Why Buhari holds on to 15 other nominees

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62506

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

We'll rescue Chibok girls —Military

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MINISTERIAL LIST:

Why Buhari holds on to 15 other nominees •Security checks, party leaders, stakeholders' interests cited •Buhari may send list of remaining nominees next Tuesday — Shehu •Babatope, Urhoghide, Ogunlewe, others react

By Henry Umoru, Dapo Akinrefon & Charles Kumolu

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BUJA—THERE are feelers from the Presidency that the remaining 15 names of ministerial nominees will hit the Senate early next week after what sources described as ‘laborious’ security checks and vetting of the prospective nominees.

Continues on Page 5

Lagos shuts Chinese firm over worker's death 10 Mr & Mrs NIGERIA @55— Third from left: Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Chief Justice of the Federation Mahmud Mohammed and others, cutting the cake to celebrate the 55th Independence Anniversary of Nigeria at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida.

COLUMNIST: Fresh abduction epidemic hits S-West The roasting of See inside C M Y K

Sepp Blatter •P.19

Fayose cancels independence fair, as Lessons learned students •P.17 protest 11

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 3

C M Y K

4—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

NIMR rekindles hope for cancer patients

By Chioma Obinna

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ITH over 250,000 Nigerians affected by cancer annually, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, has said that its new Cancer Research and Training Centre would provide training and quality researches into the rising cases of cancer.

Speaking during the commissioning of the new biomedical training and cancer research centre in Lagos, the centre's Director General, Professor Innocent Ujah, disclosed that the capacity of the diagnostic machines at the centre built and equipped by SysmexPatec of Germany was capable of investigating various kinds of haematological disorders.

Ujah said the project, which was formalized in a 2013 Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, was solely a private partnership initiative devoid of government funding.

Import duty revenue in free fall

By Emeka Anaeto, Economy Editor

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EVENUE projections of the Federal Government appears to be under internal pressure, as import duty collection by Nigerian Customs Service, NCS, dropped to N651 billion from N710 billion in the first nine months of the year.

External pressure on the revenue profile has mounted following persistent decline in oil prices at the international market this year.

The decline in customs revenue is coming in the first month of the new performance target set by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Finance Administration & Technical Service, Dr. John Atte, which stipulated a weekly revenue of

N35 billion, expected to yield about N140 billion per month.

This decline is also coming against the backdrop of a major shortfall recorded in the overall revenue of the Federal Government in the first eight months of this year, which show a total of N3.03 trillion, about N1.08 trillion, or 26.3 percent, less than the N4.11 trillion targeted by the government for the period.

Monthly gross revenue target has been recording significant shortfall every month this year with the exception of June, which posted N485.9 billion, still below target.

With the current performance, the overall target of about N1.6 trillion envisaged by NCS for 2015 appears to be a mirage.

Also, the weekly target of

N35 billion appears unrealistic, especially going by the initial estimate of N13 billion per week.

Causes

Economy observers have attributed the declines in domestic revenue targets, especially customs duty, to the lacklustre economic activities since this year which have resulted in significant decline in gross domestic product, GDP, to 2.3 percent as against 5.5 percent projected for 2015.

Specifically, import business is said to have been severely affected by recent develop-ments in the foreign exchange market, where exchange rates have been high and volatile, while access to foreign exchange has been curtailed.

However, NCS is determined to make the best out of the tight situation by working on its internal loopholes.

Consequently, Dr. Atte, in a strategy session presided over by him when he acted as Comptroller-General of NSC, discussed various areas of revenue leakages and put in place measures to plug them.

He directed the immediate setting up of anti-corruption seats in all area commands to monitor officers’ conduct and report to his office.

With regard to anti-smuggling activities, while the Federal Operations Units, FOUs, were directed to intensify their border patrols to bring smugglers to book, Atte ordered an immediate review of operational procedures to give maximum effect to the ban on all hinterland patrols in the country.

Army to partner NUPENG on fuel distribution

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—THE Nigerian Army said, yesterday, that it was ready to partner with Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, to ensure safety of its members, noting the important roles the union members played in stabilizing petroleum products distribution in the country.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai, made the disclosure when he received President of the union, Mr. Igwe Achese, and thanked NUPENG for appreciating the good work the Nigerian Army was doing, especially in the area of security for smooth operations of its members.

He said the Army would continue to provide security for their smooth operation, adding that oil theft was a serious danger to the economy.

TETE-A-TETE: President Muhammadu Buhari (left) and the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, during the 55th Independence Day parade at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday.

We' ll rescue Chibok schoolgirls—MILITARY

By Evelyn Usman

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AGOS—THE Military, yesterday, reassured Nigerians of its resolve to rescue the over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in Chibok, Borno State, from the claws of terrorists, explaining, however, that the operation required high diligence.

It added that the war against insurgency in the country would soon be a thing of the past, owing to the availability of what is needed for unconventional war.

Addressing journalists in Lagos, the Director, Defence Information, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, noted that already,

the Military had made remarkable achievements in the fight against terrorism, with the discovery and subsequent bombardment of insurgents' hideouts and commands.

He said: “The Military is not in any way sleeping; it is coordinating properly with relevant stakeholders in the fight against terrorists.

“A lot of tremendous achievement has been recorded owing to the fact of purposeful leadership, supply of equipment and high morale of the troops.

“The Military is doing everything possible to ensure the safe rescue of the

abducted girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok.

‘We need patience diligence'

“We have been able to rescue lots of women and children and the operation is still ongoing. People should be patient. Nobody is happy with the situation.

“We are doing everything within our powers to ensure they are rescued alive. We will not rush because this operation demands high diligence. Not only for the Chibok girls, but every captive with Boko Haram will be rescued.”

He stated that the resort to poisoning of water in some parts of the North-East by members of Boko Harm was a sign of weakness and desperation on their part.

He said: “Since they have been dislodged from their strongholds, they are engaging in all sorts of practices. And this is a sign of weakness.

“The factory where they produce Imrovised Explosive Devices, IEDs, has been discovered, their commands decimated and their lines of supply blocked.

“They no longer have central command. Their centre of gravity has been destroyed and they are running helter skelter.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

INDEPENDENCE—Cultural dancers performing during Nigeria's 55th Independence Day celebration in Asaba, Delta State, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Why Buhari holds on to 15 other nominees Continues from Page 1 The high-wire tension and expectations with which Nigerians awaited President Muhammadu Buhari’s ministerial nominees have been doused with his submission of names of 21 nominees to the Senate.

As of last night, the various security agencies were said to be working frantically to beat the new deadline said to have been given to them by the President.

Vanguard gathered that the security checks on the remaining nominees are being carried out within and outside Nigeria.

The President on Wednesday forwarded to the Senate, names of 21 nominees for confirmation, with a promise to send the others in due course.

Each state of the federation is, by virtue of the constitution, entitled

to a ministerial slot in the federal cabinet.

Vanguard gathered, yesterday, that the Presidency insisted that more background checks be conducted on the nominees, especially against the backdrop of the need to avoid making mistakes in appointing the wrong persons into the cabinet.

It was further learned that the names of those transmitted to the Senate on Wednesday were those whose background checks had been concluded.

"It is not certain when the checks on the remaining 15 will be completed.

This explains why the President, in his i n d e p e n d e n c e anniversary speech, did not give a time frame because it is dependent on when the security agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, will conclude

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

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PPORTUNITY hardly walks past an expectant heart. Expectation opens your eyes to see what others don’t and encourages you to prepare adequately for your harvest. Be Expectant! It’s up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

One day your life will flash before you, make sure it is worth watching —Gerald Way

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HE ultimate in life is living unconditional love, and so how does the face of love look like? For me, it has the heart that reaches out to help others, to listen always with compassion, while living a life of gratitude. People who are grateful always are happy people; they magnetize happy circumstances to themselves. Walk your talk, enjoy life blessings.

And no matter what is happening in your life, gratitude keeps you going strong always.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

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HUNTER pursuing an animal should call its name to save the smelly shrew from a needless race.

their job on the nominees," a source said last night.

The source said the 21 names already with the Senate had gone through the same process, adding that the issue had taken so much time because of the need to do a thorough job.

"If the President had his way, the process of appointing ministers would have long been concluded but the security people handling the checks pleaded for time to do a thorough job," a reliable source told Vanguard.

Horse-trading

Apart from the checks, Vanguard investigation also revealed that the cause of the delay in submitting the 15 names is the horse-trading still going on within the All Progressives Congress, APC, over their nomination.

It was further learned that there was no consensus yet on the choice of the nominees by leaders in their states.

Next batch hits Senate next Tuesday – Garba Shehu

In his reaction last night, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, said the next batch would be sent to the National Assembly, Tuesday.

He said: “To be honest with you, I have been travelling in the last two days. I came in early today (yesterday). I am not privy to any list.

However, every government from 1999 till date under this constitution, has not given the names of ministers from day one.

"They (ministerial nominees) have always

been sent to the National Assembly in batches, this is nothing extraordinary.

Where is the balance? I do not know. May be by Tuesday next week when they come back, they (National Assembly) will probably have the balance waiting for them but if it will take a longer period, the President will decide that.”

Although the Senate is yet to officially make public names of the 21 nominees forwarded to it by the President, media reports reeled out names, including Dr. Chris Ngige (Anambra), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Babatunde Fashola (Lagos), Gen. A b d u r r a h m a n Dambazau, retd, (Kano), Aisha AlHassan (Taraba), Ogbonnaya Onu (Abia), Kemi Adeosun (Ogun) and Abubakar Malami, SAN, (Kebbi).

Others are Senator Sirika Hadi (Katsina), Adebayo Shittu (Oyo), Sulaiman Adamu (Jigawa), Solomon Dalong (Plateau), Ibe Kachikwu (Delta), Osagie Ehanire (Edo, Udoma Udo-Udoma (Akwa Ibom), Ahmed Isa Ibeto (Niger), Ibrahim Jibril, Audu Ogbeh (Benue), and Amina Mohammed (Kaduna).

I doubt the names reported by the media – Babatope

H o w e v e r, f o r m e r Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said he doubted the authenticity of the list. He said: “I am not a member of the APC. What comment do I want to make on people who are not members of my party? I do not know them, I only know them by their names. All I can say is to wish them the best of luck when they

are appointed. Anyway, they have not all been appointed. Buhari told us that he would be releasing their names piece-meal, so we will wait for the rest of the names. We do not know if the list is authentic because the President of the Senate said he would disclose their names on October 6, so, let us wait and see what happens."

Be patient with Buhari – Ogunlewe

Former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the President as far as the ministerial list is concerned.

Ogunlewe said: “It is at the discretion of the President to send the names but we must first commend him. Why can’t we wait till October 6 because all these things we are reading are speculations.

"What Saraki said is that he has the list sealed and that he would not allow anybody access the contents until Tuesday. My suggestion is: Let everybody wait because we do not know the number of names on the list. We have to be patient with our government and reasonable. It is not every time we criticise, that is my own position."

Buhari wants the best – Fasehun

Founder of Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, Dr. Fredrick Fasehun, said: "Probably the President does not want to over work the Senate.

That is why he is taking his time in sending the names, making it to look as if he has embraced a piecemeal method. As a man with a vision of what he wants for the country, I want to believe that the President is not in a hurry to send all the list because he wants the best hands for the job."

Also reacting, retired Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, urged Nigerians to

support the President in his war on graft, saying "we hope and pray that the corrupt and selfish elite will repent and give Buhari maximum support to take Nigeria to the next level."

Nothing unique – Odumakin

National Publicity Secretary of the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin said, yesterday, that President Buhari would have submitted the names of the ministerial nominees at Eagle Square rather than to the Senate.

Reacting to the speculated names of possible ministers, Odumakin, who noted that there was nothing unique about the list, said the President did not surprise anyone.

According to him, the names are not worth waiting for a period of four months.

“There is no excitement or surprise in the list.

They are mostly run-ofthe-mill people that do not warrant the nation waiting four months.

Those names could have been submitted at Eagles Square on May 29.”

Buhari didn’t need to wait this long —Sen. Urhoghide

Senator Matthew Urhoghide (PDP, Edo South) shared Odumakin’s views. He said it was not necessary for President Buhari to have waited this long before coming up with the list he made available.

According to Senator Urhoghide, the persons whose names were submitted have been around and known to the President, especially the nominee from Edo State, Osagie Ehanire.

Urhoghide, who noted that though the character and personality of the nominees were not in doubt, said what was paramount was performance as ministers.

6—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Kidnappers of Kogi monarch demand N1m ransom

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By Kingsley Fanwo

OGI—AS search for the abducted traditional ruler of Apaa Bunu in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, HRH Oba Adebisi Obademi, intensifies, indications have emerged that the family had been contacted for a N1 million ransom.

Impeccable family sources informed Vanguard that the abductors have contacted the family to demand ransom for the release of Oba Obademi.

The ransom is said to be one million naira, giving up the abductors as low key criminals.

A source who craved anonymity, told Vanguard that the family members and traditional chiefs in the community had been meeting over the matter.

“Yes, they have contacted the family demanding for ransom. They told us that Kabiyesi is in safe hands and that we need to pay for his release. The abductors didn’t sound hostile during the conversation. “ We may not want to make further statements not to jeopardize the efforts of the Police in tracking the abductors. But we have been meeting to ensure our royal father is released to us soon,’’ the source said.

When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in Kabba, told Vanguard that they were doing whatever was necessary to ensure the release of the traditional ruler soon.

He said the Commissioner of Police in the state had stepped into the matter.

However, residents of Kabba/Bunu have called for proactive policing to stem the tide of kidnapping in the state.

An engineer, Olu Adebayo, told Vanguard that the Police should invest more on intelligence gathering to avert unpleasant occurrences.

He said: “It is unfortunate that even traditional rulers are not spared by these inhuman elements among us. What the Police should do is to invest in modern intelligence gathering gadgets. These kidnappers are not spirits. ‘’They live among us too.

We need a crime database and community policing to be able to apprehend these antisocial elements before they perpetrate their acts.”

Mob attempts to lynch naval personnel over death of man INDEPENDENCE TRAGEDY:

Alleges extortion by naval rating as cause of tragedy As Navy denies extortion allegation

By Ufuoma Tiveruahor

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AGOS—KIRIKIRI area of Lagos, was yesterday, thrown into pandemonium, following attempt by a mob to lynch some naval personnel whom they accused causing of the death of a conductor attached to a truck driver.

The deceased was reportedly crushed by the truck he was attached to, while the driver, Ibrahim Salima, was reportedly running away from naval personnel stationed at the Kirikiri bridge, by Tokunbo car park road, to control the perennial gridlock.

There were, however, different accounts to how the tragedy happened. A version of the account, alleged that naval personnel stationed there usually collect N500 from truck drivers who wait on the queue to get petroleum products from jetties, daily.

The tanker whose conductor was allegedly killed by Naval Rating in Kirikiri area of Lagos, yesterday.

How truck conductor died

However at about 9am yesterday, Salisu was said to have refused to part with the amount, an action that was taken as affront by the naval ratings. One of them was said to have chased the moving truck, in the process of which he allegedly dragged the motor boy, identified as Abass Kasali, out.

Unfortunately, Kasali reportedly fell right under the truck and was crushed by the moving truck.

Another version of the account, said when the truck driver sighted the naval rating approaching, he reportedly jumped into the truck started the ignition, with a view to vacate the illegal parking spot.

In the process, the conductor followed suit, but reportedly missed his steps and fell right under the truck, causing the tyres to run over him.

A third version also had it that the truck had a break failure and in the driver ’s bid to control it, it rammed into a commercial motorcyclist, killing him on the spot.

The incident reportedly sparked off a protest, as an angry mob reportedly descended on the naval rating. Some of his colleagues who were on their way to work reportedly stopped to rescue him from the angry mob. But they were reportedly overpowered.

It took the combined efforts of armed military men, including the Police to quell the situation.

Eye witnesses said: “The man was sitting down here (pointing to a position) when the tanker driver approached him to come and work with him, explaining that his real motor boy was ill. It was not up to two hours that we saw him struggling with a known naval personnel who usually comes around to collect N500 from all tanker drivers. By this time, the driver had veered off his lane in a bid to move.

In the process, he hit a car with the number plate BX 941 ABC and a motorcycle with plate number KSF342 QE. “Along the line, the rating succeeded in dragging the motor boy down from the truck. Unfortunately, he fell and had his head crushed by the tyres of the truck and died instantly.

“A mob held the naval personnel hostage and locked him inside a shop until the arrival of his colleagues who came and rescued him.

Tanker drivers and their conductors started protesting the death of their member. But the Navy condoned off all routes leading to their barracks and shot sporadically to wade off the protesters.”

When Vanguard arrived the scene, blood stained as well as particles suspected to be the deceased’s skull were sighted on the spot. The incident worsened the traffic situation in the area, as vehicles remained stand still

position for the better part of the day.

However, when this reporter attempted to take shots of the scene, some men in plain clothes who identified themselves as naval personnel apprehended this reporter.

Her phone was seized, as she was whisked into a waiting van, to a place where some uniformed naval personnel were, with threat from some of them to beat her up. It took the intervention of some officers of the ranks of Lieutenants to free this reporter from the the ratings.

Petroleum tanker drivers react

National spokesman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers,PTD branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Adebayo Akande said, the deceased was yet to be identified at the time of filing this report.

Akange also said the group had got in touch with the Naval Base in Satellite Town, noting that investigation into the cause of the death of the conductor was still ongoing.

“The Navy has also commenced its own investigation and both groups will compare notes at the end of the exercise,” Akanga said, informing that the outcome of the investigation would determine the association’s next line of action.

Naval sources speak

Efforts to reach the Commander, Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS WEY, whose jurisdiction controls the point, failed as he was not in the office when Vanguard called.

But Naval sources debunked allegation that the ratings were extorting money from tanker drivers. Rather sources stated that the Ratings were stationed there to control the flow of traffic.

Naval sources said: “The Navy is not responsible for the death of the conductor as alleged. And the Navy does not collect dues from tanker drivers. The dues is between the tanker drivers and the designated union Task Force.

“When the incident happened, our men were held hostage by a mob and in the process, they sustained injuries. Even when a reinforcement went for their rescue, stones were hauled at them, with the mob threatening to kill at least one of our men. What we did was to fire warning shots into the air to disperse them and nobody died as a result of the bullets fired.

“The area is calm now.

Driver of the truck , Ibrahim Salima, has been arrested by the Police. We did not lose any of our personnel as widely rumoured. The Commanders NNS Beecroft and NNS WEY were at the scene to get on the spot information.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—7

Kidnapped Ondo cleric freed after 11 days

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ACCIDENT: Scene of an accident on Ojuelegba bridge, enroute Apapa in Lagos, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Police yet to arrest killers of MC Oluomo's aide We are on the trail of killers—Police L

By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS—CALM has since returned to troubled Mosaku street in Oshodi area of Lagos after gunmen suspected to be members of a rival faction of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Oshodi, shot dead one Olayinka Mamowora aka Mamok on Wednesday, September, 30.

Although no arrest had been made, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joe Offor, who confirmed the incident to Vanguard, said the Police were on the trail of the killers.

According to him “ we have been able to identify the killers of Olayinka Mamowora and we are on their trail.”

It will be recalled that on Wednesday, unidentified gunmen stormed Mosaku street, Oshodi, where they reportedly shot dead an aide of MC Oluomo.

Shot in the head several times

It was learned that the deceased was shot on the head several times inside a barbing saloon, a stone throw away from his residence.

Vanguard gathered that Olayinka was a very close ally of Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, MC Oluomo, the union’s State Treasurer and Oshodi chapter Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW.

According to an eyewitness, Shaibu Agibola who spoke to Vanguard at the scene this morning, “the entire area was like a war zone yesterday when some men stormed the area with motorcycles shooting sporadically into the air to scare residents away.

Residents in the area had to scamper for safety as the incident caused pandemonium around the area. By the time the area was calm, Olayinka was found in pool of his blood.”

A resident in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity, he noted that although Mamok was a very articulate young man, unfortunately, he turned himself to a common aide of NURTW chairman, MC Oluomo, for luxury. But you

will understand that no one can stop karma, as those who live by the gun die by the gun. This is the consequence of such lifestyles. All the wealth gathered by thuggery has eventually ended. During the change campaign, they killed Esi Oluwo, they even went ahead and killed another guy at Fadeyi who was an ally of Toba Ijaya.

Street gangs

A trader in the area who identified himself simply as Ola Adebajo said: “Street gangs only breed violence and destruction as gangsterism and cultism is soaring high here in Lagos State. People are being killed every day as a result of their menace. Aiye and Eiye are the most notorious among

transport union members. The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Ambode, should wake up and arrest it before it spreads throughout the whole state.”

It was gathered that before his death, Mamok was MC Oluomo’s point-man. He was the one that allegedly led the gang that killed Baba Esi, a popular area boy in Oshodi.

Mamok was the one that fired the shot that hit Baba Esi in the head, which resulted in his death on April 9, 2015 Before pitching his tent with Oluomo, Mamok was one of the private bodyguards of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dimeji Bankole. He attended Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. The late Mamok, is a relative of Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.

Court acquits 3 robbery suspects

By Bartholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—A Lagos High Court sitting at Igbosere has discharged and acquitted three accused persons standing trial for the offences of conspiracy and robbery.

The three accused persons include Peter Odigwe, Sodiq Akindele and Sodiq Olaogun.

The presiding judge, Justice R.I.B Adebiyi, held that the prosecution failed to

prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

After reviewing the final written addresses of both counsels, Justice Adebiyi dismissed the two-count charge brought against the three accused persons.

Counsel to the accused persons, Worer Obuagbaka, submitted that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

According to the charge, the three accused persons on May 27, 2012, robbed the duo of Arike Odejide and Catherine Odejide of a Sagem handset valued at N10,000 and Nokia handset valued at N15,000.

It was gathered that the accused persons had been in prison custody since May 2012.

Counsel to the accused persons thanked the court for its well considered judgement.

By Dayo Johnson

KURE—AFTER 11 days in kidnappers den, a 70year-old cleric at Ikare-Akoko area of Ondo State, Japhet Obafemi, has regained his freedom.

Pastor Obafemi of the Apostolic Faith, Ilepa in Ikare-Akoko, was ambushed by some suspected Fulani herdsmen who abducted him along Augu/Akunmu Expressway, while coming back from a church engagement in Kogi State.

His son was said to be driving his SUV when his abductors, numbering about 13, reportedly ambushed him.

The kidnappers later called the wife, identified as Olu, that her husband was with them and that the family and the church should pay N16 million ransom for his freedom.

Vanguard gathered that the family and the church were able to raise N300,000 but the kidnappers insisted they won’t go below N3 million.

They reportedly told the wife to sell his property and that of the church to raise money to pay the ransom.

Vanguard, however, could not ascertain if the kidnappers ended up collecting the N300,000 or that the family and the church paid more.

But it was reliably gathered that the family parted with some “good money” before the pastor was freed.

A police source said the pastor was seen at Ise-Akoko, a few kilometres from where he was kidnapped.

Narrating his ordeal, Pastor Obafemi who reportedly sustained injury on his head, said he trekked over six kilometres to Ise-Akoko from the bush where he was released.

His family members prevented him from going into details of how he was kidnapped and where he was taken to by his abductors.

They stated that his health was of more importance to them now than granting press interview.

Vanguard gathered that the family are planning to take him to a private hospital in Lagos for a thorough medical examination.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, had last week declared three days fasting and prayer for the release of the abducted pastor.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—9

NSE to support Onosode’s burial

By Jonah Nwokpoku

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AGM: From left—Managing Director, Olanrewaju Jaiyeola; Chairman, Dr. Oba Otudeko; Company Secretary, Oluwayemisi Busari, all of Honeywell Flour Mills, at the firm's 6th annual general meeting in Lagos.

Shell plans big investment in gas

By Ediri Ejoh, with agency report

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HE Managing Director of Shell Nigeria, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell Plc, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, said, yesterday, that the company was ready to explore natural gas to make Nigeria a hub for domestic consumption and export for prospective investments.

Okunbor, in a statement in Port Harcourt, reiterated the company’s commitment to developing gas for domestic use.

He said: “Our strategy is to invest a lot more in gas for domestic consumption and export. We want to grow our deep water and constrain our onshore oil production.

“Shell’s flagship project would be the Gbarain-Ubie project, which will increase gas supplies to the Bonny liquefied natural gas export terminal. A first phase began production in 2010.“ Shell has been divesting onshore oil-producing assets for the last few years and completed another set near the end of March.

The sales are part of an effort to move away from onshore oil projects in Nigeria, which are plagued by industrial scale theft, security problems and pipeline spills, which have become a growing legal liability.

Bonny Island, which is situated at the southern edge of Rivers State, near Port Harcourt, is Nigeria’s only liquefied natural gas export terminal.

Ghana's gain

This was even as Ghana Gas Company had, a couple of days ago, recorded an improvement in its gas supply and the excess of over 140 million standard cubic feet of gas per day, which makes it the country’s highest reserves since 2009.

The report added that this development could be best attributed to supply from Nigeria.

The report said it is happening after a year's breakdown of gas supply from Nigeria to Ghana, Togo and Benin, due to pipeline damage by a vessel in Togolese waters.

The company had said its gas supply was barely up to 50 percent of the required expectation, and when supply recommenced after the pipeline was fixed, there was still no improvement for quite

a while until lately, when the volumes being supplied to Ghana dropped to a record low level between 30 million and 50 million standard cubic feet per day, making it knotty for the solely gas-reliant SunonAsogli Power Plant at Kpone near Tema (200 megawatts) to continue.

At the inception, when the West African Gas Pipeline started delivering gas, Volta River Authority, VRA, was unable to consume all the incoming gas and, perhaps, now more than ever, the stretch of the pipeline between Tema

and Takoradi is being utilized.

Gas from Nigeria has been going to Takoradi due to increased volumes and due to challenges with Ghana’s own gas on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah.

In a statement from Mr. Kofi Ellis, Business Development Manager of the VRA, to business newspapers on the sidelines of the Ghana Gas Forum in Accra recently, he said: “Currently, we are getting in excess of 140 million standard cubic feet per day of gas from Nigeria.”

Don’t blame Lawan’s failure on Saraki —LAWMAKER the caucus, eight voted for support. So,

By Henry Umoru

A

B U J A — S E N AT O R Hamman Isa Misau (APC, Bauchi Central) said yesterday that Senator Ahmed Lawan, (APC, Yobe North) was rejected by the North-East caucus of All Progressives Congress, APC. According to Misau, there is no way anyone can blame Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, for Lawan’s inability to emerge as the Senate Majority leader of the 8th Senate as proposed by APC. In a statement in Abuja, Misau noted that rather than blame Saraki, the accusation should go to members of the North-East caucus of the party in the Senate, who voted overwhelmingly against the decision and rather settled for Senator Ali Ndume, APC, Borno South, as the Senate Leader.

Senator Misau explained that of the 11 senators who were members of

Ndume, while three voted for Lawan.

He added that since politics was a game of numbers, the candidate with majority of the votes emerged as leader.

Misau noted that the explanation became necessary, in view of the belief that the Senate President deliberately antagonized the party leadership by refusing to name Lawan and the others into leadership positions, thereby favouring a ‘winner takesall’ arrangement.

He said: “Many people do not know or understand what happened then. Truly, many of us prefer Ndume to Lawan.

The fact that Ndume contested for the post of Deputy Senate President and sought the support of most senators made it easy for him to get our support.

“In any case, Senator Lawan never told anybody that he was interested in the post of Majority Leader. We, therefore, voted for a person who actually lobbied and sought for our

we take responsibility for our decisions. Nobody should blame the Senate President.”

Senator Misau further explained that many people erroneously over-rated the powers of the Senate President in making certain decisions in the Senate.

He said: “The Senate President is just first among equals. He represents one district like every other senator. He is not like a state governor or President, who has executive powers and discretion to select ministers and commissioners.

“The Senate President must always do what the Senators want and must even carry along his colleagues at all times. Dr. Saraki is very popular among us today because he is always respecting our opinion and usually doing what we want.

“He has a way of relating to all of us as equals that we are trying to aggregate the overall interest and position of majority.”

AGOS—THE Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has pledged to support the family of late investment banker and stockbroker, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode, who passed on Tuesday in Lagos, to give him a befitting burial.

The Chief Executive Officer of NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, told Vanguard at Onosode’s residence, when he came to pay his condolence yesterday: “I have spoken with members of the family and we will receive information on what they want to do.

“We will do our own part to make sure that we give him a befitting goodbye ceremony.”

Nigerian wins ITU innovators competition

By Prince Osuagwu

T

HE International Telecommunications Union, ITU, has announced a Nigerian, Ogbonnaya Bassey, as the winner of the final Telecom World 2015 Young Innovators Competition challenge.

Bassey is joined by a Turkish innovator, Ugur Bastik, whose entry also won the ITU award.

The duo are expected to take part in ITU Telecom World 2015, the global ICT innovation platform for government, corporate bodies and small and medium enterprises, SMEs, to be held from October 12 to 15 in Budapest, Hungary.

Winning entries were selected from 124 applications from 34 countries on the basis of their demonstrated innovation, business potential and clear social value proposition.

It said: “Ogbonnaya Bassey’s entry, SolarKobo, provides solar power systems with zero-upfront financing as a cheaper, more reliable and cleaner electricity source than the private oil generators that are widely used to supplement the insufficient public electricity supply.”

10—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Group condemns senators' vote of confidence on Saraki

By Kelechukwu Iruoma

Lagos shuts Chinese firm over worker's death

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

L

AGOS—LAGOS State Government has shut Hongxing Steel Company

Limited, a Chinese company based in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government for safety violations.

The state government issued the stop-work order following the death of a casual worker,

Mr. Emeka Umoh.

He sustained severe burns after liquefied iron spilled on him on September 23, 2015.

Vanguard learnt that he died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH,

A

GROUP, Value and Integrity Group, VIG, has condemned the vote of confidence passed on the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki by 84 senators National Coordinator of the group, Mr. Sina Odugbemi, has also called on Dr. Saraki to resign his position as the President of the Senate, to prevent the ridiculing of the senate.

Odugbemi said that an acceptable global standard, ethics and etiquette requires that when a leader occupying a position of responsibility is facing criminal charges, he should step down.

According to him, “The criminal trial of Senate President, Dr. Saraki for false declaration of assets among other charges by the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, and his continuous occupation of the prestigious seat of Senate President has put the entire Senate on the bad spot, undermined its integrity, embarrassed its members and is making Nigeria a laughing stock in the face of discerning members of global community.”

Mrs Ayodele Eneli dies at 76

M

RS. AYODELE Adesola Eneli (Nee Sowande) is dead, aged 76. She died on September 1, 2015 .

She will be buried on October 2, at Ikoyi Cemetery after a service at Cathedral Church of Christ.

She is survived by children and grand children.

CONFERENCE: From left, Group Director and Advisor, African Industries, Richhpal Singh; Director General, Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, Remi Ogunmefun; Group Executive Director, African Industries, Uche Iwuamadi, and Chief Executive Officer, Steel Business, Sanjay Kumar, during the press conference on the challenges facing the iron manufacturer companies in Nigeria, at Moore House, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Ambode urges Nigerians to return nation’s glorious past

G

O V E R N O R AKINWUNMI Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday, urged Nigerians to rededicate themselves to the service of the country as a way of returning the glorious past of the nation.

Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, made the call at the Independence Day parade to mark Nigeria's 55th anniversary.

He said there was need to rekindle the flame that ignited the determination of the founding fathers to fight for and obtain independence.

“On this day, Nigeria defined her sovereignty as a people and since then had collectively built a strong nation, united and indivisible in spite of tough challenges.

“Together, we shall continue to reflect on the labours of our founding fathers and heroes of

democracy, so that their labour will not be in vain,” he said.

Ambode also urged residents to key into the aspirations of the state government to move the state to the next level of development and take centre

stage in global reckoning.

“My message to Lagosians as we celebrate today is to rededicate ourselves to the common goal of taking the state to greater heights.

“This administration will ensure that it delivers on its

L

AGOS—THE Okunnu Eleku family of Oko-Olomi Village, Bogije area of Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area, Lagos, has asked a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, to restrain the Police from further harassment and detention of its members.

Plaintiffs in the suit by Paul Ogundele are the Managing Director of Otofem Properties Nigeria Limited, Mr. Femi Otolowo, Chief Tajudeen Eleku,

mandate to make life more comfortable for the people,” he said.

The Nigerian Police, paramilitary organizations and students took part in the parade.

Task force impounds 1,000 motorcycles in 4 months

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

O

VER 1,000 commercial motorcycles, popularly called Okoda, have been impounded in Lagos within the last four month for various traffic offences.

Chairman, Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences unit, Superintendent of Police, Supol Olubukola Abe, who disclosed this, yesterday, said the seized motorcycles have

been sent to crushing plants.

Abe said the decision to crush the bikes was taken to stop them from finding their way back on the roads.

Abe said his men confiscated the highest number of 814 Okada last month According to him, 146 were seized in June, 278 in July and 484 in August.

Abe noted that the complaints from members of the public in recent times over various crimes being perpetrated by Okada riders further informed

Lagos family sues Police over harassment

By Jane Onazure

Late Mrs. Ayodele Eneli

where he was rushed to for treatment by the management.

Director General of the Lagos State Safety Commission, LSSC, Mr. Fouad Oki, in a statement after visiting the company, said that the company failed to adhere to the state safety standards.

Oki lamented the working condition in the company, saying it was deplorable.

He noted that a safety audit of the company that was earlier conducted by the LSSC team showed that very little safety measure was put in place by the management.

Oki said: “We have no option than to give the closure directive because the working condition in the company is harsh and totally unacceptable.

It was unacceptable to Lagos as a work-place.”

Mr. Uche Eke, the Public Relations Manager of the company, while reacting to the closure, said it would serve as a notice to the management to improve on its work-place safety measures, adding, “ when it is improved, it will help to avoid future hazards.’’

Chief Segun Eleku and five others.

Respondents are the Inspector - General of Police, Assistant Inspector - General of Police in Charge of Zone 2, Onikan, Lagos, Officer In Charge of D1, Zone 2, Lagos, Supol Lanre and Sergeant Idowu Kolawole, both of D1, Zone 2, Lagos, Lagos State Police Commissioner, Officer - in - charge of State CID, Panti, Lagos O/ C D8, Panti, Lagos, Inspector Isiakai, Sgt Yinka Adeoye, and AIG Roland Irohami (ret'd)

The family is asking the court to compel the respondents to pay N1 million to the family as compensation for the series of intimidation, harassment and detention of principal family members at various police stations in Lagos and Abuja.

The family is also seeking a declaration that it is not within the constitutional responsibility of the police to dabble into land matters, especially when such matter was pending in court.

The family is asking the court

the enforcement The task force boss said on assumption of office he convened a stakeholders’ meeting with the leaders of various Okada and tricycle, popularly called 'Keke Marwa' operators on the need to comply with the state traffic law or face the consequences of the law.

The seized motorcycles, he explained, were taken to Ojota crushing plants where they are being crushed and recycled into metal by-products.

Abe, however, said the activities of his men were being guided and conducted in line with best global practices, adding that in their firmness they were also civil.

On allegation that the agency kept suspects beyond 24 hours as stipulated by the law, Abe explained that one of the reasons for that was proximity to the court.

He also cleared the air on what was done with perishable items seized during operations, saying the Task Force always distributed such to various motherless or welfare homes across the state.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 11

Fayose cancels independence fair, students protest As APC sues him over SIEC composition

By Rotimi Olaleye

A

D O - E K I T I — GOVERNOR Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state yesterday cancelled all forms of fare as well as parades usually held on Independence Days.

Giving his reason for the action, Fayose in a broadcast said there was nothing to celebrate in view of the economic situation in the country.

“I do not think it is proper to engage in jamboree when it is becoming increasingly difficult to pay workers salaries.

“The current situation demands sober reflection from all and we cannot pretend about this,” Fayose said.

He ordered residents to stay at home and enjoy the celebration in low-key.

As a result of the governor’s order, the usual activities associated with the celebration were absent in most parts of AdoEkiti yesterday.

However, there were few places where pockets of activities were organised by individuals or corporate bodies.

snarl at Ijigbo roundabout with some officers of the Department of State Services, DSS, on hand to prevent hoodlums from hijacking the protest.

