BAMA: Military orders arrest of Army General

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62246

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

SYNAGOGUE: It's controlled demolition —T.B. Joshua 9

BAMA: Military orders arrest of Army General •For running into bush with troops in fear of B'Haram •Paved way for terrorists to loot armoury; to face court martial •Military extends restriction of vehicular movement in Maiduguri

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA—THERE were indications, weekend, that the Army High Command has ordered the arrest and detention of a BrigadierGeneral attached to the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army (names with-held) over allegations of negligence that gave Boko Haram terrorists an opportunity to overrun some communi

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COLUMNISTS:

Tortoise folklore as metaphor of national leadership P.40

Kwankwaso and the two ‘Kanos' •P.44

Mr & Mrs SALLAH FUN—Children

catching fun at the Central Mosque Round-about in Bauchi, yesterday. Photo: NAN.

Investors lose N463bn in three months as market nosedives •P.17

Remi Oyo's burial rites begin Oct 16 •P.7

Total Eclipse of the Moon occurs Wednesday •P.5

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POCKET CARTOON

Despite the Ebola scare, a customer negotiates to purchase bush-meat at the Emure-Ile Fresh Fruits Market, Emure-Junction, Owo, Ondo State, weekend. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

BAMA: Military orders arrest of Army General Continues from page 1 ties in Borno State recently.

Vanguard gathered that the senior officer who hails from one of the states in the South West, was the officer coordinating the military onslaught to dislodge several Boko Haram terrorists from Bama, Gwoza, Madagali, Michika and other communities in Borno and Adamawa states that later fell into

the hands of the terrorists.

The General was accused of providing poor leadership and failed to instil confidence in the soldiers, resulting in several soldiers allegedly abandoning the fight against the terrorists while several of them lost their lives.

According to the source, when the Boko Haram insurgents came in full force to attack

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

There is no time to waste time. Do what you need to do and do it now

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Part of being a man is learning to take responsibility for your successes and for your failures. You can’t go blaming others or being negative . Seeing somebody else’s success as your failure is a cancerous way to live — Kevin Bacon Each time you find yourself pointing out your faults, or questioning a decision, simply STOP. Take a moment to remember what you love about you, and even write it down. Show that negative devil whose boss, and regain control of your mind. Each negative thought should be replaced by a positive one. Positive thinking is a strong tool and plays a major role in the way we see ourselves.

It is important that we surround ourselves with positive people while we are rebuilding our selfesteem. Find a friend or a family member that you feel comfortable talking openly with. Talking to someone about how you feel is a big part of building self-confidence. People are social by nature, and talking to someone will also help you work through the issues that have dragged you down in the past.

Bama,some top brass of the unit offered no resistance by running into the bush.

The source disclosed that the insurgents entered the Brigade Headquarters and Armoury freely and carted away vehicles and Tanks.

Vanguard was told that some of the commanders were rescued from the bush by a battalion deployed at Konduga, which was stationed about 15 kilometers behind Bama, the last deployment before Maiduguri.

The Military high command was said to be furious that the insurgents after taking over Bama and killing hundreds of civilians ransacked the armoury with no soldier offering resistance, leaving the insurgents to have a free day.

According to the source; after seizing the equipment at the 21 Brigade Bama, the terrorists used the same weapons to attack the infantry battalion at Konduga but met their waterloo where hundreds of the Boko Haram insurgents were killed.

The source added that the 21 Armoured Brigade which had several armoured tanks could not withstand the battle that was later decided by less than 400 infantry soldiers in Konduga.

It was further gathered that after running away from Bama, some top brass of the brigade and about 800 troops went straight to Maiduguri instead of joining the troops in Konduga to repel the attack.

To face court-martial Vanguard gathered that a board of inquiry is investigating the conduct of the officers for acts of negligence among other offences.

Military sources further told Vanguard that Boko Haram terrorists were not really better armed in the terror war but rather leadership of troops on ground has been discovered as a problem that needed to be tackled.

Giving an instance, a source said: "Commanders of troops are supposed to lead soldiers from the frontline but what we discovered is that most of the commanders operate and give orders from the rear.

“If not that our soldiers are rugged and know that the Boko Haram terrorists could not match them professionally, what we are seeing today would have been the opposite. Actually, when terrorists see soldiers coming, they run for

their lives, but due to poor leadership, the back-up arrangements are not activated. When soldiers therefore run out of ammunition and the terrorists regroup, soldiers will have no other choice than to retreat”.

The source cited the successes recorded severally in the battles to take over Konduga as the perfect way the Nigeria Army operates, noting that even though there were four different attacks with heavy weaponry, the army was able to defeat them and recovered stolen weapons.

Military extends restriction of vehicular movement in Maiduguri.

Meanwhile, the ban on vehicular movements in Maiduguri, which was to last from 5 pm last Friday till 7 am today has been extended till

tomorrow. The ban was imposed following intelligence reports that Boko Haram terrorists will attack mosques, markets and other public places during the sallah period.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of 7 Division Col. Sanni Usman, said “all necessary security measures are being implemented, while members of the public are hereby requested to comply fully with this embargo as defaulters will be severely sanctioned".

He said, however, that workers on essential services such as hospitals and fire services with clear identification are exempted from the restriction.

Colonel Usman then advised members of the public to report any suspicious movement of persons or vehicles around their environment to the nearest security agencies.

Total Eclipse of the moon occurs Wednesday

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AGOS—Sky watch ers and observers of the lunar system will notice an extremely rare cosmic sight on Wednesday, October 8, when a total lunar eclipse is expected to occur in different parts of the World.

The total eclipse of the moon will result in a clash simultaneous rising of the sun in what scientists have called “selenelion,” a phenomenon that celestial geometry says cannot happen.

During the lunar eclipse, the sun and moon will be exactly 180 degrees apart in the sky.

In a perfect alignment like this (called a “syzygy”), such an ob-

servation would seem impossible.

The images of both the sun and moon are expected to be lifted above the horizon by atmospheric refraction. This will allow people on Earth to see the sun for several extra minutes before it actually has risen and the moon for several extra minutes after it has actually set.

As a consequence of this atmospheric trick, watchers in different locations will have a chance to observe this unusual sight firsthand, with the possibility of simultaneously seeing the sun rising in the east while the eclipsed full moon is setting in the west.

6 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Pandemonium in UNIBEN as woman assaults VC

Police kill suspected kidnapper, rescue victim ...Arrest boy, 15, for kidnapping 5-year-old girl in Makurdi

By Emma Amaize & Peter Duru

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN CITY— THERE was pandemonium last Friday in the office of the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Benin, UNIBEN, Prof. Osayuki Oshodin, as a woman evaded security to assault him in his office.

This came as the Police at Ugbowo arrested a staff of the university in the Chemistry Department for allegedly forging the letter head of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and signature of chairman of the university's union, Dr Anthony Monye-Emina, to perpetrate fraud.

Vanguard learnt that the VC was strolling to his waiting room to meet with some visitors when the woman, who was said to have been sacked by the university authorities for alleged misconduct, held him by his trousers, screaming that she should be restored back to her job.

However, the VC's aides and people around held the woman and handed her over to security operatives in the university.

Vanguard learnt that the security operatives attached to the office of the VC had been queried for breach of security.

“The VC was shocked as he did not even know the woman. He is the head but there are disciplinary measures in different departments. People were shocked that the woman breached security and entered the VC’s office,” said an eyewitness.

The VC, when contacted, confirmed the incident, saying the woman would have shot him dead, if she had had a gun.

He said: “I was shocked because she would have shot me dead if she was in possession of a gun.

She would have also blown up everybody around if she was a suicide bomber. I was shocked how she came into my office, though the management is investigating the matter now.

“These are some of the problems one is encountering as a leader but I thank God he will always see me through despite the handiwork of mischief makers.”

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SABA—THE police in Delta State yesterday, after a fierce battle, shot dead a suspected kidnapper and rescued a teacher, Mr Abemu Gabriel, kidnapped in the early hours of the morning.

This came at a time the police in Makurdi, Benue State, also arrested a 15-year-old boy, Daniel Kahaga, for allegedly kidnapping a 5-year-old pupil of a Makurdi Nursery and Primary school (name withheld).

Vanguard learned that the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Isiokolo, Ethiope East Local Government Area, of the state, personally led his men to chase the kidnap gang when he received a distress call that a citizen was abducted.

Mr Gabriel, from Oviere, who

teaches at Oruodo Primary School in the council area, was kidnapped at a railway line at Okpara and whisked away to a hideout by his captors.

Police reportedly cordoned exit points to track the movement of the gangsters, and thereafter, trailed the gang to Utiyo village in the community.

The kidnappers allegedly opened fire on the police team as soon as they sighted the law enforcement agents.

The DPO, who was battle-ready with his men , returned fire, fatally wounding one of the suspects who died of excessive loss of blood before medical attention could reach him.

The liberated victim, according to a police source, is receiving medical attention at a hospital in the area as at 1.30 pm yesterday.

The search is on for fleeing

members of the gang.

Meanwhile, the police in Makurdi, Benue State, last weekend, arrested 15-year-old Daniel Kahaga for allegedly kidnapping a 5-year-old pupil of a Makurdi Nursery and Primary school (name withheld).

Vanguard gathered from a reliable source that the suspect had last Friday gone to the victim's school to pick her up after school in the guise that he was sent by her parents to take her home.

The source said: “He actually deceived the teachers that he was asked by her father to take the child home, but ended up with her in an isolated premises of a public primary school were he tied up the child.

“At this time, the child's mother had gone to the school to pick her only to be told that she had

been picked by someone purportedly sent by her father.

“The woman raised an alarm and the Police were immediately informed and a search for the missing girl was ordered.

“The suspicion was that the kidnapper actually intended to sell the child to some persons or had intended to demand for a ransom from the parents of the child.

“However, before he could execute his plans, a good samaritan who heard the cry of the kidnapped child in the school where she was hidden, confronted the kidnapper who could not explain what he was doing with the child.

“It was at that point that the Police was alerted and the young man was arrested, while the school and parents of the kidnapped child, who had already raised alarm over her disappearance, were contacted.”

Pastor, two others nabbed for diverting goods worth N25m

By Esther Onyegbula ...I robbed to expand the church — Suspect

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PERATIVES of Federal Anti-robbery Squad, FEDSARS, has arrested three members of a sus-pected 4-man robbery gang which specialises in hijacking and diverting trucks transporting goods within Lagos and Ogun states.

The suspects, identified as pastor Peter Iyasele, a.k.a Major, Anthony Ibiade, and Amas Debar, were arrested after FEDSARS’ operatives received a tip-off that a group of robbers had hijacked a 25ft container bearing 25 units of heavy duty outdoor split air conditioners worth over N25 million, as one Oliver, surname unknown, is still at large.

Vanguard gathered that the arrest of Amas Debar at Ijora led to the arrest of Anthony Ibiade and Peter Iyesele, after they had successfully hijacked the goods and transported it to their warehouse in Ibadan.

Their arrest led to the recovering of 22 units of the airconditioners, while one had been damaged.

Two of the airconditioners were,

however, not recovered.

It was gathered that while Peter worked as a transporter, the other members of the gang are professional hijackers whose stock in trade was diversion of goods.

One of the suspects recounted his exploits: “My name is Peter Iyesele, 56- .Pastor Iyasele (left) and Debar year-old, I am married and I have four children. operations for years but after I am a pastor and I have a church a while I stopped and invested proceeds from the along Badagry expressway.

“I was arrested at Igando bus- operations in transportation.

“For about nine years, I didn’t stop for participating in hijacking and diversion of goods participate in any of these worth over N25 million. I have operations because I had made been engaging in these enough from the operations

until I received a call from God to serve him. I was doing well in my transportation business before I was duped by a woman.

“The reason I went back into robbing was to get money to expand the church of God where I pastor. If I had succeeded, I would have used the proceeds to build a house for God.”

Enugu police command arrests man for stabbing mother to death

By Austin Ogwuda

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NUGU—ENUGU State police command has arrested a middle-aged man for allegedly stabbing his mother to death.

The incident took place while the woman was sleeping in the early hours of last Thursday at Ubiekpo Abor in Udi local government area of Enugu State.

Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, however, in a statement issued yesterday, alluded to the fact that the man might be mentally

deranged and that he had since been arrested.

The PPRO said: “Operatives of the state criminal investigations of the Enugu State command of the Nigeria Police Force have commenced a full scale investigation to unravel the mystery and circumstances surrounding the alleged stabbing to death of a woman by the son on October 2, 2014, at about 5am.

“The suspect, identified as Uchechukwu Ugwuozor, had allegedly gone to the bed where the mother, also identified as

Eunice Ugwuozor, was lying down and stabbed her to death over a yet-to-be-identified reason, abandoning the lifeless body of the mother and escaping to an unknown destination.

“Sources close to the family hinted that the alleged murderer is linked to an unresolved psychological problem.

“Meanwhile, the dead body of the deceased is now deposited at the hospital mortuary of Our Saviour located

at 9th Mile Corner, Ngwo, Enugu, just as the suspect has also been apprehended by the operatives.”

The PPRO also told Vanguard that the proactive measures which the command had adopted had put it in a better stead to contain any ugly incident during the Sallah celebrations.

Commenting on the preparedness of the command for the Sallah, he said: “The command has involved itself with strict proactive policing measures, aimed at ensuring a peaceful state and that of Sallah inclusive.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 7

By Emmanuel Elebeke

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BUJA—THE Federal Government and the Japanese government have signed two grants of USD 4.1 million and USD 13.2 million respectively to support health and education sectors in Nigeria.

Minister of National Planning, Dr Abubakar Sulaiman, signed on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Mr. Ryuichi Shoji, the Japanese Ambassador in Nigeria, signed for his government.

The Japanese health support to Nigeria in the sum of JPY 400, 000,000 ($ 4.1m), is to equip teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, special centres and general hospitals with medical devises and instruments produced by the Japanese SMEs. While the support for education in the sum of JPY 1,277, 000, 000, ($ 13.2m), is for the construction of 261 classrooms, 258 toilet booths and other school facilities in 36 schools in Oyo State, aimed at improving access to primary education and the school environment of Nigeria Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of National Planning stated that, the projects will fill the critical gaps in Nigeria’s development drive and also complement the country’s effort in education and health and also enhance capacity to meet the MDGs targets.

He explained that, the Japanese education grant in Oyo State, will have a very strong positive impact on the education sector of the state.

Accordingly, Dr Sulaiman, ‘’the Nigerian Government, like other African countries, is putting everything in place to meet the basic needs of the people, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare and shelter” Dr. Sulaiman, further stated that, the Japanese Government has been very supportive of Nigeria’s development drive in form of grants and technical assistance covering several sectors, including water and sanitation, health, education, defence and security, energy and power, small and medium scale/enterprises development and agriculture.

He noted that, of particular importance is Japan’s support in technical assistance to Nigeria which contributes in enhancing the capacity of the country’s workforce, and also commended the Japanese African Business Entrepreneurs Initiative which seeks to empower young Africans with relevant skills and competence, the latest in Japan’s technical support to the country.

On his part, the Japanese Ambassador, Ryuichi Shoji, also explained that, the overall objective of the grant aids, was to create inclusive society for growth through providing support for health and education sectors, which

FG, Japan sign N2.889bn grant to boost education, health according to him, is one of the Japan’s priority target areas at the 5th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, TICAD, held in June 2013.

He added that, the Government of Japan made a commitment to provide financial support of five hundred million US Dollars ($500m) in the health sector, emphasising the importance to promote in Africa, Universal Health Coverage (UCH), where all the people are able to receive basic health services.

Accordingly, he also stated that on the 26th May, the Government of Japan decided to extend a loan of up to $85m to Nigeria for the Polio Eradication Project and pointed out that, the efforts reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the future of Nigeria and also will continue to stand by Nigeria in her pursuing the goals of the Nigeria Vision 20: 2020.

GROUND BREAKING: From left; Minister of Transport, Sen. Idris Umar; Rivers State Deputy Governor, Tele Ikuru; Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo; Chairman Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Board of Trustee, Chief Tony Anenih and Minister of Trade and Investment; during the commissioning of Onne ports complex Phase 4 projects and groundbreaking ceremony of Phase 4b in Rivers State on Friday.

Invest in Nigeria Dev’t Bank, FG urges European Union

By Emma Ujah, Abuja

Bureau Chief

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BUJA—FEDERAL Government has invited the European Union, EU, to invest in the proposed Nigeria Development Bank through the union’s development financing outfit, the European Investment Bank, EIB. The Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, gave the invitation at a meeting with a delegation of

the EU, Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michel Arrion, ibn Abuja, at the weekend.

The minister told the delegation that the federal government was establishing the bank with a view to making cheap, long-term funds available to the Small and Medium Enterprises, SME, to boost productivity in that subsector of the economy.

His words, “ we are developing a whole sale development bank in Nigeria.

The idea of the bank is to give

long term financing to SMEs and increase their source of borrowing. We did a study of the informal sector which showed that the sector constituted 45 percent of our GDP. “We have a firm belief that if we are able to increase their access to funds especially long term, that will go a long way in increasing the GDP of this country and integrating them into the formal sector of the economy.”

Amb. Yuguda disclosed that the bank was already attracting interests among development

Remi Oyo's burial rites begin Oct 16

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HE burial rites of the former Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Mrs Oluremi Oyo, who died in London last Wednesday would begin on the 16th of this month with a Christian wake and Requiem Mass in Abuja. This was disclosed by the widower, Mr Vincent Oyo. Other activities include a Requiem Mass on Oct. 22 at Saints Joachim and Anne church— her home church— and a Christian wake on Oct. 23 at NAN media centre, Lagos.

The funeral Mass comes up at Saint Dominic Catholic church, Yaba, Lagos, on Oct. 24, to be followed by interment at Atan Cemetery, Yaba.

NAN reports that over 150 sympathisers have signed the condolence register at her Ijegun residence Meanwhile, the Director General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Sola Omole on Sunday urged

young journalists to emulate the excellence in the profession as was demonstrated by the late Mrs Remi Oyo. Omole said Oyo never compromised on her profession.

He spoke while on a condolence visit to the Ijegun residence of the Oyos in Lagos.

“She has accomplished the dignity of the profession, she should be celebrated for her exclusive excellence, she never compromised her grounds on policies.

“Remi demonstrated superb expertise in journalism, she was an exceptionally bright woman, which elevated her to being the first female journalist to be a spokesman at the presidency, and first NAN Managing Director,” he said.

According to Omole, Oyo combined journalism with her active participation in the church and became a Papal Dame.

The Assistant Parish Priest,

Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, Rev. Fr. Paul Amenaghawon, also described the late Oyo as a philanthropist.

“We have lost a great woman who was the immediate past ViceChairman of the church; she impacted the lives of many people, irrespective of where they came from,” he said.

In her contribution, the president, Christian Mothers of Saints Joachim and Anne Catholic Church, Ijegun, Mrs Josephine Eguavoen told NAN that the late Oyo was an exemplary model to women.

“We saw her as a humble wife and mother. Despite her class, she found time to mix and listen to the plight of women who approached her,” she said.

In his tribute, Governor Babangida Aliyu of Niger described the late Oyo as a distinguished media practitioner who was a role model for women in journalism the profession.

partners and that the World Bank, for instance, has committed $500 million in the it and that the EU bank should also key into it.

He added, “we know that EIB has been helping Nigeria banks.

We are also aware that before they grant any facility to any bank in Nigeria they would normally seek for authorization through your office”.

The Minister explained that the aim was to boost the growth of the real sector by ensuring long term financing and drastically cutting down interest rate, adding that the Federal government would soon be embarking on a road-show to some specific countries to raise more capital.

As Minister of National of planning, Amb. Yuguda earlier this year brokered the deal for the EU’s grant of 512 million Euros (about N112 billion) towards supporting agriculture and rural development in the north, as well as, electricity and governance nationwide further welcomed Arrion’s request for EU to boost its support to the Presidential Initiative for the North-East (PINE) in the rebuilding of the North East zone.

Speaking further he said: “ for us in the Federal Ministry of Finance, we are handling the safe school initiative which is a very big programme. We appreciate your concern in this regard and will be prepared to provide the necessary support to ensure that your efforts are in tandem with the Presidential intervention programme.”

8 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Buhari shifts presidential launch

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

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LL Progressives Congress, APC presidential aspirant, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) has pushed forward the launch of his presidential campaign from October 8, campaign officials have told Vanguard.

The deferment, it was learnt, was upon the fact that a number of close associates of the aspirant were out of the country for the Islamic pilgrimage to the Saudi Arabia and the closeness of the launch to the Adamawa State gubernatorial bye election, which is due on October 11.

A leading campaign official and former minister of state for petroleum, Alhaji Umaru Dhembo confirmed the postponement in a telephone chat with Vanguard.

“Yes it is true but we have not yet confirmed the new date but it will be after the Adamawa election.”

Asked why it was postponed, he said: “With Adamawa election with our experience with Ekiti, we do not want our people to be blocked as they did in Ekiti,” he said.

Other sources in the Buhari campaign also spoke of the determination of the aspirant not to be a distraction to the collective effort of the party to ensure victory for the APC in the election.

Skye Bank to acquire Mainstreet Bank for N126bn

By Babajide Komolafe

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KYE Bank Plc has emerged the preferred bidder for Mainstreet Bank Limited while Cedar One Investment Partners Limited and. Fidelity Bank Plc emerged as the 1st reserve bidder and the 2nd reserve bidder.

Vanguard investigation revealed that Skye Bank bided N126 billion to acquire the entire issued and fully paid up ordinary shares of the nationalised Bank.

In a statement announcing this development, Kayode Lambo, Head, Corporate Communications Strategy & Research, Asset Management Corpration of Nigeria (AMCON), said, “The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (“AMCON” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce Skye Bank PLC (“Skye Bank”) as preferred bidder; Cedar One Investment Partners Limited (“Cedar ”) as the 1st reserve bidder and Fidelity Bank PLC (“Fidelity Bank”) as the 2nd reserve bidder for the acquisition of the entire issued and fully paid up ordinary shares of Mainstreet Bank Limited (“Mainstreet Bank”) (the “Transaction”).

This follows the receipt of the approval of the Board of Directors of AMCON. The completion of the Transaction is subject to the fulfillment of the conditions precedent as stated in the Share Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) to be executed with Skye Bank Plc as well as the receipt of all

S

This process started with interest shown by 25 parties cutting across local and international investors. The emergence of Skye Bank, Cedar and Fidelity Bank as preferred, 1st and 2nd reserve bidders, respectively, resulted from a rigorous and competitive bidding process, which was coordinated for AMCON by Barclays Africa Group Limited and Afrinvest West Africa Limited (Financial Advisers) and Banwo & Ighodalo (Legal Advisers).”

To consummate its bid, Skye Bank has to pay 20 percent of its bid figure

within 11 days while it must pay the balance of 80 percent within 21 days after making the first payment.

Mainstreet Bank Limited, arose from the ashes of the former Afribank, one of the three banks nationalized and sold to AMCON in 2011. The other two banks were Keystone Bank (offspring of former Bank PHB) and Enterprise Bank (offspring of former Spring Bank).

Last month, AMCON announced Heritage Investment Services Limited (HISL) sponsored by Heritage Bank Limited, as the preferred bidder for Enterprise Bank.

VISIT: From left; Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr John Chukwu; FCT Minister of State, Mrs Olajumoke Akinjide; President Goodluck Jonathan; Senator representing FCT, Sen Philip Aduda and Vice-President Namadi Sambo during sallah homage by FCT residents in Abuja on Saturday.

Boko Haram: It is biblical for Christians to defend themselves — BAGOBIRI ...Says Christians who are absolute pacifist have all perished

By Luka Binniyat

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ANGON KATAF—THE Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Bishop

Sultan, Wamakko advocate creation of state police not all, provide one form of OKOTO—THE Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III and Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto have advocated the creation of state police in the country to tackle insurgency .

The two leaders spoke in Sokoto yesterday, when the sultan paid the traditional Sallah homage to the governor.

Abubakar, said state governments were already spending huge sums of money to provide vehicles and security gadgets, among others to security agencies in the country.

“Most state governments, if

required regulatory approvals from the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In the event that Skye Bank is unable to complete the Transaction in line with the payment terms and other provisions of the SPA, the SPA entered into with Skye Bank would be terminated and Cedar would become the preferred bidder.

Further, in the event that Cedar is unable to complete the Transaction in line with the payment terms and other provisions of the SPA, Fidelity Bank would become the preferred bidder.

assistance or the other to security agencies; they build or renovate offices for them.

“The time for the creation of state police is now”, the sultan said, adding that the creation of state would help in addressing current security challenges in parts of the nation,” he said.

Responding, Wamakko said state police, when created would assist in reducing difficulty currently faced by policemen often deployed to states other than theirs.

“State governments have continued to suffer so much as a result of security challenge, the security of lives and property will be enhanced if state police is created,” Wamakko said.

Joseph Bagobiri said yesterday it was a religious obligation binding on Christians to use, “moderate and proportionate force” to defend themselves against the onslaught on them by the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram, arguing that it was a biblical teaching.

He also said that Christian communities that observe absolute pacifism, have all ceased to exist.

The former Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Kaduna state Chapter, also came down heavily on retired generals from Southern Kaduna, where he alleged Fulani gunmen have killed several hundreds of persons since 2011. He described the act of reticence

by Christians as, “gross act of irresponsibility” Bagobiri said this in his homily at a reception organised for the immediate Group Managing Director, GMD, of the Nigeria National

Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Engr Andy La’ah Yakubu, in Unguwan Wakili, Zangon Kataf Local Governenmt Area, LGA, in Southern part of Kaduna state.

The Magisterium on legitimacy of self defence Said Bagobiri: “The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes it as an act of love towards one self; and carried out out in defense of God’s gift to life which we are merely custodians. The theological authorities of the Church are emphatic: Love towards oneself remains a fundamental principle of morality.

“Therefore, it is legitimate to insist on respect for one’s own right to life. Someone who defends his life is not guilty of murder even if he is forced to deal his aggressor a lethal blow . Nor is it necessary for salvation that a man omit the act of

moderate self-defense to avoid killing the other man, since one is bound to take more care of one’s own life than of another’s’ “The Magisterium is further explicit on this subject matter when it teaches that ‘ legitimate Defence can not only be a right but grave duty for one who is responsible for the lives of others. The Defence of the common good require than an unjust aggressor be rendered unable to cause harm.

“It must be stated clearly here that in light of the above official church statement, that the exercise of self Defence does amount to un-forgiveness, nor is it to be seen as an act of vengeance or vendetta.

“Christians must do everything within their powers to protect their lives from being snuffed off

by Satanist driven Islamic organisations.

Christian communities that observe absolute pacifism have all ceased to exist, according to researchers into Christian persecution.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014—9

Synagogue insists building collapse was ‘controlled demolition’

By Ikenna Asomba

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ARELY seven days to the commencement of the coroner’s inquest instituted by the Lagos State Government to establish the cause and manner of the recent collapse of a building within the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, Ikotun Egbe, Lagos, the church yesterday, released another video clip to establish its continued position that the building collapsed as a result of what it called controlled demolition.

