NIGERIA @ 54: My govt has delivered —JONATHAN

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62244

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

2015: Jonathan ready for candidates of APC, others — Presidency >>8

NIGERIA @ 54: My govt

has delivered —JONATHAN •Urges

Boko Haram, others to surrender

•Nigeria places 37 out of 52 on good governance Index

By Ben Agande

A

BUJA— PRESI DENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, on the occasion of the country’s 54th independence anniversary gave his administration a passmark for delivering on most indicators of good governance.

In a nationwide broadcast to mark the anniversary, President Jonathan also called on members Continues on Page 5

EBOLA: US sends experts to study how Nigeria tamed virus >>8 Mr & Mrs INDEPENDENCE CAKE—From left. Vice President Namadi Sambo; former Chairman, Interim National Government, Ernest Shonekan; former Military Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon; President Goodluck Jonathan, First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan and Senate President, David Mark during the 54th Independence Anniversary Presidential Change of Guards parade, yesterday, in Abuja. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

COLUMNISTS: Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Sitting on a keg Mutawallen Sakwato of gunpowder

What is "North's "Plan B?

•P.19

•P.19

•P.17 C M Y K

EKITI COURT ATTACK:

NJC constitutes probe panel >>9

2 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

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4 —Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

OCTOBER 1—Fun seekers at the Suntan Beach in Badagry, yesterday.

Photo: NAN.

NIGERIA @ 54: My govt has delivered —JONATHAN Continues from Page 1

of the Boko Haram sect to lay down their arms and embrace peace, saying anybody who has genuine grievances would be heard. He said the country will ensure the safety of every Nigerian, adding that the country’s armed forces need support to fight the terrorists.

But the President’s award of a pass mark to his administration came on a day the Mo Ibrahim Foundation released the 2014 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, IIAG, which ranked Nigeria 37th out of 52 in the overall governance scale, rating the nation 45.8 per cent lower than the African average (51.5 per cent). The country scored lower than the regional average for West Africa which stands at 52.2 per cent and ranked 12th out of 15 in the re-

gion.

According to the President, his administration is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of their places of birth, religion and political persuasions.

“To all those waging war against our country, I ask that you lay down your arms and embrace peace. To those who have genuine grievances, I affirm that Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring your grievances to the table of dialogue,” he said.

He reassured Nigerians that his administration remains committed to the “task of building a better and greater country.”

While noting that his administration has made remarkable progress in bequeathing a better Nigeria to generations yet unborn, the President regretted that the accom-

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

You just need to decide what kind of life you want to live. It is not everything that you see that you need to have and you will find out that most of the things you have are exactly what you need.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Learning to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you is one of the keys to your happiness —Tom Giaquinto

G

RATITUDE is closely related to happiness (people who feel gratitude on a regular basis self-report being happier), and many studies show, for instance, that happiness is not dependent on income, social position, or age. Researchers have found that some people simply approach their lives with an attitude of thankfulness and some people rarely feel thankful at all, no matter how wealthy, powerful, beautiful, or healthy they may be.

People who approach life with a sense of gratitude are constantly aware of what’s wonderful in their life. When you are grateful, others like to be around you. Your appreciation includes and supports them. You help them see the positive elements inherent in daily life, and to feel more hopeful about the possibility of future success.

plishments do not call for celebration yet because “Nigeria is still in a sober moment.

“In my address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments of our administration.

“Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people,” the President said.

He assured Nigerians that the terrorists waging war on the country would fail as they do not mean well for anyone.

He said their deliberate attack on the weakest and most vulnerable in society underscores their depraved minds.

Confab recommendations’ll be implemented Speaking on the 2014 National Conference whose recommendations have been submitted to the government, President Jonathan promised that the recommendations of the conference would be implemented.

While admitting that the nation’s 54 year-journey had not been easy, he said the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of Nigerian peoples have seen the nation through.

“We will continue to march forward to greater heights,” he promised.

The President pointed out some of his achievements but promised that these would be built upon in the interest of the nation.

On the forthcoming 2015 general elections, President Jonathan enjoined the political class not to use the contest for

positions to destroy the polity.

“The contest for the leadership of our country must yield good governance, and not ungovernable spaces. The love of country should rank higher than our individual ambitions.

“We must remain committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria within democratic parameters.

The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought, and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be our goal.

“As we look forward to another year in our national life, I am more than confident that our tomorrow will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria has got the human and material resources to excel and we shall lead the way in that journey to our manifest destiny.

“Fellow countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our plans, and in all our words and our actions, we must stand together in love and unity, as one people under God” he said.

Guards parade, highlight of celebration President Goodluck Jonathan later led former Heads of State, the leadership of the National Assembly, the judiciary and other top government officials to celebrate the nation’s 54th independence anniversary at an event which was held at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, which featured the Presidential Change of Guards and colours Parade.

The parade was performed by men of the 177 Battalion, Presidential Guards Brigade, Keffi in Nasarawa.

Other features of the colourful event included inspection of new guard/ quarter guard, silent drill, posting of sentries/colour patrol and echelon reporting of parade, among others.

Others were foot and arms drill, rhythmic and calculated steps and checking of weapons to ensure they were clean and that rounds of arms were not left in them.

At the end of the parade, Jonathan signed the independence anniversary register and released pigeons to signify peace.

He was accompanied by the President of the Senate, Sen. David Mark; Service Chiefs; the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Abba, and other dignitaries.

Among other dignitaries at the event were former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), and former Head of the defunct Interim National

Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Vice President Alex Ekwueme; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Emeka Ihedioha, and former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (rt).

Speaking on Nigeria’s independence, General Gowon said that the country will overcome its challenges and remain indivisible beyond 2015.

“I believe in Nigeria. I love Nigeria, and we all must work for Nigeria; that is everybody, including the government and the opposition, in order to make Nigeria great. That is my wish,” he said.

President of the Senate, Senator David Mark expressed optimism that the future was bright for the country, adding that Nigeria would come out of its current challenges stronger and more united.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha noted that the “Division is not an option for us. We must resolve to commonly address our common enemies and collectively decide that we should make Nigeria a great country.”

Nigeria badly governed — IIAG Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) has rated Nigeria as one of the worst governed countries in Africa. In its 2014 report which was released on Monday, Nigeria is rated 45.8 per cent lower than the African average (51.5 per cent) and ranked 37th out of 52 in the overall governance scale. The country scored lower than the regional average for West Africa which stands at 52.2 percent and ranked 12th out of 15 in the region.

Nigeria received poor ratings in categories such as safety and the rule of law where it is rated 44th with 38.1 per cent, 32nd in the rule of law with 41.0 percent and 30th in accountability with 36.6 percent.

Nigeria got its lowest rating in personal safety where it is ranked 49th

with 16.5 per cent and second lowest in national security where it is ranked 48th with 58.2 per cent.

Under participation and human rights, it is rated 26th with 46.9 per cent, 31st on sustainable economic opportunity with 43.3 per cent and 34th in human development with 53.0 per cent.

With a population of 173.6 million and population growth rate pegged at 2.8 percent, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, is put at $3013.3 USD, while inflation and unemployment rates stand at 8.5 percent and 13.7 percent, respectively.

While Nigeria got the damning rating by the IIAG, Mauritius is adjudged the best governed country in Africa, with 81.7 per cent, followed by Cape Verde, with 76.6 percent.

Ghana is rated 7th; Rwanda 11th; Benin Republic 18th; Egypt 26th; Mali 28th; Niger, 29th; Liberia; 31st; Cameroun 34th and Togo 36th; all ahead of better endowed Nigeria.

Other countries that made it to the top of the list included Botswana which is rated the third best governed country in the continent with 76.2 percent and South Africa which comes fourth with 73.3 percent.

IIAG is sponsored by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, MIF, a non-grant making organisation committed to defining, assessing and enhancing governance and leadership in Africa.

It presents annual assessments of the quality of governance in African countries. It also provides the framework for citizens, governments, institutions and the private sector to assess accurately the delivery of public goods and services, and policy outcomes, across the continent.

The Founder and Chair, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Mo Ibrahim said the 2014 IIAG has revealed discrepancies in governance performance between countries and within the four conceptual categories.

6—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Zone 2 Police kill 14, arrest 82 suspected robbers

By Esther Onyegbula

T

HE New Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, in charge of Zone Two Police Command, Umar Manko, has said that his command, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, has killed 14 suspected armed robbers and arrested 87 in one month.

AIG Manko, who read the riot act to men of the underworld to leave Lagos and Ogun states or risked his wrath, challenged them to operate now that he was coordinating the two commands and see if they would evade arrest or death during encounters with his men.

Briefing journalists on monthly achievements and breakthroughs recorded by his command in his Onikan office yesterday, Manko also warned officers and men of his command to desist from flouting the ban on road blocks as it had not been lifted by the Acting Inspector General of Police, In the month under review, Manko said between August 1 and September 15, his command arrested 87 armed robbers, while 14 were killed during encounters with the AntiRobbery police teams from the two states.

A total of 60 vehicles, he said, were recovered, while 82 others were stolen.

The AIG also disclosed that 38 murder cases were recorded as 47 cultists were arrested.

The achievements and breakthroughs, according to Manko, are attributable to a robust relationship between the police, members of the public and provisions of logistics by the government of Lagos and Ogun states in aid of police work.

He said the new strategy to jointly Police boundary between the two states would go a long way to solve the problems of who polices a particular jurisdiction such as the long bridge before the Berger Bus Stop, which will now be jointly manned by men and officers from Ogun and Lagos states under his control.

“In fact, hard times await criminals who operate in the borders between the two states,” he added.

C M Y K

Daniel Marvin and the “capacitors”.

“Perfumes”

Akubuo Victor.

N199m cocaine concealed in perfumes, capacitors zWe were offered half a million naira—SUSPECTS

By Evelyn Usman

T

WO traders, who allegedly concealed drugs suspected to be cocaine worth 119 million naira inside capacitors and perfumes, have been arrested by officials of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. The duo of Daniel Marvin and Akubuo Victor, said to have succeeded in beating security checks in Brazil , were arrested during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirate Airline flight from Dubai, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

However, during interrogation, they told NDLEA officials that they were tempted by the offer of half a million naira for the botched trip.

The NDLEA Commander at Abuja Airport, Mr. Hamisu Lawan, gave the names of the suspects as Daniel Marvin and Akubuo Victor.

According to him, “Daniel Marvin, with Nigerian Passport Number A05545613, was arrested during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirate Airline flight from Dubai. He was found in possession of 7.580kg of cocaine hidden inside capacitors.

“The second suspect, Akubuo Victor was found in possession of 5.750kg of cocaine hidden inside perfumes. Both suspects were coming from Brazil when they were arrested.”

Twenty-nine years old Marvin, a trader from Abia State, during interrogation, claimed that he was introduced into drug trafficking by his childhood friend.

According to him, “I am a young man searching for business breakthrough. In the

process, my friend told me that I could earn half a million naira by just going to Brazil.

“Aside that, he told me that

they would buy my return ticket and that all I needed to do was to bring in cocaine. He assured that the drugs will never be

detected because of the way it was packed.

“I succeeded in passing all routes from Brazil. Unfortunately, the drug was detected by NDLEA officers during search at Abuja Airport.”

On his part, 26-year-old Favour Victor, said: “I am a trader in Anambra State. But at a point, business started dwindling and I needed to revive it.

“I was lured into drug trafficking by a friend who promised to pay me N500,000.

The drug was hidden inside new perfume containers.

“I was told that it was a new method that will never be detected. But it was uncovered by the NDLEA officers,” said the father of two.

Commenting on the arrest, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, assured that the agency would continue to frustrate activities of drug barons through superior intelligence.

He said: “These arrests and seizures are products of superior counter-narcotic strategies.

“The agency is prepared and deeply committed to the eradication of drug trafficking cartels through similar intelligence driven operation.”

A'Ibom teachers sacked over 76 oil wells protest

By Tom Moses

U

YO—ABOUT 200 primary school teachers of Akwa Ibom State origin sacked from the employ of Cross River State government in the wake of the disputed 76 oil wells, yesterday, protested the alleged refusal of Governor Godswill Akpabio to re-absorb them.

Armed with placards of sundry inscriptions, the teachers recalled how the former governor of Cross River State, Mr. Donald Duke, sacked them over the alleged ceded oil wells from Cross River State to Akwa Ibom State.

The protesters, who marched along Wellington Bassey Way, leading to Government House, later took their grievances to the stadium where Governor Akpabio was expected to address Akwa Ibom people on Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary.

Speaking with journalists, leader of the protest, Mr. Elijah James Ekanem, said they had taken the matter up with the state government, since they were sacked from Cross River in 2006 in the middle of the oil wells politics, to no avail.

He recalled that key government functionaries, including the deputy governor, Noble Lady Valerie Ebe, Head of Service, Mrs. Cecilia Udoessien, and managers of the State Universal Basic

Education, SUBEB, were notified of the matter but with no commensurate action to address their plights.

He said: “They have interviewed us for more than 20 times on this matter and each time, they will tell us that the

case was on the governor ’s table, that we should go and wait for directives.

“We have been waiting since 2006 and many of us have died while waiting for the government to make good its promise to absorb us.”

Two suspected armed robbers shot dead in Edo

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—TWO suspected armed robbers were, Tuesday, shot dead in Benin after a gun duel with policemen.

While one of the robbers was shot dead along Uromi-Agbor Road as his gang waylaid a Delta Line commercial bus, the other was killed in another operation on Tuesday night along Okhoro Road as his 10member gang robbed houses in the area.

Members of the gang that laid ambush for the commercial bus were said to have, on sighting the police, opened fire, but were overpowered by the policemen who stormed the scene of the robbery, following a distress call One of them was killed, while another escaped into the bush.

The other gang was said to have stormed Okhoro Road, shooting sporadically as they robbed from one house to another, until they were accosted by the police, who

killed one of them.

Edo State Police spokesman, DSP Noble Uwoh, who confirmed the development, said: “The robbers accosted the commercial bus along UromiAgbor Road and during the exchange of fire one of the robbers was shot dead.

“One pump action rifle with No. TS 810-131627 and seven live cartridges recovered from him, while other members of the gang fled into the nearby bush with bullet wounds.

“The occupants of the vehicle and other road users already held hostage were rescued unhurt. Efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing gunmen.

“Another gang, numbering over 10, went to a street around Okhoro Road, robbing houses around the area.

“After a distress call, our men stormed the place and the robbers opened fire. One was shot dead while we are on the trail of others that escaped. Our men recovered the stolen items, including over 50 handsets.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—7

House of Reps aspirant nabbed over alleged pipeline vandalism

By Evelyn Usman

A

59-year-old suspected vandal, who was arrested by operatives of the InspectorGeneral of Police Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalism in Ogun State, has blamed his indulgence on his quest to raise money for his political campaign towards 2015 general elections.

Officer in charge of the task force, Friday Ibadin, who identified the suspect as Wahab Junaid, said he was arrested at Ifote village in Obafemi/ Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

He said three big valves, allegedly mounted on Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, right of way at Ogere by the suspect and his accomplices, were recovered by the operatives

Senegalese, 23, charged for robbery

zI wanted to raise money for 2015 elections— SUSPECT who acted on a tip-off.

Ibadin disclosed that it was the fourth time Junaid would be arrested over a similar offence.

He said: “ On September 15, detectives acted on an intelligence report that Junaid was back and currently operating with his boys at Ogere, Ogun State.

“Detectives, led by Ogere sector commander, ASP Shakwallo Philemon, stormed the area and arrested him. We are still on the trail of his accomplices who are still on the run. He would soon be charged to court. “ During interrogation, the suspect, popularly known as Doctor, disclosed that he usually bought a truck load of

siphoned petroleum product from vandals for N1.5 million and sold for N3 million.

Junaid, who admitted to have been arrested thrice before now, said: “I swear, after I regained freedom in 2012, I stopped everything that has to do with pipeline vandalisation. But politics lured me back to it.

‘My objectives'

“I am an active member of All Progressives Congress, APC, and the slot for the House of Representative was zoned to my area, Ibeju Lekki constituency.

“I am one of those who have best opportunities to contest and win the election.

“I was told to go and look for money to sponsor my

campaigns. I am a graduate. I read Botanical Science and Animal Rearing. I am a veterinary doctor. Unfortunately, people no longer patronise us and I had to change my profession.

“Since I did not have enough money to sponsor myself, I called my friend, one Oloje, a vandal, who told me that the area was calm and suggested that I could come and load some trucks.

“I was actually waiting at the designated point with the trucks with which to lift the product when policemen arrested me.

Arrest history

“ I was arrested in 2008 by the Task Force but was discharged and acquitted. In 2010, I was also arrested at Epe, but also regained freedom after several months.

“Again, I was arrested in 2012 over a similar offence by policemen from FESTAC Division. As usual, I was arraigned in court. But through the help of my lawyer, I was able to secure my freedom.

“I suspect that my enemies, who are bitter that I was anointed to fly the APC flag for Ibeju Lekki constituency at the House of Representatives in 2015 have a hand in this.

“As I speak to you, no one knows that I have been arrested. Please forgive me and give me another chance to represent my people in the House of Representatives.”

By Bartholomew Madukwe

A

23-year-old Senegalese, Sidime Amara, has been charged before an Ikeja Magistrate Court in Lagos, for allegedly robbing one Abdullahi Danbebe of some quantities of Elephant tusk valued at N6 million.

The accused, whose residence is unknown, was arraigned alongside Bolaji Yusuf, 29, on a two-count charge of robbery, and both pleaded not guilty before the Magistrate, A. O. Komolafe.

According to the prosecutor, Inspector Eranus Nnamonu, the accused also robbed his victim (Danbebe) of N150,000 cash.

The second count read: “That you, Sidime Amara ‘m’, Bolaji Yusuf ‘m’, at Alakoro Market, Ebute Ero Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did rob one Abdullahi Danbebe ‘m’ of some quantities of Elephant tusk, valued at N6 million and cash sum of N153,000, total value N6,153,000.”

Nnamonu informed the court that the offence was punishable under Section 295 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

However, the magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case till November 6 for trial.

Family of five found dead in their home

By Bose Adelaja

L Wahab Junaid, the suspect.

Okorocha pardons 94-yr-old prisoner, 15 others

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—NINETY-four years old Mr. Canice Egbunnane, and Chidi Nwosu, 70, were among 16 prisoners Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State granted state pardon yesterday, as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 54th independence anniversary.

The governor said Egbunnane and Nwosu were pardoned on account of their

ages, based on the exercise of his powers on prerogative of mercy.

He said: “I acted on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, which I earlier set up with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Chief Chukwuma-Machukwu Umeh (SAN), as chairman.”

He said 11 of the pardoned convicts were imprisoned for

non-capital offences and had almost finished serving their prison terms, with less than six months left.

The governor said: “Mr. Canice Egbunanne was pardoned on the ground of age. He is 94 years old, while Mr. Chidi Nwosu, also pardoned, is almost 70 years old.”

He said at 54, it was time to address insecurity, youth unemployment, selfishness and corruption.

AGOS—NIGERIA'S independence day, which was widely celebrated yesterday, has turned sour in Itamaga area of Ikorodu as a family of five, including four boys and their mother, were found dead in their residence.

The bodies were found in their uncompleted building located on 8, Kunle Owooade Close.

According to eyewitnesses, they were last seen on Friday before their bodies were found on Tuesday, with three of them already decomposing. One died on the way to the hospital.

Three of the children were found in one room, while their mother had soiled herself and was with her last born in another room when sympathisers broke into their apartment.

The alarm was raised around 8pm on Tuesday, when neighbours noticed an offensive oozing out of the building.

They had called emergency numbers in the state, which did not yield a positive result until yesterday.

According to the residents, sympathisers were astonished that they could not receive any assistance from the much publicised emergency numbers.

The sympathisers also invited Policemen from Ikorodu Division who rushed to the scene, but did not offer any assistance, suspecting a case of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease.

The incident has been generating controversy in the neighbourhood as some attributed it to food poisoning, C M Y K

8 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Federal Judicial Service meets to choose Mukthar’s successor

2015: Jonathan ready for candidates of APC, others — PRESIDENCY

By Henry Umoru

By Soni Daniel

A

BUJA—THE Federal Judicial Service met for six hours Tuesday in a bid to consider and appoint a successor to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukthar, whose tenure ends next month.

Competent judicial sources confirmed to Vanguard that the issue of Mukthar’s successor was one of the major issues considered by the FJS, which met in Abuja from 10am till 4pm on Tuesday.

Although the details of the meeting, which presided over by the CJN, was not made public, it was learnt that the meeting was briefed on the possible candidates to take over from her in November this year.

The commission, it was learnt, met early to begin the process of appointing a successor to the CJN, since she had made it clear to all that she did not want any extension of tenure.

It was also gathered that the names of three senior Supreme Court judges had been tabled before the commission for consideration.

Vanguard learnt that the three judges, whose names are likely to be forwarded by the FJSC to the National Judicial Council for consideration, are: Justices Mahmud Mohammed, Walter Onnoghen and Tanko Ibrahim.

However, only one of them will succeed Mukthar after approval by the NJC and subsequent appointment by the President.

The CJN, who moved into the office about two years ago, has effected many reforms and checkmated corruption in the judiciary even though she has not been able to eliminate the cankerworm.

She has been feared by top government officials, who have been unable to get access to her since her appointment.

Mukthar is said to have made it very difficult for powerful Nigerians to meet her and discuss any issue relating to court matters, thereby cutting them off from influencing major legal decisions, a development that has made her unpopular among them but highly preferred by Nigerians.

A

BUJA—AHEAD of 2015 Presidential election, the Presidency said that President Goodluck Jonathan who is the sole Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was ready for keen contest with whoever emerges as the presidential candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC and other opposition political parties.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Professor Rufai Ahmed Alkali who explained that the President has been preparing well ahead of the 2015 Presidential election, stressed that the endorsement of the President by the organs of PDP was designed to strengthen democracy, contrary to impression by the opposition.

Alkali who was reacting to barrage of criticisms that have trailed the President’s adoption last week by the National Executive Committee, NEC; Board of Trustees, BoT; the National Assembly and the governors, said that the adoption has also not closed the contest for the 2015 Presidential election by other political parties, adding that what the PDP did was to affirm its maturity in political game based on its rich experience of being in power for the past 16 years and had thus succeeded in obviating internal wrangling that usually trail internal electioneering among members.

The Political Adviser who explained that the option of consensus has not been strange in the politics of Nigeria, said that all

political parties at critical times deploy the option, most especially when the need arises for them to stay afloat.

He said, “looking critically at the turn of events in PDP, it is trite to conjecture that the Party, considering all critical elements, has succeeded in demonstrating strength, unity and determination to make the difference this time around while staving off untoward possibilities.

“We should not forget that PDP having been in power since 1999 remains the most experienced, dependable, consistent and strongest with spread in all nooks

and crannies of the country.

“If it deploys such experience in putting its house in order so as to excel in the coming general election, the rest of Nigeria should rather applaud its approach and tactics in politics. Moreover, there has not been any complaint in any quarter from within on the good option the PDP had taken.

According to him, the PDP resolved to encourage President Jonathan to contest the 2015 presidential election against the backdrop that as a good product with sterling performances to attest for his leadership in the

past three and half years he has been in the saddle, the party cannot do away with a winning president.

Alkali who urged Nigerians to begin to move away from adversarial politics, said that the country has been wasting good leaders over the years for no just reason.

He added that “if efforts by PDP to represent Jonathan for the 2015 poll should be applauded, the need to show-case him as a performing leader and the need to entrench continuity in the polity as done in other climes should come into reckoning.”

VISIT: Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (left) and Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau (right), during the Minister's visit to the Governor's lodge, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

US sends medical experts to study how Nigeria tamed Ebola

By Hugo Odiogor, with Agency reports

S

TUNNED by the entrance of the Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, into America, the United States’ Center for Disease Control and Prevention has despatched its personnel to study how Nigeria contained the killer disease.

The US reported on Tuesday that it has discovered a case of EVD in Dallas, Texas, but its health officials said “the crisis is under control and the public has nothing to fear.”

A statement released by US CDC Director Tom Frieden said “it’s clear the nation needs a quick and thorough response to its first Ebola patient” He said although Nigeria was not completely out of the woods, “their extensive response to a single case of Ebola shows that control is possible with rapid, focused interventions.” Apart from Nigeria, the US will also visit Senegal to study its model.

Frieden said “the best practices in Nigeria and Senegal suggest the U.S. should monitor all individuals

who may have been exposed to Ebola and establish a dedicated management and response system.” Senegal has had no new reported cases of Ebola since Sept.

18 while Nigeria has not reported new ones since August 31, US health officials are expected in Nigeria which it claimed had the best practices in combating Ebola Virus disease which entered into Nigeria through Liberian born American citizen Mr. Patrick Sawyer whose index case was reported on July 20, 2014. Nigeria is expected to officially announce today that the remaining two potential Ebola patients will exit the 21-day observation period.

How Nigeria stopped the spread of Ebola

According to US CDC, “Nigeria’s first reported case of Ebola surfaced July 20, when Patrick Sawyer landed in Lagos from Liberia and exposed 72 other passengers to the virus. Nigeria’s Health officials quickly issued notifications and tracked everybody who may have been in

contact with Sawyer.

“Nigeria also established an Ebola Incident Management Center to handle the potential outbreak and developed a staffing plan that executed a social mobilization strategy that reached more than 26,000 households of people living around the contacts of Ebola patients,” The deadly virus has killed more than 3,000 people in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia in the largest outbreak ever recorded.

How Senegal contained Ebola

Senegal confirmed its first Ebola case Aug. 29 after a man, travelling from Guinea on Aug. 14, took ill and showed symptoms of the disease. This prompted a quick response, including an experienced and trained staff that was prepared to contain the Ebola outbreak.

The procedure led to the identification of 67 contacts who were placed under quarantine, monitored for 21 days and

showed no symptoms of Ebola.

Panic in America

The man who imported Ebola into US was found to have travelled to Liberia without informing the authorities and did not disclose the nature of his ailment to the nurse that attended to him. Reports from Texas yesterday said that the Nurse who attended to the man has also taken ill for Ebola in Texas.

A spokesman for Texas Health Presbyterian said the patient had walked into a Dallas emergency room on September 26, without knowing that he contacted the deadly virus and left after he was treated. He then returned to the facility on September 28 where it was determined he likely had Ebola and was isolated. He tested positive Tuesday, health officials said.

Following the lapse on the part of the hospital officials, questions are being asked amid panic across the country. The CDC has thus advised that all medical facilities should ask for patients with symptoms consistent with Ebola for their travel history.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 9

EKITI COURT ATTACKS: NJC to constitute a probe panel today ...May summon Fayose, CJ to testify as witnesses

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

Fayose involvement

denies

Meanwhile, whereas Fayose, in his own petition, denied leading thugs into the Ekiti State High Court where a suit seeking to

By Joseph Erunke

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BUJA—WORRIED by the violence in Ekiti state and alleged assault on a High Court judge at the premises of Ado-Ekiti High Court, the National Judicial Council, NJC, will today, constitute a panel to investigate allegations by both the governor-elect of the state, Mr. Ayodele Fayose and the Chief Judge, Justice Ayodeji Daramola on the fracas.

This was even as a top source in the Council yesterday disclosed that the duo may be summoned to appear before the probe panel to substantiate their allegations against each other.

Already, the governor-elect was said to have assembled a fiveman team of Senior Advocates of Nigeria to argue and persuade the NJC to disband the members of the Ekiti State Election Tribunal on the allegation that they have been compromised.

The source who pleaded anonymity, confirmed that the NJC had on Monday, received two separate petitions from the governor-elect and the state CJ, with both of them pointing accusing fingers at each other.

Besides, the source said that the Chief Ju stice of Nigeria, CJN, who is equally the Chairman of the NJC, was greatly disturbed by the wave of violence that led to the closure of courts in Ekiti State and has through a letter of notification that was sent to all the members of the Council, urged them to ensure their attendance at the emergency meeting scheduled for 10am today.

“What I can tell you is that the CJN is ready to use this Ekiti State matter to set an example. It was a sad commentary for this country that thugs could invade a court, beat up judges and tore their records of proceeding. Where on earth does such things happen in this modern era? Not even in a banana republic.

“The incident in Ekiti was a bad precedent and if no concrete and drastic action is taken by the NJC now to ferret and punish those that were in one way or the other connected to this defecation of the temple of justice, what will happen after the 2015 general elections would best be imagined”, the source told Vanguard.

Besides, he disclosed that today’s meeting of the NJC members would be held in camera.

Independence: Melaye leads protest against Jonathan

LAUNCH: Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Group Chief Executive Officer, UBA Capital Plc, Mrs. Toyin Sanni; Deputy GCEO, UBA Capital Plc, Mr. Wale Shonibare; and President, Association for the Advancement of the Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr Farouk Umar, during the official launch of InvestNow.ng, a UBA Capital's online-real-time trading platform at NSE, on Tuesday invalidate his election victory was being heard, he alleged that the outgoing governor of the state, Kayode Fayemi and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, had already bribed all the Justices in the election petition tribunal.

He expressed doubt over their ability to remain non-partisan, insisting that it would be in the interest of justice that they were sacked and a fresh panel constituted that will hear and determine the petition against his election, within the constitutional prescribed time-frame.

Gov-elect personally led thugs — CJ

However, while justifying his decision to shut all courts in the state as a result of the “show of shame”, the state CJ, Justice Daramola, in his petition, insisted that it was indeed the governorelect himself that personally led the thugs that besieged the High Court premises and turned it into a theatre of violence.

The CJ equally alleged police involvement, noting that some of the policemen within the court premises when the incident took place, looked on with disinterest as the marauders had a field day chasing Judges around the court.

“The police officers posted to guard and protect the integrity of the court and its personnel have failed us”, he told the NJC, adding that the judges were on that day, left “at the mercy of political hoodlums”.

In his petition entitled, ‘Ekiti State Judiciary under siege of political thugs’, the Chief Judge, told the Council that on Thursday, the 25th day of September, “Mr. Ayodele Fayose, the governorelect, again led thousands of people and thugs into the

premises of the High Court beating and maiming members of staff”.

He said: “The thugs invaded my court where I was to deliver a judgment in a land matter, tore the record books, beat court officials and vandalized the furniture in Court No. 1.

“The political thugs descended on Hon. Justice J. A Adeyeye, the presiding judge in Court No. 3 beat and dragged him on the ground. The judge’s suit was also torn into shreds. I could not gain entrance into the premises of the court and had to hurriedly turn back on being alerted that I was the prime target of the hooligans”, he added.

The CJ maintained that he was at the Supreme Court in Abuja attending a special court session to flag-off the 2014/ 2015 new legal year, an occasion that also saw the conferment of the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria on 17 senior lawyers, when the violence first broke out in Ekiti State on Monday, September 22.

“While I was attending the Supreme Court Special sitting in Abuja, I was called on phone that thugs loyal to Mr. Ayodele Fayose have invaded the headquarters of the judiciary of Ekiti State where Hon. Justice I.O Ogunyemi was delivering a ruling on the matter instituted against him.

“The thugs beat workers black and blue while the presiding judge and lawyers had to run for their lives. They smashed windows and furniture. Meanwhile, the policemen deployed within and without the premises in large number were looking on completely uninterested and unconcerned while these thugs were on prowl beating and maiming workers and court users.

“The thugs went on searching for the judge who ran into hiding.

It took your (the Commissioner of Police) personal intervention when you were duly informed on phone to rush to the scene of the mayhem within the court premises to rescue the said judge and took him out into safety”, he added.

He insisted that the violence was pre-planned, adding that the “political hoodlums”, invaded the court in large numbers, “on the spurious ground that they came to listen to the ruling which they did not allow the presiding judge in Court No. 6 to deliver on Monday, September 22, 2014”.

NBA sends delegation

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has already sent a high powered delegation to Ekiti State with a view to ascertaining the cause of the violence.

The National President of the legal body Mr. Augustine Alegeh, SAN, who made the disclosure in a statement he issued to the press, described the incident as unfortunate, saying it “portends grave danger to the lives of our Judges in Ekiti State”.

The NBA insisted that there is “an urgent need to protect our Judges and judiciary staff from these hoodlums whom we believe must be acting on instructions from some highly placed persons in Ekiti State to unleash mayhem on judicial officers and infrastructure.

“We condemn in very strong terms these detestable acts of brigandage intended to intimidate and infuse fear into the minds of judicial officers. Those behind these criminal acts of violence have desecrated the Courts which are our temples of justice.''

BUJA—CIVIL rights campaigner and former member, House of Representatives, Dino Melaye,yesterday,led members of his newly formed Citizens Arise Movement of Nigeria,CAMON,across the streets of Abuja,in demonstration against what he called the ‘ills of the nation’ after 54 years of independence.

The demonstration took members of the group to different parts of the nation’s capital city,chanting different slogans against the Federal Government.

But unlike his previous protests where he was either arrested and locked up in detention cell or harassed by security personnel,Melaye was left alone with his members yesterday, as he took his protest rally round the streets of Abuja,culminating at the Eagle Square.

Speaking to newsmen during the protest march, Dino Melaye said the essence of the event was to express the group’s disappointment and displeasure over the state of affairs in the country.

Just as he said there was nothing to celebrate, Mr Melaye berated President Jonathan’s Independence Day speech for being silent on government’s effort at rescuing Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram over five months ago.

“I want to say that the president’s speech this morning (yesterday) is not different from the one he has been giving before. It has become a normal tradition.

Unfortunately, the President addressed the nation this morning, the 54th birthday of Nigeria and he did not say anything about the missing Chibok girls.

This is calamitous and, painful,”he said.

He accused the president of being insensitive to the plight of Nigerians, saying insecurity, official corruption,money laundering and lawlessness had gone high under his watch.

10 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Ex-NMA boss wants national honours for Adadevoh, others

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By Chioma Obinna

AGOS—DR Osahon Enabulele, the immediate past President of Nigeria Medical Association, yesterday, urged the Federal Government to honour the late Dr. Ameyo Adadevoh and other health workers who prevented the spread of Ebola Virus Disease, EVD. Enabulele, the Vice President, Commonwealth Medical Association, made the appeal in an interview in Lagos.

He expressed dissatisfaction that Adadevoh and other health workers who stood against the EVD in Nigeria were not included in the recent National Honours Awards list.

Market association seeks govt's support

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AGOS—MR Charles Obih, the National President, Market Leaders Association of Nigeria, MLAN, yesterday, urged the federal and state governments to extend their financial intervention to traders.

Obih said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the rising profile of emerging financial institutions in providing succour to traders made their demand imperative.

He commended Growing Centre, Ejigbo in Lagos, for its collaboration with the association on wealth creation through trading. ‘’We have agreed with Growing Centre on creating soft loans from N30,000 upwards to assist our registered members," Obih said.

LAGOS GUBER: Ashafa opts out, bids for

second term in Senate L

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

A G O S — S E N AT O R Gbenga Ashafa, who is representing Lagos East Senatorial District, under the umbrella of All Progressives Congress, APC, has finally laid to rest speculations over whether he would vie for the governorship slot in Lagos State, as he declared his intention to run for a second term in the Senate come February, 2015 general elections.

Ashafa made the public declaration yesterday, at a forum with the leadership of APC in Lagos East Senatorial District, in Epe. Some of the APC chieftains in attendance include Alhaji Busura Alebiosu, Prince Abiodun Ogunleye, Alhaji S.A Sunmola, Alhaji M. A. Gafar, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Alhaji Shakirudeen Seriki, Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora, Chief Lanre Rasaq, Alhaji Sikiru Banire, Hon. Jokotola

Pelumi, Hon.Tunde Isiaq, Hon. Bayo Oshinowo, Hon. Ayodele Odeyemi, Alhaji M.O. Ogungbo, and Hon. Kaoli Olusanya.

According to Ashafa: “After series of consultations with our political leaders, I have concluded that I will run for a second term in office as a

Senator to represent the good people of Lagos East Senatorial District in the Senate come 2015.”

COMMISSIONING: Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (right), addressing Federal Road Safety officials, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency officials, Lagos State Transport Management Authority officials, and other stakeholders in the transportation sector, during the commissioning of One-Stop Centre and formal launch of Temporary Vehicle Tag, at the LASTMA Yard, Oshodi.

BRT: 15 drivers resigned over soldiers assault —NURTW

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By Monsuru Olowoopejo

AGOS—A witness, at the ongoing tribunal of inquiry into the July 4th, 2014 road accident and subsequent destruction of Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, looting and rioting, has said at least 15 BRT drivers resigned immediately after the alleged arson by the soldiers.

Some witnesses at the ongoing inquiry had alleged that a female soldier set the first bus ablaze, an act which led to the burning of other buses at the scene of the incident.

Speaking at the public hearing in Ikeja, Mr. Olusegun Spencer, the head of project development for National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, owners of the BRT bus, said that this was the aftermath of the incident.

Spencer explained that drivers who suffered varying degree of injuries and bus ticketers, resigned over fear of subsequent attack from soldiers in the state.

His words “At least 15 drivers and some ticketers have resigned their appointment.

However, those who stayed behind now work with fear of attack from the soldiers.”

Spencer lamented that before the July 4th incident, several attacks on the drivers by the army had occurred in the state since the inauguration of

transport scheme in March 17th, 2008 by the state governor, Babatunde Fashola and “were swept under the carpet.”

He noted that the arson and vandalism of the buses, has affected the union’s revenue in the investment and ability to seek for finances from banks in the state.

Spencer said: “Before now, we had several banks seeking

the patronage of the union but after that ugly incident, the reverse has occurred. And I understand the plight of these financial institutions.

“For instance, each of the three burnt buses cost the union N13.5 million to procure and we are yet to recoup our investment. And we need to buy others to fill the vacuum. Aside this, some were vandalised, and will have to be

repaired. These are extra expenses on the union.

“And it was due to these huge losses that we had to write the state governor, Babatunde Fashola to explain our plight to him. And in other to do justice to our allegations, set up the tribunal of inquiry on the activities that took place on Ikorodu road at palm grove bus stop.”

NPA begins implementation of minimum standards for trucks today

By Godwin Oritse with

agency reports AGOS—THE Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, yesterday said that the implementation of the minimum standards for haulage at the ports would commence today.

The Apapa Port Manager, Mr Anas Nasir, said in Lagos that the new haulage policy would be inaugurated at Lagos ports with an awareness campaign for truck drivers.

NPA had earlier informed the Association of Maritime Truck Owners, AMATO, of its intention to implement the policy.

Besides the moves to standardize the haulage business, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council ,NSC, in collaboration with the Federal Road

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Committee on Surveillance and Action Against Road Abuse have acquired 4,000 capacity holding bay for trucks.

Nasir said the strategy was

necessitated by the truck owners association’s appeal to NPA to make the operational standards implementation a gradual process and also safeguard their business.

NLC worries over LP affairs

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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AGOS—POLITICAL Commission of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday, in Lagos, took a decisive measure to curb what it termed unpalatable developments including litigations in the Labour Party, declaring that it plans to convene a broad all-inclusive stakeholders’ forum to discuss the way forward for the political association it initiated, the Labour Party.

