awka Girls Secondary School, Nimo Girls Secondary School, Nimo St Micheal Sec. School, Nimo All Saints Seminary Ekwulobia Girls Secondary School, Nimo Girls Secondary School, Nimo Girls Secondary School Nimo Girls Secondary School, Nimo Girls Secondary School, Nimo St. Micheal's Model Sec. School, Nimo St Micheal's Model Comp. School, Nimo St. Micheal Model Comp. School, Nimo Victor Frank New Dem. Sec. School, Nimo Victor Frank New Dem. Sec. School, Nimo Busy Intl. Secondary School, Nimo Victor Frankl New Dim Sec. Nimo St. Joseph Girls Sec. School, Nimo

NIMO II 1. Ekwumma Judith Onyinye St. Joseph Girl Secondary School, Nimo 2. Callista Ngasochukwu Nwaobachili Girls Secondary School, Nimo 3. Ikwelugu Brenda Chidera Victor Frankl New. Dim. Sec.sch. Nimo 4. Akumuo Juliana Chinyenwa Girls Secondary School, Nimo 5. Madubuchi Chinaza Favour Girls Secondary School, Abagana 6. Ezebalu Somtoo. K. Nnewi High School, Nnewi 7. Lawrence Ebuka Ogbuabana Comp. Secondary School, Nawfia 8. Ezebalum. U. Mercy Girls Secondary School, Nnewi 9. Okoye Tochukwu Emmanuel St. Micheal's Secondary School,Nimo 10. Nzube Anikwenze Victor Frankl Dim. Sec. School, Nimo 11. Ezeani Benjamin .o.

St. Micheals' Sec. School, Nimo 12. Solomon Nduka Ufongene Marshal Intl. Secondary School, Sokoto 13. Ozumba Kosisochukwu Mary Girls Secondary School, Nimo 14. Chinaza John Ezebalu St. Micheal Model Comp.sec. School,Nimo 15. Otiji Perpetua Ebele Busy Intl Secondary School, Nimo 16. Ajoagu Ifunanya Mary-cynthia Girls Secondary School, Nimo 17. Isiogu Chukwbuka Vincent St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec. Sch. Nimo 18. Ogaezi Mathew Abuchi Okpatu Comprehensive School, Ukpo 19. Ezebalu Chimeli Nnewi High School, Nnewi 20. Ezebalum. O. Favour Girls Secondary School, Nnewi 21. Iguche Chinaza Rapheal Victor Frankl New Dim. Sec School, Nimo 22. Mekowulu Chika Vivian Victor Frankl New Dim, Sec. School, Nmo 23. Chinyelugo Joshua Chidera Micheal Model Comp. Sec. School, Nimo 24. Ekwumma Linda Chidimma St. Joseph Girls Secondary School, Nimo 25. Okafor Martin Ebuka Tansi Intl. College Awka.

NIMO III 1. Okochi Emmanuel Nchekwube St Clement's Minor Seminary, Lokoja 2. Jibanah Chidiebele St. Micheal's Model Comp. School, Nimo 3, Aniedobe Chinaza Monica Victor Frankl New Dim. Sec School, Nimo 4. Oluebube Ohabueze Girls Secondary School, Nimo 5. Oliobi Doris Kosisochukwu Girls Secondary School, Nimo 6. Ohabueze Chidiebere Mary-cynthia Girls Secondary School, Nimo 7. Chinecherem M. Agha Girls Secondary School, Nimo 8. Maduka Celestine Chinencherem Girls Secondary School, Nimo 9. Ilonze Elizabeth Chihnaecherem Girls Secondary School, Nimo 10. Aniedobe Chidera Maureen Victor Frankl New Dim. Secondary Sch. Nimo 11. Obiefuna Chidera Henry St. Micheal Sec.school, Nimo 12. Oforah Kosisochukwu Ide Community Sec. School, Enugwu-ukwu 13. Oforah Kosisochukwu St. Micheal Model Sec, School, Nimo 14. Morah Stephen Jachukwuike St.micheal Model Sec. School, Nimo 15. Nweze Mary Chidera Girls Secondary School, Nimo 16. Okwuike Ifeanyi Malaky Busy Intl. Secondary School, Nimo 17. Chinemelie Martha Ilonze Girls Secondary School, Nimo 18. Aniebue John Chinemelu St. Micheal's Model Comp.sec. School, Nimo 19. Ogbunugafor Chinenye Francisca Girls Secondary School, Nimo 20. Morah Blessing Chinecherem St. Micheal's Model Comp Sec School Nimo 21. Ezeh Chidubem Alphonsus St. Micheal's Model Comp.sch. Nimo 22. Somtoo Obiefuna Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-ukwu 23. Atuh Maureen Ebere Girls Secondary School,Nimo 24. Gloria Chisom Jiabana Girls Secondary School, Nimo 25. Chidume Mark Anthony.i.

St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec. School, Nimo NIMO IV. 1. Anakor Jacinta Amaka Rosary College Nise 2. Uku Ginikachukwu Scholastica Image Affair Intl. School, Nimo 3. Ugbor Udochukwu Peace Girls Secondary School, Abagana 4. Joseph George St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec, School, Nimo 5. Nwigwe Arinze St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec.sch. Nimo 6. Obi Emmanuel Emeka St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec, School, Nimo 7. Okoyediji Francis Chiagozie St. Mary High Secondary School, Ifitedunu 8. Ikeanyi Mathew Ebuka St. Micheal Model Comp. School, Nimo 9. Ejide Tochukwu Patrick St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec.school, Nimo 10. Anakor Chinwendu Ngozi St. Anthony Sec. School, Ikenga 11. Ezepue Obioma .m.

Girls Secondary School, Nimo 12. Chilo Chinonso Pontian St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec. School, Nimo 13. Jennifer Ochonwa Girls Secondary School, Agulu 14. Obuzor Kingsley Chinencgerem St. Micheal Model Comp Sec. School, Nimo 15. Okonkwo Chidiebele St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec. School, Nimo 16. Ugwu Chidera Hilary St. Micheal Model.comp.sec. School, Nimo 17. Onwa Felix Tochukwu St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec. School, Nimo 18. Akuneto Benjamin Kosiso St. Micheal Model Comp. Sec. School, Nimo 19. Ezeaputa Chinaemelu Henry Image Affairs Intl Sec. School, Nimo 20. Ochibulu Mary-cynthia Chinaza St. Joseph Girls Sec. School, Nimo 21. Akuneto Mary-cynthia Oluchukwu Girls Secondary School, Nimo 22. Ezimo Jude Onyebuchi St. Micheal Model Comp Sec. School, Nimo NAWFIA I & 2.

1. Anigbogu Chukwunonso. F. Comprehensive Secondary School Nawfia 2. Chukwuebuka Okongwu Community Secondary School, Nawfia 3. Echetaba Chiamaka Community Secondary School, Nawfia 4. Igboka Sochukwu Community Secobndary School, Nawfia 5. Eze Chioma Vivian Holy Child Secondary School, Isuofia 6. Diobi Victor Chinedu Bishop Crowther Seminary Awka 7. Igwedibia Emmanuel.c.

Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia 8. Nwabueze Onyema. M. Community Secondary School,Umuokpu-awka 9. Mbogu Chinenye Ann. Girls High School, Agulu 10. Iloakasia Kingsley Nkemakonam Nawfia Community Secondary School.

11. Udeogu Christian Chinedu Community Secondary School,Umuokpu-awka 12. Nwokoye Emmanuel Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia 13. Nwogbo Rita Amara St. Theresa Secondary School Ifite-umueri 14. Aniefuna Chiemezie Community Secondary School, Ifite - Umeri 15. Maduakor Chidozie Anthony Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia 16 Okoye Mmesoma Amala Girls Secondary School, Awka 17. Chinaza Onuorah Blessing Community Secondary School, Nawfia 18. Queen Ogechukwu Moguluwa Nawfia Community Sec. School, Nawfia 19. Chukwunonso David Nwabufo Nawfia Community Sec. School, Nawfia SPECIAL DISPENSATION- CHURCH 1. Ikpu Chinaecherem Perpetual Victor Franklin New Dimension Sec. School, Nimo 2. Tochukwu Odinigwe St Micheal Model Secondary School, Nimo 3. Nwamba Martin Chidera St. Micheal's Model Comprehensive Sec. Sch. Nimo 4. Chizoba Stephen Udunni St. Micheals Secondary School, Nimo 5. Okoye Shedrack Chukwuemeka St. Micheals Model Comp.secondary School, Nimo AWKA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA. AWBA -OFEMILI N Name School 1. Chigozirim Maduagwuna Bate Safer Seondary School 2. Otugo Chibuike Community Secondary School,Awba-ofemili 3. Otike Chiamaka Chinagulum Community Secondary School, Awba-ofemili 4. Nebolisa Peace Chinemerem Community Sec. School, Awba-ofemili 5. Ezichime Ekene Emmanuel Community Sec.school, Awba-ofemili 6. Johnson Modebe Communitysec. School, Awba -ofemili 7. Madubia Bonaventure Community Sec. School, Awba-ofemili 8. Nnajidemma Chidi Community Secondary Sch. Awba-ofemili 9. Offordile Sebastine Community Sec. School, Awba-ofemili 10. Mbonu Basil Chukwujekwu Community Sec.school, Awba-ofemili 11. Oformelue Peace.o.

Community Sec, School, Awba-ofemili

12. Ugwuozo Linus .c.

13. Nwankwo Ernest 14. Nwankwo Clementina 15. Okoye Ngozi 16. Okafor Comfort Onyinye 17. Onwuzuka Blessing Uzoma 18. Ibeh Kaosisochukwu Emmanuel 19. John Okechukwu Okafor 20. Chinuba Grerth Chinaza 21. Afumuroh Basil Chinyeaka 22. Onuigbo Ilodigwe Felix 23. Nweke Out Edwin Echezona 24. Udoka Madubueze Peace 25. Nwankwo Chimezie 26. Nweke Charity 27. Lucy Ebele Okafor ofemili UGBENU 1. Tabansi Eberechukwu 2. Okeke David 3. Afamefuna Micheal Emeka 4. Nwankwo Joseph 5. Ezebuilo Emmanuel 6. Eziechinem Livinus 7. Chidume Johnpaul 8. Nebechi Samuel 9. Ikechi Ginika Kingsley 10. Iloka Gideon Azubuike 11. Onwuzulike Martins 12. Maduabuchi Blessing 13. Joy Chinelo Benedict 14. Juliet Onuorah 15. Ebenezer Ikechi ACHALLA I 1. Udoka Nnaemeka Raymond 2. Nnechi Christian Chibuzor 3. Okelue Peter 4. Ofoelo Ann Achinaza 5. Chigbata Jacinta Ngozi 6. Ajide Chimaobi 7. Aniakor Tochukwu Deborah 8. Nwaogbo Ifechukwu 9. Nweke Peter Chisom 10. Nwanya Lucy 11. Nwobu Blessing Chinenye 12. Uwadiegwu Emmanuel 13. Nnamah Jacinta 14. Nworah Michael Sunday 15. Nwankwo Victor Chukwuemeka 16. Onwuemene Rosemary 17. Nnamdi Chibuzor Emmanuel 18. Mmesoma Mary Cynthia Aghadiuno 19. Iliemenya Mary Cynthia 20. Christial Obiefuna 21. Nweke Sylvester Nwannennia 22. Chinaza Agwwuna 23. Obiezie Lynda Chinweokwu 24. Udoji Jacinta Chinaza 25. Anaemeka Cynthia O. 26. Tochukwu Anaemeka ACHALLA II 1. Obidiche Chinecherem Ruth 2. Ndieli Odinaka Joshua 3. Kenneth Chukwumelu 4. Leonard Rapuluchukwu Nkpibe 5. Ndubisi Ogochukwu Mary Cynthia 6. John Ikechukwu Nwofor 7. Ekuma Shedrack Mmaduka 8. Udemu Moses Makuachukwu 9. Ejimofor Stella Chinaza 10. Nwankwo Cyprian Chidubem (Jnr) 11. Ndubuisi Esther Mmadugwuna 12. Onwube Nicholas Chekwubechukwu 13. Obiorah Peter Obinnah 14. Chidiebere Emmnuel Oguejiofor 15. Umeadi Daniel Ifechikwulu 16. Nwakonuche Blessing Onyinye 17. Onyede Paul Chinaza 18. Akuma Emmanuel Ekene 19. Obiefuna Esther Adaobi 20. Emelife Martha Anayor 21. Onyema Marydivine Oluebube 22. Obalim R. Ogochukwu 23. Izunna Jacinta 24. Onwuka Vivian Nkechi 25. Onuorah Grace 26. Mofunanya Ifeanyi Anthony ACHALLA III 1. Uzuegbunam Chidimma Catherine 2. Akwueze Mary Ogechukwu 3. Aniebonam Enwelle Edarin 4. Udarho Tochukwu 5. Nwaorah Gladys Nzube 6. Ogechukwu L. Muofunanya 7. Igboke Ozioma Justina 8. Onwuka Chidinma 9. Igweze Blessing 10. Nweke Chinenye Joy 11. Ochili Ijeoma Mary Cynthia 12. Obiekazie Vincent Chukwuebuka 13. Edith Ijeoma Onwuemenam 14. Mbanugo Faith Chidiebere 15. Aknuobi Emmanuel Chinedu 16. Dike Daniel Chizoba 17. Nnatuanya John Paul Ifeanyi 18. Nwanekwa Ogechi Agaria AMANSEA No Awardee 1. Okafor Anastasia Chinyeaka 2. Odira Odogwu Charles 3. Obiorah Kenechukwu Prince 4. Anastasia Chimzeh 5. Emesi Felix 6. Onwuzulume Nweke Sebastine 7. Vivian Nweze Nwonwu 8. Ozoani Alexander Chukwuebuka 9. Esther Agbata 10. Odogwu Friday 11. Udegbunam Hyacinth Nwosu 12. Nwafor Samuel Chidera 13. Okafor Francisca Ozuchukwu 14. Okafor Emmanuel Nwanneka 15. Okoye Emmanuel 16. Nwosi Mary Cenia 17. Ewezuga David Umeh 18. Eze Oluchukwu 19. Umerie Chinenye Stella 20. Ubah Samuel 21. Anigbogu Chidera 22. Ifejika Vivan 23. Emeh Linda 24. Ugboaja Mary 25. Mary Nwokolo 26. Ebere C. Ebere 27. Onwuzulume Adimora 28. Adike Anthony Ikenna AMANUKE 1. Enemuo Onyedikachi Paul 2. Agbata Glori 3. Dilinyelu Pius Ekenechukwu 4. Joshua Ositadimma 5. Aniekee Joshua Charity 6. Ifeakor Nduka Gift 7. Okoro Peace Chinaza 8. Chinwendu Faith Chisimsimdiri 9. Atuba Faith Odinaka 10. Nwafor Oluchukwu 11. Daniel Miracle Ifebuche 12. Nwachukwu Faith Chinwugo 13. Ekemezie Chiamaka Joy 14. Nwoye Joy Chiamaka 15. Agbata Christana Chikodili 16. Ekemezie Adaobi Ekemezie 17. Maduka Goodness Amarachukwu 18. Mofunanya Chimzaram Blessing 19. Muounanya Godspower Chidubem 20. Onukwube Chukwubuike 21. Nnonyelu Chinaecherem Confidence 22. Nwabude Christiana Ijeoma 23. Nnebedum Princess Favour .c.