A statement by Mrs. Bola Akingbade, spokesperson of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, said the inquest would commence on October 13 and would take place at the Ikeja High Court presided over by Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe.

In the two minutes and 20 seconds video titled Controlled Demolition Versus Collapse By Structural Failure, posted on its Facebook page, TB Joshua Ministries showed clips of at least 19 buildings across the globe that purportedly collapsed as a result of controlled demolition, as well as structural failure.

The video clip showed 11 buildings caving-in completely without cracks, but with the sound-bite of a blast.

Also, the collapse did not affect other surrounding buildings but the targeted building.

However, eight other buildings did not cave-in completely, but had cracks and bending to the left or right with no blast heard.

Ken Emeakayi, a member of the Emmanuel TV Partners owned by SCOAN, during an interview on September 29 on a local television station, had refuted claims that the building collapsed as a result of structural failure.

Emeakayi, who argued that the collapse was not unconnected with a controlled demolition said: “On that fateful day, as it is customary with Prophet T.B. Joshua, that he will always be at the prayer mountain early every day, he went to the prayer mountain that day, but later left there unceremoniously and unannounced. After leaving the prayer mountain, this aircraft was seen hovering around the prayer mountain at a very low altitude. So, when he (Joshua) was called, he told the caller that he had already left the prayer mountain and had returned to the church.

“After he had left the prayer mountain, the same aircraft was sighted hovering around

the church premises by 11.30am, about 40 feet from the building. After hovering the first time, it came back five minutes later and 9 minutes later. It continued like this four times. The CCTV got it very clear, because it is all over the church premises. It was after the fourth time that the building collapsed and the aircraft never came back.”

Asked what was written on the aircraft, he said: “That is the issue, that is what we want to know. We could not from that point see what was written on the aircraft. Like I said, when we watched through this clip, you could see that it was the same aircraft. And some air staff living around that vicinity that have watched the clips, have actually told us the make of the aircraft and what it looks like. This is why we have written an open letter to the President of this country, we are asking for an inquiry into this incident.

“Because from the clips captured by all the CCTV cameras, it has become obvious that this building never collapsed on its own.

This is what we can call a controlled demolition. When this building went down, other surrounding buildings never had any crack, but just this one, and that is why we said it is a controlled demolition.

“To buttress this fact, we have been able to get clips of controlled demolition across the world, to show similarities.

Controlled demolition, is a new technology that you can isolate a building in an area, bring it down, without any other surrounding building being affected. Our interest is that we are requesting for a holistic inquiry from government, so that the world will know what happened.”

LAUNCHING: From left: Mr. Nagasai Viswanth; Mr. Christian Obi, representative Nigerian Educatioal Research and Development Council; Mrs. Bolanle Ogundogba, Sales Director, Nigeria Enterprise GLOCom; Mr. Segun Raheem, NUT Chairman, Lagos State; Mr Femisola Awosika, MD Roberts and John, and Mr Augustine Mamuro, Sales Coordinator, South-South / South-East GLOcom, during the launch of Glo Mobile Tutor , in Lagos. Photo by Diran Oshe.

Ondo PDP sues Mimiko over party structure

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—THE defection of governor Olusegun Mimiko from Labour Party, LP, to Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is causing ripples as the state chapter of the PDP has gone to court to stop the dissolution of the party structures in the state.

Also, the party is kicking against the governor's alleged insistence in nominating both the state Chairman and Secretary of the party after the dissolution of the state executives.

Immediately the governor

defected in Abuja the state chapter of the party approached the Federal High Court, Abuja, to restrain the National Working Committee of the party from dissolving the existing party structures in the state.

The application was brought through an originating summon applied to by the State Working Committee.

Already served is the National Working Committee and its privy.

Also served is the Senate President who is the Chairman, South-West Reconciliation Committee.

The party maintained that Dr. Mimiko should keep the structure of his government while the party structure remains. However, the party welcomed him back to its fold.

Meanwhile, addressing newsmen in Akure, yesterday, the party warned against the dissolution of the State Working Committee.

The state Chairman of the party, Mr. Ebenezer Alabi noted that Mimiko’s defection will make the party to be stronger in the state and expressed the willingness of the members of the party to work with the governor.

10 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Ex-minister, Adedoja vows to rule Oyo

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN–ONE of the leading aspirants in the governorship race and former Minister of Sports and Special Duties, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja has vowed not to give up until he becomes the governor of Oyo State.

He said this at the weekend when speaking with Vanguard in Ibadan.

Though he had been a governorship candidate twice in 1998 and 2007, he said he would not rest until he assumed the governorship seat.

He said, “life is such that you don’t give up” Adedoja boasted that of all the aspirants, he stood the best chance because of his political experience.

Dismissing the rallies organised by some of his co-contestants as unnecessary, he hinted that until the party picked its candidate for the election, it was needless to be going about organising rally.

“You can only seek for people’s votes after you have become the party’s candidate. Since I have declared my interest, I have not gone anywhere to campaign.

I am a popular politician who is known by all. What I need to do is just to renew my relationship with them”, he said.

He boasted that if the party chose him, it was sure it would win the election, adding that he was grossly underutilised in the state, going by his credentials and political record.

Code of conduct Bureau directs Fayemi, others to declare assets ...As PDP writes CJN over alleged plans to scuttle Fayose’s inauguration

By Gbenga Ariyibi, with agency reports

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DO-EKITI—MR Akinfolarin Feyisola, Director, Code of Conduct Bureau, Ekiti State, has directed Governor Kayode Fayemi to declare his “end of tenure assets” unfailingly before the expiration of his tenure.

Feyisola said in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, that the directive also affected the outgoing deputy governor and other political office holders.

He said that all the affected public officers had been duly informed.

Feyisola said that it was mandatory for every political office holder in all parts of the country to declare their assets when coming and leaving office.

He said that defaulters would be dragged before the Code of Conduct Tribunal for going against the law.

He said that some of the officers had started collecting the assets declaration forms after receiving the reminder of the constitutional provision.

The director, however, said the current closure of all courts in the state was a challenge for those who had filled their forms but have nowhere to swear affidavit or do other court processes.

Feyisola advised those who are yet to collect or complete their assets forms to do so immediately, while awaiting the re-opening of the courts.

Meantime, the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has alleged that the outgoing key members of the

executive and judiciary have connived to abort the inauguration of the governorelect, Mr Ayo Fayose, on October 16.

The party has therefore petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Alooma Mukthar, urging her to look into the matter to avoid constitutional chaos in the state.

In the letter entitled ‘Another judicial coup plotted to avert the swearing in of the governor-elect of Ekiti State’ signed by the State Secretary, Dr Tope Aluko and the State Publicity Secretary, Pastor Kola Oluwawole, yesterday, the party said it had it on good

Eid-el-Kabir: Lawmakers sue for peace in Osun ...As Muslim group cautions politicians

By Gbenga Olarinoye &

Ikenna Asomba

S

ENATOR Mudashir Hussein, representing Osun West Senatorial District, has urged Nigerians to pray for peace and unity of the country during

A

BEOKUTA—TWO persons lost their lives yesterday during a cult clash between members of Eye (Air lords) and Aiye (Black Axe) confraternities at Aleke Okesopin, Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State.

The State Police command, which confirmed the incident, said it had arrested three suspected cult members.

The Police Public Relations

Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement said some dangerous weapons recovered from the groups include cutlasses, pairs of scissors, two guns, some expended and live cartridges, their groups’ paraphernalia and some charms.

Adejobi also said corpses of one Abiodun Adeniye, 28, and Taiwo Yusuf, 24, who were shot dead during the fracas have been kept in a mortuary in Ijebu-Ode for postmortem examination.

He said “the Commissioner of

wrote a letter to you, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, raising fears about the attempts to frustrate his swearing-in.

“We are authoritatively informed of another desperate move to obtain a “black market injunction” from an Ekiti State High Court restraining the Chief Judge from swearing-in the Governor-Elect on the 16th,’’ the letter read in part.

The NJC is currently probing the petitions filed by Fayose and Justice Daramola on recent happenings in the state, especially the invasion of the high court complex by some people penultimate Monday and alleged attack on Justice John Adeyeye.

ICT CELEBRATION: From left: Seni Williams; Prof Pat Utomi; Minister of Communications Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson; Chris Uwaje, past President of Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON, and Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications Technology and Tunji Olaopa during ICT sector celebrations organised by Prof. Pat Utomi of Centre for Values and Leadership held in Lagos.

and after the Eid-el-Kabir.

He spoke at a programme to mark the celebration in Ejigbo, Osun, insisting that people should eschew differences in ethnicity, opinions, political views and religions, to promote the unity of the country.

Cult clash claims two in Ogun

By Daud Olatunji

authority that plans were on to give accelerated hearing to some suits challenging the eligibility of Fayose for the June 21 governorship election despite the Notice of Appeal and the Stay of Proceedings filed in respect of the said suits not withstanding.

Fayose had challenged the assumption of jurisdiction by Justice Olusegun Ogunremi of an Ado-Ekiti High Court on the matter and also filed a Stay of Proceedings on the hearing of the substantive suit.

“My Lord, on the 28th September, 2014, the GovernorElect of Ekiti State personally

Police, Ogun State, CP Ikemefuna Okoye has however directed all relevant anti-crime teams in the command to relocate temporarily to Ijebu axis for adequate protection of lives and property and to curtail any cult clashes and other social vices.

The police boss appealed to the people of Ijebu Ode and Ogun State to collaborate with the police and other security agencies to succeed in the war against cultism in the state and provide security to all and sundry in the state.

He said Nigerians must learn to tolerate one another, pray for the stability of the nation and support the leaders.

He said with tolerance, patriotism, prayer and commitment to nation building, the country would ensure better life for the citizens. In his comments, Mr Najeem Salaam, the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, stressed the need for religious leaders to pray for total elimination of insurgency in the country.

The speaker said religious tolerance remained a vital tool for sustainable peace and political development of any country.

“I want to urge Nigerians to embrace peace for the stability and progress of the nation. Peace and stability will enable the country to attain sustained socioeconomic development and peace,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Sheikh Sulaiman Omotokese, the Chief Imam of Ejigbo, also urged Nigerians to live in

peace and harmony to overcome the country’s security challenges.

He specifically called on politicians to assist the government in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere that could guarantee credible elections in 2015

Muslim group cautions politicians

Meanwhile, a Muslim group, the Muslim Association of Nigeria, MAN, has sued for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, even as it cautioned politicians against making statements capable of inciting violence ahead of the 2015 elections.

In his Eid-el Kabir message, the group’s President, Alhaji Sulaimon Yusuf , who urged Muslims to use the festival to show love to their neighbours, insisted that the only way the country can move forward is for all to live in peace with one another. He said: “We must tolerate each other which I believe will bring about peace and tranquility. This country can be great if only we can all pursue peace and love our neighbours.

This is time to show love to the poor and needy in our society. ''

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014—11

Ex-militants drag Kuku to court ...demand inclusion in Amnesty programme

By Innocent Anaba

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FEDERAL High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has adjourned till November 18, 2014, hearing in the suit by 18 exmilitant leaders from Bayelsa and Delta states, who are praying the court to compel the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman of the Amnesty Implementation Committee, Mr Kingsley Kuku and the Amnesty Committee to include them in the amnesty programme.

The ex-militants, in the suit before Justice I. Ekwo, are contending that they accepted amnesty under the third phase and surrendered their weapons to the Federal Government through the Amnesty Office in 2011 under the Peace Initiative of the Federal Government.

The plaintiffs, Asenekir Oyile, Angiama-Owei Oyindoubra, John Government, John Sawyer, Trydy Okpeke, Dollor Motor, Selebi Ayowei, Bobra Angese, Richman Oyindoubra and Henry Gomeromo, are arguing that the Amnesty Committee erred by refusing to include them in the ongoing amnesty programme after

series of resolutions from meetings with the past and present National Security Advisers to the President, Late General Owei Azazi and Col. Dasuki Sambo, respectively.

According to them, instead of respecting the resolutions and directives from the National Security Adviser, Dasuki Sambo, the Amnesty

Committee turned down the call to include them but had adopted divide and rule tactics with the inclusion of three out of the 22 persons.

They are, therefore, praying the court to compel the Chairman of the Amnesty Committee and the Amnesty Committee, Kuku, to approve reasonable slots for them as

agreed at one of the peace meetings on December 19, 2011.

The ex-militants also want the court to compel the defendants to pay due allowances of the plaintiffs and their foot soldiers from March, 2012 until the plaintiffs are fully settled under the Niger Delta Amnesty Committee.

PRAYER MEETING: From left: Former deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere; cleric and orthopedic surgeon, Prof. Aniekan Ekere; and State Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Dr. Sylvanus Ukafia, during the monthly fasting and prayer meeting of the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Project in Uyo, weekend.

UNIBEN staff arrested for alleged forgery

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—THE Police in Ugbowo, Edo State, have arrested a staff of the Chemistry Department of University of Benin, UNIBEN, who allegedly forged the letter headed paper of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, and signature of the Chairman of ASUU, UNIBEN chapter, Dr. Anthony Monye-Emina.

Meanwhile, there was pandemonium last Friday at the office of the Vice Chancellor of UNIBEN, Prof.Osayuki Oshodin, after a woman evaded security and allegedly assaulted him in his office.

Vanguard learnt that the VC was walking to his waiting room to meet with some visitors when the woman, said to have been sacked by the university authority for alleged misconduct, held him by his trousers, screaming that she should be reinstated.

The VC, who reacted to the incident, said: “I was shocked because she would have shot me dead if she had a gun. She would have also blown up everybody around if she was a suicide bomber. I was shocked how she came into my office, though the management is

investigating the matter now.”

On the suspect arrested for forging the signature of UNIBEN Chairman of ASUU and the letter head of the union, Vanguard learnt that the police

had been on his trail for over a month, though he was arrested Saturday.

He was alleged to have used the letter headed paper to write a petition to the Minister of

Education, where he alleged that Prof.Oshodin was no longer fit to man the affairs of the university due to ill health, therefore an acting VC should be appointed.

Arrest of AIT reporter: Group calls for Mbu’s resignation Amnesty International’s recent Anakwue from Police custody

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—A CIVIL society group, Centre for the Vulnerable and the Underprivileged, Centrep, has called for the retirement of Mr. Joseph Mbu, Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG, Zone 7, Abuja, for allegedly ordering the arrest and detention of Mr. Amaechi Anakwue, a journalist with the African Independent Television, AIT, for reportedly describing Mbu as controversial in a recent press interview.

National Coordinator of Centrep, Mr. Oghenejabor Ikimi, in a statement in Warri, Delta State, said that the Police boss’s action was not only a violation of Mr. Anakwue's fundamental rights to freedom of expression and the press as guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) “but same further corroborates

damning human rights report on the Nigeria Police.”

Ikimi’s called for the “immediate and unconditional release of Mr.

with compensation and a public apology by the Nigeria Police in accordance with Section 35(6) of the 1999 Constitution."

Goodluck support group calls for election of credible candidates

By Brisibe Perez

U

GHELLI—THE Delta State chapter of the Goodluck 2 Goodluck support group has harped on the need for the electorate to elect credible and worthy representatives at the House of Representatives and Senate to help in making laws that will boost the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Speaking during a visit to a Delta Central senatorial aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Solomon Edoja, in Ughelli, leaders of the group, Mr Francis

Ikweki and Mr Charles Oniyere in their remarks, said that the transformation agenda of President Jonathan can best be driven if the people understand it themselves via those they choose to represent them.

$9.3m scam: Delta CAN faults attacks on Oritsejafor

A

By Festus Ahon

S A B A — CHAIRMAN of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ughelli North Local Government Area chapter, Delta State, Rt. Rev Diamond Emuobor, has decried what he described as the unwarranted attacks targeted at the National President of the association, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, over the alleged use of his private jet to smuggle $9.3 million into South Africa.

Emuobor, in a statement yesterday, told Oritsejafor ’s critics to leave the clergy man out of their dirty politics, noting that the CAN President “is a man of integrity. He is a renowned world leader and preacher.

“The world and Nigerians are aware that elements in the northern part of Nigeria are the ones using public funds to cause mayhem in the country. None of them has been queried over the senseless massacre of Christians and a negligent few of the Muslims in that part of our country.

“Sitting governors, prominent politicians, and devout religious personalities in the north are dismembering Nigeria in their quest to possess the country as their emirate. None from the Christian position has leveled any attack at the eminent persons of the Muslim religion because Christianity thought us to honour leaders."

12 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Amaechi to Rivers people: Vote out PDP,

secure your future G

OVERNOR Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has urged Rivers people to vote out the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP-led Federal Government in next year ’s elections to secure their future.

Amaechi, weekend in Degema, headquarters of Degema Local Government Area of the state, after commissioning an 8,000-sitting capacity football stadium complex built by the council, said that the PDP has nothing to offer Kalabari people, and one way for the people to regain their lost oil wells and benefit from democratic governance was to vote out the PDP. Amaechi explained that the President was taking sides in the Soku oil wells matter, as he narrated the president’s reaction during a meeting with Kalabari chiefs.

He said: “In that meeting, before Kalabari chiefs, Mr. President said to us, ‘ you people call it Soku, we from Bayelsa call it Oluasiri. Is Soku Oluasiri?’ he questioned and the people said ‘No.’ “As President of the Federal

Republic of Nigeria, he is not supposed to take sides. The moment he said it is called Oluasiri, he was taking sides and we have no faith in Mr. President returning our oil wells. They have taken the (Soku) oil wells, they are

spending the money because they have the Presidency. The only way you can get back your oil wells is to vote out PDP. The only opportunity you have now is your vote. Vote him out, he is not Rivers, He is from Bayelsa.

He has not and will not serve

COMMISSIONING: Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State flanked by the APC Chairman in Rivers State, Chief Ibiamu Davies Ikanya(left) and the Chairman of Degema Local Government Area, Daddy Ipokima, during the commissioning of Tonye Harry Stadium in Degema.

2016: Forget PDP victory in Edo, Senator Obende tells Jonathan

By Simon Ebegbulem

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ENIN—THE s e n a t o r representing Edo North constituency in the National Assembly, Senator Domingo Obende, has told President Goodluck Jonathan to think about winning his own election in 2015 rather than winning Edo State in 2016, saying that winning Edo will be a tall dream for his Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. He described the

President’s boast that PDP will capture Edo and Rivers in 2015 and 2016 as laughable, just as he described the former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi and others who defected to PDP in Edo State, as political “prostitutes, who have lost touch with members of their constituencies.”

The APC senator, who was reacting to comments

by President Jonathan and Ikimi that the PDP will capture Edo State come 2015 and 2016, said

that the defectors went to the stadium to “deceive the President that they will win Edo,” adding: “What should bother Jonathan now is about winning his own election and not winning Edo State because these people cannot win their wards during elections for Jonathan.”

Domingo, who is seeking a second term in the Senate and the only APC senator in Edo State, said: “I heard them say they will win Edo and Rivers States, but let me tell you, APC in Rivers is

Delta LG poll: Vote credible candidates, PDP chieftain urges Egema people

B

By Gabriel Enogholase

ENIN—AHEAD of the Delta State local government area elections slated for October 25, one of the leaders of Egbema Kingdom in Warri North Local Government Area and a Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain, Chief Ladina Yebu, has urged the people of the council to ensure that only candidates who would contribute to their economic development

us and I have said here, let Mr. President tell us what he has done for us.”

He noted that his efforts to build Trans-Kalabari Road in the state and reconstruct the Emohua-Abonnema federal road already in deplorable condition were frustrated.

and welfare were voted into office.

He said: “You should be mindful of your votes as candidates come to you to seek your votes. You are advised to cast your votes for credible candidates that will not forget you after the election. This, therefore, means that you should not sell your votes during the forthcoming general elections.”

Yebu, who gave the advice weekend in Edo State, when he received members of the Ijaw Youth

Congress, Egbema chapter and Egbema Women Political Front at his Benin residence, urged the women and youths in the kingdom to support the re-election bid of President Goodluck Jonathan.

He called on the women and youths to be prepared to perform their civic duties and ensure that they vote wisely during the primaries of the PDP and in the 2015 general elections.

A-Ibom guber: Ekere attributes support to God

T

HE immediate past deputy governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Nsima Ekere, has attributed the widespread support and popularity he is enjoying in the gubernatorial race to the grace of God. Speaking during the monthly fasting and prayer meeting of the Akwa Ibom Consolidation Project, AKCP, Ekere, said it was obvious that it was the grace of God that was responsible for his acceptability and steady frontline position in the race.

Commending members of the group for turning up enmasse for the prayer meeting each month, Ekere charged them to remain steadfast and prayerful till victory was achieved.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014—13

Police in Anambra recover arms, ammunition from uncompleted building

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu

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FUNDRAISING: Chief Mrs. Stella Okoli, Managing Director, Emzor Pharmaceuticals Ltd (left), and Chief Willie Obiano, governor of Anambra State, during the security fundraising ceremony held by the government of Anambra State in Lagos.

2015: Ugwuanyi's endorsement tears PDP caucus apart zNwobodo, Ayogu Eze, Nweke Jnr others boycott meeting

I

NDICATIONS have emerged that Governor Sullivan Chime’s insistence on imposing Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate on the party in next year's governorship election in Enugu State, has split the PDP state caucus.

Many of the prominent members, weekend, boycotted the meeting of the caucus to register their disgust over alleged brazen attempt by one man and a few around him to impose an unpopular candidate on the party.

Among the prominent party stalwarts who stayed away from the caucus meeting were the former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, former Information Minister, Frank Nweke Jnr, Senator Ayogu Eze, who had been leading the vanguard of those who told the governor to abandon the idea of imposition and embrace primaries, among others.

The aggrieved prominent members of the caucus were said to have told the governor that they had nothing to do with imposition of

candidate because it was undemocratic.

It was learnt that the governor who was unsettled by the turn of events, frantically worked his phones before the meeting trying to convince the leaders to show up.

Some of the leaders, according to investigation, said they would not offer themselves as willing tools in the hands of the governor for the simple reason of rubberstamping a handpicked candidate of the governor’s choice.

Wondering where the governor ’s sudden affection for them was coming from, some of them said they could not be fooled by the latter day antics of a governor who for the better part of eight years, alienated himself from the people.

“This man never took the call of any leader of Enugu State for nearly eight years. I will be a fool to fall for this emergency love affair. It is a Greek gift”, one of the leaders said.

It was also gathered that the governor may have seen the handwriting on the wall himself because the usual authority in his

voice since he started pursuing this imposition project gave way to a mellow and conciliatory tone.

Some of those who attended the meeting said they were surprised by the haste with which the meeting was conducted and the fact that not a single person was allowed to make a comment at the meeting save the motion moved and seconded by people appointed to do so by the governor himself.

Some of the leaders told us that there was no way they would have attended the meeting when the party had come out to declare such endorsement by the state chapter of the party illegal and of no effect.

“There is no way I would have joined them to flout the instruction and guideline of the party. No way. The PDP constitution is superior to any individual in the party, no matter how highly placed” one of them said.

NEWI—THE Police in Nnewi yesterday, recovered arms and ammunition, including one AK47, Military rifle, handcuffs, 1,500 live ammunition and 30 fully loaded magazines, from an uncompleted estate at Uruagu Nnewi, owned by an overseas-based businessman.

The arm cache and others were recovered following a tip-off.

Similarly, a joint security task force, comprising the Police, Army, Navy, Department State Service, DSS, and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, raided a suspected baby factory at Odekpe in Ogbaru Local Government Area and rescued three teenage pregnant girls during the

operation.

A woman popularly known as Nurse who ran the home and her agent, were arrested by the force.

According to a source, the bubble burst after one of the pregnant girls was allegedly delivered of a baby boy but was dispossessed of the baby.

She was said to have raised the alarm when she could not stomach the disappearance of her new born baby.

The baby was later recovered from the owner of the home by the security operatives and handed over to the mother.

In a related development, the joint task force has uncovered a criminal hideout in Nnewi after a search on an erosion site in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

14—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Primate Okoh pleads with Presidency over condemned soldiers

By Caleb Ayansina

A

BUJA – THE Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, weekend, called on the Presidency to tamper justice with mercy in the case of 12 soldiers recently sentenced to death by the Military for mutiny.

A military court-martial had on September 15, 2015, sentenced 12 Nigerian soldiers to death after they were found guilty of committing mutiny in Maiduguri, Borno State, between May 13 and 14, 2014.

Reacting to this development, the Primate noted that though military law was strict and must be upheld, the country had already recorded enough casualties in the ongoing insurgency, adding that it would be inadvisable for the Presidency to add to the list.

Okoh made the appeal at the sixth Diocesan Communicators synod, tagged; ‘Diocesan Communicator not a Honourary Title; Communication Skill Acquisition, Sharing and Practice’, held at St Matthias, Wuse Zone 3 Abuja.

He said the nation had invested so much in their lives, and that their errors should not be placed over good things they had done for the country.

The primate said, “We want to make an appeal to say they should tamper justice with mercy and spared their lives. The reason why their lives should be spared, they have invested their lives in the defence of the nation, you should not only see their errors, you should equally see the good things they have done.''

Ebola: You cannot claim credit for success, APC tells Jonathan, PDP •APC wants the disease to continue, says PDP

By Henry Umoru

T

HE All Progressives Congress, APC, and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, took their battle to the question of who eliminated Ebola Virus Disease, EVD, from the country.

While APC asked President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP to stop taking credit for the successful containment of the disease, saying it amounted to sheer dishonesty for the duo to turn what was a collective effort to a campaign issue, the PDP said the success story should be attributed to President Goodluck Jonathan for refusing to play politics with the issue.

The APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said President Jonathan and his party were wrong to have appropriated the credit for the successful containment of the EVD without giving due credit to the real

FG distributes N500m relief materials to Adamawa refugees

A

N its efforts to ensure that supply of potable water was restored to Sango and Ota axis in the Ado-Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, the State Water Corporation has begun the construction of interconnection pipelines on its rising mains with 400 milimetre iron ductile pipes within Ota township.

The project, which began a fortnight ago, according to a statement by the corporation’s media officer, Mr. Ayokunle Ewuoso, will involve the use of 200 metres ductile pipes and

would afford the corporation the opportunity to restore potable pipe borne water supply to Ota Township and some parts of Sango.

Speaking on the project, the General Manager, Ogun State Water Corporation, Engr.

Monsurat Agboola, said people living within the axis had always enjoyed uninterrupted water

supply before the corporation’s rising mains which transport potable water from Arobieye Ota Water Main Supply Scheme which

APC states, and that the promptness, purposefulness, doggedness and determination shown by Governors of the states contributed largely to the successful containment of the virulent disease.

APC said, ''The cities of Lagos and Port Harcourt are perhaps the largest metropolis to have ever been hit by the EVD since the first outbreak was recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo almost 40 years ago, and any mishandling of the disease could have spelt disaster not just for the cities but for the country as a whole.

But the PDP in a statement signed by National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, said APC had failed in its attempt to discredit the Federal Government and relegate its efforts in the containment of the Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria.