In a statement by its

Chairperson, Mr. Joe Ajaero, advised that all further meetings or convention be put on hold pending announcement on information on date, time and venue of the stakeholders’ meeting.

According to the statement, “A number of developments in the affairs of the Labour Party has come to our attention in the last few days. Since the last National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party, litigation has been instituted by some members challenging the legality of the meeting."

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 11

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12—Vanguard, THURSDAY , OCTOBER 2, 2014

Delta 2015: I know those not eligible —Uduaghan …says there's cause to celebrate Nigeria @ 54

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, yesterday said he knew those who would not be governors of the state in 2015, adding that Nigerians have every cause to celebrate as a nation on attaining 54 years of independence.

Speaking during the 54th independence anniversary celebration in Asaba, Uduaghan said 54 years after, Nigeria was still standing as one nation. He thanked Nigerians for supporting the emergence of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as President of the country.

Noting that no president has had the kind of security challenges President Jonathan is having, Uduaghan urged Nigerians to give Jonathan all the support he needs to deal with the Boko Haram insurgency.

He, however, told those behind the insurgents to take advantage of the country's 54th independence anniversary to put a stop to the insurgency. He prayed for those putting their lives on the line for the unity and peace of Nigeria.

He, meanwhile, urged those vying for the governorship in

the state to ensure that no life was lost in their campaigns and warned them against acts capable of disorganising the state.

The governor expressed sadness at those forging documents in order to pull him or the state down, adding:

“Nobody can pull me down; nobody can pull Delta State down.”

He charged governorship aspirants in the state to tell Deltans what they would do if elected rather than indulging in inciting statements.

He added that only God

knows who would be the next governor of the state, “but I know those who will not be governor.”

He thanked security agencies in the state for helping to protect lives and property of Deltans, adding that the Delta Beyond Oil initiative was still on course.

MEETING: From left: Governors Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and Theodore Orji of Abia State, during a meeting of the NDDC Advisory Council held at Government House, Asaba.

Don urges sanctions against contractors of collapsed buildings

By Tom Moses

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YO—A renowned Structural Engineer and University of Uyo, UNIUYO, don, Professor Charles Uko, has suggested the adoption of sanctions against contractors who handled collapsed structures in the country.

Presenting the 41st Inaugural Lecture of the University of Uyo entitled: Bridges Over Troubled Waters yesterday, Professor Uko suggested that the recommendations of Hamurabi, the 18th Century King of Babylon be applied in Nigeria to compel contractors to comply with safety rules when undertaking construction works including bridges and buildings.

He said: “A builder who builds a house for someone and does not construct it properly and the house which he built collapses and kills its owner, that builder should be made to face commensurate sanction, so as to commit contractors to the principles of structural engineering.

“If a builder builds a house for someone, even though he has

not yet completed it; if then, the walls collapse, the builder must make the walls solid from his own means.

"If it ruins goods, he shall make compensation for all that has been ruined and in as much

as he did not construct properly this house which he built and it fell, he shall re-erect from his own means,” he stated.

Professor Uko who is the ViceChancellor-Administration of UNIUYO attributed the incessant cases of collapsed

structures in the country to flood and foundation movement, defective permanent materials or workmanship, overload and inadequate or unsuitable temporary works or erection procedures as well as inadequate design in permanent materials.

Oshiomhole commissions 1000-capacity lecture theatres at AAU the University under Professor

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By Simon Ebegbulem

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commissioned two 500seating capacity lecture theatres and a block of lecturers’ offices at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

The governor, meanwhile, threatened to revoke the contract for the completion of the Administratiion block of the university if the contractor fails to complete the project on schedule.

Speaking while commissioning the projects, Oshiomhole said that the management of the university justified the initial N250 million provided by the government to develop infrastructure in the university, which, he said made the government to review it

upwards by 100 percent to N500 million, promising to further review the fund by another 100 per cent if the N500m was judiciously expended.

He said: “The management of

Agbebaku is the best of all time.

When I told the Commissioner for Works how much this project cost, I am not sure he believed me until he heard from the VC herself."

Ex militants to procure N10.5m guber form for Dickson's re-election

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By Samuel Oyadongha

ENAGOA—EXMILITANTS in the Niger Delta under the Second Phase Amnesty have expressed their readiness to sacrifice three months of their allowances and set aside N10.5 million for the purchase of the expression of interest form for Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, to contest for a second

term in office during the 2016 governorship poll in the state.

According to the ex-militant youths, drawn from the eight local government areas of the state, though their monthly allowances amount to N65,000, the fund raised by the 6,166 exmilitants under the second phase programme will procure expression of interest form for the governor.

A z i z a ’ s demise unites Delta ethnic nationalities

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI—IJAW, Itsekiri and Isoko nations of Delta State, have pledged improved relations with the Urhobo of Delta Central in honour of the late General Patrick Aziza, President-General of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, who died recently.

The three ethnic groups, which make up Delta Central senatorial district made the pledge under the umbrella of Ijaw, Isoko and Itsekiri Leaders Forum during a condolence visit to the Azizas and the leadership of the UPU at the Adagbrasa country home of the late UPU leader.

Led by its Chairman, Mr. Edward Ekpoko, the Delta South leaders lamented that Gen. Aziza died at a time his revolutionary effort at renewing the fading relations between Urhobos and their Delta South neighbours was beginning to peak.

Also, Mr. Dennis Etaluku, 1st Vice Chairman (Isoko), said: “Aziza was truly on the verge of bringing a new deal into relations between the Urhobo and Delta South nations. We established a relationship and it is on the night before he was to host us that we received the shock of his death."

Apostolic church empowers members with tricycles in Delta

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GHELLI—AS part of activities to mark its 18th Annual Area Men’s Movement Convention, the Apostolic Church of Nigeria, War ri Area, Delta State, has empowered five indigent members of the church with tricycles.

Presenting the tricycles at the convention at church’s Abraka District Center, Ethiope East Local Government Area, Delta State, Chairman, Action Men Committee, Elder Celestine Akpan, noted that 21 members of the church have so benefited from the e m p o w e r m e n t programme.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—13

$9.3m deal: Ijaw leader faults ACF, others over attack on Oritsejafor C

By Tony Nwankwo

OORDINATOR of Ijaw Monitoring Group, IMG, Mr. Joseph Evah, has described the attack on the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, by the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, and some groups over the $9.3 million confiscated in South Africa as hasty and barbaric, since investigations by the South African Government and the Nigeria Senate were yet be concluded.

Evah, in a statement, said: “Recently, Pastor Oritsejafor set up a private university in Delta State. If tomorrow, a staff of the university uses the facility to engage in a questionable activity, would that necessitate blackmailing the owner of the university as a criminal? This concerted condemnation of an illustrious son of the Niger Delta without fair hearing in a serious matter that is attracting international attention is unacceptable to our people.

“Pastor Oritsejafor is dedicated to the well-being of this country. He is leading the Christian community in Nigeria at a time Nigeria is passing through the most difficult period in her history

and his peace effort to keep Nigeria united without bloodshed has saved Nigeria from the scenario in Somalia, Iraq and Syria.

“We condemn the organised

attack by a section of the media and their financiers, who are condemning the pastor without waiting for the result of the findings of various institutions in South Africa

and Nigeria into the matter. We urge the cleric to continue to remain focused on the special assignment of uniting Nigerians from all faith as the best way to keep Nigeria moving forward,” he said.

CONFERENCE: Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State (left) with African American civil rights icon, Rev. Jesse Jackson, during the 44th Congressional Black Caucus Conference at the Convention Centre, Washington. Both spoke at the Brain Trust organised by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, as part of the occasion.

2015: Amaechi cautions politicians against violence

By Imitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has cautioned against electoral violence in the 2015 general elections.

The governor, in his Independence Day broadcast, appealed to the political class to resist every urge to indulge in political violence, stressing that peace was needed for effective governance.

He said: “As we prepare for the 2015 general elections, may our politicians and their followers know that a kingdom divided against self cannot stand. If we maim and kill the people we aspire to lead, who will we then govern? Let us run our campaigns in the best manner and pursue our electioneering with respect for one another.”

He noted the success of his administration in security and education, adding that it took courage to address the security problem facing the state.

“Insecurity was at its peak.

Our humanity was debased even as our pride was assaulted, but with bravery

and the boldness of our fathers, we soon made our streets safe again. Life has returned to our biggest city, Port Harcourt, as well as our communities. Our economy again began to blossom and those investors chased away are now returning to the state.

Today, our state thrives as Nigeria’s second biggest economy.

“When we came into office,

Rivers State public schools were no better than a sanctuary of the unlearned.

Classrooms were overcrowded. Teachers’ morale was at its lowest. But seven years later, we have changed all of that. Not only have we built 500 of the best model primary schools in Africa, we have carried out the largest, single

Delta celebrates elder statesman at 88

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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A R R I — G O V E R N O R Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State is expected to lead the state government and people of Udu Kingdom, Udu Local Government Area of the state, to celebrate elder statesman Ambassador G. Sefia who turns 88 tomorrow.

Elegbete Moses Odibo, a former commissioner in the state, in a statement in Warri, said that a reception in honour of the celebrant is scheduled to hold at the Ovwian Primary School, Ovwian, in Udu council. Former Information Minister, Prof. Sam Oyovwaire, is to chair the occasion with several commissioners, party elders and chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in attendance Chief Sefia, an elder of the PDP in Delta State is the current Chairman of Delta Elders Forum.

recruitment exercise ever undertaken by any Nigerian tier of government since October 1, 1960. We employed 13, 210 classroom teachers.

With our free education programme, we have rekindled the hope of the poorest of our people. Today, our children learn under the most cordial environment.''

2015: Andoni elders endorse Anyanya for Rivers guber

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RADITIONAL rulers and chiefs of Andoni, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, poured encomiums on Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd) as they endorsed him to contest the 2015 governorship election in Rivers State.

One of the traditional rulers in Andoni, HM J. Okuruket-Nnabiget XIV, said that the entire Obolo chiefs were overwhelmed

by Anyanya's aspiration for the number one position in the state.

“We are here to identify with Anyanya's aspirations and will support any politician who wants to aspire to the exalted seat. This is the first time an Andoni man is aspiring and for that reason, we are greatly impressed,” the royal father said.

Responding, Major Anyanya, praised the royal fathers and pledged his commitment to the overall development of Obolo and Rivers State at large.

He said that the purpose of the gathering was primarily “to make public what we have done in private and to tell you that I am about to embark on a great journey.”

The gubernatorial aspirant noted that he will draw on the strength of the royal fathers and the diverse culture in the area to uplift Rivers State.

14 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

NIGERIA'S 54TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Vice President Namadi Sambo on arrival, at the Forecourt of the Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja for the 54th Independence Anniversary in Abuja, yesterday.

Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun (4th left), his wife, Olufunso (5th left), wife of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Bola (right), Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Suraj Ishola Adekunbi, and others cutting the Independence anniversary cake, during the 54th National Day celebration in Abeokuta yesterday. Photo: Wumi Akinola.

Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Nigeria Police, at the 2014 National Day Celebration in Asaba, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini.

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State washing his hands on his arrival for the 54th National Independence Day celebration, at Police College, Ikeja. Photo: Shola Oyelese.

From left: Hon. Udeh Okochukwu, Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, his wife, Mercy, during the celebration of Nigeria @ 54 in Umuahia .

SPEAKER AMINU TAMBUWAL'S TURBANING AS MUTAWALLEN SOKOTO

From left: Sokoto State Governor, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and Deputy Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Kawu Sumaila, at THEturbaning of Tambuwal as the Mutawallen Sokoto by Sultan Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III in Sokoto.

Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Deputy Senate leader, Senator Abdul Ningi, at the event.

Aminu Tambuwal after the turbaning.

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16—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

$1.9b investment coming to Anambra this year, says Obiano

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra State, yesterday, said his administration would attract investments of $1.9billion (about N320 billion) to the state by the end of this year.

Addressing the people at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka at a ceremony to mark the nation’s 54th independent anniversary, Obiano said the latest of the investments was the $148 million Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, signed with three establishments namely, Ekcel Farms, Grains and Silos Limited

and Cardinal Developers and Trust Limited for massive agricultural production in the state.

Meantime, the governor has said that his administration attracted $220 million investment from Joseph Agro Limited which would invest $150 million in agriculture and Cardinal Developers and Trust Limited investing $170 million in the area of hospitality and tourism. He said Joseph Agro Limited has the capacity to produce 120,000 metric tonnes of rice in collaboration with Coched Farms Project at Anaku in Ayamelum local government area of the state,

Sallah: Police task residents

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HE Community Development Areas, CDAs, and residents of Sango, Ogun State, have been urged to be vigilant during the Eid-Kabir celebration to maintain the existing cordial relation being enjoyed in the area.

The Sango Divisional Police Officer, CSP Gabriel Dibie, who spoke during an interaction with newsmen said with full support of the people, the objectives of the security can be achieved.

He commended the operation of community policing system in

all the CDAs, noting that this had given credibility and stability to the security.

The Police charged residents to be security conscious , adding that this is the only way to reduce crime and sleep with their two eyes.

The divisional police officer and his men were praised for their timely advice on security to the various communities in Sango area of Ogun State by one of the community leaders, Mr. Amos Fadare, while responding to a question.

stressing that the investment was capable of generating 1000 direct jobs that would almost completely erase the state’s rice supply deficit by 99 percent. In addition, he said, the investment would attract 10,000 direct and 25000 indirect jobs, while investment

by Cardinal Developers would create 400 direct jobs and 2000

indirect jobs. Obiano said the investments became reality because of the conducive atmosphere created by his administration which has effectively retrieved the state from the gangsters that once drove the people away from home and made it impossible for investors to come.

Ogbaru chief pleads for flood victims

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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NEWI— CHAIRMAN of Ogbaru Local Government Area, Victor Agolua, has appealed to the Federal Government to complement efforts of Anambra State Government in providing relief materials to the flood ravaged areas in the state.

Agolua spoke during a media parley on Independence Day celebration and the plight of his people who suffered great loss during the flooding of 2011.

While commending the Federal and State Government for what they have provided for flood victims in the state, he solicited for more assistance to alleviate their problems.

Agolua said,“The people that were ravaged by the flood were

mainly farmers; we expected that the Federal Government could have provided these farmers with all the farming materials and crop seedlings, because they lost virtually everything. What the state is providing is not enough.

The victims expected the Federal Government to come and assist them not only by relocating them and providing food for them, but by giving them seedlings so that they can start from somewhere.

But they never did, rather, they provided blankets and food materials, now the food has finished, what do they do next?

“If you provide seedlings for farmers, you have empowered them, at the end they will harvest it, sell and reserve for their families but thank God, Governor Obiano has started providing seedlings to them."

Elechi calls for tolerance

By Peter Okutu

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BAKALIKI— GOVERNOR Martin Elechi, yesterday, called for tolerance, peace and accommodation among Nigerians to engender growth and development of the country.

Elechi who spoke at Abakaliki Township Stadium during the grand finale of Nigeria’s 54th Independence Day Anniversary and 18th anniversary of the state’s creation said that the country was at the threshold of another transition coming amidst diverse social, economic and security challenges. He said,“It is in consideration of these realities and in appreciation of the need to continually water the tree of our unity that I frequently hammer on the imperative of tolerance and accommodation for our growth and development.”

While stressing his resolve to ensure that his successor came from Ebonyi South Senatorial Zone, the governor promised that his administration would remain focused despite being in a transition period.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 17

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AST weekend Sokoto h o s t e d the cream of Nigerian political society. They were in the 'Seat of the Caliphate' for the turbanning of the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, as the new Mutawallen Sakwato. And in the Nigerian political manner of doing things, most of those who turned out were from the opposition APC party.

It was indicative of the seismic shifts taking place on the subsoil of Nigerian politics today that Tambuwal has become one of the most enigmatic personalities on the scene. He has built a formidable alliance with people from all over the country and in his years as Speaker of the House, has displayed a dexterity and political wisdom far beyond his years.

There seems to be a

Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, Mutawallen Sakwato Tambuwal remains, officially a member of the ruling party, it is clear as daylight, that his heart and soul seem to have relocated into the opposition APC. There is a local dimension to Tambuwal's unique position that must not be underrated, and that is located in the

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While Tambuwal remains, officially a member of the ruling party, it is clear as daylight, that his heart and soul seem to have relocated into the opposition APC

remarkable magnetism between the man and his colleagues in the House of Representatives, and compared to other periods since the 1999 transition, the House of Representatives of the Tambuwal years has been far more consistently independent and has also taken far more pro-people stance on many of the issues of governance that face Nigeria today.

Maybe because of the way he emerged as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal has been obliged to make a determined effort to keep his colleagues on side in the face of the hostility of the PDP apparatchik that carries a very deep wound from the inability to force a leadership on the House of Representatives.

Political scenario So a most interesting political scenario emerged where Tambuwal has kept a remarkable hold on the loyalty of members from both sides of the divide; while outside of parliament he walks a thin edge of suspicion with his PDP copartymen, but an expansive and increasingly chummy relationship with the opposition.

If ever there is an individual able to hunt with the political pack and run with the herd of politics, that individual is Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. For all intents and purposes, there is no love lost between the House of Representatives of Aminu Tambuwal on the one hand, and the Jonathan Presidency and the PDP leadership. This cloakand-dagger relationship has been the hallmark of the past few years in our political system. And as we get closer to the 2015 elections, the situation becomes increasingly more complex, because while C M Y K

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political landscape of Sokoto state. Tambuwal is a very close confidante of the Sokoto state governor Aliyu Magartakada Wammako. Today, the governor is a leading member of the opposition APC and he is a most beloved grassroots politician in

his state. Staying close to the governor offers a powerful and secure home base for Speaker Tambuwal.

Tambuwal is loyal to his political roots in Sokoto and that is one of the central reasons for his peculiar political position today. There are indications that Aminu Tambuwal represents a major force in the permutations for the 2015 elections and these permutations are in the context of the choices available to the opposition APC. While the frontrunners remain the usual individuals: General Muhammadu Buhari; Atiku Abubakar; Governors Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano; Adams Oshiomhole of Edo and Rochas Okorocha of Imo; there are those working on the possibility of the emergence of the younger Aminu Tambuwal

as an alternative rallying point.

His adroit handling of the House of Representatives; the network of relationships he has built nationwide; his very careful ability to shield himself from the scandals of political life and his incredible humility and human warmth are cited as positive attributes that will stand him in good stead.

But if presidency becomes a bridge too far, there seems to be a fallback option of governorship in Sokoto for the new Mutawallen Sakwato, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

The fact that he is being mentioned in connection with some of the most important positions in the land, merely underscores the heights he has reached in Nigerian politics today. He has been able to learn the ropes and climb so high in

a relatively short time.

Nigerians recognized his abilities to the extent that his peers gave him a mandate to be their Speaker, much to the chagrin of the party apparatchik. People are also mentioning his name in the same breath as other leading political heavyweights, in connection with Nigeria's presidency. Last weekend, his people in Sokoto recognized his community relevance by turbanning him as Mutawallen Sokoto.

A few weeks can often change dramatically the whole basis of permutations in politics, because it is akin to sinking sand, with a pitiless cloak-anddagger propensity. But wherever Tambuwal will go and the choices that he will make will certainly become clearer in the next couple of months, as the race for 2015 moves into an extra gear. He will certainly be as entertaining and surprising as he has continued to be in the past few years on the Nigerian political scene. We can conclude with near certainty, that the last has not been heard of the political life Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Congratulations, Honourable Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal. Allah ya ja zamanin ka.

Abubakar Shekau: Was he killed after being arrested alive?

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HE Nigerian security forces scored a major victory against the Boko Haram insurgency in the past two weeks, when its self-declared leader, "Abubakar Shekau" was allegedly killed in battle at Konduga, Borno state. To prove the authenticity of the story, especially against the counterclaim from Cameroun, that their forces had killed the man near Gamboru Ngala, the Nigerian Army released a photograph of the "Shekau" killed at Konduga.

That picture was placed sideby-side with the picture of the character that usually appeared in Boko Haram videos, who was always called "Abubakar Shekau".

It appeared that it was the same person. There was no gainsaying the fact that it was an important victory for the Nigerian security forces who have weathered a storm of criticisms in recent months, as the insurgency conquered one community after the other and our troops became a laughing stock.

Surely, the battle of Konduga was a major setback for Boko Harm, with the casualties it recorded in its futile effort to capture Konduga, as a stepping stone for a quixotic attempt at taking Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

The Nigerian security forces confirmed that the original Shekau had been killed since 2013, and the man killed in Konduga had acted as a double to maintain the illusion that the original Shekau was still alive. A few days after the composite picture released by the army went

out on the pages of Nigerian newspapers, a new video emerged, which showed a man with the semblance of the man killed at Konduga. It however appeared as if the man had been alive when captured. And in the video, which is available on SAHARA REPORTERS and many other internet sites, the man was leaning against a tree and was wearing blue guinea brocade.

Perttinent question He was surrounded by men in military uniforms with one of them holding a dagger close to the man leaning on the tree.

There was a voice in the background telling his colleagues to: "go and waste that man, go and waste him". A few frames later, it appeared as if the same man was the man on the ground dead, besides another dead individual.

The pertinent question is whether the man had been caught alive as the video suggested. If so what was the circumstance that led to his death? Was there an effort made to ensure the man lived, by provision of medical service to save him?

The reason is simply that it would have served Nigeria and the cause of the war against the insurgency better, if the character called "Abubakar Shekau", was caught alive, so that he can be debriefed about so many issues arising from the insurgency: where the Chibok Girls are kept;

the sources of their arms and finances; their sponsors; the strength of Boko Haram's membership and its plans to carry out other attacks; and so on. It would also have served democratic justice to bring him to court and then sentence him. But from the evidence of the video making the rounds on the internet, it seemed the man was "wasted", to borrow the words of the man on that short video clip.

After the Second World War, the victorious powers set up the Nuremburg Trials which brought leading operatives of the Nazi regime to the dock; they were tried for crimes against humanity and many of them were hanged for their crimes. But before the conclusion of their trials, experts from different fields spent hours and hours debriefing the criminals.

Debriefing gthe criminals The tomes of evidence collected helped to better understand the psychology of the leading Nazis; the economic, political, military and ideological bases for the war, which killed millions of human beings. Such efforts help society to come to terms with such monumental crimes with the hope of ensuring that it was never going to be allowed to happen again. It seemed our security forces are not equipped for the intellectual work that goes into the detailed debriefing of criminals, delinquents and other anti-social elements, like those

who choose to carry arms against the state. It is imperative to put such abilities in place, because while it is very important to defeat an insurgency like Boko Haram on the battlefield, it is equally important to draw lessons for the future of Nigeria.

I am very much aware of a discourse that reduces the insurgency only to the emergence of religious radicalism. That fundamentalism is central to the doctrine espoused by a body like Boko Haram is a fact; but what is equally true, is that there are deep seated socio-economic, demographic and even psychological factors that condition the emergence of antistate activities which culminate in a military insurgency. One of the main ways of getting a rounded understanding of these crimes is to get the opportunity to enter the minds of these individuals.

But we won't get such opportunities if the most important leaders of an insurgency are caught alive on the warfront but are extra-judicially executed.

Society loses a unique opportunity to learn very vital lessons into the future.

So as we feel happy about victories recently scored by our forces against the Boko Haram insurgency, we should also give ourselves the pause to ask questions about extra-judicial killings, because it is unacceptable in the context of the laws of war. A national army cannot afford to behave like the insurgency it is attempting to suppress!

18 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 THERE are worrying signals that unless due caution is brought to bear, a law that will force some blue chip private companies to sell their shares at the Nigerian Stock Exchange may be enacted. Such a law is reported to be nearing the public hearing stage at the House of Representatives.

If the law becomes operative, big companies, such as the successful telecoms giants (MTN, Globacom, Etisalat and others) as well as oil majors like Shell and Chevron, will be compelled by law to float their shares on the Nigerian bourse. Those behind this initiative argue that Nigerians should be given the opportunity to share in the large amounts of profit that these companies are raking in from the Nigerian market, thus allowing their profitability to have a trickle-down effect.

This argument is myopic and dangerous, because it will eventually frighten investors who may feel threatened that their companies may be “nationalised” through the back door. It will foil the cur rent standing of Nigeria as the African continent’s number one destination for foreign investments.

Making laws to force companies already operating successfully to share their

By Tayo Ogunbiyi

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N recent time, climate change has become an unusual challenge posing a major threat to the survival of nations. To underscore the new reality of climate change as a global menace, it is now being appropriately tackled not only as mere environmental worry but as a more complex problem with multiple effects on health, agriculture, water supply, economic growth, among other essential human related issues.

Simply put, climate change denotes changes occurring in the earth’s climate system and the impacts such changes are having on eco-systems and society. Major features in climate change are changes in the concentration of sunlight getting to the earth and in the absorption of volcanic dust, which reflects sunlight back to space. These factors modify the quantity of sunlight that is taken in by the earth’s climate system. As a result of increased in industrial activities and other human factors such as greenhouse gas concentrations, ozone depletion, air pollution and alterations in land use, the threat of climate change has increased considerably across the globe.

Today, lots of the disasters being witnessed in the world are traceable to climate change.

Such disasters include flood, heat, mudslide, landslide, fiercer weather condition, increased frequency and intensity of storms, desertification, and water shortage, among others. In recent time, millions of people worldwide have been affected by deadly floods resulting from torrential rains in China, Australia, Japan, United States of America, Indonesia and Brazil. All of these experiences

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No TTo oF orced Forced Listing Of Companies ownership is like changing the laws of a game midway. It is inimical to private business and will surely injure the economy. Besides, Nigeria will be repeating a serious blunder it committed and forced many multinational companies to fold up, while some of them moved their operations to more friendly environments in the sub-region.

The advent of the oil boom in the 1970’s increased the purchasing power of Nigerians and saw a boom in the mainly multi-national companies operating in Nigeria. The military government then issued the indigenisation decree,

nationalising foreign blue chip companies.

No sooner did Nigerians take control of their boards than these companies lost control and a vast majority of them could not sur vive. We had to embark on aggressive shopping for private/foreign investors to get back on track.

Since we have chosen the Wester n capitalist model of economic operation, we must allow profitable private businesses to decide if they want to share their ownership with the public or not. It is only companies seeking to raise funds that may want to go to the capital market, and indeed, many of the companies in question have already done so in other countries in tune with their local needs.

Successful companies can continue to share their wealth through adequate taxation and policies to compel minimum levels of corporate social responsibility to promote scholarship, the arts, entertainment, youth, sports, culture and communal development. Many corporate organisations are not doing enough of this due to apathy on the side of policy makers.

Forcing successful companies to sell shares is a policy volte-face which once burnt our fingers. Let’s not go there again.

OPINION Lagos and the threat of climate change are largely traceable to global warminginduced climate change which is posing major threats to lives, food security and businesses.

Lagos has had its own fair share of such agonising rains in recent time.

Being a government that tackles far reaching social issues with scientific and strategic precision, the Lagos State government has put in place appropriate mechanism to respond to the threat of climate change.

Understanding the danger of global warming to its environment, the state government has been in the fore-front of combating the challenge of global warming in the country. It has held several international global warming conferences in addition to making several advocacy campaigns on the subject in recent time.

The state government has equally evolved several practical measures to deal with the climate change phenomenon. It has, for instance, restructured and empowered the Lagos State Emergency Agency, LASEMA, Fire Service, LASAMBUS, the Lagos State Building Control Agency and other relevant agencies to respond as quickly as possible to disasters in order to reduce loss of lives and properties arising from effects of climate change.

Equally, the state government is increasingly combating the effects of climate change through public awareness, legal and institutional framework, campaign against desertification and control of pollution and launching of climate change clubs in schools.

Similarly, greening programme, tree planting and flood control are key programmes

of the current administration that are embarked upon in partial response to global warming and climate change.

Also, the Lagos State Summit on Climate Change is one of the steps being taken to draw local and global attention to the threat of climate change. The summit, which started in 2009, offers great prospect to the state government to harness ideas from relevant stakeholders on how to address the climate change concern. This is necessary in view of the recognition that climate change has no boundary. The crux of discussions by experts and stakeholders at the summit, which has become yearly event, mainly centred on nature, causes, effects and mitigating steps in rescuing the state from destruction by climate change. What this summit has achieved can be inferred from the statement of the state Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) at a recent World Habitat Day forum when he disclosed that the government has been using decisions from the hugely successful summits as basis for policy formulation and implementation in the quest to mitigate the effects of climate change.

To consolidate on the success recorded so far with the previous summits, earlier this year, the state concluded the sixth Climate Change Summit with the theme: “Exploring Business Opportunities in Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation”. Part of the communiqué at the end of the summit is that Lagos State should share experiences of resilient cities programmes such as those of

Kenya and Rwanda and kick start a process, including public consultation on short, medium and long term targets. Others include a review of all existing Urban Plans and existing Physical Law with an increased focus on mitigating climate change impacts and progress on the Lagos Building Codes initiative, that will promote climate resilient and eco-friendly compact housing to green and climate proof .

As the commercial nerve centre of the country, Lagos State spots a lot of opportunities in the pursuit of climate compatible development, and it is currently channeling its efforts towards harnessing such opportunities which abound in implementing climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Part of the adaptation and mitigation measures which the government has embarked on are the Eko Atlantic City project and the Great Wall of Lagos, spanning seven kilometers that has helped to protect Victoria Island, return businesses to the waterfront and create jobs and other economic opportunities.

Others are the Lagos Independent Power project, Akute Independent Power project and the Alausa independent Power project which have helped to provide steady and gas fired energy that have resulted in the decommissioning of hundreds of diesel fired generators and reduce carbon emissions.

Mr. Ogunbiyi is a staff of the Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa,Lagos.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014— 19

, What is ‘North’s' Plan B? A national newspaper over the past weekend carried a bold headline: “North Vows To Stop Jonathan”,withriders:“Wewillensure PDP loses” – Ango Abdullahi; Arewa Chair Commassie: “We are keeping Plan B to our chest”.

Professor Ango Abdullahi is the spokesman of the reactionary Northern Elders Forum, NEF, which is overpopulated with former holders of prominent offices at the federal level. They were the people that the late leader of Northern Nigeria, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, slaved throughout his life to educate and pump into prominent positions during the years that the region exclusively dominated the Nigerian political sphere.

AngoAbdullahiandhiscohortswere given free education and pampered like princes while at school because they were just a handful when compared with their teeming colleagues from the former Eastern and Western Regions. When they graduated, their classmates at Barewa and other colleges in the North who were sent to the military had occupied prominent positions in the Federal Military Government. They enjoyed all the plum postings between 1966 and 1999. At a point they believed that

Nigeria was a colony of Arewa because apart from Olusegun Obasanjo, their surrogate who succeeded Gen Murtala Mohammed when he was killed in a power struggle between Northern factions in 1976 to 1979, the North reigned for 39 years.

It was this class of Northern elite that wrecked the country, its economy and institutions set up by the colonial masters and post-independence leaders. Like parasitic cankerworms, they ate down federal parastatals such as the Railways, Shipping Line, Nigeria Airways, Ajaokuta Steel, Alscon, NITEL, NIPOST, among others, until they were either scrapped or sold off for pennies under questionable privatisation programmes. Back home in the North, they appropriated all the money and power they derived from their dominance of the Federal Government to themselves, friends and family members and produced a tiny core of super-billionaires, with their children attending the best schools in the world.

On the other hand, the children of the talakawa – the poor and downtrodden – were rendered into flyinfested al majiri; street urchins who live with exploitative koranic mallams.

At the justconcluded National Conference, the Middle Belt separated themselves cleanly from Arewa Muslim North and sided with the combined South to create a new political possibility which potentially renders Arewa to an underdog

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TheyfrequentlydeploythemtokillnonMuslims and non-indigenes in the North.Theyouthhavenowchannelled their anger into Boko Haram insurgency to overthrow the ruling class of the North for which Ango Abdullahi is a noisy spokesman.

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hese system wreckers want to gate-crash back into power by all means. These were the people who threatened that if Jonathan was allowed to enjoy his inalienable constitutional rights to vie for presidency of the country, they would make Nigeria ungovernable for him.

Their argument is that after the death of President Umaru Yar’Adua, his Deputy, Dr Goodluck Jonathan should have forfeited his constitutional rights to succeed his boss. He should have

given up his inalienable rights to vie for the presidency because of the rotational principle of the PDP. They call it a fight for justice. Where was equity when Ango Abdullahi and other Arewa freeloaders exclusively called the shots for 39 years, reducing the South to mere spectators? Is it now that a president from the South-South in the former Eastern Region is presiding over Nigeria and gradually restoring the broken institutions of state that Abdullahi attaches a sanctimonious meaning to “equity”?

The truth of the matter is that Ango Abdullahi and the NEF are in no position to carry out the threat they have issued. They cannot stop Nigerians from voting for Jonathan or the PDP if that is what Nigerians want. Also, they have no power to facilitate the victory of the All Progressives Congress, APC. APC victory will happen in spite of the NEF if that is the wish of the Nigerian electorate.

The Northern Region that the British colonial master created and made a monster to rule Nigeria either through ballot or bullet is no more. The three old regions are dead. The old Northern region was the last to die. It was the inheritors of Ahmadu Bello’s largesse like Ango Abdullahi who killed the North through religious extremism and oppression of Minorities and nonMuslims who helped them and the Yorubas in the war against Igbos during 1966 to 1970. At the justconcluded National Conference, the Middle Belt separated themselves cleanly from Arewa Muslim North and sided with the combined South to create a new political possibility which potentially renders Arewa to an underdog.

Even at that, Arewa North does not

dance to the political tune dictated by the faction that Ango speaks for. Ango Abdullahi, Lawal Kaita and Alhaji Ibrahim Coomassie, who boasted that the North would release “Plan B”, are agents of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s faction of the APC. They used their Northern posturing to vie against Jonathan in 2011. Northern presidential aspirants closed ranks against Jonathan and Atiku emerged as consensus candidate. Jonathan still thrashed Atiku at the PDP primaries by scoring 2,736 against Atiku’s 805.

Jonathan went ahead to beat Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential election of 2011, scoring 59% to Buhari’s 32%. Using the ogre of North to frighten political opponents no longer works.

Nigerians still vote along ethnic and religious lines to some extent, but that is not the deciding factor. The deciding factor is where the various political leaders belong. The North is a major stakeholder in both APC and PDP. The North (both Arewa and Middle Belt) is a major stakeholder in the Jonathan presidency. The choice before these leadersin2015iswhethertheirinterests are better served with theincumbent, President Jonathan, or whoever emerges as the APC flag bearer. They will direct their loyalists at the localities to vote accordingly. Ango Abdullahi is just letting off empty, hot air.

As for Coomassie’s Plan B, it no longer exists. North used to bring in the army whenever their civilian wing in power was no longer sure-footed.

They used to change even military regimes whenever the one on ground was no longer acceptable to them.

Those days are over. If Boko Haram was Plan B, it is failing. It will not affect the eventual outcome of the 2015 elections.

Sitting on a keg of gunpowder HE Christian in Nigeria is constantly faced with a serious dilemma: He must confess positive all the time, because in the church’s belief of the self-fulfilling prophesy, the power of the tongue is very strong. At the same time, he is enjoined to remain truthful, even at the edge of doom.

Truly, in whatever direction we look, we see Nigeria sitting on a keg of gunpowder, which could explode anytime. It gets messier by the day.

In the past, the police formations and the army barracks were places where people took refuge in times of danger. But today, the reverse is the case. Police and army barracks are today sacked with impurity.

Soldiers and policemen with their families have had to flee to private houses for safety.

How bad could the people’s lack of security be?

We are still entertaining ourselves with the recent infamy in which our “combat soldiers” came face to face with men of the Boko Haram and our soldiers ran for dear life, escaping into the Camerouns. This may have been exposed inadvertently.

Otherwise, it happens all the time, unnoticed.

There is thoroughly a frightening glimpse into our future. The greatest threat here is the desecration of our once sacred institutions. Perhaps the only license one needs to get away with murder today is to run into the PDP after committing the murder.

Oblivious of the fact that what goes around comes around, they embark on their impunity slowly – in the tradition of the mad man who feigns total ignorance of the big conflagration raging over there. After all, he only started a small fire here. They have defiled and decimated all our institutions, particularly in states outside their control.

At first, it sounded funny when their party

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became hopelessly fragment that at all levels, from the ward to the national, they ran parallel executives. They soon graduated from there to states outside their control where they moved into the legislative and executive branches of government.

On the executive side, they instigated the impeachment of the governor. That’s how impeachment, which was originally meant to check executive excesses, was soon reduced to an instrument for addressing even minor political disagreements.

Yet another dangerous one is what they started lately – setting up parallel legislatures with the instrumentality of the federal might, so called. That’s what they have in Rivers and Edo states. In Rivers State, the obnoxious practice is named after the arrow heads – the authentic legislature, which has an overwhelming majority in the House is called the Amaechi parliament; while the PDP side, which is in a microscopic minority is the Wike parliament.

In Edo State, the overwhelming majority is sarcastically referred to as the APC House while the microscopic minority, purchased largely from the APC, is referred to as the PDP House. In each case, both sides run parallel legislatures. This could be their understanding of the concept of a “bi-camera legislature”.

It portends danger: First, it threatens our elections and the Constitution because as the miscarriage develops, after every election, each contending party will simply set up its own legislature; appoint its own principal officers; and carry on its own business.

Second, we see the same anomaly being extended to the executive branch, in which case, every subsequent gubernatorial election will produce only winners. After the election, each candidate will just set up his own government and operate from his separate Government House. Then we shall have ‘APC Government House’ and ‘PDP Government House’ – a future

approximation of what we already have under Oshiomhole and the other big mouth!

In this animal kingdom, whoever has the

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When we accept a 60year continuous reign of one political party, we must also be willing to serve the term of imprisonment to which we have involuntarily sentenced ourselves!

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support of the police will gain the upper hand.

That is the same animal kingdom where they have now moved to the Judiciary. In the past week, two times within four days, the courts in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, have been sacked by “hoodlums”; and in the last of the two incidents, the office of the Chief Judge of Ekiti State was invaded, with record books torn to shreds and proceedings disrupted.

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n the commotion that ensued at the Tribunal hearing the case of the last gubernatorial election, Hon. Justices Akintayo and J.O. Adeyeye were given the beating of their lives and the suit of the latter was totally shredded. The car of the Tribunal Chairman, Justice Muhammed Siraj, was smashed.

Other judges, lawyers, court officials and litigants within the court precincts were not spared. Everyone had to scamper for dear life.

While the hoodlums had a field day, unleashing their mayhem; the police and other security agents equally had a field day watching and enjoying the theatricals, no thanks to the federal might!

Meanwhile, ‘Big Brother’, as usual, says he is “on top of the situation”, trying to fish out the hoodlums and their sponsors. Bravo!

They must continue to hunt the perpetrators, even when the Governor-elect of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has avowed unequivocally, “Most of our judges have compromised… The strategy of APC will not work. Nobody no matter how highly placed would remove me cheaply. It would not be too cheap like Segun Oni. I am not going to be cheap at all because I am elected by the people”.