Some of the students' placards read: ”Ekiti Students Pass Vote of No Confidence on Fayose”, “Primary/Secondary Education Must Be Free In Ekiti”, “Ekiti Bursary, Nothing But A Scam”, “Blackout in Ekiti State University ”, “College of Education, Ikere Ekiti Fees Must Be Reduced”, “No To N50,000 Acceptance Fee at College of Health Technology, Ijero”, “Don’t Stop Payment of WAEC Fees for Poor Students”, “We Reject Exclusion From Education Summit”, among others.

Addressing reporters during the protest, FESSU National President, Peter Obayemi, said that students no longer have

access to bursary from the state government accusing officials of the Scholarship Board of underhand dealings.

Obayemi revealed that he was allegedly detained on the orders of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kolapo Olusola, over his agitation for the payment of bursary to Ekiti students at the State Scholarship Board.

He said the student bodies would no longer tolerate intimidation by any government official no matter how highly placed, saying the Fayose administration had declared war on students by its actions.

APC kicks over SIEC composition

Meantime, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state has taken the governor and State Independent Electoral

OLUREMI OYO REMEMBERED: From left; Dame Comfort Obi, Publisher/Editor-inChief, The Source; Mr Gbenga Adefaye, General Manager/Editor-inChief, Vanguard Newspapers, and Mrs Remi Abudiore, during the one year remembrance service for Late Dame Felicia Oluremi Oyo, at St Joachim &Anne Catholic Church Ijegun, Lagos, yesterday. Photo by Kehinde Gbadamosi.

Students protest

Meantime, Ekiti State Students under the aegis of the Federation of Ekiti State Students Union, FESSU, and the National Association of Nigeria Students, NANS, yesterday protested against the scrapping of free education in the state by the administration.

As early as 8.30 am the placardcarrying students, who were mobilized from the state-owned tertiary institutions, poured into the streets of Ado Ekiti chanting songs denouncing the alleged government’s poor attitude to education.

The angry students marched from Ajilosun, stopping at various junctions where they addressed members of the public on their grievances saying they would be forced to continue the protest until Fayose accedes to their demands.

The march caused a huge traffic

UNPAID SALARIES: Ondo workers suspend strike

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—ONDO State workers yesterday suspended their two-day-old warning strike over non payment

of their outstanding salaries and deductions following the intervention of the national secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC. Addressing newsmen after a

DISEASES: Ogun to train food vendors

A

B E O K U TA — O G U N State Ministry of Health in partnership with a consultant, the Food Hygiene and Training Consult , FHTC, will train food vendors in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State on best hygienic practices in food preparation with the theme “Food safety and hygiene: Responsibility of Handlers”.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health,

Commission, SIEC, to court over composition of the electoral body.

In a suit filed by its counsel, Abiodun Fasakin and Tajudeen Akingbolu, the party said the composition of the electoral body contradicted the constitutional requirement for a non-partisan electoral body that could organise credible elections that would be acceptable to all contesting parties.

In the originating summons before the State High Court, AdoEkiti, the defendants are to appear before the court within seven days after service of the summons on them.

Commenting on the development, the party’s state publicity secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, alleged that members of the electoral body as constituted by the governor is composed of card-carrying members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, noting that such action was illegal and invitation to chaos inherent in the electoral umpire providing support for a contesting party to the detriment of others.

Dr. Daisi Odeniyi stated that the training was aimed at eradicating various food and water borne diseases in the State, adding that participants slated to attend the training will be grouped into two at a specific date for each Local Government.

He said that all low cadre food handlers including butchers, pure water makers and meat sellers are grouped under the first phase, while

bakery owners, cold room operators/owners of fast food outlets and workers in the kitchen/bar section of all hotels fall under the second phase.

According to the release, the training will expose all categories of food handlers in the state to medical examination to ascertain their health status, calling on all food handlers to ensure their full participation in the programme.

meeting lasting for over four hours in Akure, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, JNC, Sunday Adeleye, asked workers to resume work today.

Adeleye said government should by Wednesday next week pay all outstanding salaries and deductions up to last month.

He also denied that the two-day warning strike was an agreement by all unions and was not politically-motivated as been rumoured, adding that what happened in the last two days was a family affair that would be resolved. He said the unions were pushed to the wall.

“Following the intervention of our national secretariat and the forum of permanent secretaries in the state and leaders of other unions, we have decided to suspend the two day warning strike,’’ he said.

Ogun Assembly to screen Amosun’s 16 nominees Wed

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA—THE Ogun State House of Assembly has said it will screen all the nominees for the post of Commissioners on the list sent to it by the State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Wednesday next week.

The assembly in a statement signed by the clerk Mr Muyiwa Adenopo indicated that the approval of the nominees by the House would assist the governor to constitute the State Executive Council for the second term to consolidate on his Rebuilding Mission.

According to the statement, the nominees are Mrs Ronke Sokefun, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo, Arc. Segun Abiodun, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, Hon. Jide Ojuko, Sunday Segun Bamiwola, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye and Mr Bolaji Oyeleye.

Others are Barr. Leke Adewolu, Afolabi Afuwape, Gbenga Adenmosun, Chief Kolawole Wasiu Lawal, Otunba Bimbo Asiru,Mrs Yewande Amusan and Barr.

Olumide Ayeni.

Environmentalists task FG on insecurity, funding

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA— ENVIRONMENTAL professionals across the country have called on the federal government to urgently establish a National Environmental Advisory Commission.

The professionals who met at the Federal polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State,said creation of a national environmental advisory commission would help in addressing the increasing dynamics of environmental and security issues in the country.

Rising from the 5th national conference with a theme “Environment and Insecurity : Issues and Challenges, Conference Chairman, Mr. O. P Okafor in a communique he signed noted that global warming and climate change will continue to soar.

According to the communiqué, the participants urged government at all levels to evolve policies and regulations on flood prevention, bulk water control, diversions and inter basin transfers.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

NIGERIA AT 55: Amaechi urges support for Buhari's govt to achieve growth, devt

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— FORMER governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has urged Nigerians to support the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government in achieving success, growth and sustainable development, as the country marks its 55th independence anniversary The former governor contended that the nation’s problems could be successfully dealt with when the people unite to forge a common front.

Amaechi, in a statement by his media office, yesterday, said: “Our problems as a nation can only be successfully dealt with in unity. We need to imbibe patriotism to ensure that the sacrifices of our founding fathers and heroes are not in vain. President Buhari's

government is a very promising one and with the support and cooperation of all Nigerians, the government will achieve its aim and turn the fortunes of our country around.”

The statement also called for

continued prayers for the country and its leaders to stay on the right path and urged the people to reflect on the journey of the nation, its transition, gains and many challenges from 1960 till date, and think of what could be

done to better our lot even as they go all out to celebrate this 55th Independence Anniversary.

Amaechi further wished the government and the people of Nigeria happy Independence celebrations.

PRESENTATION: Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State (middle) receiving his certificate of return from Prince Uche Secondus, Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, while the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh (1st left) watches with interest.

Isoko North legislative arm sacks Majority Leader, As Burutu summons council chair, impeaches deputy deputy leader

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—MAJORITY Leader of Isoko North Local Government Council legislative arm, Delta State, Mr. Alex Okathe, and his deputy, Mr. Ighogboja Imuoma, have been removed from office for alleged unruly behaviour and disobedience to the constituted authorities of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the area.

This came as Burutu Legislative Arm summoned the chairman of the council, Chief Ebikeme Clark, to appear before it on October 6, to explain the council’s monthly statutory financial allocation and expenditure from his assumption of office to date.

The Isoko North majority leader and his deputy, Vanguard gathered, were relieved of their duties, following a letter brought before the House by the leadership of the party in the council area, demanding the removal of the duo. The letter said to have been signed by the party ’s Chairman, Mr. Daniel Tutumor, and Secretary, Mr. Peter Ashaka, also accused them of lack of respect for the party’s constitution.

But Okathe, in his reaction, insisted that they were not removed, saying:

“When the Clerk of the House read the letter, there was an argument as to whether to move a motion to adopt it or not, and there was disorderliness. Nobody discussed the letter and then we adjourned indefinitely.”

He alleged that his problems emanated from a motion he had moved two weeks ago against the failure of the council chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Egbabor, to render account of income and expenditure since the

inception of the administration, and a motion against a backdated bill on Internally Generated Revenue the council chairman had proposed.

In a related development, the Burutu legislative arm has summoned the Chairman of the council, Chief Ebikeme Clark, to appear before it on Tuesday to explain the council’s monthly statutory financial allocation, and expenditure since his assumption of office to date.

The House which reached the decision at plenary, also impeached the Deputy Leader, Godspower Akiefa, for divulging official matters.

The impeachment motion was moved by Doti Government, and seconded

by Asiyai Richard, and was adopted by the House.

The House nominated Nathan Tubotu, as the new Deputy Leader, following a motion by William Elagha, and seconded by Trust Edumogiren.

NIGERIA AT 55: Emerhor reiterates confidence in Buhari

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W

A R R I — A S Nigeria attains 55 years of independence, All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Delta State 2015 governorship election, Olorogun O'tega Emerhor, has expressed confidence in President Muhammadu Buhari, and the APC’s ability to get the nation’s economy back on track.

Emerhor, in his independence anniversary reflection, yesterday, said: “Since his assumption of office, President Buhari has been extremely busy dismantling retrogressive socio-economic structures put in place by past administrations so as to establish transparency,

accountability and good governance across board.

With Buhari in charge, Nigerians can now be rest assured that their human and

material resources will be properly managed and prudently channeled towards productive ventures."

Oshiomhole commiserates with Deputy on mum’s death

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

E N I N — GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has commiserated with his Deputy, Dr Pius Odubu, on the death of his mother, Madam Imuegbeyoghor Odubu.

In a condolence letter to the Deputy Governor, Oshiomhole said: “Let me, from the depth of my heart, convey to you my personal condolence and that of the

great people and government of Edo State, on the demise of your beloved and very affectionate mother, Madam Imuegbeyoghor Odubu which sad event took place on September 23 at the age of 80.

“Your mother no doubt had a great influence in your upbringing and the totality of your humanity, your sense of loyalty to any cause and the generality of your admirable conduct."

Delta LG Vice Chairman gets IDU award

I

SOKO Development Union, Women’s Wing, has honoured the Vice Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Council, Delta State, Chief Ralph Okaruefe, with an award of ‘excellent service’ to humanity, in recognition of his integrity in business, youth empowerment and leadership.

The award, which was presented during the first annual conference of the union held at Otobo Ekpre Hall, Oleh, had Senator Stella Omu, Mrs. Ovie Agas, who represented Dame Edith Okowa, Delta State First Lady, Itiako Constantine Ikpokpo Malik, Chairman, Isoko South Local Government Council, among other dignitaries, in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, Ambassador Caroline Usikpedo-Omoniye, President-General, Isoko Development Union, Women's Wing, said Chief Okaruefe bagged the award because of his accomplishments in tackling the problems of unemployment in Delta State.

In his response, Okaruefe thanked the Isoko Development Union women’s wing for finding him worthy of the award. He dedicated the award to Prince Johnson Erijo, member representing Isoko South Constituency II at the Delta State House of Assembly.

Bayelsa APC chieftain warns against hate campaigns

By Emem Idio

Y

ENAGOA—AHEAD of December 5 governorship election in Bayelsa State, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, Mr. Ebipadei Fekoweimo, has called on politicians in the state to base their electioneering campaigns on issues, rather than personalities.

Fekoweimo, who is also a former state legislator, in a statement in Yenagoa, decried the incessant hate campaigns by politicians in the state, describing same as unnecessary, regretting that the trend could cause disaffection among Ijaw people.

The former lawmaker alleged a campaign of calumny against former Bayelsa state governor, and governorship candidate of the APC, for the December 5 governorship poll, Chief Timipre Sylva.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—13

A-Ibom not planning to raise workers' taxes —FINANCE COMMISSIONER U

By Tom Moses

YO—AKWA Ibom State Government has dismissed speculations that it is planning to add more tax burden on public workers in the state, saying, the state government is only about to implement the 2011 tax policy as approved by the Federal Government.

Speaking to Vanguard yesterday, through the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Akan Okon, the government urged mischief makers, including local media organisations, to stop misinforming the populace and instigating citizens against the good intentions of the present government.

He said: “The issue of taxes on civil servants in Akwa Ibom State is an issue of law put in place by the Federal Government, as it relates to the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) policy. It is guided by the personal income tax of civil servants and from time to time, the Federal Government reviews this tax policy. The last review was in 2011, but what was in place in Akwa Ibom State, was the 2006 tax regime. So, the state government is now about to implement the 2011 tax policy as approved by the Federal Government. This is applicable to all the states in the federation. For

Akwa Ibom State, in implementing this policy, which ought to have been implemented since 2011, the state governor is not looking back, he intends to implement this policy from the month of September 2015, and is still allowing 50 percent rebate of what the civil servants were supposed to pay.

“From the calculations available to my office, government by this gesture, has forfeited over N9 billion for not implementing this policy since 2011. So, it is wrong for anybody to wake up and begin to malign the governor and this government. What we are doing is simply the implementation of

the 2011 tax regime, as approved by the federal government and I will like to emphasize here that the Akwa Ibom State government unlike other states, notwithstanding the present economic circumstances, still allows 50 percent rebate to civil servants.”

FREE HEALTHCARE: Cross section of staff of Vanguard Newspapers waiting to test their blood pressure during the free High Blood Pressure test by Mrs Shade Animashaun, Managing Director, Carlisle Healthcare Limited, at the corporate headquarters of Vanguard, in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau.

Rep, Delta Speaker lament Onosode's demise

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—THE member representing Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Solomon Ahwinahwi, and Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Ovwigho Igbuya, have described the death of Deacon Gamaliel Onosode as a monumental loss to Nigeria and the Urhobo nation in particular.

Ahwinahwi, who stated this in a chat with newsmen, said the demise of the boardroom giant and elder statesman was the biggest calamity that had befallen Ughelli Kingdom and a great misfortune to the whole of Urhoboland.

He said: “The death of the business titan and symbol of integrity is a scary reminder that the list of the finest creations of God will soon be exhausted,” lamenting that “the vacuum created by the demise of this illustrious son of Urhobo is comparable to the devastating adverse effect that the death of Chief Obafemi Awolowo had on the Yoruba of the South-West and that of the late Owelle of Onitsha on the Igbos of the South-East.

“All I can say is that forever in our hearts and on the marble of history, this foremost technocrat, leading chief executive in Nigeria’s corporate environment and reputable sailor from C M Y K

Government College, Ughelli will always remain indellible.”

Similarly, Igbuya said Onosode's demise had deprived Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State, of the services of one of the most consistent administrators of this age, adding: “Onosode was a family man who radiated the best of family values.”

Igbuya, who also described the death of the former chairman of Dunlop Nigeria Plc, Cadbury Nigeria Plc and Zain Nigeria,

as sad and painful, noted that the boardroom guru proved to Nigerians and the international community that there was everything to gain from being principled.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Henry Ebireri, urged the younger generation of Nigerians to take a cue from the ideals that Onosode lived for, building a better Urhobo nation, Delta State and Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, Onosode stood

out. He was a rare gem and a visionary leader with the knack for identifying talents. As the head of NAL merchant bank of Nigeria, he brought together bright young men and women, some of whom are today in top banking position in the country and abroad. As a presidential adviser to President Shagari and a former president of the Nigerian Institute of Management, he demonstrated exceptional administrative prowess."

Avoid utterances that threaten Nigeria's unity —URANTA

By Dapo Akinrefon

N

IGERIAN National Summit Group, NNSG, has called on Nigerians to avoid volatile and insensitive utterances that may threaten the unity of Nigeria.

Executive Secretary of NNSG, Mr Tony Uranta, who spoke in Lagos, warned that “the trends of seemingly insensitive power-thrusts are not conducive with the accepted national aspirations for equitable economic development, democratic

politics and social justice.

These trends ought to be driven by the constitution and the respect for rule-of-law, plus the pragmatic recognition of diversities that a united Nigeria needs to be premised upon.”

Uranta, who is also the Secretary General of the United Niger Delta Energy Development Security Strategy, UNDEDSS, noted that “as a patriotic Nigerian, who ardently loves his nation, and prays daily that President Muhammadu Buhari succeeds in changing

the negative trajectory that corruption, mediocrity and loss of positive values have forced this country into, one cannot remain silent in the face of these new trends that could threaten the very fabric of Nigeria’s survival.

“The economy is in shock following the series of oil revenue's downturns, foreign exchange policy fallouts, absence of a holistic economic strategy revelation from Abuja, and the absence to date of a sense of urgency in creating the presidential team to run the nation."

Okowa, Ayade others to grace GCUOBA's 70th anniversary

By Tare Youdeowei

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I G N I TA R I E S including Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, his Cross River State counterpart, Prof Benedict Ayade, and former Minister of Police Affairs, Professor Goddini Darah, are billed to grace activities marking the 70th anniversary of Government College, Ughelli, Old Boys Association, GCUOBA. The association’s PresidentGeneral, Worldwide, Professor Oritsegbemi Omatete, at a briefing in Lagos, said Governor Okowa would be guest of honour during the anniversary lecture and fundraising dinner in Warri.

Professor Omatete said: “At Ughelli, there will be an interdenominational thanksgiving service followed by a lecture on the Culture and Traditions of the College on October 2, while the guest of honour, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, will unveil a special commemorative logo marking the 70th anniversary of the college."

Glo Slide, Bounce, Laffta Fest arrive Ikeja, Ijebu-Ode

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HE excitement sweeping across major Nigerian cities, courtesy of Globacom’s mega shows, Laffta Fest comedy show and Slide n Bounce concert, will reach an all-time high this weekend when the shows hold in Ikeja and Ijebu-Ode respectively.

While Slide and Bounce will happen at De Prime Hotel, Ijebu Ode, tomorrow, Laffta Fest will take place at the Water Parks Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja on the same day.

A statement by Glo said the musical concert in Ijebu-Ode, Slide and Bounce will feature top-rated artistes and Glo ambassadors including Supreme Mavin Dynasty protégé, Korede Bello, Bumper to Bumper Crooner, Wande Coal, Ego and Burna Boy. On the other hand, Glo Laffta Fest will feature Nigeria’s funniest comedians including AY, Okey Bakassi, Gordons, Funny Bone, Bash, Buchi, Acapella, Senator and Gandoki. One of Nigeria’s best rappers, M.I and one of the country’s best female musicians, Di’ja of Mavin Records, will thrill the crowd with exciting musical performances.

14 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

NIGERIA @ 55 ... NIGERIA @ 55... NIGERIA @ 55...

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From left; Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed and Senate President, Bukola Saraki at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

President Muhammadu Buhari exchanging pleasantries with former head of Interim National Govt., Chief Ernest Shonekan, while former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, retd.(left) and former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme watch.

From left; Chief Edwin Uzor, Peoples Pemocratic Party, PDP chairman, Delta State; Hon. Joan Mrakpor; Senator Peter Nwaboshi, Hon. Monday Igbuya, Speaker, Delta of Assembly; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa; Justice Marshall Mukoro, Chief Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State acknowledging cheers from students State House Judge,Delta State; Justice Stella Ogene, President, Customary Court of Appeal, of Nomadic Nursery School, Kaduna at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium,Kaduna.

Delta State and Senator Ighoyota Amori cutting the cake.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State (3rd right), Pastor Chris Abayomi Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluranti Adebule in a motorcade (left); Pastor Kola John (2nd left); Bishop of Akure Diocese of The African Church, Rt. Rev Samuel Ojo (3rd left); Mrs Deola Akinboboye (2nd right); and inspecting the guard of honor at the Police College ground, Ikeja, Lagos.

Dr Kole Akinboboye at the Covenant Renewal Day organized by the Territorial Altar Calling Body of Christ, with the theme: “Possessing and Inhabiting the Nation” in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence Day in Akure.

President Muhammadu Buhari and the service chiefs

Primary school pupils in Asaba, Delta State during a march-past.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 15

NIGERIA @ 55 ... NIGERIA @ 55... NIGERIA @ 55...

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From right; Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, Alake of Egbaland; Brig-General M. S. Danwalis, Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade, inspecting a guard Brigade Commander, 35 Artillery Division, Abeokuta; Mrs. Funso Amosun; Governor of honour by men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force in Calabar.

Ibikunle Amosun; Mrs. F.U Arukwe; Chief Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Deputy Gov; Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro; Iyalode Alaba Lawson and others cutting the anniversary cake at MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto Abeokuta.

OJUD

Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State inspecting a guard of honour at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

Governor Rochas Okorocha inspecting a parade at Heroes Square, Owerri.

Chief of Staff, Government House Yenagoa and representative of the Governor, Rt. Hon. Talford Ongolo (left) speaking during a solidarity visit by National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter as part of activities to mark the Independence and Bayelsa at 19th Anniversary at Govt House, Yenagoa.

Children having fun at Amusement Park, Apapa, Lagos.

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State inspecting a guard of honour by men of the Nigeria Police Force at Uyo Township Stadium.

Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Oluranti Adebule (2nd right), member of the State House of Assembly representing Ikeja Constituency 1, Hon. Folajimi Lai-Mohammed (right), Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Jaji (2nd left) and the Perm Sec, Min of Wealth Creation & Employment, Mrs. Nike Oduwole at the Police College ground, Ikeja, Lagos.

16—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Poverty in Imo communities worries CSOs

By Chinonso Alozie

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OOR BUDGET implementation and under-representation of the 27 local government areas in Imo State, have been identified as the cause to the unending poverty situation in the state.

This was the outcome of a town hall meeting of mainly community based Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, organized recently in Owerri, by the South Sahara Social Development Orgarnistion, SSSDO. Among other issues raised in the round-table meeting, they wanted the Imo State government to run an open budget system, a process, which they said, would not only capture the lack of basic social amenities in the rural areas, but would also go a long way to address the continual denial of the electorate to enjoy the benefits of their God given resources.

Another area of concern was the “inexplicable” that the Imo State government had refused despite invitations to participate in the many accountability and transparency programmes by the CSOs in the state.

They also appealed to the government to form it as a habit to endeavour to organize a public hearing, in order to know how far the people had been deprived of their dividends of democracy, adding that, through the public hearing development could be extended to the rural areas and the people would have input in the budget, in order to make it the people's budget.

One of the facilitators of the South Sahara Social Development Organization, Mr. Emeka Ononamadu, said the programme was aimed at intimating the electorate that their responsibilities include actively involving in the process of governance.

EZEAGU CONSTITUENCY PDP TICKET: Aggrieved

candidate asks court to declare him winner

By Francis Igata

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NUGU—A candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Ezeagu consistency to the Enugu State House of Assembly, Mr. Sunday Umeha, has asked the Federal High Court,Enugu Division, to declare him winner, as the authentic candidate of the party, having participated in its primaries in November 29, 2014.

In a suit number: FH/EN/CS/ 70/2015,the petitioner, Umeha, alleged that the incumbent and second respondent to the suit, Chima Obieze, never participated in the primaries held at Ezeagu council headquarters, Aguobuowa,which was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. According to Umeha,”the only two candidates that participated in the primaries are Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and myself.

At the end of the exercise, Ezeilo came first while I came second. But Ezeillo was elevated to be the governor’s running mate in the days leading to the general elections. She then withdrew from the House of Assembly race.

“As a result of her victory at the

poll, she is now the incumbent deputy governor. Instead of PDP to forward my name to INEC as the first runner up at the primaries for Ezeagu constituency, Chima’s name

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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NEWI—NO fewer than 250 customers of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, at Anazodo street and its environs in Awada Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, yesterday, took to the streets in the area to protest against the electricity company.

The electricity consumers took their protest to Awada and Ogidi offices of the EEDC and demanded for their Enugu headquarter's intervention to the alleged attempt to disconnect electricity consumers in the area from a community-owned transformer to an alleged private one.

The affected Awada community members are Igboamaeze,

Alcatel Onetouch unfolds growth plans for Nigerian market

By Emeka Aginam

O

NE OF the world leaders in mobile phone fastest-growing smartphone manufacturers, Alcatel OneTouch has reentered the Nigerian market with the launch of a wide range of affordable, attractive and feature-rich mobile devices into the mobile ecosystem.

Unfolding plans to push the device to the Nigerian mobile phone market last week in Lagos, promoters of Alcatel, a brand within international mobile and internet device maker TCL Communication said it has chosen TD Mobile as its distributor for Nigeria.

With this development, Alcatel has appointed Nick Imudia, as the Regional Director for Alcatel Onetouch , looking after Nigeria and Central Africa. “I’m pleased to be a part of Alcatel Onetouch as it strives to bring the latest mobile innovations to mass market consumers in Nigeria,” Imudia said.

By Ndahi Marama AIDUGURI—MULTIPLE female suicide bombers, yesterday evening, sneaked into Sageri, Ajilari and other communities on the outskirts of Maiduguri, Borno State capital, and detonated bombs which left scores dead and many injured.

Ajilari ward, which is on outskirt of Maiduguri, had two days to Sallah, witnessed a suicide bomb attack which left over 100 people dead with 97 seriously injured.

The multiple explosions in Sageri and Ajilari occurred simultaneously at about 7:30p.m., after which men of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, responded with their artillery fire power.

A source close to the scene at Sageri told Vanguard that the female suicide bombers who sneaked into the area on tricycles, detonated their explosives at a popular public gathering near at tea seller joint (Mai Shai).

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through any known primary. The court should declare me winner in line with Supreme Court decision in the case of Rotimi Amaechi which was resurrected in February 2015.”

Transformer installation sets Anambra community on war path

Female suicide bombers hit Maiduguri

M

was forwarded by PDP. The court should declare the election that produced Chima null and void because he never took part in the primaries.

“His candidature never passed

Anazodo, Aniche and Ndiejezie streets Landlord Association with Mr. Ifeanyi Maduekwe as chairman and Kamsolu Oguka as secretary.

The customers threatened that if the EEDC did not act fast to address the energy crises which included what they called ”overestimated billing by the EEDC,” the crisis might escalate to fisticuffs and blood-letting.

In a letter by the lawyer to the affected residents of Awada, Mr. Victor Ejide addressed to the General Manager, EEDC, Enugu zonal headquarters which was signed by 11 landlords and property owners, the community alleged that an indigene was bragging that he was authorized by the EEDC to secure and instal his own

transformer.

The community also alleged that the person was said to have claimed that the authority bestowed on him, further empowered him to disconnect all the occupants of Anazodo Street and connect same to his private transformer.

“Our clients are, at present, comfortable with the power supply they enjoy. The supply comes from a transformer of superlative cadre purchased and installed by a committee comprising of reputable, responsible, rational and respectable members of the community, wherein our clients reside.

"Our clients duly contributed to the present transformer that supplies power to the street and its environs,” he said.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 —17

L

AST week, I told you that I was abducted from my Port Harcourt residence last month and held by kidnappers for nearly 13 days in a remote creek location. This terrible experience has inspired me to reflect deeply about the meaning of Life and has taught me a few lessons that I’d like to share with you: Before the kidnappers abducted me, they entered my bedroom and demanded my jewellery.

I meekly, hands trembling, handed over keys to the case in which I kept several quality items that had been skillfully fashioned from various precious metals and gemstones and gradually accumulated over the past three decades.

All were expensive, by my standards at least. And some meant a lot to me in terms of sentimental value – for example, a pretty little diamond and gold

*Kidnappers...Still on the prowl as more Nigerians fall victims to them

Lessons learned ring that Brian Midgley, my late father-in-law, gave me when I married his son Dominic in 1993.

The ring had belonged to Brian’s mother and was nearly 100 years old. Brian, a staunch Catholic, had not bestowed any similar gifts on his other (White) daughters-in-law because none of them had displayed any interest in Catholicism.

I was his favourite because though I wasn’t as doggedly devout as he was, I occasionally went to mass and shared his respect for Catholic values.

Whenever I wore that ring, I fondly marveled at the fact that Brian - a conservative English academic who had led a

somewhat cocooned life and hadn’t socialised with any Black people until he met me – wasn’t bothered AT ALL about the colour of my skin (at a time when interracial marriages were still quite rare and not widely approved of) and judged me purely on the basis of my religious beliefs.

Now thieving boys who had no right to my possessions have taken that ring and the warm memories associated with it. And, yes, I am distraught. But you know what? No matter how emotionally attached one is to certain rings, necklaces, etc – and no matter how much they cost – jewellery and material things are not important.

Standard of living Dr Max Pemberton, a psychiatrist who deals with mental health issues for the Daily Mail, a British newspaper, recently wrote an article in which he said that: “Affluence does not necessarily translate into happiness…Studies have shown that once you meet a basic standard of living – enough food and adequate shelter – everything else turns out to be a bit meaningless when it comes to happiness… “…It is not STUFF that makes us happy, but other people…a fact that [too many of us forget] in the drive to own the next iphone, a bigger car or flashier handbag…

“I have seen many people die.

I have never heard someone on their deathbed say that they wish they’d earned more money…but I have heard lots of patients say they wish they’d spent more time with their family…The truth is that some of the wealthiest people I’ve met have also been some of the most miserable… “…[So] why do we toil away to be able to afford the latest designer clothes to the detriment of spending time with our loved ones?”

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*Police men...Yet to find answers to kidnapping

Dr Pemberton’s views echo my late father Ignatius Kogbara’s insistence that the rampant materialism that afflicts too many Nigerians is a spiritual ailment.

And I shall try to keep these wise men’s words at the forefront of my mind whenever I am missing my lost jewellery or yearning to buy something I don’t actually need.

The Bottom Line is that I could easily have lost my life during the robbery or while I was in captivity. And the main lesson this sad experience taught me is that NOTHING matters more than the fact that I am immensely lucky – and HAPPY - to be alive to tell this tale…and SO tremendously grateful that God allowed me to survive and continue to look after my son and continue to enjoy the warm attentions of friends, relatives, media colleagues, Vangurad readers and well-wishers in general…who have made me feel so appreciated since I was released.

Another lesson the kidnap taught me is that one should not constantly look over one’s shoulder and become obsessively suspicious of Humanity, even though some of the people around us may be secret and evil enemies who cannot be trusted.

The kidnappers told me that they had “worked” with someone I know well and that this anonymous person had not only invited them to abduct me but provided them with details about my movements, professional achieve-

The main lesson this sad experience taught me is that NOTHING matters more than the fact that I am immensely lucky – and HAPPY - to be alive to tell this tale

ments and so on.

A police officer later confirmed to me that most abductors get inside information from victims’ current staff or former staff.

Meanwhile, a businessman who was abducted last year told me that he eventually discovered that it was a blood brother he had helped, employed and paid generously who had sold him out.

Sometimes, the traitor in question is bearing a festering grudge. On other occasions, he or she is simply willing to mess anyone up - for financial rather than personal reasons. Most times, victims aren’t even aware that they are harbouring vipers in their bosoms. I certainly didn’t know that anyone who was close to me disliked me enough to put me into that kind of potentially fatal wahala.

Since I didn’t have a clue who had betrayed me, my initial instinct was to conclude that hardly anyone could be trusted thenceforth. And I was reluctant to open up to anyone about any issue. But I soon got out of that paranoid mindset because the truth is that most folks are essentially decent and the bad eggs are a minority and you’re going to make yourself utterly miserable if you persuade yourself to constantly feel as if you are surrounded by individuals who want to destroy you.

I pray, every single day, that the bad egg who attracted and assisted the kidnappers will be unveiled and punished severely.

But I won’t permit him or her to change my personality and turn me into a perpetually hypervigilant nervous wreck!

Responses to: donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 747 6458 OR 0811 675 9752 (texts only).

PLEASE KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES AND CONTACT DETAILS ATTACHED.

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 YESTERDAY October 1, 2015, Nigeria marked her 55th independence anniversary, an annual ritual which has assumed less and less significance in the consciousness of our citizens, particularly the young ones.

Unlike in the dim past when the Nigerian Independence Day was a day of great funfair and gaiety for all ages, when the front pages of newspapers went green and white; the president, governors and local leaders led the citizenry to the various stadiums and public arenas to march and salute the National Flag and openly renew our vows to our “dear native land”, our leaders now prefer to mark it in “low-key”.

From 1987, when the General Ibrahim Babangida regime started avoiding celebrating our independence in the open, the Presidency now prefers to salute the flag from the safe and secluded confines of the Aso Presidential Villa. The grand symbolisms of our nationhood and nationalism have attenuated to a point where they are no longer of any effect on our collective consciousness and psyches.

Nigeria At 55: Wake Up! This is highly worrisome. Nigeria is a 101 years old creation of colonialist Great Britain from a patchwork of Protectorates and Colony of Lagos. The low-key of our National Day anniversaries plays down the sacrifices and efforts invested by the founding fathers of our freedom, such as Dr Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Margaret Ekpo, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ernest Ikoli, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Dennis Osadebay and so many others. Some of them paid for the struggle with their lives.

It is a great disservice, even to the postindependence history of Nigeria of which most of youth of today know very little due to

the unpatriotic removal of history and civics from the educational agenda of our primary and secondary schools.

The Nigerian ruling class, by fleeing into hiding to mark our National Day is displaying cowardice in the face of billowing security threats, which started as fear of coups and assassinations to this moment where it has degenerated to fear of suicide bombings.

We cannot continue like this. We call for immediate restoration of good governance at all levels. Good governance and the promotion of genuine democracy will boost citizen approval of government and love for our country. Nigerians must be given a shared sense of belonging equally to this nation, rather than some sections of the country seeming to lord it over the others while others are made to look like outsiders in the sharing of the nation’s commonwealth.

We must bring the youth and women more into governance, and pay more attention to the needs of the downtrodden. Nigeria’s potentials must be realised, and our place in the comity of nations must be assured.

OPINION In Akwa Ibom, the merriment continues

By Etim Etim

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N Wednesday 23rd September, the Akwa Ibom State government rolled out the drums to celebrate the 28 th anniversary of the creation of the state in a very lavish and ostentatious event that defied logic and common sense and ran contrary to the mood of the nation.

The cost ran into billions, an amount far more than what many state governments receive in a month. Akwa Ibom people are shocked that Governor Udom Emmanuel is continuing in the wastefulness of the last administration.

Oil price is going southwards every day, hovering around $40 per barrel in late September. Analysts have confirmed that the trend will continue several months or years down the road, and the CBN has even warned that the Nigerian economy will go into a recession next year. Akwa Ibom is among the heavily indebted states in the federation, owing over N500 billion to both the banks and contractors. Recently, Governor Udom, taking advantage of President Buhari’s bailout programme, has restructured the commercial bank debts into federal government bonds just because we could not service them. This means that the repayment of these debts, incurred through the profligacy of the last administration, is now the responsibility of our grand children. The relief has C M Y K

drastically reduced the state’s debt repayment burden from over N3 billion to less than N400 million a month; thus offering Mr. Udom Emmanuel a false sense of liquidity. Equally pathetic is that despite its unparalleled oil wealth that rolled in for about decade, Akwa Ibom does not have a single kobo in any form of savings against the rainy day.

And the rains are here! Rather, we are so neck deep in debt that we have shamelessly and irresponsibly shifted the responsibility for repayment to the future generation. The mood in the nation now is that of sobriety, level headedness and maturity. Many state governments cannot meet their basic obligations to their workers, families are in dire straits and poverty is both endemic and pervasive. The economy is contracting steadily and insecurity is not abating. To stay afloat, states like Kaduna are cutting down on wastages by discontinuing wasteful pastimes like sponsorship of people on pilgrimage. If

So in just three months, Akwa Ibom government under Udom will fritter away billions of Naira on singing, celebrations and merry making

Udom Emmnuel could restructure our debts so that our grand children will pay, why does he have the conscience to blow away so much on an anniversary celebration? The bulk of the money went into media campaign that lasted for weeks, including billboards, press, radio and TV advertising; Production of branded T-shirts, artistes and entertainers’ fees, Travels, hotels and accommodations to guests & pastors & former governors, Foods & drinks, Mobilization of women form the LGAs, Live TV coverage, decorations, etc Katsina State, which was created on the same day with Akwa Ibom, acknowledges the mood of the nation, and is not even celebrating. The Federal Government only spent N70m to celebrate the nation’s 55th anniversary.

Reports say that President Buhari reluctantly gave approval to this relatively meagre sum. So why did Udom blowing away so much so effortlessly in these very hard times when prudence, cost cutting and austerity should be the watchwords in public finance management? Across the nation, we are now a laughing stock as a people who have no respect for public resources.