Metuh, who noted that the APC was unhappy because Nigerians were currently happy with the PDP-led Federal Government for the speed and energy with which it tackled the scourge and

By Laide Akinboade

BUJA—THE Presidential Committee on Procurement and Distribution of Relief Materials in states under a state of emergency has distributed items worth N500 million to the affected victims and flagged off the Safe Schools Initiative with 30 pilot schools in the three states.

Director General of National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Muhammad Sani Sidi, who is chairman of the committee, said the committee was set up by Mr. President due to his concern for the growing numbers of displacement recorded in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to alleviate their suffering and improve the welfare of the internally displaced persons, IDPs, in the states.

He stated that the committee had successfully concluded its assignment by delivering adequate food and non-food and other items required at the camps.

Water corporation constructs pipelines

I

heroes of the successful battle: Dr. Stella Adadevoh and her colleagues at the First Consultant Hospital; officials of the Ministries of Health in Lagos and Rivers States and the patriotic Nigerian volunteers, among others.

It described the President’s decision to make the Ebola success story a campaign issue during a PDP rally in Benin, as a cheap shot and a shameless venture giving the impression that only the PDP deserves the credit for the successful containment of the disease.

APC said while indeed Health minister Onyebuchi Chukwu exhibited the kind of professionalism and purposefulness that are not common with the Jonathan Administration during the battle against Ebola, it will be uncharitable for the PDP-led Federal Government to pretend as if the government of the two affected states did nothing.

The party reminded President Jonathan that the two states hit

by Ebola, Lagos and Rivers, are

brought it under control, said: “We know that the APC prefers that the Ebola scourge continued unabated in Nigeria so as to have what to blame the PDP-led government for. Now that it has been contained, the APC is frustrated because the people are happy with President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP-led Federal Government for the proactive manner with which the disease was confronted and overcame.

“The PDP makes bold to state that the multi-sectoral approach deployed by the Federal Government with the concerted collaboration of the Federal Ministries of Health, Aviation, Information,Education,mTransport and other relevant agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service for intensive screening, quarantine and treatment efforts as well as the massive awareness which ended the spread of the disease and resulted in its containment in our country. We are also amused by the contradictions in the APC’s statement in which it also commended the roles played by the Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu in the containment effort.''

were

ruptured

during

construction of drainages in the area.

the

From left, representative of Youth Development Minister, Dr. Waziri Laminu; representative of FCT Minister, Barr. Ima Okpongette; Chief Executive, Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology, Ambassador Moses Essien , and the Council's Deputy Chairman, Dr. John Ndanusa Akanya, during the Institute 's constitutional law public lecture held in Abuja.

World Bank supports girl child education with $100m

By Laide Akinboade

T

HE World Bank is supporting the Federal Government with $100 million to promote girl child education.

This came as the Federal Government concluded arrangements to establish political structures to coordinate education policies across the country.

World Bank representative in Nigeria, Tunde Adekola, who disclosed this when international development partners visited the Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, in Abuja, weekend, said, “The World Bank will strengthen girl child education with $100 million. In the next three years, there should not be any reason for any girl child not to be in schools.”

Adekola also said the bank

would advance and focus on postbasic education, with special attention given to technical and vocational studies., adding, “We need to engage in strategies that will find evidence(s) to properly account for 10.5milion figure of out-of-school children.”

He said international development partners, including the British Council, the USAID, the World Bank, DFID and UNICEF, would give 100 per cent support to the the federal government on the proposed arrangement.

Adekola noted that education in Nigeria had been dichotomised and that the international development partners, IDPs, played the role of supporting the government in basic and postbasic education system.

Meanwhile, the Federal

Government has concluded plans to establish political structures to coordinate education policies across the country.

The Minister of Education, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, who disclosed this while receiving a team of international development partners in Abuja, said the Federal Government’s Almajiri school system initiative had been a huge success.

He said to strengthen girl child education, the World Bank had promised to support Nigeria $100 million, adding that high level legislation was required to initiate compulsory commonality towards restructuring and easy coordination of the programme across the federation.

He said: “Only common strategy can make the Almajiri school system more impactful.''

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 15

PAUL ODILI MARRIES SANDRA IN ONITSHA The Manager, Communications to Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, Mr. Paul Odili, weekend, took Sandra as wife at a ceremony in Onitsha. The event attracted the political and media big wigs as captured by Vanguard photojournalist, Nath Onajoke.

The couple Paul and Sandra Odili at the marriage

From left Mr Fred Odueme AGM, Brands, Vanguard newspapers, Mr and Mrs Ikeddy Isiguzo, Chairman Editioral Board, Vanguard Newspapers at the occasion

2015: Suswam declares Senate bid

By Peter Duru

M

AKURDI— GOVERNOR Gabriel Suswam of Benue State, has formally declared his intention to contest the Benue North East senatorial election in the coming 2015 election.

The position is currently being occupied by the former national chairman of the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Senator Barnabas Gemade.

Suswam who spoke, yesterday, at a special thanksgiving service organized for him at the NKST Church Ugba, in Logo local government area of Benue State, said he was compelled to run for the senatorial seat after several months of prompting by his kinsmen.

The governor said, “for a long time, you have been calling on me to formally declare for the Senate seat of our zone, because you said that it would not be in the interest of our people that I should finish my tenure as governor and remain idle. That is the reason I have come today to my immediate constituency to inform you that I have finally decided to run for the Senate in line with your wishes and demand.''

R-l: Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Hon. Ross Uredi

From right: Dr. Tony Nwaka and Hon. Charles Emetulu

L-r: Dr. Rukevwe Ugwumba, special adviser to Governor Uduaghan on health monitoring, Mr. Omordi George R-l: Mr. Peter Nwaoboshi PDP chairman and Chief Ugbomah and Engr. Esther Onyekwelii

Labour faults NIMC claim on 600 ‘fake staff'

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

A

SSOCIATION of Senior Civil Servants’ of Nigeria, ASCSN, weekend, dismissed claims by the management of the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, that there were 600 “fake staff” in its payroll.

In a statement by its SecretaryGeneral, Mr. Alade Bashir Lawal, the union said the hoax raised by the management of the NIMC in respect of the alleged “fake staff” was a ploy to sack about 1,000 senior staff it had penciled down for rationalization.

According to ASCSN, the NIMC management had started a phased retrenchment of many of its staff which had so far led to the weeding out of 5,000 junior workers from the Commission. It said, “after the sacking of about 5,000 junior staff, the NIMC management decided to also retrench 1,000 senior employees who are members of this union. It was at that point that the union intervened but since the NIMC management shunned all efforts by the association to resolve the dispute amicably, the association took the matter to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

The case is being handled by an expert in Labour Jurisprudence, Barrister Enobong Etteh of Rocheba Chambers.”

ASCSN recalled that the former Department of National Civic Registration, DNCR, under the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs transformed into the present NIMC in 2007. It said, “Initially, the management of the

NIMC stated that the senior staff it wants so desperately to dispense with are pool officers who should be returned to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.” It added that when the NIMC management could not push that position further, it began to campaign that the 1,000 senior employees did not possess requisite skills and competences and/or had irregularities in their records.

ACSCSN said, “How can the

staff who have served the nation diligently for 20-33 years be said not to be fit to work in the Commission? The truth of the matter is that some top management staff of the Commission want to throw 1,000 senior employees into the job market to replace them with their relations and friends as they did after sacking the junior workers.

We urge the public not to believe the lie being told by the Commission that there are “fake staff” within its workforce."

$9.3m arms deal: CAN cautions against unguarded utterances

By Marie-Therese Nanlong

J

OS—Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, North Central Zone, yesterday, warned individuals and groups to desist from making unguarded utterances on the person and office of the president of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, over the alleged $9.3m arms deal in South Africa.

The Association took exception to what it termed “unwarranted attacks” on CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor saying such actions are capable of misleading members of the public.

It said in a statement by its chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam and secretary, Rev. Moses Ebuga, “We have been watching with keen interest the unfolding events since September 5, 2014 when the scandal broke out and attempts by individuals and

groups to rope CAN into the whole affair. We wish to state clearly that CAN as a body does not have a private jet. This is owned by an individual and as such CAN has nothing to do with the jet and its mission. Moreover, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor as the president of CAN has informed us formally of the area of his involvement in which he only leased the jet out and nothing more.

“Since it is not in his place to monitor who will hire the aircraft from the company it, it does not follow to extend his role involvement beyond the point.

Besides, the Federal Government has accepted responsibility of the transactions involving the jet in South Africa and as such it would be mischievous for anybody to scandalise the church and the CAN President over the whole issue.”

Minister warns against rigging

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN— MINISTER of National Planning and Deputy Chairman, National Planning Commission, NPC, Dr. Abubakar Olanrewaju Sulaiman, yesterday, advised politicians in Kwara State against rigging the forthcoming general election in 2015, warning that anyone caught engaging in electoral fraud, no matter how highly placed, risked jail term. The minister spoke at a reception organised in his honour by the 1984 set of his alma mater, Community Secondary School, Ballah in Asa Local Government of the state.

Addressing residents and supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Sulaiman said: “Unfolding events in Kwara of today has shown that the people are ready for change, and Inshallah (God willing), that change must come.

Anybody, no matter how highly placed that attempts to stop that change by attempting to rig next year’s election, will be jailed. There is imminent danger starring us in the face in Kwara. We need to act fast and stem the spate of

thuggery and unemployment among our youths, who just eulogise a ‘leader’ who has

not done anything to change their lives.''

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 TODAY and tomorrow, Muslims all over the world will be marking this year’s Id El Kabir and participate in the feast of sacrifice.

Their friends, relations, neighbours and well-wishers will also join them in their moment of joy and celebration.

According to the Qur ’an, the Muslim Holy Scriptures, this event is held annually to highlight Prophet Ibrahim’s faithfulness to Allah. He willingly agreed to sacrifice his son, Ismail, when commanded to do so. Just when he was about to carry out the sacrifice, Allah sent Angel Jibril to stop him and instead gave him a ram to offer the sacrifice.

Prophet Ibrahim’s inspiring act of faith is legendary beyond the religion of Islam.

It illustrates the unquestioning loyalty of the faithful to the Supreme Creator and is upheld as the standard for believers and lovers of God to emulate if they wish to enjoy a rewarding relationship with Him. For all true Muslims, this is a moment to share the feast of sacrifice with all around them irrespective of their faith, especially the less-privileged people. Unfortunately,

Happy Sallah holidays most people put more emphasis on the feasting and merriment than the core values of the event, especially dedication to Allah and allowing His commandments to rule our relationship with others.

This year ’s celebration comes in the wake of our 54 th independence anniversary and the gradual turnaround of the war on terror which the nation is waging against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East. This insurgency, which has sorely tested the bond binding our nation as one people in spite of our diversity, has also led to untold suffering and death of many in the theatre of conflict.

We should all, Muslims and Christians alike, join hands together and quickly bring the insurgency to an end since it has become abundantly clear that Boko Haram is an enemy of all. It has carried out hundreds of attacks, killing people indiscriminately and destroying places of worship not minding which faith their victims belong to.

As we celebrate, let us spare some time to pray for our soldiers fighting to defend us and our nation. They need our moral support rather than politically-motivated criticism and denunciation. Let us also remain vigilant as we go out to places of recreation, cooperate with one another and report suspicious objects, persons and activities to the law-enforcement agencies.

We must be mindful that the enemy chooses moments like this to carry out their dastardly attacks on innocent people.

We should also pray for the safe return of the pilgrims who are performing the Hajj in the Holy Land, that they return to our fold without any sad incident.

We wish all Muslims and Nigerians alike happy Sallah.

OPINION Ebonyi and the politics of succession

By Chinedu Obasi

A

S Ebonyi State marks her 18th anniversary of statehood, I congratulate all “Ebonyians” on this unique occasion. I urge all to reflect on the giant strides made by our able Governor Chief Martin Elechi in his bid to transform the state; keeping alive the dream of the founding fathers, I salute his patriotic and focused leadership qualities.

Please let us as Ebonyians unite to build a more virile state in keeping to the dream of the founding fathers; a dream of freedom; a dream of abundance; a dream of democratic dividends; a dream of growth and development; a dream that puts a smile on our faces and makes us proud of our citizenship.

Dear fellow Ebonyians! In a matter of days our state will begin, once again, an important journey; a historic journey; a journey of hope; a journey of promise; a journey that will require all of us to work in a collective effort to make Ebonyi better, safer, prosperous, peaceful and more united.

The Elechi-led administration has unarguably done marvelously well. The Governor and his team have demonstrated great commitment and zeal in turning around the plight of the Ebonyi people, he has laid a solid foundation for the full actualisation of the dreams of the founding fathers of the State of which he’s one.

As a matter of fact, any person or group of persons that mean well for Ebonyi State should by now be thoughtful of who is competent to take over the mantle of leadership and also

ensure the continuity in building on the foundation our beloved elderly statesman has laid. In other word we need continuity.

We need someone who will share the same vision with Elechi, so he can continue from where he would stop with the clear view of how and where the journey had gone through. Undoubtedly, the people need someone who will steer the state with combined knowledge of resource management, politics and the mindset of a sportsman predisposed to accommodating and sharing with others the pains and gains of sustainable growth.

According to the masses, Governor Elechi’s successor should be somebody who has been close to him and would continue the good works he started. And not a new administration that comes with new vision, goals and plans that will end up establishing another foundation; and before you know it, the State begins to witness the abandoned projects here and there. The State is young with great mission and, as such, needs to be stabilised and focused. While its mission is to be the guiding light that will show the way for all to follow.

As Ebonyians, we are disturbed that Elechi has not openly indicated interest in any candidate. Many are asking if he had not for the past years groomed a competent successor who shares the same vision with him. The failure to groom a competent successor may not serve the state well since the state is still young, as whoever eventually becomes Governor may not share the same

vision with him.

But one thing is certain for the tempo of development and transformations to be sustained: somebody who understands the vision of the present administration has to take up the mantle of leadership.

Since the incumbent Governor had at different occasions stressed that power would shift to the South in the spirit of fairness, justice and equity, we will soon know if the Governor is a man of his words. But the big question now is: Who does the cap fit from the South?

Going by this precedent from an opinion poll, many have tipped the current Deputy Governor Dave Nwaze Umahi as a suitable candidate to succeed Elechi, come 2015. Although Umahi is yet to declare interest to run for the governorship of the State in 2015, many groups are urging him to declare, especially now the State is in dire need of a sincere leader who would continue the good works of Chief Elechi.

Umahi was once asked by journalists when he was the PDP Chairman, what his next move would be after leaving office? He replied he would retire from active politics to his business and face with total commitment his charity services. Further asked, why total commitment to charity service, he replied: “God specifically mandated me to take care of the poor and less privileged in the society”. That was then.

Umahi has empowered some youths both in academic and artisanship, fed the hungry, empowered the poor, taken care of the weak and disabled, provided free health services for the sick, built up people who hitherto had no hope of rising up in life, guided and inspired

the youths on the part of godliness, vision, success and greatness.

From personal experience this is a man who is open and accessible by all not minding your status in the society. He pays attention to all and does what he can to put a smile in people’s faces. His personal government is so organised in a way that people around him can’t stop the poor from accessing him. A chance meeting with him would confirm this.

Sadly, there are those who desperately, out of malice, envy and fear because of their ambitions, want to tarnish his image by spreading false rumours and making the people to erroneously believe lies. You can’t run down another person to sell yourself.

Otherwise, you’re only laying your foundation on a whirlwind.

As a vibrant and dynamic deputy, there hasn’t been any report of insubordination or disloyalty to his boss. He has managed to avoid anything that would drag him on a collision course with his boss. He has religiously followed the track of all the State’s developmental projects of his boss at the various project sites, including the mega Ofurekpe, Ukawu Water Schemes, etc.

With the added advantage of being an engineer, he carefully monitors each project being executed by the State and sticks to total compliance of contracts agreements.

There may be some who out of malice, or envy would go to any length to ensure the right person does not emerge. I pray that God will give the Governor and the PDP stakeholders the divine wisdom to sift the wheat from the chaff and be circumspect in their choice of a candidate. *Mr. Obasi, a clergy, wrote from Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Consumer goods sector optimism reignites

OCTBER 6, 2014

Investors lose N463 bn in 3 months as market nosedives z

As insurgency, political uncertainty mar stock market performance in Q3

By PETER EGWUATU & NKIRUKA NNOROM

E

quity trading on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE recorded a marginal downturn in the third quarter of 2014, with market indicators, market capitalisation and All Share Index dropping 3.3 per cent each, a situation market operators attributed to political uncertainty and insurgency.

A cursory review of the stock market performance showed that investors lost N463 billion, as capitalisation dropped from N14.070 trillion in the first day of trading in July to close at N13.607 trillion at the end of September 2014.

In the same vein, the All Share Index, which opened in July at

42,610.30 points dropped by 3.3 per cent or 1400 basis points . NSE market capitalisation is the total value of companies quoted on the exchange.

It is measured by the stock prices

times the number of shares issued by all companies quoted on the exchange, while the All Share Index is the total market (broad-base) index, reflecting the total movement of all prices of shares quoted on the NSE. Meanwhile, analysis of the top five gainers for the month of September

shows that Guinness Nigeria Plc led the chart with a gain of N34.98 to close at N214.98 from N180.00 it opened, followed by 7-UP Bottling Company Plc rising by N13.73 to close N147.73 from N 134.00 it

Continues on page 18

IMF MEETING: C'wealth ministers focus development funding beyond 2015

By OMOH GABRIEL

D

r Mansur Muhtar, former Nigerian Finance Minister and an Executive Director at the World

Bank will brief Commonwealth Finance Ministers on ideas for funding social and economic development on the sideline of the 2014 IMF/World Bank Annual

FORUM - From left: DG, NSE, Oscar Onyeama; DG, BPE, Benjamin Diki and MD/CEO, Transcorp Hotels, Valentine Ozigbo at the Transcorp Hotels’ Initial Public Offer Investors' Forum held in Abuja.

Meeting in Washington. The ministers are scheduled to discuss key areas which require further work and the political impetus needed for an ambitious outcome at the third UN Financing for Development Conference which will be convened in Addis Ababa in July 2015.

According to a statement by the IMF/ World Bank made available to Vanguard, Commonwealth Finance Ministers will meet on 8 October to explore ways of financing the Post2015 development agenda at a time when many countries are struggling to meet targets for combating poverty and improving livelihoods of millions of their citizens.

The meeting will take place in Washington DC in the margins of the 2014 International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings.

Ministers will consider the findings of the report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing. The report explores options for mobilising resources to achieve sustainable development goals.

According to the statement, "The Co-Chair of Committee of Experts, former Nigerian Finance Minister, Dr

Continues on page 18

18 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Cover Story

Youth restiveness and unemployment in Nigeria: the way out part 2 Nigeria are in abject poverty,

RECEPTION - From Left: Group Head, Business Services, Mr. Wunmi Adeniyi; Executive Director, Ivory Banking, Mrs Mary Akpobome; Heritage Bank’s MD/CEO, Mr. Ifie Sekibo; Managing Director, HISL, Mr. Segun Akanji; Company Secretary, Mrs Oluwatomi Ojo and Group Head, Cowry Banking, Mr. Davidson Regha during the Press briefing to announce Heritage Bank’s initial payment of 20 per cent bid price for Enterprise Bank’s acquisition in Lagos.

IMF MEETING: C'wealth finance ministers focus development funding beyond 2015 Continues from page 17 Mansur Muhtar, will brief ministers on the committee’s ideas for funding social and economic development.

Ministers will discuss key areas which require further work and the political impetus needed for an ambitious outcome at the third UN Financing for Development Conference which will be convened in Addis Ababa in July 2015.

"Another major item on the agenda will be to discuss proposals for reform designed to improve ways of mobilising, measuring, and monitoring the effectiveness of Official Development Assistance. The proposals were developed by countries belonging to the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development. During the meetings in Washington DC, the Commonwealth Secretariat will launch its new publication, Innovative Finance for Development, which has been developed as a toolkit and provides guideline and principles for consideration in the reform process."

Commonwealth SecretaryGeneral, Kamalesh Sharma described the meeting as an outstanding opportunity for taking stock of international approaches to development and development finance.

He said: “These meetings convene at a time of intense global discussion on the content and direction of the post-2015 development agenda and of the framework for financing that will underpin it. We look forward to reaching

a distinctive Commonwealth perspective on how these initiatives can be implemented, and in particular, of how the concerns of the smallest, poorest, and most vulnerable countries can be brought to the table.”

Mr Sharma remarked that the Commonwealth collectively has a special role to play by drawing together contributions from its diverse yet closely interconnected membership, enabling it to serve as a microcosm of the global community and provide valuable insights into development experience from a range of perspectives.

There will also be discussion on how the established relationship between the Commonwealth and the G20 can be strengthened further, and to deepen their productive partnership in helping to formulate international development policy.

The Ministerial meeting will be preceded on 7 October by meetings of senior officials from the Finance ministries of Commonwealth countries, and of Central Bank Governors who will focus on implementing regulations to tackle money-laundering and for counter-terrorism financing.

Investors lose N463 bn in 3 months as market nosedives Continues from page 17 opened. Nestle Foods Nigeria Plc garnered N10.01 to close at N1,090 from N1,079.99, followed by WAPCO Lafarge Africa Plc rising by N9.51 to close at N 126.76 from N117.25, while Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc gained N3.60 to close at N33.60 from 30.00.

On the laggard side, Forte Oil Plc led the chart dropping

by N4.99 to close at N225.00 from N229, followed by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, which nosedived by N6.13 to close at N61.98 from N68.11.

Cadbury Nigeria Plc dropped by N7.35 to close at

N52.50 from N59.85 followed

by Conoil Plc, which dropped

by N14.04 to close at N47.01 from N61.05, while Seplat Petroleum Development Company dipped by N35.00 to close at N645.00 from N680.00 it opened during the month under review.

Reacting on the performance of the third quarter, the Managing Director/CEO, Partnership Investment Company Plc, Mr. Victor Ogiemwonyi, said that the market has fared better than expected under the prevailing circumstance of uncertainty over insurgency in the North East and the

Continues on page 19

living below the poverty line, and one-third survive on less than one US dollar a day . This figure includes an army of youth in urban centres in Nigeria who struggle to eke out a living by hawking chewing sticks, bottled water, handkerchiefs, belts, etc. The sales per day and the profit margin on such goods are so small that they can hardly live above the poverty line. Disillusioned, frustrated, and dejected, they seek an opportunity to express their anger against the state. Scholars have overtime agreed that there is a link among poverty, loss of livelihood, inequality, and youth restiveness as evidenced by the numerous violent protests against the wielders of power in Nigeria. · Inadequate Educational Opportunities and Resources Quality education has a direct bearing on national prestige, greatness, and the dwindling resources of

,

M

inister for Agriculture, Dr. A k i n w u m i Adesina noted that Nigeria’s unemployment rate is spiralling upwards, growing at 11 per cent yearly, According to him “Youth unemployment rate is over 50 per cent.

Our unemployment rate is spiralling, driven by the wave of four million young people entering the workforce every year with only a small fraction able to find formal employment.

The rising tide of unemployment and the fear of a bleak future among the youth in African countries have made them vulnerable to the manipulations of agents’ provocateurs”. These include aggrieved politicians, religious demagogues, and greedy multinationals that employ these youths to achieve their selfish ambitions. It is clearly evident that the absence of job opportunities in developing countries is responsible for youth restiveness with disastrous consequences.

This leaves in its trails; low productivity, intra-ethnic hostilities, unemployment, poverty, prostitution and environmental degradation. · Exuberance: Very often, the youth are described as full of youthful exuberance. This raw energy has of late been channelled into unwholesome and socially unacceptable venture that threaten the very fabrics of the community. Also the issue of availability and accessibility of drugs in street corners which predispose the youth to abnormal behaviours when they come under their influence, adds to youth restiveness.

It is also believed that some disgruntled leaders, elders and politicians in our society resort to recruiting youth for settling scores or using them against perceived enemies.

With this trend, the activities of these youth have degenerated to outright criminality. Once these youth get mobilised for these nefarious activities, they become uncontrollable and the society suffers. · Poverty Poverty connotes inequality and social injustice and this traumatizes the poor. More than 70 per cent of people in

The sales per day and the profit margin on such goods are so small that they can hardly live above the poverty line

,

government at both federal and state levels as a result of economic meltdown. · Lack of Basic Infrastructure Most rural communities and urban slums in Nigeria have no access to potable water, health and communication facilities, electricity, industries, etc. Behind social unrest and youth restiveness in the country is the agitation for equitable distribution of resources. · I n a d e q u a t e Communication and Information flow Communication creates room for sharing information.

It helps people express their thoughts and feelings, clarify problems, and consider alternative ways of coping or adapting to their situation. Such sharing promotes social cohesion.

People must have access to communication facilities, to communicate with the people making the decisions that affect them. Sadly, rarely do people in Nigeria participate in decision-making processes on issues that affect their lives.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 19

THE title of this column last week was Fleecing Nigerians in the name of God. It generated a lot of reactions and comments. Here are some of the views of readers on the issue.

From +2348153069456

Thank you for speaking out frankly in your article Fleecing Nigerians in the name of God as published in Vanguard Newspaper of September 29, 2014. These vampires going around with the name 'Men of God' are taking advantage of the ignorance of the people and ripping these ignorant people of all the treasures they have earned. These so called ''Men of God' have realised that Nigerians generally love God, and since God cannot be located physically, the 'Men of God' step in to stand in the gap and thus make themselves gods to the people.

From +2348034105402

Great columnist Omoh.

Thank you for your wonderful and didactic write up, Fleecing Nigerians in the name of God. God bless you.

Your piece was quite incisive, but as if to spite you, I saw one of the church leaders ministering on TV.

From+2348030446066

Fleecing Nigerians indeed! I agree with you wholeheartedly.

The Church as it stands today in Nigeria is a shame to Christendom.

From+2348034227487

Your Broken Links of 29 September 2014 refers. If you are a true Christian who is not a mischief maker, you should have known that the Federal Government has owned up that the money belongs to it. Watch

Feed back: Fleecing Nigerians in the name of God

,

Twitter: @gabomoh

These so called Men of God have realised that Nigerians generally love God, and since God can not be located physically, the Men of God step in to stand in the gap and thus make themselves gods to the people

,

your pen.

From Destiny +2348023394359

Omoh Gabriel’s Broken Links entitled Fleecing Nigerians in

the name of God made my day. The article should impress it on all true believers in Christ to seek for the wind of revival to blow

From+23480333333519

across the country. Thank you for this truthful write up on page 19 of Vanguard edition of 29th September 2014.

God bless you.

From+2348062536504

PFN and its house is the problem of Nigeria because they believe in voodoo in their service of God

From+2348060606939

I am a journalist with one of the leading newspapers in the country, I wish to commend you on your article in today’s Vanguard (Fleecing Nigerians in the name of God). I wish more of our writers could be so dispassionate and expose these self-appointed men of God for what they truly are charlatans. More grease to

Business & Economy Continues from page 18 upcoming general election next year.