That is the macabre dance in Ekiti State, which will soon snowball to all parts of the country. The Judiciary used to be the last hope of the ordinary man. And now that the Judiciary is gone, all else is gone!

In all this, we have no one to blame but ourselves. In the real democracies, no political party retains power in perpetuity.

When the Americans decide to vote out the Republicans and enthrone the Democrats, it is not that they love the Republicans any less; but they seek change and this helps to keep governments on their toes in terms of performance. When we accept a 60-year continuous reign of one political party, we must also be willing to serve the term of imprisonment to which we have involuntarily sentenced ourselves!

20 — Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, OCTOBER 2, 2014

How 58 lock-up shops, 108 vehicles were razed at Owode Onirin market

By Bose Adelaja

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WODE which literally means ‘’Money has arrived”, is a popular name in Lagos. Which is why we have Owode-Elede, Owode- Ibeshe and Owode-Onirin noted for being centres of commerce.

Owode-Onirin is the most popular owing to its market stretch.

Irin in Yoruba stands for iron or sometimes all metal types used for various purposes such as construction, fabrication and fittings.

Situated on Mile 12- Ikorodu road in Kosofe Local Government, this market has been in existence for over three decades and remains the biggest market for iron and steel products, with complementary goods in Lagos.

The market is divided into two sections: the automobile and metal fabrication sections. Also, the scrap market located within is open for deals in every

I got a distress call around 2pm and rushed to the scene; I almost did not recognise my shops as everything was burnt beyond recognition

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aspect of scrap, ranging from accidented vehicles to company antiquities which are conspicuously displayed based on market arrangement.

It also plays host to other forms of business activities such as hawking, petty trading, food vendorship, cab hire and freighting, weight and measures, patent medicines and automobile engineering, to mention but a few.

A recent visit to the market revealed it is indeed a large community, although basic infrastructural facilities are lacking. Also, despite the usual Thursday sanitation exercise in Lagos markets, it was obvious that the traders at OwodeOnirin have not faithfully been observing the rules of hygiene as the place needs to be thoroughly cleaned up.

Few months back, the ongoing road expansion along the Mile12-Ikorodu road claimed part of the market to pave way for better traffic network. But this is not the pressing problem in the market. What has left traders really worried is the fact that C M Y K

two major fire outbreaks occurred there within one week: Tuesday September 30 and Friday September 26, 2014.

Some affected traders are still stranded on account of this.

While the one on Tuesday only affected few lock-up shops, the Friday inferno ravaged and consumed about 58 lock-up shops and 108 vehicles as the fire started in the night after the usual closing at 5pm.

Since the fire, things have not been the same in the market, although the incident was blamed on the market leadership which did not observe safety instructions given by the State government on fire prevention.

While the Tuesday inferno was said to have started from a battery charger ’s shop, the cause of last Friday’s inferno still remains a mystery to both the traders and government.

Fortunately, no life was lost in the incident.

Although normalcy seem to have returned to the market when Vanguard Metro, VM,

,

visited the place on Monday, but some of the affected traders are still bemoaning their losses.

One of them, Alhaji Ibrahim Lasoro, said he acquired one of the lock-up shops in 1987. ‘’I lost goods worth N3.7million to the inferno. Also, I lost some important documents and personal effects and nobody can categorically state the cause of the inferno which has rendered many of us helpless.

I did not envisage such a disaster when I closed for the day. I got a distress call around 2pm and rushed to the scene by day break and I almost did not recognise my shops as everything was burnt beyond recognition,” he lamented.

During VM’s visit to the market, affected traders were seencutting the burnt remains of some vehicles into scraps with prospective buyers milling about.

Another victim of the inferno, Razaq Akinrinola, who deals in iron, said the inferno has more or less reduced him to a pauper. ‘’I was badly affected by the inferno and I have been thinking about survival as I have dependents. Right now

•CP Aderanti *The burnt and mangled remains of vehicles at the market I’m just floating around like a squatter, while seeking solace in God. I wish government will come to our aid,” he said, amidst tears.

On his part, Olatunde Moses, who also suffered losses, blamed the incident on the carefree attitude of some traders. ‘’We were instructed over and over to always switch off electrical appliances which many of us did not obey. I have personally gone round the market to monitor whether people comply with this, but found out that my colleagues are just simply lawless and only government can call them to order,” he posited.

A trader who pleaded anonymity said last Friday’s fire occurred in the inner part of the market around 7.52pm after the closure of the market by 5pm. According to eye witnesses, some of the traders who live close to the market rushed to the scene as soon as

the alarm was raised and tried to move some of the vehicles inside the market. By the time they remembered to call fire fighters, it was too late as the fire ravaged and consumed 108 of the vehicles.

Eye witnesses also said the market could not be easily accessed by fire fighters due to the ongoing road construction as well as existing gridlock in the area.

Meantime, the Director, Lagos State Fire Services, Razaq Fadipe, has attributed the incident to power upsurge, while blaming the traders for disobeying instructions given by the fire services on how to prevent such an occurrence.

Fadipe said the market leaders were, on three occasions, invited by the fire fighters but none of the instructions given to them was observed. ‘’We were not contacted on time and after putting out the fire, we did enumeration and

discovered that about 58 lock up shops and 108 vehicles were burnt. ‘’This is not the first time we’re recording such an occurrence.

When I assumed office, we invited them to our office on three occasions to instruct them on how to prevent fire outbreak, but they failed to adhere to our instruction. There have been several fire outbreaks in the market and we told them what they are supposed to do. First of all, we told them of the need to demarcate the stalls according to the type of wares they deal in. Also, proper wiring of that place is important instead of the clustered cables that are usually noticed; we told them about the rudiments of safety, to ensure designated points where fire extinguishers will be hung and provision of hydrant so that the first person to notice the fire outbreak will be able to respond to it.”

5,700 artisans, others receive councils’ largesse

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

I

T was jubilation galore when the Lagos State Government, in collaborationwithcouncilchairmen, distributed various items worth several millions of naira to 5,700 persons, including the physically challenged, in the state.

The state government, through Conference 57, comprising 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas, LCDAs, distributed the items duringacommunityempowerment programme, held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, in the state.

It will be recalled that the council chairmen had on August 1, 2014, handed over 3,000 different materials worth several hundred millions of naira to improve the economic status of indigent people living in some parts of the state.

Some of the items include sewing machines, compressor machines for vulganizers, outboard

engines for fishermen, driers and others.

Among the physically challenged beneficiaries were Mr. Kazeem Waheed and Mrs. Modinat Azeez, a fashion designer and hairdresser. They described the gesture as very noble.

Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Henry Ajomale, lamented that the programme would not have been necessary if successive governments at the central had considered the needs of the indigents in the country rather than mismanaging national fund.

This, Ajomale said, was the reason the party decided to tackle the menace of corruption in the country by focusing on three cardinal areas: Women development, youth development and care for the physically challenged persons in the country.

According to him: “The issue of corruption must be eliminated by the APC government in power.

These are very important and key to our programmes when it comes to elections in 2015. When the APC takes over government from the PDP, these are programmes, that form part of our manifesto, that would be vigorously pursued.”

Harping on the empowerment, he said: “We are distributing this because we want the average Nigerian to live comfortably. Every Nigerian is a stakeholder in government and we must see to it that everyone gets a chance to develop.

“I want to specially thank the chairmen for this gesture. The equipment that they are giving you is for you to start up. It’s a complete set with generator. If there was electricity, there would be no need for generators, but the Federal Government has failed to give us power. I want to encourage all the beneficiariesofthislaudablegesture to use these items effectively to better your lives and your future.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 21

By EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

T

he World Bank Group has stated that most states across Nigeria have continued to implement regulatory business reforms , with Cross River, Ekiti, Niger, Ogun, and Rivers making the biggest stride.

According to the World Bank report on business climate, challenges and hurdles to local entrepreneurs have persisted in the country’s business climate.

The report tagged ‘Doing Business in Nigeria 2014’ found that there was room to learn from each other, with good practices being implemented in some parts of the country that can benefit other states if applied.

According to the report, the 36 Nigerian states in addition to Abuja, FCT were benchmarked in the entire study.

The report covers four indicators including: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, registering property, and enforcing contracts. The report finds that 22 states have improved in at least one of the areas measured since the last benchmarking exercise in January 2010.

The findings show big strides achieved in the past few years by some states.

Ogun, one of the lowest ranked overall performers in both 2008 and 2010, is one of the top reforming states in 2014. A concerted effort across federal and state authorities, and in collaboration with the private sector, helped improve Ogun on three of the four indicators benchmarked.

Regulatory reforms improving Nigeria’s business climate — World Bank The report also finds that most of the reforms documented focused on streamlining the complexity and cost of regulatory processes. One-stop centers have improved the time to issue a building permit in Rivers, Delta, and Oyo, in some cases dropping by 50 percent or more since 2010.

Findings show that the case management provisions

introduced by Ekiti’s new civil procedure rules in 2011 helped reduce average trial time by nine months. Data shows that states continued to digitize land records and introduce geographical information systems making property registration more secure and efficient.

Despite these improvements, challenges persist, with no single state

ranking at the top on all indicators. For instance Abuja, FCT and Lagos are among the top performing states on the ease of starting a business, but rank in the bottom two positions on the ease of dealing with construction permits. Similarly, Sokoto and Osun rank two and three in dealing with construction permits, but 30 and 33 in starting a business,

From Left : SEC Nigeria’s Director General , Arunma Oteh presenting a publication on Africa and Middle East Capital markets to International Organisations of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) board Chairman Greg Medcraft at the 33rd meeting of Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC) which took place as part of the 39th Annual meeting of the organisation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Extreme right is IOSCO Secretary General David Wright.

Terminal operators kick against amendment of Free trade zone Act

By GODWIN ORITSE

A

respectively.

Additionally, the study revealed that Nigerian entrepreneurs face different regulatory hurdles, depending on where they establish their businesses.

Varied state regulations and practices along with uneven implementation of federal legislation drive these differences and impact local entrepreneurs differently.

group, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), has opposed the move by the Senate to amend the Act establishing the Oil & Gas Export Free Zone Authority.

In a petition sent to the Senate joint Committee on Trade and Establishment and Public Services, the group said that as stakeholders in the trade chain in Nigeria, the terminal operators were not informed nor invited to the public hearing which touched “on the essence of the concession programme of the Government of Nigeria”.

The petition which was signed by one Mr. Uzamot Boye, Secretary of the group said that STOAN is a

registered association of 26 terminal operators of Nigerian seaports that were concessioned by the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Bureau for Public Enterprise, BPE, and as such, have invested millions of dollars in reconstruction of some of the terminals, acquisition of equipment and payment of royalties to the Federal Government.

In the petition dated September 24th 2014, Boye noted that besides creating employment for Nigerians, paying taxes to the government, and contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy, the group must be carried along in the proposed amendment of the Oil & Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act. Parts of the petition read “A critical look at the proposed amendment, in particular the amendment of

section 12, shows a clear violation of the existing extant laws and agreements on which the present port concessions are based.

“It is important to note that all the Terminals that were concessioned have its own separate and distinct subsisting agreements.

“In the circumstances therefore, we see these proposed amendments as illegal, biased and an attempt to serve a particular interest against the wish and will of Nigerians and against the spirit and letters of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended which the Senators as lawmakers swore to uphold.”

The STOAN scribe stated in the letter that the amendment to the oil & gas export free zone Act CAP 05 LFN is premised on the consideration of the substantial investments made in Onne oil and gas free zone concession to Intels Nig. Ltd.

USC 194.35 USC

3.10

USD3,294.00 USD-17.00 USC 15.44 USC -0.22

USD 94.64 USD -2.56 USD 91.14 USD -3.43

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL DOLLAR 154.75 STERLING 250.4319 EURO 94.7529 FRANC 161.3828 YEN 1.4087 CFA 0.2806 WAUA 229.4269 RENMINBI 25.2068 RIYAL 41.2513 KRONA 26.1641 SDR 229.4324

155.25 251.241 195.382 161.9043 1.4133 0.2906 230.1682 25.2887 41.3845 26.2486 230.1737

155.75 252.0502 196.0114 162.4257 1.41783 0.3006 230.9095 25.3706 41.5178 26.3331 230.915

CBN Exchange Rate as 01 /10 / 2014

22—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

,

The more disciplined you can be with your time, the greater your chances of successfully balancing your business with your day's job

,

Tips for running a part-time business unning a side business and keeping a day job at R the same time is not easy.

Implementing the following tips among other necessary actions could go a long way in helping to achieve your dream.

Plan your business Create a clear, realistic plan for starting the business, breaking down the process into achievable goals. This will help in maintaining focus and guide you through the process of launching and running the business.

Figure out the most important tasks involved in the startup process as well as those that will take the longest time to accomplish, such as securing insurance, completing the necessary registration, obtaining licenses, etc. Prioritise these tasks to avoid facing last

If you want to get your business in good shape, you will need to devote as much time as possible. Even if you work every evening, devoting more time during breaks and holidays can help push your business further down the path to success.

In addition, by using your holidays for work rather than pleasure, you could end up making financial savings to go towards your start-up. You may not find it easy devoting holidays to work, but hopefully, when your company takes off and starts growing, you will see the benefits of the decision.

Get help when necessary If the volume of work required by your side business is more than you can handle, then you should consider hiring someone to

If you want to get your business in good shape, you will need to devote as much time as possible

,

minute delays.

You also need to write a business plan that contains every detail about the business. A business plan helps you keep on track as you start and run your business. It also comes in handy when you need to obtain funding from third parties, such as angel investors or lenders.

Have a routine Starting a business while keeping your job means you will have less of free time on your hands. So, you need to plan your time well to make the most out of it. You can begin by setting the exact time you will be starting work every evening and the time you will be closing down for the night.

After creating a schedule, you must stick with it - and that’s even more important than creating the schedule in the first place. You must avoid excuses that allow you to procrastinate, and avoid working beyond your fixed finish time. The more disciplined you can be with your time, the greater your chances of successfully balancing your business with your day job.

Maximise breaks and holidays

,

assist you. Your employee would be working on the business throughout the working day while you are at your full-time job.

You may not be able to afford the cost of hiring an employee when you are just starting out. In this case, you should consider taking a young graduate on a placement or work experience stint.

Choose a good location When you are starting a side business as a full time employee, the definition of a good location goes beyond “where your target clients are.” Your location must allow you to shuttle easily between business and work, and allow you to achieve maximum productivity in both capacities without distraction. So, it’s essential that you find a location that will meet these requirements.

Start with online business Note that an internet business is cheaper to start than building a brick and mortar business. This is because it requires less logistics and inventory; and offers flexible running time.

So you are better off starting an online business.

BUSINESS NAIRA EXCHANGE RATES Date 30/9/14

Currency DOLLAR STERLING EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

BY AJAERO MARTINS

D

ue to increasing h e a l t h consciousness, a lot of people have started turning away from consumption of fizzy drinks and sodas which are presumed to be bad for health and could lead to diabetes and other health problems. More people now prefer to go for healthier alternatives like fruit and vegetable juices.

Fruit juices are not only packed with fewer calories, they are also filled with vitamins which are beneficial to the body. This has opened up veritable opportunities for juice bar business.

There are basically two types of juice bars – Mobile and Stationed juice bars.

Operators of Mobile juice bar make use of trucks or juice carts to sell their products around neighbourhoods or set up sales booth at public events like sports, exhibitions and festivals. On the other hand, Stationed juice bar is stationed in one place (restaurant style) where people can easily walk in and order whatever they want.

Success factors To achieve success in juice bar business, it is advisable to get some basic training to help learn the tips and tricks to succeed in the business and to prepare for any challenge that may be encountered during the course of running the juice bar business. There are however, some very important factors to be considered in starting the business, some of which include the following.

Location: Where the

Buying(N) 154.75 250.4319 194.7529 161.3828 1.4087 0.2806 229.4269 25.2068 41.2513 26.1641 229.4324

Central(N) 155.25 251.2411 195.3821 161.9043 1.4133 0.2906 230.1682 25.2887 41.3845 26.2486 230.1737

Selling(N) 155.75 252.0502 195.0114 162.4257 1.4178 0.3006 230.9095 25.3706 41.5178 26.3331 230.915

Template for starting a juice bar business

bar is set up is highly critical to the success of the business. The best place to set up your juice bar is a public place where a lot of people normally drive or walk through. Such places include shopping malls or grocery stores, airports, train stations, fitness centers, school cafeterias and office complexes.

Seasonal Changes: Changes in seasons affect revenue and one should always be adequately prepare for the off-peak periods. A juice bar business is likely to make fewer sales during raining and other cold seasons compared to dry season. Dry season is a peak period for juice business because people consume drinks more at this time due to the hot weather. At this time, arrangement could be

made to set up make-shift juice bars at beaches or children’s parks to make more sales.

M a r k e t i n g : Understanding the process of marketing the business is crucial to success. Give the juice bar an attractive name that would appeal to customers’ healthconscious mind. Adding healthy snacks to the menu would not only increase revenue, but also help customers to choose all round healthy meals.

Competition: A juice bar is very easy to set up, and requires relatively small capital, thus open to a lot of competition. Nevertheless, one can beat competitors by being smarter. Study major competitors and look at what they are offering and what makes them successful, then come out

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—23

,

We have been taught to always see the brighter side of the business alone and most of the times, we ignore the threats and the warning signals for optimisation

& YOU

,

COMMODITIES (01/10/14) Commodity Light Crude

Last 92.79

Natural Gas

4.13

+0.01

+0.32

Sugar

16.10

-0.35

-2.13

Coffee

199.90

+6.55

+3.39

Cocoa

3,178.00

-122.00

-3.70

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with something even better. A good way to beat competitors is to make one’s products cheaper.

Franchise: Think about leveraging on other people’s success and efforts by buying a juice bar franchise. Look for a very popular, successful juice bar and start another branch of that bar in your area. This would give you access to ready-made customers and also make it easier for you to start your business since most of the strategising and advertising has already been figured out.

Menu: This is one of the most important factors for success. Make sure your juice menu is excellent and packed with a lot of tasty and healthy ingredients.

Try experimenting with different fruit combinations and flavours to come up with something no one else is offering. Also try to find out the type of juices that people demand more and ensure such is included in your menu.

Equipment To start a juice bar, some equipment need to be purchased. You can go for fairly used equipment if buying new ones would be too expensive. Some of the equipment that you will

need include: Blender; Ice machine; Juice press; Straws; Cups; Napkins; Mesh strainers; Long spoons and; Cup lids.

These are the basic tools needed to set up a juice bar but as time goes on and more sales and profit are recorded, you may find out that other equipment are needed. If you are setting up a mobile juice bar, for instance, you will need a truck and if you are opting for a restaurant-style juice bar, you have to include cost of renting a space as well as cost of furnishing it in your business plan. You should also ensure that you obtain necessary licenses and permits to avoid harassment from law enforcement agents.

Types of juices There are three categories of juice to sell - fruit juice, vegetable juice and smoothies. The most popular fruit juices are Apple, Orange, Pineapple and Mango. These juices are referred to as base juices because they can be mixed with other types of juice.

Suitable vegetable juices include spinach, celery, beets, wheat grass and carrots. You should also consider adding spices like ginger, garlic, nutmeg or cinnamon to your vegetable juice while in the smoothie’s category you can include dairy products like yogurts, soya milks or rice milks.

If you are looking for some combinations to try, peach and pineapple, blackberry and banana or red grapes and cranberry are very good combinations to try.

Martins owns Mytopbusinessideas.com, a business and entrepreneurship blog

% Change +1.79

Positive thinking not enough for organisations' growth BY ‘UJU ONWUZULIKE

“Embracing vulnerability is your path to wholeness.”…Rosalene Glickman

W

ith the current realities and business uncertainties, what brings about success in your organisation today might not bring the same success tomorrow. An idea, thought, or belief that we have been used to in the time past and that has worked may not work for us in the same manner it did in the time past. But that does not mean that those ideas or beliefs that worked in the time past are not necessary, they may still be necessary, but are not sufficient for today’s world.

They could be parts of the ingredients needed for success in your organisation, but are not sufficient ingredients. In a bid to improve our individual performances, we have been introduced to positive thinking. We have been thought amongst other things to be positive and things will be okay, avoid negativity, always alienate ourselves from any negative thoughts or feelings, and always believe that situations will improve over time. A very pertinent question to ask ourselves is: can our organisational problems simply varnish because we have positive thinking mindset? Is positive thinking enough in this ever changing and turbulent world?

For years, the motto of the productive world has been “Think Positive.” Even countries are not left out, with or without clear cut game plans, they are always positive that challenges like terrorism, unemployment,

unfavourable economic situations etc will one day become things of the past.

The reality is that without being definite of what to do whether as a country or an organisation challenges and issues will continue to rear its ugly head. I remembered speaking to a young entrepreneur who was having serious challenges driving sustainable business.

During our meeting, my first question to him was: what do you think will happen to your business given the current situation?

He quietly answered, “I am positive that

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The best place to set up your juice bar is a public place where a lot of people normally drive or walk through

Change ($) +1.63

In most organisations, positive thinking is often used to suppress negativity

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things will improve in the future”. Having said that, I quickly asked him; do you have clear cut strategies of what to do? His answer clearly showed that he has left the success of business to chance or fate. In another situation, a senior person in an organisation (in my presence) has also told his subordinate who had some official challenges and required a superior input to “just be positive” that with time everything will be okay.

Off course, I quickly advised him to call back that his subordinate (who had trust in him) and proffer step by step solutions and never pretend there was no problem. The truth is that it is totally impossible to grow any organisation by mere wishful thinking or by being positive without having a strong desire to commit plans to actions.

So, are we saying that positive thinking is not necessary in this age and time? No, positive thinking is

valuable, and useful, however dwelling only on positive thinking as a magical way to achieve result in this ever changing business world could only do more harm to organisations than good. The belief of most organisation is that positive thinking is always in there best interest, but that is not always the case. We have been thought to always see the brighter side of the business alone and most of the times, we ignore the treats and the warning signals for optimisation.

Martin Seligman, who wrote Learned Optimism said, if the cost of failure is high optimism is the wrong strategy. As a result of dwelling alone on positive thinking, organisation performances have been impacted negatively; bad debt has increased and the road map to organisational success has been reduced to mere wishful thinking or “business as usual”.

We all remembered when foreclosures were off the charts in America. Many people bought homes when they did not have the money to pay for them. They suppressed their doubts and concerns, and eventually were hit with foreclosure. In addition, the global financial crisis that we had came as a result of questionable strategies that were used by some Wall Street executives.

Those that questioned the workability of those strategies and who also expressed doubt were labeled negative thinkers.

Indeed, positive thinking has not been enough. The world and indeed the business world require a more realistic style of thinking that empowers individuals and organisations to be their best and at the end deliver targeted results.

In most organisations, positive thinking is often used to suppress negativity.

Because many positive thinkers often judge, suppress, and ignore negativity.

C M Y K

24 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

The Nigerian Economy At 54 — LCCI

BY Muda Yusuf

O

VER the last 54 years the Nigerian economy has transformed from a basically agrarian economy to an economy driven largely by resources from the oil and gas sector. Today, the biggest shortcoming of the economy is its dependence on oil.

It makes the economy very vulnerable to global shocks; and weak in inclusiveness.

The 15 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria has earned the country enormous goodwill as one of the few stable democracies in Africa. The economy has benefited from this goodwill as investors are more comfortable in a democratic environment. This among other things has made Nigeria a major investment destination on the continent.

However, core democratic values are yet to take firm root in our democracy, especially in the following respects: Accountability by the political leadership at all levels; Transparency in the management of public finance; Rule of law; Separation of powers and the inherent checks and balances; Quality and independence of democratic institutions – Electoral bodies, Law Enforcement Agencies, Judiciary etc; Citizen engagement in the democratic process; Federalism.

The LCCI recognises that Nigerian democracy is still work in progress, but it is crucial to recognise the importance of these democratic ideals in the sustenance of our democracy.

ECONOMIC GROWTH PERFORMANCE Economic growth trend,

•President Goodluck Jonathan

transformation since independence, especially with regard to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery. The sophistication of the industry can compare with its counterparts even in the advanced economies.

However, there remains a major concern about the weak impact of the growth performance on private sector productivity and the welfare of the Nigerian people. The quality of the business environment remains a source of concern to investors, especially in the real sector. Weak infrastructures and institutions had adverse effects on efficiency,

,

The environment of affected communities had suffered serious degradation as a consequence of this problem. Indeed, the oil and gas sector suffered negative growth on the back of this challenge

measured by the performance of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), has been generally positive over the last two decades, averaging about 6%. This is good compared to growth conditions in most economies around the world. However, it remains a major worry that the economy is still structurally defective as it is too dependent on the oil and gas sector, creating serious vulnerability risks. The lack of political will to reform the oil and gas sector remains a major shortcoming of governance over the past two decades.

However, the transformation in the telecommunications sector stands out as the most successful reform story in the economy. We note the progress being made in the agricultural sector. But it is important to note that the sector cannot be transformed in isolation of infrastructure development and industrialisation.

The financial services sector has also shown significant

,

productivity and competiveness of enterprises in the economy.

These conditions pose a major risk to inclusiveness and job creation in the economy.

Following the recent GDP rebasing, the Nigerian economy is now the 26th largest economy globally and the biggest in Africa with a GDP of $510 billion in 2013.

It is also one of the largest consumer markets globally.

However, the country currently ranks 153 [out of 186 countries] in the Human Development Index by the UNDP; and 147 in the Ease of Doing Business Ranking of the World Bank out of 189 countries. This underscores the lack of alignment between economic growth, investment climate and the welfare of citizens in Nigeria.

CHALLENGES FOR INVESTORS Credit Situation: The Credit Situation remains a major problem for investors in the economy. Many small and

medium scale enterprises still have serious challenge in accessing credit even at this high rate. The tight credit situation is a major inhibiting factor to the capacity of domestic enterprises to take advantage of the robust Nigerian market, especially the SMEs. The Credit Challenge was identified as the factor with the biggest negative impact on business confidence.

Power Situation The Power situation remains a major burden on business. It is one area in which the trend since independence has been that of progressive decline. Power supply has consistently lagged behind the pace of the economic activities and population growth.

This development impacted negatively on investment over the past few decades with increased expenditure on diesel and petrol by enterprises. This also comes with the consequences of declining productivity and competitiveness.

Security Situation: The Security situation in the country deteriorated in the last few years. It impacted on investment risk, worsened our perception and image at the global level.

Access to markets in the troubled parts of the country has reduced for many enterprises and this is already affecting sales and profitability. Also many enterprises have relocated either to other parts of the country, or even outside the country.

Also related to this is the escalating oil theft and the vandalisation of pipe lines.

Billions of dollars have been lost in revenue; many lives have been lost as well. The environment of affected communities had suffered serious degradation as a consequence of this problem.

Indeed, the oil and gas sector

suffered negative growth on the back of this challenge.

CONSTRAINTS TO REAL SECTOR The Nigeria business environment is generally challenging for manufacturing enterprise because of the quality of infrastructure; which is why the risk of industrial investment is high and continues to increase. The various policy interventions have not had the desired impact on the sector.

Unless there is an effective and sustained protection and support for the sector, and a

dramatic improvement in infrastructure, the outlook the sector will remain gloomy, particularly for the small scale industries.

It is impossible to have a vibrant manufacturing sector in the face of rampant dumping of cheap imports in the country.

Some of these imports are landing at 50% of the cost of products produced locally.

Besides, manufacturers have to worry about high energy cost because the power improvement is yet to be sustained; they have to worry about high interest rates - 20% and above; they have to worry about a multitude of regulatory agencies making different demands on them; they have to worry about massive smuggling and under invoicing of imports and many more. The multinationals and other conglomerates in the sector may have the resilience to cope. But for most manufacturing SMEs, it is a nightmare. Yet production is critical to an enduring economic and social stability.

The way forward is to address the fundamental constraints to manufacturing competitiveness in the Nigerian economy.

The reality is that job losses in the sector have been on the increase over the years as productivity declined on the back of the harsh operating environment. However, the multinationals and conglomerates have shown some positive trend in performance and resilience, especially in the foods and beverage sector as well in the cement industry. Even then, they would do much better if the operating environment were better.

Muda Yusuf is Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 25

LAUNCH: Chancellor, Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Dr. David Oyedepo(5th left), his wife, Mrs. Faith Oyedepo ((5th right), Director, UN HABITAT, Professor Banji Oyeyinka (3rd right), Vice- Chancellor, Covenant University, Prof. Charles Ayo, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa (3rd left) and staff of the university at the launch of the Global Report on Human Settlement 2013 in Ota, Ogun State.

Nigeria @ 54: How independent is the education sector?

I

N what seems like a reoccurrence of what happened two years ago, when millions of Nigerian students celebrated the nation’s 52nd independence anniversary at home due to strike by university lecturers under the aegis of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, millions of pupils and students across several states, yesterday, said a silent hurray as they stayed back home to mark the nation’s 54 years of independence.

The usual enthusiasm that greets every Independence Day anniversary, especially among school children, who bask in the euphoria of the excursions and march-past parades before state officials and other eminent personalities at stadia across the country, was missing yesterday.

This is no thanks to the closure of schools due to the outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, imported into the country

on July 20 by Patrick Sawyer, a Liberian-American diplomat.

This is made worse as yesterday marked the 170th day since the kidnap of over 200 female students from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by the Boko Haram group, while they were writing their SSCE.

Critical re-examination Re-examining the nation’s education sector at 54, stakeholders that spoke to Vanguard Learning lamented that five decades after independence, Nigeria is still grappling with challenges bordering on rot, incessant strikes by staff unions over welfare and the state of teaching and learning facilities, kidnapping and killing of innocent school children in their schools by Boko Haram, increase in the number of out-of-school children and the dying prospect of meeting the 2015 United

Nations’ deadline for Education for All. There is also mass failure in national examinations, inadequate access to tertiary education, steep hike in tuition fees in tertiary institutions, the rising army of unemployed graduates roaming the streets, craze for education in foreign countries and brain-drain as a result of mass exodus of teachers to foreign institutions, among other worrisome issues.

A rejected budget: In what looked like an early punch to the Federal Government, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, in January, kicked against the N373.4bn allocated to the education sector in this year’s budget, claiming that it is far below the 26 per cent minimum budgetary allocation recommended by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO. The SSANU Chairman, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Abdussobur Salam, said though

education got the second highest allocation in the budget, the fund was too paltry to have the desired impact on the sector.

Army of unemployed youths A recent survey which puts the figure of the nation’s unemployed youths at 54 per cent became glaring on March 15, when no fewer than 19

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By Amaka Abayomi, Dayo Adesulu, Ikenna Asomba & Tare Youdeowei

Five decades after independence, Nigeria is still grappling with challenges bordering on rot, incessant strikes by staff unions over welfare and the state of teaching and learning facilities

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innocent job seekers, including pregnant mothers, lost their lives in stampedes that occurred during a nationwide recruitment exercise held by the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, in different stadia in the country.

For just 4,000 job spaces, over 70,000 job seekers stormed the venues of the recruitment test, a worrisome situation which stakeholders say is a direct opposite of government’s claim

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Early sign of cancer discovered in bloodstream Pg. 28 C M Y K

Bringing back the North-East

iniversity (2)

that over 1.6 million jobs were created in 2013, while the National Enterprise Development Programme, NEDEP, will create 3.5 million jobs for unemployed Nigerian youths this year. ... and Chibok girls were kidnapped

to Pg. 27

Nigerians were yet to get over the news of the Immigration stampede when, on the night of April 14, no fewer than 276 female students who were writing their SSCE were whisked away from the Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents.

Sadly, the nation marked its 54th independence anniversary Continues on page 26

Okebukola charges educationists to fight corruption in education Pg. 29

26 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Ibeju-Lekki Council decries inadequate teachers, schools

By GABRIEL OLAWALE

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*From left: Dr Taiwo Akande, Rector, Federal Polytechnic Ado Ekiti, Mrs Ajoke Ogunsan, CEO, Executive Trainers, Prof. Nadera Alborno, American University of Dubai, Prof. Oluyemisi Obilade, VC, Tai Solarin University and Dr Ayo Ogunsan, Chairman, Executive Trainers at the ongoing International Women In Higher Education Conference organised by Executive Trainers at Zayed University, Dubai, UAE.

Nigeria @ 54 Continues from page 25

yesterday as over 200 of the girls are yet to return, making it exactly 170 days since the girls got missing.

JAMB’s new directives Worried that the nation’s higher institutions have only been able to accommodate about one third of the over 1.5 million candidates who write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations, UTME, annually, the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, few months to UTME, disclosed that beginning with the 2014 UTME, candidates will be given the choice to pick only one university of their choice, as against the traditional first and second choice options of universities and/or polytechnics.

He said: “The policy was necessary to solve the admission

companies, NGOs which have contributed to the development of education in the land. Firms like MTN Foundation, ExxonMobil, UBA Foundation, DUFIL and Promasidor, have through their corporate social responsibility, contributed immensely to Nigeria's education sector.

Their contributions were done in form of awards of scholarships, purchase of equipment for schools, construction of classrooms and science laboratories to mention a few.

Executive Trainers Limited, ETL, in the past six years has directly been involved in the training and retraining of vicechancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars, bursars and other top executives in Nigeria's tertiary institutions.

On its part, Foundation for Effective Leadership and Development, FELD, a nongovernmental organisation has

,

The 6-3-3-4 system of education would have been the best if it had been properly implemented; the senior secondary schools are supposed to be feeders for the varsities; technical colleges would feed polytechnics while Grade II students would feed Colleges of Education

crisis bedevilling the nation’s education sector.

WAEC shocker Just as Nigerians were getting over JAMB’s directive, the Head of National Office, West African Examinations Council, WAEC, Mr. Charles Eguridu, dropped a shocker that signifies a decline in the performance of students in external examinations as 529,425,000 candidates, representing 31.2 per cent of the total 1,692,435,000 candidates who participated in the examination, recorded credit pass in five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, as against 36.57 and 38.81 per cent in 2013 and 2012 editions, respectively.

Education Builders However, to Vanguard Learning, the celebration of Nigeria at 54 years, will not be complete if we do not mention

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consistently in the past three years offered scholarships and grants to 11, 374 persons.

Stakeholders react Scoring the sector 54 per cent, the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Olusoji Adams, attributed the many problems the sector is facing to Nigerians’ lack of the fear of God. “Nigeria has all it takes to offer free education to all its citizens but that is not what we are witnessing.

If we want to witness any form of improvement in the education sector, government at all levels must, as a matter of urgency, increase budgetary allocation to the sector to, at least, 34 per cent.

This is because there are a lot of intelligent people who desire to be educated but lack the finance to do so.

“In 1971, as the Federal Commissioner for Finance and

Vice-President of the Federal Executive Council in Yakubu Gowon’s Federal Military Government, Obafemi Awolowo, of blessed memory, told government that with the amount of money the country is making, it could afford to offer free education at all levels of education to its citizens.

"Though it was put to vote and was out-voted, but we can only imagine how developed Nigeria would have been if we started practising free education since 1971.”

Standard of education The Provost, Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe, Professor Olu Akeusola, is of the opinion that Nigeria’s problem isn’t with the standard of education but with the implementation of policies.

He said: “It is so sad that 54 years post-independence, Nigeria is yet to get it right in the education sector because our leaders are so much in a hurry to come up with new policies that are not properly implemented. ”The 6-3-3-4 system of education would have been the best if it had been properly administered. This is because the senior secondary schools are supposed to be feeders for the universities; technical colleges would feed polytechnics while Grade 2 students would feed Colleges of Education. But today, we have scraped Grade 2 and everyone wants to go to the university and only consider polytechnics and Colleges of Education when they fail to gain admission into universities.

“A lot of directors in the Ministry of Education are not educationists but lawyers and accountants.

So until we are able to properly administer policies and put round pegs in round holes, we would continue to have lacunas.”

In agreement is the National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign, ERC, Mr. Hassan Soweto, who lamented the consistent decline in the sector over the years. “The sector has fared Continues on page 29

HE Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area, in the Epe division of Lagos State, Mr. Olorunkemi Surakat has called on the state government to address the issue of inadequate teachers in the existing schools within Epe area and environs.

Surakat made the call at the official commissioning of Prince Bayo Balogun Teachers’ House in Ibeju-Lekki, at the weekend.

The council boss described the newly commissioned 1000chair capacity hall as effort in the right direction, stressing that aside the shortage in number of teachers, there was need for more schools to be built so as to go round a fast developing area such as IbejuLekki.

He continued: “When you look at the number of teachers we have in our local government area, they are not enough. Also, the number of available schools cannot serve our children very well.

Ibeju-Lekki being one quarter of Lagos State in size, the schools are scattered within the area which is about 20 kilometres in distance to each other. So it is not that we don’t have schools to go but our children have to trek hours before they get to schools.

“On our efforts towards supporting the existing teachers, we have employed 150 contract teachers that are posted to various schools within the local government. It is not that there are no teachers within the local government area but they are not enough.

Let's say we have about 500 teachers in the local government and the number we are supposed to have is

about 800 so we are experiencing a shortfall of about 300.

“The local government thought of what can be done to move close to the number of teachers needed, this was what made us to employ 150 teachers on contract basis. So we are still having a shortage of about 150 teachers that will assist us in shaping the future of our children.”

Surakat posited that in as much as they are clamouring for more teachers, there was need to take proper care of the existing teachers in their area in which the newly donated teachers house by Prince Bayo Balogun is a bold effort in right direction.

Presenting the key of Prince Bayo Balogun Teachers House to the National President of Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Olukoya Alogba, the donor of the Secretariat Balogun described the development as a dream comes true. “They have been dreaming for this hall in the past 17 years. But when I was invited to the fund raising this year I pledged to ensure the realisation of the dream.”

Balogun who is the Commissioner Lagos State House of Assembly Service Commission and immediate past local government Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki, said the hall was meant to encourage the teachers by way of serving as a source of revenue and at the same time benefit the community.

Reacting to the issue of shortage of schools within the LGA, Balogun attributed it to large portion of land they enjoyed in their area even as he revealed plans by state government to wade into the matter.

ZODML partners LASG to boost literacy and reading

By DAYO ADESULU

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ACCHAEUS Onumba Dibiaezue Memorial Libraries (ZODML) has concluded arrangements to partner with the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Education to promote literacy and reading in local government primary schools in Lagos State.

The move, which is part of efforts aimed at ensuring that primary school pupils have unfettered access to wellequipped libraries in over 20 schools before 2016, is coming on the backdrop of the commemoration of World Literacy Day. Speaking on the proposed partnership, Mrs. Ifeoma Esiri, CEO of ZODML, said that in Nigeria, every day should be World Literacy Day as the

country could not afford to think about and focus on literacy on only one day in the year. The four new school libraries will give pupils access to over 4,000 books.

Mrs Esiri further disclosed that ZODML, with support from the International Book Bank, USA, would be donating over 50,000 books to government agencies, schools and NGOs for the execution of literacy programmes. The donation would be part of a one-day literacy development event for which ZODML would be seeking the collaboration of the Lagos State Government.