Officials of the DMO (Debt Management Office) should regret that they had recently approved the debt restructure for the Akwa Ibom State government, despite warnings from the state chapter of the APC. In the last dispensation, the

government behaved as if it had no regard for money. There were wastes upon wastes, with no single savings out of the N3 trillion it earned for the eight years. Instead, we have a litany of abandoned projects. But now, we have Udom Emmnauel, a banker touted as a financial wizard and presented by his supporters as the one who knows how to manage public finance, yet the indications are that he isn’t any better.

In December, just three months away, the government will spend another whooping sum on Christmas Carol, with singers brought in from the Caribbean!

This is another yearly cash-guzzling bazaar started by Akpabio. So in just three months, Akwa Ibom government under Udom will fritter away billions of Naira on singing, celebrations and merry making! Usually, governors take a cue from the behaviour of the federal government. With the arrival of Buhari, many self-respecting state chief executives do know that a new sheriff is in town, and so they are sensitive to costs, governance and good conduct. The president has set a good example by discontinuing the sponsorship of pilgrims to Mecca and Jerusalem. He travels with far smaller delegations and has reigned in on spousal flamboyance, among other cost-cutting measures.

Many other states like Kaduna, Abia and Lagos are also driving costs down. Gone are the days of the excesses. But for Akwa Ibom, the revelry continues. *Mr. Etim, a policy anlayst, wrote from Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015— —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

The roasting of Sepp Blatter

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OSEPH Sepp Blatter, FIFA President and institutional memory of world football, was pulled up by Swiss police on Friday, September 25, 2015 and his offices searched. It was an expected move, and the Swiss, working as proxies of the United States (US) did not disappoint.

Blatter is being investigated “On suspicion of criminal mismanagement andalternatively-misappropriation” Ironically, America is not a footballing nation, and beyond seeing itself as the self-appointed policeman of the world, it is not clear where it derives its power to arrest people of various nationalities. Is it from the United Nations, Interpol, NATO or American laws?

Delegates had gathered for the 2015 FIFA Annual Congress in Zurich when on May 27, the Swiss police seized fourteen of them based on warrants issued by the US Department of Justice.

The claim is that they may be engaged in bribes and kick-backs of some $150 million over ten years.

Obviously, Blatter is the target, and the Swiss having acted on behalf of the US, might have appealed for some dignity and national pride in going after the most famous Swiss. What

America did was to carry out a campaign against Blatter, dig a deep hole round him by arresting and harassing his colleagues in FIFA, and moving in to have him plucked off.

FIFA is a powerful state with lots of funds. The Blatter administration has been so successful in raising funds that between 2007 and 2010 for instance, it had a surplus of $631 billion or an average $157.75 billion per annum.

Football is not just sports, it is also emotions; so much that youths in faraway countries like Nigeria engage in fatal street battles over support for European teams. This is apart from the usual hooliganism amongst European club supporters.

Football is religion which will account for a fan believing that the club he started supporting in his teenage hood must continue to win matches ten, twenty years later no matter the new realities.

It is argued that politics should not be allowed in sports, but football is politics. That is why matches are like wars. And where there are no points or trophies to win, the matches are regarded as ‘friendlies”. Now, for such a powerful international force to be outside NATO control,

might be intolerable.

There are two contending philosophies in world football. To one, football is big business, requiring massive capital and deserving huge profits. To this school, the game is for the superrich that can build stadia, hire the best legs and coaches, build formidable teams and leagues by poaching the best footballers around the world. This is the prevailing ideological school in the West.

The opposing school, sees football as a game that unifies humanity, can be played by royalty and the ragged, the rich and the poor, and should be developed in every part of the world. To this school, belongs Blatter despite the fact that he is European. His presidency has democratised football, built football infrastructure in the undeveloped world, and generally used the huge resources of FIFA to develop football.

In 2010 for instance, FIFA made

From FIFA presidential election results since 1998, it is clear that Blatter cannot be removed through the democratic process, hence the need to harass and intimidate him to step down

For Ndigbo, it's thanksgiving all the way

By Clement Udegbe

S

INCE President Muhammadu Buhari, PMB came to power, people have argued that Ndigbo should be punished for not voting massively for him. Some say it was a political miscalculation by the Igbos, that they put all their eggs in the basket of former President Goodluck Jonathan, they are politically naïve, and all that. Such people do not understand where Igbos are coming from. Igbos are very grateful to God for the turnout of events, because if it were not so, they would have been the victims of post elections violence in the north. Igbos have investments in almost every nook and corner of Nigeria, which would have been torched. Ndigbo are the ones who need a peaceful Nigeria more than any other tribe, because they have more at stake in the unity and stability of Nigeria. We simply continue to thank God for Nigeria, in spite of all.

But these men have continued to goad PMB to do all he can to punish Igbos for not voting for him, and his kitchen cabinet appointments, to the complete exclusion of Ndigbo, confirms his position.

Newspaper reports carry a speculated list of PMB’s Ministers’ nominees, and out of 27, there are only three Igbo names, 10 percent, of which two of them, were major instruments in hacking down GEJ. In essence,and properly too, Igbos have only one person on that list.

The South South has six names, 22 percent; The north has four names,15 percent, while the Yorubas, the owners of APC have 14 names, 52 percent of the list.

Subject to Senate clearance, these plus the

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northern dominated kitchen cabinet will be the face of leadership under PMB for the next four years.

This list explains why all our fiery newspaper and television commentators could not see anything wrong with the last four months as they are mostly on the list. Two Igbo proverbs will suffice here; when your pear roasts, you lick it, and enjoy it, and; If the hunted game escapes today, there will be hunting tomorrow. We thank God for them and for this nation.

During the struggles for Nigeria's independence, the three major tribes of Igbos, Hausas and Yorubas worked, fought for, and got it, but while the Yorubas and Igbos fought for a Nigeria, that would be a free state for all, the Hausas wanted a Nigeria, that they would rule, dominate, and control politically.

Postindependence, the three regions, were in healthy competition, with Agriculture as the mainstay of the economy. Power was

Weep not for those who hate Ndigbo, but fight for those who want them. Ndigbo must work with others to recover the mandate that they lost in 1965

extra payments of $550,000 each to 209 associations, $5 million to each of its six federations, and donated $100 million to South Africa, the host of that year’s World Cup; 80 percent of it for community development. Under its Goal Development Project, the Blatter-led FIFA has given millions of dollars to various football associations to improve facilities including building headquarters and youth academies.

Under him, the much priced World Cup came to Africa for the first time in 2010, moved in 2014 to Latin America (Brazil) it is billed to go to Eastern Europe (Russia) in 2018, on to Asia (Qatar) in 2022.

Blatter's enemies To Blatter’s enemies, the South African, Russian and Qatar hosting rights were secured through bribes. To them, distributing funds across the world under the Goal Project, amounts to misuse of FIFA funds and bribery to get votes. Indeed, the 79-year old, has had a strong staying power having joined FIFA, forty years ago as Technical Director and becoming General Secretary, six years later. He succeeded Joao Havalange as FIFA President in 1998 after defeating then European Federation President, Lennart Johansson amidst claims of votebuying. When he ran in 2011, it was reported to be his last, but he came forward again this year.

It was apparently an attempt to scuttle his chances that led to the Zurich arrests two days before the elections. Despite this and a clear indication that America and Europe do not want Blatter, he won the first round by 133 votes

delicately balanced between the regions, until there was a confirmation, that abundant oil resources was in the bowel of the South South (Niger Deltans), and South East (Igbos). To dislodge the arrangement they provoked the pogrom against Igbos from 1965 in the north, which lead to the declaration of Biafra, by Igbos and the war that followed from 1966 to 1970, during which Igbos were killed mercilessly, and blockaded economically.

Owelle Azikiwe in the heat of that war made a representation for Peace Keeping, to the world, at the United Nations, but the world looked the other way, engineered by our Colonial masters, and Biafra was defeated. After that war, the UN subsequently dusted Owelle Azikiwe’s presentation, and started applying it for Peace Keeping around the world today.

What they laughed at when it was the case of Igbo man, they used to prevent killings in subsequent cases. We thank God that it was an Igbo man who sowed the seed of Peace Keeping to prevent genocide around the world.

Ndigbo must always thank God for General Yakubu Gowon. But for him, some of those claiming to love Igbos more than their own parents today, wanted to wipe Igbos from the face of this earth. They are still around us today, and have continued to make highly provocative statements against Igbos, taunting Igbos, gloating in the victory of PMB. Yes, they have put Igbos out of governance today, but Igbos are grateful to God for this; they have come a long way from 1966, and have made great contributions towards the building of the robust, virile, and growing economy of Nigeria.

God is using these hateful Nigerians, to pull Igbos back to develop their region, which they shall begin to do with the guidance of the same God that kept them thus far. This is why good counsel must

to Prince Alibin Hussein’s 73 votes. The Prince withdrew from the second round voting and Blatter was returned. But on June 2, just four days after his reelection, he announced he was stepping down and calling snap elections on February 26, 2016.

But his opponents are not sure he will keep to his words, so they want him out as quickly as possible. This is apparently responsible for the current offensive against him. His present interrogation is based on two allegations. That FIFA under Blatter, awarded television rights to the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association led by the now indicted former FIFA Vice President, Jack Warner for $600,000 while the Confederation retailed it for $20 million. FIFA’s response is that “the contract was properly prepared and negotiated” The second allegation is that FIFA paid European Federation President, Michel Platini over $2 million in February 2011 for work allegedly done from January 1999 to June, 2002.

While the accusation is that this is a “disloyal payment” Platini who is the leading contender to replace Blatter, said this was legitimate payment for his services to FIFA as technical adviser.

From FIFA presidential election results since 1998, it is clear that Blatter cannot be removed through the democratic process, hence the need to harass and intimidate him to step down. An angry Blatter this week threatened to rescind his decision to quit. Although he is presumed guilty by the powerful and rich countries, Blatter remains a friend of Latin America, Africa and Asia.

be given to MASSOB to remain peaceful, and within the confines of Nigeria's constitution, because, until the philosophy that places one tribe in Nigeria above the rest, is permanently discredited, lasting peace and stability will remain an illusion.

Wisdom should teach MASSOB to avoid exposing themselves to blood thirsty Igbo haters in power.

It has become obvious that Owelle Azikiwe, and Chief Awolowo played into the hands of the north, and lost their mandate to create, and maintain equal opportunities for all in Nigeria. Forty eight years after that mistake,Yorubas and Igbos have refused to look at where they stumbled and fell from, in order to plan their restoration.

2015 is a year of Jubilee, and Change.

All things come beautiful in God's time, and it is time for the recovery of lost mandates.

So why should an Igbo man expect any appointment from a President they voted against? Igbos are wired differently from the rest. They operate a clean system of Council of Elders. They are republican, and free people. The maxim is when a young person washes his hands he can dine with the elders. They cherish and encourage hard work, and achievement in life. Yes, Ndigbo needs and want money, and they use it well, so let the wealth of all other tribes of Nigeria, who do not like money, flow to Ndigbo in Jesus Name. Can I hear someone say Amen ?

Let Ndigbo weep not for what they have lost, and fight for what they have; Weep not for the one who abandoned them and fight for those with them. Weep not for those who hate Ndigbo, but fight for those who want them. Ndigbo must work with others to recover the mandate that they lost in 1965. *Mr Udegbe, a legal practitioner, wrote from Lagos.

20 —Vanguard, FRIDAY FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Aftermath of heavy rains:

Erosion, deep gullies turn Anambra roads to death-traps •Enugu-Onitsha Expressway endangered

By Nwabueze Okonkwo, Onitsha

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NAMBRA State is rapidly becoming endangered by erosion gullies, no thanks to floods resulting from heavy rains which have almost become a daily affair in the state. Indeed, no part of the state is spared the gullies which have been growing deeper in many places as the rains persist, threatening many residents in the process.

For now, the erosion gully currently ravaging the Nkpor section of the Enugu/Onitsha expressway is considered the deepest and deadliest by some concerned citizens who also dread its rapid rate of expansion.

They expressed fear that if nothing is done within the next one month, the fast expanding gully would not only cut the expressway into two but also lead to the collapse of the flyover at New Auto Spare Parts market, Nkpor which was constructed few years ago.

A visit to the the erosion site showed that commercial buses which frequently ply that particular side of the road are at a very big risk of plunging into the deep gully located very close to a bus-stop where the commercial vehicle operators load and discharge goods and passengers.

Immediate action Commenting on the development, Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, Emma Idemobi, told newsmen that he had written to both the state and the Federal Ministry of Works with a view to drawing their attention for immediate action on the site, adding that he was still awaiting their response.

Idemobi, therefore, warned commercial bus drivers to stop plying that side of the endangered road but rather to use the fly over because prevention is better than cure.

Also commenting on the development, a pressure group, under the aegis of Igboezue International Association of Nigeria, has vehemently decried the poor condition of the Enugu/ Onitsha expressway, saying that apart from the erosion gullies, the Umunya to Awkuzu and Ninth C M Y K

Mile to Oji River portions of the road have become deplorable and that if allowed to remain unattended to, safe movements cannot be guaranteed during the Yuletide celebrations of Christmas and New Year.

They, therefore, called on the Federal Ministry Works to commence work on the road immediately with a view to

*One of several erosion ravaged sites in the state

*Princess Chinwe Nwaebili during her inspection of erosion control projects Another erosion ravaged site avoiding loss of lives and property on the road before, during and after the Christmas season..

President and spokesman of the group, Elder Pius Uchenna Okoye (aka Oyi of Oyi) who made the call, said the condition

A visit to the the erosion site showed that commercial buses which frequently ply that particular side of the road are at a very big risk of plunging into the deep gully located very close to a bus-stop

of the road in places like Umunya, Nteje, Awkuzu, Igbariam, and Awka in Anambra State and all through Oji River and Ezeagu axis in Enugu State is a source of worry considering the heavy vehicular movement during Christmas.

Erosion control projects Meanwhile, contractors handling erosion control projects in Anambra State have been reminded that the State Government is not ready to compromise quality standard and would not entertain undue delay on their part to execute the erosion control projects awarded to their various companies.

Speaking while inspecting the on-going erosion control projects in various parts of the State, the new Commissioner for Environment, Princess Chinwe Nwaebili, lamented the extent of devastation of the State’s land by erosion and reiterated that the Chief Willie Obiano administration would stop at nothing in his efforts to tackle erosion problems in the State.

Princess Nwaebili who was the immediate past Speaker of the State House of Assembly, stated that machinery has been set in motion by the Ministry to monitor

A drainage was threatened by erosion and ensure that quality materials were used to ensure standard and acceptable erosion control project delivery within the agreed contract period, adding that the State’s land ravaged by erosion must be reclaimed.

She warned that contractors must strictly adhere to specifications to ensure that the erosion projects are sustainable.

She added that investigations have revealed that reasonable percentage of the gully problems were precipitated by human actions, wrong termination of road constructions and development along flood plains.

She assured that her Ministry would seek to partner with relevant ministries and agencies in the State to ensure that due precautionary measures like conduct of Environmental

Impact Assessment, EIA and Environmental Audit, EA, are carried out to protect the environment and save the State’s landscape.

She, therefore, called on the inhabitants of the State to pay due attention to the environment and be environment-friendly to save the State from avoidable monumental ecological problems.

The General Manager of Mannison Nigeria Limited, the engineering company handling the New Judiciary Erosion project, Mr. Emmanuel Abbi, commended the Anambra State Government for its resolve to deploy resources in the area of erosion control and flood management.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 21

Odili, NPA in court over renewal of retinal disagreement

By Godwin Oritse

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VISIT: From left: Ayodele Alabi, Communication Manager, Unilever Nigeria Plc; Mr Yaw Nsarkoh, Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc; Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State; Mr Babatunde Durosimi-Etti and Mrs. Soromidayo George, Corporate Affairs Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc, at the courtesy visit by Unilever Nigeria Plc managemet team to Lagos State Governor at Alausa. Photo; Akeem Salau.

HE Nigerian Ports Au thority, (NPA) and Managing Director of Aero Maritime Group, Chief Victor Odili are currently in court over NPA’s refusal to renew the rental agreement of the Brawal Shipping Limited, a subsidiary of the group.

The rental disagreement between the authority and the shipping firm is the port facilities at the Kirikiri Ligter Terminal in Apapa.

Vanguard gathered that the rent for the property had expired and according to the agreement, the Brawal Shipping Limited could still occupy property for another two years

NACCIMA responds to EU ban, launches e-certificate to authenticate local products every Nigeria products, be it natural or manufactured in IGERIAN Association Nigeria to ensure a new of Chambers of Com- growth segment for the Nigemerce, Industry, Mines and ria economy.

Agriculture (NACCIMA), has According to him, the eCERlaunched the e Certificate of TIFY is geared toward supOrigin that is designed to help porting product traceability, address and reverse the ban ease of doing business and of Nigerian products by the accountability for all export European Union and other originating from Nigeria. countries.

He stated that the process Speaking at the presentation entails all registered and unof the product in Abuja, Na- registered members of NACtional President of NACCIMA, CIMA in the private sector, Mr. Bassey Edem, stated that especially corporate agencies eCertify, as the product is also engaged in export business called, will help ensure cred- have a single source of ecertiibility and further authenticate fication to guarantee speed, efficiency and record keeping.

Edem stated 122.35 1.50 that this will further enhance the $3,134.00 -48.00 country’s visibility as product or$12.10 0.34 igin can be easily verified and traced.

Also speaking, 48.08 -0.15 Mr. Billy Harry, National Vice 44.95 -0.28 President, NACCIMA, stated CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL that to a great DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 extent, the new POUNDS 297.6456 298.4049 299.1642 NACCIMA EURO 218.932 219.4905 220.049 FRANC 200.1225 200.633 201.1436 eCertify will colYEN 1.6322 1.6364 1.6406 late new export CFA 0.314 0.324 0.334 statistics, assist WAUA 274.0086 274.7076 275.4066 the Nigeria CusRENMINBI 30.7732 30.8521 30.9311 tom and Excise RIYAL 52.2597 52.393 52.5263 to function more SDR 274.8312 275.5323 276.2334 KRONA 29.3453 29.4201 29.495 efficiently by this additional elecBy Michael Eboh

N

CBN Exchange Rate as at 30/ 09 /15

tronic tool that will guarantee swift and flawless confirmation of export products from Nigeria through the portal.

He said, “It is NACCIMA’s responsibility, by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) to ensure that all Certificate of Origin are traceable, accountable and transparent to ensure product acceptability by the terms of export agreed at the G77 and D8 countries for all export products emanating from Nige-

It will therefore be an invaluable source of record and information to measure balance of trade between the G77 and D8 countries that are signatory to preferential and standard export procedures with Nigeria

ria.

“These were endorsed and agreed to by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in 1987 and 2014 respectively. The NEPC and NIPC will have a much more effective platform to get accurate data on export as the electronic portal of NACCIMA e Certify will be accessible to confirm and authenticate certificate of origin from Nigeria.”

Harry further stated that going forward, all certificate of origin will be accompanied with declaration of value addition and products made in Nigeria for export under the preferential or standard export procedure, adding that this will be archived securely and can be accessed by respective agencies related to exportation and importation into Nigeria.

According to him, all regional, state and city chambers of commerce going forward will input all certificate of origin applications and documentation in a centrally processed portal for easy archiving, collation and reporting of information to relevant agencies and authorities.

“It will therefore be an invaluable source of record and information to measure balance of trade between the G77 and D8 countries that are signatory to preferential and standard export procedures with Nigeria” he said.

after expiration of its rent.

It was gathered that the management of Aero Maritime Group approached the management of NPA for the renewal of the rent but the authority turned down the proposal and directed the company to vacate the property.

It was further gathered that Chief Odili decided to go court when NPA was not forth coming in renewing its rent for the use of the terminal.

Brawal Shipping is the only surviving subsidiary of the Aero Maritime Group that is offering skeletal services as more than 70 per cent of its work force have been laid off owing to decline in the company’s fortune.

In a reaction to the face off, the Group Head Administration and Personnel, Mr. Sly Agbontian, confirmed that the rent of the premises currently being occupied by Brawal had expired since 2013.

Agbontian also said that every moves by Brawal Shipping to renew the rent had been futile adding that the firm was left with no other choice than go to court.

Concession programme He explained that the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority had refused to renew agreement for the rent because the authority said that the place had been scheduled for concession.

He disclosed that since the face off begun, clients of Brawal Shipping had become wary to do business with the company.

He however appealed to NPA to renew their rent agreement until they are ready for their concession programme, adding that the firm was ready to pay whenever they bring their debit note. “ If they bring their debit note today, we will pay the next day ” he said.

Efforts to reach the Nigerian Ports Authority for comments was futile as the General Manager in charge of Public Affairs, Captain Ihenacho Ebubeogu told Vanguard that he cannot comment now as he needed to get the fact from the officers in charge.

Ebubeogu also said that he will not be available until today (Friday) and cross check the details of the case with their legal department.”We will talk when I come back on Friday”he added.

22—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

NAGAFF to develop cargo village in Enugu State

Terminal operators not investing in security of our facilities —PFSO

By Godwin Oritse

By Ifeyinwa Obi

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HE Port Facility Security Officers Forum, PFSO, have accused terminal operators of not investing in the security of their facilities hence the stringent sanctions by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA).

Speaking to Vanguard in Lagos, Vice Chairman of the Forum, Dr. Zeb Ikokide said that he is aware the terminal operators concern over the sanctions being imposed on terminals found wanting in the security arrangements of their facilities.

Ikiokide said that as a result of the complaints of the terminal operators, the Forum had to set up a Committee to look into the reason for the complain with a view to raising the issue with NIMASA,the Designated Authority.

Speaking on the issue, a maritime security expert, Mr. Lucky Aghomi said that these terminal operators make money from their operation in these facilities, adding that it is only logical for them to secure their investment.

T

VISIT: Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro (right) and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, during a visit to the CNS to renew the Memorandum of Understanding between their institutions.

The five member Committee, it was gathered, was yet to meet on the complaints of the operators as some of the them are said to be out of the country as at the time of filling this report.

Already, the International Ship and

Port Facility, (ISPS) Security Code Unit at NIMASA has stepped up enforcement and implementation of the Code.

A source close to the Unit told Vanguard that it was cheaper for the terminal operators to

adhere to the regulation of the ISPS Code than face sanction as they will pay more on the long run.

Vanguard also gathered that NIMASA had to shut down some facilities for failing to be ISPS compliant and were reopened after the

NIMAS A , Na vy rene w par tner ship NIMASA Navy renew partner tnership

By Godwin Oritse

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HE Nigerian Mar itime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have resolved to deepen their collaboration with the aim of providing a safe and secure maritime environment for shipping activities.

This renewed cooperation was re-emphasised when the Acting Director General of NIMASA, Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro paid a working visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas at the Naval Head Quarters Abuja.

Jauro stated NIMASA’s commitment to renew and strengthen the existing Memorandum of Understanding between both organisations. He commended the Nigerian Navy for keeping to the spirit and letters of the

MoU which he said has drastically improved safety in the Nigerian maritime domain.

According to the DG, “having acquired a satellite surveillance system that is capable of monitoring in real time vessel activities in our maritime domain, NIMASA is also committed to the MoU with the Nigerian Navy both of which have the overall aim of making Nigeria a

To reflect current realities and to make it more effective and beneficial to both organisations and the country at large

maritime destination of choice for both operators and investors”.

The agency ’s boss said the determination of the Agency to enhance business activities in the maritime sector by ensuring safety and security also led to a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement with Global West Vessel Specialists Limited (GWVSL) which was approved by the Federal Government.

According to him, the mandate of GWVSL is to procure and bunker vessels for NIMASA’s operations, manned by the personnel of the Nigerian Navy on a Supply, Operate and Transfer (SOT) basis for a 10 year period after which ownership of the vessels will revert to NIMASA. Responding, the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas appreciated the

efforts of the Management of NIMASA in the past eight years since the MoU was first signed most especially in the areas of training of officers and logistics support to Naval operations.

Throwing light on the use of NIMASA vessels by the Nigerian Navy personnel, Admiral Ibas stated that by the provisions of the MoU, “ we (Nigerian Navy) provide security, we arm those ships.

By whatever means the vessels are acquired, the Nigerian Navy is fully manning those boats ”.

Admiral Ibas also advocated for a review of the existing Memorandum of Understanding to reflect current realities and to make it more effective and beneficial to both organisations and the country at large.

shortfalls were ratified.

The fines for noncompliance ranges from the payment of N1million to N2.5million per day in addition to the withdrawal of maritime services from the defaulting facility.

Senator Oduah, Vukor-Quarshie, others for maritime Hall of Fame

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WELVE women of sub stance have been nominated for induction into the 2015 Class of Maritime Management Series (MMS) Plus’ Woman of Fortune Hall of Fame otherwise known as MMS Hall of Fame, The annual event, organized by Kings Communications Limited in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development will come up later this month in Lagos The nominated women are: Former Minister of Aviation, Senator Stella Oduah; Ms Onyeka Onwenu, Director-General, National Centre for Women Development; Ms Tina VukorQuarshie, a seasoned banker and Chief Execuive Officer, TVQ Consulting Group; Dr. Ibilola Amao, a human development expert and Principal Consultant, Lonadek Oil & Gas Consultants and others.

HE National Associa tion of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has revealed plans to develop a cargo village within the proposed East – Gate Enugu Airport City Development project to be anchored by NECI Land Development Corporation Limited.

The proposed Cargo Village will be situated within 142 hectares of land of the East – Gate Enugu Airport City Development Project, adjacent to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

To this end, the National President of NAGAFF, Chief (Dr.) Eugene Nweke recently paid a visit to Enugu in an on-the-spot inspection and assessment of the Project Development site with the Representative of the Corporation, Mr. Daniel Kalu, the NAGAFF Enugu State Chapter, Comrade Sunny Okonkwo and the Project Legal Consultant who is also the Secretary of NAGAFF Enugu Chapter, Barrister Chinedum Agwaramgbo.

According to the NAGAFF President, the proposed NAGAFF Cargo Village is to be fashioned after a similar one in Malaysia.

And in furtherance of the initiative, a delegation comprising officials of NAGAFF, representatives of the Enugu State Government, and of the investor, NECI Land Development Corporation Limited as well as other 27 business venture companies including the banks is scheduled to visit the Asian country in October.

Dr. Nweke enthused that NAGAFF has the goodwill and trust of all stakeholders involved in the Project and all hands must be on the deck to make the project a reality.

He added that the Cargo village when completed will boost and further simplify the process of Cargo clearing in the country and help in removing the congestion at the Lagos ports and entry points as Importers, Exporters and Freight Forwarders will be happy to divert their cargoes to the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

The proposed cargo village, would encompass the establishment of key investment component such as air cargo terminal logistics hub.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—23

Financial Literacy: NSE commences 2015 annual essay competition

By Bisola Ologunde & Nnenna Joseph

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LISTING: From left: Mr. Chinua Azubike, MD, Dunn Loren Merrifield Advisory Partners Ltd.; Prof. Charles Inyangete, MD/CEO, Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc; Mr. Bola Onadele Koko, MD/CEO, FMDQ OTC Plc and Mr. Jibril Aku, Vice-Chairman, Board of Directors, FMDQ OTC Plc, during the listing of the N8.0 billon NMRC Bond on FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange, Lagos.

Creating a bright future for Nigeria is our goal —Unilever

By Peter Egwuatu

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N line with the UN Global Goals initiative, Unilever Nigeria, has reiterated its commitment to continue advancing the lives of Nigerians through its sustainable living plan.

Speaking on the 17 global goals recently ratified at the UN Summit held in New York, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, Managing Director, Unilever Nigeria Plc said the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan (USLP) was launched five years ago to tackle some of the issues raised at the summit.

“In 2010 we set out the USLP as a blueprint for achieving our vision to decouple growth from environmental impact and increase social impact” said Nsarkoh.

Social impact On September 25, 2015, leaders of 193 UN member states in New York ratified the 17 global goals that will provide the blueprint for the world’s development till 2030.The ambitious agenda – which aims to tackle poverty, climate change and inequality for all people in all countries – was signed off at the start of a three-day UN summit on sustainable development.

“Through our brands social mission, we have encapsulated some of the issues raised in the UN Global Goals into three focus areas of - reducing our environmental impact, improving the health and wellbeing of more than a billion C M Y K

people, and enhancing the livelihoods of millions working in our value chain” Nsarkoh informed.

For instance, Pepsodent, in partnership with the Nigerian Dental Association, continues to contribute to improving professional dental standards and deliver oral health care projects across multiple channels to change people’s habits. Earlier this year, Pepsodent led the global movement for better dental care on World Oral Health day by hosting 1000 children in the same location to take a pledge to brush day & night, and encourage their parents to do same. And by 2020, Unilever aims to reach 10 million children in Nigeria with

its ‘Brush Everyday Day and Night Oral Health’ campaign to ensure healthy life style.

Also, Knorr is contributing to tackling anaemia amongst women and teenage girls in Nigeria with its iron-fortified cubes and tailor-made behaviour change initiatives to improve their health and reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in Nigeria.

“Through our Women Empowerment Programme tagged ‘Gbemiga’, Unilever has helped women in rural communities in South-West Nigeria set up their own businesses, and increase their earnings and quality of life.

Many women have benefited from this project so far ”, Nsarkoh said.

Standard Chartered to launch ‘Employee Volunteering Month’

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TANDARD Chartered Bank has announced that September 21st to October 20th will be ‘Employee Volunteering Month’.

With over 8,000 staff in Africa, the Bank encourages its staff to use their interests and skills to help out in the local communities in which it is based to make a real difference.

Many spend time working on causes the bank supports, such as eradicating preventable blindness, support for people living with HIV/AIDS or financial education. Other employees choose to volunteer for a cause close to their own heart, from planting trees,

mentoring or training youth on health and hygiene.

Commenting on the launch, Bola Adesola, CEO Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria said: “We believe that volunteering is good for our communities, staff and our business. The Bank offers every employee three (3) days paid leave to volunteer and its great to see staff showing strong commitment and passion to serve the community in which we operate. We look forward to the opportunity of using our skills in making a unique contribution to Nigeria this year ”.

Last year, Standard Chartered staff donated over 9,700 employee volunteering days in Africa.

HE Nigerian Stock Ex change (NSE) has announced the commencement of the 2015 edition of its annual essay competition themed ‘Building a Sustainable Capital Market.’

The Exchange stated in a statement that the essay is one of its financial literacy and inclusion initiatives aimed at building a financially savvy generation.

Entries for this years’ competition titled ‘Explain the Importance of Financial Education and Describe How the Nigerian Stock Exchange can help you become Financially Savvy’ is scheduled to start on Tuesday, 29th September and close on October 30th 2015.

The competition, according to the NSE, is open to only senior secondary school students, and award-winning entrants are expected to show originality, focus on topic and competent use of English as a written language.

Prices to be won by students

include N250, 000 worth of shares, N500, 000 scholarship fund for university education, a personal Laptop, Certificate of achievement and Headline daily NSE (Market close), Closing Gong ceremony to be performed by the first place winner, and a trophy with three PCs and a printer to the school of the first place winner.

The second place winner has the opportunity of owning a N200,000 worth of shares, N400,000 scholarship fund for university education, a personal Laptop, Certificate of achievement, an invite to participate in a Closing Gong ceremony, and a trophy, plus two PCs and a printer to the school.

The third place winner will be given N150,000 worth of shares, N300,000 scholarship fund for university education, a personal Laptop, Certificate of achievement, and an invite to participate in a Closing Gong ceremony, while the school, will be rewarded with a trophy, a PC, and a printer.

GTBank wins international award for good corporate governance

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UARANTY Trust Bank, GTBank Plc has reaffirmed its position as one of the leading global brand following its recent recognition for good corporate governance during the 2015 African Business Awards held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Launched in 2008 by African Business magazine, the African Business Awards has become the deûnitive business awards in Africa, recognising leadership and excellence on the continent.

According to Omar Ben Yedder, Publisher & Managing Director of IC Publications: “We are proud of all our win-

We operate in challenging business environments, but we believe that our stakeholders should be better off for partnering with us

ners, their work and accomplishments in various sectors show what can be achieved on the African continent with hard work and single minded determination. In winning this year’s award, GTBank stands out in Africa and the rest of the world as a benchmark for good corporate governance, business ethics and adherence to international best practices.”

Commenting on the award, Segun Agbaje, Managing Director/CEO of GTBank said: “We operate in challenging business environments, but we believe that our stakeholders should be better off for partnering with us. Thus, we set high goals and benchmark ourselves against global standards which influence our service culture and product offerings, thereby enabling us to remain relevant to our customers while adding value to all stakeholders.

For us, winning this award is an attestation of the hard work and dedication of our staff, management and Board towards conducting business in a manner that typifies our adherence to global best practices. It also is an indication that our business model, systems and management are recognized globally as a benchmark for good corporate governance.”

24—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Efficiency, transparency, profitability are watch word for new NNPC GOING above the norm, the Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, had an interactive no-holds-barred session with journalists in Lagos, to intimate them with what his plans are for the Corporation in terms of making it more efficient, more transparent and more profitable.

Below are Kachikwu’s plans for moving NNPC from a highly lax system to a world class competent Corporation, and how he plans to get there despite the enormous external and internal challenges. Excerpts:

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VER the last decade, there has been a gradual dip in performance models and perception of the public about the NNPC. When President Muhammadu Buhari called me to head the NNPC and clean the Augean stable, my first response was one of fright, because I have been used to a life where processes worked. You can pre-determine decisions, you knew where you were headed in everything; there wasn’t some underneath the table type game going on. I wondered whether the Corporation was ready for the sanitisation that I will need to do if I had to join the company.

My first response likely was to say, maybe not. After we talked a bit, I realised that it was not really an option. All of us should come out of our comfort zones to help salvage the country. So, I found myself thrust in this immense responsibility and very determined to make sense out it. I see a lot of people take government jobs and worry about how long they will last.

Making a difference I am not. I am only worried about how well I do with time I have. If it is one day or two days that I will make a difference, there is no problem. That is why if you looked at some of the actions that come out of my table; you will see that I am moving with a lot of speed; almost like I have very limited time to do this. Frankly, I would not forgive myself, if I lasted here for one or two weeks and did not take decisions I needed to be taken.

Getting it right: Every day, I look at every model of our business and economy and see what needs to be done. I am grateful to be working with President Buhari who has given me the latitude to bring my thoughts on the table, discuss with him and reach decisions that are critical to this industry.

He has given me a free hand to work, which shows in the speed with which we work. I have not started my sanitisation process on the premise that people are bad.

Sometimes people do the wrong thing because their operational environment has enabled them to it. There is a lot of good people in NNPC who may have done the wrong thing because they were compelled by politicians to do that.

One of the things I said in our

town hall meeting was that Managers and General Managers and officers have lost the authority to ask anybody to do what is wrong.

And even if I ask you to do what is wrong, you must refuse it. If I insist, report to the President. Really, there is no meeting line between right and wrong. Something is either right or wrong. If you follow that precept, you will do the right thing all the time.

If we keep to the concept of what is right and what makes sense, we will get to where we are headed. So much harm has been done and so much needs to be changed quickly. Price of oil is low.

There are few things we need to do at OPEC level to get the price to at least above the $50 level.

My expectation and my hope is that by this time next year, we begin to see a trajectory of those prices getting more towards the mid-50s.

Every action that we take must gravitate towards how do we help that price uplift. That is why I said when we take a decision, you tell yourself it is no longer a decision you take because of yourself, because it has almost a virtual effect on the entire world’s economy.

If you decide what to do with the refinery, it has an effect. You decide what to do with pricing, it has an effect. You decide what to do with management of the funds out of NNPC, it has an effect. We began the process with weekly briefing to thePresident,whichisdocumented, in terms of what we do, as part of our transparency efforts. I am very comfortable on transparency

I understand NNPC was last audited in 2010. It will be audited and brought to current in 2015

because I think that the Nigerian people have the right to know. It is not a privilege. The Public Affairs Department has been told to put enough data out there so that the facts will be seen by all.

It is an entitlement of the country.

It is not a privilege for them to know how their oil money is obtained, how contracts are done, how the income is spent. NNPC, not being a private company, we must be very open. We will have monthly publication that shows the data of all what we do.

