Bayelsa polls: Dickson ahead, wins in 4 LGs

...towards a better life for the people

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

$2bn arms deal: EFCC confronts Dasuki, Dokpesi, others with evidence of transactions

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Bayelsa polls: Dickson ahead, wins in 4 LGs

By Samuel Oyadongha & Emem Idio

•Sylva wins in Brass; PDP alleges plot to manipulate outcome •Accuses APC of perpetrating violence in Southern Ijaw •No life was lost, say Police, as announcement of results continues today •Ogbia, Nembe, Southern Ijaw LGs' results awaited

Y

ENAGOA—WITH official results from five of the eight local councils, Governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday, emerged as the front runner in the Bayelsa State Governorship election having scored 81,929 votes.

He is closely being pursued by the All Progressives Congress, APC, standard bearer and immediate past governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, who got 56,514 votes.

Continues on Page 5

COLUMNISTS:

Malls, food and our survival •P.19

BAYELSA POLLS—From right: Prof Zana Akpaku, Returning Officer/Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar; Baritor

Kpagih, Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner; Dr Muhammed Mustafa Lecky, INEC National Commissioner, Southsouth and AIG Musa Daura during the collation of the 2015 governorship election result of Bayelsa State, yesterday, at the Yenagoa City Council Hall, Yenagoa Bayelsa State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

ROBBERY: Two DSS operatives arrested over N310m •P.7

BAYELSA POLLS RESULT

C M Y K

LGAs

PDP

APC

PDM

Sagbama

28,934

5382

406

Yenagoa

24,258

14,563

451

Kolokuma/opokuma

7,619

6,896

137

Brass

6,516

21,755

222

Ekeremor

14,602

7,918

44

TOTAL

81,929

56,514

1260

Pomp, as Ife crowns new Ooni ONE hundred and twenty one (121) years after Derin Ologbenla passed on in 1894, the Giesi Ruling House rebounds with the coronation today of Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi as 51st Ooni of Ife. Vanguard brings you a special report on a very august occasion holding today. See details inside.

Does CBN mastermind the brazen rape of the treasury?

•P.36

Mr & Mrs

2 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015— 3

C M Y K

4 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DEEMBER 7, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

PRESENTATION—Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (left) presenting a gift to the Senate President of France, Senator Gerard Larcher after a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the GLOBE/IPU Parliamentary meetings in Paris, France. With them is the Ambassador of Nigeria to France, Mr. Hakeem Olawale Sulaiman (right) and another unidentified official.

Bayelsa polls: Dickson ahead, wins in 4 LGs Continues from Page 1 So far, results from 28 polling units in the five councils were cancelled due to electoral skirmishes, over-voting, malfunctioning card readers and violence.

While Dickson won in four of the five councils, Sylva had the upper hand in the battle for Brass, his local council.

The councils that Dickson won were Sagbama, Yenagoa, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/ Opokuma.

Official announcement of the results will continue today at 10 am.

The remaining councils are Ogbia, Nembe and Southern Ijaw.

This came as the PDP alleged, yesterday, that the APC perpetrated violence in Southern

Ijaw area of the state and was plotting to manipulate the outcome of the exercise to its favour.

Dickson wins in Sagbama, Yenagoa, Ekeremor, Kolokuma/ Opokuma

In Sagbama Local Council, which has 14 wards and where Governor Dickson hails from, the PDP had the upper hand.

Out of the 35,647 valid votes, the PDP got 28,934, the APC scored 5,382 while the PDM got 406 votes.

According to the Collation Officer, Mr.

IT'S UP TO YOU

W

BY AYO ADIO

HAT makes you special isn’t really what you do but who you are. Strive to become better each day and life will reward you tremendously. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Practice radical humility. He/she who masters the art of humility cannot be humiliated —Ralph W. Emerson

T

HE idea of “ radical humility ” from the perspective of Wayne Dyer in his writings expands our concept of humility, making it easier to educate and persuade the ego to willingly recognize, honour and allow the true self, Soul, into daily experience. We need to teach our egos at least five main points: Humility does not diminish individuality. We begin development ‘by entering the room where humility’ is acquired. Humility has the quality of being unpretending. It allows us to face problems with faith, poise, and humility.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE Soon, we will know who owns the farm, the farmer or the rodent.

Perekeme Bertola, a lecturer at the Niger Delta University, NDU, results from six polling units at Asamabiri were cancelled due to alleged malfunctioning card reader and electoral violence.

Total registered voters in the council stands at 84,550; accredited voters are 36,892 and 726 votes were voided Dickson also won in Yenagoa, the state capital with 24,258 votes while Sylva got 14,563 votes.

The PDM polled 451 votes.

However, results from 16 polling units were cancelled due to snatching of election materials, violence and intimidation of electoral personnel, according to the Collation Officer, Mr Victor Torupele, a lecturer at NDU. Total registered voters in the council is135,025; Valid votes, 40,041; void votes 1710; accredited voters 44,751 and total votes cast 41,751.

For Kolokuma/ Opokuma Local Council, the results are: PDP, 7,619; APC, 6,896 and PDM, 137 as announced by the Returning Officer, Mr Aniekwe James, senior staff of Federal University Otuoke.

Sylva wins Brass

Sylva carried the day in his Local Council, Brass, carting away 21,755 votes compared to Dickson’s 6,516. The PDM had 222 votes.

The Acting chairman of the state PDP, Serena Dokubo-Spiff is also from Brass, which has 10 wards.

According to the Collation Officer, Dr D Tambo, results from six units in ward 1 were

cancelled due to alleged electoral skirmishes and over voting.

Total registered voters in the council is 55,923 of which 30,397 voters were accredited. Total valid votes is 28,616 and 592 votes voided.

The ruling PDP won the tough battle for Ekeremor Local Council, which has 12 wards.

Ekeremor is the local government area of the Minister of State for Agriculture and Director General of the Sylva/ Igiri Campaign Organisation, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri as well as Fred Agbedi, the Director General of the Restoration Campaign Organisation of the PDP candidate.

Breakdown of the votes scored by the political parties, according to the Collation officer, Dr. Johnson Dagana of the Open University of Nigeria, Yenagoa Study Centre are as follows: PDP, 14,602; APC 7,918; ACPN 7; ADC 5; APA 35; APGA 8; CPP 3; DPC 5; DPP 9; NP 4; MPP 1; NNPP 4; PDC 3; PDM 44; PPA 15; and UPP 1.