24. Onyibor Eucharia Amarachukwu 25. Uzodigwu Enuice Chinecherem 26. Udealor Happiness Chioma 27. Chika Nnamekwue 28. Enemuo Paul Onyedikachi 29. Gloria Agbata

Community Sec. Scho0l, Awba- Ofemili Community Sec. School, Awba Ofemili Community Sec.school, Awba-ofemili Community Sec. School, Awba-ofemili National Secondary School, Awka Community Secondary School, Awba-ofemili Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka Community Secondary School,Awba-ofemili Old Kutaku Gwagwalada Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka St.mary's High School, Ifitedunu Nawfia Comprehensive Sec.sch.nawfia Community Secondary School,Awba-ofemili Community Secondary School,Awba-ofemili Community Secondary School,Awba-ofemili Community Secondary School, AwbaCommunity Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenbe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Secondary School, Ebenebe Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Our Land's High School Onitsha Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Capital City Sec. School Awka Capital City Sec. School Awka Kenneth Dike Sec. School Awka D. M. G. S. Onitsha Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Kings & Queens Sec. School Nkpor Community Sec.school Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Mather Amabilis Sec. School Umuoji Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Secondary School, Achalla St. Paul's University Sec. Sch. Nibo-nise Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec, School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Modele Memorial Sec. School Onitsha Community Sec. School Achalla Girls Sec. School Awka Community Sec. School Achalla Dennis Memorial Grammar School Onitsha Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec. School Achalla Community Sec, School Achalla School Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Capital City Sec. School Awka Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Divine Sec. School Ndiorah St. Michaels Boys Sec. School Ozubulu Girls Sec. School Ugwuoba Community Sec. School Amansea Anaerobi Int. School Amansea Community Sec, School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Nnamdi Azikiwe Uni.high School Awka Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Community Sec. School Amansea Communioty Sec. School, Amansea Community Secondary School, Amansea St. Paul & Mary Juniorate Asaba Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec, School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec, School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec, School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Okpuno Community Sec. School Amanuke Seat Of Wisdom Seminary Asaba St. Peter & Mary Juniorate Asaba Community Sec. School Amanuke

30. Dilinyelum Pius Ekenchukwu 31. Joshua Ositadinma MGBAKWU 1. Oseh Olivia Chienye 2. Chidiebere Chigozie Nwodo 3. Udeora Zadok O. 4. Kachi Kenneth Ndubueze 5. Ndibe Patience Ngozi 6. Nnefune David Uzonna 7. Thankgod Emelife Chinenye 8. Emeka Uche 9. Nwankwo Onyinye 10. Nwadiukwu Tobechukwu 11. Uju Obiedo 12. Nwodo Chidubem 13. Ndibe Emmanuel Oluoma 14. Ekutume Oluchukwu Grace 15. Chieso Israel Chibuzor 16. Chukwuebuka Onuora 17. Udealor Promise Chinecherem 18. Michael Blessing Chidinma 19. Udemgba Juliet Uchechukwu 20. Mbakwe Uchechi 21. Faith Adaobi Enetuobi 22. Nnaemeka Chinedu Victor 23. Nwoye Chinaza B. 24. Grace Amarachukwu Okechukwu 25. Nwodo Chinaza Chukwuemeka 26. Chukwukeluo Thank God Chika URUM 1. Okechi Kingsley Chidubem 2. Samuel Obiora Nwanna 3. Onuigbo Emeka Sunday 4. Ndibe Chukwudi Christian 5. Udoji Favour Chiamaka 6. Blessing John Ebubechukwu 7. Oranuekwu Mercy Uzochukwu 8. Nweke Paul 9. Onyemaechi Priscilla Mmesoma 10. Onwurah Uloma Mercy 11. Mora Oluebube 12. Ndibe Samuel Chibuzor 13. Ilouno Stella Lucy Chinelo 14. Okeke Lucky Awele 15. Egwuonwu Chinedu 16. Nduba Chioma Tracy 17. Tabansi Blessing Ngozi 18. Onwudiofu Julia Chukwuchetam 19. Echetabu Chidozie Alfred 20. Umerie Munachiso Brendam 21. Ikwunne Malachy 22. Amara Obiefuna 23. Nkemdili Anels Emeka 24. Ikeh Johnson Chiebonam

Community Sec. School Amanuke Community Sec. School Okpuno Community Sec. School Isuaniocha Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Isuaniocha Community Sec, School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Isuaniocha Community Sec. School Isuaniocha Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Seat Of Wisdom Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Isuaniocha Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Seat Of Wisdom Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Seat Of Wisdom Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Isuaniocha Seat Of Wisdom Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Community Sec. School Mgbakwu Fed. Sclance Tecacoll Awka Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Seat Of Wisdom Urum Community Sec. School Urum Genesis Int. Sclance Urum Community Sec. School Uru Community Sec, School Urum Holy Christ Model Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Tawsi International College Awka Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Sec. School Urum Community Secondary School, Urum

EBENEBE I 1. Ifesinachi Chinze Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe 2. Nweke Caroline Ogochukwu Elite Greative College Onitsha 3. Obi John Paul C. Marist Compehensive College Nteje 4. Arinze Chisom Community Sec. School Ebenebe 5. Alor Onyinye Community Sec, School Ebenebe 6. Uchechi Nwafor Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe 7. Aniere Mary Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe 8. Obieechine Ifeanyi Community Sec. School Ebenebe 9. Anunobi Amarachi Juliet Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe 10. Nnaemeka Victor Chisom Favour Of Gracy Int'l Group Of School 11. Tobias Ikeyina Maduabuchukwu Holu Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe 12. Chukwuma Nzubechukwu Innocent Fed. Science & Tech. College Awka 13. Ifesi Chukwuma Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe 14. Nwankwo Ernest Nnaemeka Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe EBENEBE II 1. Okafor Ifeyinwa Golden Knowledge Int'l School Abatete 2. Okoye Ebube Golden Knowledge Int'l School Abatete 3. Okoye Ignatus Chimezie Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe 4. Nwoye Cynthia Chinwendu Community Sec. School Ebenebe 5. Oliver Amarachi Community Sec, School Ebenebe 6. Fracisca Chinaza Nnechi Community Sec. School Ebenebe 7. Modesta Chinyere Nnechi Favour Of Grace Sec. School Ebenebe 8. Emejulu Uchenna Rosemary Golden Knowledge Int'l School Abatete 9. Ufoaroh Chidianma Adazion Golden Knowledge Int'l. School Abatete 10. Obi Agnes Chioma Community Sec. School Ebenebe 11. Nnechi Timothy Chibuzor Community Sec. School Ebenebe 12. Jideobi Callsta Nneoma St. John Of God Sec. School Awka 13. Madukaife Nelson Obumneme Community Sec. School Ebenebe 14. Ukamaka Ambrose Anglican Girls Gramma School Onitsha 15. Ejianya Fidelia Chidiebube Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe 16. Jideobi Timothy Somto Community Sec. School Ebenebe 17. Okeke Chritiana Chinaza Golden Knowledge Int'l. School Abatete 18. Nwekemezie Hygines Chukwuemeka Holy Spirit Sec. School Ebenebe EBENEBE III 1. Chukwuma Esther Amkuachukwu Community Sec. School Ebenebe 2. Obimary Nkechukwunyere Community Sec. School Ebenebe 3. Nwafor Chioma Community Sec. School Ebenebe 4. Okoye Cynthia Chinemerem Community Sec, School Ebenebe 5. Onyinychukwu Nwafor Community Sec. School Ebenebe 6. Okoye Mary Cynthia Kosisochukwu Community Sec. School Ebenebe 7. Iruefo Miracle Community Sec. School Ebenebe 8. Ndubude Onyinye Community Sec. School Ebenebe 9. Nkwocha Martha Udechukwu Community Sec. School Ebenebe 10. Nwankwo Chikwado Community Sec. School Ebenebe 11. Chidima Blessing Inyiagu Community Sec. School Ebenebe 12. Ekeh Chinenye Victoria Holy Spirit Sec, School Ebenebe 13. Nwankwo Blessing Chiamaka Community Sec. School Ebenebe 14. Udorji Amarachukwu Callista Community Sec. School Ebenebe 15. Nnamdi Chioma Ruth Community Sec. School Ebenebe UGBENE 1. Igwe Ogochukwu Anthomia Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 2. Muokwudo Grace Abagana Girls Sec. School Abagana 3. Aniekwe Ukamaka Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 4. Nnalue Judith Ogochukwu Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 5. Ubebee Abraham Chukwuka Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 6. Elijah Anthony Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 7. Loveth Agadikwa Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 8. Ibeh Monica Ogochukwu Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 9. Nnalue Levi Chukwuma Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 10. Emeka Chukwuemeka City Group Of School Nkpor 11. Ibeh Juliet Uzoma Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 12. Nnalue David Chekwbechukwu Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 13. Udechukwu Justina Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 14. Nnenna Chidinma Peace Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 15. Ibeh Oscar Obiako Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 16. Ndidiamaka Okoye Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 17. Ejimene Florance Oluchukwu Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 18. Nnenna Joshua Nzube Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 19. Oraebosi Chioma Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 20. Enemuo Michael Uchenna Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 21. Obiedoo Mary Cynthia Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 22. Njoku Monica Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili 23. Nnalue Rechael Ujunwa Community Sec. School Awba-ofemili ISUANIOCHA 1. Solomon Izuchukwu Nwankwo Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 2. Okoye John Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 3. Ezeike Jude Ugochukwu Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 4. Okafor Gloria Amauche Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 5. Ezeike Jacinta Ifunanya Queen Of Rosary Comp. Eziowelle 6. Ilodigwe Emmanuel Chidinma Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 7. Eboh Ifeanyi Arinze Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 8. Ikedi Mary Jane C. Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 9. Okonkwo Chukwuma Emmanuel Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 10. Ibezim Patricia Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 11. Ngini Patricia Chinwendu Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 12. Madubueze Cletus Obiorah Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 13. Okonkwo Christopha Chekwube Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 14. Ngini Jacinta Kelechukwu Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 15. Attansey Victor C. Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 16. Ozuah Rejoice Ogechukwu Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 17. Okafor Scholastica Ifunanya Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 18. Okafor Mary Cynthia Chinenye Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 19. Anene Jideofor Sylvester Community Sec, School Isuaniocha 20. Okoye Christina Chinenye Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 21. Okoye Emmanuel Community Sec. School Isuaniocha 22. Nwokolo Christiana Obianju Community Sec. School Isuaniocha SPECIAL DISPENSATION- CHURCH 1. Jideofor Mag Ogechukwu Holy Innocent Juniorate Convent Nkpor 2. Nnajidenwa Ikechukwu Godspower St Charles Secondary School, Onitsha AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA. ISIAGU No Name School 1. Iloh Kingsley .c.

St. Mary H/S Ifitedunu 2. Odogwu Juliet.a.

Divine Voc. Sec. School, Ezinator 3. Ekufu Ndidiamaka.m Divine Voc. Sec. School, Ezinator 4. Nwafor Adaeze.j.

Divine Voc.sec. School, Ezinator 5. Okoli Abaobi Divine Voc. Secondary School, Ezinator 6. Okoli Chukwuebuka T.o.

Bishop Crowther Seminary Awka 7. Omaka Chukwuemeka .s.

F.b. Academy Abagana 8. Okoli Chinaza A.c.

Holy Child Convent Amichi

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

56

HIS EXCELLENCY (SEN.) DR. CHRIS NGIGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME 9. Nweke Onuabuchi .o.

10. Eze Hapiness 11. Ekufu Nancy. E. 12. Okeke Harison U. UMUAWULU 1. Nwanna Dennis.c 2. Uchendu Martha 3, Nwafor Blessing.n.

4. Onyekaonwu Daniel.u.

5. Ezennia Ebuka .i.

6. Obidinma Ebele 7. Nweke Joseph.c.

8. Okey-osisi Emmanuela 9. Igboka Justina S. 10. Obuka Peace O. 11. Ebido Peace .d.

12. Ezenna Blessing .u.

MBAUKWU 1. Eze Ifedika Solomon 2. Nwankwo Chidimma M. 3. Alagbu Esther.c.

4. Chidubem Ucheakpunwa .g.

5. Okeke Ebere,J. 6. Okafor Ugochukwu C. 7. Okeke Adaobi L. 8. Ezeofor Micheal. O. 9. Onyia Chimelum 10. Nweke Chidimma J. 11. Okezue Joseph. I. 12. Onuorah Chidimma.b.

13. Nwene Ugonwa. A. 14. Okafor Victor I. 15. Nweke Victor.c.

16. Okoye Chinenye.m.

17. Okpala Cynthia C. 18. Nwankwo Chekwube. J. 19. Okeke Akachukwu.f.

20. Okafor Charity.c.

21. Okezue Promise E, 22. Nwosu Chidiebere.v.

23. Ikeh Faith .c.

24. Ezeh Chisom C. 25. Eze Charity C. 26. Agigwom Chisom. D 27. Okafor Nnajiofor.j.

28. Okeke Ozioma F. 29. Ruben Mmesoma 30. Okpala Emmanuel.c.

31. Nwene Chinwuba.j.

OKPUNO 1. Okeke Chisom M. 2. Ifejimalu Chiamaka M. 3. Nwafor Vincent .e.