The other aspect of transparency is how to deal with accounting issues. We are doing a couple of things in this direction. The first is we are bringing back the auditors who gave the partial audit of NNPC, to come and do the full audit. The issue was that they were not given all the data. We will give them all the data. I need to know the state of finances of the NNPC, as well as the statement of funds up till this date.

I understand NNPC was last audited in 2010. It will be audited and brought to current in 2015. That is something I hope to achieve before December. Once we know that,whethertheaccountsaregood, whether the performance is good or bad, is secondary. But at least you know what it is you want to work on. Again, like I said, we owe that to the country. We are doing it and the President is supportive of that.

Operational transparency: The third aspect of this transparency is that the contract models that we run must be transparent. Nigerians have an entitlement to participate in government contracts. It is also not a privilege. It is their right.

Everybody must have the same opportunities to be able to participate in those. In doing this, youmustchoosethebestcontractual

model that offers the best value chain yield for this country.

The first bullish effort that we did wastocancelalltheformercontracts we felt had challenges or issues.

Thatisnottosaythatthecontracting parties were bad. Again, I pay less emphasis on individuals and institutions. I pay more attention on processes and outcomes. It is not for me to say a company is bad or good. I am not a judge. But if a contract does not give a good financial yield for the country and for the company, I cancel it. It is not to say that individual who is operating that contract is bad. What it simply calls for is you open it up and ask others to give you an alternative. If an individual comes up and he is the best alternative, so be it.

If you look at the contracts we have cancelled, we have saved an average of $150 million a month, just that some of those contracts were cancelled and were being given new models, even for the interim period. In December, obviously we are going to have the crude bids. We are going to have the coastal bids. We are going to have the OPA bids.

Sequence of results They will be thrown out to the entire world. Hopefully, we end up with a sequence of results that will only save money, improve efficiency and be seen as transparent.

The thing with transparency is that sometimes you are, but the perception is that you are not. So, you have got to deal with the perception issues. Once you are open about it, people will see that you are open about it. I am very focused on transparency issues, because if NNPC must get back its credibility, it must be on the altar of transparency.

Performance model: I introduced three Ps, which are people, process and performance.

The people aspect is very key for me. Individuals, who have aided and abetted the wrong that have sunk the Corporation, will obviously be let out. There is no space in any business in the world to keep doing wrong and keep progressing. The only way you can do that is that performance modelling and evaluation must be

very strong. Right now, it is fairly poor in the system. I will like to see HR do a better job of evaluating people’s performance every year.

Salaryincreasesandpromotionswill be based on those.

One of the things that I have started doing is weekly report cards.

It is going to happen every week from now to December. We are dealing with all manners of issues from performance to behavioural norms to where we are headed. The whole idea is to carry everybody along. It is one thing to do a restructuring exercise, but if you do it in such a way that you lose your staff, you are not going to be a one man soldier.

Refinery operations: Nothing pleases me more like when I go to the refineries and see the amount of enthusiasm that they show with what they are doing. At the end of the day, you need to clean, but you also need to take along those who are there, to make them feel they are part and parcel of the process and that they can provide solutions.

Maintenance of refineries There are lots of skilled people in NNPC. Some of the best engineers in Nigeria are found in NNPC. The fact theyhave continuedto maintain refineries that are about 30 years old, some with no spare parts, no turn around maintenance for over 15 years, is share miracle. It is unbelievable. Every international team you call tells to scrap them, but our people continue to maintain the refineries. So, we must respect their intelligence. What we need to do to have is some level of independence, be able to shut down and do our TAM when they are due, be able to fund the refineries, and be able to create a contractual model that makes the business profitable.

Right now we are losing quite a lot.

As at last Monday, my records showedthatwearelosingaboutN10 billion annually for each of those refineries. That is why we need to move from the areas of emotion to theareasofthebusiness.Sometimes people say that I am a lot of business, instead of social services. No, not as a Corporation. The day NNPC is called NNPC Social Services, then I would not have to have this conversation. But if it is called a Corporation, it means that the country expects them to make a yield, make profit and manage the company profitably so that people can benefit. The word corporation was not put there by accident by the founding fathers of this country. So, we have to go back to that model.

Over time we have confused our social responsibilities and societal responsibilities with a more important relationship that should help us generate money for this country. So, I am very focused on the Corporation affair. I am very focused on the business aspect. In doing that, I am sure that we are going to meet even better some of the social aspects that are expected of us.

To be continued

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—25

Reekado Banks explodes!

Lil Kesh, Kiss Daniel and Korede Bello are no threats to me Mavin Records artiste, and Dorobucci lead singer, Reekado Banks is one of the promising artistes that is bound to rule the Nigerian music scene in future. In this interview with WG, Reekado opens up on what transpired between him and UNILAG students, which resulted in the smashing of his windscreen recently. He also put the record straight, declaring that he does not see the likes of Lil Kesh, Kiss Daniel and Godwin crooner, Korede Bello as potential threats to his blossoming career in music.

According to him, while he respects their individual talent, they do not in any way pose a serious threat to his becoming a superstar.

By Iyabo Aina

W

HAT inspire your trending song “Corner”?

It’s just a flirting song which basically talks about how to woo a girl. The song is just for fun.

And you won’t believe that within the period the song was released, it has already over twenty thousand views online.

Are you working on any project at the moment?

I’m concentrating on promoting the video of my latest single “Corner ” including two other songs, “Sugar Baby” and “Tomorrow”.

Your song “ Katapot” sounds more like an aggressive song, what actually inspired it?

“Katapot” has no element of beef or violent at all. What inspires each and every of my song is simply to reach out to different people at a particular time.

Traces of aggressiveness And if you listen to the song, ‘Katapot”, you would observe that you can relate it to anything like love, life and everything around you. So, there is no trace of aggressiveness in the song. I am a songwriter and I can just write anything.

How did you get signed to Mavin record label?

It all started after Don Jazzy announced on the internet that artistes should send in their demos. My brother stumbled on the announcement as he quickly sent my demos to him.

Luckily, I was selected out of C M Y K

about five thousand people that sent in theirs.

What was it like working with Don Jazzy?

It has been memorable because Mavin records is like one big family. From the first day, I was introduced to the family, I felt at home because everybody was so eager to welcome me. May be, because they ’ve heard about me as a hardworking artiste before I joined the label.

Do you see Lil Kesh, Kiss Daniel and Korede Bello as threats in the industry?

Everybody is different. I don’t see any of them as a threat. I’m happy with the fact that some emerging artistes are making it big in the industry. For someone like Lil Kesh, I’ve known him long before I joined Mavin records.

So, it is really a thing of joy for him to be making waves in the industry just as I am. I don’t want to underrate any artiste or make them feel bad that they are not doing well in their chosen career.

I am just happy for everybody and am not in any competition with anybody. I just want to do good music for myself and for the people.

You seem to be enjoying some preferential treatment from Don Jazzy despite the fact that the label signed on other new artistes. What’s the secret?

Korede. And, let me tell you Basically, talking about the how we work in Mavin records. songs “Dorobucci”, “Adaobi” When an artiste comes up with and “ Chop Am”, I was lucky to be the lead singer. At the moment Mavin records has so many recorded songs that are yet to be released.

Also, Mavin has so many There is no trace of songs that featured all the aggressiveness in artistes signed under the label.

However, the songs that I was the song. I am a the lead vocalist are the ones songwriter and I that are making waves at the moment. The next songs, we can just write will be dropping may have anything DiJa as the lead singer or

•Reekadobanks

a beat, the Mavin boss will ask the person to go and record the beat.

Thereafter, he will be required to do a freestyling of the beat. Luckily for me, after freestyling everybody applauded the beat and I ended up adopting it. So, there is nothing like preferential treatment at all.

You bagged the Rookie of the Year award at 2014 Headies.

Do you think you deserve it despite the fact that you were still new in the industry then?

I wouldn’t say anybody ever deserves any award. It’s just God that gives awards. I feel blessed receiving the award.

We have so many talented artistes out there with good songs and videos to show for their creativity. Despite that, I still beat them to clinch the prize. It shows that my hardwork is beginning to pay off and that Reekado Banks has been granted that membership card into the industry.

26—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

W

INNER of the MTN Project Fame West Africa Season 8, Jeffrey Ufedo which wrapped up last Saturday,has described his victory as a surprise, saying “I was not expecting to win the show.”

Jeff emerged winner after beating other five finalists. He smiled home with the star prize of N5 million, a brand new SUV car and a recording contract worth millions of Naira.

In a chat with WG, the 18-year old sound engineering graduate from Cape Town, said, he was surprised when the judges announced him as the winner of the competition.

Winner of the competition ”I was surprised when they announced my name as the winner. I just believed that I was favoured.I can’t explain how I felt because I was so tensed,” he echoed.

According to Jeff,while the competition lasted, all the contestants were tipping Tunde as the potential winner of the

I’m favoured to win Project Fame season 8 — Jeff show. But this was never to be.

“The truth is that all the finalists were looking up to Tunde. He was amazingly good.”

Speaking further, the budding singer, who started singing at the age of 5, said, he would soon hit the studio to start recording some of his songs. He plays afro pop with a blend of RnB. “It’s a different kind of music, he said adding, “ I will be doing great music that will actually convey great message to the people.”

For the six contestants that made it to the finals (Ada, Arewa, Anderson, Deinde, Jeff, and Pearl), things would never be the same again as they have indeed gone through a beneficial and life-altering eight weeks in the Academy. Ada

Tosanwumi who was third runner-up went home with a cash prize of two million naira while second runner-up, Anderson Amoswalked away with N2 million and a brand new saloon car. Paul AwaAgwu( First runner-up) earned N3 million and a brand new saloon car. The sixth and fifth positions were rewarded with N500,000 and N1 million

I can’t explain how I felt because I was tensed

By Caleb Ayansina

D

— Mr P London

By Anozie Egole

H

C M Y K

respectively.

The grand finale which held last weekend, in Lagos,was full of suspense, intrigues and entertainment. The night turned out to be an exciting journey with great entertainment lined up in form of collabos. The six finalists had been paired up with some A-list artistes to produce amazing remixed versions of their songs, and so each team stepped on stage and brought nothing but pure joy as they sang, danced and glowed. First up were Jeff and energetic Yemi Alade doing ‘K.I.S.S.I.N.G’ remix. Followed

by Pearl and Chidinma who gracefully performed ‘Kedike’ remix. Deinde and Iyanya got everyone dancing with ‘Mr Oreo’ remix. Anderson and Praiz with their vocal dexterities delivered ‘Rich and Famous’ remix. While Arewa and 9ice paired up for the remix of the evergreen ‘Gongo Aso’.

Ada and Sound Sultan closed this round of entertainment with their creative rendition of ‘MotherLand’ remix.

Amazingly, these collaborations are now available as caller ring back tunes.

Group set to promote child rights through movie

I inherited comedy from my father E may not be as popular as AY or Basket-mouth, but Samuel Peter a.k.a, Mr P London is an instant stand-up comedian to behold anyday. He has all it takes to hold his own in the Nigerian comedy industry.

The Abia State-born comedian, whose comedy album is billed to drop soon, he started has opened up on how the journey inherited his craft from late father. “ I started cracking jokes while I was still in my motehr’s womb. I inherited the trait from my late father,”he said.

Continuing, he said, “My mother told me that while I was still in her womb, each time I kicked her, instead of her to be angry or feel pain, she would start laughing. And that was when she knew she was going to give birth to a cooperate fool. Secondly, imagine my father getting married at the age of 11 and he got married to 11 wives. All these things to me are very funny and they contributed a lot to what I am doing for a living today.”

“When I came to Lagos in 2005, I was deceived to work in a restaurant with the promise that I would be trained in school. But I worked there for five years, washing plates but all to no avail. All the promise they made to me were not fulfilled,”he said.

•Jeffrey Ufedo Akor

•Mr P London

ETERMINED to p r o m o t e the rights of children in Nigeria as stipulated in the 2003 Child Rights Act, a group known as Love to the World Initiative has concluded plans to launch a movie, “Searching”to enlighten the populace.

The movie, featuring veteran Nollywood actors and On Air Personalities is to expose the incessant cases of violence against the girl child and their consequences on the society.

“Searching”, is a classic movie that chronicles a story of a young girl, who was married off by her father at the

age of 14. She was battered by her husband, who is a drunk, forcing her to run away from her matrimonial home (Kaduna) to the city (Abuja), where she ended up in the hands of another politician who deceived her.

She later found herself roaming the streets of Abuja.

Speaking at a press parley, in Abuja, Chief Executive Officer of the group, Mrs Josephine Anumbor advocated the enactment of laws that will spell out punishment for adults who take advantage of children or seek to engatively influence the.

She also stressed the need for intensive education on the gravity of the violence against the Nigerian child.

‘I’m expecting nothing less than a win at GIAMA'

R

ISING Make Up artist, Umudi Osahenrumwen Freda who was nominated for an award in the forthcoming Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards,GIAMA, in Houston, Texas, has declared that she’s expecting nothing less than a win at awards night. The awards ceremony is billed to hold on the 17th of October.

Umudi was nominated as one of the Best Make Up Artists/Costumiers for her craft in the epic film, “Invasion 1897”, produced by Lancelot Imasuen.

She will be battling for the award with the likes of Chiemela Nwagboso/Matthew Elechenu, (Jafa), Adefunke Olowu(Ojuju), Inemesit Udonquak(Stalker) among others.

Overwhelmed by her nomination, the

Benin-based make up artist, who started her career about five years ago, said winning the award will not only launch her into the hall of fame, but more importantly, it will open new doors for her.

According to her, with seven nomination for this year’s GIAMA, “Ïnvasion 1897” will surely be the film to watch at the awards night as she expressed optimism that she will lift the trophy.

To be hosted by comedian and actor AY Makun, GIAMA celebrates the very best of African entertainment and rich culture through filmography. The event, according to the organizers will feature some exclusive performances by the industry’s highly-acclaimed entertainers and comedians.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 27

Independence Day: Shapers of today’s Nigeria on Twitter

By Prince Osuagwu

•From right: Nnamdi Ezeigbo,Managing Director of Slot Systems, Hip Hop artiste, Dbanj and Deputy Managing Director, Slot Systems, Mrs. Nkechi Ezeigbo as D’banj becomes Slot brand ambassador

D’Banj disrupts activities at Computer Village, becomes SLOT Brand Ambassador

By Prince Osuagwu

H

IP Hop maestro, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, popularly known as D’Banj last week, put all activities at the popular device market, Computer village Ikeja, to a halt when he stormed the area to sign Ambassadorship deal with Slot systems.

Not even the rain which started prior to the unveiling of the man known as the Koko Master by his teeming fans, was enough to deter the multitude of music lovers who wanted to catch the glimpse of their idol.

In his typical fashion, the show master, on arrival immediately climbed the roof top of his car, displaying his ‘no long thing’ symbol to the thunderous applause of the crowd.

He was later to be whisked away by a combination of plain clothed security men and mobile policemen to be able to move down to where he penned the deal.

Managing Director of Slot Mr. Nnamdi Ezeigbo admitted that it was a great pleasure and privilege to have D’Banj pen down a brand Ambassador deal with his company.

According to him: “This event is the celebration of partnership of two great brands, SLOT and C M Y K

D’banj. SLOT, is a household name for top quality phones and accessories. From having just one outlet in 1998 when we started, we now have 50 top notch outlets scattered around the country, and as part of our vision to continue to be Nigeria’s number one phone seller, we have decided to partner with a true Nigerian and African music icon, Dbanj, to be our brand Ambassador”.

D’banj is a singer-songwriter, harmonica player, and businessman. He has won several music awards, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007, Artist of the Year at the MTV Africa Music

Not even the rain which started prior to the unveiling of the man known as the Koko Master by his teeming fans, was enough to deter the multitude of music lovers who wanted to catch the glimpse of their idol

Awards 2009,Best International Act: Africa at the 2011 BET Awards, Best-selling African Artist at the 2014 World Music Awards, and Evolution award at the 2015 MTV Africa Music awards among others.

D’banj is the founder of Koko Foundation for Youth and Peace Development. He is also Nigeria’s first United Nations Youth Ambassador for Peace.

Dbanj is a ONE campaign ambassador; he released the song “Cocoa Na Chocolate” in support of agriculture investments.

‘The song featured 18 other African artistes and won Best African Collaboration at the All Africa Music Awards in 2014.

He was recently applauded

by World Bank Chief, Jim Yong Kim for using his music power and high celebrity status to bringing attention to serious and critical issues in Africa with special focus on agriculture and poverty alleviation.

Ezeigbo said that these achievements were also part of the reasons his company appointed him brand ambassador.

NIGERIA was 55 yesterday. There was wide celebration by Nigerians all around the world. The celebrations were not also lost on social media, particularly the twitter. Popular Twitter Hashtags such #October1st and #NigerianIndependence were used by Nigerians to commemorate the day on social media, sharing facts and fondly remembering key moments in history. Part of Nigerians who celebrated and have also played key part in shaping the face of Nigeria, included: *@MBuhari is the current and 7th president of Nigeria. He has been a prominent politician for a long time now and has remained a popular face within politics for several generations. *@Kunleafolayan is a Nigerian actor and film director who directed the wellk n o w n Independence Day film that came out last year ‘October 1st’. He is revered media personality, who has boosted the image of Nigeria to the rest of the world, through The Arts. *@iamdbanj is a

Nigerian singer-songwriter who has won many music awards in Nigeria and around the world, including awards for Best African Act at the @mtvema, Artist of the Year and Evolution Award at the @mtvza Music Awards, Best International Act: Africa at the @BETAwards. Through his musical achievements, he has given Nigerians a platform to spread the music globally. *@papilokanu is one of the most famous Nigerian football players and during his career he played on a winning team of @ChampionsLeague and won an Olympics Gold medal. As Nigeria is country that loves football, @papilokanu has made Nigerians proud through his success. *@UzoAduba is a NigerianAmerican actress, popularly known for her role on the @netflix show @OITNB.

Dreams, Selfies come together in Samsung’s new campaign

By Laju Iren

I

F there is one set of people that could be referred to as selfie conscious, it must be this generation of young people.

From Europe to Africa, the millenials are clicking aware. On the other hand, if there is a country where dreams can be found, it has to be Nigeria. From the Kano to Aba, Kwara to Lagos, Nigerians have big dreams.

It therefore seemed apt to many observers when Samsung Electronics West Africa announced the launch of a new brand theme, Dream Your Dream, which seeks to nurture

the aspiration of young Nigerians who have great dreams with the potential to impact the country positively.

What better way to kick of the new theme campaign than with selfies? The new Samsung J7 device, which is being launched with the slogan, “Picture Your Dream” is currently driving a palm selfie competition where one lucky Nigerian will have his dream actualized.

Individuals are expected to participate by writing their dreams on their palms, taking a palm selfie and uploading selfies to www.pictureyourdream.ng.

“The idea is to select seven finalists based on internal judges’ discretion who will be rewarded a Samsung Galaxy J7 each. The seven finalists will then compete for social media votes in the second and final round. The finalist with the highest number of votes will emerge as the winner,” said Samsungs’s West Africa Manager, Mr. Brovo Kim. Kim also stated that the company understands that the desire of people to succeed in the pursuit of their dreams is enhanced by their ability to access the needed resources.

28 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 15 2,, 20 2015

•Cross section of attendees of the women's conference

Women, e-commerce and the attainment of work, life balance The first part of this conference hall was published in Vanguard two days ago.

P

LANNING and preparation for a woman's multi-faceted life should start early- that way she is able to discover herself and make better decisions so that she doesn't make preparations prematurely that will affect the quality of life later on or even the work/ life balance because once there is no balance things can get very difficult.

Even the era of social media where she can further enhance her business and anything she does, it is a bit difficult when there is no direction and planning, I am discovering new things all the time even on social media.

Social media One of the banes of society is that as Nigerians we don't focus on planning and preparation and there are so many factors; there are things that you can't control because even when you have planned and you have structured and you have your five year plan and you are living okay, something somewhere just sort of goes wrong. Personally for me I have plan A, B,C, D, E, plumber 1, 2, 3, 4, Carpenter 1, 2, 3, and 4, because we are in a society where anything can go wrong and people don't just focus on quality and planning and all that.

Ibironke Ojesebholo We live

in a society where people are focused on women having a work life balance, what about the men?

I know this is about women but we can't have a structure that is meant for women alone.

I think we are even more prepared to have work life balance because it is easier for us women to change our career, it is easier for us to make plans for this, shift our time around some other things that needs our attention, but it is different for men.

When they have a job, they are more focused on going to work in the morning and getting it done, come back home and everything is sweet and happy.

Whereas we tend to miss the men when we are at home, we women are more conscious about how we spend time with our family Kola Alappini I think what you are saying is cultural, and I am going to juxtapose two examples.

It is cultural because here the men are actually meant to be breadwinner; most times in the society 80%-90% of the expenditure is borne by the husband, he is expected to look for a flat, he is expected to pay the bills, pay the school fees and probably have one or two siblings who are staying and he is also expected to stretch forth his hands to his in-laws.

And take care of his own parents as well so it is therefore not attractive for a man to change his career because you are planning

with certainty. I schooled abroad, I was a student father in the UK when I was doing my masters and I was fortunate to work for a UK company where project planning is part of everyday life.

We ran our operations like the Army in the Niger-Delta and you compare us to the guys who work here in NNPC which is structureless because whether you like it or not you are going to get paid by the government but if you work for the British it is production driven so once you mess up you are going. You don't have any god-father anywhere.

What they do is that they make sure they lock down your life, it is a test of nerves, a test of how you can cope under pressure. I now had to rely on my partner to support me. We decided that it will be better for her to work on Saturday and Sunday night-

Electronic commerce means buying and selling using electronic means, then what you are doing is ecommerce, whichever means you do that is up to you

nobody likes to work weekends and weekends paid more so she was paid more by working two nights than working four days.

So what did I need to do in return? Those two nights when she was working, I baby sat and that was great way of bonding for me and my son.

He would be on the car seat, I would be doing my assignment.Then in the morning 7am she finishes her shift, she walks 7mintues down the road, she wasn't driving because she didn't have a license so I had to quickly pick up the baby put him on the car seat, quickly drive down pick her and bring her home while I dash off to class; whereas if my mum saw me in that situation she will say my wife has turned my head round.

There is some cultural shift we need to make like men don't wash dishes, who said so? Do things to make things fit, and when it is time for you guys to down tools and rest you can, otherwise it is not going to work.

Mind you it is cheaper when you live together abroad because everybody is supposed to chip in their own, if you are going to get a mortgage, if you are not earning more than 3000 pounds, and you want to rent a house, and you want to get a house that cost more than a 100,000 pounds nobody is going to give you a mortgage, because you are supposed to deposit 20% of the actual amount so where are you going to get it from?

Mortgage is easier if both of you

are working even if what she is bringing is not more than 200 or 300 pounds provided it is two of you the bank will feel a lot more comfortable.My office is in Victoria Island but I don't go to the office if I don't have to and I don't get out of bed before 11am in the morning if I want, I have worked so hard.

(Moderator) I am glad you talked about culture because in actual fact that is why we are here- we are here because of culture in the way we work and do business. This is where the e-commerce comes in.

Electronic means I want to ask Mr Bolade if he can define what e-commerce is from a technical point of view.

Bolade Omowole Breaking it down, it simply means electronic commerce, it is buying and selling using electronic means, then what you are doing is ecommerce, whichever means you do that is up to you.

Ehizojie Ojesebholo I want to add something but not just the definition of e-commerce, more often I use the term bread and butter winner. For me it is not just work life integration, but work life synergy.

One of the important plans you make as young person who intends to raise family is the reasons why we pick our partner.

My dad is a surgeon and he is married to a nurse so at different points they gave me different kind of advice based on their experiences .

When you are finding a partner find one that compliments your job. There has to be synergy in your partner. I mean it is cool that he is tall, dark and handsome , or she has all the curves in the

Continues on page 29

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 15 —29 2,, 20 2015

Women, e-commerce and the attainment of work, life balance Continues from page 28 world, with the long hair and short hair if that is your taste, but it is important that you find a partner that will actually be a compliment with what you do. I am a film maker, I have medical parents who expected me as the first son to take over the medical profession but I went the way of Nollywood.

When I was looking for a partner at a time, most of the young ladies I was meeting were actresses but one day I found someone who was very good with the costumes, the designs, the props, her makeup style was very unique and I was completely blown away when we had a film project to shoot. It was actually my first project and we were looking for a village.

This happened when I was in 200 level and Nollywood was in its infancy.At that time epic films were in vogue, and we couldn't find a village to rent or at least to use. My dear art director said she was going to build one if we could find her space. Nobody believed she could do it but I and the executive producer decided to give her a shot.

Major success She built a village out of raffia, complete with the Oba's palace in it, complete with about 30 huts. The film was a major success and while everybody was clapping for themselves at the premiere, I just had one thing to say to her, please will you marry me? I basically work for her at Ceroms media.“ She still does her production design called Fabric Afrique where she sells her basic props, costumes, shoes, dress, clothes, handmade, crafted, others imported but she markets them and sells them online the juice of it is that most of my films get costumed by Fabric Afrique, so whether I am shooting a home video for someone in Alaba or an original film for M-net Africa Magic she compliments me.

We don't stop talking to each other or close from work so to speak. And then with the family it is interesting because we get home and continue work even when we have an office. We have four children, our eldest son is 13, while the youngest is 6 years old, they join in, at this point it is a six man band right now.

So we have a situation where I am not struggling anymore to be the breadwinner because even if I did bring bread for everybody here without the butter is not interesting, there is butter winner. The last film we finished I didn't have to push

myself to promote it, we just pushed it online, it is fast, it is easier. She does her fabric stuff in Fabric Afrique and get actress and models to advertise it for her, they give me favors because the director will give me a chance to feature in his new film, so it is a very, very interesting thing.

And this goes beyond the outside looks or how he or she makes me feel, oh does the hair raise from my neck when I see him. It is more like in the future, ten 20 years from now when we do have kids how do we still have that blend no matter the issue: whether she has to go see mum, or someone is ill or pregnancy comes like some of those times when it does, it is work, it is life, it is family it is all in one.

Sometime we had an interview on Wazobia FM and someone asked her if she enjoys her job and she said why not when she is sleeping with the boss. It also gets to that point where the synergy is just so beautiful.

When we are in the kitchen we are working, when we are in the sitting room we are working; we are constantly working, but we are still a family still together.

Yetunde Arebi Let me first congratulate Mr. and Mrs. because you are quite lucky being in the same field and doing everything together, I will take it from the point of prioritizing. We have started this journey for quite some time also.

A lot of us,women we tend to be frivolous most of the time.

Nurturing of relationships When you have a young family, you are trying to nurture the relationship it is difficult for you to be at everywhere and be engaged in everything at the same time. We have several phases in life and as madam said here the life of a woman is multifaceted and if you do not prioritize what you are doing at every point in life then you are going to run into problems.

I would use myself as example, I came to Vanguard as a single girl, and right from the beginning, I knew I will never work somewhere far from my house. I was living at Ijesha, I got a job then with Punch, and Punch is way, way out of Lagos and the closest to my house then was Vanguard, it was my best shot.

Then you didn't need to know anyone to get a job, Nigeria was not as corrupt as we now have it, so you could walk in and if you merit it, they will give it to you.

So that was how I came to work with Vanguard close to my

A woman’s life can be multi- faceted— Olayinka Thomas Ogboja house.

Unfortunately when I got married, I was living somewhere at Agege- coming to Vanguard became a problem; I wanted to now go back to Punch because it was the closest to me but I was not encouraged to make the journey.

The main Challenge was taking care of my son, who came a year later, and he practically grew up here. I think he is the first baby that grew up here, now we have many children, but he was the first child that was raised in the Vanguard because I had a house help for just one month, I have never had another one since.

And she always refused to come to work with me, she will tell me leave the baby go to work that is how women do, and then come back, and I said it is not possible. You have to follow me carry the baby while I am working and then we go back home together.

So there is need for us to prioritize what we are doing. You cannot have your cake and eat it at the same time, if you want to work, then you need to work. And the challenge to work is very serious because of the economy, because of the family expectations. Parents sent you to school, as a woman too they expect that you will rise up to be something.

And there is need for us to find a balance, balancing the act however there is need to prioritize. When we have outings

The major equipment, engines, systems that are suppose to back e commerce in the country are not on ground

Don’t start with a website — Agbolade Omowole we leave what we are supposed to be doing, you want to meet up with friends, and you want to meet up with the society. These are things that take us way from our primary assignment. We want to dress up and be seen to be everywhere, things that do not concern us at that particular time is what we engage in, and then we want to be like Mrs. so and so. She is into politics, her children are grown up, they don't need her attention at that time, and you have kids of 10, 5, 8 and you want to be going for night meetings.

Family resources We have lost focus, nobody is there to monitor the children, nobody is there to harness the family resources, which is why you find couples who are employed but are finding it difficult to make things work because you are not working in synergy and they are not prioritizing their needs and desires to fit into the family life.

(Moderator) Let's examine the value chain in Nigeria. At what points can women key in strategically into e-commerce?

Bolade Omowole: Things are changing sporadically that even with our mobile phones, I mean with our mobile phones, you have access to a very powerful tool that even the President of the United states of America could not boast of twenty years ago. This is something that can change one's life. Although, misinformation comes in especially in this part of the world where technology is not yet at its peak. We have fears about the use of technology like when one wants to create a website.

Our elderly seem to not to be ''techy". The youngest billionaire in the world is a 24year boy Mark Zuchaborg who invented Face book. He sells nothing in particular; all he has is information with the right use of technology. Before e-commerce emerged, you must have an office, pay staffs which is quite expensive.

But you can cut this cost with the use of e commerce. Most young persons in and outside

Just be yourself online — Murna Danmadani

Nigeria have a mobile phone connected to the internet at least six feet to them. That means in Nigeria we are going somewhere. E-commerce is all about buying and selling goods and services through the use of different applications and social media like face book. We also have mobile commerce which is selling of your products using mobile applications on your phone. Before the advent of ecommerce, we do think of getting an office, employ staffs etc but that is now old fashioned. We have also moved into eshopping. All we require to do business online is to take some time out and think of what ever you can do with Google which seems to have answers to almost all questions. After satisfying your curiosity, then get a web developer or agent to do the technical work like designing your mobile app, loading pictures of products on Facebook or building a website. Two things are important: one, we have to consider what we want to make money doing.

Starting e-commerce Making money is important because we have to make money and doing what you love is also important.This is the best time to start e- commerce before it is over flogged.

Micheal Umogun: One can give a product to an online platform to sell and they will share some percentage for selling the product. However, there are some things which ought to have taken place in Nigeria. The types of applications that are coming here are embarrassing.

We are what is referred to in other part of the world as a default player in global e-commerce. This means Nigerians are peripheral players in e-commerce. It is not possible to operate an effective e-commerce when we do not have relevant structure in place.

What we have presently are book based policy by government that have not been implemented.

For example, the major equipment, engines, systems that are supposed to back e -

Continues on page 30

30 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 15 2,, 20 2015

Women, e-commerce and the attainment of work, life balance

It’s cultural - Kola Alapini

Continues from page 29 commerce in the country are not on ground. We can't even delve into where they are to support ours.

If we do not embark on a concerted policy to put appropriate system, structure and equipment in place, then our ecommerce system will definitely be struggling. It is only in Nigeria that you make a call and after 15minutes, your ear is hurting because the phone is not what we should be using, or the network cuts you short.

This is because the appropriate structure of our base station, signal has not been done.

Automatically, we are billed for everything which is not the same in other countries where they pay less. Operators are collaborating with each other because there are government policies as to how to operate and the final users are benefiting.

In our own system, we do not have it and when we do not have such thing in place, our ecommerce will struggle. That is one of the reasons people outside Nigeria refer to us as an outsider.

This is a country that her population is close to 200 million and these things are not available.

We have to make the time count — Ibironke Ojesebholo formal or informal systems to educate the people on ecommerce and how they should participate. We are not turning on enough ''tech'' people.

A multinational organization that is into soft drinks was planning to set up a lab centre in Africa and they called on people from South Africa, Nigeria and I was fortunate to be in the room. And they asked each of us to tell them why the centre should be built in our country. You need to listen to the quality responses other participants were putting on the table. In the whole of Nigeria we have a ''tech'' village in Yaba, Lagos because we have some tertiary institutions around there.

Moderator Please, what exactly is a tech village?

Michael Umogun A tech village is an environment or a community where you provide office space, powerful internet structure, relevant equipment that people will use to get online and training facilities. You don't just tell people what to do but provide facilities and support

Mobile phones Recently, I carried out a study where we spoke with 2000 women within the age of 22 and 45 and when the questions were posted to the users of mobile phones, the study was completed under three and a half hours in Kenya. This same study took us six days in Nigeria.

We also had another study for a global multi-national company and for five days we struggled to get women to participate in the study because they spent more on recharge cards, we use phones that are of poor standard, many of them don't use our own type of phones.

In other parts of the world there is a deliberate effort either from

People do business with those they can trust — Adaora Ezeji

facilities and trainers. Young people with interest will come into the tech village and will be charged a stipend to talk with like minds about issues, exchange ideas. This is our new products and applications emerge. When people who are ''techy'' come together, the outcome is referred to as a tech spark. A standard tech village will have an incubator to turn out young professionals who will teach others. Our own tech village is not sponsored by our government and for it to become national thing, the government has to be involved.

This will help youths in the rural areas plug into the system.

I believe that if our people can do so well in yahoo yahoo, imagine if they channel that to the right thing, our e commerce should be flying. We should not expect miracle to come up when we have not done the needful as a country.

Yinka Thomas-Ogboja: When I started to sell things using the Facebook platform, I didn't sell much. Then I tried to put a website and I went for Google workshop and we were given a free web site and I tried that but I was not so knowledgeable about it, so I didn't sell too on the website.

Online platform

In whatever you want to do you must leverage on technology but technology alone cannot achieve anything- it depends on how you use it

Last year December, the free website was scrapped but I was not bothered about it. I later approached Jumia to sell my products. I didn't like the percentage they were demanding, so I backed out. It was a drawback for me because I had many items to sell. I later went to another on line platform, Konga whose percentage was less than that of Jumia.

This helped my business so much and I was encouraged to put up my website again. This is because I am planning to leave Konga. I made sure my website was busy with new uploads,

pictures of my products , new designs.

This has helped my business and it will still help more because it has helped me have more time for my family and other things.

When I advertise things I put on Konga, I am indirectly advertising Konga and not my business. I almost gave up but it really helped a lot.

Morin Obaweya My philosophy in business is to use what you have to get what you want. The e- commerce platforms seem to be rewarding. As much as I will like to be ''techy'' there is just no point. I believe it is better for someone who is a specialist to handle that so I can focus on the business.

Personal page The truth is if you have to use e-commerce, you have to be marketable, in terms of your information you are putting outside. I have my personal page on Facebook and a business page. On your business page, nobody wants to add you they just like you because you have a product.

The product I do is gele business which started March this year. I do pleated gele and I am very conversant with the social media because I choose to.

The buck stops on my desk, the strategies are decided. Am I the one that does the media? No. I am clear as to what I want, so it is easy for me to give direction as to what I want.

Like you said, google is my best friend, the good the bad the ugly, why I said so is because before you come to me for something you must have an idea of solution because I don’t know everything but while you go on to google. You will see things that will can give you an idea of what you are looking for and you take it up from there.

As business owners and women, you must know how to source for information because it

is power. I started my gele business in March and I said let's go on Facebook. It was only my number that was there and we were scheduled to go for Linda Ikeji but I told the PR person to halt posting on Linda Ikeji because the one I posted on FB, I could not manage the amount of calls I was getting on my phone.

FB is a free platform like he said but because there are so many free contents online, sometimes you have to promote some post, which is why sometimes you see some post because a lot people have huge budget for online promotion because everything is there.

It gives women opportunity to streamline what you want and gives you estimated number of people you can reach, so that once you have your card information they already have your details and they can easily call you and FB is good because your friends are there, they can help you share.

Sometimes it could provoke a purchase, so the same way you have an offline strategy for your business, same way online must have its own strategy too and when we promoted on Linda Ikeji we got a lot of responses and even till now, some people will still call and say I got your number from Linda Ikeji.

E-commerce website The truth is that we did that in about two months ago but they call you and say we got it through Ikeji, they got it and pen it down to call later.