“The market has reacted the way it should given the uncertainty in the environment. The elections are ahead of us, so is the in retractable insurgency that we have in Boko Haram. All these are sources of instability and uncertainty.

“Investors invest for the future, if the future is not so clear and predictable, the usual reaction is to wait and see. The market under these circumstances has fared better than expected, Ogiemwonyi said. He noted that there were minor corrections in the most promising stocks and a few major down ward slide for stocks that looked shaky within the period.

However, he stated that the third quarter results of companies so far published should give the investing public confidence that the year will end well for most companies, saying, “The better results will better reflect the market after the elections, if everything goes well, and the market will bounce back accordingly. The regulators

Investors lose N463 bn in 3 months as market nosedives are doing all they can now. The rules are better enforced, the necessary rules to better protect investors are been put in place.

“The current downward trend in the market is an economy wide issues.

The market will be back when investors see better visibility of the future. The pending elections may bring in new players with new policies, investors want to know if there will be changes that are positive or negative to the economy, to allow them make better decision for the future,” he added. He noted that except for movement which would come with portfolio managers making adjustment to their portfolio, there would not be major difference in activities in the market in the last quarter from what it was in the third quarter of the year. ”There might also be some flash of money that may come to the market as the election spending filters into the wider economy. But this will not really reflect until the tail end of the

first quarter and the second quarter particularly, if the elections go well,” he said.

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lso speaking, Mr. Dr. David Walter Ogogo, Registrar/CEO, Institute of Capital Market Registrar, ICMR, said that the capital market seems to have fully recovered from the 2008/2009 experience.

Enumerating some of the initiatives that have helped to impact the market in the first three quarters in 2014, Ogogo said that the Capital Market Committee, CMC, under the leadership of SEC is putting together a 10 year master plan for the market and has also introduced the new minimum capital base for all operators. “Though this has generated some issues in some quarters, personally, I feel that SEC consulted widely enough before the introduction,” he opined.

“The Website of SEC has been improved upon. The website is now much more

educative and informative. The Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, has introduced a number of new products that are very promising,” he added.

He, however, called on the SEC to ensure that the 10 year master plan for capital market now being finalised, is launched in the last quarter,

your elbow, my brother.

From+2347030794533

Omoh Gabriel, I write to congratulate you for speaking the minds of many Christians and indeed, the mind of God about a lot of delusions among Nigerians who claim to be Christians. Most of the respected Christian leaders have sold their consciences to corrupt politicians and criminals.

From+2348060288206

Mr. Gabriel, I read your soul- lifting article in Vanguard of 29/09/2014 on page 19 about men of God and their willful sins. May you be strengthened by God. Thank you for the article.

Please keep your comments short and civil

while the West Africa Capital Market Integration project should be vigorously pursued.

Furthermore, he said that the report of the dematerialisation committee should be reviewed, adopted and implemented. “In all, SEC should do well to implement the decisions or recommendations of committees set up by them for the good of the market so as to enhance investor confidence.”

Gold close to erasing year’s gains on rising rates

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old declined in London, with the metal almost erasing this year’s gains as the outlook for higher U.S. interest rates amid an improving economy curbs demand for the metal. Platinum dropped to a five-year low. Gold fell 0.8 percent this week, cutting its 2014 increase to 0.6 percent. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index, which reached a four-year high this week, rose before a U.S. report that economists say will show employers added the most jobs in three months. Improving

U.S. data has added to speculation that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates next year.

An accelerating U.S. economy means investors are shunning the metal even after the U.S. expanded sanctions against Russia and stepped up its campaign against Islamic State.

Rising interest rates reduce gold’s allure because the metal generally only offers investors returns through price gains, while a stronger dollar typically cuts demand for a store of value.

20 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Business & Economy

FrieslandCampina WAMCO launches Peak 850g

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airy sector leader FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, makers of the premium brand Peak milk, launched its new Peak 850g milk value pack in Lagos recently. According to Ore Famurewa, Public and Regulatory Affairs Manager, in a media release, the company launched the refill pack with the aim to meet growing consumers’ demand of a top-up pouch whenever they need to save money on the purchase of other Peak big pack formats.

“Peak is the only milk brand in Nigeria that offers the full range of dairy products with several line extensions like the Unsweetened Evaporated Milk, Peak, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Instant Milk Powder and Choco. Peak is enriched with 28 vitamins and minerals and endorsed by the Nutrition Society of Nigeria” she also said. FrieslandCampina WAMCO has been in Nigeria since 1954. The company is an affiliate of Royal FrieslandCampina in The Netherlands, the largest dairy cooperative in the world.

Nedbank buys 20% of Ecobank as Qatari lender builds stake

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edbank Group Ltd. , the South African bank controlled by Old Mutual Plc, has agreed to buy 20 per cent of Ecobank Transnational Inc. (ETI), even after the Lome, Togo-based company sold a stake to a Qatari bank.

Nedbank will pay $493.4 million for 4.51 billion shares, the Johannesburg-based lender said today in a joint statement with Ecobank.

Nedbank had a right to convert a $285 million loan made to Ecobank in 2011 into an estimated 11 percent stake.

A second subscription right allowed it to increase its holding in Ecobank to as much as 20 percent, with a Nov. 25 deadline to exercise the option.

Qatar National Bank SAQ, the Middle East’s biggest lender by market value, bought an 11 percent stake in Ecobank for $283 million on Sept. 15 to become its top shareholder.

This followed the purchase of a 12.5 percent stake valued at $290 million earlier that month, QNB’s first acquisition in sub-Saharan Africa.

LAUNCH - From right: Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE), Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Group Chief Executive Officer(GCEO), UBA Capital Plc, Mrs. Toyin Sanni; and Deputy GCEO, UBA Capital Plc, Mr. Wale Shonibare, during the official launch of InvestNow.ng, a UBA Capital’s online-realtime trading platform at NSE.

Brent crude on brink of bear market amid global supply

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rent crude traded on the brink of a bear market on speculation that Saudi Arabia will maintain output amid swelling supplies from the U.S. and Russia and signs of slowing demand.

Futures in London rose 0.3 per cent after sliding to the lowest since June 2012. Prices are almost 20 per cent below their previous peak, the common definition of a bear market. Saudi Arabia, the biggest exporter, cut prices this week to the lowest since 2008 for Asia, raising speculation it’s prepared to let prices fall rather than cede market share. The U.S. in July exported the most oil since March 1957, according to data from the Energy Information Administration.

“Demand is certainly not keeping up with the increases we’ve seen with supply,” said Michael McCarthy, a chief strategist at CMC Markets in Sydney. “We saw that last month, the U.S. exported more oil than it had for 57 years, and that’s speaking directly to the supply issue.”

Brent for November settlement gained 35 cents to $93.77 a barrel on the Londonbased ICE Futures Europe exchange at 3:48 p.m.

Singapore time. The contract decreased 74 cents to $93.42 yesterday, the lowest close since June 28, 2012. The volume of all futures traded was about six per cent below the 100-day average. Prices have decreased 3.4 per cent this week.

West Texas West Texas Intermediate

crude for November delivery advanced 35 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $91.36 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It traded below $90 yesterday for the first time since April last year, before closing at $91.01. Prices have slid 2.3 percent this week. The U.S. benchmark crude was at a discount of $2.37 to Brent, the

narrowest since August 2013.

U.S. crude production rose last month to the highest level since 1986 and OPEC pumped the most oil in a year, even as the International Energy Agency cut its projections for global consumption growth through next year, citing a weakening economic outlook. Russia’s oil

output climbed to near a postSoviet record in September.

Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said it’s losing confidence in its forecast that Brent will recover to $100 a barrel next year. While the Wall Street bank is maintaining its projection for now, it says that a lack of signs of accelerating global economic growth and uncertainty over the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries’ production plans amid rising Libyan output are weakening its conviction.

OPEC, responsible for about 40 percent of the world’s crude supply, pumped 30.935 million barrels a day in September, the most since August last year, based on a Bloomberg survey of producers and analysts.

Relative Strength Brent’s relative strength index on the weekly chart has fallen below 30, indicating that the market may be oversold, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

“After a big drop yesterday, selling pressure might be over,” Ken Hasegawa, an energy trading manager at Newedge Group in Tokyo, said by phone today. “OPEC has still to make a decision to cut supply so it’s possible to see short-covering.”

WTI may decline next week, according to a separate Bloomberg survey. Fifteen of 25 analysts and traders, or 60 percent, predict futures will fall through Oct. 10, while eight respondents said prices will increase.

African governments tasked on role in start-up industry

By JONAH NWOKPOKU

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frican governments have been challenged to take a cue from the United States of America and Israel’s approach to the tech industry by playing increased role in the start-up industry.

The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Mrs. Omobola Johnson gave the charge while delivering a keynote address at the DemoAfrica conference held in Lagos recently. She said: “Governments in Africa have an important role to play in catalysing the start-up industry as evidenced in the US and Israel.”

She noted that, “The Nigerian government has done and will continue to do her bit to support the software development industry.”

Speaking on other initiatives that the Federal Government has undertaken to boost the tech sector, Johnson explained that the government is contributing to the development of a robust pipeline of startups with initiatives like Techlaunchpad which is an industry focussed software competition, including others like IDEA incubators and accelerators.

She disclosed that seven companies have

been graduated from the hub and that “70 start-ups have been added to this fledgling but vibrant ecosystem and 4 IDEA incubates have emerged finalists for DemoAfrica 2014.”

She further disclosed that the government will soon be conducting the first close of the government seeded IT Innovation Fund.

“Government has committed $9 million as seed capital to this fund to be managed by EchoVC and we are literally a month or so away from making our first investment in a number of Nigerian/African tech start ups,” she said. She however noted that there are still challenges that need tackled in order to see more investments in the sector. She therefore called on governments to intensify efforts in building infrastructure and creating more opportunities in this sector.

“There is still a lot to be done, infrastructure to be built to connect more and more Africans to the internet, more ideas to be birthed, more companies to be nurtured and more investments to be made in these companies. African governments must support and sustain this,” she said.

On the Demo Africa event, the minister noted that in the two years of DemoAfrica, alumni have generated over $8 million worth of investments, businesses and partnerships.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 21

Business & Economy

FG to privatise airports soon

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he Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprise, Mr Benjamin Dikki, said in Abuja that the privatization of federal airports in the country would commence soon.

Dikki made this known in his presentation on “Reforms and Privatisation Opportunities in Nigeria” at the ongoing 9th Abuja International Trade Fair. He said that although the Federal Government had made substantial investment in the aviation sector, a lot still remained to be done, adding that it was the reason why the government was considering privatising the airports.

“We are planning to commence the privatisation of airports; the airports will be more efficient if the private sector is running them. Ver y soon, we will engage the Minister of Aviation and we will start a new process of privatising or concession of airports just

IITA to encourage more Nigerian youths in agriculture

TRAINING - From left: Mr Charles Okafor, Career Actor; Delia Asuzu, Senior Manager, Marketing Communications and Business Development, PricewaterhouseCoopers; Mr Yemie Adeoye, CEO, D'Alphaxristi Ltd and Mr Taiwo Oyedele, Partner during the Media Training and capacity-building seminar for career journalists held in Lagos. Photo Lamidi Bamidele like we have done with the seaports. We are likely to grant concession of maybe 15 to 20 years, according to the business model agreed on, so that investors can make a reasonable return on the investment during the

concession period,” he said.

Dikki also disclosed that BPE was working on the process of privatising some coal blocs and sale of noncore assets of Nigeria Coal Corporation (NCC) and Nigeria Mining Corporation.

He said that the National Council on Privatisation had already approved the sale of residential houses and lands of NCC,

Naraguta and Maiduguri Bricks, non-core assets of Makeri, and the OgwashiAzagba Coal Bloc.

He said that the bureau was currently working to hasten the passage of some bills, including the Railway Bill, Inland Waterways Bill, Federal Road Authority Bill, Ports and Harbour Reform Bill and Postal Reform Bill.

He explained that the bills, when passed, would eliminate monopoly in all key sectors of the economy, create more jobs and deepen economic growth.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has restated its commitment to encouraging more Nigerian youths in the development of the nation’s agriculture sector.

IITA’s Project Manager on Cassava Value Chain Unit, Dr Gbassay Tarawali, said this in Lagos at a two-day National Workshop on “Economic Transformation through Agriculture.” The workshop was organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

Tarawali said that the institute, through its “Agropreneurship” had so far provided technical and financial assistance to over 30 young Nigerians, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). IITA, through its new agropreneurship initiative, has so far provided assistance to over

30 young Nigerians.

“The vision is to use agriculture as a platform to unlocking job opportunities for young Nigerians. The institute will be partnering with relevant organisations across Nigeria in attracting more Nigerian youths into agriculture,” he said.

10 countries storm Abuja International Trade Fair

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xhibitors and traders from 10 countries including Egypt, the Republic of China, and India are participating at the ongoing 9th Abuja International Trade Fair. Other countries participating are Ghana, Sudan, Niger, Togo, Pakistan, Philippine and Senegal.

The fair is organised by the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA).

The Director-General of ABUCCIMA, Mr Joe Wenegieme disclosed this in Abuja.

Wenegieme said that more than 200 local exhibitors and traders from different states across the country were also participating at the fair to display their products and services. He said that some federal and state government agencies were also represented at the fair, which started on Sept. 23 and is expected to end on Oct. 6. The agencies include Nigerian Export and Import (NEXIM) Bank, Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). Other agencies are the National Automotive Council, Nigerian Maritime Authority,

Nigerian Postal Agency, and the Projects Development Institute.

Wenegieme said that the telecom operators were not also left out at the fair. He said the telecom companies on ground were MTN, Airtel Network Ltd., adding that some banks like Jaiz Bank, Platinum Bank were also participating.

He said that apart from traders, there were local manufacturers and small scale industrialists at the fair to showcase their products. He said that some states which include Osun, Kano, Lagos, Borno, Niger, and Benue, among others were also at the fair to showcase their natural resources and other potential.

Mr Roff Roff, Manager of Lifemate Company from China, said that his company was a regular participant at the fair. He said that the company deals on household and office furniture.

“This year’s trade fair is well organised than that of last year, The year the organisers really tried but we still lack patronage,” he said. A staff of NEXIM Bank, who pleaded for anonymity, said NEXIM bank came to showcase its products.

22 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Banking & Finance

CBN’s liquidity management losing steam Citi Bank extends capacity building to financial journalists

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itibank Nigeria Limited, in continuation of its support for professional journalism, hosted the annual Citi Financial Journalists th Training on the 24 of September 2014. The event covered topics on financial markets as well as macro economics. The programme drew twenty – three journalists from major print and electronic media houses.

The seminar was facilitated

by Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Akin Dawodu, and Country Treasurer , Mr. Bayo Adeyemo , Managing Director of SDI/ Ruyi Communications, Mr. Soni Irabor and Managing Director of Teambuilding Nigeria, Mr. Yinka Olugbodi.

The training provided an indepth analysis of the financial markets and highlighted how economic trends and indicators should be interpreted. The forum also provided an excellent opportunity for interactive discussions between key media operators in the local market.

The Citi Financial Journalists Training aligns with Citi’s commitment towards capacity building among various stakeholders in the Nigerian economic space.

Some topics covered during the course of the event included understanding and interpreting economic reports, fixed income market & trading, writing business news for institutional investors and understanding key risks.

Media veteran, Mr. Irabor facilitated a session on financial reporting in journalism and spoke extensively on the importance of ethics.

Mr. Olugbodi of Teambuilding Nigeria administered several brainteasers which served to stimulate the minds of the delegates in relation to the topics taught.

According to Mr. Dawodu, the Citi Financial Journalists Training speaks to one of Citi’s core strengths in the market.

“Over the last 30 years, we have been at the forefront of providing financial markets training to industry colleagues, including our competitors, as well as regulators such as the Central Bank of Nigeria. This seminar is a natural progression to ensu re that journalists who cover the financial sector have the core competence and knowledge base to appropriately report issues affecting our industry.

…As banks battle N560bn excess liquidity

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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fforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to address the persistent excess liquidity in the banking industry appears to be loosing steam, as banks battle with excess liquidity of over N500 billion through last week.

According to the daily market liquidity report obtained by Vanguard, excess liquidity (or idle funds) in the interbank market opened the week at N563.85 billion, rose to N611 billion on Tuesday, before dropping to N566 billion on Thursday and N560.9 billion on Friday.

Reflecting the impact of the huge idle cash on the market,

the treasury bills offered by the CBN for liquidity mop up, was over-subscribed by 41 percent. Though the apex bank offered N230 billion worth of secondary market bills, subscription (demand) was N325.4 billion. However, the CBN could not allot more than N272.2 billion due to demand for higher interest rate by subscribers, who are

TRAINING-Citibank Nigeria Limited’s, Country Treasurer, Mr. Bayo Adeyemo (2nd left), Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Akin Dawodu (4th left), Managing Director SDI/ Ruyi Communications, Mr. Soni Irabor (2nd right) presenting plaques to Vanguard’s Finance Correspondents - Mr. Peter Egwuatu (left), Mr. Michael Eboh (3rd left), Mr. Babajide Komolafe (3rd right) and Mrs. Nkiruka Nnorom (right) at the recently concluded Citi Financial Journalists Training which held in Lagos.

mostly banks.

Some subscribers to the bills had demanded for rates as high as 11.5 percent but the stop rates for allotment were between 10.5 and 10.8 per cent.

The situation was further aggravated by the injection of N308 billion through payments for matured treasury bills. According to market sources, the injection of liquidity through payment of matured bills is one of the major factors for the persistence of excess liquidity in the market. These were bills issued previously by the CBN to mop-up excess liquidity. The maturity of these bills, it was gathered always undermines the efforts of the apex bank to mop-up excess liquidity from the market, they said.

It would be recalled that the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the CBN at its meeting last month expressed concern over the incidence of high liquidity in the banking system. “The Committee further expressed concern about high banking system liquidity and its potential effects on inflation and the exchange rate”, the Committee noted in its Communiqué.

High interest rates, bane of SMEs development — OYOFO

By FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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enator Victor Oyofo has described the high interest rate charges by commercial banks as one of the major hindrance to the development of the Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in the country.

Oyofo who spoke at the 9th Abuja International Trade Fair also called for ban on importation of generators noting that the importers are sabotaging the economy.

While expressing concern over the high interest rates charged by banks, he noted that a lot of small businesses have died due to the high interest charged on loans obtained by them from different banks.

“How could our economy grow when people had to pay so much interest before they could get loans from the banks in order to invest? “ Truly many investors are scared of going to Nigerian banks to borrow money because of this high interest rate.

“This is because when they remember the huge interest that they would pay on the loan they are taking, they would be deterred to go and borrow from banks”, he said. “ There are many things that border me on the interest charges the CBN demands from the commercial banks that collects loans from it.

“And if we are talking of industrial development in the

country, we should ask ourselves how much interest rate does CBN charges before it gives loans to commercial banks.

“I am told that CBN charges 12 per cent of interest or as high as 18 or 20 per cent of interest on the money it lends to the commercial banks.

Oyofo explained that if CBN were to charge two per cent as its interest, it would still

make more money from commercial banks and many people would be willing to borrow.

He called on the governments and all the stakeholders, in the agricultural sector to intensify their focus on the sector in order to produce raw materials and food for the nation’s teeming population.

UBA Capital launches INVESTNOW.NG By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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BA Capital has o p e n e d a new streamline in its mission to promote and facilitate investment in Nigeria by launching the country ’s first online trading platform with real time investment account funding functionality. The p l a t f o r m , www.investnow.ng, is the only way for investors to be

able to fund their investment accounts directly and instantly, without the need to go through an account officer in the option of a clientcompany funds lodgment.

INVESTNOW.NG also provides a live price feed (intra-day) for listed stocks, enabling investors to make informed decisions based on the latest data.

Speaking at the Nigerian Stock Exchange, UBA Capital Group CEO Oluwatoyin Sanni celebrated the milestone,

remarking “since UBA Capital was founded, our mission has been to develop the capital market in Nigeria in order to give the investing public the confidence to invest actively.

The I N V E S T N O W. N G platform combines world class technology with a robust client data protection and security framework in order to give our clients a seamless experience when processing transactions.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 23

Banking & Finance

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roup Managing Director of Union Bank Plc, Mr. Emeka Emuwa, has called for proactive strategies to tackle the rising problem of electronic fraud (e-fraud).

He made this call while addressing members of the Committee of Chief Internal Auditors of Banks in Nigeria th (CCIABN) at their 28 Quarterly Meeting hosted by Union Bank in Lagos.

Emuwa challenged Internal Auditors in the banking industry to brace up to tackle emerging trends in electronic fraud, which have become a real threat to the survival of the sector.

Acknowledging that efraud was not just a Nigerian problem but a global challenge, Emuwa said, tackling this problem requires an “all hands on deck” approach to proffering proactive strategies, realigning processes and developing realistic action plans to curtail the menace.

Emuwa, who was represented by Emeka Okonkwo, Executive Director, Corporate and International Banking at Union Bank, said: “ while winning the war against cybercrime seems like a daunting task, it is not an impossible one and would require key stakeholders to effectively work together to surmount the challenge”. He therefore urged the Committee to continue to foster collaboration within the banking sector and enjoined Internal Auditors to constantly upgrade their skills, knowledge and techniques to

National Honours: Dep. Speaker, others laud diamond Bank GMD/CEO

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RECEPTION - From left: Dele Alabi, Executive Director, Ecobank Nigeria; Foluke Aboderin, Executive Director; Jibril Aku, MD/CEO; Bola Adesola, CEO Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and Olukorede Adenowo, MD & Head, Financial Institutions, West Africa, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria Limited at a dinner reception hosted by Standard Chartered Bank to mark the successful Eurobond issuance by Ecobank Nigeria in Lagos.

Union Bank boss calls for proactive strategies against e-fraud •Bank awarded DSS certification Stories by BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE ensure that the right level of assurance is provided always.

In his own remarks, the Chairman of the Committee of Internal Auditors of Banks in Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Esenwa, commended Union Bank’s steadfast support for the Committees initiatives. He also pledged that the

association would continually strive to enhance its visibility and relevance, while strengthening its activities towards greater financial stability in the sector.

Meanwhile, Union Bank has been certified with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

PCI DSS is a global security standard for protecting card data, created by leading card companies Visa, MasterCard,

Sustainable global economic recovery not yet attainable — IMF

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he International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that sustainable economic recovery is not yet attainable.

In her foreword to the Fund’s Annual Report 2014—From Stabilization to Sustainable Growth, published on Monday, IMF, Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that Seven years after the onset of the global financial crisis, the world still has a way to go to secure a sustainable recovery marked by strong growth that supports rapid job creation and benefits all.

“The recovery is ongoing, but it is still too slow and fragile, subject to the vagaries of financial sentiment. Millions of people are still looking for work. The level of uncertainty might be diminishing, but it is certainly not disappearing.” Ms. Lagarde said that “throughout the crisis and in the recovery period, the IMF has been, and continues to be, an indispensible agent of economic cooperation” for its membership.

The report covers the work of the IMF’s Executive Board and contains financial statements for the year May 1, 2013, to April 30, 2014. It describes the IMF’s support for its 188 member countries, with an emphasis on the core areas of IMF responsibility: assessing their economic and financial policies, providing financing where needed, and building capacity in key areas of

economic policy.

On the financial front, the IMF continued to support members’ reform efforts across the globe. This year, the Fund’s Executive Board approved $21.5 billion in financing for member countries, plus $220 million in concessional financing for low-income countries. The Board reviewed facilities such as the Flexible Credit Line, the Precautionary and Liquidity Line, and the Rapid Financing instrument—to make sure that they continue to help countries as effectively as possible. The membership also agreed to transfer gold profits to help meet the financing needs of low-income members in the years ahead.

Since the crisis broke, the institution has provided training to all of its members and technical assistance to 90 percent of them, helping countries design, build, and strengthen the institutions that make up the building blocks of economic success. For the fourth straight year, the Fund increased its delivery of technical assistance, especially in low-income countries, and increased spending on training. Demand for technical assistance continues to be strongest in the fiscal area, but it has been growing across all regions. Over the past year, the IMF launched new tools and courses, opened a new regional technical assistance center in Ghana, and received $181 million in new donor funds.

American Express, Discover and JCB. The Bank was presented with the certificate after undergoing a rigorous successful audit of its operations which was conducted by PCI DSS Qualified Security Assessor – Panacea InfoSec in conjunction with their local partner - Digital Encode.

This certification gives the bank the added incentive to offer its customers improved data security to protect them from card fraud, identity theft, insider threats, cybercrime, hacking and other security vulnerabilities.

Commenting on this achievement, the Head Corporate Affairs/Corporate Communications at Union Bank, Ogochukwu EkezieEkaidem said “our top priority is security and protection of customer data, as well as compliance. This certification is further proof of our commitment to provide quality service to our customers and we are proud to be compliant with PCI DSS’s stringent security requirements.”

Beyond the PCI DSS certification, and as it seeks to reclaim its leadership position in the banking industry, Union Bank has also reinforced its overall security system through a Security Operation Centre (SOC). This will further guarantee that customers can conduct online transactions on more secure platforms and without any apprehensions.

eputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has congratulated Dr. Alex Otti, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (GMD/ CEO) of Diamond Bank Plc, on the conferment on him of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) by President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2014 National Merit Awards.

Ihedioha, who spoke at a dinner in Abuja to honour the bank chief, said that Otti was a rare breed whose intellect, character, integrity and work ethic have singled him out as a man who aims for excellence and great results in all that he undertakes.”Dr. Otti has distinguished himself as a seasoned banker as evidenced in the impressive growth of Diamond Bank under his leadership. His footprints, so far, challenges us as a nation to move on to more progressive accomplishments,” the Deputy Speaker said.

The dinner reception which was attended by top Nigerians to honour and applaud Otti’s achievements was filled with encomiums for him.

AfDB releases Green Growth framework

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he African Development Bank (AfDB) has released the first-ever Green Growth Framework that will function as a foundational reference document for its future work on green growth. The framework, called Entry points for action for transition to Green Growth in Africa, outlines the concept of green growth in the African context and builds a shared understanding of entry points for engagement for AfDB staff with the Bank’s regional member countries.

Following the approval, Alex Rugamba, Director of the AfDB’s Energy, Environment and Climate Change Department, elaborated on the purpose of the document: “The framework is intended to guide Bank staff on facilitating the region’s gradual transition to green growth see it as a living document that will be updated as the Bank’s experience in facilitating the transition to green growth in Africa advances.”

The AfDB’s Green Growth Framework begins by defining and explaining the rationale for green growth within the African development context.

24 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Corporate Finance Stories By NKIRUKA NNOROM

U.S. stocks erase loss on ECB as small-cap shares rebound

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.S. stocks erased losses as small-cap companies rebounded amid speculation equities have fallen too far too fast. Shares plunged earlier, following European markets lower, on concern stimulus won’t be enough to revive the region’s economy.