Total registered voters is 82,783 out of which 24,667 were accredited voters. Total valid votes recorded was 22,664 and 634 votes voided.

Delay is plot to rig — PDP

The PDP, yesterday, protested the delay in releasing the official result of the governorship election in seven out of the eight local councils of Bayelsa State.

The PDP alleged that the APC was planning to upturn its victory at the polls.

This came as the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) Mr. Moses Siasia, said the exercise was fraught with irregularities, especially financial inducement and illegal thumb printing of ballot papers.

Siasia called for the disqualification of parties and candidates allegedly involved in such irregularities.

Also, two commissioners of police, Brigade Commander, Battalion Commander and a Deputy Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were yesterday deployed to Southern Ijaw Local Council to ensure the safety of lives and property.

State Chairman of the PDP, Chief David Serena Dokubo-Spiff; the National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dr.Cairo Ojougbo and the Senator

representing Bayelsa West, Senator Foster Ogola, at a briefing in Yenagoa said the delay in the declaration of results was part of the plot to rig the exercise in favour of the APC. According to DokuboSpiff, investigation by the PDP showed that the processes of planned manipulation had commenced.

He also accused the Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mr. Barito Pagih of partisanship.

He declared that the National Working Committee and State Executive Committee of the PDP had resolved to resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the poll.

His words: “We have our results and it shows clearly that we have won seven out of the eight local government councils. Instead of staying here in Yenagoa and monitor the election, the APC standard bearer is in Abuja having meetings with some officials of the Federal Government on how to manipulate the poll.

Enough is enough. We will no longer tolerate the effrontery of the APC. “Our party wants to register our concern about the conduct of the election in Southern Ijaw. In spite of the fact that the security of lives have not been adequately taken care of, the INEC went on.

“For emphasis, the orgy of violence, perpetrated by the APC thugs in the full glare of security agents resulted in the loss of lives of Bayelsa people. They shot dead five persons in their desperation for power.

“The majority of the indigenes of Oporoma, headquarters of Southern Ijaw and other communities, are still taking refuge in the forests and swamps as a result of the heavy gunfire.”

He also claimed to have escaped unhurt in the hands of armed thugs during the exercise in Twon Brass, Brass Local

Government Area.

Disqualify parties involved in electoral irregularities —Siasia On his part, Siasia in a statement by his media aide Mr. Michael Abimboye, said: “No election took place in Bayelsa State. It was political bazaar. INEC should immediately look into this and commence disqualification of political parties involved in the financial inducement and other electoral irregularities.

“I am also using this opportunity to call on the security agencies to do something about it immediately. I don’t believe that with the level of commitment we got from the INEC Chairman, this kind of irregularities took place.

“I saw some government officials with large number of PVCs on election day. What where they doing with such a large number of PVCs? For government officials to have large number of PVCs, then the election cannot stand.

“Security agencies should do their own investigation and bring such persons to book because I believe they contravened the Electoral Act. We must ensure that such kind of people are taught the lessons of their lives.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argugun, at media briefing in Yenagoa, described as untrue the claim that some persons lost their lives in Oporoma.

He said: “The report that some people were killed cannot be confirmed as corpses of the purported dead persons cannot be traced and their particulars could not be obtained from any source.

“Information at my disposal is that there was no death in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area.”

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 , 2015

Police nab 4 suspected traffic robbers at Oshodi

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By Esther Onyegbula

AGOS—OPERATIVES of the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, of Lagos State Police Command, weekend, arrested an ex–convict and three traffic robbery suspects for allegedly stealing two mobile phones and a wallet from passers-by in Oshodi area of the state.

The suspects, Sodiq Hassan, 17; Lanre Makinde, 20, Ahmed Kazeem, 19, and Sunday Oyeniran, 21, were alleged to have connived with others, still at large, to steal a Tecno i-Pad, itel 105 phone and wallets from unsuspecting members of the public in traffic gridlock.

One of the suspects, Ahmed Kazeem, was alleged to have snatched an i-tel phone from his victim, Alagbada Jerry, while Sodiq Hassan was reported to have conspired with Awuwa, at large, to also snatch another handset from one Oyebamiji Rasheedat in Oshodi, while Lanre Makinde, was alleged to have stolen the wallet of one Olamide Lookman, also in Oshodi Under Bridge. Sunday Oyeniran, an ex – convict, who was released on November 14, 2015, was found in possession of a mobile phone snatched by the gang.

Narrating his ordeal to the

Police, Alagbada Jerry, a software analyst, working in Ikeja said: “I was descending Oshodi pedestrian bridge with my earphone on. Suddenly, Ahmed Kazeem brushed his shoulder against mine. I noticed the music I was listening to stopped. I tried feeling my pocket to be sure, but my phone was no longer there.

“One of the passers-by who saw him told me Kazeem had stolen my phone, by then he had ran away to the middle of the expressway, looking at me.

Unfortunately for him, as we made to chase him, he was prevented from running further only for him to face our direction and that was how we caught him. Upon

catching him, he confessed to have stolen my phone but he told us he has dropped it when he was being chased. He added that one Omoga, who was the leader of those that arrested him, was the one who later took the phone from where he dropped it.”

The suspects.

Fulani herdsmen kidnap 3 building contractors in Delta

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—SUSPECTED Fulani herdsmen, weekend, kidnapped three building contractors at Amorji, a suburb Onicha-Ukwani community, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State.

Though the names of those kidnapped could not be ascertained at press time, Vanguard gathered that they were abducted while working at a fenced site in the community.

“According to an eye witness, it was these Fulani herdsmen that kidnapped these persons who were doing their job and took them hostage,” an indigene of the community, Joe Ossai, said.

He said: “For some time now, these herdsmen have occupied almost all the communities in OnichaUkwani, particularly Amorji and driven the people out of the village.

“My people are seriously hungry because there is no food for them to eat, the easy access road to Kwale had been taken over by Fulani herdsmen. The worst part of it all is that they went ahead and brought their families to be feeding from the

communities’ crops they invaded.”