4. Ifejimalu Chibueze 5. Oseagwu Robert 6. David Ezenwelu 7. Chinoye Udetunye 8. Eze Chiderah 9. Ifejimalu Chisom 10. Okeke Johnpaul 11. Onyeachu Chioma 12. Okeke Collins Chisom 13. Obiora Sopuru 14. Joseph Obi 15. Okafor Ugomma 16. Okeke Chidiebere 17. Samuel Okafor 18. Emeka Okafor 19. Adaobi Okafor 20. Oseagwu Eucharia Chioma. R. 21. Davis Chinedu Ezeumeh 22. Chinonye Rether Udefuna 23. Eze Juliet Chidera 24. Ifeyinwa Collin Chisom 25. Okeke Kosisochukwu Johnpaul 26. Onyeacho Chioma Ethel 27. Okeke Collins Chisom 28. Obiora Emmanuel Sopuluchukwu 29. Chukwuebuka Joseph Obi 30. Okafor Comfort Ugomma 31. Okeke Francis Chidiebere NISE I 1. Agunwa Sochima.m 2. Emenoge John Mary 3. Nwobu Okwuchukwu 4. Chidimma Blessing .e.

5. Okafor Goodness.o.

6. Okuedum Okechukwu 7. Ezeanya Miracle. R. 8. Okafor Ogechukwu 9. Ovigu Chidera M. 10. Nworji Adaeze H. 11. Ifunanya Onor .c.

12. Nwufo Chidebere.c.

NISE II 1. Anyado Blessing.c.

2. Okwei Victoria 3. Ezue Amarachukwu 4. Ezue Chidimma 5. Onyedika Benjamin Okwei 6. Ezue Chisom 7. Ngwu Chinaza .b 8. Okwei Nonso.p 9. Ibekwe Chiamaka. M 10. Okafor Eberechukwu 11. Ibekwe Jennifer.c.

AWKA IV 1. Offiaeli Chiamaka Comfort 2. Nweke Mmeso Goodness 3. Nwanneka Ezioba 4. Ujunwa Precious Nweke 5. Nnatu Chinemerem Grace 6. Ejike Promise Ekpereamaka 7. Okechukwu Henry Ejike 8. Nnatu Kenechukwu Kenneth 9. Ikenna Ejike AWKA III 1. Edith Iruka Nwabueze 2. Chinweze Odinaka Martins 3. Nweke Jude Ugochukwu

Community Secondary School, Isiagu Community Secondary School, Isiagu Qrc Onitsha Divine Voc. Institute Indiora Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu National Secondary School, Awka Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu St. John Of God Secondary School, Awka Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu St. Joseph Comp. Academy Nibo Union Secondary School, Umuawulu Holy Innocent Juniorate , Nkpor Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Agulu Grammar School, Agulu Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu Federal Government College , Nise Community Secondary School,Mbaukwu Our Lady's High School, Onitsha St.joseph Comp. Academy,Nibo Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secopndary School, Mbaukwu Holy Cross High School, Umuawulu G.s.s Awka Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School,Mbaukwu Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Fed. Government College, Nise G.s.s. Awka Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Community Secondary School, Mbaukwu Fed.government College, Nise Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Capital City Secondary School, Awka Communoty Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Communioty Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School,Okpuno Girls Secondary School, Awka Community Secondary School, Isuaniocha Capital Secondary School, Awka Community Secondary School, Okpuno Commun Ity Secondary School, Okpuno Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Community Scondary School, Okpuno Community Scondary School, Okpuno Community Secondary School, Okpuno Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise St. Dominic Seminary Akpo J.unique Comp. Sec. School, Amawbia Ezike High School, Nibo Girls Secondary School, Awka Rosary College Nise Ezeike High School, Nibo Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise Royal Dest Intl.school, Omoba Onitsha Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise St. Joseph Vocational Sec, School, Amawbia Ezeike High School, Nibo Emeka Aghasil High School, Nise Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise St. Joseph Comprehensive Academy, Nibo Ezike High School, Nibo St. Joseph Comprehensive Academy , Nibo Emeka Aghasili High School, Nise Community Sec. School, Umuokpu, Awka Nneoma Community Secondary School,Nibo Capital City Secondary School, Awka Ezeike High School, Nibo Girls Secondary School, Awka Holy Ghost Academy Awka Girls Secondary School, Awka Girls Secondary School, Awka Girls Secondary School, Abagana Hez-dike Secondary School, Awka St. Mary's Mission Secondary School, Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka Heart Land International College Amenyi Girls Secondary School, Awka Capital City Secondary School, Awka Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka

4. Obuani Ogechukwu Blessing Ezi-awka Community Secondary School,Awka 5. Orji Joshua Nonso Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka 6. Ekpereamaka Nwobu St. Dominic Secondary School, Akure 7. Igwebuike Chiamaka R. St. John Of God Secondary Shool, Awka 8. Chisom Nwobu Secondary School, Kubwa Abuja 9. Emmanuel Chisom Nweke Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka AWKA V No Name School 1. Lorreta Regina Uchenna Nwobu Community Secondary School, Agulu-awka 2. Nwobu Juliet Mmesoma Communtiy Secondary School,Agulu-awka 3. Nwuba Chinaza Ezi-awka Communtiy Secondary School, Awka 4. Nwobu Chiamaka Uchehukwu Kabe College Amawbia 5. Chetachukwu Chukwuemeka Ezi-awka Community Secondary School,Awka 6. David Daniel U.c British Spring College ,Awka 7. Princes Chisom Obiorah Girls Secondary School, Awka 8. Master Emmanuel Obiorah Nosike Community Seconary School, Agulu-awka 9. Anerobi Kenechukwu George Bishop Crother Mem. Seminary Awka 10. Nwude Stella Amuche Girls Secondary School, Awka 11. Master Chukwuebuka U. Chukwuogor Royal Saints International School, Awka 12. Mezie Emmanuel Ikechukwu Bishop Crowther Mem. Seminary Awka 13. Nwogbo Peter Chukwukelo Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka 14. Ebele Anasthesia Nwachukwu Community Secondary School, Awka 15. Igwe Daniel Chibuike Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka 16. Ifechukwu Emmanuel Chika Community Secondary School, Agulu-awka AWKA VIII 1. Nwosu Kosisochukwu Godswill First Baptist Church Schools (F.b.c) Enugu 2. Okennaka Anthony Chukwudi Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka 3. Okonkwo Ogochukwu .b.

St. Lucy Secondary School, Ifite Awka 4. Nnaji Chinemerem Christian Kabe College Amawbia 5. Nwanegbo Chisom Anasthesia Girls Secondary School, Awka 6. Ikemefuna Judith Uchenna Capital City Secondary School, Awka 7. Eden Ukamaka Blessing Great Comprehensive Secondary School, 8. Nwachukwu Nzube Community Secondary School, Awka 9. Nwanya Chimdimma Community Secondary School, Okpuno 10. Okoli Chinaza Believe Miracle Community Secondary School, Okpuno 11. Onuebo Ifeanyi Victor Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka 12. Nwankwo Chukwuemeka Christopher Igwebuike Grammar School, Awka 13. Okeke Chukwuka Godson All Saints Seminary Secondary Sch. Ekwulobia 14. Muoghalu Jacinta Amarachukwu Akuma Girls Secondary School, Akuma 15. Ifechukwu Emmanuel Ughaonu College Of The Masters, Awka 16. Kenechukwu Odinamkpa Nnamdi Azikiwe Secondary School, Awka 17. Ughonwu Emmanuel College Of Masters Sec. School, Awka 18. Okeke Chukwuka . G. All Saints Seminary Secondary Sch, Ekwulobia 19. Ezenwobi Amauche Judith Girls Secondary School, Awka AWKA II 1. Godion Ugochukwu Nwachukwu Community Secondary School,Agulu-awka 2. Chigbata Kingsley Chukwuebuka Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia 3. Okolo Francis Chidi Capital City Secondary School, Awka NIBO I 1. Nwene Chioma Ezike High School, Nibo 2. Akpom James .c Ezike High School, Nibo 3. Okafor Chibueze .k.

Ezike High School, Nibo 4. Chimaobi Francis. M. Ezike High School, Nibo 5. Ogudo Princess. A. Federal Government College, Enugu 6. Egwuatu Kenechukwu.j.

Comprehensive Secondary School,Nawfia 7. Agha Emmanuel.c.

Comprehensive Secondary School, Nawfia 8. Ike Christopher.c.

Ezike High School, Nibo 9. Akpom Chiedu Ezike High School, Nibo 10. Nwosu Felicia. O Ezike High School, Nibo 11. Nwosu Perpetua.c.

Ezike High School, Nibo 12. Agbataekwe Ijeoma.s.

St.paul University Sec. School,Nibo Nise 13. Amaechi Promise Ezike High School, Nibo 14. Ebubelu Mary.c.

Ezike High School, Nibo 15 Ebubelu Oluchukwu Ezike High School, Nibo 16. Ogogor Kenechukwu Nneoma Community Sec. School, Nibo 17. Awalaka Victor Nneoma Community Sec.school, Nibo NIBO II 1. Ekwunife Ifunanya.c.

Ezike High School, Nibo 2. Ekwunife Ogochukwu .m Ezike High School, Nibo 3. Nwufo Chioma Ezike High School, Nibo 4. Nnebolisa Peace.o.

Ezike High School, Nibo 5. Nwonu Onyinye Ezike High School, Nibo 6. Nzekwe Prince Nneoma Community Sec. School, Nibo 7. Anago Chinecherem.f.

Nneoma Community Sec. School,Nibo 8. Nzebuilo Blessing Girls Secondary School, Awka 9. Nwufo Chinyere Ezike High School, Nibo 10. Nebeolisa Ukamaka National Secondary School, Awka 11. Nwufo Miracle St. Monicas College, Ogbunike NIBO III 1. Anene Kenchukwu C. Bishop Crowder Seminary Awka 2. Anene Chisom I. Carol Standand Conuent Ichi 3. Onyekwelu Prosper C. Compr.sec. School Newfia 4. Onyemaechi Chinagorom M. Fed. S.t.c. Awka 5. Okoye Paul C. Nneoma Com. Sec. School Nibo 6. Ugongene Ifunanya N. Community Sec.school Umuokpu Awka 7. Ezebunachi Chidera Ezeike High School Nibo 8. Okafor Miracle C. Community Sec. School Awka 9. Okafor Samuel O. Community Sec. School Awka 10. Ejimofor Chinecherem S. Anaerobi Int'l. College Amansea Awka 11. Nwosu Darligton C. Nneome Community Sec. School Nibo 12. Okafor Perpetua.o.

Nneoma Community Sec. School Nibo 13. Okpeze Kingsley C. Nneoma Community Sec. School Nibo 14. Okoye Raluchukwu A. Community Sec. School Agulu Awka 15. Nwele Blessing C. Macdon Compr. College Benin 16. Ezeudu Chisom C. Nneoma Community Sec. School Nibo 17. Onyedikachi Mma Nwafor Nneoma Community Sec. School, Nibo 18. Nwobu Peace. T. Girls Secondary School, Awka 19. Arinze Ifeanyi E. A. J. Community Sec. School, Agulu Awka 20. Nwezeoku Odogwu.j.

Ezike High School, Nibo 21. Egwuonwu Sharon Community Sec. School, Umuokpu AMAWBIA I 1. Chekwubechukwu Tochukwu Aronu Community Sec. School Amawbia 2. Muo Chimdindu Charles Krosa Model School Amawbia 3. Joy Chidinma Chijoke Umuokpu Community Sec. Scholl Umuokpu 4. Obiezu Ebele Frances Fed. Science Tech.college Awka 5. Obizzu Chinonso Jude Comprehensive Sec. School Nawfia 6. Onuorah Somtochukwu Rita St. John Of God Sec. School Awka 7. Offiacli Chinedu Capital City Sec. School Awka 8. Okafor Chukwuemelie Henry Community Sec. School,Umuokpu- Awka 9. Nwozugha Emmanuel Austica Mem. College Nanka 10. Okafor Patrick.c.

Fidelis Nwabueze Intl. High Sec. Awka AMAWBIA III 1. Okoye Somtochukwu Augustine St. Dominic Salvio Seminary 2. Onwuzuligbo Chioma Union Sec. School Amawbia 3. Ikerie Chinonso Community Sec. School Umuokpu 4. Uchemma Victor Obiekwe Union Sec. School Amawbia 5. Okoye Ifunanya Emmanuel Sit-up Int'l. School Oyigbo 6. Aghanya Ugochukwu Ndubuisi Nnamdi Azik. Uni. High School Awka 7. Edeh Tochukwu Union Sec. School Amawbia

SEN (DR.) CHRIS NGIGE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME: ANAOCHA LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA S/No Name Of Applicant 1.

Egbobe Samuel Agulu 2 Okpala Ebube Kennedy Akwaeze 3.

Uwalaka Jude Dilichukwu Neni 4.

Maduakor Chinyeaka Juliet Akwaeze 4.

Offordile Maryanne Udoka Adazi Nnukwu 5.

Egwuonwu Chiamaka Adazi-ani 6.

Udeaja John Chinaemelum Adazi-enu 7.

Anizoba Ukamaka M. Obeledu 8.

Ezeudu Ifunanya Jacinta Ichida 9.

Okoye Emmanuel Nri 10.

Nwogueze Ikechukwu Jerome Aguluzoigbo

Tertiary Institution Imo State University Okigwe Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka University Of Portharcourt Federal Polytechnic Oko Federal Polytechnic Oko Federal Polytechnic Oko Federal Polytechnic Oko Federal Polytechnic Oko Federal Polytechnic Oko Federal College Of Education Umunze

Course Of Study Business Management History, Masters Degree Philosophy Geology Printing Technology Food Science Technology Mathematics & Statistics Food Science Technology Home & Rural Economics Library & Information Science 'Business Education/Accounting

AWKA NORTH LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA 1.

Obiekezie Emmanuel Chukwuebuka Achalla 2.

Esther Oluchukwu Nnaemeka Amanuke 3.

Aniukwu Chiedu John Ebenebe 4.

Nwoye Victor Arinze Mgbakwu 5.

Victor Tochukwu Anowai Urum 6.

Baruch Armstrong Ebuka Awba- Ofemili 7.