These things as you can see have a ripple effect. We further realise that the use of ecommerce is as successful as the content you put online. When we did gele I realized that it is better to tie the gele than fold it for people to see.

E-commerce has actually helped my business and when Michael said we are not even anywhere yet, I was so excited because of the potentials of what I can achieve in e-commerce. 80% percent of the sales we make don't come to our office and before we got our e-commerce website, I used to wonder how somebody could have such faith and just pay into my account without knowing whom I am, all they do is pay and call you to say they have paid into your account for so and so gele.

As a result of this, we started coding our gele and when they call us we just check on the website and quickly know which one is paid for as a result of the coding. So this has made it easy for us to do business. In whatever you want to do you must leverage on technology but technology alone cannot achieve anythingit depends on how you use it. You have to spend money if you want to make money.

Continues on page 31

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 15 —31 2,, 20 2015

Women, e-commerce and the attainment of work, life balance Continues from page 30 Morin Obaweya I am here today because of social media, I had never met Mrs. Taire beforeshe saw what we did on Facebook. We opened a page but I have my personal page, where I have friends of friends. We have 100 friends in common, 50 friends in common and I told myself that this two would be a good start for me. I only received a call and we talked and I am here today. I have had interviews on NTA because probably from Facebook they saw our products and they sent a message to me that they would like to feature me on air and I responded yes, so it is working for me both on my personal account and the business page.

(Moderator) It is true we are not where we are supposed to be in terms of online business and it would be difficult to do because there are no clear systems. At what level can women key in on ecommerce?

Michael Umogun. I think I have mentioned my answer in passing but I want to really emphasise it because you want me to look at it from a researchers angle and from a legal dimension.

Legal dimension For people in our profession, we think there is a need for mass education. We want to get women engaged in e-commerce and allow that to create what has been described as education commitment “ work life integration”.

To enable that integration happen properly we really need to use all possible platforms to explain to people how these things work. I am convinced that the whole concept of e-commerce is so elitist and millions of our people are outside the system. I have mentioned that they are putting structures in place, but we cannot really move far except we have that structure in place.

The other side of it is about creating the awareness, if I ask how many of our women are there? It is not about educated people, it shouldn't be so. For instance, in the UK, you have working mummies from home, women can do so much from home in terms of work and still maintains their regular job.

In Sweden it has become in vogue, 35 percent of mummies work from home and they are still earning their pay. It is not just about social media, but how we can integrate technology to create better life for women and business is just a small part of it. Structures, Education, Awareness, Orientation, all of these we have not done.

We need to do these, not all of them but some of them and we can then move from there. A little bit of organization will take us far.

(Moderator) We are really focused on product here forgetting that services are also inclusive, how do you think technology come in to make work life balance possible for a young professional like you?

Adaora Ezeji. Technology has actually helped a lot, reaching out to people, letting them know what services are all about and products you are able to provide, number of people you are able to reach by using the social media technology in place is really limitless. In terms of my work, there are some times when I cannot be in the office, if I cannot be physically present in the office I need to get on Skype.

We do a lot of meetings that way and my boss most of the time is not in Nigeria but his office has to run and we have had a lot of meetings virtually with even our partners who are outside Nigeria. Technology has really helped us, you wouldn’t imagine what it would have been if we don't have all these things in place.

There are times when you have to call these people and they will not hear what you are saying, virtually the time difference too- these are all the things that technology has helped to bridge. So in terms of my work, I can say it has helped a lot especially for us who sell services.

You cannot physically see these things, you are going to meet a client and you are telling him I have an innovative solution which can help you and the person is saying I am not seeing

To a film producer, it is how many pieces will sell whether it is ticket or souvenirs or DVD pieces

Use what you have to get what you want — Morin Obaweya anything and you expect me to pay so much, it is a different ball game because you cannot see what you are paying for.

My boss always says, people do business with people they can trust. Imagine you just walk into a client's office and start telling him him/her, I have tools that can make you work faster at less cost, how do you prove that to that person when he has not proved your tools and you are not giving anybody a trial FoC (Free of Charge) because those things are expensive, so it is what is going to make him give it to you over your competitors?

Little mistakes Why I will give you a business, is because I trust you. The kind of industry I work in, it is high risk, high capital intensive business, so errors are not acceptable.

People have lost their job just because they made just very little mistakes that can aggravate a lot of things. People's lives, company's reputation are at stake for just that little mistake so there are no excuses.

For us it is even more difficult selling our services because people cannot put in a physical value to what you are showing them, they just have to trust that you with your profile based on where you are coming from and what you have done, that gives them some sort of latitude that can make them trust you to some extent.

For me technology is now the way forward because most of these process are now automated, people make mistakes we are human and we are bound to error. Even with computers it is garbage in garbage out. Humans are prone to error but it depends on the state of the mind at the time.

Automating the processes makes things better, faster, more efficient.

Ehizojie Ojesebholo.The internet is every film producer’s

We are peripheral practicers of global ecommerce — Umogun Michael

nightmare. There is a story about one of the greatest film makers on earth Steven Spielberg. The boys who created Yahoo!, in their initiation stage came to him to please support this business so that when internet grows he would be part of it. He said he would not. Do you know how the film maker makes his money quoting Spielberg?

It is not from ticket sales. It has never been from ticket sales so even when you hear a film box office makes a certain figure from sales like AY made about 2 million dollars from his last sale but you see that is just peanuts compared to what the film makers, film producers, film distributors actually made. Film makers; back to Spielberg make their money from pop corn.

When we make a film and put it in the cinema, the stipends you pay is nothing compared to the amount made on popcorn, pizza, soft drinks and all the other things around. The tee-shirts, the face caps, the bags. Most parents here would have heard of the Ben 10 phenomenon. If you are a parent and you don’t have a Ben 10 toy in your house, you are a bad parent.

Buying of decoders Dr. Spielberg asked the Yahoo! boys what do you think will happen if I support you and instead of releasing Jurassic World in the cinemas, I release it on their mobile tabs.

What happens to all that pop corn? We want you to buy tickets, we want you to buy decoders, and we want you to buy DVDs because these are all subsidiaries of our business. How do we sell pieces? To a film producer, it is how many pieces will sell whether it is ticket or souvenirs or DVD pieces.

Tracking the views with the money is still the issue with the film-maker and the internet. The sweet part with the internet and the film maker is if everybody has it on their phones, tabs, laptops,

who is going to start buying the 150 copy on the street?

It will be the cure for piracy the moment someone tells us how the film maker can make his money from the internet. I have my own personal experience though. I have actually enjoyed the internet long before people were shouting about PR and self promotion.

I was already talking about myself on the internet. Two things happened immediately. My customer base went through the roof. A lot of people started calling me and giving me jobs.

The sweetest so far was that within five minutes of putting on Facebook that I had just finished from an international film school in London endless calls came in.

Online film school Before I left the country, I barely had up to 500 friends. Now I have four pages. A lot of them ask for the most wonderful things. The first thing I always get is, bros I want to act.

What I started doing for some of them was an online film school training and giving them tips. I have asked upcoming actors and actresses to use their phones.

They should put themselves on YouTube. I sent them to a friend’s site to see what happens on it.

The last time I checked he had over 2,500 contacts on it.You are a film maker in Nollywood which means you are a third world film maker, I advised them on things to use to help them save up on cost.

My fan base has grown such that if I put a post up, it circulates fast. Most film makers would avoid the internet as we are still very afraid of it. Somebody close to me even called to say that he heard my current film was out.

He wanted the link so he could down load it. For him, it is a normal thing. The internet is supposed to solve our piracy problem but now it’s helping.

Youtube helps.

To be concluded

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Business outsourcing: Indian investor challenges Nigeria

By Prince Osuagwu

C

HAIRMAN of technology company, iSON BPO, Mr. Ramesh Awtaney, has challenged Nigeria to encourage business outsourcing because of its great potential to develop the Nigerian economy.

Speaking in Lagos, he said outsourcing had been tested in India for decades and found to be a sure economic enabler.

Awtaney said, “what will not work in the Nigerian economy is offshoring. Taking a job from Nigeria to execute in India,

which is offshoring, is not a good business plan. Staying in Nigeria to operate support service business, which is outsourcing, is of course a business model that will work in Nigeria, just the way it is working well in India.

What we do at iSON is to develop intellectual property and bring it to the job place and we do not take the job to places where there is already developed intellectual property.

What we are saying is that we train local skills and allow them to do the job, rather than taking the job out of Nigeria to places

where there are developed skilled manpower.

When we started operations in Nigeria in 2011, we said to ourselves that the combination of outsourcing and offshoring will not work for us in Nigeria because we do not see it as a good business model. We believe in the transformation that outsourcing brings, hence our business in Nigeria is all about outsourcing alone, where we train local skills to do the job in Nigeria. What we are doing is to bring the skills and knowledge of outsourcing from

Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife on protest at Ibadan yesterday.

India and develop it in Nigeria, in order to replicate India’s growth in business outsourcing in Nigeria. In doing so, we need to create an outsourcing industry for Nigerians. In our business model, offshoring is

completely out of it because we want to give Nigeria the best of service that will impact positively on the country ’s economy and on her citizens” he added.

Explaining his company’s contributions in the country’s economy, Awtaney noted that in the last four years iSON has trained Nigerians to do the job in addition to opening call centres in different cities of the country.”

He also said that the company had employed over 4,000 Nigerians with plans to increase the number to over 5,000 by the end of the year.

Delta dep speaker tasks Nigerians

T

HE Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi, has urged Nigerians to remain positive, saying the present challenges confronting the country will not stop its march towards greatness.

In an independence day message yesterday, he said: “On this historical event of the 55th anniversary of our independence, let me reiterate that despite the obvious shortcomings and challenges facing our nation in areas of education, health, infrastructure, roads, security, governance among others, the country ’s march to greatness cannot be compromised.

“We must not give up hope. We might have missed opportunities, but we are also overcoming our challenges. Nigerians must join the present crusade to reinvent and transform Nigeria. In this wise, I urge hope, courage, perseverance, prayers, reconciliation, peaceful co-existence and patriotic fervour to build the Nigeria of our dreams as no one else would do that for us.”

VOL. 1: NO. 17

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 , 2015

Fresh abduction epidemic hits S-West

BY DAPO AKINREFON

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HE menace of abductionfor-ransom has hit the South-West.

Recent kidnappings in the zone has proved that the trend my be becoming lucrative.

Kidnapping-for-ransom in the region, prior to now, was alien.

The worrisome trend has been attributed to factors including: unemployment, poverty and vengeance.

The recent high profile abductions of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae and wife of the Deputy Managing Director of The Sun Publishing Limited, Mr. Steve Nwosu are danger signals that the SouthWest is fast becoming the next hub of the kidnapping business.

The kidnappers usually use the large forests and waterways in the region to perpetuate their nefarious acts. These channels, abundant in states like Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo, are used as escape routes for these kidnappers.

Besides the use of these forests and canals, the kidnappers reportedly come from states outside the South West.

Despite the act’s gaining momentum in the region, the security agencies seem to be hapless in curbing the menace.

It is taking a toll on economic activities in the zone as investors

•Falae:

•Arase: IGP

•Toyin: are becoming worried.

A recent victim of this worrisome trend was Mrs Toyin Nwosu, who was abducted right in the presence of her family, from their Lagos residence in the Okota area of Lagos, at about 2:30am on Monday, September 14, 2015.

Mrs Nwosu, a mother of 4 was whisked away by her abductors, who escaped through the canal at Amuwo Odofin area.

Incidentally, Toyin is married to Steve Nwosu, the Deputy Managing Director/Deputy Editor-in-Chief.

Though the husband was dumbfounded as to what led to the kidnapping of his wife, Mrs Nwosu was, however, later released by her abductors after they collected an unspecified ransom.

Toyin was released in the early hours of Sep 17, 2015 by the

IN THIS EDITION Abductors advise 70-yr-old cleric's family on raising ransom •Page 2

C M Y K

How Fulani herdsmen kill, rape Ogun residents, farmers •Page 4

kidnappers who had taken her away for three days.

The kidnappers had dropped her off near Zenith Bank by Festac bridge and sped off with their boat.

Narrating her ordeal, Toyin said that the seven-man gang which kidnapped her from her Okota

Despite the act’s gaining momentum in the region, the security agencies seem to be hapless in curbing the menace

residence were actually paid and sent to kill her.

She said she knew this because one of them informed her.

She said: “When I was in their captivity, they told me that somebody paid for my life. I don’t know why yet. They came into my house, packed many things; jewellery, wristwatches and gold.

From there they took me away.

They took me to their camp. They took me away in a boat. I was put in the jungle not in a room. In the jungle, my face was not covered. It was in the bush that I spent three nights until I was released.”

Speaking further, she said: “It took them 30 minutes to take me in the speed boat to the jungle.

On my way, it was dark I could only hear noise. I could not see anything. Throughout my stay, they asked me to eat but I refused.

They were even begging me to Continues on page 2 C M Y K

2 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

ONDO STATE

r y 0 7 e s i v d a s r o Abduct n o y l i m a f s ' c i r e l c old m o s n a r raising According to her, the kidnappers after she pleaded with them that there was no way they could raise such an amount and that the victim has some health challenges reduced the ransom to N3million.

The clergy’s wife, who is a primary school teacher noted that when she again pleaded with the abductors that they could not even raise N3 million, they shocked her when they asked her to auction the Pastor's property and that of the church to raise the ransom.

Also speaking with Vanguard, the son of the victim, Ope, who is an eyewitness and the one driving the car when the they were attacked said that the attack was like a movie scene.

Ope insisted that they were attacked with “guns, daggers, cutlasses and other deadly weapons along Auga-Akunnu

•Pastor Japhet Obafemi: Abducted

By Dayo Johnson THE spate of kidnapping across Ondo State is becoming worrisome and is sending jitters down the spines of both the low and the high in the state.

While the people of the state are savouring the joy of the release of the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Chief Olu Falae after 72 hours in the captivity of some gun wielding Fulani herds men who invaded his farm and abducted him, another septuagenarian Pastor Japhet Obafemi has been abducted by a similar group of hoodlums.

This is coming as Falae at a thanksgiving service in Akure said he went through “ hell” in the hands of his captors.

Vanguard learnt that the abduction of the clergyman who superintends over the Apostolic Faith Church, Ilepa in Ikare Akoko area of the state has generated controversy as to the security lapses in the state in recent times.

The abduction of the clergyman according to police sources is coming four days after the former Minister for Finance was let off the hook.

C M Y K

It was reliably gathered that the clergyman, his son Ope and his friend, one Gbenga Adelana, were ambushed by some gun men along Auga-Akunnu express road, close to the Ondo-Kogi state border.

Ope who was later released by the kidnappers after taking away his father to an unknown destination claimed that their attackers were 13 Fulani herds men, the state police command said the assertion was not correct.

Although, the Police confirmed the abduction of the clergyman, it however said it was yet to ascertain that the perpetrators were herds men.

Speaking with Vanguard, the wife of the victim, Mrs Olu Obafemi sent a save our soul (SOS) message to security operatives and the state government to help secure the release of her husband.

She said that her husband was recently discharged from the hospital after a protracted illness that lasted over one year and was not physically fit for the trauma his captors would subject him to.

According to her, the kidnappers took her husband but spared her son and his friend so

that they could return to inform the family of what happened.

The wife explained that their son- Ope was the one driving the father’s KIA Optima car while his friend Gbenga sat beside him in the front seat.

According to her, they were on their way to Ayetoro Gbede, a community in Kogi State when they were ambushed by the gun men numbering 13 .

“While I was contemplating reporting to the Elders of the church that the Pastor has not returned from the engagement when it was getting too late, I received a strange phone call that my husband was safe and sound with some people who said that they were kidnappers.

“They informed me and the church to look for good money if we are ready to see the pastor again. They asked the family and the church to pay N16million ransom for the release of my husband.

She said that she was too afraid to tell the said kidnappers that the N16million ransom was unreasonable but that she informed the elders in the church who were able to contribute N300, 000.

They informed me and the Church to look for good money if we are ready to see the pastor again.

They asked the family and the church to pay N16million ransom for the release of my husband

Road when coming from Kogi State by about 13 Fulani herdsmen.

He said that they were maltreated by the kidnappers, who spared him and his friend, Gbenga, 27, and dashed into the nearby forest.

Contacted, the police image maker in the state Wole Ogodo said that all hands are on the deck to ensure the release of the kidnapped clergyman.

On the allegation that Fulani herdsmen were the abductors, Ogodo said; “We are not aware of anything about Fulani, it is not only Fulani who kidnap. It has not been linked to any ethnicity, there is nothing like that.”

Also, the caretaker chairman of Akoko North East council area where the abduction took place, Alhaji Abdulazeez Al-amam pointed out that the people of the council are praying for his release soonest.

Meantime, Chief Olu Falaye has said that ransom was paid before he was released by his captors.

This submission has punctured the argument by the Inspector General of Police that no ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

Falae said this when the former Chief of Defence Staff, General Alani Akinrinade visited him at his residence in Akure.

Although Chief Falae did not mention the specific amount paid but said his abductors “ used to threaten to kill him every 30 minutes until they received

Continues from page 3

Fresh abduction epidemic hits S-West Continues from page 1 eat. They asked me to request for any kind of food I wanted.”

Conclusively, she said her captors “did that because they were expecting money but thank God something touched their heart. And now I am alive. I was the only person there.”

While still trying to recover from the Lagos episode, the South-West was jolted by another shocker.

This time, the zone reverberated with another kidnap scenario – The abduction of Chief Olu Falae from his farm in Ilado village near Akure, the Ondo State capital, sent shivers down the spines of the leaders and followers in the

region.

Sadly, Falae, a former Minister of Finance was kidnapped on his 77 th birthday by Fulani herdsmen.

On Monday, September 21, at about 1pm gun-wielding Fulani herdsmen, invaded the septuagenarian’s farm located at Ilado village in Akure North Local Council of Ondo State.

Less than three hours after the former Finance Minister was kidnapped, the abductors contacted the family, demanding for N100 million ransom.

The former SGF said an unstated amount was paid as ransom before he was released.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 3

OGUN STATE

By Daud Olatunji

F

ARMERS and residents of agrarian communities in some local government areas of Ogun State have some gory tales to tell on the menace of Fulani cattle rearers, otherwise known as Fulani herdsmen.

So many lives have been lost while property worth millions of Naira has been destroyed allegedly by these Fulani marauders .

It was gathered that, the Fulani herdsmen move with their cattle from one of these agrarian communities to the other wreaking havoc.

Further findings have also shown that worse still, they do not respect the borders of the state. They did not only seek pasture they inflict deaths and mayhem.

Records have shown that, not quiet long ago, the border town of Oja-Odan in Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State was invaded by some Fulani herdsmen who killed a farmer and injured dozens of others.

The farmer, identified as Agbaose Sewotan, was killed because he complained against the invasion of his farm.

It was learnt that his elder brother, Mr. Oluwole Sewontan,while narrating their ordeal, said; “this is not the first time that our people were slaughtered like cows on our own soil with impunity. My dear brother was killed simply because he protested the invasion of his farmland by the herdsmen.”

Also, a mother of three, Mrs Ayesi Balogun, was allegedly raped and killed by some suspected Fulani herdsmen at Asa village, in the Oja Odan area,Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Balogun, was said to have been killed after being raped on her farm.This damning revelation was contained in a statement made available to our correspondent by the Ketu Advancement Front.

The statement which was signed by its Coordinator and Secretary, Kunle Abiose and Joseph Bankole respectively, read thus, “For the umpteenth time, we, members of Ketu Advancement Front want to register our strong protest with the Government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun over its callous abdication of its constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security of lives of Ketu People from wanton killing by marauding herdsmen.

“We are sad to announce that Mrs Ayesi Balogun, a poor mother of three, was raped and hacked to death on her farm in Asa, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State over the weekend by Fulani herdsmen.

“On sighting her entering the farm, the killer-herdsmen, who had taken over her farm, pounced on her, probably gang raped her,

•A Fulani herdsman with his cows

How Fulani herdsmen kill, rape Ogun residents, farmers before hacking her to death.”

According to the statement, Balogun’s case brought to 25, the number of innocent and poor people, who had been sent to their early graves in agonising and dehumanising circumstances.

It said, “the latest in the series of the ceaseless murder cases had been reported at the Oja-Odan Police Station for anybody to confirm.

“The state Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, confirmed that the corpse of Balogun was found in the bush, adding that it had not been established that she was killed by Fulani herdsmen.

He argued that it might be a reprisal killing by the Fulani herdsmen.”A few days ago, the corpse of a Fulani man was found

in the bush in the same axis,” he said.

Earlier, a septuagenarian, Pa Mathew Olukogun had narrated how a newly wedded lady in Asa Village, in Yewa North Local

The worst of the action of the marauders was the raping of many newly wedded wives in our communities and we are bitter about this

Government Area of Ogun State, (name withheld) was allegedly raped by armed nomadic Fulani herdsmen.

Speaking on behalf of hundreds of farmers in the area, Olukogun said these marauders have been terrorizing more than 30 communities in the Council Area.

He said the immoral acts by the normal Fulani had instilled fears into the communities, saying, fears of being attacked by the herdsmen had gripped the villagers who were appealing to the state government to come to their aid He said “aside from this immoral act by the intruders, many of our sons and daughters have been gruesomely murdered in a way that appears as if we don’t have government.

“Our brilliant ones including

Abductors advise 70-yr-old cleric's family on raising ransom me safely to my family, my Continues from page 2 information that money had been given to them as demanded.

“There were six of them with three or four guns and every half an hour or so they will say; Baba we are going to kill you, if you don’t give us money we are going to kill you."

“On Wednesday one of them came and said ‘look we are going to leave here on Thursday morning. Since we cannot leave you here alone, if we don’t get what we want we are going to kill you.

“And they said they gave me until 3pm and if at 3pm they don’t get the money they would execute me. I thank God that at 21 minutes

to 3pm, one of them came and said, ‘the money done complete,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, a thanksgiving was held weekend for the former SGF at Saint Davids Cathedral of the Anglican Communion in Akure.

Falae said it was important that he expresses thanks to God for the favour he experienced.

He, however, called the creation of state police to strengthen the security apparatus of the country.

"I have been to hell and back but for the grace of God I would have been dead by now. So the least I can do is to thank God for sparing my life and for returning

community and to my church.

While thanking those who showed concern, Falae said that “ it is at times like this that you know how you stand before people. “ It has been an eye opener for me, nationwide not just here, people have reacted to my kidnap. Nigerian leaders have reacted very sharply against what they did to me. This makes me more humble. It tells me that many people think that I am of some use to them and to this society.

“So I have a duty therefore to continue to do my best to be of use to the community.

His wife Rachel described the period her husband was in the

our wives have been raped, assaulted and even killed by the strangers.” He said many of their wives and ladies that had been raped were either on their way to the market or river to fetch water.

“How would you feel if I mention your wife’s name as one of those that have been raped by the cattle rearers?,” the old man replied in an answer to a question on the need for him to mention names. Olukogun said those who had been raped by the marauders knew themselves.

“Many of our wives , ladies and daughter who have been raped were largely taken to the hospital in Abeokuta, the state capital.”We are losing people as well as being prevented from doing what we know how to do best because of the grazing of our farms by the herdsmen’s cattle. ‘’With the terrible experience of the raping of our daughters and ones, including newly wedded wives, living in our communities is no longer safe, hence, we have deserted the communities in hundreds, praying that the state government would urgently come to our aid. ‘’The worst of the action of the marauders was the raping of many newly wedded wives in our communities and we are bitter about this.”

“In a matter of days, they enter the country through our communities and destroy our farmlands with the indiscriminate grazing of their cattle. We are helpless and that’s why we are appealing to the state government to urgently checkmate them.”

Reacting to the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi said that the Ketu people were only crying wolf where none existed.

While warning the Ketu people not to drag the Police into the matter, he stressed that ‘’the Police could only ensure that there was no breakdown of law

Continues on page 4 kidnappers den as a very difficult moment for her.

She said; “ I am happy, I cannot even express my joy because the more I think about this incident the more terrified I become. It was four days of tension and uncertainty. “ And when you do not know what is happening to your loved one, then you yourself will feel emotional pain while he is feeling both physical and emotional pains. “ So it was a period of sleepless nights, In fact there were times when I wanted to pray but could not. It was just too much for me.

But I thank God because as a Christian, one must expect problems, the Bible tells us that. “ But Jesus has assured us that no problem will overcome us and I still rest on that promise that no problem will ever overcome us once we put our trust in Him .’’

4 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

LAGOS STATE

How Lagos tamed Fulani herdsmen

•Fulani herdsmen

•A Fulani herdsman and his cattle

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

T

HERE have been rising cases of killings and wanton destruction of properties by Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the South West region in recent times.

Lagos State is also located in the southwestern part of Nigeria on the narrow coastal flood plain of Bight of Benin.

The state is bound in the north and east

by Ogun State of Nigeria, in the west by the Republic of Benin, and in the south by the Atlantic Ocean. It has five administrative divisions of Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island and Epe. There was a period when the cases of Fulani herdsmen attacks were on the rise, particularly at the border line between Ogun and Lagos States, at Berger, along Lagos-Ogun Expressway.

Consequently, as part of measures to curtail the development, with the aim of bringing the culprits to book, government of Ogun and Lagos State, under the incumbent Governor Ibikunle Amosun and immediate past Governor Babatunde Fashola, respectively, created a joint police team to arrest the situation.

The then Lagos Police Commissioner, Umar Manko, announced that a new operational order had been released for the Lagos and Ogun Police Commands to constitute joint border patrol teams.

According to Manko, “Already, we have an operational order which we are going to implement very soon, criminals around the border areas of these two states have no choice than to leave.”

He said that the patrol teams would be provided with working tools and a conducive atmosphere to enhance their operations.

“We don’t expect anything less than positive results from the patrol teams,” he added.

Motorists on the Lagos/Ibadan expressway have been exposed to robbery and Fulani herdsmen attacks, at specific areas such as; Sapade, Ogere and the 7km bridge, near Lagos

Some of the incidents that led to the Expressway. security measures are as follows: Iruh’s wife, Christiana, explained, A commercial motorcyclist, popularly “When I got to the Lagos State Emergency called okada rider was stabbed in the Hospital where he was rushed to, I was stomach by two hoodlums suspected to told he was dead. be Fulani herdsmen on the long bridge “I asked the other occupants of the end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. vehicle – two men and a woman – what It was learnt that the victim, Mr. Owolabi happened to my husband and they said Habib, had picked his assailants at Berger, the tyre of the Hilux vehicle he was driving Lagos, who posed as passengers. had a problem. So, he had to stop on the The hoodlums had told him they were bridge to change it. going to New “They said other Kara, Ogun State, motorists going on located around the the road kept The numerous long bridge. warning them that According to a the place was incidents by source within dangerous. So, he suspected herdsmen Habib’s family: “As decided to leave the soon as they got place and change on the long bridge near their the tyre when they and other areas destination and got to a safe spot.”

Owolabi(Habib) But before Iruh elicited pragmatic slowed down, one could leave the measures by the of the men pulled place, two men came out a long knife Police of both out from under the and stabbed him in bridge and states to restore the stomach. immediately shot sanity in the states, “Habib told us him with an arrow. that he abandoned Christiana said, “I especially along his okada and fled was told they Lagos-Ibadan to save himself. immediately But the stab was so pounced on him Expressway deep that his after that and intestine came stabbed him all over out.” his body and face. One of the daggers Habib was later rushed to the Lagos stuck to his back.

State University Teaching Hospital.

“Iru was confirmed dead at LASUTH. A doctor at the centre, who preferred The dagger was also removed at the anonymity said: “The wound he sustained hospital.. The men who attacked him were needed intensive care. That is why he was said to be carrying sticks like Fulani moved to LASUTH.” nomads with bows and arrows in their Also on July 7, 2012, a retired Brigadier- bags.”

General, (retd), Sylvester Iruh, was killed Iruh was the Commander, Army Records, on the bridge by suspected Fulani Lokoja, Kogi State and was at a time herdsmen as he was changing the tyre of appointed Chief Security Officer in the his car. state during Alhaji Idris Ibrahim’s Iruh left Ilorin, Kwara State to return to administration. his family in Akute, Ogun, Lagos border, He retired in 2009 and had his pull-out only to meet his death on the long bridge. ceremony on January 23, 2009.

He was attacked by suspected herdsmen The state Police Public Relations Officer, on the Long Bridge on Lagos-Ibadan then, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi, said, “We are

always patrolling the long bridge because the area is notorious for robberies and attacks.

“Last night, we even arrested five suspected robbers there. When the police got wind of the attack, we did what we were supposed to do and we will continue to pay attention to the area.

“But we have to be careful with saying they are herdsmen until we catch the culprits and are able to ascertain their identity.”

The numerous incidents by suspected herdsmen on the long bridge and other areas elicited pragmatic measures by the police of both states to restore sanity in the states, especially along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The security measures, it was gathered is being supported by efforts of the members of the Oodua Peoples Congress, OPC, and vigilante group by monitoring the area with the aim of arresting any suspected assailant as well as defend themselves and their land from the marauders.

The measure which has been sustained, has practically reduced the spate of attacks in the border areas and within the Lagos metropolis.

The present administration of Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode through the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni had warned criminals to steer clear of the state or be ruthlessly dealt with.

The Police Commissioner while speaking with newsmen enumerated strategies being put in place to prevent armed groups from infiltrating the state.

He said, “It is important that we do not allow any form of armed groups to come into the state before reacting. This is why we have put in place proactive measures such as constant raids on dark spots and criminal hide outs as well as random checks at entry points into the state.”

He however, urged all law abiding citizens to continue to go about their legitimate business without fear of molestation.

How Fulani herdsmen kill, rape Ogun residents, farmers Continues on page 7 and order rather than stopping the Fulani herdsmen from coming into the area.

Meanwhile, a coalition of socio-cultural groups from the area, including Ketu Advancement Front, Ketu South People’s Assembly and Ketu Alliance have alleged that about 21 innocent residents of the area have allegedly been killed by the Fulani herdsmen since 2000.

The representative of the socio-cultural groups, Mr. Lasisi Adewole, said three residents of the area, including Phillip Akanan from Owode-Ketu, Amosu Olofinjin and Akinola Tunde from AgbonOjodu have been killed this year alone by the Fulani herdsmen.

Adewole also lamented that all efforts to ensure that the police, the State Security Service and the state government put in place adequate security measures to protect the people, particularly during dry season when the Fulani herdsmen usually encroached and destroyed their farms by the indiscriminate grazing of their cattle had yielded no fruits.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 5

ONDO STATE

In Oyo, herdsmen believe their animals are utmost

By Ola Ajayi AS a result of the cord of unity that binds all diverse ethnic groups together as an indivisible entity, it is not out of place for anybody from the 44 ethnic groups that make up Nigeria to live anywhere in the country.

But, what happens if visitors now pose a serious threat to security of lives and property of their hosts?

That aptly paints the picture of the frosty relationship between residents of Oyo State especially people from Oke Ogun area and Fulani herdsmen. The constant clashes between the two groups.

The people of Oke Ogun are not complaining about co-habiting with the Fulani herdsmen, but their grudge against them stems from constant and unabated destruction of their farmlands by the cattle of these nomads.

The cold war between the two groups dates back to many years ago. According to a resident of the area, about 20 or 30 people have lost their lives since the problem started. The herdsmen are scattered all over towns and cities like Irawo, Agbonle in Saki East Local Government, Igboho, Igbeti, Iganna, Otu, Eruwa and Igboora. In all these areas, they always have serious problems with them.

He said, “The Fulani herdsmen believe they can kill human beings to protect lives of their animals. Their population is increasing seriously and this is due to some factors. One is that our area is savannah area. They know that their cattle grow bigger here than elsewhere because they have enough grass to eat. Two, we have large expanse of land that is large enough for them.

Another factor is the issue of Boko Haram. There was a time, they even pleaded with our traditional rulers here to allow their people to come down and live here because of the problem of Boko Haram in the North.

On market days, if you see them, they almost outnumber the indigenes.

Most of these people come

•Gov Ajimobi

from Niger Republic because of its proximity to Saki.”

A lawyer in the area, Mr. Adeola Fehintola told Vanguard that the issue is a very herculean task for people in the area adding that they don’t sleep with their eyes closed any more.

According to him, indigenes especially farmers in Oke Ogun always have their hectares of farmlands destroyed by the voracious cattle that the Fulani men graze.

When asked if there had been any improvement on the incident, he said, “it is even getting worse by the day and the recent kidnap of the former Secretary to the Federal Government and former Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falae has further heightened the fears of our people. They say if ‘fire can consume a tortoise with iron coat, what will it not do to the flesh of a frog’ meaning if somebody like Chief Falae could be kidnapped, people of low estate are not safe”.

“Recently, there was a farmer whose hectares of farmland where he planted maize were completely destroyed. When I asked him to let us take up the matter, he simply said I should not bother just because he was afraid they(Fulani) could kill him.

He is just one of the

farmers that suffer in silence here in Oke Ogun”.

He said what baffles him was a response of one of the cattle rearers who said their animals too have a fundamental right to eat and what will they feed on if not grass?

He further explained that

The Fulani herdsmen believe they can kill human beings to protect lives of their animals. Their population is increasing seriously and this is due to some factors what the herdsmen do now is to pay for damages whenever their animals encroach upon any farmland but the compensation is never commensurate with the crops they destroy.

“For instance, if their cows destroyed crops worth N100,000 they offer you between N40, 000 and N60,000. Who will pay for the rest. That is the issue here. There have been several attacks on farmers

and most of the physical attacks are unreported”.

Apart from destroying farmlands, most of these herdsmen are dare-devil robbers who don’t have any respect for sanctity of human life. In the past, the state police command had paraded them as robbery suspects and most the attacks would claim casualty.

Recently, the Chairman, Arewa Chiefs in southern Nigeria and the Seriki Hausa in Shasha, Oyo State, Alhaji Haruna Katsina advised that both groups should value peaceful coexistence.

The Hausa leader urged the Fulani herdsmen to maintain peace, respect their neighbors, and respect law and government to engender peace in the state.

Katsina said observing the laws of the land and respect for the host community will prevent conflict from escalating to violence saying the region will not allow the terrible condition being witnessed in the north to rear its head in southern Nigeria.

Alhaji Katsina stated this while meeting with the leaders of the Fulani in the 17 southern states of the country held at his palace in Ibadan.

The Seriki in Shasha is the Chairman of the Arewa Chiefs across the 17 southern states of the

country. He called on the Fulani/ Bororo herdsmen to maintain peace, obey the government and hold peaceful meetings occasionally and settle their differences with farmers in the state.

Early this month, the state House of Assembly constituted a committee that is saddled with the responsibility of ensuring peaceful existence between the herdsmen and their host. The committee is headed by the majority leader of the legislative arm, Mr. Kehinde Subair.

The Speaker, Michael Adeyemo called on all feuding parties and other stakeholders to appear before the House so as to find lasting solutions to the recurring problem.

Among those the House summoned are the Permanent Secretary and Director, Livestock, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Commissioner of Police, the Chairman and Secretary, Fulani/Bororo Cattle Breeders Association.

Others are the head, Oyo State Farmers Association and the head, Oke-Ogun Farmers Association.

Mr. Gabriel Kehinde, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, said the only antidote to the problem was the creation of grazing reserve for the nomads.

Also, Mr. Solomon Odedeji, the Chairman, All Farmers’ Association of Nigeria(AFAN), Oyo State Chapter also urged the legislative arm to warn traditional heads, who allegedly connived with the herdsmen after collecting money from them.

In his own contribution, Alhaji Yakubu Bello, the Chairman, Miyetta Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria(MACBAN), Oyo State Chapter said complained that some farmers in the state often spray their farmlands and crops with poisonous substances which often results to the death of many of their livestock, adding that the grazing reserve at Ayete and Igangan areas of the state were not accessible because the community had ploughed the land and chased them away.

Mr. Joshua Oyebamiji who represents Akinyele 1, called on all stakeholders to consult agriculturists on how best to provide alternative means of feeding the cattle.

The Speaker then called on traditional chiefs and the security agencies to be more vigilant and discharge their duties as expected of them.