Also speaking on the development, President of Anti-Cult, Ndokwa nation,

Mr. Austin Emu, said: “They have been communicating for ransom, but we do not know if they are purely Fulani herdsmen or if our people are

also so involved.”

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer the Delta State command, Celestina Kalu said the police was on top of the matter.

Hoodlums bathe Lagos task force official with acid, injure another

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS—UNIDENTIFIED hoodlums’ in Oshodi, Lagos bathed a para-military officer attached to the state Taskforce on Environmental and Special Offences, Mr. Akude Silas with acid in Oshodi axis and injured a police officer while enforcing the state laws.

The police officer, identified as Sergeant Robert Ajayi, was

attacked at Ojo High School, Ojo Local Government while removing illegal structures erected few meters away from the school.

Meantime, the Taskforce, yesterday, arrested over 64 miscreants allegedly terrorizing Oshodi and its environs.

Vanguard gathered that the hoodlums in a commercial bus popularly called Danfo attacked Silas at Oshodi-Oke Bus Stop,

Oshodi while managing traffic and enforcing the sanitation law.

After the attack, sources said Silas was rushed to the Lagos State Accident and Emergency Centre, Toll-Gate end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway before being transferred to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Ikeja for further treatment.

Staff of Federal Medical Centre, Owo abducted

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—NO fewer than five gunmen have reportedly kidnapped Mrs Queen Adeyeye, a widow, who is a pharmacist with the Federal Medical Centre FMC, Owo, Ondo State, after returning from a Church vigil.

Vanguard gathered that she was ambushed by the kidnappers at her residence located at Ishelu Quarters, Owo area of the state on Saturday.

The victim according to Police detectives reportedly lost her husband recently and was abducted on her way from church where she went for prayer to mark the first anniversary of her husband’s death.

She was said to be in the same car with her son and sister when the hoodlums struck.

Sources said that on returning from the vigil at 5:30a.m., the kidnappers said to have laid ambushed for her at the house ascosted her and asked the other two occupants to disengage before she was driven away to an unknown destination.

Vanguard gathered that the hoodlums waited for the gateman of the house to open the gate and they quietly followed her car and asked the son and her sister to get out of the car before zooming off.

Sources close to the family said:, “They were coming from the church vigil on Saturday morning, as the gate was opened for them to go into the compound, the armed men came in with them. They asked the son and her sister to come down from the vehicle and drove only her (Adeyeye) away to an unknown destination."

At press time, the abductors have not contacted the victim’s family to discuss ransom but the matter had been reported at the Owo Divisional Police station.

Contacted, the image maker of the state Police Command, Femi Joseph confirmed the incident.

2 jailed for stealing goat in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—TWO persons, Mustapha Mohammed, 22 and Sarafina Ismaila, 23 have been sentenced to three months imprisonment each by an Akure Chief Magistrate's Court, Ondo State for stealing a black female goat.

They were arraigned by the

police, weekend on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

Police prosecutor, Sunday Adejuwon told the court that the two accused persons conspired to steal the said goat.

Adejuwon said that the offence committed is contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap.37 Vol .1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria,

2006.

The prosecution added that the accused persons did unlawfully take a black goat which they could not give satisfactory explanation for and this was also contrary to and punishable under section 430 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 ,Vol. 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

Mrs Queen Adeyeye

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—7

DSS arrests two personnel over N310m robbery Recovers N66.4m, $6,200

By Chris Ochayi

A

BUJA— The Department of State Services, DSS, has arrested two out of its five staff involved in armed robbery operation in which they were said to have snatched N310 million from a bureau de change operator in Abuja.

The service, which disclosed this yesterday in a statement by Tony Opuiyo, said a total of N66,437,445 and $6,200 have so far been recovered from the suspects.

Opuiyo explained further that the robbery operations were carried out by the DSS and military personnel on November 20, 2015 in the nation’s capital.

The statement reads: “The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to inform the general public that the service has arrested two out of five of its staff involved in the robbery and sharing, on November 20, 2015, of the sum of N310 million belonging to a bureau de change operator in Abuja.

“While three of the DSS staff are now at large, the military authorities have commenced a detailed investigation of five of its personnel involved in the crime.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that Abdulrasheed Ahmadu Maigari of the DSS, conspired with four other colleagues of his, namely: Solomon Inusa, Peter Okoye, Patrick Ishaya and George Mwatapwa IBBI, to carry out this reprehensible act.

“The five military personnel were led by one Capt. Hussein Ishaku Mshelia. Meanwhile, the service has arrested Maigari and IBBI; and Mshelia equally arrested by the Army authorities.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those still at large.

“A total of N66,437,445.00 and $6,200 have so far been recovered, while efforts are being made to recover the remaining amounts. It is to be noted that security agencies now act in concert, thus the joint investigation undertaken with the Police, Army and the DSS. “This action of the service is in line with the posture of the current administration and DSS management focus on professionalism, transparency and accountability. Those so far arrested have been suspended pending the completion of investigations.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the service wants to reiterate its commitment to the basic ideals and principles as established by its forebears and will not spare anyone found to be contravening the rules and regulations or the laws of the land.

“We, therefore, encourage

Fuel crisis: Two die queuing for petrol in Ilorin

By Demola Akinyemi

I

George Mwatapwa IBBI

members of the public with useful information that could lead to the arrest of those at large to volunteer same to the

Abdulrasheed Ahmadu Maigari

Service or other security agency.

“The DSS also wishes to use this opportunity to assure all

law-abiding citizens of their safety and urge them to partner with the Service in the smooth discharge of its responsibilities.”

Pipeline vandalism: NSCDC arrests Police officer, six others in Lagos I'm not a vandal, police officer cries out

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By Monsuru Olowoopejo

AGOS— THE Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Charles Atileka, and six others for allegedly transporting 12,375 litres of Petrol Motor Spirit, PMS, illegally to Benin Republic.

Others were Jimoh Olusegun, 30; Fashawo Kobla, 37; Akapo Joseph, 17; Amos Bakom, 18; Francis Johnson, while Bederaa Isaac, 33, is a Togolese.

Vanguard gathered that Atileka, who was attached to the Federal Special AntiRobbery Squad, SARS, Francis Johnson and another, sustained injury during the gun battle that lasted for about an hour.