Igwebuonwu Bridget Nkem Amansea 8.

Chioke Emeka Daniel Ugbene Nwafor Orizu

Anambra State University,Uli Yaba College Of Technology, Lagos Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu Federal Polytechnic, Nekede Nwafor Orizu College Of Education. Nsugbe College Of Education.nsugbe

Political Science Science Labouratory Technology Medical Radiography Banking & Finance International Relations Computer Science Education Psychology Music

AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA 1.

Ndigwe Chinenye P. Awka 2.

Okoli Obinna O. Isiagu 3.

Obiakor Ogochukwu U. Mbaukwu 4.

Anene Kingsley .O Nibo 5.

Ekengwu Bonaventure. O. Nise 6.

Anunobi Samuel I. Okpuno

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka University Of Nigeria,Enugu Campus Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Anambra State University, Uli Federal University Of Technology, Owerri

Computer Science Philosophy, Post Graduate Business Management Psychology, Post Graduate Elect/Elect, Post Graduate Information Technology

DUNUKOFIA LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA 1.

Onyeogu Nonso Emmanuel Ifitedunu 2.

Okeke Oranu Etienne Nawgu 3.

Uba John Onuora Ukpo 4.

Obidi Paul Chiadi Ukwulu 5.

Okaa-onwuogu Cynthia Nawgu

Anambra State University,Uli University Of Nigeria, Nsukka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka

Masters Degree, Architecture Mechanical Engineering Gudiance & Counselling Law M.sc Mathematics

SPECIAL DISPENSATION -PG/ TRADITIONAL RULERS 1. Chinaza .a. Okoli Holy Child Convent , Amichi 2. Ukachukwu Dumeje Marvellous Anierobi Intl. College Amansea 3. Ezeani Micheal Onyedika Owerre-imo Dominium Intl. Secondary School 4. Ezenwaka Victor Chiemelie Tansi Intl. Secondary School 5. Ezeudu Ugochukwu Divine Comprehensive Sec. School, 6. Ike Chumuanya Community Sec. School, Amansea 7. Nwoye Chibuzor Onyedika National Secondary School, Awka 8. Chigbogu Blessing Ojiyi Community Sec. School, Amawbia 9. Muo Chimdindu Charles Krosa Model Schools, Amawbia 10. Ndubuisi Ezinne C. Girls Sec. School, Amenyi Awka 11. Obiora Dominic .k.

Comprehensive Sec. School, Nawfia 12. Anaedo Chinwe Chika University High School, Awka SPECIAL DISPENSATION -CHURCH 1. Madubugha Chukwuanugo Favour Holy Child Convent Amichi 2. Francisca Nkiruka Nwachukwu Amanufe Primary School, Awka SPECIAL DISPENSATION LIST - SECONDARY SCHOOL 1. Ikwueme Ifunanya Queens Comprehensive Sec. School, Onitsha 2. Ogbuke Ejike Government Technical College, Onitsha 3. Ikwueme Chidimma Inland Girls Secondary School, Onitsha 4. Ibegbunam Uzomaka Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha 5. Okechukwu Chidimma Ado Girls Secondary School, Onitsha 6. Okechukwu Chilota Metu Secondary School, Onitsha 7. Nwachukwu Chinaza Modebe Memorial Secondary School, Onitsha 8. Onyebuchi Ifunanya Onitsha High School, Onitsha 9. Nebuwa Onyinye Notredame High School, Abatete 10. Okonkwo Mmesoma Onitsha High School, Onitsha 11. Egbue Bernard Ndubuisi Mercy Junior Scholastic Bende, Abia 12. Ekpereamaka Marymagdalene Okafor-Agu Maria Assumpta Sec, School, Abacha 13. Anisiebo Chinasa Maria Assumpta Secondary School,Abacha 14. Emegwoakor Ugochukwu Maria Assumpta Secondary School, Abacha 15. Chinedu Edochie Maria Assumpta Secondary School, Abacha 16. Nzeribe Chioma Alor Girls Secondary School. Alor 17. Nweke Ginika Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 18. Udoezegbu Ogechukwu Alor Girls Secondary School,Alor 19. Igwe Ohioma Faith Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 20. Ngige Osinachi Goodness Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 21 Nwodu Charity Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 22. Izuakor Judith Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 23. Chikeluba Ujunwa Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 24. Igbojioyibo Chisom Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 25. Muokwelu Chimuanya Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 26. Anichebe Chisom Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 27. Ezeadili Uzoma.c.

Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 28. Nwoye Favour Chidimma Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 29. Nweke Ifunanya Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 30. Ejiofor Chinaza Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 31. Ojukwu Adaobi Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 32. Nwokoye Ozioma Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 33. Mbanugo Amara Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 34. Udo Chidinma Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 35. Ojukwu Chisom Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor 36. Udeagwu Chinecherem St. John's Science And Technical College,Alor 37. Nwokedi Chinemerem St.john's Science And Technical College,Alor 38. Nwosu Ebube St.john's Science And Technical College,Alor 39. Arinze Reuben St. John's Science And Technical College, Alor 40. Ezechukwu Chukwuebuka St. John's Science And Technical College,Alor 41. Nwokolo Chijioke St. John's Science And Technical College,Alor 42. Ifejika Micheal St. John's Science And Technical College,Alor 43. Ifediora Chukwuebuka St.john's Science And Technical College, Alor 44. Okigwe Chimezie St. John's Science And Technical College,Alor 45. Echidolue Chibueze St.john's Science And Technical College, Alor 46. Chineta Chijioke St.john's Science And Technical College, Alor 47. Abazu Collins St. John's Science And Technical College, Alor 48. Ukpaka Akachukwu St. John's Science And Technical College,Alor 49. Nweke Akachukwu St. John's Science And Technical College,Alor 50. Nzeribe Emmanuel St.john's Science And Technical College,Alor 51. Ezeadili Chiemelie St.john's Science And Technical College, Alor 52. Okoye Chinakueze St.john's Science And Technical College,Alor 53. Nnakwe Mmesoma St.john's Science And Technical College,Alor 54. Nwoye Chukwudi St.john's Science And Technical College,Alor 55. Anyaegbuna Ozichukwu Fr.paul Memorial Secondary School, Awka-etiti 56. Jennifer Ifeoma Omenkwu Dominican Sisters College Abetete 57. Okeke Dumebi St. John's Science And Techinal College, Alor 58. Ikenze Kennedy St. John;S Science And Technical College,Alor 59. Akigwe Chimezie St. John's Science And Technical College, Alor 60. Chiadikobi Obidiegwu Mater Dei Secondary School, Alor 61. Chiaruka Obidiegwu Unity Secondary School, Nnokwa 62. Chielozona Nwadike St. Frankchris International School, Nkpor 63. Obumneme Okoye First Hill Secondary School, Ekwulobia 64. Janefrances Chisom Uduezue St. Kizito's Girls Secondary School, Umudioka 65. Marycynthia Uduezue St. Kizito's Girls Secondary School, Umudioka 66. Immaculata Amauche Uduezue St. Kizito Girls Secondary School, Umudioka 67. Jude Somto Uduezue Community Secondary School, Umunachi 68. Ezeonu Ebele Community Secondary School, Nnobi 69. Ojukwu Precious Christ The King Seminary Nnobi 70. Okanume Nzubechukwu Our Lady's Secondary School, Nnobi 71. Eruchalu Bernedetta N. Our Lady's Secondary School, Nnobi 72. Ufondu Ebuka Augustine Our Lady's Secondary School, Nnobi 73. Udem Innocent St. John' Science 7 Technical College, Alor 74. Nwankwo Albert Federal Government College, Ibusa 75. Nnemelu Perpetua Santa Maria Secondary School, Ozubulu 76. Nnakwelugo Jacinta Amara Our Lady's Secondary School, Nnobi 77. Okpala Chibuzor Our Lady's Secondary School, Nnobi 78. Francisca Nmesomachukwu Ugwuanyi Alor Girls Secondary School, Alor SPECIAL DISPENSATION LIST - UNIVERSITY 1. Chigozie Okoyeagu University Of Porthacourt 2. Odiliora Lawrence Amalachukwu University Of Nigeria Nsukka - Law 3. Ezika Grace Amarachi University Of Science & Technology, Enugu 4. Obi Pricillia Njikeka National Teacher Institute 5. Ngige Ogochukwu Stella Anambra State University , Uli 6. Paul Chukwunyelu Ngige Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka 7. Okeke Chinaza. E. Nnamdi Azikiwe University , Awka 8. Sochi Bernardine Ngige Nnamdi Azikiwe University , Awka 9. Ngige Nnedimma Esther Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 10. Humphrey Cynthia Ifeoma Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka 11. Udobi Emeka Godfrey Anambra State University- Uli 12. Aniegboka Ifeanyi Valentine Anambra University Uli 13. Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Enedo Federal Polytechnic Ogwashi-ukwu,Delta State14. Chisom. J. Ngene Federal University Oye- Ekiti15. Rev. Sister Clementina Ekedum Institute Universite Pan Africa, Port Novo 16. Nwedo Joy Ifeoma Nwafor Orizu College Of Education , Nsugbe 17. Nonso Emelife Federal College Of Education;Technical Umunze 18. Mmesoma Miracle Marah Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka 19. Nwosu Eberechukwu Monica Wavecrest College Surulere Lagos; Catering & Hotel Management 20. Ebuka Obi Nnamdi Azikiwe University , Awka 21. Ajaghaku David University Of Lagos 22. Adimora Obidinma Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka 23. Mary Cynthia Ogalue Nwafor Orizu College of Education, NsugbeChemistry/Inter Science

TERTIARY INSTITUTION

5. Uzodinma G. Chidiebele Umunachi Anambra State University Uli Medicine & Surgery 6. Emmanuel Uchenna Emmanuel Umudioka Nwafor Orizu College Of Edu. Nsugbe Education Biology 7. Abachie Chinwoke Ifitedunu Nwafor Orizu College Of Edu. Nsugbe Education/Chemistry IDEMILI NORTH LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA 1. Ojekwu Adaeze Chidinma Ideani Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Awka Medicine & Surgery 2. Uzowulu Onyeka Emmanuel Obosi Anambra State University, Uli Marketing 3. Obiakor Ugochukwu Golibe Ogidi Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Accountancy 4. Okongwu Jennifer Chidinma Nkpor Anambra State University, Uli Microbiology 5. Mbaneme Makua Ifeanyi Uke Anambra State University, Uli Geology 6. Ejiliogu Chinonso Godswill (Blind Student) Oba University Of Nigeria,Nsukka Political Science 7. Ilobi Ngozi Vivian Abatete Alvan Ikoku Federal College Of Education Accounting 8. Ojukwu Stanley Echezona Oraukwu School Of Health Science, Onitsha Health Education 9. Adibe Chigozie Cordelia Umuoji Anambra State School Of Health Environmental Tech Technology, Obosi & Public Health IDEMILI SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA 1. Chiedo Chibuike Awka-etiti Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Pgd Education 2. Nwokike Nicholas Chisom Nnobi Anambra State University, Uli Public Administration 3. Enedu Emeka Joel Oba Federal Polytechnic.oko Elect/Elect.

4. Okafor Emmanuella Uchechukwu Alor Federal Polytechnic. Oko Public Administration 5. Mendu Ikechukwu Ojoto Nwafor Orizu College Of Education.nsugbe Education/Religion NJIKOKA LOCAL GOVERNEMNT AREA 1. Okafor-ocha Chukwuemeka John Abba Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Medicine & Surgery 2. Obiechina Nkiru Francisca Abagana Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Political Science 3. Umeayor Okechukwu Emmanuel Nawfia Anambra State University, Uli Medicine & Surgery 4. Nwaneki Benedict Nonso Enugwu-agidi Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Pharmacy 5. Okochi Uchechukwu Eucharia Nimo Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Agric Economics & Extension 6. Nwokoye Ebuka Jude Enugwu-ukwu Federal Polytechnic, Oko Elect/Elect

Disbursement to successful recipients will start Friday 10th October to 13th at each of the Seven Local Government Headquarters

Signed: C. J. Nwosu For Ngige Scholarship Board.

THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

57

NEWS

Cross River youths push for Ugbe

Kidnap suspect killed in Delta Y

A

KIDNAP suspect has been killed in a gun battle with the police in Utiuyo in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.

The suspect and his cohorts allegedly kidnapped Gabriel Abemu of Oviere community.

As they left with their victim, the suspects were intercepted by the Divisional Police Officer of Isiokolo, Iwok Ndifereke, who was accompanied by a patrol team.

A statement by police spokesperson Celestina Kalu said the patrol team caught up with the suspects at Utiuyo village, where they engaged them in a gun battle.

The statement reads: “On October 5, the DPO of Isiokolo Division, Iwok Ndifereke, received a distress call that a man, Abemu Gabriel, of Oviere commu-

•Carpenter arrested for ‘defiling’ minor • ‘Child seller’ held in Calabar

From Bolaji Ogundele, Warri, Okungbowa Aiwerie, Asaba and Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

nity, who is a teacher with Oruodo Primary School, was kidnapped at Okpara.

“The DPO mobilised his men and blocked all exit routes in the area and went after the hoodlums with his patrol team.

“The patrol team caught up with the hoodlums at Utiuyo village.

“On sighting the policemen, the suspects opened fire on them. In the ensuing gun battle, one of the hoodlums was killed; the rest escaped and the victim rescued.

“The victim was taken to a hospital. He was in shock. Ef-

forts are on to arrest the fleeing criminals.”

The police have arrested a 39-year-old carpenter for allegedly having unlawful carnal knowledge of a two-yearold.

The suspect, Gbenga Anjorin, has a workshop in the compound where the minor lives.

The police spokesperson said the suspect was arrested in Okpanam community, Oshilimi North Local Government.

According to her, a male resident reported that his suspicion was aroused after his daughter started crying while urinating.

The victim’s father said after interrogating his daughter, he discovered that she

had been raped.

Ms Kalu said the police arrested the suspect, who is now assisting them in their investigation.

The victim has been taken to hospital for treatment.

In Calabar, Cross River State, an unidentified young man was arrested yesterday for allegedly trying to sell his child.

The man, said to be in his 30s, it was gathered, had planned to sell the child at Gbogobiri, which is a Hausa settlement.

A source said the man had concluded arrangements with some Hausa men to buy the child.