It would be recalled that ZODML opened its sixth school library at Araromi Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Lagos Island on May 29, this year.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 27

Bringing back university life to the North-East (2) Continues from last week

FELD marks 3 years of touching lives, awards 18 scholarships

By DAYO ADESULU

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N the quest to mark Foun dation for Effective Leadership and Development's, FELD, three years of touching lives of students and community, 18 indigent Students from various communities in Aniocha South LGA were awarded scholarship to study up to tertiary level.

Records revealed that about 11,374 have benefited from FELD scholarship and payment of direct school fees in the past three years.

At the event, excited students, parents, guardians, youths, men and women of different wals of life trooped out en masse to thank Hon. Paul Adingwupu, Chairman of the foundation for his vision in the past three years of improving lives of people and helping them find a place back in society as good citizens.

Since inception, says Adingwupu, the foundation has empowered over 23,000 Nigerians irrespective of tribe or creed, with well over N500 million spent so far, for empowerment of the needy in the society and advocacy for good leadership.

The colourful event which was held at the Onihe Primary School compound, OgwashiUku, witnessed a large turnout of people including the cream of traditional rulers in Anioma, ben-

eficiaries of the various empowerment programmes, government officials, and members of the foundation from different communities in Aniocha South among others.

Accordingly, many students in Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions all over Nigeria have continued to benefit from FELD’s educational support programmes, and a lot more are benefiting from its economic empowerment projects which has helped to improve the living condition of people at the grassroots.

The Foundation for Effective Leadership and Development [FELD], a nongovernmental organization was set up to help alleviate poverty and build capacity for change among the teeming populace in rural communities and urban societies in Nigeria. It marked the recently anniversary recentlywith a pledge to press on with its mission.

The Chairman of the foundation, Hon. Paul Adingwupu, told the gathering that he is fulfilled knowing that he has through the foundation touched lives, helped restore hope, with thousands of dreams across the country fulfilled. He said that FELD is a response to a divine mandate from God, and for the past three years, the foundation has

been in the forefront on human capacity building and providing succor to those in need.

Adingwupu, said “the path we are trending is Making a Difference. Despite the hurdles, and limitations, we are taking our destinies in our hands with the vigor of unanimity; we will tear down the trashed roofs of deprivation and mend the broken walls of good governance in Nigeria. I’m determined to carry on with this work and help members of the society improve their livelihoods and build a better society.”

Similarly, Chairman, Organising Committee, Mr. Emma Ashinze, earlier in his opening remarks stated that FELD’s social re-engineering has impacted tremendously on peoples’ lives and communities. “With the help of God, FELD has been able to provide supports and opportunities for majority of people to live above poverty line. We have been able to achieve these, through our various activities which includes youth development, empowerment of people at the grassroots, resuscitating moribund industries, employment opportunities, financing and Refinancing both old and new businesses, payment of hospital bills, payment school fees for indigent students and scholarship scheme among others.”

Okebukola charges educationists to fight corruption in education

BY FAITH EHIREMEN, Uniosun

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N its quest to eradicate corruption in Nigeria, the Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Akinsola Okebukola has tasked educationists to fight against corruption in the education sector.

The call was made at the 2014 Foundation Day Lecture of the Osun State University, with the theme: When will the Glory C M Y K

days of Nigerian Universities be here?

In his lecture, he stressed the importance of operating and maintaining a standard academic atmosphere. According to him, “the practical way of handling corruption is by including reward and sanction and rewarding good behaviour and punishing bad behaviour.”

The erudite professor who is equally a Pioneer Pro-Chancellor, Osun State University said various universities in Ni-

geria should be sincere in the process of accreditation, adding that most universities get it wrong in this area. In his words: “There should be honesty in the process of accrediting universities. Most universities are dishonest in this area,”he lamented.

He further tagged most Nigerian professors as 'road-side professors' saying: “they don’t measure up to the appropriate standard and rigour before they are conferred professorship.

“When sorrows come, they come not in single spells, but in battalions.” — William Shakespeare, 1564-1616

B

Y and large, they are turning out graduates who could not possibly be employed by the Organised Private Sector or multi-nationals and who can only find employment within their own states.

That was until recently. Today, even the sub-standard education offered to university students has come to a halt in many places – especially Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States. The only exception to the rule is the American University in Nigeria, AUN, Yola – which provides world class education in a secure environment. No other university comes close and that has led to the closure of many of them. The few faculty members they had left a long time ago, or, are getting ready to leave.

The depletion of teaching staff has closed many faculties.

Worse still, those who left might never return – at least not as long as there is a war on in the zone. Even the end of hostilities might not bring an end to the collapse of the university system in the zone.

Many members of non-academic staff are also fleeing for their lives for the same reason the students and lecturers have been abandoning their institutions. It is better to be safe than sorry. One of the most important consequences of this is the halt to intake of new students.

While everybody had focused attention on the Chibok Girls, and quite rightly, nobody is concerned about the absence of university students from the campuses of the North-East zone.

Yet, these are the institutions which are supposed to train the leaders of tomorrow – not only for the North-East but for Nigeria as well.

Call it benign neglect or what you will; but we are leaving our most vulnerable states to be devastated by Boko Haram.

This collateral damage is going on daily and it is not being addressed.

Unfortunately, there is no respite in sight. With the preparations for the 2015 elections in full swing, there is a total

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*Hon. Paul Adingwupu, Chairman of FELD in a handshake with one of the beneficiaries of FELD’s empowerment programmes.

Rot in educational institutions don’t wait until the officials in charge are ready to address and reverse them....On the contrary, they follow the principle of “a stitch in time saves nine”... Deficiencies which are not corrected today will get worse by 2015

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absence of governance everywhere. The North-East is not an exception. Governors, State House of Assembly members, Commissioners, Ministers as well as leaders in all spheres of life have abandoned the universities to their own fates – with any luck, until next year June.

That, however, is the major tragedy. Rot in educational institutions don’t wait until the officials in charge are ready to address and reverse them. On the contrary, they follow the principle of “a stitch in time saves nine.”

Deficiencies which are not corrected today will get worse by 2015 and will need more funds to restore the status quo. Nothing can be more difficult for states which are the poorest of the poor.

A modest suggestion – Ad hoc administrators I met a lecturer from one of the affected universities last week and while bemoaning the absence of governance and its impact on their university, made the suggestion that the state government should establish an ad hoc committee of administrators consisting of people not involved in politics to run the university until next year. I think it makes sense.

Visit: www.delesobowale.com or Visit: www.facebook.com/biolasobowale or www.twitter.com/DrDeleSobowale

28 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Early signs of cancer discovered in bloodstream

BY EBELE ORAKPO with Agency report

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CIENTISTS at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute have discovered that people suffering from pancreatic cancer have very high levels of certain amino acids in their bloodstream years before they show any other signs of the disease.

This is good news as it will increase survival rate in a disease that has very low survival rate. This finding, they believe, could offer new insights into developing early diagnostics for pancreatic cancer.

“Most people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) (most common form of pancreatic cancer, are diagnosed after the disease has reached an advanced stage, and many die within a year of diagnosis,” said Brian Wolpin, assistant professor of medical oncology at Dana-Farber and a clinical epidemiologist, cosenior author of the study with Matthew Vander Heiden, associate professor of Biology, and member of MIT’s Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research.

*Years before they show any other signs of disease, pancreatic cancer patients have very high levels of certain amino acids in their bloodstream, according to a new study. Image: Christine Daniloff/MIT

for the health of the patient— are long-term questions still to be answered,” says Vander Heiden.

Wolpin on his part, assembled the patient sample from several large public-health studies. All the patients had their blood drawn at the beginning of the study and subsequently filled out annual health questionnaires.

Analysis:

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The increase in branched chain amino acids is due to the presence of an early pancreatic tumor

“Detecting the disease earlier in its development may improve our ability to treat it successfully. In this study, we asked whether PDAC produces metabolic changes – changes in the way the body uses energy and nutrients – that can be detected before the disease is diagnosed.”

The process: The researchers analysed blood samples from 1,500 participants. They then compared samples from people who were eventually diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and samples from those who were not.

Nature medicine The findings of the study published in Nature Medicine, were described as 'dramatic.'

They noticed that people with a surge in amino acids known as branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) such as leucine, isoleucine and valine, were far more likely to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer within one to 10 years.

“Pancreatic cancer, even at its very earliest stages, causes breakdown of body protein and deregulated metabolism. What that means for the tumor, and C M Y K

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The researchers analyzed blood samples for more than 100 different metabolites— proteins and sugars, produced as by-products of metabolic processes.

“What we found was that this really interesting signature fell out as predicting pancreatic cancer diagnosis, which was elevation in these three branched chain amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine,” Vander Heiden says.

These three BCAAs are among the 20 amino acids which are the building blocks for proteins normally found in the human body.

Interestingly, the study reported that some of the patients in the study were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer one year after their blood samples were taken, while others were diagnosed two, five or even 10 years later.

“We found that higher levels of BCAAs were present in people who went on to develop pancreatic cancer compared to those who did not develop the disease,” Wolpin says.

Hypothesis: “These findings led us to hypothesize that the increase in branched chain amino acids is due to the presence of an

early pancreatic tumor,” stated Wolpin.

Early protein breakdown This hypothesis was tested by Vander Heiden’s laboratory.

They studied mice genetically programmed to develop pancreatic cancer. “Using those mouse models, we found that we could perfectly recapitulate these exact metabolic changes during the earliest stages of cancer,” Vander Heiden says, adding: “What happens is, as people or mice develop pancreatic cancer, at the very earliest stages, it causes the body to enter this altered metabolic state where it starts breaking down protein in distant tissues.

"The findings may also allow scientists to pursue new treatments that would work by targeting tumor metabolism

and cutting off a tumor ’s nutrient supply."

David Tuveson, professor at the Cancer Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory who was not involved in the work has this to say: “This is a finding of fundamental importance in the biology of pancreatic cancer. It really opens a window of possibility for labs to try to determine the mechanism of this metabolic breakdown.”

Early protein breakdown and cachexia: The researchers are now investigating why this protein breakdown, which has not been seen in other types of cancer; why it occurs in the early stages of pancreatic cancer. They suspect that pancreatic tumors may be trying to feed their own appetite for amino acids that

they need to build cancerous cells. They are also "exploring possible links between this early protein breakdown and the wasting disease known as cachexia, which often occurs in the late stages of pancreatic cancer," says the report.

Also to be answered is the question of whether this signature could be used for early detection. The findings need to be validated with more data, and it may be difficult to develop a reliable diagnostic based on this signature alone, Vander Heiden says. However, he believes that studying this metabolic dysfunction further may reveal additional markers such as misregulated hormones that could be combined to generate a more accurate test.

Kings Institute graduates over 50 students

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU and IJEOMA OKAFOR

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INGS Institute’s Direc tor of studies, Barrister D.N Anih has charged graduands of the institute to remain committed in efforts towards ensuring a better Nigerian society.

He gave the charge just as he scored the government of President Goodluck Jonathan high on its performance towards the transformation of education in the country.

Anih spoke at the just- concluded annual graduation ceremony of over 50 students of the Kings Institute, a training division of Donny Systems Limited.

“I urge the graduands to make use of what they have learnt here all through, to collaborate in efforts towards a better Nigerian society. We thank God for the positive development and collaborative efforts by both management of

government schools and privately owned schools in producing prospective leaders of tomorrow, who will not only maintain a good level of organisational skill, but will also preserve and uphold the need for a peaceful Nigeria”, Anih said.

Private owned institutions Commending the effort by management of some privately owned institutions in Nigeria, for going the extra mile towards improving the quality of education in the country, Anih added, “I urge management of other privately owned institutions in the country not to relent in efforts at pursuing valuable insights for the good of the country and students respectively.

“Some private owned institution in the country have displayed a standard of educa-

tion that has gone a long way in perfecting skills of pupils, both theoretically and practically, and I believe with committed efforts both educational segments would generally improve the quality of education in the country.”

Also advising the graduands, the school’s Registrar, Mrs. C A Anih, said that they should remain within gatherings that would only portray good behavioural attitude.

Her words: “You all need to maintain a gathering of good conduct, and I implore you to work towards an egalitarian society, where everyone who works hard and plays by a fair set of rules can have a good shot at life.

I feel particularly great and fulfilled for the outcome of a long-term training of pupils, who will eventually take various leadership positions in pursuit of that which will move Nigeria forward.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 29

West African pharmacists canvass precautionary measures on Ebola

BY KELECHUKWU IRUOMA & DESMOND OKON

BY FAITH EHIREMEN, Uniosun

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HE West African Postgraduate College of Pharmacists,WAPCP, organised a symposium to canvass for precautionary measures on Ebola, in order to prevent the continuous spread of Ebola disease.

The symposium themed Ebola virus disease: the facts and fiction about hand sanitizers, held at Lagos Presbyterian Church, Lecture Hall, Yaba, Lagos to mark the World Pharmacists Day and to showcase what pharmacists do in order to improve health in every corner of the world.

In his opening remarks, the chairman of the occasion, Professor Fola Tayo thanked God for such a day in the lives of pharmacists globally. He also tasked pharmacists to combine forces to do something against Ebola.

According to him “pharmacists are the access to the windows of the world. We (pharmacists) should learn what to do, know what to do and empower others in the society in order to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

The Secretary-General of WAPCP, Prof. Wilson Erhun in his keynote address said: “In the last few weeks; WAPCP has been aggressively involved in promoting activities that would check the spread of Ebola. This includes collaboration with the Association of Community Pharmacists in Nigeria at different levels in organising seminars in Lagos, Jos and Port Harcourt.”

Speaking on the issue of school

*From left: Dr. Rebecca Soremeka, former Treasurer, West Africa Postgraduate College of Pharmacists, Prof. Wilson Grhun, Secretary-General, Prof. Fola Tayo, Chairman of the symposium, Prof. Patience Erah, a lecturer at the event held in Lagos.

resumption, Prof. Erhun told journalists that “caution is the issue. Like you have found that the issue of Ebola virus spread has to do with hygiene and when we take up proper hygiene, of course, we won’t have to be afraid. Ebola is deadly but it is clearly preventable and personal hygiene is the key. So if the facilities needed to maintain adequate hygiene are in place, I think it’s just as well that kids should resume.

Prof. Boladele Silva in his lecture on Hand sanitizers: facts and fiction, revealed that “hand sanitizer is the most important way of minimizing and preventing disease from spreading.” He also noted that hands carry the most number of diseases, adding that 80 per cent of infectious diseases are transmitted by touch.

In his words: “Regular use of hand sanitizers could save lives than medical intervention.”

He also revealed that hand

sanitizers that come in form of foam, gel, spray and wipes are effective in killing germs, adding that the most effective hand sanitizers are those with 60 per cent alcohol content.

In his lecture on Washing with water and soap: facts and fiction, Dr. Timothy Fajemirokun urged the general public to frequently wash their hands with water and soap.

In his words “without vaccine, hand washing is the single most important thing anyone can do to prevent catching diseases.

He also said as quoted Center for Disease Control that “30 to 60 seconds should be used to wash the hands with soap and water regularly. Also, he gave procedure on how the hands can be effectively washed. He said “the hands should be wet with water, scrub with soap for 15 to 20 seconds and then rinse with water.”

He advised that hot water should be avoided in washing the hands.

Nigeria @ 54: How independent is the education sector?

Continues from page 26

poorly and if a graph of the sector is drawn, you’ll see a sharp decline in both funding and infrastructure provision."

"We recorded over 50 per cent failure in WAEC which has been going on for the past five years and can be attributed to lack of motivation for teachers and unfavourable atmosphere that doesn’t encourage learning,” Soweto said.

Continuing, he said: “Fifty-four years after independence, the sector is doing poorly and we urge the government to use this anniversary celebration occasion to revamp the sector.”

Saddened by the drop in the standard of education, which he blamed on lack of merit, a veteran teacher in one of the unity schools, who pleaded anonymity, said: “From independence to date, the standard of education has drastically fallen and this is evident in our spoken English.

“Initially, a secondary school certificate holder could speak fluent English, but now, some C M Y K

NUJ tasks prospective journalists on values

professors can’t properly express themselves in correct English and the media isn’t left out, and this is a mirror of what happens in every subject which reflects in our chosen professions.

“This is as a result of loss of discipline in schools, the issue of tribalism and lack of merit, which has been thrown overboard.”

Quality education For an official of the Ministry of Education, Oyo State, who declined to give his name, Nigerian education has not lived up to expectation as many people are migrating to Ghana and other countries in search of quality education.

“Our problem is that government has not prioritized education and spent the education budget accordingly as no one is monitoring the money allotted to the sector. Unity schools’ teachers are suffering,

they have not been promoted and have been on strike.

“In the 70s, upon graduation from the university, you are given instant employment and the perks that come with the position but that is not the case today as government is leaving everything to the private sector who are just using beautiful buildings to deceive parents while, in actual sense, things are not working in the school and the courses are not accredited.”

To sum it up, one year to the 2015 Education for All deadline, concerned stakeholders doubt Nigeria’s ability to live up to the goal, especially against the fact that UNESCO, in an earlier report, said that it would take more than 70 years before all children will have access to primary education.

Entitled 70 Year-Wait for Primary School, the report says 57 million children, over 10.5 million of whom are Nigerians, remain without schools and at the current rate, it will be 2086 before access is reached for poor, rural African girls.

HE Nigeria Union of Jour nalist has tasked prospective journalists to be committed and hardworking in the quest of being a journalist.

This was said by members of NUJ during a mini party hosted by the chairman of NUJ, Mr. Gbenga Faturoye in honour of Mr. Afolabi Ismail, a second year student of the Department of Linguistics and Communication, Osun State University, who was awarded the best student of the week.

The opening remark, Pastor Bamigbola Bonugote listed determination, commitment, focus, hard work, diligence, prayer

amongst others as prerequisites for success.

He enjoined the students present to work hard towards achieving their dreams and cultivate the habit of reading good books as it will help them lay a good foundation for their future.

“Like the saying goes, a golden fish has no hiding place; likewise Mr. Afolabi has no hiding place as many have gathered to celebrate his good works especially at the Campus Beep site where he has contributed tremendously.” He continued.

Mr. Awoniyi, Emmanuel, a lecturer from Osun state university praised the efforts of Mr. Afolabi, who happened to be his student.

Ebola: Students embark on awareness campaign

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By Ahmed Ibrahim

TUDENTS of mass com munication department, Federal Polytechnic, Offa in conjunction with lecturers of the department have embarked on Anti-Ebola campaign to sensitize the students and people of Offa community.

The campaign took off from mass communication department of the institution, led by the head of department, Mr. Abdullateef Oyewole, lecturers and students who rallied round the campus with their vests on with inscription 'let’s join hands to fight Ebola'.

Oyewole said part of the plan made by the department is to drive the students towards entrepreneurship and one of the objectives is to carry out some projects by the students.

His words, “we thank God for making this vision materialize.

We have a drive towards entrepreneurship development because outr public relations and media campaign course is to make our students know how to design a campaign plan, mobilizing the people about new things in Nigeria and also engage them in entrepreneurship skill acquisition."

Greensprings, others nominated for award

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OR its genuine commitment to grassroots sports development coupled with a robust sporting calendar, Greensprings School has once again been nominated for the School Sports Award category of the prestigious Nigerian Sports Award.

Announcing the nominees for this year’s award, General Manager, Unmissable Incentives Limited, Mr Kayode Idowu noted that the panel received overwhelming nominations for the 2014 editions of the award from members of the public adding th at it was a tough job collating before the selection of the top 3 nominees for each category.

Greensprings has been nominated alongside, Toybat Interna-

tional School, Lagos and St. Barnabas, Ilorin, for the school sports award.

Since winning the maiden edition of the award last year, Greensprings has remained committed to sports development with its annual school sports forum as well as the Greensprings Kanu Football Camp, which also produced two scholarship awardees this year.

Toybat School won the last Channels Kids’ Cup while St. Barnabas emerged winner at the Milo Africa U-13 Championship.

Greensprings also earned some laurels with the school becoming the first private school in Africa to win the annual Keele International Cup in United Kingdom.

84 students receive scholarship

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IGHTY FOURstudents from Ilutitun-Osoro in Ikale Local Government Area of Ondo State have received educational intervention from Johnson Teniola Faromoju Foundation.

The students selected from various backgrounds within IlutitunOsoro community received educational awards and intervention in terms of financial support.

According to the Administrator, Mr. Aberejo Gbolahan, the Foundation is committed to empowering and investing in the lives of young people who are the future leaders of our nation. He noted that this gesture will make them worthy citizens of Nigeria, and by extension, make our society a safe place to live in.

30 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

9jaBolt car makers storm schools, pledge support for quality science education IN an effort to propel the genius in young Nigerians, Team Nigeria, the ‘Special Ones’, makers of the Eaglemobile 9JA BOLT solar car, billed to represent Africa at the 3,021km long World Solar Challenge, come October 2015 in Austria, have pledged unending support to the improvement of quality science education in schools.

The currently 18-man and expanding team, which has unveiled the 9JA BOLT at the Africa Design Medal & Festival, in Lagos, spoke to Vanguard Learning through team leader and creative director, Engineer Ebube George in an interview. Excerpts....

By Tare Youdeowei

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CIENCE education in schools One of the things we would do in the course of marketing is to tell sponsors that we hope to use the car and the knowledge of what we are doing in the course of this journey to educate students across schools. By creating an attraction, maybe by inviting them over to see the production process or taking it to schools, the inkling would definitely be struck in them to want to try it out. It is just unfortunate that we do not have a culture of STEM- Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics that is impregnated into their thoughts at a very formative age. If we make that the crux of what building engineers is supposed to be, you would be surprised how many inventors we would produce.

Fear of Sciences There isn’t anything so scary about mathematics and physics which are essential in science and eventual manufacturing. Physics is just the applied

Engineer Ebube George way the world works. Maths allows you know there are possibilities in a direction. Physics is just a clear application. For instance; weigh a man, calculate how much force would be needed to push a table to achieve a particular distance, that is physics. It is not scary, what is needed is to create some kind of finesse and actualisation in the mind of the child. It is getting them to be more at home with numbers. It is not difficult for any child to achieve, you would be shocked that by the time you engage them in more practical ways of observing the world from a scientific point of view and also

playing around with numbers, you can actually build a culture that would excite them and they would begin to explore it.

9ja BOLT The difference between a solar car and the fossil fuel car is simply the taking out of the fossil fuel piece-engine and putting in a solar array for solar panels to trap as much sunlight per square millimetre that the batteries can store and with the MPPTs , create as much traction to push the tires and propel the car.

The vehicle will have regenerative brakes so that even when breaking energy is stored. The goal is to store energy from every single part of the vehicle as much as possible. It is an electric car as well as a solar car.

For the common man: Nigeria stands to gain technology transfer from this project. If we eventually do this, it will become a legend for our children. I grew up watching Young Farmers Club on television, it inspired me. When kids see this, imagine how they will be influenced in the next 1015 years. Someone like Aregbesola has done Opon Imo that is laudable; imagine how much the children can Google, how much technology they would be exposed to.

Nigeria @ 54: Stakeholders advocate community libraries to stem drop-out rate

By IKENNA ASOMBA

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N less than two months, the 2015 deadline set by the United Nations (UN), for its membercountries to attain the second Millennium Development Goals (MDG), which is achieving Universal Primary Education would elapse.

But more worrisome is that recent statistics still show that Nigeria has an alarming 10.5 million out-of-school children, as well as 66 per cent of its adults who are illiterate.

Therefore, as the nation celebrates 54 years of nationhood, with little hope of things getting better, stakeholders in the education sector, in line with other strategies adopted by government at all levels, have suggested that the establishment of community libraries across several communities in the country has a great potential in revolutionizing the education sector, as well as maximally reducing the alarming figure of out-of-school children.

Speaking to Vanguard Learning, Adedapo Conde, the Executive Director of Pyramid Educational Advancement Foundation (PEA Foundation), an educational institute which runs a community library in Ojokoro Estate, Ijaiye, Lagos, affirmed that the current statistics portend a bleak future for the nation if urgent measures are not taken by the government and other key stakeholders.

Conde, who said that free-usage libraries, benefit students residing in communities such as the Olera Estate, Ayonwale, Jankara, Ijaiye, Meiran, Alakoko, Alagbado as well as Ojokoro the host community, however said: “The statistics that say we have about 10.5 million out-of- school children and also 66 per cent Nigerian adults who are illiterate, mean a lot about the state of education in this country. For me, I am more interested in how we can move forward; how we can really reduce this abysmal trend one step at a time. That is why we are doing our best at PEA Foundation, committing time and resources to

make community library work here in our community.

“Moving forward, the concept of a community library has the capacity to resolve a lot of these issues. It has the capacity to revolutionise our educational system.

If we have libraries in communities across the country, it has the capability of stimulating the reading culture. If all hands can be on deck, the alarming statistics of illiteracy can be maximally reduced in this country. Community libraries can also be a very significant platform in accommodating the out-of-school children in the country. So, for us we are thinking towards the line of creating the community library model, test it in some communities so that subsequently, other communities can come to adopting this model.

Meanwhile, we have the intention of setting community libraries in densely populated areas like Ajegunle, Obalende, Okokomaiko, Mushin, as part of our commitment to promoting education for all goal.”

SUCCESS RECIPE WITH UDEME ARCHIBONG successrecipe2009@gmail.com www.worllightbearersint.com 08035095243

Rejection; Damn It!

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LESSED are those who endure rejection for they shall ulti mately be embraced by success. Rejection is not fatal and acceptance is not the ultimate. What is fatal is how we misinterpret and misrepresent rejection. It is the false meaning attached to it, our negative perspection that makes it fatal.

Persistence and determination are the ultimate, for they will create a space for you in the world even if the world refuses to give you a chance because the world cannot permanently stop a determined man. Below is a remarkable story: He was a retiree with nothing to show except an idea; fried chicken recipe. The little restaurant he owned was going broke. When he received his pension allowance, he embarked on selling his chicken recipe with a game plan of selling his idea to restaurant owners and have them give him a percentage of the proceeds. He launched into action. He drove around the country tirelessly and slept in his car just to find someone who would accept his idea, but his effort was futile. He kept on hearing the word “No” for 1,009 times, each time he changed his strategy and knocked on more doors. And finally, the curtain was drawn and somebody said “Yes”, that gave him a big break.

Colonel Sander’s idea turned into an empire. The Kentucky Fried Chicken idea thrived and blossomed making Colonel Sander a multi-millionaire. The big questions are: what gave Colonel Sander the push or drive to knock on more doors even after hearing “No” for over 1,000 times? Why didn’t he take the rejection personal? I believe he was “hungry”. You see, when you are physically hungry, you simply look for food to eat. Supposing you get to the first restaurant and it is closed, you move to about five different restaurants and they are closed. Will you give up and go to bed without food, given that you are extremely hungry? I don’t think so. You will keep searching for a place where you can buy something edible to satisfy your hunger. At that point in time, quitting is not an option, discouragement will be ruled out and all your attention and your energy will be focused on getting food to eat. Therefore, stirring up an innate hunger for your dreams is what will make you stem the tide and rise above the gravitational pull of discouragement and defeat. For you to triumph against the odds you must have a powerful reason to succeed. The reason to succeed will serve as the motivational push needed to achieve your goals.

Motivational push To live above rejection, discouragement and defeat, we must be motivated by a cause, an overriding purpose. We must be consumed by a cause and not a mere wish. When you come to realise that your future and the destinies of people are at stake , if you do not go after your dream with all that you’ve got then you will shrink under any obstacle on your path. Remember, somebody should succeed because of you; you are an answer to somebody.

What motivates you to succeed? What fuels your passion? Do you see your dream as your life? Do you have a cause you are living for and which you are prepared to die for? Remember a dream is a value you create for yourself and for others; it is something worthwhile that you do for others.

Have you ever read the best-selling Chicken Soup for the Soul series, co-authored by Jack Canfield and Mark Hansen? The story behind their success reveals that 140 publishers rejected their proposal, stating the book as “unsaleable”. But these authors were too 'hungry to see their ideas in print and its far reaching impact in the lives of people; so they couldn’t afford to accept the word 'no' as their lot. With lots of determination and courage backed up with a workable plan and principles the book was published. Chicken Soup for the Soul series includes more than 70 titles in 39 languages that have impacted over 90 million readers worldwide. Wow! That’s the result of the book that was labelled as unsaleable by 140 publishers. Therefore, pursue your dream with an unwavering passion, burn the bridges behind. Refuse to take 'No' for an answer because life is screaming , 'Yes!' Life is inviting you to play your part on the world stage. Don’t give up on yourself because God has not given up on you.

If we do not possess a positive self-esteem, we will take rejection personal anytime we encounter it. An individual with poor self-esteem does not feel good about himself, he does not like himself. In fact, his self-esteem depends on the approval of others.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—31

British Council, Oando partner Clinton Global Initiative to enroll 230,000 Nigerian Girls

By DAYO ADESULU

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ANDO Foundation and the British Council has partnered Clinton Global Initiative, CGI, to launch Reach a Girl, Teach a Girl : Girls’ School Enrollment in Nigeria. The CGI is aimed at enrolling approximately 230,000 Nigerian girls in primary school over the next three years.

The six million dollar program also outlines plans to help more than 21,000 girls transition from primary to secondary school.

Reach a Girl, Teach a Girl will join commitments by more than 30 public, private, and grassroots organizations as part of CHARGE ( Collaborative Harnessing Ambition and Resources for Girls’ Education) a global collective to advance girls education worldwide. Announced by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Clinton Foundation Vice Chairperson Chelsea Clinton, and former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at the 10th Annual Meeting of the Clinton Global Initiative, CHARGE ’s commitments will focus on five key

areas in global girls education which include: Ensuring girls enter and stay in school through secondary education; ensuring that schools are safe and facilities are girl friendly; improving the quality of learning opportunities for girls; supporting girls from secondary school to post -- secondary school and preparing them for the workforce; and supporting developing country leaders to catalyze change in girls’ education.

“We know when girls have access to quality education in both primary and secondary schools, cycles of poverty are broken, economies grow, glass ceilings crack and potential is unleashed,” said Secretary Clinton.

“The scale of this commitment matches the gravity of the challenge. Ensuring every girl receives a quality secondary education will take all of us, governments, civil society, the private sector, multilateral organizations, the entire international community working together,” said Secretary Clinton.

While the Nigerian government has committed to universal primary education for all, the

staggering population growth has made achieving this commitment out of the govern-

ment’s reach. Today, Nigeria has the most out -- of - school children in the world – 10.5 million. Over five million of the out - of - school children are girls – many of them in northern Nigeria. The British Council and Oando Foundation have partnered to help

close that gap through an initiative that bridges advocacy efforts with infrastructure development. “Our track record of success in adopting and transforming schools across the country is directly connected to our familiarity with the social issues Nigerians face.

Kogi education sector has worsened— TEACHERS

By BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO

LOKOJA — TEACHERS in Kogi State yesterday cried out over what they described as the worsening situations of the education sector in the State.

The teachers under the aegis of Basic Education Staff Association of Nigeria, BESAN, said the worsening situation of the education call for sober reflection.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Lokoja, the Chairman of BESAN, Suleiman Yakubu also said though State Government has directed school to reopen for 2014/2015 academic session, the association has directed its members to continue the six months old strike until government address their demands.

Yakubu who listed minimum wage, incessant screening of staff, irregular salaries, unpaid leave allowances, promotions and incremental steps without cash backing amongst their de-

Members of FELD Foundation at the grassroots on parade at the 3rd Anniversary held in Delta State mands; also take a swipe on the teachers mother body, NUT; whom he said has become a political tools in the hand of the State government.

According to Yakubu, “The spate of inconclusive and fraudulent screening of staff exercise all of which have led to the aggravation of our woeful plights by culminating in the unscrupu-

lous disengagement of legally employed qualified staff. Screening of Basic Education staffers of Kogi State has become lucrative source of enrichment to some caliber of public and civil servants.

“We are the only civil servants in the employment of Kogi State Government that have been owed four years of leave allowances."

32 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

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In Belekete, the sick go to clinic in baskets *Not even a bicycle has entered the community

By Emmanuel Unah

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ELEKETE—IT takes four hard hours of trudging through thick forest for a full-bodied man to reach Belekete community, the forgotten Island located about 3,000 metres

above sea level at the extreme northern fringes of Obanlikwu Local Government Area, Cross River State, sharing common boundaries with the Republic of Cameroon.

Populated by about 800 persons scattered in the eight villages of

Oshonekpa, Osor, Nsorsong, Akpwepia, Elumosor, Ekemen, Omoli and Mbuli, Belekete is an emblematic case of underdevelopment. It is like as the farther a community is from the state capital, the farther development is from it.

Since they relocated from the Obudu Mountain Resort decades ago due to the advent of white colonialists, life has been miserable for the people. It is perhaps the only community in the state that no car, motorcycle and bicycle have not reached since it was founded.

The villagers know nothing about

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Abo City villagers drink from water they defecate in VOL. 1: NO. 117 7

TUESD A Y, SEPTEMBER 30, 20 14 TUESDA 201

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Igbo carnival holds in Spain

PAGE 7 RUMUODOGO 2:

Land people fear to inhabit In Belekete, every home has this kind of basket that takes the sick and pregnant women to Obudu for treatment. The dead are also brought back same way.

PROLOGUE: 6 most neglected communities in Niger Delta

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By Emma Amaize

T is not their making. But somehow, Belekete, Abobiri, Oko Ibiet Osa, Rumuodogo 2, Assah and Gelegele in Cross River, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Edo states, can be described as the poorest communities in the Niger Delta region.

Some of the communities are so farC M Y K

flung from their state capitals and local government headquarters that the governors, some of whom have spent more than seven years in office, and local government chairmen in their domains, have not reached the villages since they assumed office.

It was not easy categorising the poorest communities in the region as Niger Delta Voice reporters, who toured the villages, found out that

virtually all of them are underdeveloped one way or the other. But some certainly are very bad cases.

Emmanuel Unah, who travelled from Calabar, capital of Cross River State to Belekete community for instance, climbed three highlands before he could access the village, which had never had a bicycle ride on its streets.

He took along with him on the journey mat, food, water, and

PAGE 6

torchlight and was kitted in boots and protective clothing. Beyond the deprivation, Emma discovered a strange means of transportation in the community.

Samuel Oyadongha and Emem Idio journeyed from Yenagoa to Abobiri.

They confessed that life is unfair to the villagers, while Chioma Onuegbu,

Continues on Page 3

2—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

In Belekete, the sick go to clinic in basket

IMAGES FROM BELEKETE

Continues from Page 1 television.

Besides the absence of access road, there are shops, markets, schools, electricity, water, not to talk of GSM network.

When Niger Delta Voice reporter was embarking on a trip to the community, he was advised by a friend to take food, water, torchlight, mat and be properly kitted in boots and protective clothing because “ you will find these things very useful and necessary when you eventually get there.”

Though the advice sounded cynical, these items turned out to be very useful as the reporter had to climb three hills, which descend into deep valleys, criss-crossing streams and creeks inside mangrove forest.

Cut off

Taking her pig to the Ranch for sale.

Beleketeians.

Basket of transport.

Chief Francis.

The people are blessed with a fertile land well watered by several streams and creeks on which they grow cocoa, cassava and maize in large quantities.

Their forests have abundant species of fruits and vegetables like the popular affang, which is used in preparing the affang soup delicacy, snails, insects and large edible maggots.

However, all these do not translate into economic resources for the people because of the difficult terrain which has ensured the place remains totally cut off from the rest of the world.

Traders, teacher, missionaries, health workers and others, who would have

GELEGELE: Hellfire on earth EDO...

HEARTBEAT OF THE NATION

By Emma Amaize

F

OR the people of Gelegele, a small riverside village that lies at the bank of the Edo axis of River Niger, in Ovia North-East Local Government Area Edo State, they are in no other place but hell, judging by the gas flare from an oil company.

About three months ago, Ijaw youths under the auspices of Ijaw Youths Council, IYC, rose from a convention at Ofunama community, Egbema clan, Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, calling on the Edo State Government and Dubril Oil Company Limited, DOCL, Nigeria’s first indigenous oil company, to develop Gelegele, or relocate and rebuild a new town for the threatened inhabitants.

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Some of the youths, who visited Gelegele for the first time and saw the living condition of the people, occasioned by the adverse effect gas flaring, were livid with anger, they wanted to shut down the DOCL flow station in the community.

But, their leaders prevailed on them to simmer down and allow them apply the three Cs, which is consultation, consolidation before confrontation.

In a communique issued at the end of the conference, IYC toned-down the fury, warning that if the demand was not

Dubril faciility.

addressed urgently, Ijaw youths would be forced to take drastic steps to address the ongoing injustice against the Ijaw people of Gelegele community.

The conference, however, mandated the national leadership of IYC to, as a matter of urgency, bring this demand to the attention of President Goodluck Jonathan through the Special Adviser to the President on Niger-Delta Affairs, Hon. Kingsley Kuku.

Sleepless nights Investigations by Niger Delta Voice showed that

Gelegele, surrounded by a large expanse of tropical rain forest with a network of rivers, creeks, streams, canals and springs linking up to the River Niger, which flows into the high seas, is one oil community in the Niger Delta region that the people cannot restfully sleep in the night because of deadly gas flaring.

Besides, there is inconsequential government presence in the community from which crude oil is transported through a pipeline to a flow station from

Continues on Page 8

been of help to the people, have simply stayed away because of the difficulty in accessing the place.

Sick girl on the mountain

On the way to the community, Niger Delta Voice came across a sickly looking 20-year-old lady, Patience Ajagba, who had on her head a butchered pig for which she is looking for a buyer.

She said: “I am heading to the Ranch Resort to sell my pig so that I can buy maggi, salt, onions to cook and English medicine to drink because I am sick.

“I have taken herbs for a long while, but there is no change in my health condition. Please, I am in a hurry. I want to rush and meet up with my customers before they leave the Ranch.”

On arrival at the community, the villagers trooped out from their thatched houses to give the reporter a warm welcome.

Conspicuously displayed around the few buildings are graves where, over the years, family members were interred.

There were very few buildings, but the crowd which came out of them was overwhelming.

And as warned, the reporter found there was no potable water, not even the ubiquitous sachet water. The task of transporting bags of it through the mountains may have dissuaded the inhabitants.

Clan head narrates plight

At the residence of the Clan Head, Chief Francis Ngweli, who was informed of the presence of Niger Delta Voice by the community relations officer, Ignatius Achu, the message from the elderly and the young is that the reporter should tell government and the international community of their need for a road and health care facilities.

Ngweli said: “We need road so that we can take our crops Continues on Page 3

THE TEAM Emma Amaize, Editor Jimitota Onoyume Samuel Oyadongha Tony Edike Simon Ebegbulem Gabriel Enogholase Festus Ahon Egufe Yafugborhi Emmanuel Unah Akpokona Omafuaire Godwin Oghre Tom Moses Chioma Onuegbu Ike Uche Davies Iheamnachor Emem Idio Emmanuel Okolie Brisibe Perez Barnabas Uzosike Nath Onajoke Chijioke Nwankpa

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014—3

PROLOGUE: 6 most neglected communities in Niger Delta Continues from Page 1 who went from Uyo to Oko Ibiet Osa, is yet to recover from the shock of what she saw. Davies Iheamnachor reports that some communities in Rivers State were even contemptuous of Rumuodogo 2 due to the extreme poverty in the town.