The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (SPX) rose 0.1 percent to 1,947.78 in New York, wiping out an earlier loss of one percent. The Russell 2000 Index rallied 1 percent, the most since Aug. 18, after a 1.5 percent selloff yesterday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 13.23 points, or 0.1 percent, to 16,817.94. The Stoxx 600 Europe plunged 2.4 percent, its biggest drop in 15 months.

Trading in S&P 500 companies was 45 percent above the 30-day average for this time of the day.

“The market turned back here recently because some of these stocks have gotten too oversold,” Walter “Bucky” Hellwig, who helps manage $17 billion at BB&T Wealth Management in Birmingham, Alabama, said by phone.

“There was some disappointment with Draghi in that he didn’t seem to be quite as aggressive in what he was saying about QE.”

Dark pools draw trade away from stock exchanges in September

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ark pools, the anonymous trading venues at the center of a series of investigations by U.S. authorities, continued to gain equity trading at the expense of public exchanges in Europe last month, Thomson Reuters data showed.

Dark order books, which permit shares to be bought and sold without publicly informing the market until the trade is completed, accounted for 6.9 percent of total European stock trading last month, up from 6.4 percent the month before and 5.7 percent a year earlier.

Around 53 billion euros ($66.95 billion) worth of shares changed hands in dark pools in September, up 20 percent from the previous month and 29 percent year on year. This compares with just 250 million euros in January 2008.

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ccess Bank Plc has said that its quest to raise additional funds from the capital market is borne out of the need to enhance its Tier 1 Capital and also take advantage of emerging opportunities in the economy.

Group Managing Director/ CEO, Mr. Herbert Wigwe, made the disclosure at a parley with finance correspondents in Lagos.

Access Bank had revealed plans to raise N68 billion via Rights Issue from its existing shareholders.

Represented by the bank's Chief Finance Officer, Mr. Seyi Kumapayi, Wigwe stated that opportunities exist in the Power, Oil & Gas and Agric sectors of the economy, which as at date are largely under-funded by Deposit Money Banks, DMBs, saying that funds from the capital raise would enable the bank to provide the necessary support to the sectors.

“Access Bank is fully embedded as a Nigerian Tier 1 bank and completed our transition to a large diversified financial institution.

However, enhancement of our Tier1capital is imperative to enable us exploit the market opportunities and achieve our vision whilst delivering superior shareholder value,” he said.

He indicated that the bank needs to undertake further

LUNCHEON- From left: Mrs. Ibironke Osiyemi, Past President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, (ICAN); Mrs. Onome Olaolu, Chairperson, the Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria, SWAN; Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, President, ICAN and his wife, Josephine at the Special Luncheon/Birthday reception in honour of ICAN President in Lagos.

Photo Lamidi Bamidele.

Why we're raising fresh funds —ACCESS BANK branch expansion, as well as support its working capital with proceeds from the Rights.

Wigwe stated that the bank is poised to build and leverage on resources and benefits of being a large diversified financial institution to achieve its objective of becoming the world’s most respected African bank by 2017.

According to him, the bank has a track record of strong

performance and has kept every promise it made since 2002, while it has enjoyed ‘A’ rating from various rating agencies.

Typically, he said that from 2002 to 2007, the bank was ranked among the top 10 banks in Nigeria and a dominant trade finance bank, as well as being a top three foreign exchange and money market bank.

From 2007 to 2012, he said the bank was ranked among

Goldlink Insurance promises not to delist from NSE

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oldlink Insurance Plc has assured its shareholders of its commitment to safeguard their investments in the company and retain its listed company status.

This assurance followed the announcement by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, four months earlier that 21 quoted companies stand to be delisted from its Daily Official List for noncompliance to its post listing rules requirements.

While some of the companies are being delisted for failing to file their quarterly and annual financial reports and accounts with the NSE, some others will face the same fate for failing to regularise their listing status with the Exchange after being given time to do so.

Goldlink Insurance, according to NSE, was pencilled down for delisting for non-rendition of its financial statements.

However, addressing a press conference at the company’s head office in Lagos, the Managing Director/CEO, Goldlink Insurance, Mr. Gbolahan Olutayo, said that efforts to address all issues of statutory compliances and restore the company to the path of normalcy are being vigorously pursued.

He said the company has put adequate measures in place to ensure strict adherence to regulatory compliance and good corporate governance practices.

According to him, an interim management set up by the National Insurance Commission, NAICOM, is

taking steps to address all the regulatory concerns so as to forestall final delisting of the company from the Exchange.

He added that as part of mandate to regularise its account with the Exchange, the company has engaged the services of reputable auditors, the KPMG Professional Services, to produce a credible Annual Accounts/Financial Statement for the company in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standard, IFRS. “We therefore want to employ this medium to assure our various stakeholders of our commitment to safeguarding their interest. We also seize this opportunity to inform our shareholders of the arrangement to intimate them of the progress so far in the effort to reposition their company,” he assured.

the top five financial services group, was a reference point of service delivery, leading ebusiness support bank, an employee of choice in Africa, a reference point for corporate governance and also attained high independent credit rating among other achievements within the period.

In line with the objective of becoming the best respected African Bank by 2017, Wigwe, said that Access bank has set a goal of becoming achieving top three position by all financial metrics and becoming a reference points for technology within the set period.

Additionally, he said that the bank is poised to become a leading project and structured finance bank and the best treasury and financial market bank in the country.

Encouraging investors to take up their Rights, he said that the bank has demonstrated the capacity in integrating and extracting value from its various acquisitions and is also one of the most actively traded banking stocks in the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE. He said that the bank also prides as investors friendly bank having been able to deliver impressive return to investors in terms of capital appreciation and dividend payment.

According to him, the bank has a credible leadership with clear vision of value creation for shareholders.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 25

Corporate Finance

SEC tasks emerging economies on SMEs development

By PETER EGWUATU

D

irector General of the Securities and E x c h a n g e Commission (SEC), Arunma Oteh has advised governments in the emerging economies to focus more on Small and Medium Enterprises development as a way of creating more jobs and improving the standards of living of their citizens.

Oteh who spoke on the sidelines of the ongoing International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, said SMEs are vehicles for wealth creation which could in turn improve the economies of many countries.

According to a statement made available to Vanguard, the SEC DG said “I think first and foremost, there is the recognition globally about the importance of SMEs because they are the ones who create

jobs. I think there is a greater focus on how SMEs can be supported. In our own country, His Excellency President Goodluck Ebelo Jonathan recently set up an SME council, he set up a job board, all of that is focused on how we can practically address the challenges we are facing with SMEs”. To grow these SMEs therefore, the SEC boss said she believes that the capital markets is an absolutely important solution to source

funds among other othernatives.

Continuing she said “We need to provide funding at reasonable cost. Capital that is

patient so that people can grow their businesses and banking finance is not patient.

It is short term, sometimes particularly in the Africa and

Caverton extends operations, wins Shell’s award

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n a bid to become a global player, Caverton Offshore Support Group Plc has said that it would extend its operation to other sub Saharan African countries, just

as it won Shell safety conscious award.

The Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Olabode Makanjuola, made this known at the company’s 5th Annual

Firms unveils electronic fix trading terminal

A

Middle East the interest rates are relatively high. “What we need is capital that would be there for a long time, a market based finance that is long term and there is a global recognition of that which is why some of the things we are focusing at the meeting in Brazil,is really the value that capital markets bring to SMEs”.

Norwegian firm, Infront, and I-Net BFA S/Africa, have announced the birth of a jointly designed platform that enable stockbrokerage houses provide easy-to-use and efficient real-time information and trading system to their clients.

The X-Front Trader platform, which made its debut in the Nigerian stock market, is an electronic (fix) trading terminal that boosts “real time” online trading for stock market traders and investors. Already, a pre-market presentation of the platform, which is the outcome of a 12-month extensive market research and collected feedback

from Nigerian stock market participants, leadership of the Association of Stockbrokerage Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) and randomly selected stockbrokerage houses, has been scheduled for Wednesday, October 8, 2014, in Lagos, According to Ambrose Omordion, chief operating officer, InvestData Limited, the X-Front Trader Platform meets regulatory REQUIREMENTS while reducing the huge ICT infrastructure cost as such similar platforms by Infront have delivered in many other countries with matured electronic trading (such as in the Nordics).

General Meeting (AGM) where shareholders approved the payment of N418million dividend. This represented N12.5 kobo for every 50 kobo ordinary share held.

In commemorating 75 million Lost Time Injury (LTI) free man-hour, the Production Directorate of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria awarded Caverton Helicopters the Safety Conscious Contractor of the Year Award.

Caverton according a statement was nominated and won the award in the Medium and High Risk category.

Justifying the award, Shell said: “Caverton Helicopters developed safety programs to improve staff safety culture.

26 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Commodity Index Sept 26-Oct 2, 2014

Micro-Finance

Lagos veg fest to create vast opportunities for SMEs Stories by PROVIDENCE OBUH

O

rganisers of Lagos Veg Fest (LVF), weekend, announced plans to hold its event and create business opportunities for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

LVF is a Vegan & Vegetarian Festival, scheduled for October 10 to 12, 2014 at the Freedom Park Lagos, with about 2000 participants and about 30 exhibitors of food and innovative health, green products and services.

Also, LVF will usher in some Nigeria’s innovative businesses in the health and wellness industry, international guests, generally people interested in vegan and vegetarian lifestyle and thought leaders in sustainable living.

Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, Founder, Veggie Victory/ organiser, LVF, Mr. Hakeem Jimo, said that the event will bring together people who

make deliberate choices for healthy lifestyle, saying, “We want to show everyone in Nigeria that a healthy lifestyle is not only better for you but also delicious and fun.

“Research indicates there is a growing demand and market for sustainable lifestyle products in Nigeria with

First Bank advocates financial integrity among SME operators

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irst Bank of Nigeria Plc has called for financial integrity among operators of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country, saying it is key to sustaining business.

Speaking at the SME Workshop for Women owners of SMEs in Nigeria held at the First Bank Sustainability Centre, Lagos Business School, Lekki Lagos, Director, LBS/First Bank Sustainability Center, Dr. Chris Ogbechie, said that the bank sponsored the workshop to promote empowerment,

Manufacturers support programme to boost wellness

By NAOMI UZOR

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o fewer than t h i r t e e n companies in the manufacturing sector supported this year ’s edition of Indulge Nigeria Ltd’s Lunch & Learn wellness seminar.

The wellness programme is aimed at promoting healthy living in Nigeria.

The companies include Promasidor, Popular Foods, Unilever, Grand Cereals Limited, Cadbury, Wemy Industries Ltd, UAC Foods, Mr. Biggs, PZ Cussons, Nutricima Nigeria Ltd, Warm Spring Nigeria Ltd; N e i m e t h , Vi t a f o a m , among others.

Speaking at the event, Director of Disease Control, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Jemilade Longe, said that non communicable diseases is on the increase all over the world and will be the leading cause of death in

social values increasingly becoming a major factor in people’s life and also brand perception. The LVF is a unique opportunity for Nigerians to experience food and products for a healthier lifestyle and organisations to connect st to 21 century movement for healthy and sustainable

the country by the year 2020.

He urged government to be at the forefront of the tackling of non communicable diseases by partnering with companies like Indulge Nigeria so as to help curtail the spread.

entrepreneurship and financial inclusion among women.

Ogbechie described business integrity as a process that every SME owner should pass to guarantee growth and sustainability in businesses.

“Sustainability is a business approach that creates long-term shareholders’ value by embracing opportunities and managing risks derived from economic, environmental and social development.

Given that SME’s businesses die with their founders, he said that it has become necessary for small business owners to grow beyond first and second generation of founders, just as he listed the challenges facing operators of the sector to include: absence of planning, succession, poor financial management and book keeping, inefficient resource use, among others.

Ikeja City Mall celebrates Nigeria @ 54

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s part of Nigeria’s th 54 Independence anniversary celebration, Ikeja City Mall (ICM) has lined up prizes to benefit its numerous shoppers in the month.

Highlights of the prizes includes: Shoppers that make single receipt purchase of over N25,000 in any store in ICM during the period will qualify for a raffle draw and stand the chance to win cash prizes ranging from N50,000 to N150,000.

Marketing Manager of the mall, Mr. Eniola Ositelu, said that this year’s celebration is aimed at

reaffirming the ‘believe in Nigeria’ and ‘believe in ICM’ theme.

Ositelu said, “We are doing this mainly to promote the interest of Nigeria positively in the hearts of our customers and Lagosians as a whole. It is to reaffirm the ‘believe in Nigeria’ and ‘believe in ICM’ theme.”

She commended the support of the tenant stores and Lagosians who came out to mark the 54thcelebration.

ICM is one of the largest shopping mall’s in the country, comprising of a perfect mix of retailers,

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 27

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Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 33

Homes & Housing Finance

NDIC to review PMBs’ insurance coverage, premium assessment Stories by YINKA KOLAWOLE, with agency report

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igeria Deposit I n s u r a n c e Corporation has revealed plans to increase the deposit insurance coverage for customers of Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) in the country as well as review the premium assessment of the PMBs. Managing Director/Chief Executive, NDIC, Alh. Umaru Ibrahim, disclosed this at a sensitisation workshop, in Abuja, organised by the Corporation to promote safe and sound banking practices for operators of PMBs. At a similar workshop held earlier in Lagos, Ibrahim tasked mortgage banks to develop and implement effective risk management systems to avoid creation of toxic assets.

“NDIC is the sole agency empowered to guarantee depositors’ funds in deposittaking financial institutions in Nigeria, including PMBs. NDIC as an insurer, reimburses depositors of all PMBs up to a maximum limit of N200,000 per depositor in the event of failure of a mortgage institution since 2010. The new coverage level represents an increase of 100 percent over the earlier coverage of N100,000, when the insurance package was first extended to the sector in 2006,” he stated.

The NDIC boss said plan to upwardly review the corporation’s insurance coverage of PMB depositors arose from the realisation that mortgage banks seemed to carry more risks than microfinance banks. He, however, did not specify the amount for the new deposit insurance cover being planned by the corporation.

“Going forward, we hope to review the insurance coverage that we do provide, you are aware that right now it is N200,000 in case of any failure. We are thinking why not segregate slightly from what is obtained in the micro finance banks, given the huge portfolio and risks you carry. And also in return, given the quantum of premium that you give,” he stated.

Ibrahim further disclosed that the corporation is also reviewing the basis of premium of the PMBs in the country. According to him,

instead of using the flat rate which was the initial practice, the corporation would introduce risk-based premium assessing system. This, he said, was obtainable with the deposit money banks. “That way, we will be able to promote safer and best practices and in the process, the best manned and managed institutions will have less premium burden on them,” he added.

Ibrahim said PMBs in Nigeria could create significant impact if they adhere to the recommended corporate

governance practices based on effective risk management practices instituted by regulatory authorities. “Given the recent regulatory efforts and the associated high cost of cleansing the system of toxic assets of deposit money banks (DMBs) through the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), the supervisory authorities were concerned about build up of toxic assets with micro finance banks (MFBs) which stood at about 45.7 percent as at December

2013 against the prescribed maximum of 5 percent. Our attention is now being focused on both the MFBs and PMBs sub sectors so as to address the emerging challenges. Our efforts can only be successful if the operators can embrace good corporate governance and sound risk management practices. We cannot afford the repeat of 2008/2009 crisis.”

He said NDIC would continue to ensure that all insured institutions were put on the path of sustainable growth and development, and appealed to all PMBs to pay their annual premium promptly.

•A private estate at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

FCTA moves to tackle spate of unoccupied houses T

he Federal Capital Territor y Administration (FCTA) has revealed plans to ensure that all houses in the territory are occupied not later than six months after completion. This comes against the backdrop of numerous cases of unoccupied houses in Abuja despite the growing needs for housing by residents of the territory.

A survey carried out by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) shows that multi-billion naira housing estates built by private estate developers in different parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have remained unoccupied. Many of the housing estates surveyed were reported to be under lock and key years after they had been completed by their owners. According to the report, it costs between N2.5 million and N3 million to rent a two-bed bungalow in areas such as Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and Garki, while the cost of renting the same apartment ranges between N800,000 and N1.2 million per annum in privately built estates outside the municipal areas. It also costs between N400,000 and N700,000 to rent a two-bed room apartment in the satellite towns such as Kubwa, Lugbe and Karu areas per annum.

In a bid to curb the trend, FCTA is mapping out measures to check the

activities of owners of housing estates that remained unoccupied for more than six months after completion. Mr. Dominic Odenigbo, Head of Aesthetics and Amenities, Department of Development Control of the FCTA, disclosed this to NAN in Abuja. He noted that the reason for constructing a house is habitation, adding that the purpose would have been defeated if after completion such houses remain unoccupied for years. According to him, some owners of such unoccupied estates were not eager to allow tenants into their houses and estates because their sources of funds could be questionable.

“Part of our condition for granting building approval is for that construction to commence not later than six months after approval and completed, at most, two years after. But we have observed that several of the houses in the city and in some mass housing estates are not occupied for several years after construction and that is not acceptable. Some builders acquire these structures as a way to tie down illegally acquired wealth so, they might not be eager to rent them out. To stop this trend, we plan to include a clause in the approval that would compel builders to rent or occupy such houses not later than six months after completion,” Odenigbo stated.

Homeownership: Lagos explores new project sites

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agos State government will continue to explore new sites for housing projects under the Lagos State Homes Ownership Mortgage Scheme (Lagos HOMS) with a view to ensuring homeownership opportunity for its residents.

Executive Secretary, Lagos State Mortgage Board (LMB), Akinola Sagoe, disclosed this during an inspection tour of some Lagos HOMS ongoing project sites across the five divisions in the state.

He said the board will soon commence a scheme at Amuwo-Odofin where 7 blocks of 84 flats of one, two and three bedroom apartments would be constructed. He noted that at AjaraBadagry, the construction of 420 units of one, two and three bedroom was on-going under the first phase while construction of 384 units will commence soon at the second phase. Sagoe further disclosed that work was progressing well at the Gbagada Scheme where 72 units of one, two and three bedroom flats would be delivered shortly, adding that at Igando Gardens, 41 blocks of 492 units are almost ready for habitation while in Omole Phase 1, 12 units are at advanced stages of completion.

FMBN targets 4m houses in 15 years

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ederal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) says it will deliver four million houses to Nigerians within the next 15 years.

Managing Director of the bank, Mr Gimba Ya’u Kumo, said this at the inauguration of the first phase of 88 housing units constructed for the staff of the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) in Gombe. He was represented by Maiduguri Zonal Coordinator of the bank, Alh. Mustapha Bukar.

Ya’u Kumo said FMBN was partnering with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) to realise the provision of the four million housing units for workers. He said the bank had marketed 38 units of 2-bedroom and 50 units of 3-bedroom bungalows, respectively to the FRSC for its nationwide staff housing project.

34 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

From boom to gloom or doom–The story of oil -1 C

prospects, as it stands right now, is a triple tragedy. First, the nation is exporting less than was budgeted. That, in itself, would have meant gloom for a nation heavily dependent on crude sales. The Joint Task Force, JTF, recently put out a statement that crude theft had been reduced from 400,000 barrels per day to less than 90,000 per day. Ordinarily, that should be regarded as good news. But, that piece of positive news hides the fact that aggregate demand for Nigerian crude is also down. Buyers want less Nigerian crude – whether stolen or not.

Second, in addition to lower demand, the price of crude is falling. Lower prices would have savaged the budget for this year and the Medium Term Plan, MTP, anyway. But, when it occurs at the same time as declining volume, the combined effect is economic calamity of unknown magnitude. One thing is certain; this year’s budget is in shreds. Government at all levels will feel the impact and those already owing their staff several months salaries will find it increasingly difficult to pay current bill – let alone the arrears of salaries. Contractors and creditors owed trillions of naira will find it more difficult to get paid. The most risky thing anybody can do now is to undertake a contract on credit

,

“History does not repeat itself; man does.

Barbara Tuchmann. rude oil has always been a slippery stuff – good when under control; destructive when out of control.

Crude oil is about to destroy the Nigerian economy faster then Boko Haram or even Ebola. The government of President Jonathan, already besieged by such social 'plagues' like the ongoing civil war in the NorthEast, the missing Chibok girls, apparent refusal to fight corruption, and the pervasive feeling that the nation is adrift, will have to add another mammoth problem – Nigeria is going broke once again and faster than anybody imagined.

Thursday, September 11, 2014, several news media carried the story that the price of the nation’s crude oil dropped below US$99. It has been trending downwards for weeks – while the President’s friends and government officials joined those campaigning for 2015. Emperor Nero, A.D 37-68, fiddling while Rome was burning, would be regarded as more responsible than a Finance Minister leaving her desk to engage in the jamboree of re-election when the economy might be in total disarray by election time in 2015 – unless something urgent is done.

The story of Nigerian crude

The story of Nigerian crude prospects... is a triple tragedy; first, the nation is exporting less than was budgeted...

,

for any government. It might be better to throw the money in the septic tank. Virtually every Governor leaving office in 2015 will depart under a hale of verbal missiles. And Ayodele Fayose has my sympathies. He will return to a Government House hardly able to pay its electricity bills.

Down Memory Lane The third reason for concern about the current plunge in crude oil prices can be understood by realising that this fall in crude prices might not be temporary. Indeed, it could be continuous and result in economic doom for nations heavily dependent on crude oil sales like Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. Already, Saudi Arabia had reduced its forecast of oil exports for the rest of 2014 and for the entire 2015. That is smart thinking. But, Nigeria is our focus and our policy-makers

and people must know that we have been here before. Let us briefly travel down memory lane.

From the time OPEC restricted the supply of crude oil, after the Yom Kippur War in 1973 till the President Shagari administration, 19791983, the price of crude rose steadily for US$0.30, thirty cents a barrel, to about US$28/ barrel.

Nigeria suddenly had more money than the commonsense to spend it. We imported and bought everything; we even paid for cement imported which was never delivered and the boat which brought the consignment and sank with it.

It was called the Cement Armada; but it was actually a grand pillage of the funds we would later need for our development.

Then, suddenly, the price of crude turned downwards. At first, some thought it was a temporary setback. But, it lasted until the time of General Sani Abacha, 1994-1998. It has been going up again ever since – until now.

That prolonged increase in the 1970s and early 1980s was made possible by an unprecedented rise in global GDP and prosperity – the demand for oil outstripped the ability to supply to the leading economies. Additionally, the number of oil-producing

countries was very small and OPEC contributed close to 75 per cent of global crude. The first cracks came when Britain and Norway discovered crude in exportable quantities in the North Atlantic. OPEC lost some key customers but the Asian Tigers were just getting off the mark and they provided markets for crude once again.

Along the way, Nigerian crude had plummeted from US$28 per barrel to US$9.90 under Babangida. The result was the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, which, undeservedly gave IBB’s government a bad name.

Another consequence of the collapse of crude oil prices was the inability of the country to repay its external debts – as and when due. The result was the escalation of the US$2.8 billion loan taken by Bassano’s government, which was regarded as manageable, to US$36 billion, which became an albatross around the nation’s neck until another oil boom which started during Abacha’s regime provided sufficient external reserves for Dr OkonjoIweala to throw US$24 billion at the Western creditors under Obasanjo.

V i s i t : www.delesobowale.com or Visit: www.facebook.com/ biolasobowale

Aviation

Bristow Helicopters renders services with Target Zero in mind —Bains

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

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ristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited, is the leading Helicopter Operator in Nigeria. Bristow, whose core business is helicopter transportation to the offshore oil and gas industry, search and rescue (SAR) services, helicopter maintenance, modification or repair, helicopter pilot training , took aviation reporters on a facility tour of their Nigerian Air Force Base facility, Port Harcourt, Rivers State This Port Harcourt NAF Base facility of Bristow is the company’s biggest facility in Nigeria and one of the busiest Bristow Helicopter facilities in the world. It has a full

complement of runway, airside, departure and arrival louges with check in counters manned by trained professionals.

Most of the multinational oil and gas exploration companies operating in the oil

rich Niger Delta region of Nigeria employ the services of Bristow Helicopter to transport their staff to oil rigs in the off shore and the creeks in the region.

Fielding questions after the

tour, Mr J S Bains, Base Manager, West Africa Business Unit, which include Bristow operations at the Port Harcourt NAF Base said Bristow almost One Hundred percent safety record is one of the biggest

Multiple entries, threat to local operators — Ore

By DANIEL ETEGHE

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apt. Dele Ore, President, Aviation Round Table (ART), weekend said that multiple entries/frequencies allocated to foreign airlines are adversely affecting the growth and survival of local airline operators in Nigeria. Ore made this known to newsmen in Lagos, urging government to urgently review the trend in line with the stoppage of payment of royalties by foreign airlines.

He encouraged local operators to form alliances/cooperation in order to tap into the

benefits of economies of scale and scope which would accrue from such exercise.

“There is also a need to review the certification and operations of private jets as safety and security of the nation is being threatened while non-scheduled operators are being short changed” “There should be increased monitoring of economic regulation on the airlines by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ascertain their financial health as provided for in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2012,” he said.

selling points of the company.

Adding that they are the world’s safest helicopter transportation provider. He said the company developed and introduced its unique and industry leading “Target Zero” programme in 2007.

According to Bains “ The purpose of Target Zero is to issue a call to action and engage all employees to become proactive for safety, urge them to look for unsafe behavior or conditions in their workplace and speak up when they see any nonconformance, listen to employee safety concerns, and take action to eliminate hazards and minimize risks.”

He added that from its initial focus on Zero accidents, harm to people, and the environment, Bristow recently has expanded the programme to additional areas, Target Zero Accidents, Target Zero Downtime and Target Zero Complaints. He further said. “

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 35

Tax Matters

Administration of current taxes in Nigeria Education Tax (EDT) he Education tax decree No. 7 which was initially declared in 1993 was amended by Education Tax (Amendment) Decree No. 40 of 1998. As stated in the Act, 2% tax rate should be charged on the profit of all companies registered or resident in Nigeria.

EDT should be paid at the point of payment for the Company Income Tax (CIT) or Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) as the case may be.

As part of the annual Companies Income Tax self-assessment returns, taxable persons should also compute and submit their Education Tax liabilities and make payment at the designated bank.

Stamp Duties (STD) The items and persons subject to stamp duties are instruments (written documents) relating to matters executed between a company and an individual, group or body of individuals. Instruments which may be subject to stamp duties include financial instruments/transactions, company memorandums and articles of association, statements of share capital ownership, bonds, conveyances on sale, depositions, lease agreements, mortgage bonds, debentures, etc.

or gains on the disposal of all forms of assets. All forms of property (whether situated in Nigeria or not) that are liable to capital gains tax include: ?

Options, debts and incorporeal property generally; ?

Any currency other than Nigerian currency; and ?

Any form of property created by the person disposing of it, or otherwise coming to be owned without being created Capital Gains Tax is paid at the designated at which the company making the chargeable capital gain pays its Companies Income Tax.

T

Stamp duties on eligible instruments can be paid through designated banks Companies and persons issuing or dealing with all chargeable instruments shall submit such instruments to the Stamp Duties Office for stamping. The Commissioner of Stamp Duties shall then assess the instruments submitted in line with the provisions of the Stamp Duties Act and specify the duties payable. The duties are then paid to FIRS at the designated bank Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT) Persons subject to the Petroleum Profits Tax: ?