“But unknown to him, the buyers had contacted the police.

“When he wanted to collect the money, the police arrested him. They took him and the child away.”

•Executive Director, Editorial Operations, Isaac Ighure (left) with the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Prof. Peter Nwilo, at News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum in Abuja...yesterday

Tension in Jonathan’s district over lawmakers’ fate

P

RESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan’s kinsmen in Bayelsa East Senatorial District are fighting over the fate of the three lawmakers representing the area in the National Assembly.

Loyalists of Governor Seriake Dickson in the district were said to have finalised a plot to frustrate the lawmakers and deny them re-election using zoning.

But supporters of Senator Clever Ikisipo, the senator representing Ogbia, Nembe and Brass local governments and two members of the district in the House of Representatives, Foingha Jephtha and Nadu Karibo, were said to be fighting back.

It was gathered that the polarisation of the district into two blocs has torn the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) apart.

The cracks were said to have

•Dickson’s loyalists plot to stop senator, others

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

become visible on Sunday at a meeting organised by stakeholders to endorse the three lawmakers.

Tempers were rife, following the discovery that the hall was locked by party stalwarts said to be against the lawmakers’ return.

The development came a few days after the same hall was used by persons challenging the continuity of Ikisikpo, Jeftha and Karibo.

A team of armed policemen were said to have been drafted in the area to deny the pro-lawmakers’ stakeholders access to the hall.

After some protest, the PDP stakeholders were said to have moved to another venue where they unanimously endorsed

P

EOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) elders in Akwa Ibom State have urged Governor Godswill

of the meeting, the stakeholders reaffirmed their support for the continuity of the three lawmakers.

The communiqué said: “As it is said, ‘experience is the best teacher’. We resolve that our current representatives are experienced in the legislative business.

“It is our decision to give them another opportunity for effective representation, consolidation and impactful representation at maximising the gains of democracy.

“We totally condemn in strong terms, the zoning arrangement by the ‘purported political stakeholders’ of the senatorial district.

“We advise that whoever is having any political ambition should come and his popularity at the primary election.”

My challenge to you is not to look at the elders.”

Etiebet, who spoke on behalf of the elders, advised the youth not to heed the governor’s call but to look up to the elders for inspiration, training, counseling and blessing.

The elders also urged the youth not to mortgage the state and its resources to one man and his family through his continued governance by proxies.

Etiebet said: “We use this opportunity to call on our youths to know that the future belongs to you but you

need the elders for training, advice, direction, blessing and preparation to take over tomorrow.”

The elders berated the governor for lying against them and telling people that they have distanced themselves from his administration because he has refused to share state resources and allocation to them.

The former minister, who challenged Akpabio to substantiate his allegation, said the governor took the action because they advised him against extravagant spending.

nor.

They spoke in Calabar when they visited the aspirant. Describing Ugbe as humble, responsible and accommodating, the group’s spokesman, Akibi Inyang, said the state needs a man like Ugbe, who is intelligent, patient, sincere and focused.

The group praised the efforts of the Governor Liyel Imokeled team, noting that Ugbe as a major player will be able to continue with his good work.

Ugbe said his aspiration was to build and consolidate on Imoke's achievements to take the state higher and maintain the momentum to make Cross River a model in Nigeria.

He urged the youth and stakeholders to play their roles, which he described as critical in the process of selecting the next leaders.

Ugbe advised the youth to key in perfectly to that aspiration and take the message across the nooks and crannies of the state.

The aspirant praised Imoke's contributions and hoped that the next leader will build on the gains of his administration.

‘Why Uduaghan freed prisoners’

D

By Joseph Jibueze

ELTA State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Charles Ajuyah (SAN) has said Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan freed some death row inmates on health grounds.

Among those freed as part of events to mark the nation’s 54th Independence was a 77-year-old man, Dickson Umukoro, who was freed seven years after he was sentenced to death.

He was convicted for murder in 2007 but later had his sentence commuted to life imprisonment in 2010.

The governor pardoned and ordered his release from prison on the grounds of age, health challenges and good conduct.

Also freed were 53-year-old Monday Tom and an unnamed adolescent, who had been sentenced to death for various crimes.

Tom was convicted for murder and sentenced to death on October 19, 2005.

Regarding the adolescent, the commissioner said: “The young man, whose name is withheld by reason of his age, was detained by an order of court in 2009 as he was then under 17 years when the offence was committed.

“The Prison Authorities have been advised appropriately in the warrant of pardon signed by the governor.”

Praising Uduaghan for the gesture, Ajuyah said it was a rare act from the governor in exercise of his prerogative powers as contained under Section 212 of the 1999 Constitution.

A

Ex- militant hails Kuku

N EX-MILITANT, ‘General’ Israel Akpodoro, has praised the Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku, for sustaining peace in the region.

Akpdoro, who is the Vice National President, Phase 2 & 3, Presidential Amnesty Programme, said in a statement that since Kuku‘s appointment,: “The region has experienced peace owing to his expertise and honesty. The presidential aide has ensured regular payments of allowances for exmilitants.

“Those on foreign scholarships have not been lacking in assistance from the Federal Government. To Kuku’s credit, there has been peace in the Niger Delta since his appointment as the chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme.

“The usual shortchanging and other sharp practices that almost undermined the Federal Government’s peace efforts in the region have been eroded.”

The ex-militant also praised the Managing Director of the Warri Refineries and Petro-Chemical Company (WRPC), Paul Ebele, for supporting the region’s peace programme.

State funeral for Ijaw musician

T

From Mike Odiegwu, Yenagoa

HE Bayelsa State government has announced a state funeral for the late Ijaw music maestro, King Robert Ebizimor.

Ebizimor died in an accident on July 31 at Effurun-Warri area of the East West Road.

Commissioner for Culture and Ijaw National Affairs Felix Tuodolo described him as the promoter of Ijaw culture and the unifier of the Ijaw nation through his evergreen renditions.

Tuodolo said: “The government of Bayelsa State, after due consultations with the musician’s family and other stakeholders wishes to state that the funeral of the late King Robert Ebizimor will take place on November 7.”

PDP elders to Akpabio: stop inciting youths against us

From Kazeem Ibrahym, Uyo

•Akpabio

the three lawmakers.

Convener of the meeting and Chairman of Ogbia Brotherhood Olord Basuo said the sealing of the venue was unfortunate.

He accused a certain ‘powerful monarch’, of taking undue advantage of his closeness to the President to oppress the people.

Basuo said the move by the lawmakers to replace the old lawmakers was detrimental to Jonathan’s political future.

A former Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Innocent Kaku, said the lawmakers, representing the district, had performed well.

“Based on these facts, it is only proper to allow them to return to continue their good work after 2015,” he said.

In the communiqué at the end

OUTHS, under the aegis of Cross River Youths in Politics, have resolved to back former Commissioner for Youth & Sports Development Patrick Ugbe for gover-

Akpabio to stop inciting the youth against them.

The elders said Akpabio’s utterances were a call to arm and an incitement of the youth against their elders.

The elders were led by former Minister of Petroleum, Don Etiebet. They addressed a briefing yesterday in Uyo, the state capital.

Akpabio was quoted to have said at the state’s 27th anniversary celebration that: “To the youth, you have a responsibility, the future belongs to you.

Etiebet said: ‘’Just because we, the elders, have counselled him against , arbitrary and non-budgetary spending, should he insult us?”

He wondered why Akpabio had not responded to the statement by the coordinating Minister of Finance that: “The uncommon transformation in Akwa Ibom State in infrastructure and others constitute a disproportionately little fraction of the total resources that had accrued to the state from her ministry.”

Commissioner for Infor-

mation Aniekan Umanah said there was no time the governor advised the youth to rise against the elders.

Umanah challenged them elders to provide video recordings of their claims.

In a statement yesterday, he said: “The claims by Etiebet are preposterous, spurious and attempts to act out a script by the opposition. “ I wonder how a message by the governor admonishing the youth to take their destiny in their hands could be twisted by Etiebet and his co-travellers."

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

58

NEWS

Suswam, Gemade battle for Senate seat

Kwankwaso: I’ll change Nigeria From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

From Uja Emmanuel, Makurdi

K

ANO State Governor Musa Kwankwaso pledged yesterday to replicate his performance in Kano State in Nigeria, if elected president.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant lamented Nigeria’s challenges, saying they need to be addressed urgently.

He said Nigeria could not continue to operate, such as an orphan in the comity of nations when it had abundant human and material resources to be a global leader.

Kwankwaso said he could change Nigeria’s “sad story”, adding: “I have the confidence to replicate the Kano developmental magic in Nigeria. Kano is proud today. Since I commenced my second mandate in 2011, I have transformed Kano.”

Kano gets Galadiman From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

T

HE Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, has elevated the Senior Councillor in the Kano Emirate Council, Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, to the Galadiman Kano, the most senior position among heirs to the Kano throne.

This followed the demise of the former Galadiman, Alhaji Tijjani Hashim, last week.

The emir also elevated Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero from the Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida to the Wambai Kano, the second in hierarchy in the Kano Emirate Council.

Alhaji Ahmad Ado-Bayero was elevated from Tafida to Sarkin Dawakin Tsakar Gida.

The late Hashim’s son, Alhaji Barde Tijjani Hashim, was appointed the “Dan Isan Kano”.

‘Confab has united Nigerians’ From Kolade Adeyemi, Kano

F

ORMER Adviser to exPresident Shehu Shagari on National Assembly Matters Tanko Yakasai yesterday said the National Conference has united Nigeria and dismissed speculations about Nigeria breaking up.

Speaking with our reporter in Kano, Yakasai, who was a Federal Government nominee to the conference, said the most significant decision of the delegates was the recommendation of the inclusion of zoning in the Nigerian constitution.

He said another significant recommendation was that henceforth, two-third of the people to be appointed ministers or commissioners should come from the legislature.

Yakasai said the delegates recommended that five per cent of the national revenue should be dedicated to a Special Fund created for the development of solid mineral resources in the country.

He said this would give the nation another source of revenue.

On the creation of states, Yakasai said it required the support of the National Assembly and two-third of the 36 states.

B

•The trailer queue...yesterday

Travellers stranded in Yobe, Borno

M

ANY travellers from Yobe and Borno states are stranded, following the military’s ban on movement in and out of both states.

The restriction is to prevent “planned massive Boko Haram attacks” during the festivities.

When our correspondent visited Potiskum in Yobe

From Duku Joel, Damaturu

State, thousands of travellers were stranded at the entry point from the busy Kano/Maiduguri highway. Trailers queued up on a stretch of over two kilometres.

Traders with perishable goods lamented their losses.

Adamu Shehu, who was

travelling to Maiduguri, said yesterday was his fourth day of sleeping on the road.

A man, simply identified as Abubakar, said he lost over 1,000 chicken broilers after he ran out of feed.

Musa Ibrahim said he had been there for four days with food and water, showing our reporter a garden egg he got from a nearby village.

Ibrahim said: “We have been here for four days without food. Look at what I am eating. This is my breakfast and lunch. I can’t think of anything but to get out of this place.”

Yobe State Commissioner for Information said the ban would be lifted today.

Ahmed, minister differ on workers’ pay

K

WARA State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed and National Planning Minister Abubakar Suleiman have disagreed on the minimum wage in the state.

Addressing some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporters yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, Suleiman said Kwara civil servants were the least paid.

He said: “It is despicable and unthinkable that great as this state is, its civil servants remain the least paid in the country.

“The civil servants are being gradually pauperised. People must ask questions. There must be an end to this and the time to do that is now. An individual must not hold the key to our political survival. What we see here are not new roads but the rehabilitation of old ones, which ordinarily should be fixed by the local governments. Is it not a cause for worry that N2 billion was used to rehabilitate our General Hos-

•Saraki, APC knock Suleiman

From Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

pital in Ilorin? What then will it cost us to build new ones? Kwarans, ask questions about how you are being governed.

“Today, Kwarans are wiser and our mothers, fathers and even youths are done with the politics of eba, amala and a pittance.

They are ready to take their destinies in their hands. It is not about money but our future.” he added.

Ahmed, through his media aide, Dr Muideen Akorede, said: “We expect a minister to be more circumspect and factual in his claims against the Ahmed administration. What is the basis of this clearly fall a c i o u s c l a i m t hat our workers are the least paid?

Kwara was among the first to pay workers the minimum wage.

“Despite the huge drop in the FAAC allocations, which we assume the minister is aware of, Kwara

State is one of the few states with a prompt pay day. This feat is unlike the situation in several PDP-controlled states, which are owing workers salary for several months.

“We urge the minister to stop playing politics with the welfare of Kwara workers, who have cast their lot with the worker-friendly Ahmed administration, and focus on making an impact in his ministry.

“On hospitals, it makes more sense for the state government to fix existing structures before establishing new ones. We invite the minister to visit the re-modelled Ilorin General hospital and see how it has been transformed into a firstclass facility before questioning the cost.

“We are also bewildered that the minister questions the administration’s rehabilitation of existing roads, including those abandoned by the Federal Government.

Where was Suleiman when the Ahmed administration

revamped over 40 rural roads in partnership with local governments? Or when the state government intervened on federal roads, such as Zango/Oyun Bridge Road, Fate Road, Ilorin and parts of the Ajase-Ipo/Erin Road?

“We urge the minister to back his criticism with data, instead of indulging in unsubstantiated claims in the name of politicking.”

Kwara All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Ishola Balogun-Fulani and Senator Bukola Saraki also lashed Suleiman for describing the state as a potential hotbed for Boko Haram.

Saraki said: “It was a very irresponsible statement from the minister and he should withdraw it.”

Balogun-Fulani said: “The minister is an Abuja politician. He doesn’t know we have gainfully employed youths in Kwara.

The government has empowered youths. The statement emanates from somebody who does not know

ARELY three days after Senator Barnabas Gemade inaugurated his campaign team, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Benue Northeast Senatorial District have endorsed Governor Gabriel Suswam as their sole candidate.

Gemade, a former PDP national chairman, won election into the Senate in 2011 and has indicated his desire for a second term.

Suswam has also declared his intention to replace Gemade in 2015.

He was in Ikyobo, Ushongo Local Government, the country home of the first civilian governor of the state, the late Aper Aku, on the invitation of PDP stakeholders, where he was unanimously endorsed to replace Gemade.