The trio of Festus Ahon, Egufe Yafugborhi and Brisibe Perez, could not even get to Assah community in Delta State with a vehicle because of the road. They made some distance on foot and motorcycle. The plight of Gelegele community in Edo State is despicable and the inhabitants told Niger Delta Voice that they were living in hell.

In his August 1836 entry about slavery in Journal of Researches into the Natural History and Geology of the countries visited during the Voyage of H.M.S. Beagle Round the World, under the Command of Captain Fitz Roy,

R.N., Chapter XXI, Charles Dawin said: “If the misery of our poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin…”

Eli Khamarov, in Lives of the Cognoscenti, said: “Poverty is like punishment for a crime you didn’t commit,” but govern ment officials, who spoke to our reporters refused to agree that the abject poverty of the communities was caused by bad policies and recklessness of government.

Mr. Christian Itah, Chief Press Secretary to the Cross River State Governor, however, said that government is a continuum and the next government would start from where Senator Liyel Imoke would have stopped in the development of Belekete.

The villagers are, however, of the opinion that governments, both state and local, including oil companies, have been inequitable to them.

Niger Delta Voice covers all six communities in today’s edition.

In Belekete, the sick go to clinic in basket Continues from Page 2 and sell in markets downhill and a health centre to give us drugs because malaria is killing us so much. The herbs we used to take cannot cure us again because the mosquitoes have changed with time.”

Though Niger Delta Voice observed that there is a health centre, the people said it is often kept under lock and key because there was no power, drugs and officials to man it. Only one volunteer, who most times is in his house in a nearby village close to the Ranch Resort, is in charge of the centre.

Owing to the lack of road and health facilities, the people have devised a means of conveying the sick, particularly the elderly and expectant mothers, to the Ranch on critical occasions.

The means of transport is a woven long basket with strong ropes by the sides. The sick person is slipped into the hollow in the basket and a strong member of the family hangs the basket on his back and carries the sick person to the Ranch, which is some two hours walk.

The clan head said: “Every compound has its own basket in which at any time of the day, they can take their sick person to the Ranch for medical attention and if the person dies, he is brought back the same way.”

Sunset

At nightfall, the people

demonstrated their hospitality. The reporter was served for dinner rice milled through pounding in a mortar, while the sauce was made of palm oil, bush meat and onion. The next morning, as early as 6a.m., breakfast of fermented cassava called fufu, Dawadawa soup and bush meat was served.

At sunrise, as the reporter was leaving, he was taken to the hut of the clan head, who said: “I am sure you have seen with your eyes the number of graves in our compounds and the eight hours you have walked to get to this place.

“We need some basic health facilities; we have only one health officer here. If anything takes him out, that means we would not even have anyone to attend to us.”

In Abo City villagers drink from water they defecate in BA YELS A ...

BAYELS YELSA THE GLORY OF ALL LANDS

By Sam Oyadongha & Emem Idio

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BOBIRI—IT once served as the zonal maritime headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture when the geographical enclave now known as Bayelsa State was part of the defunct Eastern Region, but Abobiri in Ogbia Local Government Council of the state, could be described as an ancient vestige.

Abobiri story is a tale of contradiction, so close to the council headquarters and yet lacking the basic necessities of life. For a first time visitor to this rustic community, the picture of neglect and despondency pervade the land.

Access to the community is through the river as it is not connected by road even though it is located across the Ogbia council, which is the council area of President Goodluck Jonathan.

The natives depend on boats and hand- paddled wooden canoes to move about and link the outside world, while the crude oil polluted river, which they empty their bowels is their source of drinking water.

A nondescript one block

agricultural revolution where rice was cultivated and milled in commercial quantities.

Other cash crops cultivated in the community include oil palm while poultry, piggery and rabbits were reared for commercial purposes.

Sadly, four decades after, the fortunes of the once prosperous ‘Abo-city ’ has nosedived to the point of becoming one of the poorest communities in the state where social amenities are nonexistent.

Most of the natives are poor, uneducated and can hardly make ends meet. They are also living in perpetual fear of the coastal erosion ravaging and threatening to wipe out their community.

Once an agricultural hub Lamenting the plight of his people, the deputy paramount ruler of the community, Chief Igobi Blessing Victor Akisi IV, said: “Abobiri is the oldest community in the Oloibiri group of communities. In those days, it used to be a centre of commercial agriculture.

“Agriculture was booming, and agricultural workers, including white men were all residing in this community including strangers from all over the Eastern Region and beyond.

“It was because of the beehive of activities in the

as a young lad, and that is where I acquired my carpentry skills,” he explained.

Lost glory Another indigene of Abobiri and a one-time lecturer at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Mr. Nalaguo Chris Alagoa, recalling Abobiri before and now said: “Abobiri then compared to what it is today, is not even a shadow of what it used to be because Abobiri was a bubbling town, it was the marine headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture in the then Eastern Region, it was like an arm of headquarters of the Ministry of Agriculture.

“It hosted the best farms in the whole of the Eastern Region to the extent that every young agricultural graduate employed by the Eastern Region was sent to Abobiri for internship before he became a full- fledged agricultural officer.

Civil war, catalyst to decline What really happened and how did the community plunge to this level? Alagoa said, “The civil war led to the decline of Abobiri.

“After the war, there was little effort to revive it but it did not get up because it was not enough and now the whole place is completely dilapidated, neglected and

Govt worried — HEALTH COMMISSIONER Contacted, Commissioner for Health, Professor Angela Oyo Ita, said: “We are seriously concerned about the situation in Belekete and as a government we take the welfare of our people seriously.

“Though there has always been a health centre there, we are increasing the number of staff and more drugs there.”

Professor Ita added that a team of medical personnel had been assigned to make periodic trips up the Belekete hills from the General Hospital in Obalikwu to attend to the

Continues on Page 4

Coastal Erosion in Abobiri. serves as classrooms for the community primary school, health facility is also lacking.

Electricity poles some of which collapsed could be seen in the community that has been in darkness for decades.

Hopelessness There is no visible sign to suggest that the community was once a bubbling city in the defunct Eastern Region and also a centre of great

community that it was nick named Abo City. It used to be a sprawling settlement and the capital of the riverine communities and was always bubbling with life.

“I was young then but I remembered that in the 1960s, Isacc Boro came to attack the town during his 12-Day Revolution, which underscores the importance of Abobiri in those days.

“I used to work as an agricultural extension staff as

abandoned. For me, Abobiri is not even a shadow of what it used to be.

“Nigeria did not decline and the Eastern Region did not decline after the civil war, so why Abobiri? You can see that today nothing is happening and that tells you that it has not only undergone decline, something serious needs to be done to salvage it and bring it back to life.”

Continues on Page 8 C M Y K

4— Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

In Belekete, the sick go to clinic in basket Continues from Page 3 health needs of the people.

Belekete starts OFFIONG

school October—

His education counterpart, Professor Offiong Offiiong, said: “We have concluded plans to start a school there in October and it is expected that in the very near future, a bigger school with standard building under construction

will open.”

Mr. Chris Ita, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Liyel Imoke asserted that “there is a health centre there and very soon a school will open for the kids, but government is a continuum.

“So it is expected that the next government will build on the effort of this government in meeting the needs of the people, whether in Belekete or any part of the state.”

RUMUODOGO 2: Land people fear to inhabit RIVERS… THE TREASURE BASE OF THE NATION

By Davies Iheamnachor

R

UMUODOGO 2— FINDINGS revealed that

OKO IBIET ESA VILLAGERS: We eat by the skin of our teeth AKWA IBOM...

LAND OF PROMISE

By Chioma Onuegbu

O

BIO IBIET ESA— ALTHOUGH there are many poor rural communities spread across Akwa Ibom State, one particular village, Obio Ibiet Esa in Ndot Clan in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom, stands out in all probability as the lowliest.

Sorry spectacle A tour of the community showed that the people are living in abject poverty with no single infrastructure or government presence. Niger Delta Voice did not see borehole, market, electricity, health care facility, road, not even a church in Obio Ibiet Esa The means of movement in the area are bicycles and motorcycles that ply the footpaths in the absence of drivable road.

Niger Delta Voice checks showed that the only primary school, Government School, Obio Ibiet Esa, established in the 50s has become a very sorry sight with only two long benches in a classroom, while two classes shared one small classroom space due to inadequate classrooms.

From the pitiable condition of the school, which happened to be the only government presence in the area, it was obvious that children from the community were not benefitting from the free, compulsory and qualitative education policy of the Governor Godwill Akpabio administration.

Miserable life Sadly, having lived miserably for a long time without hope from anywhere, the destitute villagers seemed to have resigned to fate.

It was learnt that the poor condition of the school was responsible for the high record of out-of-school children and high level of illiteracy in the area.

The newly elected youth leader, Mr. Ofonime Walter, said: “We have been struggling but there is no way to develop this place.

Please communicate to government to come and help us.

C M Y K

*“We don't know our LG chairman” We have decided through our little struggle to help ourselves because we do not have anybody to ameliorate our suffering.

“You can see yourself that our people here are suffering so much. That building over there was started 15 years ago through self-effort by the youths to see if we can add more classroom blocks, but we have not been able to finish it because the money is not available and the building has grown old.

“We hardly feed because our farmlands where we find what we eat are not fertile and we do not even have access to fertilizer.

“We are subsistence farmers and unless we sell something little from oil palm, we will not find anything to eat. When you look around you see how poor the cassava is growing. We have tried to see how to get fertilizer but we cannot get it,” he said.

Walter disclosed: “The only time we have contact with government is at time of election when they come for campaign and after that, we do not see them again.”

He lamented that the situation was so bad that the people do not even have a channel to voice their complaints because they do not have a village head or government official in the area.

We don’t know our LG chair His words: “We do not even know who our local government chairman is and he cannot come to this side.

“It is not easy for us to see him because the place is very far and we do not have roads to go out and come back. Life here is so miserable and I am happy that you are here so that you can help us complain to government to come and help us.”

Contacted, the head of nearby Ikot Idem Udo village, Chief Friday Peter Amiang, expressed happiness that with Niger Delta Voice report, the plight of the area would be brought to the attention of government. He said there was lack of government presence in the entire Ndot clan.

The octogenarian and retired headmaster, giving a brief history of the Government School, Obio

Ibiet Esa and poverty level in the area said, “If government can come and render any means of support to us, glory be to God. Besides that the school is badly equipped, we do not have roads, our source of water is the stream.”

Abandoned “That primary school you saw started under the structure of local craft community in 1957. It was a handicraft centre where pottery was made. At the inception of the UPE and as the pottery project did not succeed, they changed it to a primary school under the Universal Primary Education, UPE, and since then, the attention of government is very minimal, being that there is no motorable road leading to this inland community,” he said.

Amiang added: “The children in the school are not many because of the poor condition; some travel to far distant areas to attend school, which is not safe.

It needs government attention.

“We call the village inland community because there is no motorable road, no infrastructure, we have been abandoned. I am greatly worried about our living condition.”

Chief Peter Amiang.

Toilet system at Government School Obio Ibiet Esa village.

The Obio Ibiet Esa village town hall.

that Rumuodogo 2, a community in Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State, is the most disadvantaged settlement in the state judging from the level of infrastructural development and social amenities that are functional and which the people enjoy.

Rumuodogo 2 is incontrovertibly a community where luxury is a fiction understood by nobody. A cross- section of people, who are knowledgeable about the communities in the state, however, reacted differently to the poser of poorest community in the state.

Some out rightly accepted that the community is unmistakably in penury while others said every other community is poor and at the same time rich. This is on the grounds that what is termed rich is relative, which means what some people could describe as poverty may be said to be riches in another setting.

Run-down Mr. Ebere Bright, who had understudied Rumuodogo 2, said it is unambiguously the poorest community in Ikwerre land. A villager, Prince Amusa Isih, the son of the village head, said the community was poor because other communities around it sit on its rights and benefits. ”This is why I am calling on the government to come to our aid. We do not have road, no health centre, no market, no electricity, and no good water.

Since the creation of Emohua local government, the community has not had a representative at the council.

It is as if we are not one of the communities that make up the local government and the state.

Market crumbles “We do not have market, the place we manage as market was built by our forefathers.

We have been using it within ourselves and some Kalabari people, hence there is no access for Ikwerre communities into the community, but now it has collapsed. As it stands now the Kalabari people who come to trade with us cannot come to the community again because of militancy on the water front, so the market is not functioning again. Invariably there is no economic activity going on here again,” he said His words: “There is no hospital or clinic, so we do not have anything like treatment in the community, although

Continues on Page 6

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014—5

ASSAH COMMUNITY:

Poverty walks on two legs DELTA...

FINGER OF GOD

By Festus Ahon, Egufe Yafugborhi & Brisibe Perez

A

SSAH— ONE word that best describes Assah community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State is poverty. It is suffering from the malady of underdevelopment and lack of exposure to civilization.

The community with a population of about 2, 500 and about 300 buildings, 70 per cent of which are mud structures with thatch roofs is situated between the boundaries of Bomadi and Patani Local Government Areas of the state.

No-go-area during the rains The access road to Assah community from the BomadiOhoror main road, which is the closest a vehicle can get to the community, is impassable during the rainy season, except for a one hour bumpy ride on a commercial motorcycle, popularly referred to as ‘Okada’.

Only sign of devt The only evidence of government’s presence in the community is the Assah Secondary school, and Assah Primary School, a nonworking overhead water tank, an abandoned Health Centre project and an “ongoing” electricity project, which has been on for an unspecified number of years, according to the chairman of the community, Mr. Unuadeh Army.

As at the time Niger Delta Voice visited, Assah Secondary and Primary schools, which play host to students and pupils from an average of seven communities, including Besigha, Assah, Etefe, Imoto, Ejewho, Omafuvwe and Edulokor were in pitiable condition.

Though the Delta state government prides itself as one of the best in the area of provision of basic infrastructure in boosting its Delta Beyond Oil initiative, Assah community currently produces a large percentage of cassava consumed in Ughelli, Bomadi, Patani and environs.

It can contribute immensely to the production of the 60,000-hectare Federal Government Cassava Flour Development Initiative if the cassava produced from the community is properly harnessed.

Convey corpse with Okada

Road to the community.

A transformer meant for Assah and other surrounding communities.

Speaking to Niger Delta Voice on the state of decadence in the community, Mr. Unuadeh stated that owing to the non-availability of health institutions in the area, residents have resorted to engage the services of traditional health personnel for health care services.

He said: “The closest health centre to Assah is the Besigha Health Centre in Patani Local Government Area which is a rigorous one hour ride on Okada from here. Imagine trying to rush a sick person to the health centre for medical attention on a one hour bumpy Okada ride?

“We even convey the corpse of our loved ones on Okada to the mortuary from here,

Continues on Page 7

Solar panel and water taps over grown with weeds.

NIM honours Gbagi

Mr. Gbagi (middle) and NIM members cutting the birthday cake.

By Emma Amaize

W

ARRI—NIGERIA Institute of Management, NIM, has elevated former Minister of State for Education, Olurogun Kenneth Gbagi, to the distinguished status of Fellow.

Olorogun Gbagi, a governorship aspirant in Delta State, who celebrated his 53rd birthday last Thursday, was joined by NIM members and past presidents during the celebration at the 2014 Annual National Management Conference of the institute in Warri, Delta State.

Gbagi, who hosted the conference at Effurun, near Warri, expressed gratitude to NIM for the award.

C M Y K

6—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

RUMUODOGO 2: Land people fear to inhabit Continues on Page 6 there are some chemists, we go for self- medication.”

No car comes to our community “Cars do not come into the community. Even if some of our children who reside in the city have cars, there is no road for them to drive it home.

Even motorcycle cannot get there because of the nature of the road”.

He added, “there is nothing like electricity in the community, there is no community in Rivers State that does not have electricity, some people have generator and that is the only source that keeps the community alive to an extent.

“We have not seen anything like NEPA light since our community was founded, we depend on generators.”

No human being would want to live here “Our community is one of the poorest communities in the state. The community is very poor. I mean very poor. It is not a community where human beings would want to live because it is surrounded by thick forest.

“Sometimes you hear that Rumuodogo 2 is a militant zone, why will it not be for a community that does not have road. Even police cannot get there, no security personnel can get there. We are just living in danger because there is no access to the community, no government approach to the village,” he asserted.

Angst with govt According to him, “The community has a very vast fertile land. The land we have here can contain more than 100 companies. We are not comfortable that even when we are underdeveloped but blessed with vast land that the state government has not sited any of its farms in Rumuodogo 2 so as to alleviate the suffering of the people here,” Request “If the government will remember and locate one agricultural facility in our area having been acquainted with our plight, we will accept it, and I think it will go a long way to change our story.

“If the government sites any institution here definitely, it we make them to do the road, bring electricity and engage our youths meaningfully.

“The state government should decentralize its institutions and bring some to this community, we will give them enough land,” he said.

Isih lamented, “as little as councillor we cannot get. How do we grow? Government should come assist us. Anything that is due us should be sent to us directly because the C M Y K

Sections of Rumuodogo 2 road.

A church in the community.

A typical Rumuodogo 2 home.

A busy market day. communities around us marginalize us. All my children are in Port- Harcourt because there is no school here. Mosquito bites and strange sicknesses are too much in the community because of the environment.”

“I know that the government is like a man with many children, but I am pleading as a child must to his father that it should come to and rescue us from our problem. The government should come to our aid. It is only the government that can help us out of all our predicaments, so we plead amidst our mistakes that they should help us out.”

I’ve nothing to say— Wokoma The Chief of Staff, Caretaker Committee, CTC, Emohua local government, Hon. Benjamin Chile Wokoma, told Niger Delta Voice: “That is their own

opinion because I do not live with them and I am not from there, so those in the community will know better than me what their condition is.

“In my opinion, they might not be the poorest in the state, although they are poor. But if they come up to say they are poor, I do not have anything to say”.

Wokoma, however, said, “But I think the community should be challenged to action.

I am from a commu-nity too.

“If they are having such problem, I think they are missing it somewhere. They should constitute a Community Development Committee, CDC, which will work with any government agency to change their status.

“They should not be far from the government because that is the only agency that can drive change to come, I also advise them to work with the local government council.”

ABOVE: A trader and her children at the market.

RIGHT: Prince Amusa Isih.

Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014—7

Igbo carnival holds in Spain

ASSAH COMMUNITY: Poverty walks on two legs Continues from Page 5 and this is also applicable to women in labour. To avoid this, we have resorted to fate and the technicality of our traditional health attendants for treatment.”

Ubiquitous Okada The major source of livelihood for residents of the area is fishing and farming, producing mainly cassava for garri production, potato and groundnut.

In selling their farm produces, Okada is used to transport the products to the Besigha Junction for onward transportation to Bomadi, Ughelli and other surrounding communities.

Eze Peter Chukwu (left); Mr. Franklin Onyebuchi, Chairman, Organising Committee (2nd left), and other guests at the event. BELOW: Igbo traditional dancers performing on the occasion.

Valencia in Spain that the Igbo ethnic nationality “is a jewel of inestimable value.”

Speaking to Niger Delta Voice, Eze Chukwu said: “I am proud to be an Igbo man, I am proud to be part of this historic occasion with my lovely wife. Above all, I thank God that enabled this fiesta to hold and this will, no doubt, show to the whole world that Igbo is one of the most industrious ethnic nationality in the whole world.”

While paying glowing tribute to the organizers of the occasion, which was aired and published in Spain’s electronic and print media, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo chieftain, who got award of excellence at the event, enjoined Ndigbo in Diaspora to continue with their good works, saying that posterity will never forget them.

He said: “I have no doubt in my mind that Igbo nation will continue to explore their rich cultural values.

We will not relent in our effort in ensuring that Igbo will always be known by their cultural heritage, peaceful disposition and selfless effort in building and making the

By Emma Amaize Igbo ethnic nationality a pride in the Her Excellency, Mrs Bianca world.”

Odumegwu Ojukwu, who had ALENCIA (SPAIN)—IT was a He commended the president earlier hosted Igbo leaders in splendid spectacle when Ndigbo Madrid, capital of Spain, president general of the Igbo world union, in Spain put on show the rich Igbo Chief Nanta, chairman of the Igbo general of Igbo worldwide, Chief cultural heritage that makes them a Improvement Union, Valencia, Chief Meshach Nantra, Onyeisi Ndigbo, force to reckon with in the African Kingsley Obi, Ambassador Ojukwu, Delta Central and South senatorial continent. chairman of the organizing districts, Eze (Sir) Peter Chukwu The carnival, which attracted committee, Mr. Franklin Yebuchi and and other distinguished Igbo sons eminent sons and daughters of Igbo other Igbo leaders for their contribuand daughters in attendance. ethnic nationality, across the world, tions towards the success of the Chief Nantra said at the fiesta, had Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, carnival. which held at the beautiful city of

V

Rampage by Fulani herdsmen On security, Unuadeh lamented alleged attack of indigenes of Assah

by Fulani herdsmen, saying that the fear of Fulani herdsmen is the beginning of wisdom in the community.

He said: “We are afraid to go to the farm owing to the incessant attacks by herdsmen, who not only rob farmers of their farm produce, but maim and kill those that try to resist them, as well as rape women. “ His words: “We have written to the state government on several occasions on the state of things in the community but till date, they have been paying deaf ears to our plight. The Ughelli South Transition Committee Chairman, Chief Oviri Uto, came visiting some time ago to address the security and other challenges we are facing, but till date, nothing positive has emerged from that visit.”

No electricity President General of Uto Federated Community, Pastor Edewor Egedegbe, stated that the community has never had electricity power supply since its emergence.

He said: “Though there is an ongoing electricity project for Assah and its environs, the project is currently on hold owing to the poor condition of the road. We do not have details of the time frame of the project so we cannot really tell when it is supposed to be completed.”

Health centre abandoned Unuadeh added: “During the Ibori administration, the then member representing Ughelli South Constituency in the State House of Assembly, late Pius Ewherido, ensured the construction of a health centre for the community, which began eight years ago, but the project has since been abandoned.”

C M Y K

8—Niger Delta Voice, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

GELEGELE: Hellfire on earth Today, the famous Gelegele seaport has been reduced to a mere waterside where only fishing by the local people takes place. Also, the Portuguese and British government used the Gelegele sea port extensively for more than half a century before the 1897 infamous British punitive expedition.

Gelegele.

Continues from Page 2 where it is transported by barge through River Osse to the Escravos Terminal of Chevron Nigeria Limited. While the Federal Government and its partners earn bountifully from Gelegele oil, the inhabitants live in penury with severe health challenges.

We breathe poison- Villagers Amaokosowei of Gelegele, 72-year-old Alaowei Wilson Kororo, confirmed the people were living in abject poverty and had no idea that oil companies, which started operation in the 60s came to annihilate them with toxic gas.

Public Relations Officer of the community, Mr.Omaghomi Olu-Deremor stated that the biggest problem of the people was breathing of deadly smoke from the Dubril oil’s flow station, sited in the heart of the community.

A villager, Pa Johnson Akor, said: “We are dying bit by bit from pollution in this village, it is everywhere. See, the roof of my house, it is corroded and falling off because of gas flaring and other toxic gases in the air. Tell our government to call Dubril Oil Company to order.”

His words: “Our lives have plunged to the worse since Dubril happened on Gelegele in 1979, we are surprised that government is watching an oil company dismember a lawabiding community without raising eyebrow.”

Insignificant govt presence Notwithstanding hosting the oil flow station of Dubri Oil Company since 1979, Niger Delta checks revealed there was no motorable road to the oil town. Vehicles only bring people from Benin to Ekehuan, a journey of about 27 kilometres and thereafter motorcycles ferry people for the next 18 kilometers.

Sometimes, one can stay at the Ekehuan junction for hours, waiting for a motorcycle going to Gelegele. And it costs a fortune, depending on the weather and time. Yet, thousands of barrels of crude oil are ferried from Gelegele C M Y K

to Chevron in Escravos, Delta State, for refinement abroad.

The community is literarily another hades. The day-to-day affair of the community is run by an executive of the village union as well as the youth wing. Health and education facilities are jointly provided by the community and the local government.

Forsaken

Unfortunately, a lot of activities that are very vital to the history of the ancient Benin kingdom are linked to Gelegele. It is in history that the slave trade and trade in cocoa, cowries and other precious items with the Germans, Portuguese and later Britons were all done through this port as the major seaport in the region.

No response from FG I YC spokesman, Mr. Eric Omare, told Niger Delta Voice, weekend, “Yes, we have since forwarded our resolution on the Gelegele case to Hon Kuku for the attention of the President, but we have not received any response.”

“We are making effort to reach President Jonathan ourselves to discuss the issue of Gelegele with him because what is happening there is an aberration,” he added.

DOCL willing to relocate flow station Omare, a lawyer, said the IYC has tried to engage DOCL on the Gelegele devastation, but all the company assured was that it was going to relocate the flow

station from the community. He contended that that was not enough, saying, “They have to rebuild the place and pay compensation for the damage they have caused the people.”

According to him, “IYC officials want to personally meet with the governor of Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshimhole and brief him so that he will properly understand the devastation that is being carried out in Gelegele. It is not just about sending him letter, we have been trying to get audience with him, but no headway yet.”

DOCL provides 12-hour electricity The company, which has produced 7,778 million barrels of light crude from Gelegele, however, said on its website that it was providing electricity 12 hours per day for the community through generators.

It also said some indigenes of the community were engaged by the company, while youths of the community work as host watch guards.

In Abo City villagers drink from water they defecate in

Abobiri Community Primary School.

To Abobiri across the river.

Abobiri community.

Continues from Page 3 Evacuation to Yenagoa According to the deputy paramount ruler, “The place started declining during the early 70s. Before we knew what was happening, they started evacuating the equipment to Yenagoa and Port Harcourt following the relocation of the headquarters to Yenagoa, but our people believed that these things happened because we did not have top officials in government to influence policy decisions.”

Lamentations of the people If the parameter for determining a poor community is the availability of social amenities, then Abobiri ranks far as one of the poorest. Without a link road, the community is only accessible by the Ogbia River through boat.

The people drink water from the same river they take their bath and defecate in.

Bemoaning the lack of social amenities in the area, Akisi IV added, “We do not have road, if we had road, the community would be opened up to the outside world and there will be communication. We do not have

a market, no secondary school, and for over 20 years, no electricity, even potable water.

We fetch water from the river which is not too good.

“We are battling with coastal erosion, as you can see; it is eating deep into our community. Our people are extremely poor, our children are not educated because of poverty, and we need scholarship for our children.”

On why he thinks the Abobiri is one of the poorest, Nalaguo Alagoa aserted: “The mainstay of the people is agriculture, and most of the land has been taken by the government. The land which is hosting the sprawling Ogbia town (headquarters) of Ogbia Local Government Council belongs to Abobiri.

“Several hectares had been acquired by government but not put to use and now Abobiri people cannot farm on these lands, so their main sources of income has grossly been reduced.

“Our rivers are endangered because the people are fishing in and out of every season and so its presents a serious

competition for the people, and to that extent they cannot get what they want.”

Appeal ”The Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, which was proposed for Abobiri was taken to Umudike because of politics, and all these years Bayelsa does not have a school of agriculture, what is wrong in opening an institute of agriculture in Abobiri because Abobiri promises a place where that can be done?” Alagoa suggested.

On his part, Akisi IV said: “We are begging the state and local governments to come to our aid. Former Governor Timipre Sylva grew up in this community as a kid; we are still surprised that he did not remember us when he was governor.

“Perhaps, in the whole of Bayelsa state, Abobiri is the best place for massive and commercial agriculture because we have the land and fertile soil, we have hosted it before so the government can recreate it again if they are serious.”

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—33

34 — Vanguard,THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

NNPC, workers chart new course on Pension

BY VICTOR AHIUMA-YOUNG

T

HE management of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and workers have agreed on a way forward in the Pension dispute that led to a five day strike that crippled the corporation and its subsidiaries.

In a seven-paragraph resolution between the Minister of Petroleum Resources and leaders of corporation branch of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG and

their Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, among others, immediate injection of lump sum into the staff pension fund.

It was agreed that the Group Managing Director, GMD, of NNPC, “in consultation with the inhouse unions shall determine the amount to be paid as lump sum to the pension fund within the approval already granted by the Minister of Petroleum Resources.”

According to the resolution, after exhaustive deliberations, the minister informed the unions that the National Pension Commission, PenCom “letter withdrawing the temporary license granted to NNPC to run Defined Benefit Scheme had been reversed.”

Similarly, “the Minister affirmed that anticipatory approval has been given to the measures and timelines proposed by the NNPC Management to close the exist-

ing N86.5 billion Pension Fund gap on or before August, 2015. The Minister emphasised the need to embrace an International standard pension fund structure and framework so that after the Pension gap is closed, the framework will ensure that the pension fund is invested and managed to guarantee sustainability.”

“It was agreed that a Committee comprising members drawn from NNPC Management

PENGASSAN. NUPENG, DPR, RSA, and CSLD will be estab1ished to work out the modalities and framework for sustaining the NNPC Pension Scheme, along the Oil and Gas Private Sector lines. The GMD in consultation with the in-house Unions shall determine the amount to be paid as lump sum to the pension fund within the approval already granted by the Minister of Petroleum Resources.”

The workers had begun an indefinite industrial action following a deadlock of the meeting between the NNPC management and leaders of the two unions; NUPENG, and PENGASSAN, over the revocation of the corporation’s closed Pension Scheme licence by PenCom, among others.

The workers through the two unions are demanded adequate funding of the corporation’s pension scheme which PenCom had revoked the operating licence over deficit funding.

It was gathered PenCom revoked the licence granted to NNPC Pension Fund over failure to meet its requirements.

A letter dated September 8th 2014, addressed to the Group Managing Director NNPC, by the Acting Director General, PenCom Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, said that the commission came to the conclusion of the unwillingness of NNPC to comply with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act, PRA, 2014 and the conditions attached to the approval granted it to continue with the existing scheme.

In 2006, PenCom granted temporary approval for NNPC Pension Fund to operate as a Closed Pension Fund Administrator, CPFA, pending compliance of guidelines issued by the commission and the provision of the PRA. But out of the five pending provisions, NNPC could not meet up with anyone.

In the letter, PenCom said; Section 50 (1) (g) of the PRA, 2014 and clause b) (i) of the approval conditions provide that the scheme shall be fully funded at all times and that any shortfall shall be made up within 90 days.

“NNPC has breached this condition considering that the scheme has remained in deficits since inception in 2006.

NNPC made an undertaking to transfer additional assets to address the deficit.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2 , 2014—35

BITS BitS

the individual occupying the office presently has constituted himself as a barrier thereby making the bridge unsafe for Congress to use.

In other words, if the job description for that office includes erecting unwarranted barriers to stop even correspondences between labour and government, usurp the functions of State Administrative Council of Congress, SAC, and cause avoidable acrimony within labour to bring labour movement to its kneels in Delta State as is being demonstrated by Mike Okeme, then Congress stands by its resolution of August 7th 2014.

Ministry launches books on labour laws

T

Union leaders brainstorm on economic reforms

E

CONOMIC reforms and its effect on the population was one of the issues discussed at the just concluded at the 10th International forum on “Economic Globalization and Trade Union s” held in Beijing China .

Executive Secretary of the Organization of African Trade Union Unity ( OATUU), Mr. Owei Lakemfa in his presentation titled “ A better world is possible” said We in OATUU are convinced that the international labour movement needs to be rebuilt in the spirit of equality, consensus building, mutual respect and shared value. The Beijing Forum is a basic foundation necessary to achieve this historical goal”.

Mr. Lakemfa stated that “ Things are so bad, and hunger so pervasive, that tens of millions of people risk limb and life to get bread.

Many prefer the dangerous and suicidal crossing of the oceans and open seas in hope of a better life.

COMRADE Williams Akporeha

Govt-labour relationship heading for the rocks, unless...,Delta NLC IN this edition, Labour Vanguard brings to you the concluding part of the interview with Comrade Williams Akporeha, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Delta State Council Chairman. The first part was published on September 25. Read on.

BY Victor Ahiuma-Young

T

HE State Executive Council, SEC, meeting of August 7th 2014, resolved that the State Governor should review the appointment of his SA Labour and Industrial Relations among others, is that within your purvey?

We are organized labour and he is supposed to be a go-between with government and us, but events leading to that resolution left us without an option.

Now, let me tell you, NLC is not anybody’s surname and no one man can drag that name and its activities to disrepute. In fact, what happened on August 7th was historical and an affirmation of the non-parallel unity that I mentioned earlier. That resolution was unanimous and unambiguous as some of the events that took Congress to that height were highlighted in the resolution. Having said that, we at NLC were however very surprised to read a news story credited to the state chairman of the TUC, Mr. Myke Arinze, describing that resolution as ‘uncalled for and a witch-hunt’ without any recourse to the issues raised by Congress.

Really, which aspect of the issues can any person classify as witch-hunt? Is it the confiscation of 10 buses donated by the state government to assist workers’ Mass Transit Scheme in 2012 at the detriment of workers? How can it be said that Congress is witch-hunting a man who now takes undue advantage of his position to want to run the Congress from his office? So, we are really shocked on the sudden outburst of Myke Arinze and one is tempted to conclude that he is either an accomplice or he is out rightly insensitive to the plight of workers in the

state.

Let me make it categorically clear that even before Congress issued that August 7th resolution, it gave the SA Labour every opportunity to turn away from his anti-Congress conduct but he has remained unyielding.

Indeed, Congress holds Mike Okeme in very high esteem as a former state chairman and therefore explored all internal avenues including seeking the interventions of the state governor and the National Secretariat of the NLC in Abuja as well as other state labour veterans to dissuade him but he ignored

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HE Federal Ministry of La bour and Productivity has presented to the public to books tilted “Compendium of Nigerian Labour Laws and Other Related Laws” and “Guidelines on Labour Laws in Nigeria”.

Labour Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu while unveiling the books said the publications contained valuable information that would make it easier for experts and other readers to apply the provisions of Nigeria’s labour laws efficiently for conflict resolution, productivity improvement and socio-economic development.

Chief Wogu according to the ministry's Deputy Director, Press, Mr. Sam Olowookere pointed out that the Labour Ministry’s commitment to professional service delivery has transformed the Labour Sector with the production of such policies as HIV/AIDS Workplace Policy; Child Labour Policy; National Productivity Policy; Local Employment Contents Guidelines; Guidelines on the Oil and Gas Sector; Contract Staffing Policy and Regulation on the Use of Elevators and Escalators with Guidelines.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Clement Illoh, noted that the publications have potential to bridge the knowledge gap in understanding of labour relations in Nigeria, considering that the recurrence of strikes, lock-outs and picketing was largely due to ignorance of relevant labour laws on the part of employers and employees.

What will you say is the aspiration of the present leadership of Delta State NLC? The struggle continues. Labour Leadership in the state is entirely dedicated to the sustenance of industrial harmony while struggling to secure desirable welfare and work conditions for the state workforce as well as a satisfactory post service conditions for retirees.

Yes, while Congress will continue to appreciate the state government for successes recorded so far in its partnership with labour, there is indeed a lot of ground to be covered. But I don’t have any doubt whatsoever that very soon, by the special grace of God and the wisdom of our labour friendly Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel shall become visible for workers and retirees in Delta state.

At the moment, Congress is seeking the attention of government to a number of unresolved issues. In particular, Congress is very worried that government seems to have reneged on its determination to clear the backlog of unpaid pension benefits to retirees through a monthly release of N1.5billion from Internally Generated Revenue. So, as I speak with you, unpaid pensions in the state are pilling while retirees are groaning beneath.

You see, I used the phrase ‘Congress is

Indeed, Congress holds Mike Okeme in very high esteem as a former state chairman and therefore explored all internal avenues including seeking the interventions of the State Governor

all entreaties. Rather, he resorted to grandstanding to undermine Congress leadership to create the impression that after him, congress leadership no longer matters.

It is very important to state here that the August 7th resolution is not in any way, directed at the genuine intentions of the state government that created the Office of SA Labour to the State Governor but suffice to say that Congress remains very grateful to Governor Uduaghan for creating the office of Special Adviser on Labour and Industrial Relations. For us in Congress, that office ought to be a bridge to providing soft landing for a robust government and labour partnership to further the interest of the state workforce and government.

However, congress has observed that

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very worried’ because of the great danger the situation portends not only for retirees but also the state workforce.

Naturally, workers dread looking forward to bleak retirements, so while we struggle to reduce the sufferings of our present retirees, we fear for the state of mind of those who are still in service. The inherent fear factor being the knowledge of the sufferings ahead and this can demoralize a worker. As we all know, a demoralized worker is directly proportional to diminishing productivity at the expense of the state. So, I use this opportunity to again appeal to government to give priority to offsetting pensions backlog and secure the future of would-be retirees in the state.

I want to also identify mass unemployment as one the major concerns of Congress in Delta state.

36—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Nigeria: 54 years of what?

By Awa Kalu(SAN)

O

NLY yesterday, Nigeria as a country had a low key celebration to mark the 54th anniversary of its political independence from our colonial masters.

Perhaps, the anniversary was celebrated without fanfare or pomp and pageantry in acknowledgment of the global and widespread economic crisis that is top on the agenda of most developed, developing and least developed nations.

In addition, the security situation, occasioned by the impudent acts of insurgents who are still keeping our beloved Chibok girls made our celebration a cautious one. It is also possible that the avoidance of any form of gloating in our celebrations is a clear acceptance of the argument of the majority that we are yet to arrive at our destination fifty four years after the journey began.

Does any nation ever arrive at its destination or is the life of a nation a continuous journey punctuated by events whether remarkable or not? Yet again, one may ask, when did the life of this country begin? Some would say it began in 1914 when the amalgamation of the Northern Protectorate with its counterpart, the Southern Protectorate was achieved.

The fanfare with which the nation celebrated Lord Laggard’s amalgation is an undeniable acknowledgement of the genesis of this would-be great nation, the land of plenty. At this juncture, it may simply be noted that what is presently known as the Federal Republic of Nigeria was not a country, at least prior to the amalgation of 1914.

The indigenous and heterogeneous groups often derogatorily referred to as ‘tribes’, which make up this country, existed independent of each other with different cultural and political systems. However, the Colonial masters, largely for economic and administrative reasons, felt that there was a need to merge the Northern and Southern Protectorates into a single colony.

The fusion was achieved by Lord Fredrick Luggard, the then Governor General.

It has often been wondered in several quarters whether the amalgamation was a political master stroke or an unmitigated error. The Jury is still out but our dear President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in a recent speech, had no doubt that the amalgamation was divine. As has been acknowledged, every

journey has a beginning and it will be left to the discerning reader to determine whether our journey as a country truly began in 1914.

Snippets from our colonial history show that Lord Luggard made way for Sir. Hugh Clifford in 1919 or thereabout. It was indeed Sir Clifford that laid the foundations of democracy in the colony in that the first Nigerian Constitution of 1922 was appropriately called the Clifford Constitution.