It was learned that the bunkerers were arrested in Gberefun community, a border community in Badagry, while transporting the 496 gallons of 25-litre to neighbouring countries.

Speaking after parading the bunkerers, NSCDC Lagos State Commandant, Gabriel Abafi, said an AK-47 with Nigerian Police emblem and a pistol were recovered from the suspects after the duel.

He said: “The emblem indicated that no junior police officer can handle such guns.”

Abafi explained that the suspects, including the police officer, were arrested by a team of the Anti-Vandal Unit of

The suspects and (ABOVE) ASP Charles Atileka on sick bed in LASUTH.

Corps at 2 am. last Wednesday.

His words: “The suspects were caught around Badagry axis after a tip off that they were loading the products from Badagry to Cotonou. On getting there, we arrested the boat.”

While the boat was still on shore, he said the police officer arrived and attacked the NSCDC officers with the aim of retrieving the products.

He said: “It was during the

exchange of gun fire between the officials of the corps and the suspects that they were wounded, including the police officer.

“We immediately rushed the wounded suspects to the Badagry hospital because we want them alive not dead. But we were advised to transfer them to Ikeja due to the solitary nature of the community,” he added.

LORIN — THE worsening fuel scarcity nationwide claimed major casualties in Ilorin, weekend, as a commercial motorcyclist, popularly called Okada rider, and a taxi driver died while queueing for petrol at different filling stations.

The two incidences occurred in different filling stations in the state capital.

Vanguard reliably gathered that the death of the commercial motorcyclist occurred as a result of an accident while on the queue on Saturday at Ogidi area of Ilorin where the deceased had gone to buy fuel,while the death of the taxi driver occurred at a different filling station.

Vanguard also gathered that the commercial motorcyclist whose identity could not be immediately ascertained was crushed by a tipper while trying to position himself on the queue.

He was said to have died instantly as a result of a broken skull and other fatal injuries he sustained from the accident, before his remains were evacuated by Policemen from Oloje Divisional Police station.

The death of the taxi driver, identified as Daddy Mustapha of Isale Banni area of Ilorin, was said to have occurred at a filling station where the deceased, who had been on the queue for several hours, was discovered dead shortly after buying fuel but could not drive his vehicle out of the filling station.

Anxious motorists who queued behind him for several hours were said to had approached him for delaying others only to discover that he was no longer breathing.

The deceased, it was gathered, had been buried according to Islamic rites.

Meanwhile,the lingering fuel scarcity has continued to take its toll on motorists who have been paying through their noses to get fuel.

Commuters also trekked several kilometres everyday to get to their destinations. The situation has also forced many motorists to abandon their vehicles while transporters have also hiked their fares depending on distance.

At the black market, a litre of petrol is being sold at the rate of N250 in the black market.

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2015

By Henry Umoru, Boluwaji Obahopo & Kingsley Fanwo

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OKOJA — THE deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, James Abiodun Faleke, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have pooh-poohed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s declaration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello of the APC as winner of the Kogi State governorship election.

Governor Idris Wada, who contested on the platform of the PDP and Faleke, who was running mate to deceased APC’s standard bearer, Prince Abubakar Audu, are separately laying claims to the governorship position.

Specifically, Faleke, who opposed the Saturday supplementary election on the grounds that the APC won the November 21 election and he should have been declared the governor-elect in the absence of Audu, yesterday, rejected the deputy governor-elect position and is expected to head to the Appeal Court this week to challenge the refusal of the Federal High Court to abort the supplementary poll.

On the other hand, the PDP said INEC’s declaration of Bello as governor-elect was a waste of time because in the absence of Audu, its candidate, Wada scored the highest number of votes and ought to have been announced as governor-elect.

INEC returned Bello as the winner of the Kogi State governorship election, yesterday morning having polled 247,752 votes to beat Wada, who scored 204,872 out of a total accredited voters of 526,389.

This is the second time in the history of the state that an incumbent will be defeated. Late Prince Abubakar Audu of the defunct All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, was defeated in 2003 by Ibrahim Idris who contested on the platform of the PDP. Declaring the result, the state returning officer, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, who is the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, said: “Alhalji Yahaya Bello having scored the highest votes and satisfied the law is hereby declared winner and returned elected.”

The candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Dr. Philip Salawu Omeiza, came a distant third with 8,761 votes.

A breakdown of the result of the supplementary election shows that APC secured 6,885 while PDP scored 5,363 out of the 12,000 plus votes cast.

The results of all the 22 parties that participated in the election are as follows: Accord 206; AA 120; ACD 480; AD 168; ADC 707; APA 995, APC 247,752; APGA 1040; CPP 608; DPC 465; DPP 469; I’d 179; KOWA 136; LP 8761; NCP 531; NNPP 290; PDC 895; PDP 204,877; PPA 3048; PPN 239; SDP 90 and UDP 107.

I won’t be deputy to Bello — Faleke

Kogi: PDP, Faleke kick as INEC declares Bello gov-elect Faleke rejects dep gov position However, James Faleke, who said he has not given up on his struggle to be named governorelect said he is refusing the deputy governor slot given to him.

Faleke, who spoke through his Media Assistant, Duro Meseko, said: “No one can force him (Faleke) to be deputy to Yahaya Bello. We are ready to pursue this case to a logical conclusion.

“Being a member of a party does not mean that we cannot fight for our rights, if they are trampled upon. The result of Saturday’s supplementary election has further confirmed our earlier position that we won the first election.”

Faleke, through his lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN has perfected plans to file an appeal before the Appeal Court in Abuja today to challenge the ruling of the Federal High Court.

The Audu/Faleke Campaign Organisation said that the final result declared by the INEC has vindicated its early claims that the election of November 21, 2015 was already won by the Audu/ Faleke joint ticket and should have been declared as such.

The group which expressed disappointment in the handling of the election by INEC described the supplementary election as a complete waste of tax payers money.

Director Media of the organisation, Duro Meseko, who made their position known in a statement in Lokoja, yesterday, said: “The result of the supplementary election declared

by INEC shows that the APC pulled 6,885 votes while PDP scored 5,363 votes, making a total of 12,248 votes. This is a far cry from the 49,353 registered voters that INEC claimed to have based its decision to declare the election inconclusive."