Companies engaged in petroleum exploration and production operations in Nigeria (up-stream operations) ?

A person resident in Nigeria employed in the management of the petroleum operations carried on by a non-resident company ?

The liquidator, receiver, or agent of liquidator or receiver of any company carrying on petroleum operations in Nigeria.

Companies carrying on petroleum operations in Nigeria make offshore payments to JP Morgan Chase Bank, the bank then advises the Central Bank of Nigeria to enable the bank credit FIRS accordingly.

Every company engaged in petroleum operations prepares and submits annual returns as specified by the Petroleum Profits Tax Act within five months of the end of each assessment year. Payment is in two segments beginning with filing of estimated annual return not later than ending of February of each year.

•Kabir Moha Payment for the tax due is then made in twelve monthly instalments beginning from March of each year.

Where the actual tax liability arising from the annual tax returns exceeds the cumulative estimated tax, a 13th month instalment is payable and where the contrary is the case, a refund is due.

Withholding Tax (WHT) Withholding Tax (WHT) is not a distinct tax type and therefore has no legislation of its own. It is only a mechanism for the collection of other taxes. Consequently, its application is provided for in the enabling law of other tax types i.e. Section 81 of Company Income Tax Act, Section 54 of Petroleum Profit Tax Act, Section 73 of Personal Income Tax Act and Section 13 of Value Added Tax Act

P

ersons subject to the various tax types may be subject to Withholding Tax deductions for the purpose of offsetting their tax liabilities. WHT deductions are regarded as advance payments (or payments on account) of the relevant tax liability that will arise from the tax returns of the period concerned.

Where the person benefiting from the payment and the income are taxable, Withholding Tax (WHT) is paid (deducted) at the point of making payment. It is withheld by the payee and the net amount is then paid to the beneficiary through the designated bank(s).

The amount deducted at the point of payment is remitted directly to FIRS through a designated bank in a prescribed format in the name of the person subject to the deduction.

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) All companies incorporated in Nigeria which earns any capital gains

In line with the provisions of the Capital Gains Tax Act and the selfassessment regulations presently in operation, a company shall compute the gains on the disposal of all forms of assets in each year of assessment and submit same together with its Companies Income Tax returns. The returns shall also be accompanied by evidence of the payment of the full amount or first instalment of the tax due. Payment is made to the designated bank.

Value Added Tax (VAT) Persons subject to the Value Added Tax: Any individual, corporation sole, group, body corporate or organization that consumes buys, procures or imports taxable goods or services is liable to pay the tax. How to pay the Value Added Tax ?

During direct sales or open market transactions, the buyer or consumer shall pay the tax to the seller together with the cost of the goods or services bought. The seller then nets off the VAT paid at the time of purchase of the stocks sold from the VAT collected on the stocks sold and credit the balance to FIRS. ?

Where the goods or services were supplied to a government Ministry, Department or Agency (MDA) or a company engaged in oil operations, the VAT payable by the MDA or oil company is deducted or withheld at source (at the point of payment). It is then credited directly to FIRS on behalf of the supplier ?

VAT payments are made on a monthly basis not later than 21days of every subsequent month. Tax payers prepare and submit monthly VAT returns accompanied by evidence of payment of the tax due at designated banks VAT remittances may be made at any designated bank; an e-ticket is immediately issued as evidence of payment. This e-ticket may be presented at the ITO and an e-receipt will be issued the taxpayer.

Company Income Tax (CIT) Persons subject to the Companies Income Tax: ?

All companies incorporated in Nigeria with the exception of companies engaged in petroleum operations. ?

All non-resident (foreign)

companies that earn or derive income from Nigeria. ?

All organizations limited by guarantee (institutions of public character or charitable organizations) engaged in profit making activities other than the promotion of their primary objects. ?

The liquidator, receiver, or agent of liquidator or receiver of any taxable company or organization.

Companies incorporated in Nigeria and organizations limited by guarantee pay Companies Income Tax through any of the designated banks.

Once payment has been captured by the bank collecting system, an e-ticket is issued is issued the company, this e-ticket is proof of payment and when presented at the Integrated Tax Office with jurisdiction an e-receipt will be issued.

Non-resident companies make payment through remittance of tax deducted at source to the designated banks. esident companies and organizations prepare and submit annual self-assessment tax returns as specified by FIRS accompanied by the evidence of the payment of the full amount or first instalment of the tax due. Payment is made to designated bank.

Non-resident companies are subject to Withholding Tax (WHT) deductions on the income they earn from Nigeria.

This becomes their tax upon filing returns Personal Income Tax (PIT) Personal Income Tax Act 2011 (PITA) requires that: ?

Persons subject to the Personal Income Tax Individuals resident in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja ?

Families, communities, trustees and estates resident in the Federal Capital Territory ?

Persons employed in the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria Police other than in civilian capacity. ?

A person resident outside Nigeria who derives income or profit from Nigeria ?

Officers of the Nigerian foreign service. ?

Persons employed in the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and Nigeria Police, other than in civilian capacity, pay income tax at the designated banks ?

Individuals and enterprises in FCT pay at the designated banks obtain an e-ticket and may request an e-receipt at the Individual and Enterprise Tax Office, Abuja. ?

Organizations, companies and MDAs pay at designated banks, obtain their e-tickets and may request for the e-receipts at the Large Tax Office (LTO) Abuja.

Persons on paid employment pay their personal income tax through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. Under the system, employers deduct the prescribed tax from workers’ salaries and pay directly to the FIRS through the designated banks on behalf of the employees on a monthly basis.

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36 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

E- Commerce Stories BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

Kaymu’s #idreamofanigeria trends globally

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o celebrate Nigeria’s Independence Day on October 1st 2014, Nigeria’s online marketplace, www.kaymu.com.ng developed a campaign tagged #idreamofanigeria which requested Nigerians to take to social media and share their dreams and aspirations for the country.

The campaign which began on the 29th of September trended in Nigeria on the 30th of September, 1st and 2nd of October, and in the UK on the 30th of September. The campaign received publicity from major press, both locally and internationally.

Speaking on the initiative, Managing Director of Kaymu Nigeria, Evangeline Wiles said, “Nigerians are accustomed to Independence Day promotions, so we thought to do the unconventional and engage them in a conversation that enabled them share their feelings and aspirations for the good of the nation”.

The event was signed off with an offline event on the 1st of October, which enabled pedestrians write down their dreams and aspirations for Nigeria on a large chalk board hosted in the popular area of Lekki in Lagos State.

Facebook sets guidelines for access to user information

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acebook Inc has set up guidelines for proposed research requests to access user information, both for internal work and academic work.

In July, a Facebook spokesman acknowledged that a psychological experiment on nearly 700,000 unwitting users in 2012 had upset users and said the company would change the way it handled research in future.

“Although this subject matter was important to research, we were unprepared for the reaction the paper received when it was published,” Facebook’s Chief Technology Officer Mike Schroepfer wrote.

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he Managing Director of Jumia Nigeria, Dr. Jonathan Doerr has charged Nigerian entrepreneurs to leverage ideas that have proved successful in developed countries and domesticate them here in Nigeria.

He stated this while speaking on the importance of information and communication technology, ICT and wealth creation in contemporary society, at ‘MTN Link Forum’ held in Port Harcourt recently.

He said, “Nigerian entrepreneurs can take business ideas that have proved successful in western countries like America and Europe, and domesticate them in line with realities in the country”.

Citing online retail as an example, Doerr noted that online retail business had been thriving in America and Germany before it was introduced into Nigeria with little adjustment in the area of delivery and payment.

He said, “You don’t necessarily need to pass

AGM - From left: Mr Frank Ogiami, Executive Director, Partnership Investment Company Plc; Mr Victor Ogiemwonyi, MD/CEO and Mr Henry Omoragbon, Chairman, at the 22nd Annual General Meeting of Partnership Investment Company Plc held in Lagos

Jumia boss tasks entrepreneurs on domesticating successful business ideas through the stress of product development, there are products that have been developed elsewhere and all you need to do is to take critical look at them, modify them, and introduce them

here in Nigeria and it will be an instant success just like Jumia”.

Doerr further stated that, Nigeria, being one of the largest economies in Africa is full of opportunities waiting

for entrepreneurs to tap from.

He added that what is needed to tap the huge opportunities in the nation’s current economic status is business know-how and courage.

Spacepointe explores informal sector with online marketplace

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n online marketplace, SpacePointe has said that it is set to explore the informal sector and help them bridge the gap between how players in the sector employ the online platform to cater to their offline clients.

Speaking to Vanguard during the just concluded DemoAfrica in Lagos, Spacepointe's Chief Operations Officer, Osato Osayande said Spacepointe will leverage technology and help these special segment of the market by providing offline and online services using the Spacepointe applications.

“We provide services both off and online. In Nigeria and Africa, most of our small businesses are people who sell in local and unstructured retail markets. Most of these traders are not educated, they are either semi-illiterate or completely illiterate but you see, the market is out there.

They have the market but they lack the access to take their product to a larger market. So what we are trying to do is to take their products to these larger markets and at the same time, bring these markets to them.

“We do these by uploading their wares and stores on our website and people can come and buy their products through our website. We still have the challenges of

distribution and logistics but we have gone ahead to partner with logistics companies like FEDEX, DHL, ABC Courier service, etc to help these traders distribute

their wares.

“We have come up with an idea that makes it very simple, by partnering with oil companies like Oando to use their filling stations as our

pick up and drop off points.

These outlets are quite popular and common within the cities, so it is easier for traders and their customers to pick up and drop off items,”

Lamudi Nigeria promotes urban pride with social media campaign Lamudi said the “Living

By EDIRI EJOH

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s part of Lamudi’s first year anniversary celebration, the Nigerian property marketplace has launched an online campaign to encourage community pride in urban neighbourhoods.

The campaign is tagged #LivingWhereILive.

Outlining the goals of the campaign, Managing Director, Lamud Nigeria, Obi Ejimofo said, “This campaign is simply an extension of our goals. We have made amazing progress this year from a startup to becoming Nigeria’s largest property marketplace in terms of unique listings.

Now we want to encourage promoting all that is positive and vibrant in the cities and neighbourhoods all across Nigeria. This is an ambitious social project which we cannot do alone, so we have gathered together an amazing mix of collaborators. Lamudi

will host and showcase urban galleries on all our online channels and reward those communities which demonstrate the most engagement. Hopefully we can spark a national movement of pride in the places we call home.”

Where I Live” campaign will be hosted by Lamudi Nigeria and is already supported by Best Man Games, Street Shooters, InstaLagos, Snap It Oga, Monochrome Lagos, Logo and Lord Albert pictures, with many new collaborators expected as the campaign gains traction.

Individuals will be

Adiba.com, Pearson partner to boost access to books

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igeria’s online retailer, Adiba.com, and Pearson Nigeria, a part of Pearson Education group, have entered into a retail partnership deal to bring Pearson's global portfolio of books within reach of Nigerian consumers.

Speaking on the partnership, Founder/CEO, Adiba.com, Chris Udeji said; “We recognize that reading becomes less stressful and interesting when the book is accessible, convenient to read and most importantly when in its original form. Not only is it important for school-age children but it’s also important for young and mature adults to read more and become exposed to how the world is changing around us. We are excited that Pearson Nigeria supports our efforts to give more access to these great works.” He explained that customers can now access a wide variety of books at affordable prices ranging from primary and secondary school text books, professional books in areas of management, accounting, engineering to history, art, biographies, scholarly articles and fictional novels from Nigerian and foreign authors.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 37

38 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

People in Business On what led her into food processing unny enough, I have worked in a number of places, but then, I did not feel fulfilled; I felt I needed to do something like a service to humanity because what gave birth to Moi-moi was my love for children and my love for cooking.

I realised that moi-moiand akaraeating culture in our homes today is fast fading away, because of the stress of preparing the moi-moiitself.

Now, moi-moiexpresso like I said, is beans neatly cleaned and made into flour, mixed with onions, seasoning, crayfish and chilli.

This helps you prepare your moi-moiand akaraat the snap of your fingers, anytime of the day wherever, whenever.

So, I know that beans plays a major role in our nutrition and a lot of us think that protein is just the major nutrient we get from beans, but beans is one food or meal that comes with so much nutrients like vitamins, anti-oxidants, protein and even carbohydrate.

I also realised that for you to cajole children to like beans as many of them don’t like beans porridge, so I now thought of moi-moiand akara, especially moi-moi, because with it, you can do a lot of things with shrimps, fish or eggs, minced meat and whatever you want and this is healthy not just for kids, it is good for pregnant women, the aged, in fact, everybody.

I will tell you a wrap of moimoia day will keep the doctor away. So moi-moiis the easiest way to get children to enjoy beans and akaraalso. That is basically what brought about moi-moiexpresso.

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On how she was able to raise start-off capital Funding is the major problem lots of SMES in Nigeria face.

Affordability of fund is one thing that we all suffer.

When the idea came, I honestly did not have a dime, I was as broke as a church rat, but I had the idea. And I had at the back of my mind that as I was thinking, the next person is thinking so I didn’t just lock up the idea in a box and wait.

I moved into action and what I did was to go to Eman Plaza here in Abuja, the only thing I had was my mobile phone, a Blackberry Touch 2, which I bought some months back.

This was in September, 2011.

I bought the phone for about N110,000 and I went to Eman Plaza and I traded my phone and got a very bad deal as the phone was bought off me for N35,000. But this did not deter me.

With the money made from the phone, I went to the market

My love for children, cooking gave birth to Moi-moi Expresso — ANTHEA PERETU

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he started her food processing business of beans flour already mixed with ingredients for easy preparation of moi-moi and akara by having to sell off her Blackberry Touch2 phone at give away price.

Today, Anthea Peretu, an indigene of Ekeremo Local Government, Bayelsa State, and a graduate of English Language from University of Abuja as well as a Diploma in Health and Physical Education from University of Nigeria, Nsukka, is making waves with her Moi-moi Expresso.

In this chat with Financial Vanguard, she talks about the joy, pains and frustrations of young entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Enjoy: and bought samples of the various varieties of beans in the market and even went ahead to buy products of my competitors and I experimented.

I got to realise that it is not every variety of beans that comes out tasting the same after processing and there are different ways you can go about processing your beans that helps retain the quality and the taste .

In as much as there were other beans flour products in the market and I wanted to set myself apart, I had to come up with a product mixed with ingredients, that is why mine has onions, seasoning, crayfish and chilli.

I experimented basically with friends and family before I got the final mix and then I started selling to friends and family, church members, going to exhibitions. That was how moimoiexpresso story started.

But, I must tell you that it was not an easy journey; I am still on it as it is a long and interesting journey. I have had to cry, smile and laugh in the course of the journey.

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n the reception of the product in the market I am grateful to God as it has been interesting. For one, my happiness is that people who have bought the product called to ask for more, this shows that I have a premium product.

The demand increases by the day and I must tell you that it gives me joy to know that something I thought of can actually come this far and by God’s grace, I know it will go farther.

I do get orders from outside the country which is really exciting. I get calls from people I have not met before, as my customer care number keeps ringing.

On number of staff: I have three staff members and I work too. I do my mix myself because it is food and you cannot afford to be careless.

,

By JIMOH BABATUNDE

The regulatory bodies’ requirements most often, are too rigid, too stiff

,

The truth is that many people don’t even know where this is coming from so you have a reputation to protect.

On marketing of the product: I do a lot of social media; a lot of marketing online. I participate in lots of exhibitions and fairs. I do talk to few supermarkets in the country and I have some distributors.

These are people who want

to make extra money on the side, so they buy off me to resell, so the marketing of the product is still ongoing.

On challenges being faced

by SMEs: Funding is a major challenge. I know the government is coming up with a lot of packages to assist entrepreneurs as we are working hand in hand with the banks, but I must tell you that they sound really sweet, but as an entrepreneur when you go down, things are not as sweet as they sound on televisions and the papers.

Sometimes you go to these agencies happily because you have an idea, the Nigerian factor comes to play and at the end of the day, they tell you that you are not fit to access the fund.

The regulatory bodies’ requirements most often, are too rigid, too stiff. You say you want to assist entrepreneurs but your guidelines don’t even show you are concerned about

•Anthea Peretu...I have had to cry, smile and laugh in the course of the journey. the SMEs. What you require of big companies are same as what you require of small companies. For someone like me who traded my phone to raise money, you now tell me I need to get a big space!

I have come across young people with fantastic ideas, but because of how stiff these regulations are, they dropped along the way.

The truth is that these are ideas that can actually create jobs for a lot of people. I met a guy the other time, you need to see the type of starch he manufactures.

It was a good concept but lack of funding and the stiff requirement here and there got the guy frustrated. I know how many times I have shed tears but I wipe my tears and go on because of the passion I have and for the fact that I am not a quitter.

Honestly, I feel SMEs should have some concessions, I still feel government should through their programs get to the real SMEs. If you find out someone has a genuine idea and business, assist the person.

On machineries: The ideal thing most times is to go online and you see good machines made in China, but when you think of the fact that you don’t have the money to buy, you have to look elsewhere.

In the process of doing that, I got to find out that we have Nigerian agencies and even private fabricators that fabricate machines in this country. So I can tell you that moi-moiexpresso is 100 per cent naija, it has no preservatives and the machines used were fabricated here by intelligent Nigerians, so for people who have intention of going into this kind of business, they just need to know the type of machines they need.

There are some government agencies people don’t even know about that are into machines fabrication and I wonder why it is so.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 39

Advertising

ICT: New platform for business growth in post industrial era

By PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU & RICHARD UDOFIA

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t is an undeniable, and a universally accepted fact that information and communication technology, ICT, is redefining business operations in the postindustrial society.

Despite the uniqueness of ICT in business operations worldwide, Small and Medium Enterprises still remain the bedrock of every economy.

Known for wealth creation and reduction in the number of unemployed youths in the market, there is a clear indication that SMEs that are not properly rooted in ICT will naturally fade away in this post-industrial society.

Ironically, the 21st century economy is not a job creating one. Although, ICT has increased efficiency and productivity, it has equally blocked the traditional mode of employment in the postindustrial society, thereby making available few jobs in the post-industrial society where ICT is the emerging market. Clearly, there is a vacuum in ICT clime and knowledge transmission between those who have successfully built competitive businesses with this new technology and those who just starting their enterprise.

The missing link is the propelling force, that compelled one of Nigeria’s leading Telecoms company, MTN to create a platform tagged, “MTN Link Forum”, where successful business men and women interacted and

shared ideas on how to grow a globally competitive business in contemporary society.

Speaking at the forum, an entrepreneur, Mr. Mike Edinah, said that the programme has helped numerous entrepreneurs by investing in human capital

development and providing huge financial support to budding entrepreneurs.

Edinah added that the forum provides insight into opportunities that the digital global environment presents and how Nigerian entrepreneurs can take the

SEMINAR- From Left: Chima Nnadozie, Head, Micro-Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Diamond Bank Plc; Nneka Okekearu, Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre; Aisha Ahmad, Head, Retail Financial Services, Diamond Bank Plc and Adaeze Ume, Segment Head, Micro Enterprises, Diamond Bank Plc at the DiamondWoman Enterprise Seminar organized

by Diamond Bank Plc in Ibadan recently.

Abia Mall to reposition Umuahia commercially — Eze Stories by PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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he serene nature of Umuahia, the Abia State Capital is set to take a different look commercially if what the Commissioner for Information, Abia State, Chikamayo Eze said at the pre-launch meeting

in Lagos on the construction of Abia mall in Umuahia, the Abia state capital. with key stakeholders.

The mall, which will be the latest addition to the growing retail space in Nigeria, is set to open in Umuahia for business in April 2015. A fully digital mall with a 24-hour

Crown Flour Mills unveils Mama Gold wheat meal ...Rewards customers' loyalty

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advantage of ICT in enriching their businesses.

In its usual tradition of connecting ideas to opportunities for millions of young, able and visionary entrepreneurs, MTN Link Forum has hitherto brought successful enterpreneurs and role models together.

n a renewed bid to meet the increasing demand of its healthconscious customers, Crown Flour Mills has formally announced the entrant of its Mama Gold Whole Wheat Meal into the nation’s flour market, as it rewards loyalty.

Speaking at the company’s 2014 Customers’ Forum held recently in Lagos, the company’s Commercial Director, Mr. Bolaji Anifowoshe, in a chat with reporters explained that the success of the company’s previous flour offerings in the market, especially the Mama Gold Flour brand, had informed the decision to introduce the new wheat flour product.

Besides adding value, he added, the new offering also provides consumers, especially those averse to starch, the opportunity to eat right; since it is fortified with four vitamins and minerals."We believe that the new offering would go a long way in adding value to the usual wheat flour and also meet the

needs of the consumers who are increasingly running away from starchy foods,’ he added.

In his own remarks, the company ’s Managing Director, Mr. Shukla Anurag, explained that in addition to unveiling a new offering into the nation’s flour market, the company also decided to reward its trade partners for being instrumental to the company’s success in the past few years. ‘ We decided to do this because for the first time in its 35 years of existence, we recorded significant growth in terms of volume, patronage and spread across Nigeria,’ he stated. Shukla stated that as part of the company’s efforts at continually interfacing with its trade partners, it had increased its number of customer forums, held once in a year only in Lagos, to five, involving some other parts of the country, such as Warri, Kano, Abuja, Ibadan and Lagos.

electricity and free parking space, considered as a one stop destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, banking and telecommunications would boost the economy of Abia state in the region of 10 per cent to 15 per cent, said Eze. According to the property developer, Pro-M Limited the convenience of a fully airconditioned mall housed within an area of 11,557 square meters will soon be within reach to everyone in Abia. The mall is set to contribute to the continuous economic growth in the East such as provision of jobs to its immediate environs.

Recently, there has been renaissance of mall culture around the country. Started with Palm Shopping Mall in 2004, which was commissioned by then President Olusegun Obasanjo, the major state capitals and cities have experienced the establishment of mega shopping acres.

According to Eze the government has no reason in the management of businesses but would create an enable environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

ADVAN awards add 2 new categories

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he Advertisers Association of Nigeria, ADVAN has added two new categories to its forthcoming Award, which included Brand Journalists of the Year and Future Leader in marketing of the Year in its 2014 awards categories to strengthen the marketing space in the country.

The Awards for Marketing Excellence 2014 will still recognize outstanding and effective marketing in the country in the following categories consumer Insights, Corporate Social Responsibility, Experiential.

Consumer Promotions, New Brand of the Year ( Product or Service), Digital Marketing, Brand of the Year, Innovation of the Year (Product or Service), Campaign of the Year and Brand Manager of the Year.

ADVAN awards has become one of the most recognised rewards platforms in the Nigeria’s marketing calendar and this year ceremony would take place in Lagos on September 11, 2004 with the

Applied Media unveils new advertising channel

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pplied Media has launched a unique and innovative advertising medium, the applied media floor graphic panel.

Applied media said the new channel will provide for advertisers, brand owners, media agencies, media buyers, large and small businesses, Government and non-government agencies with new opportunities to promote their brands within environments of significant dwell time, across transport hubs, shopping centers, walkway, car parks, airports, access roads, banking and financial access points, tertiary and high institutions, leisure parks etc.

Speaking on the motivation for the new platform, Chief Executive Officer of Applied Media, Patrick Ogebe said, “Many people nowadays spend 70 percent of their time out of home and are constantly exposed to all forms of advertising. Applied Media provides a new high profile brand exposure to meet the changing behaviour of consumers and allow interaction whilst maintaining the traditional strengths of outdoor advertising."

40— Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 Email:lesleba@lesleba.com, lesleba@gmail.com Blog page:www.lesleba.com/blog2 Website: www.lesleba.com Tel:0805 220 1997

Tortoise folklore as metaphor of national leadership for himself all the fruits from the only tree that remained productive in Ijapa’s famineravaged village. Instead of intoning the usual melody that would release his individual ration of one coconut a day to drop on his back, the selfish tortoise’s contrived deviant refrain demanded that all the potential output of the coconut tree which should serve the whole community should drop on him in one fell swoop, so that he would corner the market and make substantial profit from selling his surplus to the starving community!

Adesanmi further defines Ijapa’s ingrained ingratitude and selfishness, in another story in which tortoise sets out to cheat the bird family, who were invited for a feast in heaven. In a show of comradeship, all the birds donated some of their feathers so Mr. Tortoise could fly with them to the party in heaven; nonetheless, Ijapa insisted on taking the new name of “All of you” before the trip to heaven; however, since all offerings at the party were was usually prefixed with ‘this is for all of you’, the tortoise consequently mischievously cornered to himself all the refreshments and gifts provided to the terrestrial guests.

Of course, the hungry birds were very displeased with this fraudulent arrangement, and so, before the return journey back home, each bird took back the feathers they had earlier happily lent to Mr. Tortoise; Ijapa inevitably, therefore, tumbled from heaven in a near fatal fall to earth with broken bones and

a badly fractured shell as his ultimate reward!

The common denominator in the above stories is Tortoise’s immutable ethos to cheat and corner the common wealth or muddy the waters for other citizens after having his fill.

The attendant opprobrium of shame or even severe personal injury was never a deterrent.

Adesanmi argues that the simplistic nature of tortoise stories was not only bedtime entertainment for our children, but also served as

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ius Adesanmi, a budding literary icon was the guest speaker at the “Second State of the Nation” lecture organized recently by Pastor Tunde Bakare-led Save Nigeria Group.

Adesanmi, a Professor at Carlton University, Canada, chose the title “Reparations: What Nigerians Owe the Tortoise” as his theme. I invite you to share in an experience that turned out to be an insightful and sobering verbal interactive satire.

Adesanmi humorously, skillfully personified the traits of the Tortoise (Ijapa, in Yoruba folklore) as primary motifs to embellish his canvass on the Nigerian predicament.

The defining character traits of tortoise in these stories are those of greed, selfishness and such other odious, antisocial behavior.

Adesanmi narrated three such ‘tales by moonlight’ tortoise stories to tickle the memories of his clearly matured audience.

The menu included the popular story in which Ijapa (tortoise), against instruction, succumbed to temptation to taste the sumptuous meal, which the babalawo (native doctor) had specially prepared to facilitate the pregnancy of tortoise’s wife, Yanibo.

The punishment for Ijapa’s greed was a steadily bloating stomach; the tortoise’s consequent desperate lamentation for pardon (babalawo mowa bebe, and the chorus, alugbin rin) has remained resonant over the years, and the audience did not require an invitation before they chorused the full melody and lyrics of this song in step with the storyteller!

The second telltale of Ijapa’s antisocial culture and greed was his contrivance to corner

The giant educational and social welfare strides of Awo’s ‘life more a b u n d a n t ’ philosophy were no accidents and the socioeconomic benefits derived therefrom still remain meaningful today

,

easily comprehensible symbolic markers for moral rectitude and the reinforcement of positive communal values. In this manner, our children would become ingrained with socially supportive behavior rather than succumb to the temptation of selfish and unbridled treasury looting at the expense of other members of society.