That Constitution introduced a Legislative Council and for the first time, enlightened Nigerians were afforded the opportunity of a say in the political affairs of their country. No matter how tenuous their emergence in government was, what cannot be contradicted is that the 1922 Constitution was the first of many in the annals of

this country.

Historians equally acknowledge that it was that Constitution that sowed the seeds of nationalist movements at that time. The early Nationalists were the principal actors in the struggle against colonialism.

Late Herbert Macaulay for instance, is often referred to as the father of Nigerian nationalism. He was later joined in the struggle by the likes of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the late Sardauna of Sokoto and so on. It is believed that even women were not left out of the agitations that eventually led to the ouster of the Colonialists.

What is popularly known as ‘the Aba women riots of 1929’ was a revolt against the involvement of women in the payment of tax. Of course, the effort of women in the

achievement of political independence cannot be ignored and this has been touted as one of the reasons for presenting the Amazons of yester-years on the face of the proposed 5,000 Naira currency.

Even though suspended, it cannot be doubted that in the nearest future, an opportunity for acknowledging the efforts of women in nation building will present itself. In some quarters, the emergence of women in very prominent departments of government is believed to be a remarkable dividend for years of unyielding sacrifice from our women.

The coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Okonji-Iweala, the Ministers of Petroleum, of Science and Technology, the Minister of State FCT, and a host of other well

meaning women are demonstrating the power of women in nation building.

It may even be argued that the capital market responds to the footsteps of a very powerful woman. Nevertheless, what needs to be repeated is that the combined pressure from men and women culminated in democratic self rule, first, for the Western and Eastern Regions and later for the Northern Region as a prelude for the independence of the nation from Great Britain.

However, in the light of the fact that what calls for celebration is the 54th anniversary of our independence from Great Britain, it would then seem incontestable that Nigeria was born on the 1st of October, 1960 and that it was on that date that its journey as a Continues on page 37

Appeal Court blends justice delivery Council of Legal Education Statutory with technology —Page 39 — Page 38 report to NBA (2) C M Y K

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—37

Continues from page 36 nation began.

A nation is akin to a human being, born naked and unable to do things for itself, assisted for many years, weaned and let loose to cater for his or herself.

For the human, it is those who bring the child into the world that are responsible for its upbringing including providing instruction as to how to survive in a competitive environment. In the words of Hillary Clinton, formerly First Lady of the United States and its former Secretary of State, ‘it takes a village’.

If it takes a village to bring up a child, you may wonder, how many persons or villages would it take to ‘bring up’ a nation? All that can be said is that: for a nation, the burden is often cast on the proverbial ‘founding fathers’ whose dreams, wisdom and foresight propel the nation to greatness.

According to that belief, it was the founding fathers of the United States who dreamt of a strong nation propelled by the ideals of equality of all human beings, that government itself is instituted for the welfare of the governed and that every person is entitled to the pursuit of happiness.

The dream of America’s founding fathers has been vigorously pursued by their successors in the course of several decades or even centuries of

Nigeria: 54 years of what? to serve our fatherland with love, strength and faith. We then resonate in the belief that the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. In unison, we confirm our preparedness to serve our fatherland with all our might and to produce only one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity. Whichever of the two anthems you choose or prefer, there is no iota of doubt that the ingredients of a national ideology are inherent in both.

Member of the recently concluded National Conference showed an overwhelming preference for the ole Anthem. Was this a manifestation of Nostalgia?

One cannot say. The question at this time, at our 54th independence anniversary, is whether we have struck the chord embedded in both anthems - the task of building a great Nigeria? In addition, can the successors to the founding fathers of this nation claim to have fulfilled the promise of the anthems recited by our youth?

The answer is not hard to find and we do not need any rocket scientist to grant us any illumination into our current travails in the build up to our recent independence anniversary.

A careful examination of our recent history and social condition will leave no one in any

National security is inseparable from the welfare of the people for which reason, it is accorded the status of a fundamental objective and directive principle of state policy

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democratic governance. In our own case, it appears that the dreams of our founding fathers were encapsulated in that first National Anthem which my generation recited effortlessly.

We hailed Nigeria, our own dear native land, and we pledged that though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand. We then agreed that we were proud to serve our sovereign motherland. For reasons that have not been completely satisfactory, that National Anthem which acknowledged our diversity and affirmed our unity was hastily jettisoned.

In its place, we are beckoned on, as compatriots to arise and to obey Nigeria’s call. That call is

EDITORIAL TEAM Innocent Anaba ( Head) Wahab Abdulah Ikechukwu Nnochiri Dayo Benson (Supervising Editor) 08056180119 dayobenson@yahoo.com

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doubt that following an incremental deterioration in our security situation, there has been a downgrading of our individual and collective well being. Were we statistically minded, for instance, it would have been easy to quantify the havoc wrought by unmitigated armed robbery, car snatching and allied violent offences.

How do you quantify the economic danger posed by the rise in kidnapping in many states in the Niger Delta and SouthEast regions? Where is the barometer with which we can measure the economic mayhem aris-

ing from sustained militancy in the Niger Delta which fortunately, was ameliorated by the amnesty programme initiated by the Federal Government?

What about the confusion now generated by the random deployment of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in different parts of the country leading to the dislocation of social and economic life particularly in Borno and Yobe States? What about the understated impact of strikes such as the one occasioning a disruption of fuel supply to the nation’s capital which resulted in trauma for several residents?

What about the notable consequences of national disasters such as the not too recent flood in Lagos and more recently, other parts of the country? Can we be oblivious of the recent declaration of a state of emergency in parts of the Northern States? In the aggregate, it cannot be in doubt that the security of the state is the only guarantee for order, peace and good government.

This was obvious to our founding fathers for which reason our extant constitution, in section 14(2)(b), declares that ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government’. National security is inseparable from the welfare of the people for which reason, it is accorded the status of a fundamental objective and directive principle of state policy. Can a nation celebrate without security?

In further answer, we may borrow a few words from a book (Foundations of a New Nigeria)

edited b y t w o great and celebrated scholars, S a m Oyovbaire and Tunji Olagunju. In their introduction, they argue that ‘History is a succession of events in the life of nations, of peoples or of communities.

Historical events are social cumulations.

Fundamentally, one set of identifiable events in time and space is as much rooted in a preceding set as it is the root of succeeding events’. ‘Similarly’, they contend, ‘historical events in one place could become the genesis of events in other places depending, of course, on the critical nature of the former. In this manner of conceptualizing events, history could be said to be unrestricted by space and time.’

The authors further opine that history and historical events are not amorphous or shapeless occurrences. On the contrary, historical events and processes possess uniqueness which marks them as much the product of the past and of particular places, as they are sufficiently differentiated from their antecedents. Such uniqueness of history provides both the basis from a break from either the past or from events of other places, as well as the basis of a completely new future history. The decisiveness of the unique nature and character of historical events and processes provides the basis for the differentiation in history.

They then affirm a truism, on which basis our country may be judged, that a set of events and processes could be quite profound and long drawn-out with the attendant consequence that existing structures and values of a nation become completely broken or overturned, giving rise to new structures, institutions, values and patterns of

social conduct. Perhaps, it is not yet time to determine the unwholesome consequences of insurgency in the North East.

With the history of Nigeria as a plank on which to analyze her problems, Chief Arthur Nwankwo, a foremost nationalist and public affairs analyst lambasts this country in his book NIGERIA: THE POLITICAL TRANSITION & THE FUTURE OF DEMOCRACY as a nation in search of identity and consciousness. He argues that the dilemma of contemporary Nigeria is mind-boggling. Nigeria is bedeviled by a myriad of problems which require radical therapies.

In very strong words, he compares ‘the enormous problems of the polity’ with ‘the reality of a tragic dance of death; a ritual with no purpose and a rite in celebration of decay and putrefaction’.

Arthur Nwankwo further contends that ‘in examining the Nigerian condition’, he is ‘reminded of that parabolic signification of communal ethos in a society caught in the web of organized intrigue. The belief that a disease which is ravaging a land needs the blood of an animal matching its potency for exoneration, exorcism and amelioration holds absolutely true for the Nigerian State’.

In a tone brimming with resignation and surrender, he alleges that ‘the only qualification to the time-honored liberationist paradigm is that not even the blood of a mortal, and a clansman’s at that , may have the efficacy of purgation, or the potency of regeneration’.

As angry as his words indicate, he however takes the path of a statesman and asks; ‘what are the basic tentative measures likely to arrest the calm strive towards chaos and the fatalistic journey into the molting abyss and morass of the unknown?’ He concludes that Nigeria’s drift into chaos is both attitudinal and institutional and his belief is that arresting the drift demands the re-orientation of individual and collective awakening to realities.

Our military establishment, happily, has promised that calm will soon return to all parts of our nation.

I have listened to radio and television discussions aimed at appraising Nigeria at 54. It appears

Continues on page 37

38—VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

LIMwho HOLDS Lawyers baggedSESSION national honours

Appeal Court blends justice delivery with technology

By Bartholomew Madukwe

A

S part of efforts to meet the challenges of the new legal year, President, Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa and other Justices of the court, have stepped up efforts to make the appellate court information technology compliant.

The modernization project of the Court of Appeal came after a recent study visit to Australia and it is to institute a comprehensive modernization of the court’s operational system to meet international standard.

According to a source close to the President of the court, the visit was to help the Appeal Court Justices understand the electronic filling otherwise known as the e-filling (Virtual court) project.

It was gathered that the visit demonstrated to the management of the court the need for a Court Records and Information Management

and E- - filing System.

One of the crucial areas visited was the Federal Family Court of Australia to see the efficient implementation of an E- -filing system and the practical needs of court management framework. The delegation met with the Chief Justice of Family Court of Australia, Diana Bryant.

All the sessions were interactive and informal and it is hoped that the initiative will be backed up by actions as the 2014/2015 Legal Year of the court begins.

It was gathered that the Court of Appeal, online appeal filling system is an essential component of the strategic plan for technology for the court.

Stakeholders said that the e-filing is to transform the Court of Appeal from a paper-based process to an electronic environment, where interactions occur via internet or automated voice-response with improved servicing timeframes; e-filing system

will be used by 90 percent of court staff and Judicial Officers and will transform the way cases are received, adjudicated and disposed of.

The stakeholders noted that e-filing system will significantly improve the quality of justice rendered in Nigeria’s trial courts by providing lawyers, judges and litigants with visibility and access to case information across all Nigerian courts.

Highlights of the e-filing system include institutional filers (Lawyers etc.) transmit directly from their computer systems; lawyers can file via the internet, tablets or kiosks; case records stored electronically; Nigeria Appeal Court can be accessed 24x7 from any location through the internet; lawyers, litigants, justice partners, judicial officers and court staff can search across all case types for cases; Nigeria courts at the push of a button and better information drives more-in-

From left: Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN; Justice Alfar Belgore, former Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chief Joe-Kyari Gadzama, SAN.

From left: Mrs. Catherine Uju Ifejika, her husband, Mr Emmanuel Ifejika, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu and Mr Nutiu Sumonu, Country Chairman, Shell Petroleum Development Company.

Nigeria: 54 years of what?

Continues from page 37 that there is a consensus that so soon after its Golden Jubilee anniversary, our country is afflicted with pre-pubescent and adolescent problems.

Some analysts even remind us that the Jubilee was celebrated with an unprecedented bombing. We need not be deterred by negative tendencies.

Touted as the most populous black nation on earth, recognized as a country endowed with vast and extensive human and natural resources, blessed with the potential to be what it can be, we still suffer the misfortune of a burden of who will bell the cat i.e. the cat of liberation from self-imposed stagnation and an unwillingness to march into unrestrained prosperity. We are often in search of the ideas that will give fillip to our destiny.

Thus, at independence, we were given a constitution which tied us somehow to the Monarchy of Great Britain. By 1963 when we parted ways with that constitution, we gave unto ourselves a Republican Constitution. Then, anchored on allegations of corruption and misrule, a coup d’etat overthrew that constitution and for several years we laboured under military leadership and

fought a bitter civil war which deepened the schisms in the polity.

In 1979, the military retreated to the Barracks in the belief that politicians had learnt their lessons.

On the last day of 1983, there was yet another coup d’etat, followed by another in 1985 and 1993. Historians are familiar with the flip-flop in the formulation of policies that followed including the failure of a well designed transition to civilrule programme.

Recognising that it is the inalienable right of the people to choose who should regulate their affairs, the military again retreated to their Barracks in 1999 and have not given any overt indication of an intention to return despite the predilections of our politicians, some of which may sound as an invitation of some sort.

We are presently labouring under the burden of pre-2015 shenanigans as indicated in the imbroglio in Rivers State and the misguided attack on the judiciary in Ekiti State. If the reader needs a reminder, our 54th anniversary was foreshadowed by the attack on the Chief Judge of Ekiti State and his court. Allegedly, he was beaten up by thugs and his judicial roses were torn.

What a way to celebrate at 54! But we are resilient and we will make it even if slowly and painfully. The fact that we have had fourteen years of unbroken civil rule is eloquent testimony to our steadfastness.

Truly, it is a wonder that despite our wobbling and fumbling, we have lived under the umbrella of one Nigeria – an umbrella which is bigger than those of other rainmakers; an umbrella that is bigger than those of ethnic jingoists and chauvinists; an umbrella that is bigger than those of professional politicians, of certain fraudulent professors and other professionals, and of even those who do not like Nigeria.

I remember that date, 1st October 1960. As a primary school pupil decorated in a new school uniform and brand new converse shoes, I took part in a march past on the day that the Union Jack was lowered and the GreenWhite-Green flag was hoisted. That flag will continue to fly, our frailties notwithstanding.

It is my belief that we will continue to hail Nigeria, our own dear native land. Indeed, the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain.

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

From left: Chief Michael Kole, Dr. Olatunde Ayeni and Mr. Jimoh Ibrahim, Chairman/CEO Global Fleet Group and Publisher of Mirror Newspapers.

From left: Dr. Valerie Azinge, her husband, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, SAN, former Director-General of Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, NIALS and Mrs. Boma Ojobia.

From left: Chief Emeka Nwogu, Minister of Labour; Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State; Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of State for Education and Mr. M.A. Ohuabunwa.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—39

Including justice in post-2015 MDGs — Nigeria must lead

BY OLANREWAJU ONADEKO

F

eedback from distin guished members of the Bar and the Bench through our externship field supervisors confidential report on externs have been very useful in the continuous reinvention of our placement criteria; • Standing externship placement committee Re-Engaging the NUC to Combat the Perennial Challenge of Over-Admission by Nigerian Law Faculties: One of the major challenges that the CLE and the NLS have confronted over the years is the violation of admission quota by Law Faculties of Nigerian Universities with impunity.

This has stretched our hu-

*Mr Olanrewaju Onadeko number of applicants to the Bar Part 1 programme. It was originally designed to aid foreign – trained Nigerians who desire to be called to the Nigerian Bar to be exposed to the pecu-

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The last two to three years have witnessed an explosion from 200 to over 500. This has unwittingly compounded the challenge of student population explosion at the NLS

man and infrastructural facilities over the years. In view of the extant legal and regulatory framework for training undergraduates towards the LL.B degree programme, which is the prerequisite for admission into the NLS, we realize that the CLE and NLS must have the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) on its side to make headway in enforcing admission quota.

Consequently, we have engaged the NUC at top management level. The Executive Secretary, Prof.

Julius Okojie, has been particularly helpful in this regard. This symbiotic relationship has yielded the following positive result: Adoption of CLE approved quota for Faculties of Law in Nigerian Universities by NUC and communication of same to JAMB as directive from the 2014/ 2015 admission exercise; Setting up of a standing joint committee for the implementation of CLE and NUC policies and decisions for the regulation Faculties of Law in Nigeria; and Joint NUC/CLE Committee on the Census of Law Faculties in Nigeria.

Review of Bar Part 1 Admission Policy: Akin to the foregoing problem of over admission by some Nigerian Law Faculties is the growing

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liarities of the Nigerian legal system before proceeding to the final stage of the vocational legal training at the NLS. The last two to three years have witnessed an explosion from 200 to over 500. This has unwittingly compounded the challenge of student population explosion at the NLS. The situation becomes unacceptable when considered against the background that some of these so-called law faculties from Benin Republic, Ghana, Cameroun, Sao-Tome and Principe have no basic training infrastructure prescribed by the CLE. The irony of it all is that most of these institutions have 70 to 80% of their entire students’ population as Nigerians.

It is gratifying to report that the CLE has risen to the challenge by directing the NLS to admit only a prescribed number from foreign law faculties whose programme currently enjoys CLE’s recognition.

There is a moratorium on recognition of programmes of new foreign faculties in place.

Security Infrastructure Deployed in Our Campuses especially Kano and Yola: Since assumption of office, I have been inundat-

ed with calls for us to close down our Kano and Yola Campuses because of the security challenges posed by insurgents in those parts of the country. I wish to report that, God has been gracious and so far, there has been no incident that justifies the fear expressed about those campuses.

However, we have embarked upon the immediate fencing of our Yola and Kano Campuses to forestall their apparent vulnerability.

Although capital intensive, we are left with no option as a responsive and responsible management.

We have also secured the support of the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defence Staff and the State Securities Service for the deployment of plain clothed officers and men to the precincts of all our Campuses.

Within our modest means, we have also acquired and deployed modern security gadgets to all campuses.

We also have in place CCTV Camera at strategic locations on the advice of our security experts to aid the operation of our security personnel.

Forging Partnership with Ethics and Advocacy Africa for Capacity Building: One of the cardinal statutory responsibilities of the NLS is to collaborate with the NBA for the provision of the mandatory continuous legal education for legal practitioners in Nigeria. In the days ahead, NLS with the support of the CLE shall engage the new leadership of the NBA to work out the modalities.

Currently, NLS with the approval of the CLE has commenced a working relationship with Ethics and Advocacy Africa, a United States based non-profit organization, whose mission is to assist in building capacity of qualified lawyers for better service delivery.

I

N the last 14 years, Nigeria has joined the rest of the world in the pursuit of development targets set out in the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Undeniably, over the yearsthe MDGs implementation has brought aboutpalpableprogress in reducing poverty, addressing issues of women empowerment and participation in the public sphere, including education of the girl child, and addressing issues of infant and maternal mortality.

There have been noteworthy efforts at the Federal and Statelevelsin addressing goals related to poverty reduction, education, gender equality, child and maternal healthand environmental sustainability.

Despite the MDGs, a large number of women in Nigeria are still marginalized. Public offices are still largely dominated by men.

Access to justice for the poor is virtually nonexistent because cost of litigation is high and unaffordable. Dispensation of justice is very slow and uninteresting while cases of violence against women

are rampant. There is a culture of impunity as most victims of sexual assault and rape often condone such crimes for fear of victimization or stigmatization.

Prisons are overcrowded with more than 75% of the

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Council of Legal Education Statutory report to NBA (2)

BY JOHN OZIEGBE

The inclusion of justice and rule of law in the Post 2015 Development Agenda is pivotal to the success of all social, economic and political activities in Nigeria

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population constituting thoseawaiting trial, living under pitiable conditions.

Civil Society capacity to intervene through the provision of legal aid and advice is limited due to lack or shortage of funds. Sadly, citizen’s access to information is impaired while corrupt practices in all sectors thrive.

The inclusion of justice and rule of law in the Post

SAN award

Mr. Sylva Ogwemoh, SAN and wife, Priscilla, shortly after his conferment with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria at the Supreme Court, recently in Abuja.

M

r Sylva Ogwe moh, is the Principal Partner and Head of the Law Firm of Marine Partnerslocated in Lagos, Nigeria.

He had his training as a pupil lawyer in the law firm of Olisa Agbakoba & Associates and Mike Ozekhome & Co., before setting up the law firm of Sylva Ogwemoh & Associates in 1992.

The firm later changed its name to Marine Partners in 1998. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, United Kingdom, member of the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA African Users’ Council), a Panel Member of the Kigali International Arbitration Centre

(KIAC), Rwanda.

He is also a member of the Lagos Court of Arbitration, Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria and the Negotiation and Conflict Management Group. He was an Associate Editor, Journal of Human Rights Law and Practice from 1991-1992.

Mr. Ogwemoh has 26years experience as a lawyer and has handled several complex and sensitive cases; thereby contributing significantly to the development of law in Nigeria.

His areas of practice include; company and commercial law, banking and finance, shipping and admiralty and international business transactions.

2015 Development Agenda is pivotal to the success of all social, economic and political activities in Nigeria. The many years of engagement with the justice sector has revealed that it is not only central to Nigeria’s development but its impact can be measured if clear indicators are developed.

The poor will not only be empowered, it will also protect their rights to food security and ensures a just society. It will enable all justice institutions at Federal and State levels to bench mark progress in the provision of infrastructure, transportation, and equipment for effective and efficient justice delivery.

Setting Nigeria’s own priorities At the 22nd Session of the African Union held on the 31st of January 2014, Nigeria and other Heads of States acknowledged that the post 2015 development agenda must, “ensure equality and access to justice and information for all through the pre-eminence of justice and rule of law, and guarantee the protection of the rights of minorities and people living in vulnerable situations… ” Therefore, as we strategize and mobilize support around priorities for the post-2015 agenda, Nigeria is a central actor and has much to offer. So far the Federal Government has held a meeting to share cumulative MDG experiences, a post-term evaluation of the first National Implementation Plan (2010-2013) and is now in the process of preparing a second National Implementation Plan (2014-2017).

These consultations have not only underscored the dire need for the expansion of the MDGs indicators - to be refined to reflect emerging developmental realities and challenges – but the consultations have also stressed that the MDGs left out key themes: particularly governance, justice and public safety.

Without meaningfully accounting for ways to improve governance, expand access to justice and guarantee the safety of all, the aspirations of the MDGs will continue to be out of reach for many Nigerians.

Current debate around the post-2015 development framework in Nigeria and internationally no doubt presents a window of opportunity to make a positive impact.

40—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Echoes of Biafra I

N my last article captioned Zik, Ojukwu and Ndi-Igbo' published Monday, 25th August 2014 by The Guardian, I averred that Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe's speech at the Consultative Assembly in Enugu opposing Lt Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu's intentions to pull the Eastern Region out of Nigeria in 1967 earned him the ire of the latter.

In order to gag and prevent Azikiwe from doing anything further to openly or covertly frustrate his desires or organize effective opposition to his resolve to pull the Eastern Region out of Nigeria, Ojukwu took the pre-emptive action of tactically placing Azikiwe under house arrest without letting the general public and even most government insiders know he had done so.

Security operatives were simply put in place at Azikiwe's residence ostensibly to provide security and protect the former Nigerian Head of State from harm but actually to keep unwanted or unauthorized visitors away. Zik's close

confidants, associates, friends, possible cohorts or likely supporters and even relatives were quietly kept at bay. Those who tried to see Zik were discreetly informed by the security men emplaced by Ojukwu that the great Zik did not wish to see them or words to that effect.

Of course, some of Zik's relations or kinsmen were not convinced or were distrustful of the farcical reports of Zik's disinclination to be reached.

Soon, highly informed sources say, some prominent Onitsha indigenes, Azikiwe's kinsmen, especially those of themwho knew and agreed with Azikiwe's position and nonsupport for secession began to meet to address the unfolding ugly situation. Apparently, they imagined that the traditional freedom of association and free speech everybody took for granted still existed. Of course, Ojukwu got wind of what was going on and promptly arrested the supposed ringleaders of the group and clamped them into detention on charges of sabotage and illegal assembly.

Those arrested included such Onitsha prominent citizens as

Map of Nigeria

Barrister Dan Ibekwe, SolicitorGeneral of Eastern Nigeria;Mr. Michael Ibekwe, who later became the Police Chief in the East Central State; Mr. Edwin Nzegwu, a very successful lawyer; Justice Araka, who later became the Chief Justice of East Central State; and a host of others. It is not for me to talk about what became of the Araka family or wife! It is equally remarkable that many of those arrested or detained were not even remotely associated with the said meetings of concerned Onitsha indigenes.

There was no doubt that many Onitsha people, Azikiwe's kinsmen, were going to rally behind Zik and his idea that it was premature, risky and rash to declare the secession of E a s t e r n Nigeria at least at that point in time.

Many of them agreed with Azikiwe's pragmatic viewpoint that the action could lead to t h e annihilation a n d humiliation of Easterners by Nigeria's Federal troops given the fact that the East was at that point illequipped for war. The said meetings and possible rally a g a i n s t secession were of course actions which under normal circumstances could have passed as an inherent democratic expression of a g r o u p ' s preferences, enacted to moderate government

policy. But from the way the matter was handled, Onitsha people became a byword for saboteurs in the region. Many suffered various degrees of discrimination and persecution as a result of the smear campaign that followed both in the region and later in Biafra.

No doubt, this matter created intra-ethnic disharmony between Onitsha people and the hinterland Igbo during and after the Nigeria-Biafra war.

Indeed, the faceoff and mistrust between Ojukwu and Onitsha people got so bad that Colonel Chude Sokei, an Onitsha indigene, is even up to dateequated to or regarded by Onitsha people as the "Uriah" of the Biafran State; to say

Governments in the Southeast should always take steps that would not exacerbate tensions arising from the war. If anything, they must adopt policies that will help mitigate the injustices, real and imagined, perpetrated by the Biafran government

,

By Uchenna Nwankwo

explosion. Onitsha people regard Peter Obi's action in this regard as an affront on the indigenous population of Onitsha.

The situation calls for the immediate attention or intervention of Dr. Willie Obiano, the State's new governor. There is need to nip the gathering storm in the bud; to forestall an impending civil commotion in the town over the matter. Over the weekend, I overheard an Onitsha man grumble to his mates in a restaurant in the city that the planting of Ojukwu's statue in Onitsha land is as insensitive and provocative as erecting the statue in Calabar, Uyo, Port Harcourt or Yenegoa. It is unacceptable, he lamented.

Come to that, it is doubtful whether any Igbo town for that matter would accept to have Ojukwu's statue in its town square if the people have an inkling of how Ojukwu actually handled the crisis leading up to secession and Biafra, and the war that followed.

It is my considered opinion that governments in the Southeast should always take steps that would not exacerbate tensions arising from the war.

If anything, they must adopt policies that will help mitigate the injustices, real and imagined, perpetrated by the Biafran government as well as join hands with other groupings in and outside the old Eastern Region for the achievement of reasonable reconciliation; to bury the hatchet and provide

nothing about the attitude of ndi-Onitsha to the condemnation and execution of their son, Lt Colonel Emmanuel Ifeajuna, by the Biafran authorities.

It is against this backdrop that one might begin to rationalize or understand the nuances, undercurrents and simmering tension in Onitsha today over some of Peter Obi's actions towards the end of his tenure as governor of Anambra State.

Indigenous population When Peter Obi erected Ojukwu's statues in Onitsha metropolis, the indigenous population of the town gasped.

They would rather prefer that Governor Peter Obi took the statue away from Onitsha land!

Somehow, it appears, some Onitsha elders and influential citizens have so far managed to check the palpable anger of the people over the issue. But the people's anger is not by any means extinguished. It is seething. The place is restive.

The embers are in fact smouldering, and my reading of the situation is that sooner than later there will be an

,

psychological and material relief to those who were scorched by the violence of war and the attendant discriminatory enactments and inflammatory and adverse propaganda orchestrated before and during the entire crisis period on all sides. There is need for understanding and empathy. In the case of ndiOnitsha and their travails in Biafra, such empathy has not been forthcoming from the rest of ndi-Igbo, not out of wickedness and lack of care but simply because most people are still ignorant of what really happened; why ndi-Onitsha were erroneously branded saboteurs based on the coverups and lies peddled by the powers that be at the material time. Indeed, governments in the Southeast must also continually adopt ideas and policies to recreate cherished Igbo values and society that were destroyed by the NigeriaBiafra war. To borrow a refrain of Mrs. Rose Adaure Njoku, the long suffering wife of Brigadier Hilary Njoku, we must endeavour to "withstand the storm". *Nwankwo is the author of the book: Zik, Ndi-Igbo and their Southern Neighbours

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 —41

NIMR DG bags NANS Excellence Award

Cakes go healthy F

OR many of us it is so difficult to follow a vegetarian lifestyle or simply eat healthier because the change seems to come with less fun in eating. Often, the prejudice persist that eating vegetarian or vegan means eating spartan salads and leaves.

Moreover, dwelling on the sweet side of life like cakes and confectionary is completely not possible. Well, not quite like that.

Healthy cooking and baking has become a culinary experience par excellence.

In this interview Mrs Nike Majekodunmi, MD of ‘Nuts About Cakes’ talks about a healthy way to the sweet things.

Healthy living and baking Healthy living is about having attitudes, actions and habits that add up to the nurture of total wellness. This of course involves creating a lifestyle that is wholesome. For some people it means sticking to a strict diet or having an exercise routine. This is great but the ‘living’ is also as important as the ‘healthy ’.

Healthy baked options let us know that we can still enjoy the pleasurable things of life without too much sacrifice. For that purpose, ‘Nuts About Cakes’ is launching a healthy option bread, cakes and pastry at the forthcoming Lagos Veg Fest October 10-12 at Freedom Park, Lagos Island.

Behind healthy baking: As society gets more enlightened

I

Hakeem Jimo’s

Ve ggie Victory

veggienaija@gmail.com about fighting illnesses and diseases through healthy eating, it became important to create tasty, healthy and quality products people can enjoy daily and incorporate into their lifestyle.

Cakes, pastries and bread recipes as we know it can be modified to create nutritious and health promoting meals. The concept of healthy baking includes the reduction of trans-fat, sugars, salt content and baking eggless. This has huge positive impacts for your

Nike Majekodunmi, MD ‘Nuts About Cakes’

health. In addition to this, fortification of ingredients has become common, with many baked goods containing hearthealthy nuts and dried fruits, substituting fruits and fruit purees for sugars and adding wholegrain to bread.

Nigerians and style of eating Nigerians are now generally a lot more health conscious than they were ten years ago. We have seen a tremendous array of businesses that have started and flourished around healthy living: gyms, football pitches, health stores, importation of fruits, spas and even medical tourism. We have also seen start-ups of fresh juice and smoothie outfits and even a vegetarian and vegan restaurant. It only takes another 10 years of cultivating healthy food habits and living, and we will find that life as we know it for the baking industry has to adapt and change if it is to survive. The challenge for bakers is to continually develop new products, ingredients and processing methods to increase the product’s health benefits while retaining good flavour.

T

HE Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, Prof. Innocent Ujah yesterday bagged the 2014 Achiever per Excellence Award of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS. The Award which was presented to him in Lagos by members of NANS from various states of the country was given to him based on his outstanding performance since he took over the mantle of leadership at the Institute.

Presenting the award on behalf of the National President of the association, Mr. Edwin Ninalowo Saheed who led the team of students to NIMR said the association recognised NIMR’s contribution in the war against Ebola Virus Disease imported into

Prof. Innocent Ujah

to the country by the Late American- Liberian, Patrick Sawyer.

According to Saheed, NANS decided to honour Prof. Ujah with a Five Star General of the association because they see the best of Nigerian students in him.

“This award is to spur you to do more and ensure that the health sector through research is well commendable and at par with the global standard.

We automatically induct you to NANS Hall of Fame. NANS Achiever per Excellence Award is aimed at identifying with the truth and light.”

Responding, the Director General, Prof Innocent Ujah admonished the students that Unionism should not deter them from achieving their gaols in life said: “hard work does not kill.”

He recalled that the containment of Ebola for the first time in history brought good tidings to Nigeria. According to him, “Containment of Ebola is a manifestation that with political will, Nigeria will do everything.

He stressed the need for political will and support, adding that many good dreams are dead today because of lack of support.

Describing the award as next to National Award, Ujah called for more funding for research in the country as there cannot be any meaningful development without research.

COMMON SEXUAL PROBLEMS AND THEIR NOVELTY BASED SOLUTIONS (ADVERTORIAL)

came home from work early last week because I wasn’t feeling well. As I unlocked the door and got into the house, I found my husband in the parlor dressed in women’s clothes with make up on, painting his toe nails red. I was speechless and all I have done is cry since that day. My husband hasn’t said anything and I don’t know what to do. I had no idea he was gay – Mrs Ogechi This is not a homosexual issue. Your husband is what you call a cross dresser. Cross dressers normally identify with the opposite gender on the inside. That is why male cross dressers dress like women. Some of them go as far as doing a sex change operation so that they can become the opposite gender. Some cross dressers are male while others are female. I know that all of this is shocking for you but your husband believes he is a woman. That is why you caught him wearing women’s clothes and he must have been doing this for a long time. I can imagine how embarrassed and heartbroken you must be to see him that way and clearly, this will likely spell the end of your marriage. I suggest having a chat with him to discuss your future. He is what he is and from your reaction, I don’t think you want to be married to a man who believes he is a woman. It never works.

Sorry and take heart. Every now and then life hits us with an unexpected surprise that changes the course of our lives forever. Be strong. You can still have another life that is better than the one you had with him – Uche My fiancée never has an orgasm through penetration. She only comes when I play with her clitoris for a long time. Is this a medical condition?

Is there any remedy to correct this? Please reply Donald Dear Donald, clitoral stimulation is more pleasurable for women because the clitoris is that part of the female genitalia with the highest concentration of nerve endings. So yes the clitoris

has the most sensitivity when touched and therefor gives the most pleasure. What you have to do is to adopt a sex position or a technique that enables penetration and clitoral stimulation to go on at the same time. That way, she will orgasm during penetrative intercourse. It is easier to achieve this using a Vibrating Cock Ring or a Vibrator to stimulate her during intercourse – Uche A friend of mine gave me one capsule of a drug that made me have the best sex I have had in a long time. I have been looking for this drug ever since. I can’t find it anywhere and when I called him, he said he got it from you. The name is Platinum or something like that.

Please how can I get it? – Ojega The drug you just described is the X Again Platinum Enhancer and it is used to gain hard erections, staying power and organ enlargement. Yes we have it. Call the numbers below to get it – Uche I recently read one of your columns and I have been thanking God for you. Please I have a very small penis that is about 4 inches long. How best can I make it bigger? Maurice Maurice a penis pump would be best for you. Get the Machismo Penis Enlargement Pump. Use it regularly as prescribed and you will begin to get bigger with time – Uche I cannot last long in bed and my wife complains that sex is painful – Segun She needs a lubricant. Vaginal dryness is quite common. Get her the Sensura Water Based Lubricant.

For yourself, get the Gladiator Power Cream. It will stop your premature ejaculation – Uche The names of the people featured here have been changed for their privacy. Adults in need of these treatments/novelties can call 07086754515 or 08051924159 or any other number here to order or they can order online at www.zeevirtualmedia.com. Zee Virtual Media delivers to you wherever you are in Nigeria. For enquiries, send your emails to custserv@zeevirtualmedia.com

42—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Political foes of the outgoing governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Godswill Akpabio have many reasons for the beef they hold against him. But their disunity is a common problem

Akwa Ibom 2015: Akpabio’s rivals in disarray

BY: CHIOMA ONUEGBU, Uyo

I

N the past one month the Akwa Ibom state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC has been enmeshed in an internal crisis that appears to be tearing the party apart.

Not too long ago, a leadership crisis arising from the merger of the three legacy parties that formed the APC surfaced but that was quickly solved by party elders from within and outside the state.

That crisis arose from mutterings that members of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria ACN, took over almost all the positions in the new party from the ward level to the state executive.

But Vanguard investigations revealed that the new challenge stems from alleged misgivings over the general direction of the party in the state and struggle for dominance by a section of the party.

It was gathered that majority of the chapter chairmen and state officers had during one of the state executive meetings few months ago come up with the decision that the party should be opened up for interested aspirants vying for either state and National Assembly seats and even governorship position to come in.

But it appeared that the decision did not sit well with some of the leaders who perceived it as a move to frustrate their ambitions of contesting elective positions in the coming elections.

Gubernatorial candidate Some party members have pointed at the ACN 2011 gubernatorial candidate and APC leader, Senator John AkpanUdodehe as one of those who could benefit from closing the party to new entrants and it is a development that has apparently polarised the party into two.

That struggle inevitably led to the suspension of the 22 local government chairmen and 10 state officers of the party.

Those suspended it is also alleged are working in cahoots with dissidents in the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP who it is believed would want to move over to the APC for the purpose of actualising their ambitions of stopping Governor Godswill Akpabio’s

•Akpabio plans of a smooth transition to a supposedly handpicked successor.

Remarkably, the anti-Akpabio elements are no pushovers and hence the supposed panic in the midst of the APC. Among those it is alleged may move over to the APC in pursuit of a platform to fight Akpabio are Dr. Ime Umana, f o r m e r S S G, U m a n a O k o n Umana, Effiong Abia former commissioner for local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Senator Aloysius Etok representing Ikot Ekpene senatorial district among many others.

However the Chief publicist and Director of Research and Publicity to Umana Okon Umana Mr. Ita Awak when contacted said he was not aware of any such plot adding that there was no reason for Umana to defect to another party when he has all the assurance of picking the PDP ticket.

“As the Chief Publicist I am telling you that there is no such thing as far as Umana Okon Umana is concerned.

We do not have any such plan because we are confident that the vast majority of enlightened PDP delegates who are going to participate in the governorship primaries will give Umana Okon Umana the ticket.However Akpabio appears not to be unaware about the serious gang up against his quest to produce a successor and is also believed to be moving to checkmate the plans of his political rivals.

Contacted on the development, the APC state Publicity Secretary Mr. Samuel Udobong

•Akpanudoedehe who is among those allegedly suspended, said, “First of all let me point out that I am not aware of being suspended as being reported in the media. On the issue about opening up the party to allow other political aspirants come into the party is true.”

“But I want to say that I don’t see anything wrong why the party should be opened up.

This is because we believe that only one person cannot finance the party and therefore we must need financiers to properly position APC in Akwa Ibom State in preparation for the election. We don’t want a situation where people see

APC as a one man show.”

“All these happenings are distractions by a cabal in the party working against the overall interest of the party but we are hoping that everything will be okay very soon. I am also telling you that up till now the APC is still seen as one family except for a few who are attempting to form a cabal and bring the party into disarray, but we are not going to allow that to happen”, he said.

Meanwhile, anger directed against the state party chairman, Amadu Attai has been further fuelled following the refusal to rescind the suspension order on the 22 local gov-

ernment chairmen.

Contacted on the development, former military administrator of rtd Capt Sam Enwang who is also member Board of Trustees, of APC described the lingering leadership crisis in Akwa Ibom APC as the consequence of one man and his cronies hijacking the party.

He, however, assured that the National leadership of the party was working towards bringing to an end the leadership tussle saying, “and nobody has been suspended in the party in Akwa Ibom because the national leadership views whatever process used as unacceptable”.

Delta 2015: – Olejeme' A

S the count-down to the 2015 gener al election gathers momentum across the country, a lot of politicians-the pretenders, the down-ride-unserious, the serious, the rank outsiders, the true contenders as well as the ‘anointed’ are throwing their hats in the political ring for one position or the other. In all of these categories however, one characteristic remains constant- the courage to dare.