Also, the state PDP rejected the declaration of Bello by INEC as the governor-elect.

Publicity Secretary of the party, Bode Ogunmola, said aside rejecting the conduct of the supplementary election, the party found INEC’s pronouncement on the election ‘laughable’ Ogunmola said: “For INEC to have said Bello scored the highest votes when all he garnered at the supplementary election was just little above six thousand, shows that INEC has derailed in its constitutional duties. He (Bello) did not score the highest votes, someone else did, and the person has died.

INEC pronouncement is an aberration. We are definitely going to challenge the outcome of the election at the appropriate quarters.”

Declaring Bello gov-elect alien to constitution, Electoral Act — PDP

Heads to Appeal Court INEC erred, Wada is winner — PDP I'll hit the ground running — Bello Okene shuts down for gov-elect

The Returning Officer for Kogi governorship election, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha (right), with political parties’ collation agents after releasing the final results of the election, in Lokoja, yesterday. Photo: NAN

The national leadership of PDP, on its part, berated the INEC for declaring Bello as winner of the polls after the supplementary, saying the action was completely impractical and alien to the nation’s constitution and the Electoral Act. According to PDP, it was simply a waste of time and resources for INEC to have conducted the supplementary election and declared Bello winner because he did not participate in the overall election, adding that it was also a ridiculous shadow-chasing on the part of the electoral umpire.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the PDP while insisting that Governor Idris Wada of the PDP remains the winner of the Kogi State governorship election, accused the INEC of conducting the Saturday’s election to satisfy President Muhammadu Buhari.

Metuh said: “INEC, in the bid to satisfy the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government, succeeded only in making a mockery of itself and the entire electoral process, by trying to illegally install an individual who, apart from not being a valid candidate, scored, under his name, a paltry 6885 votes in the so-called supplementary election as against the 204,877 votes polled by the PDP candidate, Governor Idris Wada in the overall election.

“The declaration by INEC that one Yahaya Bello polled the highest number of votes is an embarrassing travesty of the nation’s democracy and electoral process. Not only that this individual is not in anyway a

valid candidate in the election, he also did not score the overall votes declared against his name

by INEC and cannot be declared winner under any circumstance within the provisions of our laws."

Insisting that Wada remains the winner of the polls, PDP charge its members and supporters ‘’to remain calm and resist all provocations from the APC, which is now seeking the opportunity to trigger violence in the face of their misfortune, especially as the law will soon take the centre stage, right the wrong created by INEC and declare Governor Wada winner.”

I'll hit the ground running — Bello

Meanwhile, Bello has promised to hit the ground running as soon as he is swornin as governor of the state on January 27, saying his administration will reorganize the civil service to make it more efficient and productive.

In an interview with pressmen in Lokoja, Bello pledged to make the civil service contribute effectively to his economic plans for the state.

The governor-elect also promised to immediately ensure massive industrialization to create employment for the teeming populace in the state.

He reiterated his determination to attract giant industries to the state to tap the abundant resources and possibilities in the state.

The accountant-turnedpolitician identified solid

minerals, agriculture and tourism as the key economic drivers that can take the state to the next level.

Okene shuts down as gov-elect visits Ohinoyi of Ebiraland

Meanwhile, Bello’s visit to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, yesterday, caused a momentary pause in the life of the city as thousands of residents trooped out to the streets to welcome and celebrate their hero.

Bello hails from Agassa in Okene.

What was meant to be a quiet visit to the palace of the respected royal head of the Ebira nation, was hijacked by the people to welcome home the man whom they described as a “jinx breaker.”

Thousands of jubilant Okada riders, taxi operators and market women came out in their numbers to celebrate the man who will become the first non-Igala to rule Kogi State since the creation of the state in 1991.

The jubilant crowd were heard chanting “Adoza, the glory of Ebiraland” in their local language.

It took almost an hour for the convoy of the governor-elect to navigate through the crowd to the palace of the Ohinoyi.

At the palace, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, urged Yahaya Bello to make the Ebira nation proud by being a good governor. He said the entire Ebira nation was behind him.

Responding, Bello thanked the royal father for his royal blessing, saying his emergence is a blessing to his throne. He promised to use his position to project the quality of Ebira people to the world.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—9

$2bn arms deal: EFCC confronts Dasuki, Dokpesi, Bafarawa, others with evidence of transactions May arraign suspects this week

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

A

BUJA — THE special team raised by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the disbursement of $2.2 billion arms contract deal in the office of the former National Security Adviser, yesterday, confronted the major suspects with evidence of their illicit transactions.

The 27-member task force, which has Ibrahim Magu as a member, spent most part of the day to grill the suspects and asked them to speak up on any aspect of the transactions where their names or those who allegedly fronted for them, appeared.

The extended questioning of the high profile suspects, our correspondent learned, was to prepare the ground for their arraignment this week.

However, Vanguard could not obtain a specific date of the week when the suspects are likely to be docked and the specific charges to be pressed against them.

It was gathered that the commission had outsmarted the key suspects by first securing a court order to detain them beyond the stipulated 48-hour threshold, thereby making it more difficult for their lawyers to secure their early release.

A top source said most of the suspects, who had earlier attempted to deny their involvement in the arms deal, were dumbfounded when confronted with concrete evidence of all the transactions they had made in the office of the ex-NSA. “Many of the suspects, who were claiming ignorance of collecting huge sums of money from the office of the ex-NSA, were tongue tied when we brought them to face each other. I think they will soon appear in court to tell the world why they went to the ONSA to sign and collect huge sums of public money that was not meant for the purposes they were given,” an EFCC source said.

Dokpesi disagrees with earlier statement

Apparently to clear the name of their patriarch, the family of Daar Communications owner, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, on Saturday, disagreed with an earlier statement the company released claiming that it got the $2.1 billion from the office of the ex-NSA for media and publicity work for the 2015 election.

In the latest statement released, weekend, the family turned around to say that the $2.1 billion was personally approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan for a holding company owned by Dokpesi following a private presentation by the owner

to Jonathan.

The family also said that contrary to claims that the money was collected in respect of promoting the People’s Democratic Party’s campaign to win the 2015 polls, it was actually meant to showcase the under reported achievements of President Jonathan’s

government.