Ushongo Local Government Chairman Terver Orduen reaffirmed the decision of Kwade people to “loan” the Senate seat to Suswam.

Ordeun said Suswam was a better candidate and would improve the people’s lot with his experience as a former lawmaker and governor.

Suswam thanked them for their support, urging them not to relent until victory is achieved.

•Ahmed

that the state is known for harmonious co-existence.

Kwara is the most peaceful state in Nigeria. I wonder why he was chosen as a minister since he is not on ground in the state.

“Both Muslims and Christians cohabit peacefully in Kwara as they believe in God. Presumably, seeing that the state is peaceful, the minister plans to start using people to disrupt the peace. Possibly he has a different agenda for the state, but we will not allow him to succeed.”

We’ll enthrone true democracy, says Audu From James Azania, Lokoja

•A u d u

A

LL Progressives Congress (APC) will set a template for true democracy in Nigeria, former Kogi State Governor Prince

Abubakar Audu said yesterday.

Audu spoke at his Ogbonicha country home in Ofu Local Government Area while receiving some Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members from Kogi East into the APC. He criticised the adoption of President Goodluck Jonathan by the PDP leadership as the party’s sole candidate, describing it as a mockery of democracy.

Audu said events in the

state showed that the APC was on its way to power and urged members to work harder.

He condemned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for “turning a blind eye to electioneering campaigns by the PDP”.

Addressing the defectors, he said: “I welcome you all into the APC. We, in the APC, will conduct ourselves in a democratic manner and continue to set the template for a better Nigeria. We are almost there and events have

shown that the APC is the preferred party in Kogi State.

“Our major preoccupation at the moment is to consolidate on the gains recorded by the APC in the state. The defection of some prominent PDP members and yours too is heartwarming.

“In the APC, we follow the rules. We will make Nigerians proud by setting democratic standards and ensuring that the political space is open to all.

From the ward level to the state and national levels,

we will do things the right way. The APC’s presidential candidate will emerge at the Eagle Square through a democratic process. Between November and December, the APC’s presidential candidate will emerge. It will be decided in the public and seen clearly by the people.”

One of the defectors, a PDP youth leader from Ankpa, Ilyasu Abdulkarim, said they dumped “PDP because it is a poverty development party”.

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

NEWS

Boko Haram beheads seven in Borno Continued from page 4

tion is what we get. Political activities in neighbouring communities were ongoing as though nothing were at stake. The seemingly not so much-talked about syndicate would someday be a yoke on all.

“Lately, three local government areas of Bama in Borno State and Madagali/Michika in Adamawa State and their local government chairmen were all sacked. The Shehus and Emirs (un-throned)- or overturned. This amounts to what I would rather refer to as (cultural coup), since unknown figures have been placed in such capacities.

Thousands displaced, many killed and others forcibly conscripted. These are pointers that Boko Haram terrorism is not just a northern problem, but a Nigerian problem and, in fact, a glo-

bal issue.

“Nigerians, who were supposed to celebrate their independence as a free nation, were rather counting their losses and regrets as they have been reduced to the status of Internally Displaced Persons.

“Where is the freedom?

Life is really terribly difficult. We are waiting eagerly to go back home, even as it is obvious that we are going to reconstruct our looted and burnt houses and ecclesial structures. We have been sacked for months, sleeping in uncompleted buildings, camps and school premises.

We have been absorbed into houses of relations and friends in sixties and seventies.”

Hundreds of insurgents were reportedly killed yesterday in a fierce battle for Michika, one of Adamawa’s towns in the grip of Boko

Haram.

Troops have been battling to recapture territories captured by the insurgents in Adamawa’s northern zone.

Reports indicated that over 100 insurgents were killed as they beat a retreat when troops launched attack on them. But the reports could not be independently confirmed.

Sources said troops entered Michika from Bazza, which also fell yesterday. The two towns have been held b y the terrorists for at least one month.

It was not clear yesterday if troops would also advance to take back Shuwa as the battle was said to be intense.

“The troops have gained entry into Michika and are now fully in control of the town, having dealt a severe blow on the insurgents who lost about 100 members.

Many escaped with injuries

sustained from gun shots,” a security source said.

The source added that the troops were getting a stiff resistance from the insurgents as they consolidated on the town leading to a prolonged gun duel.

“There is a heavy fighting going on between the insurgents and troops. Many people are trapped,” the source said.

The source, however, added that the insurgents returned fire as they came back through Uba to attack the troops in an ambush. He said some soldiers might have died. ‘’ The gallant soldiers were attacked from behind but they engaged them in a fierce battle for over five hours.”

The spokesman of the 23rd Army Brigade in Yola could not be reached for comments on the Michika battle.

President has had. In spite of these challenges, Mr. President has continued to show commitment and passion towards the development of this country. Mr. President has shown that it takes humility and calmness for you to be able to handle a complex country like Nigeria.

“Forget about people going to the radio and television to abuse Mr. President and his wife (Dame Patience, an indigene of Okrika in Rivers State). The only way we can retaliate is to tell them that they will not get our votes.

We are not going to radio houses and abuse anybody, but we are going to abuse you through the voting. By 2015, you should tell the man that government is not by abusing and insulting others. It is by obeying the rules, respect tra-

ditional institutions.”

The minister also claimed that the people of Apara kingdom led the “war” that brought Amaechi’s government into place, alleging that when it mattered most, most of the current allies of the NGF chairman ran away and that Apara kingdom had not benefited from Rivers government.

Wike said: “Yesterday (on Sunday), I was in Rumuigbo (part of Port Harcourt in Obio/Akpor LGA) to identify with one of our brothers, who is doing well in the medical profession and it was very shameful that the roads within Rumuigbo, we could not pass. The Ohiamiri Road is nothing to write home about.

What is important in government is not for you to being in government to abuse peo-

ple; it is for you to be in government and tell your people what you have done, while you were there.

“Government never built a civic centre for Rumuigbo, it is my personal effort and that of my friends that we built a civic centre for Rumueprikom (his community in Obio/Akpor LGA). The civic centre in Rumuigbo is not built by anybody, but it is the constituency project of Michael Okechukwu Chinda, who is in the Rivers House of Assembly.

“I have some people say that the President of this country has not done anything. But I want to tell the people of Apara Kingdom that the President has done a lot for us.

“What is important is not for people to abuse us. This is not the period to abuse. This is the period for you to tell our peo-

Amaechi, Wike in war of words

Continued from page 4

“One thing I can tell all of you is to go home and sleep. I am your son. Nobody can intimidate me. Rest assured, whatever you hear anybody saying, whatever conspiracy, do not worry yourselves. This is a game we have been involved in and note that we will not be shaken at all.

Whatever we have decided to do, we will do it. So, very soon, you will also hear from us, but what I can tell you is go home and sleep very well.

You have nothing to lose, because the PDP will continue to rule this (Rivers) state “As far as Rivers State is concerned, PDP is still on the ground. All of us can see that since the independence of this country, nobody has had the type of challenges that Mr.

Bad arms deal: Nigeria loses $5.7m more to South Africa Continued from page 4

Prosecuting Authority said there was an invoice for helicopters and armaments intended to be used in Nigeria.

Two black plastic suitcases, filled with 90 blocks each containing US$100,000 in notes, with combination locks, were seized, as well as two pieces of hand luggage also containing US currency, according to City Press.

The Israeli national, Eyal Mesika, had the combination to open the locks.

Under South African laws, a person entering or leaving the country is expected to carry cash not exceeding US$2,300, or the equivalent in foreign currency notes.

The news of the first transaction sparked anger in Nigeria after it emerged the private jet involved be-

•Amaechi

ple how you love them. I say with all sense of humility that the current government of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan means well and will continue to mean well for the people of Apara Kingdom.”

longed to the head of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Ortisejafor.

But the Pastor has defended his integrity, saying the plane was on lease and that he had nothing to do with it.

The Federal Government later admitted it was behind the arms deal, claiming it acted out of desperation for arms to defeat Boko Haram.

An investigation planned by the Senate into the transaction has yet to begin while the House of Representatives threw out a motion seeking a probe.

‘Fifth columnists at work’ Continued from page 4

the top level of the two governments.

“Some diplomats in Nigeria are also concerned that despite the leeway given to South African companies to thrive in Nigeria, there are still officials of the country who are determined to frustrate Nigeria, which in April this year overtook South Africa as Africa’s largest economy.

“The recent story may just be a refreshment of the old story with a new story angle.”

Responding to a question, the top source added: “The Federal Government and South African Government have opened talks in the past few weeks and all grey areas or issues surrounding arms purchase are being addressed.

“I can tell you that there has been substantial dialogue because the counterinsurgency is more important to us and South Africa.”

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THE NATION TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS Syria border town under IS siege

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HE key Syria-Turkey border town of Kobane might fall to Islamic State (IS) fighters soon, an official there has told the BBC. A flag of Islamic State has been seen flying over a building on the eastern edge of Kobane.

The official, Idriss Nassan, confirmed IS was now in control of Mistenur, the strategic hill above the town.

Kobane has seen intense fighting over the past three days as Syrian Kurds try to defend the town.

The IS militants have been besieging it for nearly three weeks.

Since then, more than 160,000 Syrians, mainly Kurds, have fled across the border.

Another IS flag is seen on a hill overlooking the town, as the IS fighters take high ground He said there was shelling in all parts of Kobane, adding: “Yes, it will certainly fall soon.”

MH370 search resumes

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HE next phase of the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 has begun in the southern Indian Ocean.

A ship equipped with specialised sonar technology has arrived in a remote stretch of ocean where the plane is believed to have ended its flight.

The Boeing 777, with 239 people on board, went missing after it veered radically off course on 8 March.

Its whereabouts are still unknown despite a massive inter-

K

national air-and-sea search operation.

Australian officials believe the plane was flying on autopilot when it crashed.

Using satellite data, officials have concluded that the airliner ended its journey in the Indian Ocean, north-west of the Australian city of Perth.

On Monday, a vessel contracted by Malaysia, the GO Phoenix, began its work in the seas about 1,800 km (1,100 miles) off western Australia.

Uhuru Kenyatta will appear at ICC in the Hague

ENYAN President Uhuru Kenyatta has confirmed he will be appearing at the International Criminal Court in The Hague this week.

He told parliament that his deputy, William Ruto, would be in charge during his absence.

CHANGE OF NAME

ADIO I formerly known and addressed as Mrs Adio Latifat Adedeji now wish to be known as Mrs Olatokun Latifat Omolara. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NEWS

Mr Kenyatta faces charges of organising ethnic massacres that killed 1,200 people after the 2007 elections - something he denies.

The 8 October hearing is due to set a date for his trial to begin.

The ICC had summoned him to appear to explain allegations that evidence against him had been withheld.

In September, the court postponed the trial after prosecutors said the Kenyan government had failed to deliver key documents. Witnesses for the prosecution have withdrawn from the case.

•United States’ Vice President Joe Biden (left)and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

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OE Biden was talking to students at Harvard University when he made the controversial comments US Vice-President Joe Biden has apologised to the United Arab Emirates after suggesting it had fuelled the rise of extremist groups in Syria.

The White House confirmed the call to the UAE, a day after Mr Biden offered a similar apology to Turkey.

The authorities in the UAE had earlier condemned his remarks to students at Harvard University last week.

The UAE is among several Arab states that have joined the US-led alliance against jihadists in Syria and Iraq.

The coalition has been bombing the extremist Islamic State (IS) group, which controls a

A

By Joseph Jibueze

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Dont divide the church

HE Christian Conscience Group, a non-denominational body, has advised politicians to be careful of divisive tendencies in the body of Christ ahead of the 2015 elections.

In a communique signed by its Publicity Secretary, Tunji Oguntuase, after an emergency executive meeting, the group said it has been getting reports that some politicians were trying to divide the church along denominational line.

“We are asking for a Christian governor and somebody who has a heart for God. It is not a fraction of the denomination or the sect. The point is that all Christians under the umbrella of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) share common values. We believe in the person of Jesus Christ and believe in His principles as Christians, hence the call for a candidate who knows where the shoe pinches, irrespective of denomination, should be supported to get to the number one place in Lagos State,” it said.

The group added: “We are confident that only a God-fearing leadership in Lagos State will deliver what the people want. We

broad swathe of territory in Iraq and Syria, in recent weeks.

‘Amazing’ comments Mr Biden told the Harvard students on Thursday that Turkey, the UAE and Saudi Arabia had extended “billions of dollars and tens of thousands of tonnes of weapons” to Sunni fighters battling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s forces.

He called the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Sunday to offer his apologies, following a request from the UAE authorities for “a formal clarification” of the comments.

His remarks were “amazing and ignore the role of the Emirates in the fight against extrem-

ism and terrorism,” UAE Foreign Minister Anwar Mohammad Gargash said, quoted by state-run WAM news agency.

In the telephone call, Mr Biden said that his remarks “regarding the early stages of the conflict in Syria were not meant to imply that the UAE had facilitated or supported IS, al-Qaeda or other extremist groups in Syria”.

It is the second time in two days that he has had to call a key coalition partner to clarify his remarks.

On Saturday, he rang Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after he reacted angrily to the comments, saying

that if “Mr Biden used such language, that would make him a man of the past for me”.

It is not unusual for Joe Biden to speak his mind but recently he has found himself back-pedalling fast multiple times, says the BBC’s Tom Esslemont in Washington.

There is no suggestion it will affect the strategic partnership with Turkey or the UAE, but his comments have clearly struck a raw nerve, he adds.

The latest development comes amid reports that Australia and Belgium have flown their first missions in Iraq, with Belgian jets carrying out their first bombing raid against Islamic State (IS) militants there.

Amosun advises against violence

Oni urges police to find Aderiye’s killers FORMER Ekiti State Governor, Chief Segun Oni, has urged the police to widen its investigation on the murder of a former National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Chairman Omolafe Aderiye.

He was killed while eating with friends on September 25 in his Ado-Ekiti office by gunmen who were dressed in police uniform and wore bullet-proof vests.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy National Chairman (South) said it was sad that Aderiye was cut down in his prime when he was striving to provide meaningful livelihood to many through his transportation company.

“I am still at a loss whether the killing had to do with politics. I am not comfortable with the idea of looking in the direction of politics alone for perpetrators of the dastard murder of Omolafe.