6 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

ONDO STATE

Afenifere spits fire over cattle rearing in S-West

By Dayo Johnson

A

FENIFERE, a PanYoruba Socio Political group rose from an emergency meeting in Akure, the Ondo state capital and called for the stoppage of cattle rearing activities in South West states following the menace of Fulani herdsmen.

The group said that the activities of the herdsmen in the states have endangered the lives of the people.

Spokesman of the group, Yinka Odumakin said that their activities should be stopped in every space of Yoruba land just as he called for the arrest of those who abducted a Chieftain of the group, Chief Olu Falae.

Odumakin declared that; “ In the event this call is not heeded then our people may resort to self help to protect themselves.’’

The meeting lasted for over six hours and it was chaired by Afenifere’s National Chairman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti at his country home in Akure.

The group described the attack and abduction of one of its leaders who was the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Chief Olu Falae as an insult to the race.

A communique read by Odumakin said: “We demand that nomadic cattle rearing should be stopped in ever y state of Yoruba land.

“We believe now that after what has happened to Chief Falae, people would not tolerate such thing in any part of Yoruba land .

“So while we await the arrest of the criminals, the cattle rearing should be stopped in Yoruba land.

“Yoruba people go to any part of the country to trade, no history or record of such anywhere that the Yorubas destroy the business of their hosts. What we cannot do to others, nobody should do it to us."

Odumakin said that the meeting” decried insecurity in the country as relate to the unrelenting blood letting by the terrorist Boko Haram and the wave of unchecked kidnapping going on in the country.

“A special focus was beamed on the recent abduction of one of our revered leaders in Afenifere,Chief Olu Falae, also a former secretary to

•Fasoranti: Afenifere leader the government of the federation and Yoruba people go to any former presidential part of the country to trade, candidate,while on his farm. no history or record of such “We describe this anywhere that the Yorubas as scandalous and destroy the business of chilling regarding the harrowing their host. What we cannot experience of the 77 do to others, nobody year old man in the hands of should do it to us vandals,miscreants.

“The meeting did two months earlier when not consider it as a mere they entered his farmland coincidence that chief Olu and destroyed it and chief Falae for two to three years Falae pursued the matter has been having running with the Police and battles with the Fulani grudgingly accepted half of herdsmen on the very farm what the police said they before he was abducted. should pay as “Last of such was about

compensation.

“The Fulani elements coming to abduct him two months later, is presumably a vengeance mission for justice that he pursued against the invasion of his farm and the destruction of his hand work.

“The meeting recalled that for years, farmers in Yoruba land have been complaining about what Chief Falae was going through in the hands of these nomadic cattle rearers.

“You will recall that in year 2000 in Oke Ogun area of Oyo State, the

Fulani herdsmen and farmers had a major clash which led a strong delegation from Arewa consultative forum to storm the office of the then Governor Lam Adesina in a rowdy and angry manner on behalf of Fulani .

“The meeting also noted that the 2014 national conference in which Chief Falae led the Yoruba delegation ,extensively discussed this matter of nomadic cattle rearing and the conference resolved that it should be stopped and instead they should have ranches for cattle business.

“We condemned the abduction of Chief Olu Falae and his gruesome experience as shameful, insensitive and a violent violation of Yoruba culture, values and space.

“It is a total disrespect to us as a people and an insult that such a high prominent Yoruba person who almost became the President of this country, who is a traditional ruler in the community could be abducted by the vandals who have been busy destroying people’s farms robbing people and rapping women.

“We therefore demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the abductors of Chief Olu Falae.

“Chief Falae sustained deep cut on his hand from these Fulani herdsmen,those cuts are on Chief Falae’s hand, they are deep cuts on the soul of Nigerians and the cut would not heal until justice is done, until these Fulani herdsmen are arrested and prosecuted, the wounds will not heal.

Odumakin said the group thanked” all those groups and individuals who raised their voices against this barbaric act of the abducting Chief Olu Falae.

According to him: “We are not unmindful of some silence, but the voices of those who spoke for solidarity and boldness with which they have spoken out on this barbarity.

Leaders at the meeting include secretary of the group Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, former Education Commissioner in the state Chief Korede Duyile, former Police Affairs Minister Jelili Adesiyan and other politicians from across the country.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 7

OGUN STATE

•Policemen ready to combat crime

FRIGHTENING STATISTICS:

S-West is Nigeria’s kidnap capital — REPORT “A RESULT of a recent survey it conducted shows that you are more likely to be abducted in the South West than any other region in Nigeria.”

Contrary to the perception that kidnapping is more prevalent in the South East and South South geopolitical zones, a recent survey shows that people are more likely to be kidnapped in the South West than any other region in Nigeria.

The 2013 National Crime Victimisation and Safety Survey conducted by CLEEN Foundation with support from the United States based Macarthur Foundation shows that the South West has the highest incidents of kidnapping with 5 per cent of the respondents from the region saying they have either been kidnapped or attempts have been made to kidnap them.

The South South and the South East closely follows with a 4 per cent kidnap rate. The region with the lowest rate of kidnapping is the North Central region with 2 per cent.

Rape and Attempted

Rape (58 per cent) and Anambra with 43 per cent closely With a 10 per cent incident (50 per cent). The cases of followed by Akwa-Ibom 42 of rape or attempted rape, physical assault in Abuja per cent and Cross River 39 the South South region is rose from 15 per cent last per cent. Jigawa and Kano the rape capital of the year to 24 per cent. However States recorded the lowest country followed by the cases of physical assault cases of robbery with 5 and 3 North East (6 per cent) and dropped drastically in Niger per cents respectively. the South West and State from 68 per North West (4 per cent cent in 2012 to 6 per each). The South East cent this year. Also The South West has the is the region with the physical assault lowest propensity for dropped from 23 per highest incidents of rape with just 1 per cent in 2012 to 8 per kidnapping with 5 per cent cent. cent this year in The survey also Jigawa State. of the respondent from the shows that the national Meantime, an region saying they have incidence of rape Akure Magistrates’ almost doubled from 3 either been kidnapped or Court recently per cent in 2011 to 5 remanded a 25-yearattempts have been made per cent in 2013. Most old man, Taiwo of the respondents who to kidnap them Ebenezer, in prison claimed to have been for allegedly raped said they were kidnapping a 21raped in and around their year-old, Olayemi Olatunji.

The survey shows that homes. Thirty-three per cent The Chief Magistrate, Mr more needs to be done about said they were raped nearest Sunday Adedapo, who security in and around to their homes; 19 per cent handed down the verdict, homes as 63 per cent of were raped in their homes said Ebenezer should be respondents said robberies while 13 per cent of cases of kept behind bars at Olokuta occurred in homes or near to rape occurred in schools or Prisons in Akure pending home. places of work. advice from the State Physical Assaults Director of Public South East states recorded Robberies Prosecutions (DPP). the highest rate of physical The survey shows that According to reports, the assaults, the report showed. cases of robbery rose 1 per court did not take the plea of Enugu State had the highest cent from last year the accused in spite of efforts cases of assault with 84 per nationally. Kaduna recorded by his counsel, Mr Ademola cent, closely followed by the highest cases of robbery Abemkemo to secure bail for Ebonyi (77 per cent) Rivers

him.

The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a two count charge of conspiracy and kidnapping.

The prosecutor, ASP Pelumi Adejuwon, had earlier told the court that the accused with others still at large, kidnapped Olatunji.

Adejuwon said the accused and his accomplices were armed with a gun, cutlasses and some other dangerous weapons when they committed the offences.

According to him, the accused committed the offences on May 7 between 8.00 a.m. and 6. 00 p.m. at Ayeyemi Street, Ondo.

He said the kidnap was, however, foiled when the victim raised an alarm which attracted passers-by who apprehended the accused.

The offences, Adejuwon said, contravened Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The offences also violated Section 3(1) of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and AntiAbduction Law of Ondo State, 2010.

The case was adjourned till June 22 for mention.

8 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

OGUN STATE THE length and breadth of IjebuOde became agog last Saturday, September 26, 2015 when dignitaries from all walks of life thronged the town in their numbers to celebrate the annual Ojude Oba Festival.

Ojude-Oba, fast becoming Nigeria’s most attended festival, is annually hosted by the paramount ruler of Ijebu land, His Royal Majesty, the Awujale of the Ijebu Kingdom, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona.

The event which took place at the arcade ground opposite the Oba’s palace, was filled with traditional dancers, cultural displays and colourful attires of participants.

Expectedly, all the groups

otherwise known as regberegbes and families moved round the venue acknowledging cheers from the people and later mounted the podium to pay homage to Oba Adetona.

Prominent Nigerians who graced the festival include the Ogun state governor, Ibikunle Amosun who was represented by his deputy, Yetunde Onanuga, Bayelsa state governor, Seriake Dickson, former Ogun state governor, Gbenga Daniel, former Bayelsa state governor, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, Elder states man, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, former senators, Gbenga Kaka, Olurunimbe Mamora, Musician, Queen Salawa Abeni, Billionaires Oskar Ibru, Olorogun Dr. Sunny Kuku, who is an indigene of Ijebu land and Otunba Subomi Balogun.

•Men group at the 2015 Ojude Oba.

: A B O E D U J O

e r u t l u c n e Wh e g a t s e r t n took ce

•Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona being paid homage to during this year's Ojude Oba.

THE TEAM EDITOR: Adeleke Adeseri 08054682557 (sms only)

•Women's group at the 2015 Ojude Oba.

•Men group at the 2015 Ojude Oba.

CORRESPONDENTS: Ola Ajayi Gbenga Olarinoye Dayo Johnson Dapo Akinrefon Daud Olatunji Olasunkanmi Akoni Monsuru Olowoepejo

Ibadan Osogbo Akure Lagos Abeokuta Lagos

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—33

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—35

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36—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

HEART HEALTH: Shun unhealthy lifestyle, Nigerians urged

By Chioma Obinna

Nigerians on the need to monitor their blood pressure regularly and make right food choices.

She appealed to the Federal Government to pay more attention to public hospitals as many Nigerians cannot afford to pay for basic health checks.

Every year, the World Health Federation, WHF and the World Health Organisations, WHO, mark the World Health Day on 29 September to draw attention to the need for people across the globe to take part in the world’s biggest intervention against cardiovascular disease, CVD. This year focuses on creating healthy heart environments by ensuring that everyone has the chance to make healthy heart choices wherever they live, work and play.

The day also encourages us all to reduce our cardiovascular risk, and promotes a heart-healthy planet for those around us.

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S Nigerians Tuesday joined the rest of the world to mark this year’s World Heart Day, with the theme: “Healthy Heart Choices for Everyone, Everywhere”, Nigerians have been urged to shun an unhealthy lifestyle.

Making the call yesterday at a free health screening exercise in Lagos to mark this year’s World Heart Day in Lagos, experts who gathered at the 8th Chike Okoli Week organised by Chike Okoli Foundation with support from Dangote Foundation, World Heart Federation, Nigerian Heart Foundation, NHF and Daily-Need urged Nigerians to surround themselves with healthy food options.

According to them, healthy environment can prevent cardiovascular disease which has become the World’s number one killer but despite the growing incidences of sudden deaths, many Nigerians have failed to recognise the need to pay attention to their health.

Programme Coordinator, Mrs. Beauty Alfred while addressing traders at the popular Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos said the environment where we live, work and play can have a huge effect on our ability to make the right choices for heart health, especially in increasingly urbanised environments that have changed our lifestyles and diets.

Alfred who noted that majority of the 6 million people reached by Chike Okoli Foundation in the course of the free screening exercise in the last 10 years have High Blood Pressure, HBP, said people should cut down on packaged foods, as they are often rich in sugar, salt and fat.

“Make fruits and vegetable consumption your new best friend, swap sweet treats

FREE HEALTH SCREENING: Health officials from Chike Okoli Foundation at a free health screening exercise organised by the Foundation in collaboration with Dangote Foundation, Daily-Need, Nigeria Heart Foundation and the World Heart Federation, for traders at the Computer Village in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. for mango or other fruits. Prepare healthy school or work lunches at home.” He further stressed the need for people to act as reports have shown that by 2030 tobacco – related deaths will increase to more than 8 million deaths a year. She said about 80 percent of premature deaths are preventable through healthy diet, regular physical activity and avoiding tobacco.

Alfred said the 8th Chike Okoli Week is

targeting about 10,000 people for free health screening this week.

The Week was initiated in memory of late Chike Okoli who died at the age of 25 years due to undetected coronary disease.

Alfred stated that, the Foundation was set up to prevent Nigerian youths from suffering from late Chike’s fate by reaching them with the save-your-heart message.

The Foundation creates awareness among

LUTH explains why cancer machine is down ...faults call for CMD’s removal

By Chioma Obinna & Gabriel Olawale

T

HE Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, has explained why its cancer machine (Linear accelerator) has not been functioning in the last two months, blaming it on technical faults.

Meanwhile, the hospital has faulted the recent call for the removal of the Hospital’s Chief Medical Director, CMD, Prof. Chris Bode from office by the Lagos State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA querying the legality of such call.

Addressing a press conference in Lagos, alongside top LUTH Management Officers in Lagos, the Chief Medical Director disclosed that not less than N18 million is required to fix the problem.

Bode who also explained that money was not the reason why the machine has remained unrepaired, said the work on the machine was stalled due to lack of local expertise and the materials needed for the repairs.

“The machine broke down two months ago when the iron pump failed and it is not about money because we want it to be repaired like yesterday. It will cost us N18 million to repair, as we speak we are holding onto the money. When the company will import what they need we will give them the money.

“Infact, there is plan now to engage another private investor to put the second C M Y K

linear accelerator in operation because of the enormity of the number of people that require it.

“We have the money is just for us to release it to them but we must follow government guideline,” he explained.

Reacting to the call for his removal,the Chief Medical Director alleged orchestrated efforts by the Lagos State NMA to forment trouble.

Bode who said LUTH only functioned for six months in the last one year due to incessant strikes, warned resident doctors who are not ready to be trained to stay away from the hospital.

LUTH only functioned for six months in the last one year due to incessant strikes; resident doctors who are not ready to be trained should to stay away from the hospital

Further, he alleged that the hospital is being persecuted because it did not join the last strike called by the National Association of Resident Doctors.

“LUTH remained open and worked throughout the last six -week strike period in July /August because gallant consultants, residents, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, lab workers, etc kept the hospital open.

“We stopped the salaries of those on strike. We all, for once, decided that uninterrupted services should be available for Nigerians if you do not wish to train, stay away. Services are paramount and should be given whether or not training takes place. We also stopped the salaries of striking workers as we considered it fraudulent for anyone to continue receiving taxpayers’ money while denying the same taxpayers their entitled essential medical services in our hospital.”

On allegation of over age, he explained that the post of CMD is appointed by the President for tenure, adding that the current LUTH CMD is an academic staff of UNILAG and is only on leave of absence to take up the political appointment.

He said an academic professor cannot be retired because an association says so and that LUTH does not report to NMA. “The retiring age of academic staff of the University was formerly 65 but was later amended in 2012 to 70 years for full professors.

‘Dedicate polio feat to slain health workers’

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S Nigeria celebrates removal of the country from the list of polio endemic countries, the Federal Government has been urged to dedicate the global feat to the memories of all the health workers, particularly the vaccination health workers who were gruesomely murdered in the course of vaccinating children.

Making the call in a telephone chat with Vanguard, Vice President, Commonwealth Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele maintained that all the slain polio vaccinators remain Nigeria’s heroes in her war against polio, and therefore deserve to be immortalised.

Enabulale also called on the government and its implementing agency, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, NPHCDA, not to rest on their oars, but to make improved efforts in the current polio campaign.

There is need for the country to consolidate on the present gains through sustained and focused political commitment to the health sector and the polio campaign.

“Sincere and sustained improvement in the Public health system, particularly Nigeria’s weak Primary Healthcare System, expeditious implementation of the National Health Act, provision of better security cover for healthcare workers in all public health facilities in Nigeria, as well as sustained commitment of all stakeholders, including Professional Associations in the health sector, among others is one sure way Nigeria can permanently consign the disabling disease of polio to the dustbin of history.

“This feat which has been achieved despite the numerous challenges which has befuddled Nigeria’s health sector and her polio campaign, is a manifestation of the top level political commitment to the polio campaign by the government, particularly the immediate past government and the resilience and commitment of health care workers despite recurring threats to their lives.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOMBER 2 , 2015—37

Relocate, Delta warns residents of coastal communities •Plans 3 new schools

FLOOD:

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By Festus Ahon

SABA—DELTA State Government, has, warned residents in coastal areas of the state, to relocate as soon as possible, to avoid being submerged or trapped by the impending flood.

Handing down the warning while briefing newsmen after the weekly State Executive Council, SEC, meeting of the state, Commissioners for Information, Mr. Patrick Ukah; for Works, Chief James Augoye ,and his Basic and Secondary Education counterpart, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, said as part of effort towards tackling the flood, the government had set up a highpowered committee with the state Deputy Governor, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, as Chairman.

He said though an awareness campaign was going on in different riverine communities, sensitizing them on the urgent need to relocate to safe areas, the committee was necessary to reduce the effects of the impending disaster.

Ukah held that Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration, was not leaving any stone unturned to safeguard the lives and properties of Deltans, and said the committee was to ensure that appropriate measures were applied to educate and protect the people.

On his part, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Ebie, disclosed that at the meeting, presided over by Governor Okowa, approval was given for the establishment of three new secondary schools in Asaba, Ughelli and Agbor, to address the problem of rising population in public schools as a result of the handover of some schools to the missionaries.

Ebie explained that due to the current financial crunch, existing structures would be used for the

new schools and said the intention of Government was to maintain the universally accepted students to teachers’ ratio.

Saying that teachers would be deployed to the new schools, he said the Post Primary Education Board, PPEB, had more than 14, 000 teachers in its payroll.

He said: “Despite the financial situation of the economy, the EXCO looked at the need to ensure that our children get the best in education, so, the new schools will reduce the crowding being

witnessed in some of the schools and we are doing it with little or no cost because we are using existing structures”.

Commissioner for Works, Mr Augoye, said government had directed the State Direct Labour Agency, DLA, to embark on palliative measures to make the roads motorable, while waiting for the dry season to comment to stop.

He said: “We are going to embark on massive construction of roads, we are just waiting for the rain to stop.”

MEETING: From left—Professor Jerry Gana, Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, and former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, at Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders' meeting in Abuja.

Councillors sack Udu LG boss, freeze account

By Amarachi Chukwudi

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ARRI—THE Chairman of Udu Local Government Area, in Delta State, Solomon Kpoma, was Wednesday, impeached by the legislative council, while the local government account was also ordered frozen.

Motion for the chairman’s impeachment was moved by Henry Igbine, Councillor representing Ward 20, Aladja, and supported by Duke Efegbere, Councillor representing Ward 8, Owhase, and signed by 16 out of the 17 Councillors that attended the sitting.

According to the councillors, the

Chairman was impeached for refusing to furnish the legislative house with income and expenditure of the council since his assumption in office over alleged misappropriation of public funds and misinforming the public through showcasing of non-existent projects and high-

handedness.

Another motion was also moved

by Henry Egbine, and seconded

by Benjamin Sharta, and signed by 16 councillors that all accounts of Udu Local Government Area be frozen till further notice.

Speaking after the sitting, Chairman, House Committee on

Finance and Appropriation, Benjamin Sharta, said a copy of the impeachment notice and letter ordering the Udu Local Government Area account frozen had been sent to the appropriate quarters for implementation.

GBOR—NATIONAL Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, Ika South chapter, Delta State, has called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, of the state and security agencies, to investigate activities of two former leaders of the union, bent on inflicting mayhem on innocent citizens in the local government.

The union in a statement, said the government and the security agencies should act fast with

C M Y K

By Tare Youdewei

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ARRI—THE Delta State governorship candidate of Mega People Progressive Party, MPPP, in 2011 governorship election, Chief Afro Biukeme, has faulted those claiming that the trial of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki is a witchhunt.

Speaking in Warri, he argued that it was left for Saraki to clear himself of the allegations levelled against him, even as he advised President Muhammadu Buhari, to face the business of governance, focusing on electricity and other infrastructural development instead of concentrating on probe of past governments.

According to him, “the way the judicial system operates today will delay recovery of money looted from our treasury. I will prefer a situation where the president starts providing dividends of democracy to the people instead of embarking on probe mission which might end up wasting a lot of his time.”

Biukeme, who commended President Buhari, over his effort in ensuring Ogoni spill cleanup, noted that he was optimistic that the President would do more in developing Niger Delta region due to its strategic economic importance to the country.

He, however, urged President Buhari to grow the economy “as everything is stagnant now and no money everywhere."

Delta govt wades into Itsekiri youths, Chevron dispute

A

By Festus Ahon

SABA—DELTA State Government, has wadded into the dispute between Itsekiri youths on the aegis of Itsekiri Interest Initiative, III, and

Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, forcing the youths to relax the three weeks ultimatum to CNL. The youths had two weeks ago handed down the ultimatumto the company over what they described as gross negligence of

the Ugborode people.

Speaking after a closed door meeting with the Special Adviser to the State Governor on Niger Delta Affairs, Prince Kelly Penawou, Chairman of the group, Austin Leleji, alleged

Ika South NURTW wants 2 former leaders probed

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Saraki's trial, not witch hunt —BIUKEME

view to ensuring that peace and security prevail in the area, blaming crisis rocking the union, on the activities of the two past leaders of the union (names withheld), bent on causing mayhem for personal interests.

The union alleged in a three page statement by its Branch A and Branch B Chairmen, Eddy Ofuani and Charles Agboje, respectively that the two past chairmen of the union caused suspected cultists from

neigbhouring towns, to invade motor parks in the local government and unleashed mayhem on members of the union in a desperate bid to unseat the present executive.

While pledging support to the administration of Governor Okowa in the state, the union called on relevant authorities to investigate the matter with a view to ensuring that peace and security prevailed in the area.

The union described as false,

malicious, selfish and unfounded the claim by the past leaders that the current leadership of the union never supported the emergence of the present state government, saying, “the union did its best to ensure that movement during the period of the campaign was facilitated. The union under the leadership of Eddy Ofuani, AlexOruehandCharlesAgbojeisvery peaceful and no act of violence had been recorded since the present leadership took its oath of office."

that Chevron had messed up their community.

Leleji said the Ugborode community had nothing to show for the oil exploration activities in the area.

While wondering whether CNL was a blessing or a curse to the community, he claimed the oil company was reneging on the agreement it entered with the community.

He said government had pleaded with them to hold on till the end of October 2015, to address the issues raised with the management of Chevron.

On his part, Penawou thanked the group for honouring the invitation and listening to government, adding that government would also invite CNL with a view to resolving the issues.

38—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Imo youths use farming implements to repair roads

Obiano grants amnesty to 25 inmates, gives each N1m

By Enyim Enyim

By Chinonso Alozie

O

N I T S H A — GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra State, yesterday, granted amnesty to 25 inmates drawn from Awka, Onitsha and

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IRED OF waiting for the Imo State government to give them motorable roads, the youths in the state now use hoes, shovels, cutlasses and other farming tools to make their roads passable.

One of such incidents, was the filling of sand on the Umuchima Road in Uratta, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, where the youths of the area had decided to make their road, at least, motorable.

Expressing their views on the neglected road, they pointed out that it was manageable until the government began construction on it and later abandoned it, which, they said, resulted in its bad state, and that since before 2014 nothing significant had been done on the road.

Aguata prisons in the state, just as he announced that government had approved N1 million for each to rehabilitate them.

Those from Awka prisons are Obumneme Okafor, Chibike Nwogwu, Daniel Philemon,

Ude Chidiebere, and Innocent Okeke who was sentenced to death, but was commuted to life imprisonment.

In Aguata, the six inmates who benefited from the gesture included Chinedu

Gov Umahi to demolish identified kidnappers' den within 24 hours

By Peter Okutu

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BAKALIKI— GOVERNOR Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State, yesterday, stated that any uncompleted building discovered to be the hide-out of kidnappers would be demolished by the state government within 24 hours.

The governor, who stated this on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Nigerian Independence and 19th anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State, urged owners of uncompleted buildings to

mount security surveillance on them, so as to curtail the heinous activities of kidnappers in the state.

Umahi, who regretted the rising trend of kidnapping in the country, vowed to sign the death sentence of any suspected kidnappers found culpable of the crime.

On Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, the governor stressed that the state government would not tolerate any act of fraudulent practices by revenue collectors as anybody caught engaging in illegal collection of revenues

would soon face jail term.

He further announced the state government would soon commence the construction of befitting houses for widows in the 171 wards across the state.

“The distinctive features of our approach to transformation, therefore, is to bring to our people modern features of development, establish conditions that will allow equity of opportunities, robust, moral and a spiritual strength, and genuine sense of brotherhood to thrive.”

Onyebuchi, Okwudili Offor, Emmanuel Enemchukwu, Nwafor Reuben, Camilus Ikensor and Cyril Ogufuba. The list of the 14 inmates from Onitsha prison was not made available as at press time.

Speaking on the occasion, the governor also said government would give them training in the state vocational skill acquisition centre after which they would be given N1m as a life-line to enable them to be self-employed and contribute meaningfully to the society.

He charged them to be of good behaviour and join hands with government in their little way to move the state forward.

The Attorney General of the state, Mr. Chude Nnadi, while speaking earlier, said the inmates were qualified for the amnesty because some of them had only three months left in prison.

The Comptroller of Prisons in the state assured the governor that the inmates had been transformed properly and would not relapse into the crime that took them to the prisons.

NCS to FG: Appoint seasoned IT professional to head CT ministry

By Emeka Aginam TO MAXIMIZE and deepen the benefits of electronic governance and digital transformation in Nigeria, the President of the Nigerian Computer Soceity, NCS, Prof.

Adesola Aderounmu has urged the Federal Government of Nigeria to consider the appointment of seasoned IT professionals to head the Ministry of Communication Technology and other IT agencies in the country.

Professionalism in governance Aderounmu, who stated this in Abuja recently during a courtesy

visit to Engr. Babachir Lawal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, said that the CT ministry, with other IT agencies in Nigeria, if well managed, can resolve Nigeria's job crises and further create wealth for the nation similar to the IT revolution going on in India.

Pre-qualification requirements for IT projects According to him, the government should as a matter of urgency direct the Bureau of Public Procurement, BPP, to amend the pre-qualification requirements for IT projects to include evidence of registration

with Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, CPN, and the Nigerian Computer Society, NCS, in addition to the newly introduced pre-qualification requirements such as evidence of registration with National Pension Commission, PENCOM, and evidence of remittance of funds to Industrial Training Fund, ITF. IT professionals in MDAs For a digital Nigeria, he said that the present administration should mandate MDAs to appoint IT professionals as directors of IT, as well as direct all MDAs to establish IT career structure if not yet in place.

To avoid quackery in the IT profession, he advised the government to implement the use of CPN registration as a condition to employ IT professional staff in MDAs to level 10 as approved and gazetted by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

indigenous software and hardware.

While calling for the establishment of IT parks using public-private-partnership models, he noted that the establishment of digital centres in all the 774 local government areas in collaboration with the state governments was imperative.

IT penetration To further deepen IT penetration in the group, the NCS President also called for the urgent push for comprehensive broadband access all over the country as well as implementation and monitoring of local content policy to encourage MDAs to patronize

Security On use of IT to tackle insecurity, NCS President said: “We call for urgent deployment of IT to tackle Boko Haram and terrorism in Nigeria, assuring that NCS was ready to provide solutions using IT to solve the problem, and collaborating with stakeholders for full implementation of Cybercrime Act.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

On Nigeria @ 55yrs

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inner will run when no one pursues him, but the faithful will be as bold as a lion. PMB is sent by God. I pray that God Almighty will grant him longer life with good health to accomplish greater things for Nigeria at age 55. -Mr. Kayode Oyedeji, Worker C M Y K

A

s Nigeria clocks 55years old, Buhari is going to be a hero. His name will go down in history as a man who stood for transparency and fought to eradicate corruption against all odds.

-Miss Wunmi Taiwo, Self Employed

B

efore good things can be put in place, there must be a sacrifice. And sacrifice could be of freedom, sacrifice of peace, and sacrifice of brotherhood. Let all Nigerians live together in peace. Mr. Christian Udoka, Contractor

S

ome Nigerians are making huge sacrifices to make the country better, but the ones demanding the contrary are terribly bad examples. Which way Nigeria?

Well, it is definitely heading somewhere. -Mrs. Miligu Osayimwen, Businesswoman

W

e should not be thinking about how corruption has damaged our nation, we should be thinking of how to eradicate from our country the monster called corruption. Nigeria is one of the brightest nations in the World. -Mr. Dado Santos Jay, Student

M

ost Nigerians are already corrupt because they follow their leaders. Churches that should preach against corruption and ill-gotten money and imbibe discipline to the youths also love corruption. May God help Nigeria! -Miss Chioma Ani, Model

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 39

BOKO HARAM: IDPs beg to be recruited into military ...As NUPENG laments poor condition of Abuja IDP camp

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—IN a move that appears to be vengeful, some of the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, from Borno State have pleaded with the Federal Government to recruit them into the military to help fight the Boko Haram terrorists as well as help in the protection of the country.

This came as the leadership of National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, led by its President, Comrade Igwe Achese, has lamented the poor condition of the IDPs camp in Abuja and called on the government to make the place conducive for the inmates of the camp.

12-year-old Matthew Ayuba, who is a primary three pupil in the school at the camp, said he hoped to join the Nigerian army to help fight the insurgency and also defend the country.

Ayuba, who was passionate on joining the military, said he and his fellow inmates in the camps would make the difference if they were given the opportunity to join the military.

Speaking while on a visit to the IDPS camp in Abuja where he made donations of food items, blankets, toiletries worth over one million Naira and another cash

donation of N1 million for the upkeep of the 1450 inmates and the education of some of them expressed disappointment over the porous security situation and lack of facilities in the camp.

Comrade Achese said: “We came to express our love and to show our concern to the IDPs who were displaced internally in their home communities and their country Nigeria because of the the insurgency that we are facing today.

“The situation is painful and shocking that for the past four years we have been fighting this

issue of insurgency and bringing people out of their communities to safeguard them.

“You are also putting them in a very hostile environment where anything can happen to them at any time, you can imagine where the school children are learning, they are learning in an open atmosphere that if it rains today, it will be difficult for these children to sit down to learn and read their books.

“We are calling on government, this is least expected of our country which

is the biggest country in Africa and the sixth largest producer of Argo-carbon and has what it takes in terms of the natural gas to make this environment conducive for these displaced citizens.

“It is so sad that there is no light, there is no security, we are talking about the insecurity we have today in North east and North west and here the IDPs are not secured.”

The inmates, who were full of jubilation for the gesture by NUPENG, lamented that the condition they had found themselves was pathetic. , adding that some of the children VISIT: From left: Abolaji Omotayo, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Peker Victor and Adeyemi Sikiru, gold medalists from Kwara State at the Commonwealth Youth Athletics Games in Samoa during a courtesy visit to Government House, Ilorin.

E-PAYMENT: 8,000 ghost workers discovered in Benue

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI—OVER 8,000 ghost workers have been discovered on the payroll of the 23 local government councils of Benue

State in the ongoing e-payment of local government staff.

The state also saved over N400million of local funds from going into private pockets during the payment of the August salaries

Ogbeha drums support for Wada

By Kingsley Fanwo

L

OKOJA—A former twoterm Senator and Kogi West leader, Senator Tunde Ogbeha has hailed the administration of Governor Idris Wada for ensuring development in the state.

In an exclusive chat with Vanguard in Lokoja yesterday, Ogbeha said the governor performed well but refused to play the politics of performance.

He said: “With the resources at his disposal, Capt. Idris Wada has performed creditably. At times I wonder how he was able to execute all the projects he has executed as well as repay some of the loans owed by the state.

“The only thing the governor failed to do was play the politics of performance. Nigeria is not a place where you execute projects and keep quiet. You need to make noise about what you have done.

Nobody will do it for you.

“The various empowerment programs executed by this government are enough to silence the opposition. With the right environment and partnership, this C M Y K

government have attracted a lot of foreign investments into the state. The administration has done well in the agricultural sector as well as the development of solid minerals which has created thousands of jobs.

“I saw some of the works done in our tertiary institutions and some secondary schools and I marvelled at the unpatriotic spirit of those still condemning the governor today.''

of the workers.

Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Titus Zam, made this known yesterday in a stateowned radio station news programme monitored in Makurdi, the state capital.

He said: “The e-payment of local government staff has exposed the fraud being perpetrated at the local government level where even former staff of some of the councils were still drawing monthly salaries.

“The point is that the fraud and sharp practices being perpetrated at the councils was what shot up the monthly wage bill to N1.8billion and staff strength of 27,000 which is

certainly unacceptable.

“With the e-payment system, we have been able to check the fraud and the staff strength has so far dropped to 19,000 and we believe that the figure will go down further at the end of the verification exercise being carried out by the committee set up by the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.”

Zam insisted that all employments made into the councils from 2013 were illegal and unsustainable, adding that all those involved would be relieved of their appointment.

“I have been receiving threat messages over our decision to reposition the councils, and the truth is that I cannot be intimidated by such threat messages,” he said.

Power Oil advocates healthy living, organises ‘heart walk'

A

S part of efforts geared towards enlightening and encouraging Nigerians on the need to maintain a healthy heart as well as adopt a healthy lifestyle, Power Oil, Nigeria’s most heart-friendly family cooking oil brand recently organised a walk event tagged ‘Power-Oil-walk-Heart-On’.

The event attracted a large number of participants and also afforded them the opportunity to have free medical check-ups.

The walk was preceded by an aerobics session, after which participants walked from the National Stadium Surlere, through Costain and back to the National Stadium.

The walk became necessary to sensitize Nigerians on the need to maintain a healthy heart and engage in physical exercises regularly.

Speaking at the event, Brand Manager, Disha Argawal, stated that the brand is focused on

promoting healthier lifestyles among its valued consumers and the society at large.

She said, “As a brand, Power Oil’s total focus and commitment is the well-being of consumers.

The Power-Oil-Walk-heart-on is a reflection of our commitment to our consumers. With the increasing rate of health complications in the society, we see it as our responsibility to educate Nigerians on the need to maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercises and healthy eating.''

‘Rising cases of high-profile kidnap worrisome'

By Evelyn Usman

A

Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, Free Society Nigeria, yesterday raised the alarm over rising cases of high profile kidnap in the country, urging support for the police to deal with the situation.

Media and Public Affairs Director of the group, Mr Damola Williams, iexpressed sympathy to families of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae and wife of the Deputy Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers, Mrs Toyin Nwosu, who were recently released from their abductors den.

The group, which according to Williams is committed to anticrime and police support initiatives , however, expressed hope in the abilities of the police and other security agencies to checkmate activities of the perpetrators.

To achieve this, he said there was need for Nigerians to join hands with the Police to stamp out kidnapping from the society by giving them useful information that could lead to their apprehension.

Madam Awobiyi dies at 97

T

HE former matron of Ilesa Grammar School and Methodist High School, Ilesa, Madam Comfort Olayemi Awobiyi, has died at the age of 97.

Madam Awobiyi is survived by six children and 24 grand and great grand children, including a fellow and former General Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, Mr Tunde Awobiyi.

The interment of the leader of many church societies and the Ijesa Ladies Improvement Society, will be preceded by a wake-keep ceremony on Friday, October 9, 2015, as well as funeral and outing services at the Otapete Methodist Cathedral, Ilesa, Osun State, the next day, Saturday October 10, 2015 from 10am.

Late Madam Awobiyi

40—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

STERLING ACADEMY: From left— Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Abubakar Suleiman; Managing Director, Floodgate Insurance Brokers, Mr. Rotimi Olukorede; Managing Director, SEE the World Travel & Tours Ltd, Mrs Awoderu Oluwatosin, and Facilitator, Sterling MSME Academy/ CEO Mark-George Consultants, Mr. Olugbolahan Mark-George, at the opening of the academy in Lagos. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

STANBIC SME TRAINING: From left—Head, North Central, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Mr. Victor Aghaowa; Consultant, Performance Specialists Limited, Mrs. Abimbola Osuchukwu, and Regional Relationship Manager, Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, Stanbic, Mr. Iheanacho Obi, at an SME training programme organized by the bank in Abuja.