Knowing the treacherous character of politics, especially of the Nigerian hew; it in fact, demands a huge dose of courage for anyone to aspire to any elective position. But that is as far as the element of courage goes. To be able to galvanise the needed groundswell of enthusiasm, support, and actually emerge victorious at the end of the day requires much more than courage.

Here intellectual acumen, vision equally matched by a road map and implementation strategies, charisma as well as the human touch, are an irreducible minimum.

To be sure, not so many politicians in our clime are endowed with such a generous dose of the required leadership qualities. But the few so endowed have them in abundance. Dr (Mrs.) Ngozi Olejeme, FCIDA, MIoD is one of the rare few amongst us.

Olejeme is the quintessential candidate any electorate should hope for in an election year. An intellectual, accomplished entrepreneur, astute administrator, Philanthropist Without Borders, and a Visionary par excellence, Dr Olejeme has all it takes to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best and brightest in Delta state. Fortunately, she has not disappointed those who have long seen her as a Leader for the times. She has expectedly, thrown in her hat in the gubernatorial ring of the oil-rich Delta state.

Dr Olejeme brings to the table a reputation of extraordinary successes borne out of personal industry in both private and public life. In the private sector, Olejeme is Chairman/CEO of some reputable companies that are presently, true national institutions, employing thousands of Nigerians and foreigners alike.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—43

Lagos 2015: Battle of the sexes THE normally liberal political space in Lagos is being charged with allegations of sexism following the apparent inclination of the mainstream political leadership of the state to project what is being termed a male-male gubernatorial ticket

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

P

OLITICIANS from Lagos State pride themselves in being among the most cosmopolitan in the country. It is perhaps in deference to this that the state is exceptional in its projection of the female flock in society and in the working place. The majority of the judges, a substantial proportion of its top civil servants and indeed politicians are women.

Indeed, the projection of women in the state reached a remarkable point last July when Justice Ayotunde Philips daughter of the late Hon. Justice James Williams retired as the chief judge of the state only to hand over to another woman and her own younger sister, Justice Funmilayo Atilade.

The place of women as an important segment of the social fabric of the state has also been cemented in the distribution of political offices with the projection of women in important offices notably, the office of the deputy governor of the state.

At least five of the seven immediate past deputy governors of the state have been women, a situation that has also bothered some of them given their own efforts to climb higher to the highest office in the state.

Efforts by some of them in the past, notably Mrs. Kemi Nelson, Mrs. Remi Adkikwu-

•Sosan: Immediate past deputy governor Bakare and recently, by Mrs. Abike-Dabiri-Erewa to contest the governorship have notably, flopped. It is not known for now if either Mrs. Nelson or Mrs. Dabiri-Erewa would still be contesting the governorship given the perceived determination of their political godfather, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu towards the mainstream candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

However, the choice of a running mate for whoever emerges the candidate, who is

given the present permutations, expected to be a male has now turned into an issue in the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC. APC chieftains who it was learnt have agreed to present a Christian, in the person of Ambode as the candidate of the party, it was learnt are now under pressure to present a male Muslim as the running mate.

The decision which was apparently framed to soothe

's blueprint She is Chairman/CEO, Able JES Nig. Ltd; Chairman/CEO, Fresh Energy Nig. Ltd; as well as Executive Director, JULIND Nig. Ltd. She had also, previously been Chairman, Board of Directors of several public institutions, including the Nigerian Social insurance Trust Fund and Trust Fund Pensions Plc. She has also served as Member, Board of Directors of several companies, including the Ajaokuta Steel Company Ltd, Subsidy Re-investment and Empowerment Programme (SUR-P) as well as Sheraton Hotels and Towers, amongst others.

Politically, Olejeme is no neophyte. Apart from featuring prominently as one of the contenders in the PDP gubernatorial Primary in Delta state in 2007, she was also the Director of Finance, Goodluck Support Group (GSG) in 2007 and only recently, the Federal government (female) Delegate representing the South South region in the just- concluded National Conference (2014).

Although the foregoing towering credentials aptly qualifyOlejeme to vie for the top Executive job in Delta state, she is not running on these alone. This Amazon is certainly running on a New Vision for her beloved state. It is a vision borne out of a passion for service to man, God and country (state).

At different fora and interview sessions, Olejeme has spoken passionately about her dream for Delta state.

Although she believes in the consolidation and continuity of the present governor’s mantra of “Delta Beyond Oil”, she wants to take this one notch higher- certainly a Delta beyond oil, but one that is anchored on participatory democracy, inclusive growth and equal opportunity for all citizens of the state.She believes agriculture holds the key to the actualization of the Delta Beyond Oil philosophy. Hear her:

•Olejeme

•Adefulire: Incumbent deputy governor religious feelings among the two dominant religions in the state, Vanguard learnt, is, however, stirring insinuations of sexism among the normally vociferous female flank in the ruling party in the state.

The idea of the male-male ticket it was learnt was sold to soothe Muslim elders in the state who it was learnt would not welcome a woman to lead them in civil or religious events.

It is an issue that is, however, being seriously flayed by the

equally critical segment of the female Muslim political class.

The argument has, however, ruffled feathers in the female flank of the party with a number of them asserting that excluding women from consideration or removing from their normal place on the ticket is an attempt to subjugate the women flock in the party.

Prominent member “Must it mean that because one is a female Muslim that one cannot hold a position,” one prominent member of the party asked.

“If we allow that, it then means that we are quietly giving way to the theory that a woman cannot be a governor of Lagos,” the female party member said.

The canvassers of the female position it was learnt were mobilising to project the fact that two Muslim women have in the past held the position of deputy governor and served the state well. Alhaja Latefat Okunnu and Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu served as deputy governor of Lagos State in the nineties and the former was known to have led state religious delegations to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Lagos is itself planning to present a mixed sex ticket of a male and a woman for the gubernatorial contest.

44 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 45

Ministry sets up database for women politicians

Nigeria, a toddler at 54, but...— SEN NWORGU

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

By Funmi Olasupo

A

BUJA—AHEAD of the 2015 general elections, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development is set to commence the development of a national database on all women political aspirants, with a view to throwing its weight behind them.

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Zainab Maina, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja in a statement by the ministry ’s Chief Press Secretary, Saghir elMohammed.

She stated that the database would enable the ministry effectively plan and monitor the progress of female political aspirants and take concrete steps to build their capacities for the elections.

The Minister said: “I wish to call on our men, who are our fathers, uncles, husbands and brothers, to please give us a chance. All we are asking for is a levelplaying field and your support to be part of the project.”

FG distributes relief materials to IDPs in Adamawa

By Laide Akinboade

A

BUJA— THE Presidential Committee on Procurement and Distribution of Relief Materials in states under state of emergency rule has distributed items worth N500 million to the affected victims and flagged off the Safe Schools initiative with 30 pilot schools in the three states.

Director General of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Muhammad Sidi, who is the chairman of the committee, said it was set up by President Goodluck Jonathan to care for displaced persons recorded in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states, to alleviate their suffering and improve the welfare of the internally displaced persons, IDPs.

A

BUJA—CHAIRMAN, Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Nkechi Nworgu, has decried the slow pace of the country ’s development 54 years after independence, likening it to a toddler.

Senator Nworgu, who represents Abia Central senatorial district and one of the governorship aspirants on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, said the long stay of military in the administration of the country

was also a big setback.

Describing the level of development in the country as abysmal, she said: “It is sad that at 54, Nigeria is still a toddler and unfortunately we are still being fed like a baby. This is caused by the military interruption which accounted for over 38 years of the 54 years.

“I have been a member of the National Assembly since the 5th Republic and I can say that gradually, the era of Banana Republic is going.

“This goes to show that the legislature at the national level is developing; growing and maturing properly. There is now consistency, continuity and

sustainable legislative activities.

“The only concern that I have is the alarming and worrisome rate of legislative turn over.

“President Goodluck Jonathan has, however, put a lot of policies in place that are expected to bring about an improved surge in the power sector. Already, over N2 billion had been provided for the Gas Revolution Project. This is expected to dovetail into the power sector.

“From this year Nigerians will see a revolution in terms of economic development and infrastructure revival.”

CONFERENCE:

From left— Mr. Christopher Garnett, Director, E u r o m o n e y Conferences; Mr. Bisi Onasanya, G M D / C E O FirstBank, and Mr. Richard Turner, Group Chief Financial Officer, Jagal Group, at the 2014 Nigeria Banking and Capital Markets Conference in Lagos, yesterday.

Labour sector has improved, says Wogu

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

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BUJA—THE Ministry of Labour and Productivity said, yesterday, that it had in the last four years implemented policies and programmes that enhanced the development of the labour sector, in line with international best practices and the objectives of the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, disclosed this while performing the public presentation of two books: Compendium of Nigerian Labour Laws and Other Related Laws and Guidelines on Labour Laws in Nigeria.

He noted that the new books were a must read for all organisations in the country, stressing that the publications contained valuable information that would make it easier for experts and other readers to apply the provisions of Nigeria’s labour laws efficiently for conflict resolution, productivity

improvement and socioeconomic development.

According to him, the books provide all parties involved in investment decision making with relevant labour market information and guidance on the labour laws.

Wogu said the ministry’s commitment to professional service delivery had transformed the labour sector with the production of such policies as HIV/AIDS workplace, child labour, national productivity, among others.

CICURI lauds Jonathan, Military

By Soni Daniel

A

BUJA— A Nigerian socio-cultural organisation, the Citizens’ Cultural Renaissance Initiative, CICURI, has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan and the Nigerian military for their recent successes in suppressing insurgents in the North-East.

The group, in a statement by Secretary General of CICURI, Beke Konya in Abuja, described the recurring triumph of the armed forces against the terrorists as a testament of the courage, sustained will and resolve of President Jonathan's administration to defeat terror.

The statement noted that the successes recorded by the military under President Jonathan, marked the beginning of the winning of the terror war.

It said: ”Our organisation will in the days ahead, in partnership with other willing patriots, launch a support initiative to support our troops and their families. That is a duty we owe our fatherland.

“In thanking and applauding the gallant men and women of our armed forces, who continue to make huge sacrifice for our security, we call on all Nigerians to join in our support and encouragement for our troops.”

Mark cautions politicians against inflammatory statements only one seat exist at a time,” yesterday, stated that

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—AS political activities continue to increase in preparation for the 2015 general elections in the country, Senate President, David Mark, has cautioned politicians to be wary of what they say in order not to put the nation on fire.

Senator Mark warned the political class against inflammatory or treasonable comments capable of jeopardising the smooth transition process.

The Senate President, who gave the warning at a special church service to mark the 54th independent anniversary at St. Mulumba’s Catholic Chaplaincy, Apo, Abuja

careless utterances could over heat the polity and create avoidable tension.

He reminded politicians that individual ambitions should not override national interest, adding that “Nigeria must exist as a nation first before we could pursue our individual ambitions.”

He pleaded with those fanning the embers of war and disunity to have a rethink as the country would have more to gain by staying united.

He said politics should be a call to service and not a platform to cause disaffection or disharmony among citizens.

“Election is not a do-or-die affair; we should know that

Senator Mark said.

He warned mischief makers not to test the will of government because “government has all it takes to deal with trouble makers.

Let us give peace a chance.”

Mark assured that the National Assembly would continue to promote legislation that would have positive impacts on the citizens.

In his sermon, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Innocent Jooji, canvassed peace and unity among Nigerians which, he added, was the only route to achieve progress.

Jooji prayed for God’s intervention to end the rage of terrorism and insurgency facing the country.

46 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

NUJ decries harassment of members by security agencies in Sokoto

INDEPENDENCE

Shettima pardons 22 prisoners

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OKOTO—THE Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Sokoto State chapter, has decried the consistent harassment of its members by security agencies in the course of their constitutional duties.

This is contained in a communiqué signed by the Chairman and Secretary, Labaran Dundaye and Usman Binji, respectively at the end of its monthly congress in Sokoto, yesterday.

It made reference to the embarrassment of journalists by a retired police officer at the turbaning of Aminu Tambuwal, Speaker of the House of Representatives as Mutawallen Sokoto on September 27.

The communiqué stated that as 2015 general election was approaching, journalists should abide by the ethics of the profession in their reportage.

It urged newsmen to avoid mudslinging in order to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections and their safety by security agencies.

The union appealed to the state government and security agencies to bring to a halt the activities of political thugs,

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AIDUGURI— THE Borno Government said yesterday, that it had granted pardon to 22 prison inmates in Maiduguri as part of the celebration of Nigeria’s 54th Independence.

Governor Kashim Shettima made the announcement during an unscheduled visit to the Maiduguri Maximum Security Prison.

Shettima said that the action followed the recommendation of the State Advisory Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

He presented new sets of clothing and N50,000 cash to each of the prisoners to enable them travel home and reunite with their families.

Shettima also announced approval for the release of N5 million to the prison authorities to enable them carry out general renovation of decaying facilities.

He also donated a 27 KVA power generating set to the prison to help pump water from a new borehole provided by the government.

Shettima, similarly, presented assorted food items, two bulls and 10 rams to the inmates to enable them celebrate the forthcoming Sallah.

He advised them to take their conditions as a trial from God and change their ways for the better.

popularly known as area boys in the state.

“This should be done in the interest of peace and violencefree electioneering in Sokoto,” the communiqué added.

It also noted with dismay how these thugs move freely, “brandishing and attacking” innocent citizens with locally-

made weapons.

It also decried the influx of fake journalists into the state, and called on people in the state to contact the state council to avoid being duped.

The congress rejoiced with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, over his recent ranking as the 18th

most influential Muslim leader in the world.

The union commended the sultan for promoting peace and unity across the country and beyond.

It also commended the state government for the recent approval

by Governor Aliyu Wamakko for the rehabilitation of the NUJ Press Centre in Sokoto.

BRIEFING: From left: Ronke Kosoko, Director of Strategy, Lagos for the People Association, Mr Charles Adoga, Leader, and Mr Azeez Salako, Publicity Secretary, at the briefing by the association on the state of the nation and 2015 elections in Lagos. Photo by Ovadje Elliot.

2015: Ex-NDDC commissioner tasks Edo APC on level playing field

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ENIN CITY—THE immediate past Edo State representative in the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Henry Okhuarobo, has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state to ensure a level playing field for all aspirants of the party ahead the forthcoming general elections.

He stated this while declaring his intension to vie for the House of Assembly seat in Ikpoba Okhai constituency, weekend, in Benin

City. While addressing his supporters, Okhuarobo noted that one of the “major problems facing our democracy is the inability of some political leaders to make the processes that leads to emergence of candidates transparent.

“And that is why I always appreciate the APC leaders for always allowing every aspirant to test his or her popularity unlike other parties where you have godfathers.

We need credible candidates that will assist the Comrade Governor in the development of the state and the only way we can achieve it is when the leadership ensures that credible people emerge as candidates of our party and I am glad we have been assured of that,” he stated.

He said after his journey in the NDDC, “I have decided to make myself available in the law making process of our state.

Ikpoba Okhai people been

denied of good representation in the House and that is affecting our people negatively. Also, as a member of the House, I will join effort with the state government in ensuring that the development that has started in the state continues.

“The Comrade Adams Oshiomhole-led government has tried in its developmental projects across the nook and cranny of the state and it is now left for us to assist him in consolidating democracy in Nigeria.”

On thugs beat up Ekiti judge

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fter somebody would say I should queue up and vote. Can you imagine this thugs playing with the people of Ekiti State?

Right now, I wonder who they cannot beat, if a judge can be attacked.

Mr. Michael DavidBanker

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re w e r e a l l y i n aDemocratic regime? What are the functions of the police?

Is it that thugs are now free to perpetrate acts of violence against the peace loving members of the public? Mr. Mico Best- Commenter

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his is too bad for our democracy, if it actually happened as there are already discordant voices to that effect. Judiciary is the last hope of the common man and if they are been molested as alleged, then, no one is safe. Ms. Constance AnwulikaNYSC member

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hat did the police do rather than look? The security men should rise up to this challenge to avoid a reoccurrence. It is totally unacceptable and unjust for a judge to be attacked by thugs. Mr. Cosmos Eze- Lecturer

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s it how 2015 would look like? This is just one state! A High court Judge beaten up? I wait to see the action of the judicial arm of the government, I wait to see how the matter would be treated at the center. Mrs Assumpta Ebere- Businesswoman

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said at that time, that the Ekiti election was a charade, an absurd pretense intended to create a pleasant or r e s p e c t a b l e appearance. People shouted, saying it was democratic and all that!

Mrs Ifeoma Anyambuba- Worker

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—47

NIGERIA@54: Govs Yero, Jang urge unity, patriotism ...Let's renew our faith in the nation—OMERI

By Suzan Edeh, with agency report

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OVERNOR Muktar Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State and his counterpart in Plateau, Jonah Jang, as well as the Director General of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, Mike Omeri, have urged Nigerians to forge greater unity by exhibiting patriotism to enable the country achieve peace and development.

In a text message to some notable indigenes of Kaduna, Yero said, ‘’as we celebrate independence, let us set aside our differences and strengthen the bond of unity and peaceful co-existence among us. Let us de-emphasise issues that that divide us and dwell on attributes that promote unity and peaceful co-existence and support government’s transformation agenda. Happy independence.’’

In a separate statement, the Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Mallam Ahmed Maiyaki also quoted Yero as stating that ‘’the time has come for Nigeria to assume its rightful position as an economic giant and political leader on the African continent,’’ adding however, that this ‘’can only be achieved through genuine unity among

all sections of the country.’’

According to him, “Our greatest challenge as a people has never been the resources or brains to drive the growth and development of this great country, our set back has always been identifying a balance between power and resource sharing between the component units of the country. With the incremental stabilisation of democratic rule, Nigeria is surely on the path to greatness. ‘’We must all embrace the cardinal principle of democracy by absolutely respecting the rule of law. As we approach another threshold in our democratic experience, we must all realise that 2015 cannot be an end, it is only going to be a means to evolving a modern industrially developed new Nigeria. ‘’Let us join hands together, put those predicting dooms day to shame by ensuring peaceful, credible elections in 2015.’’

counsels

Jang wants fervent prayers for Nigeria

On his part, Omeri, asked Nigerians to see the nation’s 54th Independence Day anniversary as an opportunity to renew their faith in the nation and her ability to surmount present challenges.

According to a statement signed by the Assistant Director (Press) at the NOA, Mr Paul Odenyi, Omeri added that the ‘’government and its agencies had continued to show unflinching resolve in tackling the problems of insurgency, corruption, poverty and unemployment while rewarding citizens who displayed the true Nigerian spirit of discipline, hard work, honesty, ingenuity and patriotism.’’

Omeri charged Nigerians to take ownership of the celebration through bold display of the national symbols.

Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau also called on Nigerians to pray fervently for peace, unity and stability of the country and her leaders as the nation celebrates the 54th anniversary.

Jang’s admonition was contained a goodwill message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr James Mannok, yesterday.

The governor said there was need for prayers in view of the challenges facing the country.

He said the anniversary was a thing of celebration in spite of the economic, political and security challenges facing the nation.

According to Jang, the Independence Day should be a celebration of Nigerians’ resilience in its journey to nationhood.

Omeri Nigerians

Eid-el-Kabir: Zaria ram sellers lament low patronage

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ADUNA—RAM sellers in Zaria, Kaduna State, From left; Pastor Ngozi Igbokwe; Pastor J.T Kalejaiye and Pastor Enyi Igbokwe during have decried low patronage of the Get The World out (G2) Grand Finale held at Harvesters City, Gbagada Phase 2 Lagos. their wares barely three days to the Eid-el-Kabir festival.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports that many ram selling points in the ancient city are overflowing with rams that remain unsold for days.

HE Senator Ayogu Eze alleged that ‘’these hirlings will force its candidate out of Alhaji Abdulmuminu Alhassan, G o v e r n o r s h i p have been paid some money the race, Onyeke praised Sen. the head of livestock market of Zazzau Emirate), told NAN that Campaign Organisation has to demonstrate against Eze for being a courageous the ram sellers had never had it again raised fresh alarm over Senator Eze’s rejection of the so bad, blaming non-payment of what it called desperate purported endorsement of a salaries to many workers in the attempts to hire thugs to consensus candidate. demonstrate against its The statement, which was state for the poor sales.

He said prices of the animals candidate’s insistence on signed by its legal adviser, ILLIONS of pilgrims ranged from N15,000 to N90,000. open primaries by some Barrister Kingsley Onyeke, yesterday, departed claimed that local council Madinah for Makkah, Saudi A ram dealer, Malam Aliyu elements in Enugu State.

The organisation claimed chairmen in the Enugu North Arabia, to perform the main Babankarfi, identified insecurity as one of the factors responsible that the move is being Senatorial District, which its Hajj rites in accordance with orchestrated by people bent on candidate currently represents Islamic injunctions. for the low patronage.

“The present insurgency has stopping the senator from in the Senate, are under The News Agency of Nigeria, now become a threat not only to presenting himself for the PDP instruction to mobilise three NAN, reports that the faithful ram sellers but also to entire governorship primaries in the bus loads of these rented moved to Makkah to observe the demonstrators to gather at Arafat Day, slated for Friday. business activities in Northern state on November 29, 2014.

Insisting that nobody can Nsukka to insist on installing Nigeria. Rams that went for They will also move from between N100,000 and N120,000 intimidate its candidate from an anointed candidate.

Muna on Friday to mount Stating that no amount of Arafat where they would stay before, now sell from N70,000 to partaking in the election, the organisation, in a statement, arm twisting by these elements from sunrise to sunset, as N80,000,” he said.

Fintiri sacks Toungo West Devt Area's boss

By Umar Yusuf

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O L A — T h e Administrator of Toungo West Development Area, Mr. James Micheal has been relieved of his appointment by the Adamawa State acting Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri along with the secretaries of Toungo West and Toungo South Development Areas, Mohammed Hassan and Hamidu Marafa respectively.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Abdullahi Liman Tukur yesterday.

Reasons for the action was not made public but sources said that the action might not be unconnected with the unruly behaviour of some youths who attacked the entourage of the acting Governor when he went there on campaign tour of the affected areas.

Meanwhile, the five former officers had been directed to hand over all government properties in their possession to the highest ranking officer in their respective development areas.

This was even as Fintiri has approved the reconstitution of the Christian Pilgrims’ Welfare Board with Rev. Edward Ishaya as chairman.

Other members of the board include Reverends Stephen Bada and Daniel Tumba, Dr. Zinas Bako, Mrs. Rejoice Agontara, Mr. Seth P. Dan Pullo, Mr, Polycarp Kaigama and Mr. Daniel Babale.

Campaign team raises fresh alarm over plan to muzzle Ayogu Eze

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and worthy representative who excelled in the job he was sent to Abuja to do.

Muslims arrive Makkha for main Hajj rites

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ordained by Allah.

From there, all the pilgrims will move to Musdalifa where they are expected to spend the night up to sunrise.

NAN further reports that the faithful are also expected to return to Muna for the stoning of Jamratul-Aqaba (Stoning of the Devil) on the 10th day of Zhulhija (the Sallah Day).

They would thereafter return to Makkah in continuation with Hajj rites.

48—Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

BLESSING: Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed (middle) and the

Kwara community in Sokoto, led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union, IEDPU, Dr Ahmed Al-Ghazali, during the governor's visit to Sokoto.

VISIT: Mr. Ochereome Nnanna, Vice Chairman, Editorial Board, Vanguard Newspapers (left) and Mr. Bola Ajomale, Managing Director, NASD Plc, during a courtesy call on Vanguard. PHOTO: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor.

MASTER CLASS: From left— Mrs Yetunde Oni, Head, Com-

mercial Clients; Mrs Yemi Owolabi, Executive Director, Finance, and Regional Chief Financial Officer West Africa, both of Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria; Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Chief Financial Officer/Executive Director, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Mrs Bola Adesola, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, and Prince Seyi Kosoko, Company Secretary/Head, Legal, SCB Nigeria, both of Standard Chatered, at the 2014 Standard Chartered Bank Finance Master Class event entitled Built to Last, in Lagos.

CONSULTATION: House of Representatives aspir-

ant from Delta State, Mr. Emudia Akponyoma (right) and His Royal Majesty, Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III, the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, during a consultative meeting with the monarch.

SMARTCITY: From left— Mr. Adebiyi Mabadeje, Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology; Mrs. Titi Aladekomo, CEO, TreasureNest; Demola Aladekomo, Chairman, SmartCity Resorts Plc, managers of the SmartCity Innovation Hub Project; and Femi Olubanwo, Partner, Banwo and Ighodalo, at the private presentation of the 48 hectare SmartCity Innovation Hub in Lagos.

ANNIVERSARY:

AWARD: From left— Dr. Mike Onyia, NCC Commissioner; Arinola Shobande, Executive PA to CEO; Olasunkanmi Atolagbe, Head of HR, and Folahan Salam, Head of Finance, all of X3M Ideas at the Nigerian Telecoms Awards in Lagos where X3M won Telecom Marketing Company of the Year award.

AGM: From left— Mr. Frank Ogiami, Executive Director; Mr. Victor Ogiemwonyi, MD/CEO and Mr. Henry Omoragbon, Chairman, all of Partnership Investment Company Plc, at the 22nd annual general meeting of the company in Lagos, yesterday. PHOTO: Lamidi Bamidele.

From left— Mr. Austin Eruotor, President; Mr. Adelanwa Lanre, both of White House Hotel; Alhaji Ibrahim Aladetan, Baale of Makoko; and Mr. Ayeseteminikan Bawo, Proprietor, Kenade Private Nursery and Primary Schools, Makoko, during the 10th anniversary celebration of the hotel with Makoko community.

PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 49

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50 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 51

Vote out PDP in 2015, Buhari urges voters A

By Gbenga Ariyibi

DO-EKITI—FORMER Head of State and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), has called on all eligible voters in Nigeria to take the advantage of 2015 general elections to vote the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, out of power.

Buhari spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, during the commissioning of the 12,000seater Ekiti Parapo Square. He condemned the alleged tyranny of the PDP in the country.

The former Head of State urged the eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voters' Cards, PVC, towards voting out the ruling PDP in next year’s election.

Buhari, who was a guest at the event challenged the elite across the country to use their networks to educate the less privileged masses on the need to exercise their civic responsibility by trooping out to vote for the right candidates during the elections.

The former Military Head of State said: ”No doubt, Nigerians have been traumatised under the PDP leadership and Nigeria will be in trouble if we carry on the way the PDP has been doing in Nigeria.

“That is why it is important for the elite to talk to the less privileged to collect their Permanent Voters' Cards in preparation for the 2015 elections. This is the only missile against the PDP tyranny.

“We must take this seriously

because the APC is determined to offer a better alternative platform for Nigerians. So, we have to be prepared for next year's elections.”

Buhari praised Governor Fayemi for his outstanding success in the last four years, expressing joy to be part of his success stories.

“I am indeed very happy to be part of his success story. Fayemi has proved that what is expected of any leader is selfless service.

And I want to believe that all these legacy projects will remain in his name forever even after leaving office,” he said

Speaking at the event , Governor Fayemi reiterated the need for all and sundry to embrace peace, saying that economic and academic endeavours can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.

“We must celebrate today by joining our hearts and minds in one accord, and decide to outgrow the teething challenges of statehood such as the arbitrariness we have witnessed in recent times”, the governor said.

While speaking on the State Merit Award, the Governor said

the it was aimed at restoring the values for which Ekiti people are known as well as redeeming “the meaning of who our heroes past means.”

Governor Fayemi, who stated that it is incontrovertible that Ekiti is the home of intellectuals, said Olaoluwa’s feat as Africa’s youngest Ph.D holder in Mathematics at the age of 24 years will challenge the younger generations of Ekiti indigenes to brace up with avowed determination to surpass the academic excellence already displayed by Olaoluwa.

COMMISSIONING: From left: Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Professor Modupe Adelabu, former Head of State, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), Governor Kayode Fayemi, his wife, Bisi, and Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, during the commissioning of Ekiti Parapo Square, as part of events marking the 4th anniversary of the Fayemi's Administration, in Ado-Ekiti, yesterday.

Daniel's uncle, 1,500 LP members defect to PDP A

By Daud Olatunji

BEOKUTA—NO fewer than 1,500 members of the Labour Party including a maternal uncle of former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Elder Gbenga Lawal and a former chairman of Labour Party in Ijebu-Ode, Awofala Awoniyi have defected to the People’s Democratic Party in Ogun State.

The defectors were received by the state Chairman of the party, Bayo Dayo at a reception held for the defectors held at Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu-North Local Government area of the state.

Dayo while receiving the defectors to the party said there was no alliance between the PDP and Labour Party.

“There is no partnership between the two parties, you can not be a leader in LP and your followers are in PDP”, he said .

Meanwhile, the Chairman C M Y K

Mobilisation and Organisation committee of the People’s Democratic Party in South West, Prince Buruji Kashamu has said 70 per cent of Daniel's loyalists have returned to the PDP. Kashamu said, this development has put the former governor in a tight corner, as he would not want

to bite the finger that fed him.

According to Kashamu, "Daniel got to political limelight through the PDP, whether OGD likes it or not, he will end up in PDP. There is no where else he can go.

“All achievements recorded by the Daniel administration

were under PDP. He has started to romance PDP. Seventy per cent of his people are in PDP, what can he do with the remaining 30 per cent except he surrenders to PDP? “He cannot do anything except he surrenders to PDP. And he has already surrendered”, he said.

We're winning war against malaria —OGUN GOVT

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BEOKUTA—THE Ogun state government has said it is winning the war against malaria through it’s pro-active programmes aimed at combating the disease.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Olaokun Soyinka stated this at the Annual Development of the Operational Plan, AOP, 2015 on Malaria Elimination held in Ijebu-Ode. Soyinka, represented by the Director, Public Health in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Quudus

Yusuff noted that the state government has been able to achieve this through distribution of mosquito nets to pregnant women during ante-natal clinics and encouragement of people to utilise the public health facilities available in the state to get adequate and proper medical treatment.

He said the various efforts geared at combating malaria can be captured in the areas of prevention, treatment, creating

behavioural change communication and also in ensuring that essential commodities or malaria treatment are available.

Earlier, the State Malaria Programme Manager, Mrs. Olamide Adeyinka said the state officials after distributing Long Lasting Insecticide Nets to the populace, ensure that they sleep under it through social mobilisation, especially at the grass roots, to help prevent malaria in the state.

EKITI CRISIS:

NOA asks political leaders to shun violence

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DO-EKITI—THE N a t i o n a l Orientation Agency, NOA yesterday appealed to political leaders in Ekiti state to shun violence and embrace peace.

The state Director of the agency, Mr Dayo Famosaya, made the call in an interview in AdoEkiti. Famosaya, who expressed displeasure over the recent violence in Ado-Ekiti, said political leaders should educate their followers on peaceful conduct.

“NOA is not happy with the development, despite the orientation given to people before and during the governorship election in the state, violence is not an end to any political issue.

“Political leaders should observe the rule of law by seeking redress in the law courts or tribunals and not encouraging their followers to disrupt the peace of the state.

SALLAH: Lagosians defy rain for shopping

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AGOS—LAGOS residents yesterday defied heavy rainfall to use the opportunity of the public holiday offered by Nigeria’s independence anniversary celebration, for shopping for the Eidel-Kabir festivities.

The Federal Government has already declared Oct 4 and 5 public holidays in respect of the Moslem festival.

Oshodi, Mile 2, Oyingbo, Iyana Ipaja and Agege markets were filled with buyers and sellers in spite of the public holiday and rain that fell in the morning.

The rainfall made some of the markets slippery and caused heavy traffic on some roads.

Traders were quoted as saying they could not afford to waste the opportunity as some Muslim s seized the opportunity to buy rams, clothes and foodstuffs in preparation for the Eidel-Kabir feast.

52 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Africa music’s big names make AFRIMA 20 14 nominees’ list 201 •Davido & Mafikozolo

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

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HE five regions of Africa gave an impressive account of their respective music industry as the 2014 Nominees’ List of the All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, was unveiled on September 23, 2014 during a world press conference held at Protea Hotel Leadway, Maryland Estate, Lagos.

Present for the AFRIMA Panel of Jurors at the unveiling event was jury member Mr. Oscar Kidjo, a seasoned music producer, representing West Africa (Benin Republic). Also representing the International Committee of AFRIMA were: Executive Producer/President, Mike Dada; Director Brand Communication & Sponsorship, MatlouTsotetsi; Chairman, International Media Committee, Steve Ayorinde and

Co-Producer/Country Director, Nigeria, Kingsley James. Other attendees included African music industry personalities, heads of partner corporate organisations and music industry stakeholders.

Although popular names in the continental music industry showed up on the highlyanticipated Nominees’ List of the awards project that is rewarding excellence by budding and established music professionals as well as journalists, the nominations of a generous number of emerging African artistes in many award categories threw more excitement into the unveiling event witnessed by local and international press as well as critical stakeholders in the music industry.

Among the well-known African music names on the nominees list are: Mafikizolo (South Africa) 6 nominations, Davido (Nigeria)

FRIMA Panel of Jurors at the unveiling event 6 nominations, Diamond (Zimbabwe) 1 nomination and Platnumz (Tanzania) 2 Noura Mint Seymale (Mauritanominations, AmrDiab (Egypt) 2 nia) 2 nominations, among nominations, Zahara (South others.

Africa) 3 nominations, Angelique Heavyweight African music Kidjo (Benin Republic) 2 nomi- producer, Don Jazzy (Nigeria) nations, FallyIpupa (DRC) 1 made the Africa Producer of the nomination, Sakordie (Ghana) 1 Year category for the song nomination, Tiwa Savage ‘Eminado’ alongside top con(Nigeria) 2 nominations, Uhuru tenders: Robbie (South Africa) 5 nominations and Malinga&Mojela Thebe (South Mi Casa (South Africa) 4 Africa) for ‘Impilo’; Oskido and nominations. Leading the Shizzi (Nigeria) for ‘Tchelete’; budding music acts on AFRIMA Mikky Me (Nigeria) ‘Down’ and Nominees’ List is: TemiDollFace Del’B (Nigeria) for ‘Pull Over’.

(Nigeria) 4 nominations, others Giving details of the criteria by are Wiyaala (Ghana) 3 nomina- which the nominees list emerged, tions; Patoranking (Nigeria) 2 MatlouTsotetsi explained that the nominations; Davina Green jury panel adhered strictly to the

entry submission requirements while being guided by AFRIMA’s core values of FACE IT – Fairness, Authenticity, Creativity, Excellence, Integrity and Transparency. “The adjudication panel of jurors consisting of experienced names in the continental and global music industry were in Lagos in July to evaluate the submitted works. The entries which made the laid down criteria and qualified on merit were shortlisted based on their scores and this was sent to our Kenya-based auditors who then tabulated these scores. The result is what we are presenting today”, Ms.Tsotetsi stated.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 53

ills as r f , s l l i r G d Diamon R e c o r d sr s discove n g upcomi n ar t i s t e i Lagos

ealth 7 streams: God’s Original W Wealth Creation launched R

By Chris Onuoha

EUBEN Onwubiko, a pro fessional marketer and motivational speaker on Sunday 28 Sep 2014, launched his fourth book at the state of art auditorium of Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island.

Not even the heavy rain could deter the high and mighty in the society, captains of industry, scholars and religious clergies who trooped in a sizeable number amidst eulogies and encomium to unveil and launch a distinct entrepreneurial reawakening and revolutionary straight-topoint book of financial literacy and balanced income titled, 7 streams: God’s Original Wealth Creation Among the dignitaries that graced the launch is the Vice Chancellor, Babcock University, Ogun State, Prof. J. A. Kayode Makinde, Chairman of the day, Adedapo Adelegun, the MD, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Okusanya, The Brilla Fm Chief, Larry Izamoje amongst others.

Intellectual hobnobs The event kicked off with series of activities that befits elegance and intellectual hobnobs that is synonymous with the center and with a song presentation by the choir of Seven Day Adventist Church of Nigeria who sang their theme song, “Vocal Reunion Concert”. The Church which Reuben belonged had a full membership attendance.

The chairman in his opening remark was on point to describe the author as a youthful economic

•Reuben Onwubiko

revolutionist whose antecedents speaks volume and sees him as an epitome of bundle of inspiration to the youths and those you have hunger for success. Having known Rueben for a long time, he’s one person who has incredible urge to reposition the youths with economic wisdom nuggets.

Prof. Makinde commended Ruben for authoring such a unique book of entrepreneurial consciousness with Biblical injunctions. He said, “I have been personally challenged reading the book and wondered how I am going to face God with all the excuses I have made about my past failures in business ventures” going further, he said, “The greatest challenge posed by Onwubiko’s book is that seven

streams of income is the minimum God expects from each of us” which preludes to eight streams in the same breath and more.

The book was unveiled and launched in a businesslike manner. The figure pronouncement in most book launch seems to be waning or near extinct as many industry captains and business moguls decline to mention figures but made good their pledge by redeeming with instant money transfer electronic alerts.

The author in question Onwubiko could not conceal his enthusiasm as he sees the book as a success story. The book is the first volume in the 7Stream series of four books. It is inspired to unveil Biblical Secrets to

multiply income streams portfolio.

Having drawn deep insight from examining the mindsets of the wealthy and the poor, the book expressed God’s will for us to have abundant life so that we can understand Biblical success principles for sustainable prosperity.

Reuben Onwubiko is a renowned professional marketer, brand strategist, life coach, scholar, speaker, writer, trainer and family financial empowerment resource. For many years, he worked in various establishment shaping the income and financial growth of the companies. He has travelled wide and that also helped to shape his informed knack for home financial doctoring.

Dr ar against early cchild hild bir th Dryy...S ...Sttephanie’s w war birth

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU

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OLLYWOOD Director and producer, Stephanie Linus has concluded production for her new film “DRY” from her production company Next Page Productions. Written, produced and directed by Stephanie Linus, the film is an inspired true story based on a young girl Stephanie met in Nigeria many years ago,Aisha.

Dry is an inspiring true story of Zara and Halima who find themselves in the same cultural trap regardless of their background, they each struggle to make meaning to their lives.

The movie follows a trail of Zara’s (played by Stephanie Linus) trip to Africa, her constant turmoil as a result of inexplicable horrors from her childhood, her experiences and heartaches while working with young girls suffering from complications from early child birth as child brides.

The movie which stars Darwin

Shaw as Dr. Alex, the legendary Liz Benson Ameye as the Matron, Bill McNamara as Dr. Brown, and Introducing Zubaida Ibrahim Fagge as Halima is full of intrigue, suspense, unbelievable surprises, the joy of reconciliation and the power of the human spirit.

Dry, the New York Film Academy trained diva says, is going to be taken round the entire 36 states of the federation including FCT. The whole essence of the film is to educate women on how to go through successful child delivery processes as well as end early marriage/early child birth. According to her, “It is a film that we plan taking to the rural areas, and to ensure it gets the desired result, the film will be translated into different languages”adding that “It is an exposition of so many things women encounter during child delivery which are hitherto not made public, so as to help us

Stephanie improve on the health system we have already ”.