“I appeal very strongly to the police and other law enforcement agencies to spread the dragnets, without borders, to find out the angle from which the deadly arrow came from,” Oni said in a statement.

He prayed against a return to the state’s “dark days” when many professionals fled for fear of being murdered.

“The days when people like us in a political rally at Falegan Estate in 2005 were bombarded and shot at severally, dragged on the road and ended up at Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital; the days when I lost my good friend, Dr. Ayo Daramola and I narrowly missed death along with him.

“We are now at the point that we should see the state as a common destiny we have to take in our hands to preserve, protect and shield from a slide back into those dark ages”.

Joe Biden apologises to UAE for Syria comments

PHOTO: AP

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GUN State Governor Ibikunle Amosun has admonished Nigerians to shun political violence before and during the 2015 general elections.

He urged the people to embrace the distribution of permanent voter card, adding that it would avail them the opportunity to fulfill their constitutional right during the elections.

The governor, who spoke yesterday at the Ojude Oba yearly festival, urged the people to ensure the sustenance of peace in their communities.

He advised parents and guardians to ensure that they protect their children from being use as political thugs by

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•Governor spoke at Ojude Oba

From Jeremiah Oke, Abeokuta

politicians.

“Let me admonish you all. As the electioneering process is around the corner, we all have a role to play in the process. We should sustain peace during the campaign period and beyond.

We should not allow our ward and children to be use as political thugs.

“As we all know, the collection of permanent voter cards (PVCs) will soon commence in the state. We are all expected to get our own to be able to take part in the voting exercise.”

He congratulated the Para-

mount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, for his commitment to the development of Ijebuland and Ogun State.

He said the Ijebu people have demonstrated unity and togetherness with the Ojude Oba festival, adding that it was worthy of being emulated.

“Ojude Oba has contributed to a major tourism sub sector of the state economy,” he noted In his remark, the Awujale reechoed the need for the creation of Ijebu State.

He appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Assembly to consider the

report of the National Conference.

The monarch stated that Ijebu people remain one and they are pursuing the same goal as achieving the Ijebu State.

“We want to appeal to the National Assembly and the President to give us the Ijebu State because we have human and natural resource to maintain the state.”

The special guest at the event, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, described the Ojude Oba festival as a unique one, which brings together sons and daughters of the land.

He said the facial expression of the people showed that they were in a joyous mood.

Eminent judges, lawyers pay tributes to Oyo CJ

MINENT members of the Bar and Bench as well as Muslim leaders have paid tributes to the late Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Mashood Olayiwola Adio, at a eighth-day Fidau prayer in his honour.

They described him as an enigma in the judiciary and pillar of truth.

The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Suarau Haruna, who led the prayer in Ibadan, the state capital, listed five conditions that Muslim faithful must observe while alive to give them free passage to Aljanah (paradise).

The Imam stressed the need

From Oseheye Okwuofu, Ibadan

for strong faith in the worship of God. He also urged adherents to use their position to do good, adding that they should always be builders and not destroyers.

Sheikh Haruna enjoined Muslims to make amends while still alive and live a pious life He reviewed the life and times of the late justice and concluded that “the deceased was a judicial officer who lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation.”

He said: “Justice Adio abhorred corruption and self-seek-

ing tendencies throughout his life time. Life will be meaningful only when we all learn to live in self-contentment and take into consideration the Day of Judgment, when we will give account of all our earthly deeds.

“We should also take notice of all the unfolding developments in the world, which are enough lessons for human beings that the end times are here.

“We should, therefore, endeavour to live Godly life taking into cognisance that whatever we do here on earth, will live after us.”

In their tributes, the legal luminaries present were also unanimous in their submis-

sions that the late Justice Adio brought tremendous transformation to the Oyo State judiciary during his short, but landmark tenure of office.

Among the eminent judges and lawyers present at the event were Justice Mojeed Owoade of the Court of Appeal; Justice Badejoko Adeniji, former Chief Judge of Oyo State; and Justice Olagoke Ige. Others were Justices Solomon Akinteye; Mojeed Ishola; Bayo Ganiyu; Eni Esan; A. A. Aderemi; O. Boade; Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN; Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN; Mr. Tunde Aiku, SAN and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN.

THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

61

SHOWBIZ

Fans criticise Mariah Carey for ‘poor’ show F

OR what music buffs described as an offpitch performance, American singer, Mariah Carey, came under attack by fans, after she performed, weekend, in Tokyo, Japan.

The concert was the first leg of her world tour concerts.

The fans, some of whom are asking the songbird to retire from singing, noted that Mariah’s voice wasn’t as strong as it used to be.

They said the perfect pitch they have come to expect from her seemed to have gone AWOL, describing her show as a dodgy vocal display.

This is coming a few weeks after it was announced that the singer has separated from her husband of six years, Nick Cannon.

The 44-year-old songstress, and best selling female artiste of the last millennium, who is known for five-octave vocal range, was said to have struggled to reach any of the high

notes in My All, while also sounding shaky on Hero.

Video of the arena show has already hit, giving room for more commentaries.

Sources said that Mariah also battled with microphone difficulties, with her gigantic butterfly ornament falling off her microphone stand during her rendition of We Belong Together, causing the singer to tell the audience: “I can’t go on.”

One disappointed Twitter user commented: “I don’t get how Mariah Carey went from one of the greatest voice of all time to sounding the way she does now,” while another wrote: “I love Mariah Carey but I think she should retire... She’s ruining her voice with every note she sings.”

Several others simply said: “She can’t sing anymore.”

However, the star’s rep denied any complaints, saying: “The comments we have heard from the fans have been great!”

I never confessed to being mermaid, says Tope Alabi

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OPULAR Gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has denied the rumour making the rounds that she is a mermaid.

In an interview on the popular radio station, Faaji FM, monitored by our correspondent, the award-winning artiste, who has just returned from a foreign musical tour, expressed her shock at the reports, which has now gone viral on the Internet.

According to her, “I was on a foreign musical tour when someone called and said I had released a new audio, where I confessed to being a mermaid. I didn’t believe it because I felt it was just one of those media stunts. So, I just waved the whole thing aside.

“It was when I got home and another pastor called me and said he just got the tape and that I was the one.

I was dumbfounded. So, I asked him to please play it for me. To my greatest surprise, I actually listened to it over the phone and I just sat there. The voice was exactly my voice. But I just can’t explain how the person did it. The only confession I have ever done and will continue to do is the gospel of Christ.”

The artiste, who had earlier been in the news over an alleged romantic affair with her former ‘spiritual father’, the late Pastor Elijah Iretiola Ajanaku, further re-

•Tope Alabi

By Dupe Ayinla-Olasunkanmi

vealed her greatest inspiration. “I usually get inspiration for my songs from what I see around me and people’s experiences.”

Tope Alabi, also an actress, started out as a member of the Jesters International comedy group. She later went into gospel music after she became a bornagain Christian.

26 youngsters enter Big Brother house

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•Mariah Carey

The 23-song Elusive Chanteuse (classic modest Mariah) tour is set to travel to South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Phillippines and Thailand, before moving on to Australia and New Zealand.

There have been no UK dates

announced so far.

Mariah’s husband Nick confirmed that the couple had separated several months ago, and the rapper has already replaced a tattoo of his wife’s name on his back with a gigantic Jesus Christ depiction.

‘Gospel music lacks good promoters and marketers in Nigeria ’

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OR Evangelist Adenike Fakunle, aka Omo Imole, the romance with Gospel music started while she was a chorister at El-Yaworah Church, Ojo, Lagos. However, when she resolved to go professional, her parents gave her total support and even propped her so impressively. The coast was clear at the outset of her career because she also didn’t fail to have a tertiary education, as desired by her parents.

“Another thing that helped my music career is my parent’s calling. They later established their church called El-Shaddah, Abule-Ado in Lagos. They are wonderful people of God and they really contributed immensely to what I am today,” she intoned.

When she released her debut album, Olorun mi, not a few believed that she would go a long way in the music industry, particularly because of her strong voice and inspiring lyrics.

She later followed it up with Ileri Ayo and Mo m’ope wa. “The three jobs I have done so far are good quality music and Afeezco Music was my major marketer,” she added.

With three albums to her credit and with over 12 years of active music career, it is doubtful if her place in the music industry has not been established.

Interestingly, she said though there are several people whom she respects in the industry, her greatest mentor is God. “He changes not and He fails not. Human beings would always let you down, but God will never do. I don’t want to be like anybody else. I am who I am.”

In her characteristic bluntness, she didn’t shy away from talking about some serious issues, particularly sexual harassment, which hangs on the necks of most entertainers like an albatross. She said: “In this context, a lady has to uphold her virtue. Men will always

•Adenike Fakunle

By Dupe Ayinla- Olasunkanmi

come after you and it is every lady’s right to consent or disagree. It all depends on one’s choice. Our body is like a temple; so, if you allow every Dick and Harry to come in and out of you, the end might not be good.

“What ladies don’t know or maybe do not realize is that no one can make you a star, except God,” she said.

Imole, who has performed in such countries as America, United Kingdom, denied the reports that she has quit music. “I do no other thing than music; it’s my life and I can’t even dream of quitting it,” she stated.

When asked to discuss the future of Gospel music in Nigeria, she said it is bright.

However, she said: “We need good music promoters, great marketers who are really interested in the development of gospel music and not the proceeds they would get from our music. As they strive to make money, artistes’ survival too should be put into consideration.

Meanwhile, government and other authorities should wake up to their responsibilities for our future to be secured. Piracy cannot be fought individually; it is the responsibility of the government. Our hard-earned labour must not go down the drains.”

HE race for $300, 000 prize money in this year’s Big Brother Africa reality show, tagged ‘Hotshots Edition’, began on Sunday, with 26 contestants from 13 African countries, making their way into the new Big Brother Africa house in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Amidst a spectacular ceremony emceed by Nigerian presenter, IK Osakioduwa, fans of the show, got a glimpse of what ‘Hotshots’ depicts, as each housemate is either a singer, poet, fashion designer, photographer, dancer or model, among several other creative talents.

This was the highlight of Sunday’s show, which saw the housemates, performing to the studio audience, before being ushered into the house by the show host.

In its ninth edition, another notable difference from the previous year’s event is that the contestants have 63 days to spend in the house, as against 91 days.

Performance ratings for the contestants began right from their first appearance on stage, and as they each, performed their one-minute slot. The studio audience had scored each performance with a mark out of 100, and right at the end of the show, Big Brother called the excited housemates together and revealed the reason – the housemate who scored the highest automatically became the ‘Head of House’ and is exempted from being nominated for eviction next Sunday.

Tanzania’s Laveda led the Top 6 that included Sabina, M’am Bea, Lilian (Nigerian), Arthur and JJ, meaning she is the only one not in danger of going home next week.

Other countries in the competition are Botswana, Kenya, South Africa,

•Tayo (Nigeria)

Ghana, Uganda, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Rwanda which is participating in the show for the first time.

The house seems to be full of musicians and singers, with Kenya’s Sabina and Rwanda’s Arthur breaking the mould with comedy routines, Ghana’s M’am Bea showcasing her fashion design talents and Laveda picking up top marks with her saxophone solo. Not to be outdone by the housemates, presenter IK kicked the show off with a cabaret-style singing performance of his own – and the show only got hotter from there.

Keeping the musical theme going were Emmy Gee, AB Crazy & DJ Dimplez with their smash hit Rands and Nairas; South African hip-hop sensation Cassper Nyovest with Doc Shebeleza and Nigeria’s BET Award-winner Davido with Skelewu.

IK promised viewers a host of twists and turns in true Big Brother style, revealing one up-front: during a new Saturday night task, viewers will get the chance to vote to award one housemate with immunity from being nominated each week!

While in the house, the contestants started off by getting to know each other over snacks and drinks laid on by Biggie – and with a first dip in the Jacuzzi.

Voting opened immediately after the launch show and runs until next Sunday morning. Organisers say the more fans vote their favourite nominated housemate, the better their chance of staying in the house and being named as the winner.

Big Brother Hotshots is produced by Endemol South Africa, and airs on DStv channels 197 and 198; with daily highlights on AfricaMagic channel at 20:00 CAT.

•Lilian (Nigeria)

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THE NATION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014

63

SPORT EXTRA

Ambrose aiming to help Nigeria's cup ambitions A

FTER Sunday’s game against Hamilton Accies, Efe Ambrose was one of a numberof Celts who headed off to join up with their respective international squads. Ambrose and his Nigerian team-maters have a vital Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Sudan.

Having only garnered one point from their opening two group matches, Nigeria must win their four remaining fixtures to guarantee qualification to the finals in January.

As holders of the competition, it would be deeply disappointing should they should fall at the first hurdle in their trophy defence.

And coach Stephen Keshi and his players will be eager to get their campaign back on track by harvesting maximum reward against the Sudanese.

But Ambrose isn’t underestimating the magnitude of their task, particularly with a fired-up opposition to contend with.

“For me, it’s going to be the most difficult test for us as we had poor results in the games we played last

month so we need to win these two games to be in the race to qualify for the Nations Cup,” the Celtic defender toldthe Celtic View.

“As the defending champions, we have to qualify, so these are games which will be intense.

Sudan aren’t pushovers, and in Africa, every country wants to beat Nigeria which that makes it harder.

“We know what we need to do and the coach and the technical staff will have mapped out our strategy for us. So it’s up to us to go out there, execute it and keep ourselves in good shape in the qualifying.”

Six points from those two fixtures would be an ideal early birthday present for Ambrose, who will celebrate turning 26 on his return from national service.

He hasn’t made plans how to mark the occasion as yet, but it will involve spending time with his young family.

“I should be back after being away with Nigeria so we will see what happens, but I will celebrate it with my baby and family at home,” added the player.

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assist us at any time when contacted. Heassisted us financially and connected us with sponsors for our competitions.

We would miss him greatly.

We pray that Almighty God gives his family the strength to bear this great loss” said George-Taylor.

George-Taylor also decried the dearth of sport promoters like Osaile and appealed to private and public individuals to do more in terms of supporting sports in the country.

The head Coach of Delta State Boxing Team, Christopher Ossai said that Martins Osaile death was a very painful one and he cannot be replaced.

“Don Martins’ death is devastating blow to not only to the sporting community but also to the

Chidiebere Nwakali to Belgian club Mechelen.