Vanguard learned last night that the EFCC was making efforts to charge the suspects to court so as to free its holding facilities for more suspects who are to be taken up for massive looting of public funds in the last dispensation.

The cells of the anti-graft

agency in Abuja are said to be almost overwhelmed with suspects arrested and detained in connection with the arms deals, for which the Presidency has vowed to press to a logical conclusion to prove to Nigerians that many top Nigerians looted the public treasury under the guise of buying arms and ammunition to fight terrorism.

TOUR: Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed (right) addressing victims of Boko Haram at Bama Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp in Maiduguri while Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Mamman Dwikwa and others watch during the minister’s tour of Bama. Photo: Gbemiga Olamikan.

My frustration with Halliburton, other corruption cases — Ribadu

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

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BUJA— A former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, yesterday, expressed frustration with the inability of Nigeria to investigate and punish all who were implicated in the Halliburton bribery case.

Ribadu, who bared his mind in Abuja, regretted that none of the top Nigerian culprits implicated in the $1.5 billion bribery scandal had been questioned and jailed in Nigeria while others from other countries were already serving various jail terms.

Of the amount involved, top Nigerians got a total of $184 million within 10 years from an Italian firm that got a $6 billion gas project job in Nigeria.

The case cost Halliburton $1.5 billion in fines in the United States.

Ribadu said the Halliburton scandal presented a unique corruption case study in which “a gang of foreigners stole from Nigeria” through the $6 billion natural gas contract won by a consortium of four international

companies.

He said: “I first got hint of the case in France. I got back home and tried to investigate the case but it was very difficult or probably impossible because the companies were not here in Nigeria, they didn’t have account there, the people were not there.

They had left.

“I rushed back to Paris. I was in Paris many times. I put in a request letter but after a year of trying to get French authorities to help us, the investigating magistrate told me that they could not get anyone to translate my letter from English to French.

I knew it was a hopeless case.”

According to Ribadu, after failing to get Italy and Japan to help, he opted to go to the United States even though Dick Cheney, the then US vice president, was on the board of Halliburton.

“The Department of Justice in the United States took up the case. They investigated and prosecuted the case. They placed a fine of over $1.5 billion on the company, the biggest in the world for corporate corruption.”

Ribadu explained that in the

cases EFCC under his watch referred to US Department of Justice, including those of Siemens and Julius Berger, the US made over $3 billion in fines.

“But the sad aspect is this, in my own country, where the criminal activity took place, not a single person was made to face justice, especially after I was asked to leave my position.

Sadly, Nigeria did not make a dollar out of it,” he said.

Ribadu also recounted his experience in investigating the renowned 419 kingpin, Emmanuel Nwude, chief executives of banks and the former Delta State governor, James Ibori, who is now serving jail term in the UK. He said in spite of the challenges of fighting corruption in Nigeria, he was glad that Nigeria recovered more stolen money than any other country in the world and got many corrupt people convicted during his tenure.

Ribadu noted that the EFCC was successful because “we built strong networks globally, especially with the UK and the US.”

SAMBISA FOREST: Troops destroy 15 terrorist’s camps, rescue women, children

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA— THE Nigerian military has commenced air and land strikes deep inside Sambisa forest destroying about 15 heavily fortified camps. In the ensuing onslaught, the military killed scores of terrorists’ and arrested some of them while most of their weapons and equipment were destroyed. Scores of abducted captives including women, girls and children were also rescued Confirming the movement into the forest, Acting Director, Army Public relations, Col. Sani Usman said: “Advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force were able to clear and destroy Boko Haram terrorist’s camps at Shuari, Adembe, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere.

“Additionally, the multibarrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the terrorist’s camps at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa as well as several other camps.

“The troops recovered foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised explosive making devices (IED) materials and military uniforms. Among other discoveries were the terrorist’s tunnels, weapons and equipment.

“The soldiers also recovered 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captives by the Boko Haram. While the animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and are being given all the necessary support and assistance.

“During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari Gana, a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are being interrogated.

“However, a soldier sustained gunshot wound and fracture on the leg.

“Similarly, while advancing to destroy Nefari terrorist’s camp, troops discovered and cleared three IEDs laid along the route.

“The camp was successfully cleared and troops have continued their advance while a blocking force has been deployed to prevent infiltration and possible escape by the terrorists."

10—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 , 2015

Ambode approves 105 additional road maintenance gangs

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—LAGOS State Governor Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has approved the recruitment of 105 maintenance gang workers into Lagos State Public Works Cooperation, LSPWC, to boost the ongoing rehabilitation of roads in the state.

Mr Ayotunde Sodeinde, General Manager, LSPWC, while disclosing the recruitment of the gangs, said the move was part of the administration’s determination to reduce the rate ofunemploymentandalsotackle headlong the deplorable state of roads in the state.

He added that LSPWC recruited the gangs to its team so as to efficiently deliver on its mandate of providing motorable andpot-holefreeroadsatalltimes in the state.

Sodeinde urged the newly recruited staff to reciprocate the kind gesture of Ambode by remaining steadfast to their jobs, assuring them of maximum cooperation and all necessary remunerations due to them.

Anglican Bishop visits prison, counsels govt

By Esther Onyegbula

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A G O S — ARCHBISHOP of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos, Rev Ephraim Ademowo, has called on the Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and the Chief justice of the state, Hon. Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, to look into the cases of those awaiting trial.

The cleric made the call during the annual visit of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos to the female prison in Kirikiri, Apapa, Lagos.

Bishop Ademowo prayed that Governor Ambode and Hon. Justice Atilade should look into cases of such inmates and fish out those that needs amnesty or official pardon.

According to him, it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the inmates are properly taken care of to enable them integrate properly into the society when they eventually regain their freedom.

Nigerian staff sue Virgin Atlantic Airways for N5bn L

By Innocent Anaba

AGOS—THE 20 Nigerian cabin crew members recently laid off by Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd, have instituted a N5billion suit against the Airline before the National Industrial Court sitting in Lagos.

Aviation Logistics and Management Ltd is also a defendant in the suit.

The Nigerian cabin crew, through their counsel, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, SAN, are praying the court to restrain the respondents from laying them off or giving effects to the notice of termination of employment served on them pending the hearing and determination of the suit.