Our current experience as a people mirrors with great fidelity such tortoise ‘me only’ culture, as the communally forbidden fruit of antisocial behavior encapsulated in the tortoise’s DNA has regrettably become the main menu on the

table of our leaders. The fear of repercussion either in terms of shame or personal injury has since been erased by the ineffective or non-existent sanctions that accompany such antisocial behaviour.

Thus, our leaders have completely hijacked the intellectual property of Mr. Tortoise, and have become impervious to shame as they wallow in antisocial behaviour with such impunity that would make the tortoise ethos seem as mere rascality!

Consequently, Adesanmi argues that we owe a debt to make reparation payments to Ijapa in the same manner that plagiarized intellectual property attracts sanctions, which may include compensations!!

On the other hand, our erudite storyteller admonishes that the converse of tortoise’s antisocial ethos is the adoption of socially supportive and inclusive behaviour, where leadership is primarily dedicated to the service and satisfaction of the common good. Such ‘pro-people first’ ethos is discernible, according to Adesanmi, from the example of the tall themes of Chief Awolowo’s 1955 budget speech, part of which reads as follows: “Of our total expenditure of £12.45 million, not less than 82.6 per cent (capital budget) is devoted to service and projects, which directly caters for prosperity and general welfare of our people i.e. health (10.7 per cent), education (27.8 per cent), (5.4 per cent agriculture).”

Nigerians may contrast such a people friendly budget with

the current arrangement, where consumption accounts for about 70 per cent of the federal budget, while education, health and agriculture, cummulatively account for less than 15 per cent of total expenditure.

Obviously, the giant educational and social welfare strides of Awo’s ‘life more abundant’ philosophy were no accidents and the socioeconomic benefits derived therefrom still remain meaningful today.

In consternation, Prof.

Adesanmi reminds us of the Patriarch’s philosophical song, which loosely translated, means “the same rain falls on sugarcane and bitter-leaf; the sugarcane takes its own rain and travels the path of sweetness, while bitter-leaf takes its own share of the same rain and travels the path of bitterness”. In the same manner, the rain of oil falls on Dubai and falls on Nigeria; the rulers of Dubai use their own share to create a path of sweetness, while their Nigerian counterparts condemn their own people to the path of bitterness, lack and hunger. Every week, “the Federal Executive Council chambers in Aso Rock becomes the meeting point of tortoise ‘wannabes’, as hundreds of billions are shared out of the national cake to friends and cronies, while 99 per cent of Nigerians still go to bed hungry”.

Ultimately, Prof. Adesanmi pleads that we should once again become our brothers’ keepers, and urgently enthrone the ethos of the greater good for the community as our abiding mantra!

This article was first published on November 19, 2012.

Save the Naira, Save Nigerians!!

Business & Economy Paga launches suite of payment solutions for business

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aga, a mobile payments service provider in Nigeria, has announced the launch of its new business focused service line for Business.

Suitable for large to small businesses, Paga for Business is a one-stop-shop solution for any business looking for a smart way to collect payments from its customers in person, online, or remotely from anywhere in the world. The solution also allows businesses to disburse cash to any phone number or bank account and to disburse airtime to any phone number in real-time.

In operation since 2009, Paga is an indigenous company focused on delivering efficient payment solutions to all Nigerians – individuals or businesses. The introduction of solutions aimed solely at businesses is the next step in Paga’s evolution towards solving the payment challenges of Nigeria.

Co-Founder& Head of Agent Network and Business Sales at Paga, Jay Alabraba said at the launch: “With over 5 years experience within the mobile payments market and a customer base rapidly

approaching the 2million mark, we believe that as a payments platform, Paga has already demonstrated its ability to accurately assess the payment challenges facing not just consumers but businesses nationwide; and provide innovative solutions to address them. Best of all our offering is easy to use and has zero setup costs.”

Speaking on the launch of Paga for Business, Founder & Paga CEO, Tayo Oviosu, said: “As is our approach at Paga, we have created a suite of offerings by listening to our customers.

Omoh Gabriel Babajide Komolafe Clara Nwachukwu Peter Egwuatu Yinka Kolawole Favour Nnabugwu Godwin Oritse Godfrey Bivbere Michael Eboh Franklin Alli Ebele Orakpo Ifeyinwa Obi Rosemary Onuoha

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Group Business Editor Deputy Business Editor Energy Editor Asst. Business Editor Snr Bus. Correspondent Insurance Correspondent Maritime Correspondent Maritime Correspondent Energy Reporter Industry/Agric. Reporter Energy Reporter Maritime Reporter Insurance Reporter

CONTRIBUTORS Princewill Ekwujuru Nkiruka Nnorom Jonah Nwokpoku Naomi Uzor Providence Obuh LAYOUT

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Media/Marketing Capital Market E-Commerce Industry Micro Finance Graphics Department

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 —41

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42 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

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Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 — 43

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44—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

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BOUT a fortnight ago, I received a text message inviting me to visit Kano. It was sent by Alhaji Halilu Baba Dantiye, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kano State, Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Dantiye, a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors is a professional colleague and acquaintance of 23 years standing. I first met him on the night of August 27, 1991 at the offices of Triumph Newspapers, Kano. Dantiye was a line editor while Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s media chief, Alhaji Garba Shehu, was the paper’s editor.

I had come in from Jos, Plateau State, and my mission was to be one of the first journalists to visit Jigawa State, one of the new states created by General Ibrahim Babangida on that day in a national broadcast. It was Dantiye and Shehu who gave me the information lowdown that I needed to make sense out of Dutse, the capital of the new state; a withered, desolate village with only tarred road running through it towards Potiskum and Maiduguri. This was the village which, by the grace and fiat of a

Kwankwaso and the ‘two Kano’s' On arrival in Kano on Saturday along with Steve Osuji, a member of the Editorial Board and Columnist of The Nation Newspapers, I was surprised to find myself in a 28-seater Coaster bus full of other top journalists mainly from Abuja, such as Ali Mohammed Ali, former Political editor of Thisday, Abuja university don, Dr Kabir Mato, Ademola Adegbamigbe of The News Magazine, Alhaji Ishaq Modibbo Kawu, who writes for Vanguard and other papers, among a host of others. A

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Buhari gave most of the PTF contracts to Fulani young professionals and businessmen and enriched them; he practised favouritism; when there is favouritism, one side gains at the expense of others

military ruler, was now a state capital!

Looking at what Governor Sule Lamido has made of Dutse, you will not fail to marvel at what visionary leadership can do in developing human society. It will also tell you what dumb leaders, like the regimes before Lamido’s, could do in under-developing society; which is why people are always clamouring for competent and God-fearing leaders.

One of the attractions of this trip, for me, was to see up close what Gov Kwankwaso, one of the people warming up to contest for the office of president of Nigeria, was all about. After initially denying he had presidential ambition when he the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) rebel governors to pull out and join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kwankwaso is poised to tussle for the APC ticket, along with other aspirants such as Gen Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and (who knows?) Hon Tambuwal.

Special Assistant of Gov Kwankwaso was in the bus to narrate our visitation as we went along. Dantiye was with his principal in Abuja. They were to attend the turbaning of the Speaker of the House of Reps, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, before joining us in Kano later that night.

We visited many project sites around Kano, the nation’s second most populous city, including the Sports Institute, housing estates and the many road projects. One thing that Kano is now famous for is the existence of well-constructed wide roads, usually dual carriage express roads, complete with drainage and street lights. Another noticeable attribute of Kano is the springing up of flyover bridges, all of them started by Kwankwaso. One of the flyovers is said to be two kilometres long and still very much under construction.

It is amazing that Kano, which is one of the oldest cities in the country with a

By Jimoh Abu

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OW time flies. It is seven years since I passed out of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC. As usual mixed feelings enveloped my thoughts. I wanted a career in the banking sector or civil service or in a blue-chip company. Whichever came first was fine by me. This piece is not about jobs and what I have become today, but rather about the NYSC, its innovation and the evolution of the condition of service of corps members over time. I must confess that a lot has changed in the scheme that I wished I could turn back the hands of time.

This piece is a direct consequence of the recently introduced online registration option for prospective corps members. It is most brilliant and should be embraced by all aspiring corps members for the following reasons. It is cost-effective; it reduces or eliminates the risk involved in travelling, sometimes long distances, just to collect callup letters. I use myself as an example. I schooled in Kogi State University, Ayingba and I lived in Lagos. The journey from Lagos to Ayingba is close to nine hours by road. I recall I was almost involved in an accident on my way to collect my call-up letter. But that wasn’t all.

On getting to school, I was posted to Gombe State. I had to travel back to Lagos to pack my belongings and embarked on a 15-hour journey to Gombe State. But if I were a prospective corps member now, I would only have to go to a cybercafé around my neighbourhood, or log on using my laptop or smart phone, as the case may be.

With my ATM card I would pay, do my registration

genuine ancient history, can afford such wide roads. It is obvious that Kwankwaso wants to open the city for rapid movement of goods and human traffic; a city with a great past and prospects for aneven greater future. Kano will never, in the foreseeable future, be tied down by slow traffic if the structures being put up are taken to full actualisation.

As a journalist, whenever you go on a guided tour of a government project, they usually show you the good side for you to go away with a positive impression. During the night of Friday before the tour, I needed to buy some red wine to relax with colleagues. I went to the Ado Bayero Mall and patronised Shoprite. I knew that Kano was a Sharia city, where alcohol is not allowed to be openly displayed. But I felt that Shoprite, being what it is, should stock red wine. When I got there and asked for red wine, a lanky young male attendant asked me to follow him. He took me to a shelf full of red wines, but when I got closer, I found all of them were nonalcoholic!

“We are not allowed to sell alcoholic drinks here”, the attendant told me, “they say it is against their religion”.

I was directed to Sabon Gari, the settlement for non-indigenes, where my colleagues and I were able to get what we were looking for. There is night life there, but the infrastructure is a total eyesore. Sabon Gari does not look like a part of Kano city. The roads are decrepit and there is trash everywhere. The drains are broken down. People living in Sabon Gari are marginalised in the distribution of amenities in Kano. When I asked the governor why he and preceding political leaders chose to

sideline the quarter populated by nonindigenes, he denied the area is being neglected. He told me that the longest, two-kilometre flyover bridge project cuts through Sabon Gari and mentioned some of the roads he said he was doing there. These explanations did not obviate the fact on ground viz: that Sabon Gari in Kano is just like places chiefly populated in Lagos by non-locals, such as Ajegunle, Amuwo Odofin, Ojo and others.

I have always been of the strong view that when it comes to the choice people have make in electing a leader, competence is very important. Kwankwaso is a very competent leader. He is also a very strong personality, intellectually solid, with a wealth of experience as former Minister and governor, among other things. But in his own Kano city, the part populated by non-indigenes is not put on the same developmental stride as the rest of the city. This man wants to be my president. If he gets to be president, he will bring his competence, intelligence and vision to the job. But to whose benefit?

Competence and intelligence General Muhammadu Buhari also demonstrated, through his Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) odyssey, that he is competent. But he favoured the North with PTF’s projects while giving only a token to other parts in the South, especially South East. Buhari gave most of the PTF contracts to Fulani young professionals and businessmen and enriched them. He practised favouritism.

When there is favouritism, one side gains at the expense of others.

So, competence apart, what is the person willing to do? Will he treat everybody equally? Will he be fair? President Shehu Shagari was fair, especially to the Igbos who came out of the civil war with the rest of the country just nine years before he was elected president. The late President Umaru Yar’ Adua was fair, even to the Igbos. The taste of the pudding is in the eating. Kwankwaso’s outing in Kano city shows him as a capable leader, but not a fair one, as far as the situation in the non-indigenes’ quarters – Sabon Gari Kano – is concerned.

OPINION Thoughts on the NYSC Online fee Lagos and lives in Lagos. Clearly, I expect his option would

online, and print my call-up letter, all in 30 minutes or less.

If presented with these scenarios, which would you choose?

I have read editorials and opinion articles condemning the initiative. In my opinion, it smacks of mischief. I mean, if not it, what could have prompted such even when it is clearly stipulated as an optional service. These attacks could be misleading and detrimental to the overall objective of this laudable initiative. I use a very simple example to explain again. You go to a car mart to buy a car. You are presented with same car but with two options: automatic transmission and manual transmission.

Both cars perform same function. The choice would be yours to make putting certain variables into consideration. This is what the NYSC has introduced.

I think we should learn to call a spade a spade if we are serious about making a head-way in this country. In my opinion, this is an initiative that is aimed at easing the burden on prospective corps members in the build-up to their service year. I am very sure that if this initiative was introduced seven or ten years ago, those who died on their way to pick up the letters would be alive today.

Other than that, the implication of the outcry is that we should always maintain status quo even as the world is changing with technological innovations for people to lead easier and better lives. The pros clearly outweigh the cons. What is expected of parents, guardians and prospective corps members is to weigh the options available and embrace the one which is most suitable.

For example, Yomi graduated from the University of

be to go to school and pick up his call-up letter because with less he can get to school and collect his call-up letter.

Aisha graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and lives in Ekiti State. I expect her option would be to use the online registration because the cost and risk of traveling from Ekiti to Zaria clearly would surpass N4, 000. It’s as simple as that.

But beyond the two examples above, I think what most people are missing is the entire package that sums up the online registration option. Normally upon resumption in camps, corps members are expected to go through registration exercise that involves filling of forms, submission of original documents for verification and sighting, and others. Trust me, this process can be quite demanding and exhausting. But with the online option, all of those registration processes would be done online and real-time. What can be more convenient than this? This is also mindful of the fact in the event of loss of call-up letter; it can be reprinted without the trouble of getting a police report, swearing of affidavit and submitting physically at the NYSC headquarters as the status quo demands. In as much as I commend the management of the NYSC on this laudable initiative, I would somewhat blame them for the outcry this has generated so far. I believe if there had been sufficient sensitisation programmes we would not be talking about the merits or demerits of the initiative. *Mr. Abu, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Lagos.

—45 Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014—

INCE the civilians took over government in 1999, we have had eight Inspector Generals of Police till date. They are Musiliu Smith (1999-2002), Mustapha Adebayo Balogun (March 2002January 2005), Sunday Ehindero (2005-2007), Mike Mbama Okiro (2007-2009), Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo (2009-2010), Hafiz Ringim (January 2010- 2012), Muhammed D. Abubakar(2012-2014) and Mr. Suleiman Abba 2014- till date. A keen observer will note that in some cases, some Inspector Generals of Police even introduced new uniforms during their tenure.

From 1999 till now, we have had seven Chiefs of Air Staff. They are Air Marshall Isaac Alfa (19992001), Air Marshall Jonah Wuyep(2001-2006), Air Marshall Paul Dike (2006-2008), Air Marshall Michael Oluseyi Petinrin (20082010), Air Marshall Mohammed Diko Umar (2010-2012), Air Marshall Alex Sabundu Badeh(2012-2014) and Air Marshall Adesola Nunayon Amosu from January 2014 till date.

From 1999, we have had nine Heads of Service of the Federation.

The post is a creation by the Constitution. They are Mr. Abu Obe(1999-2000), Mahmmud Yayale Ahmed (2000-2007), Ms Obele Okeke (2007-2008), Ms Amma Pepple (June 16 – June 15 2009), Mr Steve Oronsanye(June 16 2009 – November 15 2010), Prof.

Oladapo Afolabi (November 16 2010 – September 2011), Alhaji Isa Bello Sali (September 30 2011 to March 2013), AlhajiBukar Goni Aji (March 25, 2013 to August 2014)

and Mallam Danladikifasi (August 19 2014 till date).

All things being equal,Alhajikifasi will retire in December next year when he clocks 60. He has served as a member of the governing board of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to the pioneer DirectorGeneral of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms established in February 2004,Dr.GokeAdegoroye who retired as permanent secretary of FCT two years ago, there are over 150,000 Federal Civil Servants (Mainstream) as at now.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation was established on April 1, 1977 as a merger of the Nigerian National oil Corporation and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel.

It also supervises the upstream and downstream oil development and it is charged with regulating and supervising the oil industry in Nigeria. It has nine directorates.

They are Exploration and Production, Refining and Petrochemicals, Commercial and Investment, Finance and Accounts, Corporate Services, Gas and Power, Engineering and Technology, Business Development.

The Corporation also has various subsidiaries. They include Nigeria LNG Limited, NLNG; Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC; National Engineering and Technical Company, NETCO;Pipelines and Product Marketing Company; Nigerian Gas Company, NGC; Integrated Data Services Ltd. ,IDSL; Warri Refining and Petrochemicals Company Ltd., WRPC; Kaduna Refining and Petrochemicals Company Ltd.,

All these appointments clearly define who really we are; by limiting the tenure of a service chief or a chief executive to less than two years, we are promoting job insecurity; we are at the same time killing the service

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KRPC;Port Harcourt Refining Company, PHRC; NNPC Retail Ltd.; Nigeria-Gazprom Ltd., NiGaz; NIKORMA Transport Ltd., NIKORMA; NIDAS Marine Ltd.; Hydrocarbon Services Company Ltd, HYSON; NNPC Pension Fund Ltd.; Duke Oil Services Ltd. (UK); Calson Bermuda Ltd.; NNPC Properties Ltd and Brass LNG Limited.

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rom 1999 to date, we have had eight Group Managing Directors for the Corporation. From March 17, 2010 when he became acting President till he was finally sworn in as President, on May 6 2010 following the death of his predecessor, five Managing Directors of the NNPC have served under the current President. Likewise the present Minister of Petroleum Resources has appointed four Group Managing Directors for NNPC since she came to the Ministry on April 16, 2010. They are Dr. Jackson Gaius Obaseki(May 1999- November 2003), Funso Kupolokun(November

Understanding an aspirant's politics of ‘people first'

By Jamine Odoh

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HAT “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government is the take-off point of Nigeria’s Federal Constitution section 14(c).”

But how this injunction is fulfilled by elected public officers, leaves much to be desired. Millions of Nigerians strongly believe that the political class has betrayed the people. That is the plank of this analysis of Chief Clement Tudonemem Ofuani’s appeal to the people of Delta State in his campaign slogan anchored on “the people first.”

Gone are the days when politicians and political parties campaigned and canvassed for votes on the basis of their vision, party manifestos and a set of policies that they intend to pursue for the good of the people.

The political landscape is now devoid of enlightened and quality debate and ideas from political actors. Only very few people have had the opportunity of knowing Chief Clement Ofuani and what he stands for in his bid to be nominated as the governorship flag bearer for the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in 2015.

Born on March 28, 1964, the Chartered Accountant and Associate of the Institute of Taxation is one of the cerebral minds in the pack of aspirants in the fray.

Chief Ofuani who is an alumnus of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the University of Lagos, where he obtained his first and second degrees, respectively, made his entry into public service in 2003 when he was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Commissioner for Finance, Olorogun David Edevbie in the then James Ibori administration. In 2007, he was appointed the pioneer Commissioner of the

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newly created Ministry of Economic Planning.

Fifteen years down the line, Nigerian’s experience in democracy has been bumpy with regards to the process of evolving an acceptable leadership emergence and defining a sustainable development direction. This is primarily the result of the prolonged years of military misadventure into the domain of public administration in the country, during which time tested political traditions and institutional structures were destroyed.

One of such men of character and proven integrity who have volunteered their years of experience in both the private and public sectors of the economy to further deepen the values and ethical service delivery in our politics is Chief Ofuani.

He has in the past three decades acquired extensive experience in banking, financial consulting, auditing, corporate finance, public policy formulation, economic planning, operations research and management across diverse economic sectors in Nigeria.

He had his training as a chartered accountant in the international accounting firm of Deloitte Adetona Isichei& Co. and had extensive experience in public accounting practice and consulting across several industries before going into banking. After serving as Special Assistant to Delta State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning and pioneer Commissioner for Economic Planning in Delta State, he was subsequently appointed Economic Adviser to the Governor of Delta State for a brief period. At the request of the President and Commander-in-Chief, he resigned this position to take up appointment as Senior Special Assistant

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By Eric Teniola

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Gradual killing of the system

2003- July 2007), Abubakar Ihejirika (September 2010-2014) Yaradua(August 2007- January and now Lt. Gen. Kenneth Tobiah 2 0 0 9 ) , Jacob Minimah (January2014 till Dr.MuhammedSanusiBarkindo date).

The post of Chief of Defence of Staff (January 2009- May 2010), Ladan Shehu ( April 2010 to May 2010), is the highest military officer in the Austen Olusegun Oniwon (May Nigerian Armed Forces. The 2010- June 2012), Andrew Leah position was established for the first Yakubu( June 2012- August 2014) time under the 1979 Nigerian and now Dr. Joseph ThlamaDawha Constitution with General Julius (from August 2014 to date).Dr.Dawha Alani Ipoola Akinrinade (75) as the joined the NNPC in 1988. All things first Chief of Defence Staff. Gen. been equal, he has less than five Akinrinade a war hero,is months to serve. The NNPC has a fromYakoyo near Ile-Ife in Osun Board of Directors of which the State.

From 1999 till date we have had Minister of Petroleum is the head.

The board was constituted on July seven Chiefs of Defence Staff. They 17, 2012. It was again reconstituted are Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi (1999with the same membership last week. 2003), General Alexander From 2012 till now, the board has Ogomudia (2003-2006), General met only once. Other members of the Martin Luther Agwai (January board are Abdullahi Bukar, Steve 2006-May 2007), General Andrew Oronsaye, Professor Olusegun Owoeye Azazi (May 2007-August Okunnu, Daniel Wadzani, Bernard 2008), Air Marshall Paul Dike (August 2008-September 2010), Air Otti and Peter Nmadu.

From 1999 till date, we have had Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin September seven Chiefs of Naval Staff. They 2010-October 2012,Admiral Ola are Vice Admiral Victor Ibrahim October (2012- January 16 KareOmbu (1999-2001), Vice 2014) and now Air Marshall Alex Admiral Samuel Olajide Afolayan Sabundu Badeh (January 16, 2014 (2001-2005), Vice Admiral Ganiyu to date).

From 1999 to date, we have had T.A. Adekeye (2005-2008), Vice Admiral Ishaya lko Ibrahim (2008- six Chief Justices of the Federation.

2010), Vice Admiral Ola Sa’ad They are MuhammedLawalUwais Ibrahim (2010-2012), Vice Admiral (1999-2006), Salihu Modibo Alfa (2006-2007), Dele Joseph Ezeoba (2012-2014) and Belgore Vice Admiral Usman Oyibe Jibrin IdrisLegboKutigi (2007-2009), Aloysius IyorgyerKatsina-Alu (2009(January 2014-till date).

From 1999 till date we have had 2011), DahiruMusdapher (2011eight Chiefs of Army Staff. They are 2012), Aloma Mariam Muktar Lt. Gen. Victor Malu (May 1999- (2012 to date).

All these appointments clearly April 2001), Lt. Gen. Alexander Ogomudia (April 2001- June 2003), define who really we are. By limiting Lt. Gen. Martin Luther Agwai (June the tenure of a service chief or a chief 2003- June 2006), Lt. Gen. Owoye executive to less than two years, we Andrew Azazi (June 2006-May are promoting job insecurity. We are 2007), Lt. Gen. Luka Nyeh Yusuf, at the same time killing the service.

And of what use is adead service to (June 2007- August 2008), Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau the growth of a nation.

(August 2008- September 2010), Lt. Teniola, a former director General Onyeabo Azubuike in*Mr. the Presidency, wrote from Lagos.

Gone are the days when politicians canvassed for votes on the basis of their vision, party manifestos and a set of policies that they intend to pursue for the good of the people

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on Policy to President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later Senior Special Assistant on Presidential Matters to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

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lement is a keen sportsman and was for many years the Chairman of Delta State Squash Racket Association where he encouraged a lot of young players through sponsorship of tournaments.

Ofuani’s impeccable public service career in Delta State is still a reference point in transparency, integrity, accountability, versatility, innovativeness, accessibility and openness to all people without discrimination.

He is highly cerebral and humble. He is an acclaimed policy essayist, experienced public administrator and politician. The significance of his aspiration however is in the manner it has brought to the fore the issues of competence, character, integrity, service pedigree. He has never minced words concerning his mission in politics which is to replace the arrogance of power with the humility of service.

Deltans of all tongues and tribes have also confirmed that he is about the only aspirant from the whole lot who is traversing the nooks and crannies of the State with his published manifesto, which

attests to his preparedness to hit the ground running from the very first day in office.

He is also widely confirmed to be of a detribalised, pan-Deltan disposition. This is critical in the quest for leadership of a state with the kind of ethnic diversity as is the case in Delta State.

Stakeholders and concerned party men and women have expressed confidence in the aspiration of Chief Ofuani, stating that it portends sustained and accelerated development for the State.

Ofuani has traversed the 25 local government areas of Delta State sensitising the leadership of the PDP at the grassroots with the message of “A New Dawn: The People First”, stressing the need for the party to get it right in its oncoming delegates primaries. This, he maintains, is critical for the party to avoid any miscalculation which can be cashed on by the opposition parties.

The core of Ofuani’s sensitisation consists of a three-point programme broken down into value reorientation, business competitive environment and security. To Ofuani, security includes food security, social security and the redrawing of the security architecture of the State for an improved security of lives and property through a more effective and proactive intelligence gathering, analysis and utilisation.

His leadership exposure at the federal and state levels, with respect to policy formulation and resource appropriation, his unblemished service record in both the private and public sectors, his robust and cerebral approach to issues, all appear to have clearly prepared him for a critical leadership role in a historical context, as we currently have in this defining juncture called 2015.

Ofuani clearly understands Delta state and has clearly spelt out implementation strategy on how to make the state a compelling investment destination.

*Mr. Odoh, a political analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

46—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

GOVERNOR Sullivan Chime of Enugu State at the weekend opened up on how he and his loyalists in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP are planning for a smooth transition at the end of the eight year Chime era. He debunked insinuations of imposition and expressed readiness of the party in the state to ensure that even those opposed to the choice of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as the next governor would still have an opportunity to canvass their points in the party primaries.

Excerpts:

BY AUSTIN OGWUDA

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Y transition plans In line with our practice, we had as the family of PDP in Enugu State, commenced consultations to see if we can agree among ourselves on who should actually represent us at all levels, House of Assembly to Gubernatorial. We decided to take the bull by the horns, so we started with the most difficult or what should have been the difficult one, the governorship.

In the 2011 elections, activities leading to that election, we had the understanding that within the party that I should be allowed to complete my second term and thereafter, it should go to the North that hasn’t produced governor before under the platform of the PDP. So, within the PDP, I got the nomination, I contested and of course during the general elections, one or two persons from Nsukka contested but they were abandoned by their people and they performed so miserably, so no reasonable person will hold that against them.

Last year, the caucus of our party met, because they felt there was need to formalise

deliberations, it was put to a formal motion which was moved. A lot of the aspirants stepped down for Hon, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. At the end, it became clear the way the discussion was going. I was there as the umpire, I didn’t participate in the deliberations; mine was just to guide them, to coordinate what was happening.