BRIEFING: From left— Group Director and Advisor, African Industries, Richhpal Singh; Director General, Manufacturer Association of Nigeria, MAN, Remi Ogunmefun; Group Executive Director, African Industries, Uche Iwuamadi and Chief Executive Officer, Steel Business, Sanjay Kumar, during the media parley on the challenges facing the iron manufacturing companies in Nigeria, in Ikoyi, Lagos.

CHRIST EMBASSY: From left— Zonal Director, Lagos Zone One, Pastor Lanre Alabi; Zonal Director, Abuja, Pastor Chidi Ezimake, and Chairman, 2015 Reachout Nigeria National Organizing Committee/ Zonal Director, Port Harcourt Zone One, Pastor Tony Aduroja, all of Christ Embassy, at a briefing on the reachout in Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

TECNO: From left— Chief host, Mr. Uti Nwachukwu; Deputy Marketing Manager, Mr. Attai; General Manager, Mr. Oye Akindeinde, both of Tecno Mobile; and Head Judge, Mr. MI Abaga, at a briefing on Tecno-sponsored karaoke competition, in Lagos. PHOTO: Shola Oyelese.

PEAK REACH: One million Naira winner of the Peak Reach for Millions promo, Ajumaka Ifechukwude (left), Area Sales Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria Plc, Collins Olowu, at the prize presentation in Benin.

THANKSGIVING: Deacon I. D. Lemuel (3rd left) and his family

UNVELLING: From left— General Manager, Golden Tulip Essential Airport Hotel, Mr. Ronald Stilting; Group Manager, Cowry Banking, Heritage Bank, Mr. Davidson Regha; Managing Director, Golden Tulip, Mr. Ifeanyi Onwubiko and his wife, at the unvelling of the hotel at Mafoluku, Lagos.

during their thanksgiving service held at the Faith Baptist Church Federal Housing Authority, Lugbe, Abuja.

C M Y K

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—41

Ikpeazu cautions those who lobby for diversion of bailout fund

By Anayo Okoli, Eric Ugbor & Ugochukwu Alaribe

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has warned people lobbying for the N14.152 bailout fund to be diverted to other purposes, saying it cannot happen under his watch.

Governor Ikpeazu also gave the committee he set up to manage the bailout fund to ensure that all the salary arrears owed Abia workers were cleared by the end of this month.

At an interactive session with journalists in Umuahia yesterday, Ikpeazu gave the hint that some people had been lobbying for the fund to be diverted for other purposes and warned them to stop the lobby as it would not work.

“We have received the bailout fund and it has been channelled to clear the salary arrears. I have said it that we are going to dedicate it to what it is meant, and we have opened up the system by setting up a committee to manage the fund and ensure it is used for the purpose.

“People should stop lobbying for the bailout fund to be diverted for something else. It will not happen under my watch,” Ikpeazu said.

He disclosed that his administration was still blocking all the leakages in the revenue generation.

“In the days ahead, all those with proven economic sabotage will be prosecuted according to the law. This is a new era and everybody should key in.”

Earlier in a broadcast to the people of the state to mark the nation’s 55th Independence anniversary, Governor Ikpeazu told them: “The Central Bank of Nigeria approved N14.15 billion for Abia State for this purpose. I have since set up a committee to manage this fund and ensure that it is judiciously utilized for the purpose for which it was

requested.

"I wish to reiterate my charge to the members of the Bailout Committee to ensure that by Friday, October 30, 2015, all outstanding salaries and pensions

in Abia State have been defrayed.

“I wish to state that contrary to the fears expressed in some quarters, the setting up of the committee to manage the disbursement of the funds does

From left, first Military Administrator of Ebonyi State, Walter Feghabor; former governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu; Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, Kelechi Igwe; Governor David Umahi, his wife, Rachael Umahi, and wife of the Deputy Governor, Nnenna Igwe, cutting the cake, during the Independence Day celebration and 19th anniversary of Ebonyi State creation in Abakaliki, yesterday.

Ohanaeze Youth Council disowns Youth Movement

By Anayo Okoli

U

M U A H I A — OHANAEZE Youth Council, OYC, has raised alarm over what it called a hatched plan “by a certain fake Ohanaeze Youth Movement,” to wreak havoc in Abuja, saying the genuine Ohanaeze was not part of any activity of the so-called Ohanaeze Youth Movement.

The Council, in a statement, alleged that the same group had earlier staged a “mock protest” at the National

Assembly complex in Abuja, Tuesday.

According to the statement, by the Council’s Deputy National Secretary, and the Publicity Secretary, Stanley Nwanka and Mr. Obinna Adibe, respectively, it called on the Inspector General of Police and the Director-General of the Department of State Service to monitor the activities of the group.

“The Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide is pained and deeply worried by the well orchestrated plan by some elements to drag its name to

free medical treatment

A

BOUT 315 people from Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State benefited from the free medical service rendered by the Onitsha Military Cantonment of the Nigerian Army, as part of activities lined up for Nigeria's 55th Independence anniversary.

Aguleri is the hometown of the governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, and incidentally they happened to be the first people to benefit from the programme.

Addressing the recipients from Aguleri community at Amaeze Aguleri Square, opposite the

Ebonyi employs mechanized agric equipment

By Peter Okutu

A

OCTOBER 1: 315 kinsmen of Gov Obiano receive

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

not have any ulterior motive. The work of the committee is not costing us any money. It is made up of those who are already in the system and they are working for their state."

RICE PRODUCTION:

palace of the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Christopher Idigo, the Officer in Charge of the Military Cantonment Medical Reception Station, MRS, Captain Saheed Shittu, said the medical service will be extended to other communities in the state.

“In line with the 55th Independence anniversary of Nigeria, the Military Cantonment Onitsha led by Col. Abdullahi Isah, organized this medical outreach on behalf of the Nigerian Army. The medical outreach is free for all patients.

“The military is using this medical service to foster civilmilitary relationship, and to also make our civilian brothers and sisters know that we also care for

them. Despite that we play our primary and statutory function of protectiing the territorial integrity of Nigeria, we also care for their health. That is why we came to Aguleri to offer this free medical service,” he said.

According to him: “We are offering services for many health challenges. We attend to you on outpatient basis, we have just done health talk on diseases that are preventable and consultation is being provided, whereby after being checked from the records section, the nurses check your vital signs and from there, you will come to see the doctors and then to the pharmacy where the drugs are being dispensed,” he said.

the current happenings at the National Assembly for selfish reasons.

“We want to state categorically that at no time did the Ohanaeze Youth Council sit to discuss the current happenings at the National Assembly, neither did it sponsor or take part in any protest under whatever guise.

“We were indeed shocked and embarrassed over media reports that Ohanaeze Youth Movement staged a protest at the National Assembly. It is for this purpose that we alerted the public that there is nothing like Ohanaeze Youth Movement. The youth wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo is clearly identified as Ohanaeze Youth Council.

“What happened at the National Assembly was a gathering of some criminal elements who were transported to Abuja for some sinister motive. It beats our imagination that they chose to hide under the Ohanaeze Youth Council to satisfy their pay-masters.

“No true Igbo man or woman could have gone to Abuja to engage in such a jamboree on September 29, a day set aside as National Igbo-day celebration. As such, these people are not from Igbo land, nor are they members of the Ohanaeze youth council".

BAKALIKI—IN its bid to boost rice production in every nook and cranny of Ebonyi State, the present administration, last week, procured different types of mechanized agricultural equipment for farmers.

The state governor, Engr.

David Umahi, at an event, organized at the State University permanent site, Ezzamgbo, to demonstrate the efficiency of the equipment, noted that the state government would soon introduce irrigation farming in the state.

He said government was ready to provide all the funds needed to boost rice production in every part of the state.

While re-affirming his administration’s commitment to turn around the fortunes of the state through rice production, Governor Umahi stated that his government would purchase three bulldozers to boost farming activities.

Ebonyi first lady donates welfare packages to orphanages

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—WIFE of Ebonyi State governor, Chief Rachael Umahi, last week, donated welfare packages to numerous orphanage homes within the state capital, Abakaliki.

The packages include: tubers of yam, jerry cans of oil, bags of garri, bags of rice, bags of beans, beverages, diapers, detergents and cash.

In a chat with Vanguard at the Government House, Abakaliki, before distributing the items to the orphanage homes, Mrs. Umahi noted that the act of distributing welfare items to the less privilege in society had always been her dream and passion right from childhood.

According to her, carrying out such gesture of putting a smile on the faces of the needy and giving hope to orphans and vulnerable children usually gave her inexplicable pleasure and satisfaction.

42—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OGUNDANA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeola Abiodun Ogundana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeola Abiodun Ashiru-Balogun. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

SOBAMOWO—I, formerly known and addressed as Yewande Sobamowo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yewande Thorpe. All former documents remain valid. General public, please take note.

MBABIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Eucharia Akudo Mbabie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eucharia Akudo Njoku. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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Abia State Secondary Education Management Board, Ministry of Education and General Public please take note.

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All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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All former documents remain valid. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun and general public please take note.

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All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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LIVINUS—I, formerly known and addressed as Anozie Obinna Livinus, now wish to be known and addressed as Anozie Obinna Sean. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of name This is to confirm that the names Nwachukwu Joy and Omosede Blessing Joy refer to one and same person.

I now wish to be known and addressed as Omosede Blessing Joy. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of date of birth

My name is Omosede Blessing Joy. I was born on 11th July, 1990, but my date of birth was wrongly stated in my International Passport as 8th January, 1982. This is to affirm that my correct date of birth is 11th July, 1990. All former documents remain valid.

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NIGERIA AT 55: Ayade laments Nigeria’s dependence on imported goods

C

ROSS River State governor, Professor Ben Ayade, yesterday, lamented the state of slavery in which Nigeria had found herself after over five decades as a nation state.

Lamenting what he described as the country’s over dependence on imported goods, in an address to mark the country's 55th Independence Anniversary at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Governor Ayade said while Nigeria might have gained political independence, she had remained in a quagmire of economic slavery.

He said: “We have gained democratic independence, but today, we are still in economic slavery as long as we feed on imported food, live on foreign finished homes, clothe with imported garments, export our crude, import our refined petroleum products, import our medicines, weapons, tooth pick, singlet, socks and even under wears. As long as we still depend on their technology to communicate and travel, use their instruments to know what we have in the soil, water and how to get them out, we remain slaves. As far as our political leaders continue to seek medical attention in foreign lands, send their children overseas to study, steal and stash our money in foreign lands, then we are still slaves.

Slave, to our mentality, slave to our inertia and slave to our colour.”

He noted that any political independence without economic independence is independence in paralysis.

The governor, who congratulated Nigerians on attaining 55 years as a nation state, said it represented a great milestone for the country, given the delicate strides it had made.

He said: “Today offers us another opportunity to celebrate our nation’s independence from her colonial masters. It is, therefore, with much delight and honour that I address you on this historic 55th anniversary celebration which represents a great

milestone as a sovereign nation. As we reminisce on our undulating odyssey as a nation, we do so with mixed memories of the delicate strides we have made in the past 55 years. No nation has ever got to its destination on a roller coaster; and so, ours has not been an easy ride. But today ’s anniversary marks another watershed as we continue to march ahead with great hope and a refreshing optimism with our eyes cast on a sparkling horizon that is a harbinger of lush.”

While paying tribute to the country ’s fallen heroes, Governor Ayade reflected on the various obstacles the country has had to overcome, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in building a stable and virile country.

Ayade said: “My good people of Cross River State, on a day such as this, we cannot but reflect on our pre-independence struggles and the indefatigable role played by our heroes past, culminating in our break away from the shackles of colonial domination. As we ruminate on our nation’s chequered political journey, the tall mountains we have had to climb, the steep valleys we have had to descend, I want to urge us to remain steadfast by recommitting and rededicating ourselves to the values and the vision that define us as a people.

It is by so doing that we can achieve true independence for our people, one that will guarantee true freedom, good governance and total emancipation of our people in the real sense of it.”

He assured that his administration would not relent until it ensured that every Cross Riverian was free from the clutches of economic deprivations.

The governor noted that “we shall not relent until every Cross Riverian is indeed, free from the socio-economic manacles that have held us captive to hunger and want.

"My good people of Cross State, the sacrifices we make today will definitely translate into an enduring legacy for our collective future as a state.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—43

SARAKI: Musings over vote of confidence

House of Representatives

By Clifford Ndujihe, Charles Kumolu, Emman Ovuakporie, Joseph Erunke & Johnbosco Agbakwuru

S

OME Nigerians were divided yesterday over the confidence vote passed on Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Senate leadership by 83 senators on Tuesday. While some okayed the vote, others thought otherwise in view of the alleged false assets declaration suit that Saraki is facing at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

Why we passed vote of confidence on Saraki – Senator Umaru Senator David Umaru (APC, Niger East) explained the reason behind Tuesday ’s vote of confidence on Senate President Bukola Saraki.

He said subtle attempts being made to influence some senators to withdraw their support for the Senate President to pave the way for his resignation or removal necessitated the senators’ action.

Umaru said the action was to prove to strong individuals outside, who are behind the move that majority of senators in the 8th Senate were solidly in support of the Saraki-led leadership and cannot be influenced by any outside forces to take action in their favour.

The senator, who sponsored the C M Y K

motion for the confidence vote,said the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended, guarantees the separation of powers and independence of the legislative arm of government .

He said the action of the 83 senators on Tuesday was a display of their displeasure over what he called attempt and continued interference in the internal affairs of the Senate by outside forces.

“The vote of confidence on the Saraki-led leadership of the Senate was to tell our detractors that they won’t succeed in destroying the Senate by their distraction. Nigerians have elected us here and nobody else can dictate to us from outside on who to make our leader in any capacity,”he added.

What matters is the confidence of Nigerians — Gbagi Commenting on the development, former Minister of State for Education, Chief Kenneth Gbagi said: ‘’My position on the Saraki issue regarding his case at the CCT has not changed. Whether the senators pass vote of confidence on him or not does not matter, what matters is the confidence of Nigerians. ‘We were witnesses to how most of them emerged as senators, so Nigerians should not be carried away by the development. A number of times, we irresponsibly do things in this

country thinking that we are alone. No country is alone because the world is interconnected. Because of the careless attitude to salient issues, the country is often made a laughing stock in the eyes of the world. The senators can do whatever they like. Does vote of confidence stop the tribunal from going ahead with prosecuting Saraki?’’

It was a good thing to do —Tsav However, Former Lagos State

The vote of confidence on the Saraki-led leadership of the Senate was to tell our detractors that they won’t succeed in destroying the Senate by their distraction

Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, said: ‘’The election of Senate president and other principle officers in the Senate is the prime responsibility of the Senate and not outsiders. The vote of confidence passed on the Senate President clearly shows that the Senators voluntarily voted him as their leader and this is a victory for Democracy. This apart, his arraignment before the CCT is a gross violation of Due Process. In addition, the charges for which he was arraigned are mere allegations which need be to proved before he is pronounced guilty. The 83 Senators are men of honour and wisdom. They’ve done the right thing.’’

Reps speak Some members of the House of Representatives also yesterday reacted to the development.

The Minority Leader of the House, Hon. Leo Ogor (PDP, Delta State) said he was very much in support of the confidence vote on Saraki and Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, adding that the legislature cannot afford to see anybody rubbish the institution.

Ogor said as the leader of the Minority party, the issue clearly has nothing to do with Saraki and that the legislature is a separate arm of government with equal if

not superior rights than the executive.

He said that going by the provision of the Constitution, the executive and the legislature have equal rights and that the Constitution created three different institutions and now one head of the arm is under trial.

He maintained that the Senate President is the head of the legislative institution no matter the scenario and that nobody should subject the institution to any form of embarrassment.

“Rubbishing him is rubbishing the institution”, he stressed.

Hon. Chike Okafor (APC, Imo State), said the action of the Senate showed that “the provisions in the Constitution which make it such that the legislature is independent of any other arm from interference from outside is being upheld just as it happened on the 9th of June when we went into the two chambers against what the party and some political leaders wanted, or had predicted and had desired.

Also commenting, Hon. Ossai Ossai (PDP, Delta State) said: “The House feels it is an institution of the legislature and he must be protected and the House feels in the past we have always had political solutions and I believe that the decision of the House is an honourable decision.”

44 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Issues that will shape polls 2015: KOGI DECIDES

•Wada

By Kindsley Fanwo

E

THNIC consideration is a major factor in Kogi State politics. Instead of building with the bricks of issues, politics is more of a brotherly camaraderie among the people. And the 2015 governorship election in the state is not expected to depart from the past.

Demography According to the 2006 population census, Kogi State is inhabited by 3, 314, 043 people, making it the 24th most populous state in Nigeria. Prior to the 2006 census, the population of Kogi East which is predominated by the Igala speaking people was higher than the addition of the two other districts of Kogi West and Kogi Central. Kogi West comprises the Yoruba people, the Oworo and the Nupe among others in Kogi and Lokoja local councils.

Population distribution But the 2006 census gave the West and central a combined edge over the East in population distribution. While Kogi East boasts of a population of 1, 479, 144 representing 45 per cent of the total population; Kogi West has a population of 906, 244 which represents 27 per cent of the population of the state while Kogi Central is populated by 928, 655 people, representing 28 per cent of the total population.

Okene Local Government Area in Kogi Central is the most populous in the state with a population of 325, 623.

The figures from the 2006 census embolden the West and Central senatorial districts, C M Y K

•Audu giving the impression that they have the population to win the governorship position that has eluded them since the creation of the state.

Smart as the major political parties are, they have moved swiftly to promise the ethnic groupings power rotation in 2020 to possibly douse the agitations for power shift in the forthcoming election.

Voting pattern Using the 2015 presidential election as a benchmark, the voting pattern in the state, despite the poor turnout of voters, still reflected the population distribution.

Out of the 439, 287 total votes cast during the presidential election, Kogi West accounted for 118, 894 which represented 27.1 per cent of the total votes cast while Kogi Central turned in 120, 316 votes, representing 27.3 per cent. Kogi East had 200, 077 votes or 44.6 per cent of the votes cast in the state.

As it is now, Kogi West is expected to be the determining factor in the governorship election.

While the incumbent governor, Capt. Idris Wada and the All Progressives Congress, APC Candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu are expected to share the votes in Kogi East, analysts are of the opinion that until October 7, 2015 when substitution of candidates would wind up, no one can be sure of Kogi Central. The position of Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who hails from the Central District is still unclear.

After the demise of the late political leader of Ebiraland, late Dr. A.T. Ahmed, Bello seems to be the most visible political leader in the zone.

With increasing pressure on the young entrepreneur to

defect to another party, the people of Central may do what they did in 2003 when they fielded and supported one of their own in the governorship election that produced Alhaji Ibrahim Idris.

Kogi West already boasts of two governorship running mates. While Arc. Abayomi Awoniyi is expected to run with the incumbent, Hon. Abiodun Faleke has emerged as the running mate to Prince Abubakar Audu. Lokoja and Kogi local councils, which are the most densely populated in the District, will play a decisive role in determining who wins the zone.

While Ijumu Local Council may choose to reward the APC for giving them the Senate, deputy governorship and

Using the 2015 presidential election as a benchmark, the voting pattern in the state, despite the poor turnout of voters, still reflected the population distribution in Kogi

ministerial positions, the Yagba people of Mopamuro, Yagba East and Yagba West LGAs may choose to go with any party that zones the deputy governorship position to the area. As it stands today, only the PDP has done that.

Kabba/Bunu has always been a stronghold of the PDP. The party has never lost there since 1999.

The incumbent is expected to record a slight edge over the APC in Lokoja LGA due to the influence of Senator Tunde Ogbeha. However, pundits are giving Kogi Local Government Area to the APC due to the strong showing of the party in the LGA during the last general election.

State legislators Never has the Kogi State House of Assembly been as balanced as it is now. PDP has 14 members while the opposition APC has 11 members. These numbers are expected to impact on the outcome of the polls. The

House of Assembly members have been given marching orders to deliver their constituencies. However, this might prove a Herculean task as the challenges thrown up by a governorship election are quite different.

With the Speaker still very popular in the Central Senatorial District, he may swing votes in favour of the governor who was instrumental to his emergence after the impeachment of the former Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Bello.

Swing local councils Okene, Adavi, Lokoja, Kogi, Dekina and Anpa are the LGAs to watch out for in the election.

With their numeric strenght, they are capable of determining who wins or loses. The major political parties and their candidates will traverse the length and breadth of the state in search of votes in what promises to be a keenly contested election in the history of the state.

Kogi Central endorses Salawu

By Boluwaji Obahopo

T

HE Ebira people of the central senatorial axis of Kogi State have endorsed the candidature of a former deputy governor of the state, Dr. Philip Salawu in the f o r t h c o m i n g governorship election.

The endorsement was made at a town hall meeting convened by the Ebira Youth Congress, EYC, and Ebira Renaissance Group, ERG, which •Salawu had in attendance the representatives of the Ebira choice is informed by his vast Peoples Association, EPA, political experience, courage community leaders, opinion and familiarity with the moulders and civil society political terrain of the state.

These traits make him the most organisations among others.

The convener of the meeting, qualified among all the Mr. Baba Abdulrazak said the candidates” He however urged Salawu to decision to endorse Salawu work with other concerned was to promote the aspiration citizens from the other two of the zone. senatorial zones towards the “The meeting ratified and actualization of an all inclusive upheld the endorsement of the government after the candidacy of Dr. Philip Salawu November 21 election. as the sole candidate for Kogi Central senatorial district. His

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 45

We must implement Confab report — Eya Elder statesman and former scribe of the apex Igbo socio- cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nduka Eya, in this interview, wants President Muhammadu Buhari to implement the National Conference report as Nigeria marks her 55th anniversary. He said the Confab report is a panacea to the structural problems plaguing Nigeria. Excerpts:

By Francis Igata

O

N what he want the Federal Government to do in order to hasten the journey towards nationhood I am perturbed by the delay in the implementation of the National Conference report. President Muhammadu Buhari should quickly adopt the outcome of the conference as an anti-corruption template. Ex-president Goodluck Jonathan had convoked the Confab at the twilight of his administration to address multiple structural imbalances plaguing the nation.

The ‘change’ mantra adopted by the present administration will be tantamount to nothing without the implementation of the Confab report. There is need as every Nigerian has identified, to sit down and discuss how we are going to live.

Most of the segments of the country are complaining. What brought about the Biafran war? It is inequality and injustice.

Some people think they own this country. These challenges were what the Confab addressed. These challenges were generating a lot of mistrust among Nigerians. Jonathan took the bull by the horn and was able to convoke the Confab where all shades of people came together to discuss the way forward.

A section of this country never wanted the Confab because they are benefiting from the lopsidedness of the structure.

The Confab built a bridge over the rivers of division in this country and everybody was happy. Jonathan vowed to implement it. The All Progressives Congress, APC, thought the Confab was political and that was why they kicked against it. Now, we are almost five months down the line in the life of this administration and nobody is talking about the report.

•Nduka Eya The Confab report is a structural reconstruction of the country towards equity,justice and fair play. These recommendations are what will help the fight against corruption. It is the determinant factor for our survival in the next 100 years.

Buhari must bring out the report to ensure the structural change we all yearn for. Non implementation is an obvious indication of a sectional agenda which we do not want. As a man of integrity, he should know what is right. He said he belongs to nobody and belongs to everybody. Let’s see it happen.

I’m worried, unhappy but optimistic — Osoba Continued from yesterday HE was a trustee of Asaboro’s Estate. He was taken to court as a trustee over the estate and judgement was in the first instance given against the trustee, not against Oritsejolomi Thomas as a person.

Our correspondent in Akure, where the case took place, got compromised, the lawyer for the other side, about three months after, instigated him to write the story of a court judgement given three months earlier. It got to our desk, we thought it was a fresh story, we went ahead to use the story and that led to massive demonstration in the University of Ibadan and led to the removal of an innocent, decent, respected Nigerian - Oritsejolomi Thomas from the University of Ibadan as Vice Chancellor.

On the higher level, the case was over turned, the innocence of Oritsejolomi Thomas was established but he couldn’t be reinstated. By then we had fallen into the hands of a corrupt reporter to end the career of an amicable Nigerian in the calibre of Oritsejolomi Thomas. That’s why I say the way we’re conducting ourselves in the media is bad. Government must not rely on the headlines especially in this era of Internet journalism to destroy innocent Nigerians who perhaps have not had the chance to know the records that they have about them to react to those records whether they are right or wrong.

What are your thoughts about Nigeria at 55?

Trying times, but we shall survive. I have observed and seen Nigeria go through more terrible and worrisome things but we have survived.

Whatever level we may be, we will recover. Was there not a time when Harold Wilson had to devalue the Pound Sterling? Did the British not get to the level, are they not back? And the Pound now is a very strong currency. A nation will always survive, it is leadership.

I’m worried, bothered and unhappy but I’m optimistic.

You reacted to former President Obasanjo’s insinuation that Awolowo was appointed as Yoruba leader by his followers.

There has never been another Yoruba man of the calibre PRINTER’S DEVIL In the first part of this interview used yesterday, one Chief Mike Odu was said to be the administrator of Western Region instead of Chief (Dr) Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi, who was an eminent Physician and Administrator.

The error is regretted— Editor

•Osoba of Awolowo so far. Awolowo laboured very hard, right from the time he was a student in UK to bring the Yoruba together, he worked hard for it, he earned it, he was never accepted by the entire Yoruba. For a long time, he never won elections in the urban centres, Lagos, Abeokuta, Ilesha, Ibadan, all the urban centres. He was winning in the rural areas to offset the result of the urban centres.

Over time, the best election where he got the entire Yoruba behind him was in 1963. I was involved. In that presidential election, he had total, massive support of the Yoruba race behind him.

For the election of August 12, 1966; I was present there, the intention of that meeting was not to elect a leader, the intention was to unite all the forces within Yoruba land, it was the first time that Chief Mike Odu who was administrator in South West will be meeting Awolowo for the first time. Awolowo had just come out of prison. People like TOS Benson, Aderogun, it was their first time of sitting with Awolowo, it was a mere meeting of uniting Yoruba leaders and the man who organized it is still alive, that is why I still say that investigative journalism should be pursued vigorously. General Adeyinka Adebayo is still alive. I said Obasanjo was also involved as Garrison Commander in Ibadan then, I put all the facts before the whole world.

It is not meant to be a war between me and Obasanjo, I just wanted to correct the fact that Awolowo was spontaneously and unanimously; the emphasis on spontaneity and unanimity- he was spontaneously and unanimously, without single dissent, adopted as the leader of the Yoruba. If anyone says otherwise, I will produce more records because the then Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olufunwa, one of the best police officers this country has ever produced, was the father of a classmate of mine and I was staying with him as a CP who was also a member of the cabinet of General Adebayo.

So through him I knew a lot, I knew too much so if anyone puts his hand in my mouth, I’ll reveal more, more educative information.

The ‘change’ mantra adopted by the present administration will be tantamount to nothing without the implementation of the Confab report.

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOMBER 2 , 2015

B

AMA—EIGHTY Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to troops of OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE at Bama, Borno State.

The terrorists, among who were commanders, suppliers and foot soldiers, confirmed to have partook in several terrorists attacks, especially in Bama town, Borno State.

The insurgents said they surrendered as a result of the intense heat and continuous offensive action embarked upon by troops.

It will be recalled that the Army had repeatedly stated that surrender was the only option available to insurgents, saying the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force, in conjunction with other security agencies, were totally committed to the achievement of the three months Presidential deadline for the eradication of terrorism in Nigeria.

The Army in a statement signed by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations,

9-year-old cries for justice over alleged killing of mother by Police

By Ebere Aham

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VALEDICTORY SESSION: Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo making her speech during the valedictory court session in honour of Justice Louis Okereke, at the Judiciary headquarters in Enugu.

80 Boko Haram terrorists surrender to JTF in Borno charged other terrorists to also surrender or face total annihilation. ‘’As the new name of the

operation states ‘achievement of total peace is a must’.

Citizens are please requested to continue providing useful

information to security agencies that will lead to apprehension of all known terrorists,’’ he said.

....As Borno Christians pray for peace at Ramat Square M

By Ndahi Marama

AIDUGURI— CHRISTIANS in Borno State have been urged to intensify prayers for peace to return to the North East of the country and all other parts of Nigeria faced with crisis that recently claimed many lives and property.

Speaking at special prayers for the 55th Independence Anniversary celebration conducted by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council, Borno State chairman, Rev Titus Pona, who was represented by the metro chairman, Rev Bitrus Bidiyah, said Nigeria needed more prayers now from Christians and other faiths to help the nation overcome its challenges.

“God has asked us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and our country is our Jerusalem. We have gathered here to pray for our country for God to help our leaders at various level turn around the situation both in economy and other spheres,” said the cleric yesterday at Ramat Square, Maiduguri.

Series of prayers were also held for the President, governors, National and State Assemblies, judiciary and security agencies.

The CAN leader said President Muhammadu Buhari could not succeed alone without the

prayers of the people.

He said those working or will work with the President must also share the vision of the President to bring positive change into the country, adding that the fear of God was inevitable in leadership.

“The clerics need prayers too to lead people right in the way of God rather than pursuing personal interest,” said Rev. Bidiyah.

Speaker at the special prayer, Rev. Christopher Twan of Baptist Church in his sermon titled: “Praying and Celebrating our Liberty in Christ,” urged Nigerians to pray to God to release the nation from bondage of those who benefit from the nation’s underdevelopment.

Quoting from the Bible, he said Apostle Paul admonished Christians not to be entangled

again in yoke of bondage having received freedom from God through Christ, calling on Christians to shun all acts that could return them to “mental, spiritual and physical slavery again.”

He said God has a purpose to liberate the country from bad leadership, adding that continuous prayers were needed to make this purpose a reality.”

We're ready to explore gas devt in Nigeria —SHELL MD theft, security problems and

By Ediri Ejoh with Agency report

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AGOS—THE Managing Director of Shell Nigeria, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell plc (Shell), yesterday, said it is ready to explore Natural gas development, to make it a hub in domestic consumption and export for prospective investment in the country.

In a statement by the Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, Mr. Osagie Okunbor, reiterated his company’s commitment on developing gas for domestic use.

According to him, “Our

strategy is to invest a lot more in gas, for domestic consumption and export. We want to grow our deep water and constrain our onshore oil production.

“Shell’s flagship project would be the Gbaran-Ubie project, which will increase gas supplies for the Bonny liquefied natural gas, LNG, export terminal. A first phase began production in 2010. “ Shell has been divesting onshore oil-producing assets for the last few years and completed another set near the end of March.

The sales are part of efforts to move away from onshore oil projects in Nigeria, which are plagued by industrial scale

pipeline spills, which have become a growing legal liability.

Bonny Island which is situated at the southern edge of Rivers State, in the Niger Delta of Nigeria, near Port Harcourt, is Nigeria’s only liquefied natural gas export terminal.

This was even as the company also disclosed that it put to a halt crude export from one of its key terminals in the country as a result of a leak in its pipeline system.

The report had it that its suspension affected crude exports from Forcados terminal, which has a capacity of 400 000 barrels a day and also recorded as the country’s main export point.

AGOS—NINE-yearold Blessing Udoh who witnessed the brutal murder of her mother by trigger happy Police officer, Musefiu Aremu on September 16, 2015, said yesterday she wanted justice for her family.

Blessing Udoh said this at her brother’s one-year birthday party organized by members of Women Arise, a nong o v e r n m e n t a l organization, yesterday.

According to her, “I want the government to take care of my family.

My father is not working anymore since the incident as he is still undergoing treatment at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital.”

The team, led by Dr Joe Odumakin, the chairperson of the organization, said: “There is no one who can replace Elijah’s mother but we will do our best to see that justice is done.

"The deceased was a mother to four kids, Mary who is 12 years old, Blessing who is nine, Abraham who is seven and Elijah who is just one today. She was a wife. She was deeply committed to family values. She is not here to celebrate her child today but I am sure that she is here in spirit.

"She was a great woman. She clutched her son to her bosom while she died. We are calling the attention of our police to know that they are supposed to secure lives and property.

"The death of Elijah’s mother is grave and nothing can bring her back to life and that is why Women Arise is pleading that they should be our friends.

Those who err should be punished. Justice must be done. The killer of Elijah’s mother has been arrested, tried, arraigned and he is now remanded.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015—47

NIGERIA @ 55: We have a bright future—LEADERS

By Our Reporters

A

BUJA—PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, led an array of past national leaders in a colourful ceremony held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to mark the country's 55th independence anniversary, where most of the leaders said, in spite of challenges, the country’s future is bright.

This was as the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Mr. Mahmoud Mohammed and the National Chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, eulogized the nation.

Saraki said the National Assembly was poised to make laws that would impact positively on Nigerians.

He said: “I am hopeful and confident that the future is very bright. In the next few years, things will be even better. It will not be business as usual.

“We will ensure that the National Assembly will be people-oriented and will make laws that will make impact on Nigerians.”

For the CJN: “We will make it by the grace of God. We are on the right path.”

On his part, Oyegun said Nigeria had finally discovered the road to greatness with the coming of APC government and President Buhari in the saddle.

He said: “At 55, we have finally discovered that we have been on the wrong road. We have finally moved to the road that leads to progress, hope, employment, prosperity and that will lead Nigeria finally to attaining that greatness that God destined it for.”

Meanwhile, the event, which turned out to be an affair of the Nigerian Army, featured inspection of new guard, quarter guard, silent drill, posting of sentries, colour/flags patrol and 21-gun salute.

Roll call

There were also foot and arms drill, rhythmic marches and inspection by parade commander of the soldiers’ weapons, among others.

Attended by dignitaries across all fields of human endeavour, the ceremony also saw President Buhari cutting the anniversary cake alongside the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yakubu Dogara, the CJN and others.

Most of the dignitaries included the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd) and Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme; former Chief of General Staff, General Oladipo Diya (retd); former Chief of General Staff,

Buhari leads former leaders in celebration; Saraki, Oyegun, CJN express optimism OBJ to FG: Don’t limit war against graft to money

MARCHING ON: Guards parade at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa during the 55th Independence Day celebration yesterday in Abuja.

Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (retd); and Second Republic Senate President, Chief Joseph Wayas.

Others included former Senate President, Ken Nnamani; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; former SGF, Babagana Kingibe; Chief of Defence Staff, General Tunde Olonishakin; Service Chiefs including the Chiefs of Army, Air Force and Navy and former Adamawa State governor, Admiral Murtala Nyako (retd).

Govs' forum

Meanwhile, the 36 state governors have warned Nigerians against divisive tendencies.

The governors, who operate under the platform of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, called on Nigerians to always give national interest priority in all their dealings.

In their joint independence message to the nation, the governors in a statement by their Chairman, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara State, also charged Nigerians to exhibit actions that promote democratic ideals and peaceful co-existence at all levels of government in the country.

According to Yari, the independence anniversary should remind Nigerians of their common root, destiny and determination to succeed.

He charged Nigerians to see themselves as change agents, wherever they find themselves and to join hands with government at all levels to enthrone the desired change.

Obasanjo

Speaking with reporters in his Abeokuta home, Ogun State, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said

Nigeria at 55 was still young, growing and has not done badly.

Obasanjo said 50 years in the life of a nation is comparatively young, noting the developed countries had made the mistakes Nigeria was making.

He urged Nigerian leaders to correct their mistakes for the country to be great like other great countries.

While reacting to President Buhari’s nationwide independence broadcast, Obasanjo said for Nigeria to actualize her great potential, all hands must be on deck irrespective of the location, tribe and social standing.

He argued that Nigeria will actualize her great potential if the leaders do not play with the issues of education, health, security, economy and unemployment and kick out corruption.

He added that fighting corruption should not be restricted to monetary issue, saying corruption of attitude, which he said comprises nepotism, favouritism among others, should also be shunned by the leaders.

His words: “What is important is that certain cardinal principles, cardinal features of our national live, values, should not be eroded.

And then we should also be willing to learn from our mistakes.

Oshiomhole

Also exuding optimism, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State said for Nigeria to remain united despite the poverty, insecurity and tension witnessed during the last general election, shows that the nation will overcome all its problems and become a stronger nation.

Speaking at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, during

the celebration of the nation’s independence yesterday, Oshiomhole said: “We have every reason to celebrate this occasion. Our great country has experienced ups and down over the past 55 years.

“In all of this, it is my view that our country is stronger today than it was 55 years ago.”

Obiano

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State said attaining 55 years as a united country “is a milestone in the life cycle of nations.