Rachel Ideho, Ademola Olowolade, Imelda Blankson, Halimat Odeyemi and Tolumilade Sogbesan, are contending that they were all laid off on November 30, 2015, following an internal memo issued by the Executive Vice President, Customer, of the Airline, Jill Brady.

Cultural expertise no longer required

In the memo, it was disclosed that the provision of cultural expertise which was the primary purpose of employing

the claimants was no longer required by the Airline on its Lagos-London route.

In a 36 paragraph affidavit in support of the suit, deposed to by one of the plaintiffs, Umo Akinselure, they averred that the claimants were never informed by any of the respondents that the sole reason for their employment was to provide cultural expertise in respect of the Airline’s flight operations on the Lagos-London route.

No survey conducted

They further averred that no survey was ever conducted by the Airline which revealed that the cultural expertise provided by the claimants in respect of its Lagos-London route is no longer required.

According to them, the Airline’s intention to terminate their employment was based solely on their race, colour and social extraction, even though the LagosLondon route was said to be the most commercially viable and most profitable route for the Airline.

Wants suspension of notice of termination of employment

They are also want the court to suspend the notice of termination of employment served on them pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

They are further asking the court to direct the respondents to pay them the sum of N5billion as damages for the act of discrimination against them.

The 20 cabin crew, Genevieve Mordi, Umo Akinselure, Lukman Yusuf, Ekaete Victor-Iyamu, Victoria Enyi, George Ezemba, James Ajayi, Rosemar y Ogbor, Babajide Akinyele, Remilekun Lashebikan, Yewande Salau, David Dagat, Babafemi Oshifeko, Babatunde Olamuye, Juliet Ezumba,

LAUNCHING: From left: Dr Tayo Oyedeji, MD, Media Perspectives, Mrs Iquo Uko, guest speaker, and Mr Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman, Troyka Group at the formal launch of the book, Nigeria Media Advertising Guide 2016 by Media Perspectives, at the Protea Hotel in Lagos Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

Nike Akande to take over as NBGN boss L

By Naomi Uzor

AGOS—FORMER Minister of Industry, Dr. Nike Akande, is set to take over as Chairman of the NEPAD Business Group Nigeria, NBGN, tomorrow, at the 3rd Annual General Meeting, AGM, of the organisation.

She will be taking over from the incumbent Chairman, Chief Chris Ezeh.

Dr. Akande, two-time former Minister of Industry, is a seasoned industrialist and an advocate of strong and virile private sector as the engine and catalyst of economic growth.

In statement, the Acting Head, NBGN Secretariat, Mr. Oluwole Dosumu stated that the organisation would benefit immensely from Dr. Akande’s wealth of experience in the Organised Private Sector and management of Membership

Based Organisations, MBOs. He disclosed that the stakeholders at the AGM would receive their organisations progress report, particularly the facilitation of New Partnership

for Africas Development, NEPAD, lofty objectives in the private sector. The event would also provide opportunity for the stakeholders to review the

Groups progress so far and strategise on ways to revitalize and strengthen it for effectiveness in the achievement of its mandates.

Ayandele urges schools to stimulate intellectual growth with music

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AGOS—THE Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary Education District 1 in Lagos State, Dr. Olufolayimika Ayandele, has stressed the need for music to be encouraged in schools towards stimulating intellectual advancement.

She also stated that Education District 1, would continue to appeal to the intrinsic values of the students so as to make learning more interesting.

Ayandele, who said this in Lagos

at the 2015 first ever annual Christmas carol concert, noted that music is a vehicle for achieving sound and functional education in Nigeria.

She said: ‘’This concert was put together to show appreciation to our maker. It is also aimed at showcasing the innate abilities of our students and prepare them for future musical competitions both locally and internationally. ‘’The focus of the

administration of Education District 1, is to appeal to the intrinsic values of our children so as to make learning more interesting, even if the external environment is not that conducive.

"The best legacy we can bequeath to our children and nation is a sound and functional education, music is a means of achieving this. ‘’A total of 200 mass choir was put together by the District in partnership with Foursquare Gospel Church, Christ Embassy, Uno Noodles and other donors.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—11

Ooni Ogunwusi unveils multi-billion naira resort

By Gbenga Olarinoye

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SOGBO—THE new Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, last night unveiled a multi-billion naira Ife Grand Resort and Leisure outfit as part of the activities marking the presentation of staff of office to him today.

Located on Ibadan-Ife express road, the project along with the sports academy, also expected to be unveiled during the week, are some of the plans of the new Ooni to boost youth employment in the community.

He was accompanied to the event by Ife traditional chiefs who wore white regalia and residents of the town who also witnessed the event in their hundreds.

Also present at the occasion were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, Dein of Agbor, Benjamin Ikechukwu, Managing Director of the First Bank, Bisi Onasanya, Obasewa of Ife, Chief John Agboola Odeyemi, Chief Balogun of Ife, Chief Bisi Omidiora, Oba Adagba of Iyanfoworogi, Oba Adebolu

Fatunmise, President of Ife Development Board, Prof.

Muib Opeloye and a host of others.

There was heavy security

provided by regular and mobile policemen, while officers from military and para-military agencies were also in the town in their

hundreds to maintain peace.

Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps were also on ground to ensure that traffic flowed smoothly.

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

A

RECEPTION: From left: Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Idowu Olayinka; his wife,Wumi; wife of Minister of Health, representing her husband, Dr. Bukola Adewole; Dr Bisi Fasuyi, her husband, President, Ibadan Business School, Yinka Fasuyi, at a reception hosted by Fasuyi in honour of Minister of Health and Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, in Ibadan, weekend.

Why I shunned partisan politics, by Diya

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—FORMER Chief of General Staff in the administration of former Head of State, late Gen. Sanni Abacha, Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diy, has said that he prefers to play the role of elder statesman rather than being actively involved in partisan politics.

Diya, who was number two citizen of the country, spoke weekend, at the inauguration of General Oladipo Diya Public Speaking Competition for Schools in Ogun State, held at Odogbolu town hall,Odogbolu, Ogun State.

He said though, age was no more on his side for partisan politics, he still plays roles in nation building.

He said: “It is either you are quiet or you are not partisan in politics. But, there is no human being that is completely out of politics. All you do is that,you remain in the background,you sit and watch and that’s all.