So everybody who wanted to speak was given the chance to speak. People who had expressed concern earlier, thinking that they were called to come and endorse a particular candidate, after hearing from their kinsmen, changed their views and withdrew from the race.

Hearing from kinsmen Interestingly, at the end of the day, the two persons that moved and supported the motion were actually contestants were stepped down. Amb. Fidel Ayogu moved, and was seconded by former deputy governor, Okey Itanyi. And the motion was unanimously endorsed; everybody supported. When I asked if anybody was against the motion, not a single soul raised his hand, so they all

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Ugwuanyi is our choice, there is no doubt about it. Every other person, whether you are of PDP, you can contest with him for primaries or a member of any other party, you wait for the general elections

that arrangement, we met and also re-affirmed that decision that the governorship should go up north. So in keeping with that decision, last week, we summoned a meeting of who is who from Nsukka zone, although we called it the caucus meeting, everybody was invited.

Everybody was there, I believe the commissioner for information can make available the list of the attendees. All persons who had indicated interest one way or the other were there, all elected officials, government, public officers, both state and national were there, past and present leaders.

So, we met and unanimously, at the end of

•Chime:

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endorsed it.

Before we started going into the details, I reminded them, everybody had tried to give reason why he should be governor, my response to all of them at the time was that in the end that it is our people that will decide. That whoever, we agree upon, that it would be my duty to champion the person’s course; that I wasn’t going to nominate any person. So at the end of that meeting, it now became my burden to ensure that we got support from the other zones.

So we now called a meeting of Enugu East senatorial district on Wednesday, everybody was there but the ones that couldn’t come like Senator Ken Nnamani,

Why we chose Ugwuanyi—Chime Senator Jim Nwobodo and so on, I briefed them when we went for the National Honours award and they indicated their willingness to support the choice of the north.

So they lent heir support and at the end of the meeting, only one nomination was available, Hon. Ugwuanyi and everybody again unanimously endorsed him.

We followed up on it, Friday, the people of my district, Enugu West met, the same thing happened. They moved a motion and it was unanimously resolved that he will be our candidate. Today (Saturday), we firmed it up with the State Caucus

meeting, all the zones endorsed him as a consensus candidate.

But I want to say something because I read things in the papers and became worried, even hearing of people threatening to go to court; nobody should fool himself.

This is a case of people coming together to express their desire, we have not elected a governor or selected the PDP candidate, we are saying as a family, this is our number one choice. He will still go though the rigours of primaries, at the appropriate time, he will buy form, he will be subjected to primaries.

If on the day of primaries,

Chime on Enugu guber •Ugwuanyi is our candidate •Ugwuanyi has no enemies •Enugu PDP is united •Ayogu Eze is the only complainant •We didn't flout PDP's constitution

other people see reasons to queue in and give him support, we’ll probably have him as the only candidate and support him. It is not by force, nobody is being cowed, everybody is free to express himself but as a family, in Enugu, we try as much as possible to agree and I believe, we have reached that agreement and the very interesting thing is even the young man’s acceptability outside the family ring.

Interesting thing People who know him and have had encounters with him say he is widely accepted.

People are excited about his choice, so I thank God that such a character came up and I didn’t have to beg anybody, plead with anybody or start selling a very bad product.

I have a good product to sell and that makes it a lot easier.

We will probably take up at the SEC meeting of the party, down to the local government

Continues on page 47

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014—47

Why we chose Ugwuanyi — Chime encouraged to come together and discuss rather than being at war. That cuts across all the levels of the party. I don’t believe the statement was made. The party cannot and never be against any level of the party coming together to agree on a candidate. What would be their problem, if any, would be if any level of the party stops other people from buying forms. Here, people are free to buy forms, that’s what politics is all about.

We endorsed the president as the presidential candidate; it wont stop him from going for primaries. It won't. But it will be a mere formality, any other person coming out will be coming there to ridicule himself because the party has spoken. But it can’t stop anybody from buying form constitutionally.

That we have endorsed him is a statement to whoever that is coming that the party has spoken but if you like, off course the party wants to make some money, but if you like you can pick form.

Nobody will stop anybody from buying form, buy your form and go for primaries, what you find, you take.

Continued from page 46 and ward levels. Ugwuanyi is our choice, there is no doubt about it.

Every other person, whether you are of PDP, you can contest with him for primaries or a member of any other party, you wait for the general elections.

We are looking forward to that, and it is our prayer that, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, we’ll be producing a governor who will be returned unopposed. It is not by our might, it is not by any funny dealing with anybody.

We did that during the last council elections, all our 17 chairmen were returned unopposed.

Implicit trust It had never happened anywhere in Nigeria, but it happened in Enugu and we look forward to having it happen this time around in the governorship.

It depends on actually the way you run the party, get people together to have implicit trust in what we are doing. What we preach here is peace, togetherness, selflessness, always think of the people. We have endorsed him as the consensus candidate. It is also enshrined in the constitution of the party.

I don’t see why any party at any level should be against negotiation. It can not under any circumstance be described as undemocratic. That’s the most democratic thing you can do, if you can get your kinsmen to agree that this is our leader; nobody is being coerced into doing that.

That’s what lobbying, campaign is all about. So, if

•Chime: Ugwuanyi is our choice larger interest of the people and queue behind every other person, we must leave selfish ambition. Ifeanyi is the popular choice, anybody will endorse him any day any time. And I am sure nobody will want to waste his money contesting against him.

One of the aspirants said he was ambushed as he was not told about the purpose of the meeting and it was reported that nine of the 13 stepped down as three objected?

,

I don’t owe you any apologies. Maybe you were expecting us to break our heads, we disaapointed you. We have agreed on who we have chosen to lead us you can get people to say this is our choice, this is our candidate, nobody can stop you.

We are not running contrary to the constitution of the party but rather doing what the constitution encourages, dialogue, and talking to each other. We are lucky it is working here, we are not killing ourselves. I believe, people should be envious of us. We are happy doing what we are doing.

We are only pleading that everybody who feels aggrieved should look at the

Present dispensation

,

Yes, some raised issues and like I said at the end of the deliberations, some formally stepped down. Those who moved and supported the motion raised concerns initially. Not every one of them spoke again. But when it was now put to motion, each and every one of them endorsed. There was no dissenting voice, not a single one.

Everybody said yes. After they heard themselves I invited you to this meeting but I can get the names of the contestants and I can ask you

to go and speak with them one after the other and they will tell you how they feel now. All of them have queued behind him as far as I know.

If it had not been consensus, all of those persons would have been saying things in the papers. They would have been telling you different things.

Ayogu is the only one, for reasons best known to him.

Coming to your second question, because I believe that was what he said, that he didn’t know why the meeting was called, it is laughable.

Everybody was invited. I don’t have any apologies for not telling them in advance why they were called.

If you had informed them in advance, probably, Nsukka would have been on fire by the time we commenced the meeting; people would have moved money around and done funny things.

We called the meeting of everybody, nobody was left out. Why you came was immaterial and it was clearly put on the table; this is our reason for coming and the issue was raised, (and some said) that we should have been given notice and I asked them, do we adjourn, so you go home and discuss, but all of them screamed No. So they knew the disaster that would

have come out of it if we had allowed them to go home and discuss.

We know ourselves, it is not a case of somebody from Delta wanting to be president and then you call somebody from Sokoto to come and vote for him, you need to convince him. In this case, we know ourselves; you don’t need time to lobby anybody. This is the time to take the decision and that decision was taken and that was the beauty of it.

Party constitution That surprise aspect.

Everybody saw it happening and it happened. Nobody was forced. Nicely, those who spoke against it turned to support it.

The National leadership of your party issued a statement within the week expressing it opposition to any endorsement at the state level insisting that only the NEC can endorse. It cautioned state chapters against going ahead with endorsement. How do you react to it?

I didn’t read it, but if it was made, then it is unfortunate; under the party constitution, we are encouraged to talk things over; we are

Nobody is going against the party directives. I’m not sure what they said affects us. As far as Enugu is concerned, we are not stopping anybody from contesting. Thank God, under the present dispensation, all forms are bought in Abuja. Nobody has the powers to stop you from buying forms. If anything, the party should encourage it.

They should congratulate us for this feat for coming together to say this is our choice.

Are you happy with the obvious dull moment in Enugu owing to the fact that everybody was waiting for you to anoint a candidate?

I don’t owe you any apologies. Maybe you were expecting us to break our heads, we disappointed you.

We have agreed on who we have chosen to lead us. When people address you, the press that this happened and all that...

The persons that attended the meeting are not spirits. Go the extra mile and call Senator Fidel Okoro, Okwesilieze Nwodo, Okechukwu Itanyi and tell them that you heard they were ambushed. Collect their numbers and call them.

We shouldn’t discuss what one person is saying in a meeting attended by over 100 persons.

48—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTORBER 6, 2014 — 49

50 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

EID-EL KABIR MUSLIM PRAYERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY

•Marina Silva, Socialist Party candidate •President Dilma Rousseff, Workers Party candidate

Brazil poll: Rousseff expects first round win

B

RAZILIANS voted yesterday, with President Dilma Rousseff likely to win the first round but expecting a run-off as voters weighed her party’s social gains against rival promises to revive the economy. The telenovelalike drama of the race — a candidate’s death in a fiery plane crash, a poor maid’s rise to the cusp of the presidency, a seedy oil scandal — continued down to the wire.

Socialist Party candidate Marina Silva, a wellknown environmentalist whose meteoric rise looked unstoppable a month ago, slipped to third place in the final opinion polls behind business-world favorite Aecio

Neves from the powerful Social Democratic Party (PSDB). Silva, a former environment minister, has vowed to be Brazil’s first “poor, black president.”

But opinion polls showed Rousseff with a double-digit first-round lead, then defeating either of her rivals by around five percentage points in a second round on October 26.

Surveys gave Silva, a one-time maid who grew up in a poor rubber-tapping family in the Amazon, between 21 percent and 24 percent of the vote, trailing Neves (2427 percent) and Rousseff (41-46 percent). More than 142 million Brazilians are registered for the

polls, in a country where voting is compulsory.

Besides choosing their next president, voters were also electing 27 governors, 513 congressmen and 1,069 regional lawmakers, as well as a third of the senate.

All the main candidates have vowed to protect the popular social welfare programs implemented by Rousseff’s Workers’ Party (PT), which have lifted some 40 million Brazilians out of extreme poverty over the past decade.

The reforms were implemented by Rousseff’s predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, whose enduring popularity and backing for the incumbent looked set to keep her in office.

•Chairman Agege Local Government Council, Hon Jubreel Ayodeji Abdulkareem (3rd right), during the Eid-El-kabir Prayers at the Yidi praying Ground, Agege, on Saturday.

•Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN (3rd right), Aremo Fuad Akiolu (2nd right), Balogun of Lagos, Trimisiyu Ademola Oki (right), Baba Adini of Lagos, Sheilk Abdul Hafeez Abou (3rd left), Osupa Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Sinari Bolaji Daranijo (2nd left) and Mr. Tunde Folawiyo (left) during the Eid-el-Kabir Prayers at the Central Mosque, Lagos on Saturday.

US Ebola patient struggles for survival

T

HE first person to develop Ebola in the United States was struggling to survive at a Dallas hospital yesterday after his condition worsened to critical, the director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control said.

Thomas Eric Duncan became ill after arriving in Dallas from Liberia two weeks ago - heightening concerns that the worst Ebola epidemic on record could spread from West Africa.

The United States has seen six cases of the Ebola virus in recent weeks affecting five Americans and a Liberian. Two of the cases

•Duncan surfaced this week, raising concerns about wider spread of the disease, which has killed at least 3,439 people in the current outbreak in West Africa.

All of the Americans contracted the disease while in West Africa and were diagnosed there before returning home for treatment. The

Liberian fell ill and tested positive during a visit to Dallas.

Duncan’s case has highlighted problems that American public health officials are trying furiously to address: The Dallas hospital that admitted him initially did not recognize the deadly disease and sent him home, only for him to return two days later in an ambulance.

“The issue of the missed diagnosis initially is concerning,” Frieden said, adding that public health officials had redoubled their efforts to raise awareness of the disease.

British aid worker’s family ‘numb with grief’ over murder of Henning by ISIS

T

HE family of the British aid worker Alan Henning spoke at the weekend of their grief over the murder of “a decent, caring human being” by the militant group Islamic State (Isis). In a statement, his wife Barbara Henning said she and their two children, Lucy and Adam, were “extremely proud” of him and also of “ what he achieved and the people he helped”.

The 47-year-old taxidriver from Greater Manchester was taken hostage last December after travelling with humanitarian aid convoys to Syria. He had made repeated journeys, de-

*Alan Henning, British Headworker beheaded

spite the dangers, after being moved by the plight of refugees in the country’s bitter civil war.

His death was confirmed after a video of his murder was released on Friday night. It dashed hopes that he might be freed after ap-

peals by dozens of Muslim leaders in the UK and worldwide, who warned that killing an innocent man on a humanitarian mission would be contrary to Islam’s central tenets, and reports that he had been cleared by a sharia court in Syria At Manchester Central Mosque, Mr Henning was hailed as a “national hero” by an imam who said his “appalling” murder would help bring about the end of Isis. The Henning family, from Eccles, Salford, spoke in sorrow of the news “ we hoped we would never hear ”, saying “as a family, we are devastated by the news of his death”.

•L-R; Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and former acting Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje during the Eid-el-kabir prayer at Ilorin eid praying ground...Saturday.

•Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from crowd on his arrival at Osogbo Central Eid ground on Saturday.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTORBER 6, 2014 — 51

Obuh congratulates Pinnick, tasks him A

leading Peoples Democratic Party Gubernatorial aspirant in Delta State Sir Tony Obuh has congratulated the newly elected President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick and his executive board over their recent elections in Warri.

In his message, Obuh, said, Amaju’s track record in Delta State was enough

to raise expectations among Nigerians and charged him to live up to expectations. Obuh sent the following words to Amaju: “Your exposure, passion and ability to deliver results stand you out and the fact you have been part of the success story in sports development in Delta has made people to develop the confidence

Ikechukwu Continues from BP reverse clash in Abuja on October 15.

And ASO Chlef of Algeria striker Ikechukwu, who played in Sudan for many years, said the man to watch out for is El Tahir aka “Kareka”.

“Their number 10, Muhannad El Tahir, is a very good, left- footed forward. He plays from the midfield, shoots well and can hold the ball very well. If this man can be marked out, Sudan would cripple,” Ikechukwu said.

The Al Hilal star, who plays behind the top striker, has scored over a dozen goals for his country since becoming an international in 2008.

Ikechukwu, who himself was close to playing for Sudan in 2012, further informed that Nigeria must go for broke in Sudan if they are to win on Saturday.

“I have played with and against every player in the Sudan national team. I know their weak points. The goalkeeper was the one I scored against in every game I

Emenike

faced him, while I was in Sudan for three seasons,” he said.

“All Eagles need to attack them because their defence can’t withstand pressure, they break down when they are attacked again and again.”

The last time Nigeria visited Sudan was in July 2001 in a decisive 2002 World Cup qualifier and they ran

away 4-0 winners with goals from ‘Jay Jay ’ Okocha, Julius Aghahowa and Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who grabbed a brace.

Sudan are yet to record a point in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers with Nigeria in third place on a point.

Congo are top of Group A with six points from two matches, while South Africa have four points.

Continues from BP Keshi has been quoted as saying he is unhappy with the Fe n e r b a h c e s t r i ke r, who he dropped to the bench in last month’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations shock defeat to Congo in Calabar.

The coach criticised Emenike for only arriving on the eve of the game and not showing him and his teammates enough respect.

But the 2013 Nations Cup top-scorer has spoken out about his manager ’s comments, and believes he made a mistake.

“There are certain things you’d not expect from your coach,” Emenike was quoted as saying..

“If there’s any problem, as a player you only want to find out directly from him and not in the media, it’s something he taught us.

“I feel honoured playing for Nigeria and I respect the coach like my own father. I

he scored in Spain. And still leaving him out and to be inviting some rookie characters is a bit going too far. What makes good managers is their ability to manage such ‘bad’ but talented players. They all abound in many clubs and countries. They are match winners any day.

Without disparaging anybody, how did we behave when we were playing? We were not better behaved than these players. Coaches and Managers tolerated us and brought out the best in us. We need our best players to be invited to the national team.”

As a member of the Technical Committee of the former NFF, Ikpeba was asked why they didn’t scrutinize Keshi’s list or advise him on certain players?.

“Keshi does not like criticisms. He fires back at anyone who holds a contrary opinion to his.

He frightened many and instead of telling him the truth they started praising him. He failed to realize that criticism is part of football. Only few ex-

internationals could air their opinions, not minding whose Ox is gored. Somebody like Sunday Oliseh.

“To your question, at the Technical Committee level we knew that Keshi needed help. But many Nigerians were shouting in his favor . He went to war with NFF and the Technical Committee.

Coaching goes beyond winning one tournament and going to sit in America, waiting for when next you have a match or a competition.

There are a lot of things going on in that Super Eagles. Ike Uche is not invited, Iheanacho is too young. Football belongs to the young ones. He should allow Iheanacho.

Give him a chance. That lad has a Lion’s heart. We need young and talented players. During the transfer season, how many of our players got lucrative offers? Is the future bright for us? We need a coach who will give young players the chance to play.

Nigeria lost 3 - 2 to Congo in Calabar before

pulling a listless goalless draw with Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Cape Town. Currently, Eagles are third on the table with a single point out of a possible six. Are we waving goodbye to Morocco 2015 Nations Cup? “No, no no. That does not mean we won’t qualify. But we need a coach who can encourage the players and take responsibility.

Your team cannot win all the time. Remember, for a team to win another have to lose. I’m not saying that we must win all matches. But when you lose matches that you ought to winj then you must ask certain questions. And if your wrong decisions were responsible you must admit you made wrong decisions rather than blaming players. Why is Keshi always blaming his players when he loses? He takes all the credit when he wins but if he loses the players are to blame. Is that how a good coach should behave? Ikpeba said.

that you will take Nigerian football to the next level. I am confident of your ability to take Nigerian football to that level and beyond.”

He charged the newly elected NFF boss to bring his wealth of experience to bear in the management of the Glass House as Nigerians expect the best from his executive.

“Your exposure and good rapport with the corporate world have been instrumental to your success in Delta State. It is expected that your sustained relationship with corporate Nigeria will

•Obuh widen the horizon for the game in Nigeria and usher in a new era in corporate sponsorship of Nigerian football.”

Ikpeba Continues from BP players boycott of training for a day and the subsequent brouhaha over money that rubbed mud on the image of the country.

After the infamous protest over money, the Eagles were beaten 2 - 0

by France in the second round of the World Cup in a match many believed the Eagles would not have lost if not for the needless distractions before the match.

“It’s important we revisit what happened in Brazil if we ever think of doing well in subsequent World Cups. That problem has always been around and the earlier we stop it now the better before we go again to wash our dirty linen in public”, Ikpeba charged moments after the election of new officers in Warri to run the Nigeria game.

Ikpeba was asked about the chances of the Super Eagles in the on-going Nations Cup qualifiers and he said that the Eagles may still qualify but wondered if Keshi has

abandoned the ship or was still savouring the success of the Nations Cup he won in South Africa.

“With the way he(Keshi) is going, he needs to ask himself basic questions.

These questions are; Are you satisfied with your performance with the Eagles? Do you want to do well? Or, are you content with the Nations Cup you won? Are you satisfied with the selections you make?

Another one is how long are you going to rebuild the team?

The 1997 African footballer of the Year winner also had harsh words for Keshi for ignoring Ike Uche for the World Cup in Brazil and even in the qualifiers for Morocco 2015.

“I don’t know what the problem is between him and Ike Uche. But whatever it is, the national interest soverides personal interest. The annoying aspect is that you do not have a striker as good as him. We all saw the goals

give my all to the team because we are like one big family any time we all come together.

“But for him to say I am creating a problem in the team and my teammates are unhappy with me is sad and unacceptable.

“It’s like sending a wrong message to the fans, but if the coach feels my invitation will not bring the needed results or peace in the team, he can leave me out.”

It is not the first time both player and manager have clashed in the media, as they were involved in a public spat in March 2013.

Emenike criticised Keshi for ignoring and abandoning him when he suffered a longterm hamstring injury during the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

The 27-year-old has been included in the Nigeria squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations doubleheader against Sudan and it is unclear whether Emenike will refuse to join up with the Super Eagles.

Stephen Keshi has refused to make any comment on the latest incident involving his star striker and will wait until his players turn up for international duty before deciding on any action.

Keshi, who led Nigeria to their third African title in 2013 and the last 16 in Brazil, must lead his side to a recovery after their poor start to qualifying for next year ’s tournament in Morocco.

Following a defeat by Congo and a draw with South Africa, the Super Eagles are third in Group A, with only the top two teams guaranteed a place at the finals.

It places extra pressure on the African champions to win their match away to Sudan, which will take place on 11 O c t o b e r, a n d t h e return fixture four days later in Abuja.

52 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

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Moses’ injury gives Keshi concerns

H

EAD coach of the Nigeria national team, Stephen Keshi has expressed worry over the recent injury picked up

by Stoke City winger, Victor Moses.

Moses pulled up injured in Stoke’s 1-3 defeat to Sunderland in the Barclays English Premier League on Saturday.

He had provided the assist for Stoke’s solitary goal at the Stadium of Light, dispatched by Charlie Adam, before he was forced off with the injury.

He is now a huge doubt for Nigeria’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying double-header against

VICTOR MOSES... Down but, not out.

Sudan.

Keshi expressed concern about the injury and expressed hope that it is not as serious as is feared in some quarters.

“I was naturally worried to see him (Moses) get injured (on Saturday). He’s been in good form and I just

hope that the injury is not that serious because we need him for those important games against Sudan,” Keshi said.

Meanwhile the Stoke City manager, Mark Hughes says the extent of Moses’ injury is not yet clear.

Hazard, Costa sink Gunners

C

CELEBRATION... Chelsea's Diego Costa (R) celebrates his goal with Mike Obi

HELSEA continued their fine record against Arsenal with a hard-fought 20 Premier League win that was more than a little ill-tempered.

Eden Hazard scored the opener from the penalty spot in the first half after Laurent Koscielny fouled him in the box, his cool spot kick sending Wojciech Szczesny in the wrong direction.

Playing against the Gunners for the first time since joining Chelsea this summer, Cesc Fabregas provided a delightful assist for the second goal as, with just over

10 minutes of normal time left, he lifted the ball over Arsenal’s defence for Diego Costa to chase and finish with aplomb the striker’s ninth goal in seven league games this season.

Chelsea moved five points clear of nearest rivals Manchester City at the top of the table - the only downside of the game for them an injury to first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who was forced off after suffering a nasty blow to the head in an early collision with Alexis Sanchez.

Carragher slams Ozil

A

MIE CARRAGHER has rubbished suggestions that Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil’s poor form is a result of being played out wide.

Ozil became Arsenal’s club record signing when he joined Arsenal for £42.5m in 2013 but has been disappointing so far this year.

The Germany international had a poor game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge today as the Blues eased to a 2-0 victory with goals from Eden Hazard and the prolific Diego Costa.

Despite his lacklustre showing Ozil remained on the pitch as boss Arsene Wenger elected to replace Jack Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Alexis Sanchez instead.

Many feel that Ozil’s

best position is in central midfield and when he played in that role against Villa recently he scored one and set one up as the Gunners ran out 30 winners.

That sort of showing has become a rarity however and Jamie Carragher reckons it has noting to do with position.

•Ozil

Falcao secures victory for Utd

R

ADAMEL Falcao scored his first goal in English football as Manchester United beat Everton 2-1 to record back-to-back victories for the first time under Louis van Gaal.

For most of the match, it looked as though Falcao was anything but a world-class striker as he missed four good chances

to find the net, but he finally tucked a top poacher’s effort away in the 62nd minute to hand United a valuable three points at Old Trafford.

United dominated from start to finish and they deservedly took the lead through Di Maria, who curled a tidy finish past Tim Howard in the first half.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014 —53

54—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014—55

C M Y K

VANGUARD, MONDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2014

Ikechukwu tells Eagles how to beat Sudan •Singles out El Tahir as dangerman

E

x-Nigeria U23 striker Francis Ikechukwu has sounded a note of warning to Nigeria - Sudan star forward Mudathir El

Tahir could singlehandedly wreck the Super Eagles if given the space.

Sudan welcome the African champions to

Omdurman on Saturday in continuation of the qualifying tournament for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with the Continues on Page 51

IKPEBA: New NFF must revisit Eagles fracas in Brazil •Lists questions Keshi must ask himself

BY TONY UBANI

E

X-international, Victor Ikpeba has charged the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation to revisit Super Eagles outing in the World Cup in Brazil especially the Continues on Page 51

•Keshi

Emenike slams Keshi N

IGERIA striker Emmanuel Emenike believes caretaker coach Stephen Keshi broke one of his

EPL Results Hull City Leicester Liverpool Sunderland Swansea Aston Villa Man U Tottenham Chelsea Westham

•Ikpeba

own rules when he criticised the striker in an interview in the local media.

Continues on Page 51

2 2 2 3 2 0 2 1 2 2

Crystal Palace Burnley West Brom Stoke Newcastle Man City Everton Southampton Arsenal QPR

0 2 1 1 2 2 1 0 0 0

•Emenike

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 4 Fire (5) 7 Advantageous (6) 9 By way of (3) 10 Lever (3) 12 Coach (5) 13 Expensive (4) 15 Measure (5) 17 Mob (6) 19 Pull (4) 20 Proportion (5) 22 Sprite (3) 24 Swung (7) 27 Beverage (3) 28 Passage (5) 31 Applaud (4) 33 Formality (6) 35 Subsequently (5) 37 Cupid (4) 38 Ease (5) 29 Lair (3) 41 Sick (3) 42 Aviator (6) 43 Boulder (5)

DOWN 1 Vibrate (6) 2 Leave (6) 3 Massage (3) 4 Location (4) 5 Harass (5) 6 Eastern (8) 8 Meat (4) 11 Demoted (9) 14 Attack (4) 16 Inform (4) 18 Vessel (4) 21 Rich (8) 23 Dread (4) 25 Lodge (4) 26 Cubes (4) 29 Shellfish (6) 30 Relaxing (6) 32 Ordinary (5) 34 Region (4) 36 Spindle (4) 40 Pinch (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ÀCROSS: 1, Prod 4, Rug 6, Cram 9, Log 10, Sextuple 11, Edit 14, Pal 16, Order 19, Completed 21, Revel 23, Defeated 24, Perch 27, Red 31, Mute 33, Audacity 34, Doe 35, Keep 36, Bar 37, Dirt.

DOWN: 2, Reek 3, Duty 4, Repeated 5, Grew 6, Clear 7, Rod 8, Agile 12, Scrap 13, Smear 14, Per 15, Lever 17, Death 18, Rowdy 20, Defender 22, Led 25, Exude 26, Creep 28, Lamb 29, Acid 30, Stir 32, Toe.

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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