Nwakali, who was snapped up

by English Premier League champions after helping Nigeria to a record fourth FIFA U17 World Cup last year, is being farmed to the Belgian club to gather more experience.

Nwakali was impressive for Manchester City youth team and was part of the team's pre-season preparation in Scotland, where he suffered a knee injury.

The youngster said the move was good for his career since he would be able to get the required experience to play at the top level.

"The loan deal would last till January," informed Nwakali who is expected to depart London by the middle of this month.

"It is good for my game since I would further develop and have a first-team experience which is different from youth set up," he said.

Nwakali, who travelled back to London on Sunday, said he was in good shape for the challenges ahead, adding that officials at Manchester City have been supportive.

While Nwakali is heading to Belgium, his compatriot, Kelechi Iheanacho, who was also acquired

by City, is also training with Columbus Crew in the Major League Soccer.

•Nwakali

•Reads the riot act to others

A •Ambrose

By Mayowa Orekoya

BIA Comets have sacked four of their players for breaking camp rulesand

gross misconduct.

The players whose identities were not revealed have been told tovacate the team's camp and ordered to handover all the club's properties in their care.

Abia Comets have also directed that the remaining players must ensurethat they win their next three matches both home and away if they donot want to lose their jobs either.

Abia Comets are 11th on the log with 36 points from 27 games and havegames at home to Gabros FC and Remo Stars and an away tie against UNICEM Rovers.

Speaking with Nation Sport a consultant to the club, Prince

Tunde Liadi,Owerri Udofia said that the management of the Umuahia based club took the decision to axe four of their players because they went against the stipulated ethical code they were given.

He also added that the other players were ordered to get maximum points from their last three games of the season because of the club's inspiring performance in the league this season.

Udofia said that the straw that broke the carmel's back was the homeloss suffered by the club to Akwa Starlets adding that the players have failed to actualise the club's priority for the seasonpromotion to the premier league and that more players would be ask to leave atend of the season.

Ebimobowei happy to start scoring again!

Bayelsa Utd striker nets 14th goal of the season Tunde Liadi,Owerri

•Orekoya

nation as a whole.”

Obafemi Babafemi, former Assistant head Coach of the Nigerian Boxing team,described

the death of Osaile as a great lost and his contributions to thesport would be sorely missed.

Nigerian wins Ireland Best Undiscovered Football Talent

A

19-year old Nigerian, AbdeenAbdulwhorecently won ‘The Dream’ reality

•Abdeen

M

ANCHESTER City is set to loan out Nigerian youngster

Abia Comets sack four players

Boxing community mourns Osaile's death HE Nigerian Boxing Community was thrown into mourning on Friday as the news of the death of veteran Boxing Promoter Martins Osaile filtered in.

Reacting to the sad news, the past president of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, Rotimi GeorgeTaylor described his death as a momentous loss toNigerian boxing and the sporting community as a whole.

“He was a man with great love for sports; he had an appetite to see boxing, professional and amateur, grow in this country and was the sponsor of theNnamdi Azikwe Belt, which was the only professional title in Nigeria at that time. He was always ready to

Manchester City loans out Nwakali to Belgian club

show, a nationwide search for the best undiscovered football talent in Ireland with the prize being a spot at the prestigious Nike Academy inLondon has been described as the future star of Irish football.

The19yearoldattackerwasbornin Lagos, Nigeria but has been playing hisfootball in Navan since the age of 10 and currently plays for Parkvilla FC. ‘The Dream’ asked footballers who were without a pro club to send in theirfootball CV’s, and 60 players between the ages of 16 and 19 were selected andinvitedtoCartonHouse in Maynooth to battle it out for a shot at theNike Academy trials in October, where the World final will

B

AYELSA United striker, Peter Ebimobowei has stated that he is very happy to return to scoring form after he broke his goal drought in the Restoration Boys' 2-0 home win over Sunshine Stars in a premier league Week 30 tie in Benin.

Ebimoboweigothisside'ssecond goal of the night in the 80th

Mercy Michael

take place at theNike Academy HQ in London.

The Irish final consisted of a number of professional style training drills;where Nike Academy coaches as well as Irish football legend and top pundit, Kenny Cunningham judged the players on every aspect of their game, before aseries of 11-a-side games gave the players the opportunity to really showwhat they can do. The standards expected were very high indeed.

The players were tested across a range of speed, technique, pitch intelligence and conditioning challenges by the coaching team.

The competition was intense and the standard of football was excellent butin the end, there could only be one winner.

•Ebimobowe

minuteof the encounter after the Akure Gunners have poured out in large numbers in search of the elusive equaliser and it was his 14th goal of the season.

He and Enugu Rangers' Ighodalor Christian Osaguona whom he shares same number of goals with presently have topped the goals chart for manyweeks before they were overtaken by Warri Wolves' Gbolahan Salami whois on top with 15 goals.

Ebimobowei promised to add more goals to his kitty before the seasonends adding that the race for the best marksman in the premier leaguewas far from ending. " I broke my temporary goal drought Against Sunshine Stars. I am just happy to start scoring again and I hope to sustain this till the end of the season. I have scored 14 goals and the race for the highest goals scorer is still very much open," Ebimobowei told SportingLife.

The soft spoken goal poacher further told SportingLife that he hopes to add more to his goals when they face Enugu Rangers on Wednesday ina Week 31 premier league tie.

TODAY IN THE NATION

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2014 TRUTH IN DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

VOL.9

NO. 2,991

‘The demon of indiscipline is one the Nigerian military as an institution must confront – and win! The issue, however, is whether the mess can be cleaned up by the draconian justice that the military has long perfected...’

SANY A ONI SANYA

COMMENT & DEB ATE EBA

F

OR Dr Gabriel Olusoga Onagoruwa, erudite legal scholar, brilliant advocate and a crusader for human rights long before that subject acquired high salience in national and international politics, and Minister of Justice and AttorneyGeneral of the Federation in the Sani Abacha junta, the road to silk has been long, thorny and tortuous. Every sitting Attorney-General of the Federation had by virtue of that office been elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). Onagoruwa was the sole exception.

The forces ranged against him – the same forces that were ranged against Gani Fawehinmi in his quest for silk — were implacable and unyielding. It took the intervention of the Chief Justice of the Federation, Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, to break the choke-hold that a cabal in the Legal Privileges and Ethics Committee had kept on Onagoruwa’s translation to SAN, just as it had required the intervention of another chief justice, Mohammed Uwais, to break the cabal’s veto on Fawehimi’s accession to SAN. When it ran out of excuses to deny Fawehimni the rank he had earned many times over in a career with few parallels, it conferred the distinction on him for his contributions to the legal literature, not for his brilliant advocacy and recondite forensic skills. When it finally came, restitution was almost meaningless. Fawehinmi‘s court appearances were few and far between; he was already battling the cancer that eventually claimed his life.

Restitution has come to Onagoruwa at a time when he cannot profit much from it.

This unconscionable delay is of a piece with the string of persecutions he has suffered in a career marked by courage, outspokenness and commitment to justice. Onagoruwa’s erudite commentary in signed newspaper articles and pronouncements on the lecture circuit marked him out as an adversary of military rule. So unyielding was his opposition to the structural adjustment programme and so unsparing was he of the other depredations of the Babangida era, that the so-called security services were mandated to destroy him.

They went from one media house to another, peddling forged documents purporting to show that Onagoruwa had cheated at the Bar finals in the Nigerian Law School.

They found no takers. They prosecuted him for carrying and using an unlicensed weapon.

The “weapon” at issue turned out to be some over-the-counter spraying device to stun would-be assailants.They suborned a relation to file a criminal complaint against him, charging that he had failed to deliver some money he had received on her behalf in a land transaction. It turned out that the complainant had sold the property to two

RIPPLES Ex-IGP to Nigerians: REPORT CRIMES TO POLICE

OLATUNJI DARE

AT HOME ABROAD olatunji.dare@thenationonlineng.net

Silk, at last, for a doughty sentry ‘

That it took the Legal Privileges and Ethics Committee so long to acknowledge Onagoruwa’s undeniable eminence in the legal profession speaks to the pusillanimity and manipulability that have often corroded its proceedings

’

•Dr Onagoruwa

different persons, and Onagoruwa was holding the money against the claims that were sure to follow.

They tried to gin up an appeal that would reverse the court’s verdict so that they could pivot on it to block Onagoruwa’s appointment as Federal Attorney-General as well as his taking silk, if not to bar him entirely from legal practice. His privations would be compounded by his ill-advised service as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation in the junta of the loathsome Sani Abacha.

Onagorowa will contest this judgment on his cabinet appointment fiercely, as he has on countless occasions. He will insist, as he has done again and again, that Presidentelect Moshood Abiola had urged him to accept the appointment; that he had gone into the cabinet to help realise the progressive agenda, including the actualisation of the June 12 mandate, and that his presence on the Abacha team had, in the final analysis, been beneficent.

The plan, as another member of the cabinet, the late Chief Silas Daniyan, stated for

HARDBALL

H

Report and become ‘PRIME SUSPECT’?

the record, was that Abiola’s nominees would go into the Abacha cabinet for a stipulated period, first to help legitimise it in the public consciousness, and then to soften the ground for the validation of the June 12 mandate.

You could accuse them of credulity or perhaps even naiveté, but that was the agreement. With each passing day, it became clearer that Abacha had come to entrench himself in power, not to validate Abiola’s mandate.

Those who had thought they could do business with Abacha finally saw their error, but not those they had pressed into Abacha’s service. And so, when they were asked to pull out of an agreement that the other party had virtually abrogated, they sat tight, inventing one self-serving rationalisation after another. To his credit, Onagoruwa resigned after stating publicly that he knew nothing about the decrees the regime churned out daily, and that his name was being taken in vain. By then, the damage was already done.

He had become alienated from the progressive community. As punishment for Onagoruwa’s daring, Abacha sent his goon squad to murder his son Toyin, a young attorney full of promise.

ARDBALL wishes to confess upfront that former President Olusegun Obasanjo (Baba) is a favourite punching bag on this arena and, in fairness to him, he must have a hide made like the Rhino’s. In fact he must be a glutton for taking punches. President Goodluck Jonathan once cried out that he holds the title for the most criticised president in Nigeria’s history but Hardball, himself a nobel winner in pugilistic criticism, will give that dubious award to Baba. If criticisms were punches, Baba would be punch-drunk now.

But today, Baba is a winner with Hardball.

Though it is easier and more healthful to criticise Baba than to shower him with praises; even you, dear reader, is probably more attuned to Baba-bashing, we must all swallow the bitter pill and praise Baba today. The story is that our own dear former President Obasanjo has enrolled in his almamater (National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN) to study for Masters and Ph.D degrees.

Having agreed to be generous today and

Baba goes to school, again be on the positive side, we must say that this is a great development for several reasons.

First it will give great fillip to NOUN; it will encourage old, idle rich people to go find some fulfillment (and even some mischief too) in the classroom and to get more degrees to their names. It is even particularly exemplary to wily, old and jobless politicians who parade themselves as god-fathers and make a job of disturbing the peace of the polity. They can now get something worthwhile to occupy them.

We must acknowledge that apart from General Yakubu Gowon, Baba is the only former head of state we know (at least in Nigeria) who had the humility and good sense to return to the classroom after presiding over a country. That simply is an

The regime used every means at its disposal to block Onagoruwa’s elevation to the rank of Senior Advocate – an elevation he had earned several times over. That is a fearsome price to pay for one single misjudgment. It is a heavier burden still for a man who had already suffered so much and paid a high price for his principled commitment to the public good. Time has not fully restored him to the esteem he once enjoyed. When he turned 70 in 2006, they brought out the drums and the trumpets. Justice Kayode Eso, one of the most honourable jurists who ever served on the Bench in Nigeria, graced the occasion with his distinguished presence.

The reclusive Guardian publisher and Onagoruwa’s former cabinet colleague, Alex Ibru, was in attendance with his wife, Maiden. Dozens of practising lawyers who had learned and honed their forensic skills in Onagoruwa’s law chambers turned up to pay homage-more.

The drums rolled out all right and the trumpets wailed. However, for a man once venerated as a doughty sentry of our liberties — I recall sharing a public platform with him during the Buhari-Idiagbon era at which he declared, within an earshot of the Government House, Ilorin, and without the slightest tremor of voice or twitch of countenance, that by enacting the infamous Decree Four, the regime had declared war on the people of Nigeria — the drums and the trumpets were muffled.

Representatives of the worthy causes Onagoruwa had served to the best of his great ability, earning in the process a solid reputation for courage and principle, were for the most part missing.

The news media, whose freedom he had championed and defended for decades, registered no presence.

The human rights community sent no delegation. In the dark days after June 12, 1993, when the two official political parties engaged each other in a brutal fight to demonstrate which could better assist military president Ibrahim Babangida to throttle the popular will, the Movement of National Reformation (MNR), led by Chief Anthony Enahoro, came closer than any other single organisation to expressing that will with clarity and eloquence. Few remembered then or now that Onagoruwa was its general secretary. All because of one misjudgment.

But few will contest Onagoruwa’s courage, his commitment to freedom and justice, and his essential decency. Fewer still will contest his great learning and his forensic skills, especially his devastating courtroom cross-examination. That it took the Legal Privileges and Ethics Committee so long to acknowledge Onagoruwa’s undeniable eminence in the legal profession speaks to the pusillanimity and manipulability that have often corroded its proceedings.

•For comments, send SMS to 08111813080

•Hardball is not the opinion of the columnist featured above admission that even a president does not know it all. Immediately after he stepped down from his high office in 2007, he enrolled for a diploma in Christian Theology. Now seven years after, he has returned for higher degrees. “I do not want to be a pastor. I only want to know more about my God and serve Him better,” said Obasanjo. Isn’t that sobering and laudable?

Hardball has heard sniggers about Baba going for a Ph.D just because President Jonathan flaunts one; it has been said that he grudgingly returns to school now that he has been worsted in the political arena and made irrelevant while some even say he is getting a Ph.D through the back-door since he had only a diploma. Some have even derided him, calling him uwa ngbede – evening life (school) is ‘sweeter’. They say lack of learning explains why he came out such a poor leader even on two attempts.

Hardball will not be drawn into the ring today; he will remain light-hearted and generous. And I say to Baba ema dawon lohun, let them say.

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