The movie she hinted, promises to travel round other African Countries. It is an entertaining film with some elements of humour that will be presented as a reflection of society in order to bring to light, the plight of women in the world.

“The rate at which women die through child birth in Nigeria is

quite alarming and nobody talks about it. In Nigeria and in fact Africa, women are known to be more vulnerable in certain circumstances and this is what the movie sets to address. So, from the content, people will get to draw lessons and find a way to help salvage the condition of women in the country. “ She explained.

By BOSE ADELAJA

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E was speechless recently when he saw the audience who gathered to appreciate his effort. Shouting, clapping and dancing rent the air as he stood before them just as words could not express his heartfelt gratitude to the company which God used to make the occasion a reality.

Da Prince as he is popularly called had always thought about his background and the numerous efforts he had put in to become somebody in life but this had posed an cerulean task until recently when he was discovered by a recording label in Lagos.

Though The Edo State born Dennis Usifoh, was talented like many other Nigerian youths, but his effort did not take him far considering the economic situation facing Nigerian youths.

Being a holder of Ordinary National Diploma in Music, he had prayed that one day, he would be recognised worldwide an idea which he wanted to accomplish by waxing some albums. Like the Biblical Mephibosheth, his dream however became a reality recently, as he was discovered by a record label by name Diamond Records, who decided to foot all the bills required for his maiden album which was given a public presentation in Lagos a couple of days back and since then, things have never remained the same in the life of this young artiste. ‘’I don’t know where to start from, I am grateful to God Almighty for putting laughter in my mouth today,” those were his words to Vanguard Metro when asked about his new lease of life.

According to him, his new discovery had earned him more experience, “I’m still having my singles with the Diamond Records Label to showcase my talent."

54 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

We must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue —Jonathan

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time, since the civil war.

Yet, they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their prowess and determination.

As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror. Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail our men and women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and win this war.

Abnormal mindset I urge every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional or other parochial considerations, and support whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and the military, in checking this evil. We are grateful to the international community, and especially our neighbours who are working closely with us in confronting this challenge, for their increased partnership and solidarity. Our

President Goodluck Jonathan

steady progress in weakening the insurgency has certainly justified our cooperation.

Fellow Nigerians, in my independence anniversary address last year, I informed you that we had taken cognizance of the suggestion over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to focus attention on rebuilding and strengthening the ligaments of our union.

It was in that regard that we announced the convening of a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country. We have successfully delivered on that promise as we established the 2014 National Conference headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi.

After months of deliberations, which did not come without its challenges, the conference concluded its assignment and has handed its Report to me.

I have made a firm commitment that we would act on the recommendations of the conference. This, I have started by setting up the Ministerial Committee headed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to work out the modalities for implementing the Report. Every promise I make, God willing, I will see to its fulfilment. I assure you, we shall implement the report. One major lesson which the 2014 National Conference has taught us as a country is that, a multi-ethnic country like ours, must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue until consensus is established.

Greatest centenary gift To me, the National Conference is the greatest centenary gift to our country that we must cherish and sustain. Fellow Nigerians, our 54 year-journey as a nation has not been easy. There have been tough periods, but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people have seen us through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights.

We have been able to sustain a big, strong and influential country with a robust economy.

We are currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted democratic rule, daily improving on the consolidation of our democratic process.

Our Administration has made a commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a democratic infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International

and local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral credibility and we cannot afford to relent. We will continue to ensure that the will of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be reminded at all times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to go back to the people at the polls.

Election days must not be days of violence and death. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral process is characterised by peace, security and transparency.

I enjoin the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, all security agencies, politicians and the electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully, together, to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections. Free and fair elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people.

,

Being text of President Goodluck Jonathan's 54th independence anniversary address to the nation, yesterday, in Abuja This Administration is ODAY marks the 54th anniversary of our country’s committed to making Nigeria safe independence as a sovereign for all Nigerians, irrespective of nation. This is also the tenth our places of birth, how we month of our journey into a new worship God and our political century, having marked the persuasion. To all those waging centenary of our nation in war against our country, I ask that January this year. The first one you lay down your arms and hundred years were marked by embrace peace. To those who triumphs and tribulations, have genuine grievances, I affirm benefits and burdens, that Nigeria will listen to you, if opportunities and challenges. We you bring your grievances to the made some far reaching advances table of dialogue. To the good in building a strong, united and people of Nigeria, let me restate prosperous nation. We also that our task of building a better overcame the forces of disunity and greater country must not that culminated in a debilitating waver.

While we continue to deploy our civil war. We have also renewed resources in the fight against the our faith in one another, and in terrorists, we do recognize the our country. We have proven that great toll the conflict is taking on we are truly a resilient nation.

In my address to the nation last our people. This is why, to assist year, I did emphasize that we the afflicted, we have launched were in a sober moment in our the Victims Support Fund, an country. We are still in that mood independent multi-sectoral in spite of the many charity, which will aggressively accomplishments of our solicit resources to augment statutory administration. Our sombreness Government’s has to do with the crises of intervention, in bringing succour nationhood occasioned by the to the injured, the displaced and activities of terrorist elements who the bereaved.

In partnership with Nigerian have done the unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people. business leaders and international On an occasion like this, it is partners, we have also introduced important that we remember all the Safe Schools Initiative which the precious souls that have been is aimed at promoting safe lost in the unprecedented war of environments for education terror unleashed on some parts nationwide, starting with the of our country by these North East region.

The Presidential Initiative for the individuals who want to compel us to live our lives their way. They North East, a comprehensive programme to fast-track the will not succeed! economic restoration of this region, which has been the epicentre of Ideology of terrorist activity, has been set up. violence Our overall objective is to do all In their mission, they have we possibly can, to sustain in the maimed and raped. They have North-East, the momentum of killed men, women and children, economic advancement, which is rendering many children orphans on-going in other parts of the and several women widows. They country, despite the machinations have made violence their ideology of the terrorists and their and are bent on destroying our sponsors. It should now be clear country. Dear countrymen and to anyone who was ever in doubt women, we will not allow them. that these terrorists do not mean Night after night, day after day, well for anyone, of whatever our security forces continue to religion or dispensation. Their engage the terrorists in battle. My persistent choice of the weakest gratitude goes out to our armed and most vulnerable in society, for forces whose will has been gruesome attack, provides an greatly challenged by this insight into their abnormal mindinsurgency more than any other set.

Today, following the rebasing of our economy, every international monitoring and ratings agency now acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with a Gross Domestic Product of five hundred and ten billion dollars ($510 billion) which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world. This is progress.

Earlier in the year, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) with the stated objective of fast tracking inclusive growth, job creation, enterprise development and industrialisation.

Enterprise development The success of these policies is already evident in the increased value addition in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors.

In line with our objective of encouraging the production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and making Nigeria a regional hub for the automobile industry, a number of foreign auto manufacturers have established plants in Nigeria, complementing the laudable efforts of our local vehicle manufacturers who have also demonstrated great innovation and competitiveness.

We have also launched a special support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises with an initial intervention fund of two hundred and twenty billion naira (N220 b).

This is in addition to the Presidential Job Creation Board

,

Nigeria has been globally acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half

My dear countrymen and women, occasions such as this present an opportunity to thank God for our country and to report to you, on our journey so far. Our power sector reform is on course with the ultimate objective of generating enough electricity to power our homes, industries and businesses. We are making giant strides in the Agricultural Sector which we are re-positioning to diversify our economy. We will continue to upgrade our infrastructure to make life easier for all and create an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish.

Over the last four years, the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the Oil and Gas Sector has ensured major increase in the participation of indigenous Oil and Gas companies in the industry. Several critical infrastructure projects have been commissioned and commenced.

The level of indigenous asset ownership has greatly increased and utilisation of Nigerian-owned and built assets such as marine vessels and rigs is being progressively enforced.

There has been maximised local value addition by encouraging the manufacture of equipment components and parts within the country. There has also been massive growth in indigenous participation in the provision of goods and services to the upstream sector from 10% to 60% within the last four years.

which I inaugurated recently with the charge to create three million jobs annually.

In demonstration of our Administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s housing deficit, we have commenced the new mortgage re-finance programme with the establishment of the Nigerian Mortgage Re-finance Company.

It is expected that, in addition to creating additional housing units across the country, this initiative also represents a huge job creation opportunity.

We have recorded notable success in the social sector.

Nigeria has been globally acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) formally presenting the country with an award for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on Hunger three years ahead of the 2015 target date set for the Millennium Development Goals.

This progress is as a result of the deliberate policy of government to increase capacity in our agricultural sector of which the first step was to address and eliminate the graft in our fertilizer procurement system and ensure that the product gets directly to the farmer. We are expanding our irrigation infrastructure to ensure that our farmers have sufficient water supply for dry season farming.

To be concluded

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014—55

Repair federal roads in South East now, Ohanaeze Ndigbo tells Jonathan

By Uduma Kalu & Nwabueze Okonkwo

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HANAEZE Ndigbo has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to immediately repair the federal roads in the South East as all the roads have become death traps.

Some of the affected roads include Onitsha-Enugu express road, Aba-Port Harcourt, Aba-Ikot Ekpene Road and Azumini roads.

It said though President Goodluck Jonathan’s government had been fair to the people, there was still a glass ceiling placed on them from holding some key positions in Nigeria The group spoke at its first Lagos chapter open lecture to mark the annual Igbo Day, and chided political office holders from the region for being selfcentred in the face of marginalisation of the region.

Former Anambra State governor, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, in his paper entitled ‘"The Impact of Transformation agenda on Ndigbo of positive impact on the Igbo’ noted that, “the South East seemed to be permanently excluded in some key ministerial appointments, such as Ministries of Interior, Works, Defence, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Represented by scholar and author, BC Okoro, Dr. Ezeife said “importantly, there appears to be pronounced marginalisation of the South East in appointments in ministries, departments and

T

DEMO AFRICA: From left: Communication Technology Minister, Dr. Omobola Johnson; Yele Okeremi, Chairman, Local Organising Committee, DEMO Africa; Dr. Tunji Olaopa, Perm Sec, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology; Dr. Peter Jack, DG, National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, and Kabelo Makwene, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, at the just concluded DEMO Africa hosted by the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology and Lions@Africa: agencies. There are still some of these organisations funded fully by government where a person of Igbo extraction has deliberately not been allowed to head since inception.”

In such instances, Okoro noted that the code of conduct and federal character, as enshrined in the 1999 constitution, had been abandoned with impunity, encouraging ethnicisation of such organisations by their chief executives.

Similarly, Ndigbo Unity Forum, NUF has tasked President Goodluck Jonathan to commence

rehabilitation of dilapidated roads and other infrastructures in the South East and South South geopolitical zones of the country, if he must garner support from the zones during the 2015 presidential election.

NUF mentioned some of the dilapidated federal roads as the Umuahia/Ikot Ekpene, Aba/Ikot Ekpene road which connected South-East and South- South zones, particularly the EkebediUmuegbule-OgbuebuleAwomukwu section of the road, Ufuma/Inyi-Achi/Oji- River, Akwa-Ihedi/Unubi, Otuocha/

Adada, Amawbia/Ekwulobia with a spur to Uga, Umunze/ Isuochi and Inikiri/Umuezeoka/Effium/ Igumale roads.

They also mentioned Nnewi/ Amichi/Ekwulumiri/ Unubi/Uga/ Akokwa/Arondizuogu/Okigwe road, Onitsha/Awka/Enugu highway, Enugu/Okigwe/ Umuahia/Aba/Port-harcourt expressway and the Ishiagu Federal College of Agriculture Road, Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, as well as the road leading to Owerri Industrial Estate in Imo State

Nigeria @ 54: Obiano grants amnesty to 25 prisoners

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—TWENTY five inmates serving in various prisons in Anambra State have been granted amnesty by Governor Willie Obiano as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 54th

independence anniversary celebration.

The governor, while making his Independent anniversary speech in Awka yesterday said it was in exercise of the powers conferred on him and an advice from the Attorney General of the state.

The governor said though the

country might not have reached where it should be, Nigerians should hold their heads high considering what their country had passed through.

He said: “When we remember the Biafran civil war and the successive military regimes we have survived as a country; when

Oko Poly moves to check extortion of students

By Vincent Ujumadu

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WKA—AUTHORITIES of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State, have set up an anticorruption unit to checkmate incidence of alleged extortion of students of the institution.

Rector of the Polytechnic, Professor Godwin Onu, who announced the setting up of the unit during the 30th matriculation ceremony of the institution, said the management had observed with dismay the increasing rate of breakdown of law and order as it concerned directive on unauthorized sales of books,

Delta Speaker lauds Nigerians' spirit of patience

handouts and high rate of exploitation of students by the lecturers.

He said: “There are increasing cases of extortion, excessive charges on text books written by the staff and in some cases, those collected from other authors and sold to our students at exorbitant prices. Students have also reported charges ranging from N1000 to N7500 before project topics are approved and this is not acceptable”.

According to him, extortion has shifted to in-course assessment since it is no longer feasible for such people, following the introduction of Computer Base Test, CBT. He added that the

management was worried and, therefore, decided to take necessary measures to stop it.

Onu expressed concern that available textbooks at the polytechnic bookshop were sold at exorbitant prices, while such books were sold cheaper in front of the polytechnic gate and other places outside the polytechnic to discourage students from buying from the bookshop.

“More disturbing is that most of the staff at the centre of these corrupt practices are busy campaigning to re-invent the old order of rots by deceiving people that they are the people in charge of the polytechnic, he said.

we remember June 12 and the numerous ethno-religious crisis we have overcome together, we shall find a reason to celebrate.

In the past five years, our capacity to live together as one has been tested to the highest limit. ''The endless menace of Boko Haram have become the greatest threat to our corporate survival.''

“My belief in the chances of Nigeria’s survival of her present challenges is reinforced by our recent experience in Anambra State where we suffered untold hardship in the hands dreaded armed robbers and kidnappers who made it impossible for our people to breathe the fresh air of freedom. ''But to the grace of Almighty God, our story has changed as my administration has fought the criminals and brigands among us to a point where they no longer present a meaningful threat to our lives and property.

Our people now sleep with their two eyes closed and we are currently leading the charge to the return of Ndigbo as an economic power block in Nigeria.”

HE Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Right Hon Peter Onwusanya, has lauded Nigerians for their spirit of patience that has encouraged leaders to deliver on dividends of democracy, peace and security.

The speaker made the commendation in his message to Nigerians on the 54th Independent Day celebration.

Onwusanya pointed out that the country had impressive records of successes despite the activities of opposition that tends to distract and diminish the achievements of the government.

According to him, “Nigerians are not in a hurry and their patience has encouraged the Government at all levels to perform and address their needs.

The Government may not be too much on the fast lane, but results are proving its efforts. Until recently the enemies of government were misleading the people campaign of non performance.

Enugu police command commences aerial crime patrol

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU State Police Command has deployed two helicopters and personnel as it commences intensive aerial crime patrol, advising criminals to leave the state in their own interest Spokesman of the command, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, who confirmed the commencement of the aerial crime patrol, told Vanguard yesterday that “we are fully prepared. Two helicopters and personnel are already deployed”.

He maintained that with aerial patrol,s in addition to other operational strategies put in place, the state was already witnessing a low crime rate.

56 — Vanguard, THURSDAY THURSDAY,, OCTOBER 2, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 57

BRIEFS Children killed in Homs double blasts

More US raids as ISIL advances on Syria town A •As Erdogan vows to take on ISIL fighters

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S-led forces have carried out at least five air strikes against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) outside Kobane, a monitoring group has said, after the group’s fighters pushed to within 2km of the Syrian-Kurdish town.

Yesterday’s hit ISIL fronts south and southeast of the town, also known as Ain al-Arab , which the group has been battling to take for more than two weeks, the UKbased Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

ISIL had continued closing in on the town near the Turkish border, despite multiple US air strikes on Tuesday, as the US defence department said it could not “bomb the militants into obscurity”.

“No one should be lulled into a false sense of security by accurate air strikes,” the department’s spokesman, John Kirby,

Kurds have watched the fighting from the Turkish side of the border over the last two weeks

T least 10 children were among 22 people killed in a twin bombings outside a primary school in the government-controlled city of Homs in central Syria.

A Syrian pro-government channel broadcast yesterday brief footage of the aftermath, showing parents looking for their children and schoolbags and bloodstains on the ground. Flames rose from a car nearby.

Homs governor Talal Barazzi described the attack as a “terrorist act and a desperate attempt that targeted school children”.

The blasts happened as children were leaving the Ekremah al-Makhzoumi primary school, said an official with the Homs governorate who refused to be named.

The first explosion was from a car bomb parked and detonated in front of the school, followed minutes later by a suicide bomber who drove by and detonated his explosives-laden car, said the anonymous official.

Hong Kong students stronger protests if...

vow

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New NATO chief urges Russian rethink on Ukraine

TUDENT demonstrators in Hong Kong have vowed to step up their mass pro-democracy protests if Chief Executive CY Leung does not resign.

Student leader Lester Shum said protesters could start occupying government buildings if Mr Leung did not quit by tomorrow..

Thousands continued to protest on the streets against China’s vetting of candidates for 2017’s leadership poll.

Meanwhile, Ex-Governor Chris Patten accused China of reneging on its commitments.

The pro-democracy protests continued throughout Wednesday - China’s 65th National Day. As evening fell, thousands of demonstrators remained camped out at the main protest sites in the Central business district, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok, while a fourth site opened on Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, a major shopping district several roads south of Mong Kok.

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Deaths in renewed Donetsk fighting

ATO’S new secre tary general, Jens Stoltenberg, has said that the alliance wanted constructive ties with Russia , adding that Russian policy in Ukraine must change.

On his first day as head of the 28-nation alliance he said “ we need to see clear changes in Russia’s actions”.

Nato accuses Russia of supporting pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine with heavy weapons and soldiers.

Russia admits only that Russian “ volunteers” have gone there. Shelling in Donetsk has jeopardised a ceasefire.

“We have to see that Russia changes its behaviour and its actions and returns to compliance with international law and its obligations,” Mr Stoltenberg told a news conference in Brussels.

A former prime minister of Norway and centre-left politician, he has taken over the Nato job from Anders Fogh Rasmussen, a former conservative prime minister

said. “We will not, we cannot bomb them into obscurity.”

The US and UK also bombed ISIL positions in Iraq as Kurdish peshmerga forces launched a ground assault on Tuesday.

A long-term effort will be needed to train and arm Syrian rebel forces and strengthen Iraq’s army, he

Jens Stoltenberg faces Nato’s biggest European security challenge since the Cold War

said.

Tuesday’s advance was the closest ISIL had come to Kobane since it began an advance nearly two weeks ago, sending tens of thousands of mostly Kurdish refugees fleeing across the border.

NATO member Turkey, after months of caution in the fight against ISIL, has decided to harden its pol-

in Denmark.

Nato is bolstering its presence in the former communist countries on Russia’s western borders, which are now Nato members.

“I see no contradiction between a strong Nato and our continued effort to build a constructive relationship with Russia,” Mr Stoltenberg said.

He said Nato would continue to support

icy, and the government asked parliament on Tuesday to authorise military action against them in Iraq and Syria.

Politicians are due to debate a motion on Thursday that deputy prime minister Bulent Arinc said would “meet all the demands and eliminate the risks and threats”.

Ukraine as an “independent, sovereign and stable” nation.

Ukraine is not in Nato, but the alliance says member states are free to supply weapons to Ukraine if they want to.

Since Russia annexed Crimea in March, forcing Ukraine to abandon its bases there, Nato has halted practical co-operation with Russia but kept political channels open.

Obama, Netanyahu meet to mend strained ties

U

S president and Israeli premier have met to discuss strained ties, with Barrack Obama calling for an end to Palestinian civilian deaths and Benjamin Netanyahu warning against leaving Iran with nuclear capabilities.

Obama and Netanyahu privately convened yesterday in the Oval Office, the two leaders’ first meeting since Israel’s summer assault on beleaguered Gaza.

The 50-day war with Hamas killed more than 2,100 Palestinians, the

vast majority of whom were civilians, and more than 70 Israelis of mostly soldiers.

The civilian deaths in Gaza deeply angered US

officials, prompting more biting public condemnations of Israel’s actions than are typical from the Obama administration.

Obama’s meeting with Netanyahu is the first since the Israeli July-August war on besieged Gaza Strip.

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EBELS in eastern Ukraine are closing in on the government-held airport in Donetsk in fighting that has killed 10 people and further undermined a shaky truce.

The deaths were reported on Wednesday in residential areas caught in the crossfire between proRussian separatists and the Ukrainian army.

Andriy Lysenko, a spokesman for the country’s national security council, said that the airport was still under control of government troops who were “brilliantly carrying out their duty” and holding their ground.

However, Alexander Zakharchenko, a rebel leader, was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying that the rebels control 90 percent of the airport, which has been the focus of the worst fighting in the region for weeks.

UK drops charges against ex-Guantanamo inmate

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OAZZAM Begg, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee, has been released from prison after UK prosecutors dropped seven terrorism-related charges against him linked to the conflict in Syria.

Bege, 45, was among four people arrested in February under suspicion of allegations including that he had attended a “terrorist” training camp in Syria.

Begg appeared before a pre-trial review at the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales on Wednesday via video from the high security Belmarsh prison when the court formally acquitted him of all charges.

He spoke only to confirm his name and did not react as no evidence was offered by the prosecutor following a review of the case.

58 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

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Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 59 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: Mercury will start to go on backward motion soonest, therefore you will need to re-examine both your personal ideas and advice given to you by other people.

Be family minded.

GEMINI: Avoided you don’t allow others to mislead you, things will not go wrong. The more willing you are to take the initiative the better for you. Take your love life more seriously.

CANCER: Although you will need to be as secretive as you can, your success will attract others’ attention to you to the betterment of your cause. Be ambitious.

LEO: People who more influential than you will be willing to support your cause but you will need to make the necessary move. The more self assertive you are the better.

VIRGO: Challenges of yesterday will today bring you good opportunities along your career/business lines to the betterment of your finances seek supporters of powerful ones.

THOUGHT

FOR

TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

W

HERE were you yesterday?

And where are you today? Where were you this morning?

And where are you now? If you have remained essentially in one position all of

Self Improvement these periods, then you are not making progress.

Self-improvement is the path to excellence. It is a continuous process in

TERROR MUDA

the life of an individual. Learn anything. Learn everything. Study hard.

Study everything.

Practice your skills.

Attend seminars, at-

in “Never say goodbye”

tend workshops. Let everyday in your life count. There is no end to learning. The day we stop learning is the day we start dying. Do not die before your time.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: Think of the best way to improve on your working pattern in order to enhance your career prospects if you listen to your creative self, things will work out fine for you. Be more loving.

SCORPIO: Success is boldly printed on your cards today.

Think of both immediate and far future while you are savouring goodies offered you but mother nature.

SAGITTARIUS: You should not have it tough while trying to win the needed supports of others. Take good advice from some of your friends who are creatively gifted.

CAPRICORN: Your creativity ...... is enhanced today and if you demonstrating this within your working arena, you’ll earn success and consolidate on your recent progress.

AQUARIUS: As mercury prepares to go on backward motion it is important you don’t take things for granted.

Watch carefully what you agree to do.

PISCES: Better than yesterday. Others will be willing to give you the needed co-operation both at home and within your working arena. This is a good day for lovers.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

ARIES: Those of you who are more enterprising will have much to show for your efforts. The more cooperative you.

Don’t neglect love.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What does future have for me Dear Joshua, I don’t want you to publish my data. However, I want to know how the planets lined up when I was born. And which day of the week was I born, would I record success in life ? When would my success come?

Azeez, Lagos.

Dear Azeez, You were born on a Jupiter ruled day - Thursday.

You’ll succeeded earlier than you think.

Your Horoscope Data DAY OF BIRTH: THURSDAY SUN SIGN = PISCES: SUN IN 25TH DEGREE OF PISCES MOON SIGN: PISCES: MOON IN 21ST DEGREE OF PISCES MERCURY IN 28TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS VENUS IN 28TH DEGREE OF ARIES MARS IN 7TH DEGREE OF CANCER JUPITER IN ZERO DEGREE OF AQUARIUS SATURN IN 27TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN URANUS IN 22ND DEGREE OF LEO NEPTUNE IN 11TH DECREE OF SCORPIO PLUTO IN 6TH DEGREE OF VIRGO NORTH NODE IN 6TH DEGREE OF PISCES CARDINAL AND MUTABLE STAR SIGN HOSTED THREE PLANETS EACH, FIXED AND WATER FOUR EACH, FIRE EARTH AND AIR HOSTED TWO EACH. PUSHFUL INFLUENCE = 40% NON-PUSHFUL INFLUENCE = 60% HIGHLY HIGHLIGHTED STAR SIGN = AQUARIUS FINAL DISPOSITOR = SATURN ANALYSIS OF THE HOROSCOPE DATA Saturn as the final dispositor-the most influential planet at home when you were born, pointed to you as an ambitious person who must have a well developed career. You are a disciplined person with higher degree of leadership quality in yourself.

Although, you can be emotional, you are stable and reliable. Less than 50 per cent of push-full influence in you is an indication of your being an amiable person. Both your natal sun/moon in Pisces and Aquarius are indications of characteristic of star signs are highly pronounced in your inner-self Having your hands on public pulse will always bring you unexpected success and fulfilment.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

60 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Terry hails all-rounder Matic

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPLASH

Kompany sure of City’s recovery

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Matic

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APTAIN John Ter ry praised the allround contribution of Nemanja Matic after the midfielder earned Chelsea a first Champions League Group G win. Former Benfica midfielder Matic’s firsthalf header secured a 10 success at Sporting, which should have been more comfortable, but which sees Jose Mourinho’s men top the standings ahead of their double header with Maribor of Slovenia.

Defender Terry, who made his 100th Champions League appearance at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, told Chelsea TV: “I thought he (Matic) was superb. Gary (Cahill) and I were saying how good he is sitting in front of us, breaking things up.

“He’s also got a burst of speed when he gets it and dribbles through.

“He’s come back a complete player and we’re delighted he got on the scoresheet.”

INCENT Kompa ny insists Manchester City can still qualify from UEFA Champions League Group E despite their disappointing 1-1 draw with Roma at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.

The Premier League champions looked to be on course for three points when Sergio Aguero put them ahead from the penalty spot but Francesco Totti’s equaliser leaves City facing an uphill battle to qualify. Manuel Pellegrini’s side now sit five points behind group leaders Bayern Munich after losing to the German champions in their opening game.

Despite the setback, Kompany still believes City have the quality needed to progress but knows the club’s upcoming back-to-back fixtures against CSKA Moscow will be crucial.

“It won’t set us back,” he said. “It won’t affect us. We will deal with it.

It gives you a feeling to get back out there and show everyone how good we are. “I don’t think it affects the group too much. Roma have still got to play twice against Bayern Munich.

“We will go out there and play as we always do, to win. It doesn’t change much for us. We will play every game from here to the end to win, thinking we can get three points out of it.”

Barcelona: Messi won’t leave

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arcelona are ignoring ongoing speculation regarding Lionel Messi’s future and expect him to remain at the club.

Despite being an iconic figure at the Nou Camp, and having spent his entire career to date with the Catalan giants, regular rounds of rumours continue to suggest that Messi could soon be on the move.

Only a few clubs possess the wealth to even contemplate trying to lure the Argentine forward away from his current home. Paris St Germain, Manchester City and Chelsea possess such financial firepower, though, and would jump at the chance to land the four-time World Player of the year.

DANGEROUS . . . Manchester City’s defender Vincent Kompany (top) vies for the ball with Roma’s forward Francesco Totti during their Champions League Group E match in Manchester, Northwest England. Match ended 1-1 draw. Photo: AFP .

Bayern on course after 100th Champions League win F C Bayern Munch en’s hard-fought victory at PFC CSKA Moskva may not have been a game that will live long in the memory, but it was certainly one for the history books, as the Bavarians recorded their 100th win in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening.

Thomas Muller’s firsthalf penalty proved enough to overcome a stubborn Russian side in Moscow, with Bayern joining an elite group consisting only of fellow European giants Real Madrid CF, FC Barcelona and Manchester United FC. The victory leaves the Bavarians,

who last lifted the famous trophy in 2012/13, on course for the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition.

Pep Guardiola’s troops are two points clear of second-place AS Roma, and five ahead of Manchester City FC, whom they beat 1-0 at the Allianz Arena a fortnight ago.

*Luiz

AVID Luiz beliees “the real Paris Saint-Germain” revealed themselves during Tuesday ’s Champions League victory over Barcelona. The capital club shrugged off the absence of star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic - a former Barca player - to

win 3-2 at the Parc des Princes as goals from Luiz, Marco Verratti and Blaise Matuidi sent the Catalans packing. Lionel Messi and Neymar did respond for Barca, but Luis Enrique’s men could not do enough to stop PSG replacing them at the top of Group F.

COSTA: Hopefully I’ll be fit to play for Spain

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Luiz hails win over Barcelona

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*Messi

Muller, (left)

PAIN and Chelsea striker Diego Costa is eager to avoid a club-vscountry row over his fitness and has admitted that he is desperate to kickstart his ‘La Roja’ career.

“I don’t think that will happen”, the marksman replied when asked about the possibility of a bust-up between José Mourinho and Vicente del Bosque. “I had enough problems with the Brazil palaver. Now I need some peace of mind so I can work hard and perform, and that goes for the national team too”, Costa stated after his club’s 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

Vanguard, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 — 63

Glo felicitates with new NFF President, Pinnick M

Amaju Pinnick (backing camera) is congratulated by a delegate after his election

AJOR sponsor of N i g e r i a n National teams, Globacom has congratulated the newly elected President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick.

Mr. Pinnick, the Executive Chairman of Delta state Sports Commission, won the election held in Warri, Delta State on Tuesday in the second ballot with 32 votes to defeat his closest rival Mr. Dominic Iorfa who polled 8 votes.

In a press statement

released in Lagos on Tuesday, Globacom said that Nigerian football will benefit mostly from the new NFF President’s

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ETERAN and ver satile Sports Journalist, FIFA and CAF Media Officer, Paul Bassey was among the stakeholders who witnessed the election of Amaju Pinnick as the 39th President of the Nigeria Football Fedration, dating back to 1945 - 1947 when Baron Mulford headed the football association.

Bassey could not hide

his joy that at last peace has returned to Nigerian football which before now had been the object of caricature by some countries.

Moments after Pinnick triumphed as the President, Bassey heaved a sigh of relief. “I am happy that it has come and gone. Before now, we were skeptical. I am happier with the overwhelming votes Pinnick won with. He won overwhelmingly in the first ballot and the run-off. That was

New NFF Continues from BP he said amidst backslapping by his admirers.

Pinnick said that the federation will focus on Super Eagles next games with Sudan before sorting out the contract issue with the coach.

Stephen Keshi’s contract expired after the World Cup and he granted interviews that he was moving ahead to consider the many offers on his table.

Surprisingly, he has continued with tinkering the Eagles on ‘pay per match’ basis until the election of a new board which happened in the oilrich city of Warri on Tuesday.

The fate of the

defending champions qualification to defend the trophy they won in South Africa has become a subject of “if ” after Congo beat Nigeria in Calabar and South Africa played out a draw with the Eagles.

But Pinnick assured Nigerians that his Board would ensure that the Eagles get back to winning ways with their remaining fixtures and qualify for the Nations Cup. “The Board will meet and take a critical look on these issues. All I am pleading for is patience from Nigerians. With the calibre of people elected to steer the ship, I am double sure that we will make Nigerians proud”, he said

enough confidence reposed on him by the delegates. It’s a vote of confidence. It was transparent and witnessed by all sports stakeholders. In short, it’s victory for all. I wish that such transparency at the polls will transcend all other elections”, Etubom Bassey glowingly said.

Also, former Super Eagles defender, pastor Taribo West who described the election as divine intervention said that Pinnick would take Nigerian football to cloud nine. “He has done well at the state level and will carry over his success story to the national level”, West said.

Speaking too, Prince Victor Ikpeba said that Pinnick as a young man

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HE Transition Committee Chairman of Warri South Local Government Area, Dr. Augustine Uroye has described the election of Delta State Sports Commission Chairman, Amaju Pinnick as the new President of Nigeria Football Federation, NFF,

would bring good tidings to the national teams. “He loves challenges. He will bring corporate organizations to embrace Nigerian football. But Nigerians must give him chance to succeed.

The Prince of Monaco also bared his mind on many hot issues in Nigerian football. You can only get the juicy details on your favorite Sports Vanguard pages. Stay with BEST!

•Bassey

Ojo-Oba Continues from BP in the football family are brought together and agree to chart a new course for Nigerian football.”

He expressed confidence in the ability of the new football boss, saying “he would do himself and his supporters a lot of good if he translates the enthusiasm and zeal he has exhibited in the manner he has gone about his campaign into action.”

Ojo-Oba, who was

According to Globacom, “Your election as NFF president is well deserved."

Amaju's election is an inspiration to Deltans — Uroye bedeviled the NFF was an

Bassey, Ikpeba, Taribo sure of Pinnick’s success

BY TONY UBANI

wealth of experience both as a football Administrator and passionate supporter of the round leather game.

once an acting scribe of the NFF said, “Pinnick is not new to football administration.

It is expected that he would bring his wealth of experience to play.”

Assessing the process that produced Pinnick as the new helmsman of Nigerian football, Ojo-Oba said, “it was a credible elections.

Six candidates for the presidency, and the entire football family is represented here.. It could not have been any better.”

as an inspiration to all Deltans.

The Warri South council boss in a statement in Warri, as part of the 54th independence anniversary of Nigeria, noted that the overwhelming victory of Mr. Pinnick in the keenly contested election coming on the heels of leadership crisis that recently

indication that people of Warri and indeed Deltans can aspire to the highest electoral position in Nigeria, irrespective of their minority status.

According to Uroye, the caliber of contestants in the NFF election which produced Mr. Pinnick makes the victory of the Delta State FA Chairman “more enthralling and very inspiring”.

AWC Continues from BP expressed joy at reuniting with their national team mates for the AWC. Oparanozie said she almost lost hope because her club did not want to release her but expressed happiness that she finally joined the team and she is rearing to go.

“My club almost did not release me because of the matches we have to play in the league. I am happy that they released me and I am finally here to join my team mates to help Super Falcons do well at the AWC and reclaim the trophy” Ordega on her part said she is delighted to join the team after a two year absence.

“I am happy to be back

to the Super Falcons for the AWC after not being part of the team for the last championship in Equatorial Guinea. My club in Russia stopped me then and the same thing wanted to repeat it self now but I bluntly refused” “I am happy to be hear now, I promise to put in my best to see that we reclaim the AWC trophy and bring back the glory days to Super Falcons”.

The duo arrived camp Tuesday night from their bases in France and Sweden and had their first training with Super Falcons yesterday morning.

Meanwhile,Onome Ebi and Esther Sunday from Belarus and Perpetua Nkwocha from Sweden have all arrived camp.

Uduaghan Continues from BP the new NFF president has maintained the sports excellence tradition for which the state is known.

He noted that under Pinnick’s leadership of sports, the State has retained as well as improved on its dominance of sports in the country.

“Pinnick has shown traits of commitment, resourcefulness, dedication and leadership right from when he joined the DFA (Delta Football Association) as a member and later as chairman of the Association up to

when he emerged as the chairman of the State Sports Commission”, he stated.

“Besides, Pinnick has performed creditably well to date and I have no doubt in my mind that he will excel in this new assignment and take football in Nigeria to an enviable height”.

Dr Uduaghan urged Pinnick to remain focused in the new assignment and ensure as a matter of priority that he reconciled everyone to forge one united front for better success.

VANGUARD, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Gov Uduaghan congratulates Pinnick

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OVERNOR Em manuel Uduaghan of Delta State has congratulated the newly elected president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick describing it as a continuation of Delta’s

New NFF Board to take decision on Keshi

•Uduaghan

AWC: Oparanozie, others hit camp

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UPER Falcons foreign based forwards Desire Oparanozie and Francisca Ordega have said that the team will use the forth coming African Women Championship (AWC) to redeem their image.

The former Delta Queens and Rivers Angels strikers who ply their trade in France with En Avent De Guingamp and Pitea IFF, Sweden respectively,

BY TONY UBANI

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HE decision to hire or fire out-ofcontract Eagles coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi would be determined by the newly elected Board of the Nigeria Football Federation.

NFF President Melvin Amaju Pinnick said moments after his victory that the Board would as a matter of urgency take a decision on Keshi’s future with the Super Eagles.

“It’s going to be a collective decision of the Board. But what you should know is that we will work together and take decisions that will impact positively on Nigerian football.

Nigeria needs the best”, Continues on Page 63

supremacy in sports.

According to him, the victory of Pinnick at the NFF polls held Tuesday in Warri, further reinforced the State’s belief that the administration’s investment in sports was not in vain.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sunny Ogefere, the Governor said that Continues on Page 63

Continues on Page 63

•Pinnick

•Keshi

What Pinnick must do – Ojo-Oba

BY JACOB AJOM

A

director in the National Sports Commission, Bolaji OjoOba has tasked the

newly elected President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick to ensure peace returns the Nigerian

football family. Speaking in Warri soon after the Delta State Sports Commission chairman was elected as the new NFF boss, Ojo-Oba said,

“bringing about lasting peace should be his primary task.

“He can achieve this by ensuring all the factions Continues on Page 63

•Oparanozie

Bassey, Ikpeba, Taribo sure of Pinnick’s success — Pg.63

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Short (6) 5 Hymn-book (6) 8 Initiated (8) 9 Appear (4) 10 Donkey (3) 12 Coarse (5) 15 Droop (3) 17 Beverage (3) 18 Fish (3) 19 Spring (3) 20 Heathen (5) 21 Stretch (3) 22 Golf-peg (3) 23 Mouthful (3) 24 Fasten (3) 26 Dullard (5) 29 Brown (3) 33 Couple (4) 34 Undiplomatic (8) 35 Decay (6) 36 Badge (4)

DOWN 2 Grade (5) 3 Circle (4) 4 Anaesthetic (5) 5 Hell (5) 6 Masculine (4) 7 Fragrance (5) 10 Advantage (5) 11 Condition (5) 12 Yawned (5) 13 Harmonium (5) 14 Feeling (5) 15 Slumbered (5) 16 Verdant (5) 25 Angry (5) 27 Speak (5) 28 Store (5) 30 Passage (5) 31 Courage (4) 32 Block (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Hole 4, Don 6, Glee 8, Affect 9, Threat 10, Ale 12, Argue 14, Heath 15, Trial 18, Repeal 20, Idiocy 24, Laden 26, Space 28, Night 30, Ado 32, Resign 33, Priest 34, Used 35, Wan 36, Lieu.

DOWN: 2, Offer 3, Execute 4, Data 5, Note 6, Gorse 7, Elastic 11, Lea 12, Air 13, Era 16, Ill 17, Lid 19, Express 21, Den 22, Initial 23, Yet 25, Add 27, Child 29, Haste 30, Anew 31, Open.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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