“It is even more so in Africa and other developing countries of the world where the very idea of nationhood is perpetually on trial. We must all be thankful to Almighty God for his special love and infinite grace to Nigeria.”

However, he said, the occasion calls for a sober reflection because “55 years ago, when the Nigerian flag replaced the British Union Jack, our founding fathers dreamt of a country whose greatness would finally announce to the free world, the rise of a super-power in Black Africa.

“They dreamt of a strong country whose inherent potential would outweigh its in-born socio-cultural inhibitions and whose promise would outshine the teething problems of nascent nationhood.

“Our founding fathers had rightly hoped and prayed for the sun to rise on Nigeria and for a moment, their wishes seemed granted.

“However, 55 years after independence, our country has repeatedly danced on the edge of the cliff and experienced harrowing moments of civil

disturbances, religious and ethnic violence and wide-spread uncertainty and doubt about our corporate future. But Nigeria will survive through it all.”

Okowa

Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, told Nigerians to reflect on the myriads of challenges confronting the country in its 55 years of nationhood, especially insecurity and corruption and tackle them headlong.

He decried the insecurity of the country in the face of indigenous terrorism, the scourge of corruption ravaging not only the public institutions, but also their collective national psyche and “grave questions over the control and appropriation of our natural resources, disturbing rate of unemployed and unemployable Nigerians and other challenges Nigerians have faced and continue to encounter on their path to realizing the growth and development of the country.

Others who also expressed their views where Rev. Chris Okotie, Senator Ayo Arise and Senator Babajide Omoworare.

Meanwhile, Lagos East Bishop of Church of God Mission International, Bishop Egowa Matthew, has called on Nigerians to desist from using the independence day celebration as a day to mourn, regret and curse leaders for what is perceived as failure or missed opportunities, but to rejoice and celebrate Nigeria’s existence and thank God for keeping the nation thus far.

For Mr. Tajudeen Obasa, representing Ojo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Nigerians should not relent in supporting the government at all levels.

He said: “Nigerians must remain steadfast and pray for the prosperity of the nation.”

48 — VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

LAMIDI BAMIDELE'S LENS FROM SAUDI ARABIA

Dhul-Hijjah 18, 1436 A.H.

The story of Baitul-Futuh Mosque

A

S investigation continues on the fire that engulfed parts of Baitul-Futuh Mosque in London, two suspects have been nabbed - a 16-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy. Both have since remained in custody at a south London police station.

According to a reliable source, the firestartedfromthegroundfloorand through to the first floor of the building without affecting the mosque on the first floor.

The National President of the UK Jamaat,RafiqHayat,confirmedthat “By the grace of God, the mosque is safe and unaffected and there were no injuries and no loss of life.

History In the late 90s and with the rapidly growing number of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the United Kingdom, there was need to build a new mosque that could serve the ever growing need of the

community. Over the last few decades, the Jamaat has built new mosques across the country including London, Sheffield, Bradford, Hartlepool, Birmingham, Oxford, Scotland as well as other parts of England.

The Baitul Futuh mosque meaning‘HouseofVictories’which was on fire last week is notable for it award winning architectural designs and perfect construction.

The main construction started in 1999 and the foundation stone was laid on October 19, 1999 in a ceremony attended by about 2000 guests. With the spirit of giving by members,donationspouredinfrom far and near and four years later, the 5.2 acre site became an edifice, taking the status of the larges mosque in Britain and one of the largest in Western Europe. On October 3, 2003, it was commissioned by His Holiness

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

Themostnoticeablefeatureofthe mosque is its simplicity. Apart from the administrative, community facilities as well as MTA’s studio, there are two prayer halls of identical size, one for men on the first floor and the other for women in the lower ground floor. The women’s prayer hall has a creche in an adjoining room that enables children to participate in the proceedings without distracting others. It has its own kitchen and mother and baby facilities while its triple glazed partition ensures that any noise from the creche is not audible in the women’s prayer hall.

For a number of years, the baitu Futuh mosque has played hosts to Annual Peace Conferences where representatives of other religions and people from all walks of life attend. It has about 5000 capacity.

The hujjaj (pilgrims) leaving Makkah, Saudi Arabia after completing the Hajj rites.

More than 1 ,000 sic k pilgrims still 1,000 sick in Makkah hospitals

M

ORE than 1,000 pilgrims are still confined to a number of hospitals in Makkah for treatment of various ailments, Health Ministry’s spokesman Faisal Al-Zahrani said.

He said the patients include some pilgrims who were injured in the crane crash in the Grand Mosque on Sept. 11 and others who sustained injuries during the Mina stampede.

Zahrani said pilgrims who were injured during the stampede were transported to specialist hospitals outside the holy sites.

Giving a breakdown of the number of the pilgrims who were treated during Hajj, the spokesman said the health centers and outpatient clinics in hospitals received 386,072 cases.

He said as many as 405,542 pilgrims visited emergency wards, 1,115 were admitted for various diseases, 607 had sunstrokes, 885 suffered from heat exhaustion and

five deliveries were made.

Zahrani said 22 open-heart surgeries were conducted in addition to 668 catheter operations, 2,213 kidney dialysis sessions and 31 various endoscopic operations.

Around 10 pilgrims who were injured during the stamped were discharged from King Abdullah Medical Complex in Jeddah after receiving treatment.

Saeed Hamad Al-Ghamdi, executive director, said the complex received 46 injured pilgrims, of whom 24 were admitted to the intensive care unit.

Ghamdi said the hospital also provided the sick pilgrims with new clothes and other accessories and provided their relatives with rooms to be near them.

Meanwhile, 99 pilgrims who died during the stampede were buried in Al-Moaissem cemetery on Monday after funeral prayers were held for them in the Grand Mosque.

Culled from Saudi Gazette

Don't link act of terrorism with Islam — Fashola

By Bose Adelaja

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Baitul Futuh Mosque where Ahmadiyya World leader, Hazrat Masroor delivers Sermon and leads Jumaat Prayers was last Saturday gutted by fire.

NASFAT commiserates with victims of Hajj stampede

BY Abdulwahab Abdulah

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RESIDENT andmembersof theNasrul-Lahi-FathiSociety (NASFAT) has commiserated with families and entire Muslims across the globe on the death of about 800 pilgrims in Mina, Saudi Arabia, as a result of a stampede at Jamarat while performing the last rites of this year’s Hajj.

In a statement by the president of the society, Kamil Yomi Bolarinwa he noted that the group shared the grief moment with the bereaved families, saying, “ Our thoughts are with these families as we pray

Almighty Allah to grant the souls of the victims eternal repose, and theUmmahandallaffectedfamilies the fortitude to bear the loss.

“We urge them to take solace in the words of Allah: “And say not of those who are killed in the way of Allah; they are dead: nay they are living but perceive (it) not.” - Quran Chapter 2 : 154.”

He said the incidents have throwntheglobalMuslimUmmah into sadness and grief, especially whentherecenttragedyhappened after the collapse of the giant crane on the Grand Mosque of Makkak,

Masjid al-Haram, killing no fewer than 107 pilgrims.

“NASFAT strongly supports the call by various stakeholders for a probe into the immediate and remote causes of this tragedy, as wedoallmeasuresthatwillremove dread from the observance of this annual holy injunction of Allah.

“Webelievepeopleshouldbeheld accountable; but the overall objective should be the entrenchment of a system that will, in the future, remove such failings, human and infrastructural from subsequent Hajj operations.

HE immediate past Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN has said that no act of terrorism should be linked with Islam. Fashola made this assertion during the public presentaion of a book entitled: 'Frontiers of Jihad: Radical Islam in Africaat' held at the Muson Centre, Lagos, recently.

Fashola who was the chairman of the occasion commended the author, Dr Yinka Olomojobi, Acting Head of Department, Jurisprudence and Public Law Department, Babcock University, for ex raying the subject matter radical Islam saying, "any acts of terrorism should not be likened with Islam."

Among other dignitaries that were present at the occasion were the radical preacher Pastor Tunde Bakare who presented the book, the Executive Secretary of Muslim Ummah of South/West Nigeria (MUSWEN) Professor Dawud Noibi and a lecturer with the University of Lagos Dr Adelaja

Odukoya who reviewed the book.

The book exposes the clash of civilisations between Islam and the West focussing on issues about the factors that promote radical Islam in Africa as well as a global perspective to conflicts brewed by radicalism.

While reviewing the book, a lecturer at the University of Lagos, Dr Adelaja Odukoya said the author has devoted his intellectual efforts due to the contemporary, epistemological and pedagogical discourse which commands a global attention and currency across social, cultural, philosophical, intellectual and national boundaries.

In his submission, Professor Noibi said the book was a pointer to the fact that people can live together peacefully with mutual understanding, ‘’those who terrorise the society in the name of Islam cannot be regarded as adherents of Islam just as the author has claimed.

This message should be passed across the country so that we can love one another for the benefit of Nigerians,’’ Noibi stated.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 49

Dhul-Hijjah 18, 1436 A.H.

London Jalsa!

It's all about ‘love for all, hatred for none'

By Ishola Balogun

A

S dignitaries from far and near from no fewer than 207 countries who attended the 2015 World convention in London returned to their various countries, the lesson of hatred for none, love for all still reverberates. The Ahmadi tenet of love for all, hatred for none is a fantastic ideology that is capable of bringing peace to the world. It is a mantra we desperately need to halt the impending conflagration.

Thisisparticularlyimportantatthis time when many parts of the world is in turmoil, when values within families, communities, nations have gone down to the lowest ebb; when terrorism and violence have become synonyms for religion; when even Ulamasandthosewhoshouldknow are shielding the truth for selfish gain and when our youths are being brainwashedtotakeuparmsagainst the state and fellow human beings.

A close examination at challenges facing the West, the emergence of the Arab spring or the turbulence facing countries across the Middle East, peace has remained elusive.

Manyhavebeenradicalised,joining theevilregimeofBokoHaram,ISIS, al-Qaedah and host of others. Love which the Holy Prophet Muhammad emphasised has taken a dive while man’s inhumanity to man has become commonplace.

Governments and institutions know nothing but politics of hate.

Politics of hate This community has however set anexamplewiththemessageoflove for all, hatred for none. This is one of the few Islamic organisations who havebeenvociferousagainstthebad name given to Islam. They continue to say loud and clear, that Islam is about love, Islam is about peace and Islam tolerates, and abhors violence.

In fact, the only one way to save the world from imminent conflagration, is that we must all endeavour to spread love, tolerate ourselves and show mutual respect irrespective of religious background.

It does not only start and end with theMuslimsandalltheIslamicsects, but the entire human race.

This is the dutytheentireMuslims have merely because the pain and anguish in our hearts when Islam is mentionedattheslightestconflictand violence in any part of the world is enough drive us into making a generous jihad for change. Islam has been perceived in the bad light and we need to give the direction for achieving peace.

This is what the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is doing.

This was the message at the

recently concluded London Jalsa Salana. We could see good charity works, inter-religious harmony; friendliness; brotherhood; service tohumanity,high volunteeringspirit to serve humanity, et cetera. There were testimonials of fantastic water projects in some developing countries provided by the Jamaat to help humanity.

The vice President of Serria Leone also recounted the immeasurable assistance provided by the Jamaat to his country particularly during the Ebolacrisis.Inoneofmyinteractions with some volounteers, the Chairman of Ahmadis Architects Association, the European Chapter, Muhammad Akram Ahmad, said a lot of charity works are on-going in over 12 countries in Africa including Nigeria.

According to him, “Atthemoment, we are working in at least 12 different countries in bringing water to different villages. In the last 6-7 years when this project started, we have been doing a lot of work in ensuring that communities and villages get water and electricity. So far, we have touched over 1500 villages in all parts of Africa in the area of water supply.

We have also brought electricity to 250 villages.

These projects will provide water and electricity and they can concentrateonotherbasicneedsand this will make life a lot better for them.

We are going to have a village project in Nigeria where we will not only provide water and electricity, we will also embark on educational programme. We will teach young boys and girls, commuters. This particularly is aimed at empowering the younger ones. We don’t want them to go begging. They should not only stand on their feet, but also be of immense benefit to their communities,” he said.

AsotherAhmadisreeledoutdetails of their voluntary services to help the Jamaat and humanity; several other non-Ahmadis at the occasion gave

It should be noted that tolerance and freedom of religion are cornerstone for the world peace

different remarks praising the Jamaat for showing love, compassion and brotherhood in Islam as preached by Prophet Muhammad and above all the message of peace to the world.

Besides, more than 5000 people from different professional background volounteered to serve over 35,000 delegates and guests at the event. Doctors, lawyers, engineers, high networth businessmen and individuals worked like labourers, serving peopleindifferentareas.Hospitality and brotherhood were at its best.

And for more than the three-week period, food and drinks were in abundance. We gathered that 85% of the cost were borne by donors from different parts of the country who declined their identities.

From left, Circuit Missionary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Manatan Ibadan, Missionary Abdul Ganiyyi Daramola; National Taribiya Secretary, Alhaji Abdul Ganiyyi Ahmad; Amir, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola; Circuit President, Alhaji Muniru Adeagbo and Prof. Abdul Fatai Fehintola, during the Eid-il-Adha prayer in Ibadan recently.

Dogmatic differences Whateverdoctrinalanddogmatic differences that various sects may hold at this point, do not matter. The basis for being a Muslim is to hold and believe the Kalimah- the existence of only one God, Allah and that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) is His messenger.

Every other thing falls under the kalimah. This is one fact that those who persecute the Ahmadis must understand.Ifthey persecutethose who believe in the Kalimah and carry out other pillars of Islam, what then will they do to those who do not believe in all of these. The right of judgment is the exclusive preserve of Almighty Allah whom we serve. It should be noted that tolerance and freedom of religion are cornerstonefor theworldpeace.

I wonder if 80 per cent of the all Muslimorganisationshavebeenso boisterous on the true values of Islam; if apart from our normal ibadahofsalat,zakat,saumandhajj, we all imbibe these values of love, we serve humanity with all our strength and wherewithal, that of course could have been a better Jihad that would have placed Islam onanenviablepedestalandmaybe our youths would not have been victimsofbrainwashtotakeuparms against fellow humans. It will also go to show that Islam is not only a religionofpeacebutitistheonethat spreads peace.

And like Barrie Schwortz, an Amerian-Jew researcher who was also invited to discuss a Christian relics cum Islamic organisations said attheevent,“Before,wedidnotknow the good news, we only hear the bad news about Islam, but now I can say Ahmadiyya with its ‘love-for-all andhatred-for-none’ model, it is the good news.”

What is your own opinion?

Send it to me if you care?

From Left, Sadr Khudamul-ul Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Bro. Abdul Rafi Abdul Qadir; National Auditor, Mr. Ismail Mustapha; Jama’at President, Manatan Ibadan Mosque, Alhaji Ismail Olanipekun and General Secretary ,Manatan Circuit, Bro. Zikrullah Ajimoti, during the Eid-il-Adha prayer in Ibadan recently.

From left: Mrs Fausat Uthman; Amir wife, Mrs Fatimah Fashola; Mrs Rasheedat Famoriyo and Mrs Lateefat Fashola during the Eid-il-Adha

Amir, Ahmadiyya Musilm Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, leading the Eid-il-Adha prayer.

50 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 51

C M Y K

52 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

GEMINI: ROMANTIC Venus at positive angle may bring matters-of-the heart related temptation through friends.

But your best bet now is moderate ambition.

CANCER: The best bet for you is to consolidate on progress you made yesterday and look for best way to pacify your new friends.

LEO: EVERYBODY needs other people’s co-operation just like you today but you will not be compelled by situation to dance to others’ tune; meaning that you can do things your own way and rightly expect success VIRGO: THOSE of you willing to give others the needed co-operation will be in better position to consolidate on progress you have made recently. Don’t allow sex to distract you.

LIBRA: WATCHOUT for minor and avoidable but costly mistake within your working arena, especially if you are in charge of other people’s money. If you develop new romantic liaison today, it may not last.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Be kind

By Richard Eromosele

I

am sure you know what it means to be kind. But if you do not know, let me simply say, it is being generous being caring about other people.

For everything we do, there is a reward for us. Being kind is

no exception. If you are one of those that believe that being kind no longer pays, you need to read this: We all know how difficult it is to obtain American visa these days, so it was on this

TERROR MUDA

fateful day a young man went to the United States Embassy to obtain a visa. He got there early and sat down on a chair. It happened that an elderly man came and the young

in “Scavenger Elite”

man rose from his chair for the elder to sit down, unknown to him an embassy official was watching him. That was how he was called inside and giving visa.

No interview, no checking of documents.

Be kind, kindness has its own reward.

By Lanre Kehinde

SCORPIO: AS the saying goes “time waits for nobody” it’s important you guard against unnecessary procrastination capable of putting you at tight corner tomorrow.

Be loving.

SAGITTARIUS: IT’S better you conclude what you’ve been doing for a while rather than starting something new you don’t know when to finish it. Be more family minded.

CAPRICORN: IF careless remarks are made by you today, it would back-fire at resumption of work tomorrow morning. Those who are eager for romantic attention will have their dream coming true. Be more loving.

AQUARIUS: IF you wait too long before an important (financial) decision is taken, you may find yourself keeping date with what you don’t bargain for.

PISCES: Placement of the Moon influences your associates to become more self-assertive. If you take good advice you’ll fare better. However, it’s important you don’t forget your tomorrow with others.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in “HEY’

By Andy Akman

ARIES: BETTER than yesterday and luckily for you, opportunity to rectify mistakes made yesterday may come today to the betterment of your finances. Don’t try to buy love with money.

TAURUS: BETTER than yesterday as you will be at a more comfortable place today and suddenly discover that your hope is alive. Venus bring you money.

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 about me?

Dear Joshua,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

You have done many people’s horoscope; what about me?

I want you to kindly analyse my star and tell me everything about my self. Please take note that I value my health and career than any other thing.

Adeyemi, Lagos.

Dear Adeyemi,# What space can take will be given to you here-under. Scorpio and Libra that hosted both your natal sun and moon are members of very strong star signs-health wise.

Scorpio, in particular, has unusual survival ability. That is to say, even when health related challenges come, your survival endowment will always see you through.

Your major challenge is from your constant worries about too many things, especially on career related issues. Business miscalculation can be another source of health related challenge. You will agree with the fact that both constant worries and business miscalculation can affect one’s circulatory system.

Other things to watch-out for include: Urino-genital organs, minor accident (fire), bones dislocations, a few other times, skin infections and, of-course, fever. Always take care of the stomach. Please take note that all these are mere warnings as there is nothing fatalistic about them; a good guard, though.

Oil related Neptune was the closet heavenly body to the sun when you were born at positive angle to Pluto in Leo. Thus, having things to do with oil along your career/business lines is not by accident.

Then preponderance of water element and fixed quality in the distribution of the planets when you were born are favourable to commercial involvement with anything liquid.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 53

Chukwu to Oliseh: Don’t ignore Martins, Ogbeche S

EATTLE Sounders’ O b a f e m i Martins and FC Cambuur forward Bartholomew Ogbeche deserve a recall to the Nigeria squad, according to a former Super Eagles coach Christian Chukwu.

30-year-old Martins announced his retirement from international football in December 2014 following his inability to get an invite to the national team under former coach Stephen Keshi, while Ogbeche who has scored four goals in his last two games for his Dutch club fizzled out of the national team after the 2002 Fifa World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

Both have been in good scoring form for their clubs lately and Chukwu believes their superlative form should not be ignored by coach Sunday Oliseh as they will solve the attacking worries of the Super Eagles.

“Everything depends on the head coach though I believe that the Super Eagles is for every Nigerian provided they

•Martins

Oliseh Continues from BP second half.

“What impressed me the most about my team was the unity and the way they stayed calm in the dressing room at half time.

“They were the first that realized that things were not going right.

They were all trying to find solutions among themselves.

“That is something you usually require the services of a psychologist for,” Oliseh said.

The coach then took the time to discuss his coaching philosophy and what he intends to bring to the three-time African champions as coach, as regards their playing style.

“For us to go further, we must have a (definite) style of play.

“The philosophy is simple. When we don’t have the ball, we must behave and act in a particular manner and

there should also be a way we behave when we have possession of the ball.

“The problem we have however is that Nigerians just don’t want us to win.

“They want us to win playing good football but that will require time.

“I cannot tell Nigerians how long I will need to achieve that but we have a clear objective at this moment.

“That objective is qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon,” he said.

Oliseh has an unblemished record as Nigeria coach as he is yet to taste defeat after overseeing his first two matches.

He will be looking to continue his fine run as Nigeria coach when the Super Eagles face Congo DR and Cameroon in international friendlies later this month.

are in a very good shape,” Chukwu told Goal.

“Ogbeche and Martins are in the right form and I feel they should be invited to the national team.

“Both players are tested and boast of experience that can improve the lot of Nigeria during international matches.

“Also, they have the ability to convert chances that come their way, which is lacking now in the Super Eagles.''

G

UINEA-BISSAU coach Paulo Torres has been banned for the rest of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for abusing a referee.

The Confederation of

African Football (Caf) found Torres guilty of using “offensive language and insults towards the referee.”

The incident happened during a goalless draw against Zambia in June.

Torres will miss home and away ties against Kenya in March next year and then games against Congo and Zambia.

The draw for GuineaBissau left them bottom of Group E with a single point, only the pool winners are guaranteed a place at the 2017 finals in Gabon.

•Torres

England beats Nigeria to Dele Alli

N

IGERIA is about to lose yet another youngster to the Three Lions of England.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Dele Alli is a player with dual citizenship and the English national team have invited the playmaker for their Euro qualifiers against Estonia and Lithuania with manager Roy Hodgson describing the player as “a very exciting talent”.

Alli’s father is Nigerian and he is also eligible to

Nigeria Continues from BP and Deolinda Ngulela combined for 34 Mozambique points.

Adaora Elonu hit a layup with 5:45 minutes left, giving Nigeria a 60-58 lead, and they never trailed again.

Stats Don’t Lie: Mozambique stepped on floor planing to make the most of their threepoint shooting.

However, they seemed to have crossed the line by attempting 5 of 29 from beyond the arc.

It’s general knowledge that Nazir Sale’s team arrived in Yaounde with a shorthanded roster, and that fact became even more evident as the team’s bench contributed only five points against Nigeria’s 28.

Game Hero: Helen Ogunjimi has officially become Nigeria’s secret weapon. She not only played aggressive defense, but 30-year-old

Caf hands four-match ban to Guinea-Bissau coach

guard provide two crucial three-pointers keeping Nigeria very much alive in the contest.

Ten lead changes translates how competitive the game was. Two years ago, Mozambique upset Nigeria in the QuarterFinals, and on Thursday they were very close to repeat their fortunes, but Nigeria stepped on floor a desperation mode, reaching the tournament’s SemiFinals for the second time since 2011.

Ndidi Madu, who clear the boards with a game-high 13 rebounds later told FIBA.com: “It was a tough game for us.

Mozambique is a great team. We didn’t do a good of job rebounding.

We definitely need to able to rebound in order to win ball games. It does not matter who we face tomorrow, we just need to be ready for the fight.

play for the Super Eagles even though he has featured for various England age-group teams.

The player, who has scored a goal in 321 minutes of action in the EPL this season has been under Sunday Oliseh’s radar as part of his new Super Eagles team.

England have already qualified for the Euros in France next year and manager Hodgson said he has high regards for the versatile Alli, who could play as defensive, creative or attacking midfielder.

“We’ve been impressed with Dele Alli and this is a chance to get to know him. He’s a very exciting talent,” remarked the England boss.

•Dele Alli

Why Van Gaal axed Valencia, Schweinsteiger against Wolfsburg

T

HE Red Devils came from behind at Old Trafford to beat the Bundesliga side 2-1 in the Champions League last night.

And Van Gaal admits poor performances from Antonio Valencia, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Memphis Depay forced him to take the trio off.

The Dutchman explained: “Valencia? I think it was tactical because I wanted to

prevent crosses from that side and Antonio let them cross.

“Also, I saw that at that side they could be more effective on that side.

“Schweinsteiger, he was tired I thought and that was the reason, because he also gave balls away.

“Schweinsteiger is normally the best possession player, so that is the reason I changed him. The same for Memphis.”

FIFA ranking Continues from BP Swaziland and Djibouti occupy 135th and 206th positions respectively.

Argentina continue to top the ranking followed

by Germany, Belgium, Portugal and Colombia.

The next world ranking will be published by the official website of Fifa on 5 November 2015.

54 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Ronaldo on wish list of MLS side O

RLANDO City have set their sights on an audacious transfer coup for Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Majority owner of the Major League Soccer franchise Flavio Augusto Da Silva has said the Portuguese is superior to Lionel Messi and admitted that he would consider signing him.

The Florida-based club did manage to lure Brazilian star Kaka earlier this year but their first MLS campaign has been something of a disappointment.

So now Da Silva, speaking to Spanish sports daily Marca, has raised his transfer market ambitions.

‘Truthfully, we like Cristiano Ronaldo a lot.

We’d sign him without thinking about it,’ Da Silva said.

‘Physically, he’s more complete than Messi, and he’d make more of an impact on a market-

ing level in MLS than the Argentine.

‘Hopefully we can sign him for this upcoming season. We’ve always heard that he’d like to come to the United States to play.’

Of course, any move to the United States in the near future is unlikely, with Ronaldo continuing to set a high standard for Real.

He notched up his 500th career goal on Wednesday night when scoring twice in the Champions League win over Malmo.

In the process, Ronaldo also drew level with Raul as Real Madrid’s all-time leading goalscorer.

And, at the age of 30, there is plenty still to come from the prolific Portuguese.

Orlando could do with some magic - they sit 16th overall in the MLS standings and will almost certainly miss out on the Eastern Conference play-offs.

Raul congratulates Ronaldo

C

RISTIANO Ronaldo was congratulated

by Raul on matching his haul of 323 goals for Real Madrid and the club plan to honour him with a special ceremony at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday.

Ronaldo scored twice in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Malmo on Wednesday and also

Hart hopes City can rediscover form

J

OE Hart hopes Manchester City ’s last-gasp win at Borussia Monchengladbach will provide the spark to get their season back on track.

Sergio Aguero scored a 90th-minute penalty winner as City came from behind to beat the Germans 2-1 at a raucous Borussia Park and secure their first points

•Ronaldo

Chelsea players unhappy with Mourinho J

OSE MOURINHO has reportedly riled the Chelsea dressing room with his perceived scapegoating of certain players.

Chelsea have endured a poor start to the season and lost their second Champions League game against Porto on Tuesday.

Blues boss Mourinho left attacking trio Oscar, Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao at home for the midweek trip - only informing them of the decision at the last minute.

And The Guardian report concern is growing among the squad of Mourinho’s apparent blame game - particularly the decision to ostracise captain John Terry and hand the armband to Branislav Ivanovic.

Mourinho raised eyebrows by not picking a striker on the bench in Portugal, opting to bring on summer signing Kenedy when chasing the game in the second half.

The former Real Madrid coach has been publicly critical of his players this term and again hit out at his defence after losing 2-1 to Porto.

“We watch dozens and C M Y K

dozens of repetitions of Porto taking corners. I thought we were completely ready for that.

And in a moment when the game was under control and we were preparing a change, to concede that goal was like ice in the players.

“The basic thing in football to work at is a defensive set-play. The ball is stopped, you defend the spaces or the man or both. We had another similar mistake [from a corner] when they hit a post.”

Eden Hazard and Nemanja Matic were dropped from the side that drew 2-2 with Newcastle on Saturday, although both came off the bench against Porto.

passed 500 career goals in a record-breaking night.

‘Raul sent me a message saying that he hoped I scored another 300 goals,’ Ronaldo admitted after his brace saw him draw level with the former Spain captain. ‘I was very happy to receive it because I know he means it from the heart.’

UNHAPPY .... Chelsea players showing their displeasure against Jose Mourinho's scape-goating.

Redknapp criticises Wenger

H

•Redknapp (l) and Wenger

ARRY Redknapp says Arsene Wenger’s decision to rest Petr Cech against Olympiacos encouraged complacency from the rest of the Arsenal team.

Wenger said it was a “farce” to blame Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat on his decision to start David Ospina ahead of Cech, but Redknapp believes his selection sent out the wrong message.

“It was too big a gamble in the most important club

competition in the world, especially when they didn’t even win the first game against Dinamo Zagreb,” Redknapp wrote in his Evening Standard column.

“Resting Cech sent the wrong message to the rest of the team. We have seen it time and again in the Capital One Cup where big teams are knocked out after making so many changes because the players think, ‘Oh well, it’s not that important today’.

in Champions League Group D. City, having lost three of their previous four games, had looked set for another night of frustration after falling behind to a Lars Stindl strike early in the second half.

But City rallied, levelling through Martin Demichelis and completing the comeback as Aguero, following a night of personal frustration in front of goal, got up after being fouled and struck from the spot.

It was a hard-fought win and City were still some way short of the form that saw them cruise through their opening five games of the season without conceding.

Yet in terms of character, it was encouraging and Hart hopes performances can now improve.

Hart, who himself was outstanding in Germany, said: “We did it the hard way, as our fans know that’s how we’re doing things at the moment. It wasn’t really good enough. We gave far too many chances to them.

“The win is important and we really need to improve, but as badly as we played I think we still deserved to win.''

Hart

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015 — 55

Serena withdraws from WTA Finals, China Open S

ERENA Williams said yesterday she was withdrawing from the season-ending WTA Finals and the China Open to take time to heal after playing through injuries all year.

Williams, who was two wins from completing a calendar-year Grand Slam at the US Open, said she is “taking a proactive step and withdrawing from tournaments in Beijing and Singapore to properly

address my health and take the time to heal.’’

“It’s no secret I’ve played injured most of the year — whether it was my elbow, my knee, or, in the final moments after a certain match in Flushing, my heart,” Williams was quoted on the China Open website.

“This is a very difficult decision, but one ultimately made because of the love of the game.”

In 2015, Williams won the Australian Open, the French Open and Wim-

Mascherano charged with tax fraud

J

AVIER Maschera no has been called to testify in court on 29th October over allegations that he defrauded Spanish tax authorities a total of 1.5m euros through the sale of his image rights to overseas companies.

A court in Gavà (Barcelona) will try the prosecutors’ case against Mascherano. The Argentine allegedly used two companies, one in Miami and another in Madeira, to defraud 587,822 euros in 2011 and 968,907 euros in 2012.

Prosecutors have described the player ’s actions as a “strategy to

conceal earnings from his image rights”.

Spain’s tax authorities began their investigation in September.

•Mascherano

bledon. But she missed out on becoming the first player since 1988 to win all four majors in the same season when she lost to Roberta Vinci in the US Open semifinals.

“Serena’s health has to be her No. 1 priority,” WTA president Micky Lawler said in a statement Thursday. “The risk of injury is a reality in the world of elite athletic performance. We will miss seeing Serena on court in both Beijing and Singapore and wish her a speedy recovery.”

Williams’ coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, on Wednesday questioned her desire to finish the season after her loss to Vinci, which some called the biggest upset in women’s tennis history.

“I plan to return to practicing and participating in exhibition matches later this year,” said Williams, who lost only three singles matches in 2015. “And when I do, l will focus and focus and focus so I can continue my journey in this beautiful game.”

Williams, who turned 34 last Saturday, is one title short of tying Steffi Graf ’s career total of 22 Grand Slam championships and three behind Margaret Court’s alltime record of 24. With her Open result, Williams already has clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking.

DOUBLE-FISTED ... Serena Williams displays her Tennis prowess during one of her games.

Cech ommission stuns Merson P AUL Merson says he does not un-

Musa: CSKA back on track in Champions League

A

•Ahmed Musa C M Y K

HMED Musa has said his Russian club CSKA Moscow are back on track in the UEFA Champions League after a 3-2 home win over PSV Eindhoven.

The Nigeria star scored the opening goal for CSKA in the seventh minute last Wednesday night and the Russian army club raced to a 3-0 lead by half time with a brace from Ivorian striker Seydou Doumbia, only to let in two goals to the visiting Dutch side to endure a nervy finish.

Ahmed Musa has now scored four goals in the Champions League.

CSKA Moscow now have three points from two games like other teams in the group namely PSV, Manchester United and Wolfsburg.

“It was a good game for us and I am happy we won,” Ahmed Musa told AfricanFootball.com

derstand Arsene Wenger ’s decision to leave Petr Cech on the bench for Arsenal’s crucial Champions League clash with Olympiakos.

•Cech

An error-strewn display against the Greek champions saw the Gunners slump to a second successive European defeat, following their Matchday One loss away to Dinamo Zagreb.

Wenger ’s decision to play David Ospina in goal instead of Cech proved to be costly as the Colombia international’s bizarre error gifted the visitors their second goal in a 3-2 win.

And, speaking on Sky Sports News HQ, Merson criticised Wenger’s team selection and claimed Arsenal’s hopes of progressing out of Group F are now slim.

“It was a must-win game for Arsenal and they should have played their best team,” he said.

“Why English clubs don’t play their best team beats me.

“If you look at Barcelona - who played Bayer Leverkusen - Messi was injured and they still played their strongest team.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2015

Eagles' strength impresses Oliseh Nigeria down Mozambique, advance to the semi-finals

N

IGERIA became the first team to advance to the AfroBasket Women 2015 Semi-Finals after beating Mozambique 71-66 in the first QuarterFinals on Thursday in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Joyce Ekworomadu sparked Nigeria with a game-best 20 points, while Odelia Mafanela Continues on Page 53

N

IGERIA head coach, Sunday Oliseh, says he has been left impressed by the mental strength of the players he has worked with since taking charge of the national team.

Oliseh’s first game in charge was a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on September 5 and despite failing to guide the side to a win, he took positive memories from the 0-0 draw with the

DIFFERENT STROKES... D'Tigress Sarah Ogoke (l) scores for Nigeria while Ingvild Mucauro of Mozambique (above) laments defeat by D'Tigress.

Tanzanians.

With the score tied at 0-0 during the break and the Taifa Stars clearly on top in the first half, Oliseh said he was stunned to meet his players looking calm in the changing room as they sought to steady the ship ahead of the Continues on Page 53

•Oliseh

•••Move one step on FIFA ranking N

IGERIA climbed one spot to 52nd in the latest FIFA ranking published yesterday in Zurich. However, the Super Eagles retained the tenth position in the African continent.

Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Tunisia and Senegal are the best 5

Chelsea players unhappy with Mourinho — Page 54

teams in Africa in that order.

The Super Eagles next opponents Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon are ranked 60th and 48th respectively while potential World Cup qualifying opponents

Continues on Page 53

•Mourinho

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

DOWN ACROSS 1 Frightened (6) 1 Certify (6) 2 Offer (6) 5 Divulge (6) 3 Auction (4) 9 Fragrance (5) 4 Handle (5) 10 Fester (6) 5 Insinuate (5) 11 Torment (6) 6 Masculine (4) 12 Bird (5) 7 Disputed (6) 14 Frozen (4) 8 See-saw (6) 17 Attempt (3) 13 Permitted (7) 18 Present (4) 20 Challenged (5) 15 Boat (5) 16 Postpone (5) 22 Jockey (5) 18 Chartered (5) 23 Paler (7) 19 Send (5) 24 Pulled (5) 21 Father (3) 26 Danger (5) 22 Material (3) 29 Learn (4) 24 Twine (6) 30 Girl’s (3) 25 Paddling (6) 32 Fruit (4) 27 Tattered (6) 33 Hell (5) 28 Guide (6) 35 Reviser (6) 30 Ran (5) 36 Elbowed (6) 31 Renovate (5) 37 Bar (5) 33 Cavity (4) 38 Stubborn (6) 34 Certain (4) 39 Artisan (6)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROS: 4, Legal 7, Laurel 9, Par 10, Lac 12, Total 3, Toss 15, Noted 17, Allege 19, Ewer 20, Eerie 22, Ilk 24, Tattled 27, Pea 28, Erect 31, Mass 33, Stoned 35, Water 37, Wise 38, Maker 39, Dam 41, Aim 42, Lament 43, Beard.

DOWN: 1, Blithe 2, Hussar 3, Gel 4, Late 5, Erode 6, Academic 8, Lane 11, Cogitated 14, Slit 16, Tell 18, Leap 21, Escapade 23, Keen 25, Test 26, Drew 29, Edited 30, Twenty 32, Swear 34, Oral 36, Arid 40, Mad.

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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