“Now, I prefer to remain in the back seat and watch events from the sideline. When we meet the leaders of our nation, it is not that, we just sit down and eat,we deliberate on topical issues.”

When asked whether he should be seen as a card carrying member of all political parties, following his decision to remain an elder statesman, Diya declared “Yes,say it that way. Like our president says, I am for everybody and I am for nobody.”

NMA to FG: Impose more taxes on breweries, tobacco, GSM firms

When asked about his disposition to his former boss' action against him, Diya said he has since forgiven the late Head of State and his family, adding that he thanked God for sparing his life in spite of his ordeal.

"First and foremost, we have to realize that we are either Christians or Muslims.

Whatever it is, we believe in one thing, God exists.

“Whatever anybody might

have done, by gone is bygone. What is important now is today and the future.

Today, I am grateful to God because I retired as a Lieutenant General. How many people can rise to the position of Lt General, to the rank of being a former Vice President, or being the former successful governor. I give glory to God and I will continue to thank my creator,” he said.

On his assessment of the Buhari administration, Diya said it is too early to start assessing the present federal government.

According to him, “It has not even spent a year in office.

“Everybody should be patient. This government is new, not even up to a year yet. So, let us be patient and anything we have to say, let us say it quietly."

FG to raise funds for JV cash calls

By Michael Eboh

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HE Federal Government, yesterday, disclosed that it would raise funds from international investors and the private sector next year, to fund the Joint Venture cash calls between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, and International Oil Companies, IOCs, operating in the country.

The Federal Government, in a statement through the NNPC in Abuja, also stated that it would launch an initiative that would compel International IOCs operating in Nigeria to adopt global best practices towards the maintenance of the environment, while adding that it intends to make the country’s refineries semi-autonomous within the next 24 months.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu, who made these disclosures during an

interactive session with Nigerians living in Vienna, Austria, stressed that the Federal Government had already commenced high level discussions with local and international investors to bridge the perennial JV cash call funding gap.

He stated that this would be driven by the fact that the NNPC

operations are now being transparently and efficiently handled while adding that the Corporation now publishes its monthly account, a move which he said, has inspired a lot of confidence among investors and improve the perception index of the Corporation in a positive light in the eyes of the global community.

DO EKITI—THE Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has called on the Federal Government to ensure the implementation of one percent of taxes accrue-able from breweries, tobacco and telecommunication companies operating in Nigeria to fund the health sector.

The body also said these category of companies should be made to pay more taxes to provide facilities in public health institutions in the country due to the nature of services they render.

Speaking after a weeklong National Executive Council meeting in Ado Ekiti yesterday, NMA president, Dr Kayode Obembe, who read the communiqué, lamented the shortage of medical personnel in the country, which ratio stands at one doctor to 6,000 patients, instead of one to 600 as recommended by the World Health Organisation The week-long meeting which also featured games, free health mission, lecture series and other activities was tagged Ekiti 2015.

Obembe, who called on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to accredit more public health facilities for the training of interns, added that the upgrading of some of the state and federal hospitals and their subsequent accreditation by Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria would help in promoting residency training for more experts to be available in the hospitals.

Pay cut: Fayose’s pro-workers stance travels every month end to South hypocritical —APC Africa and Dubai after collecting

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HE All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ekiti State has slammed Governor Ayodele Fayose’s attempt to allegedly demonise fellow governors contemplating pay cuts for their workers over failing health of the economy. It said the messianic posturing by the governor by urging fellow governors to cut overseas trips and shun opulence instead of cutting workers’ pay was the height of hypocrisy by the

governor and fraud on Nigerian workers.

Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, said in a statement that Fayose was mischievous in his pro-workers stance, noting that the governor is the most guilty of what he was advising his fellow governors to shun to enable them pay their workers.

He said: “Fayose is mischievous in his pro-workers posturing. This is a man that

federal allocations even when records show that Ekiti has no bilateral pact with these countries.

“This is the governor that sacked many permanent secretaries and other categories of workers. He is the first and only governor that cut the salaries and allowances of the few political office holders he appointed in breach of the law and also cut allowances to civil servants but increased his personal security vote from N150 million to N250 million."

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

PDP celebrates peace in Rivers

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— MEMBERS of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State embarked on a peace procession, weekend, in Port Harcourt, celebrating peace in the state.

The procession led to a traffic gridlock on the busy Aba Road as vehicles were held up on one spot for hours.

Addressing party faithful and others who participated in the peaceful procession at the School of Arts and Science, the state Chairman of the party, Mr Felix Obuah, said peace had returned to the state, adding that Governor Nyesom Wike will continue to take steps to consolidate on the new atmosphere of peace in the state.

He lauded those who turned up for the procession, saying that it demonstrated their support for the state government and its peace building measures.

Member representing Obio/ Akpor federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Kingsley Chinda and others

who spoke, dismissed claims by the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state during its Black Rivers rally that about 100 persons were allegedly killed over issues

relating to the last general election.

Those who participated in the procession were decked in white attire, an outfit, Obuah said, symbolised

peace in the state It will be recalled that the APC had a procession in the state in memory of those allegedly killed during the last election in the state.

U

YO—WORRIED by the prevailing fuel scarcity and the difficulty of petroleum importers to access foreign exchange to facilitate their transactions, Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State, yesterday, recommended that oil-bearing states be encouraged to establish refineries to address the situation.

Already, the governor said arrangements had been concluded with some investors to establish two refineries with production capacity of 100,000 barrels per day in the state.

This, he said, would address the perennial scarcity of petroleum products just as the establishment of other private refineries would help stabilise market forces as well as end fuel importation.

Governor Emmanuel, at a Prayer Summit held at the Latter House Chapel, Government House, Uyo, said that the state government was working out modalities for the payment of severance allowances to political office holders in the local government areas across the state.

He also announced that interministerial direct labour projects would soon commence and will be executed in phases in view of the prevailing economic circumstances.

He also directed the Head of Service, Mrs Ekerebong Akpan, to look into cases of civil servants due for promotion and

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— GOVERNOR Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has renamed Liberation Stadium and the Old Aba Road after General Yakubu Gowon.

In a statement, Mr Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the governor on Electronic Media, said the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt, “Is now to be known as Yakubu Gowon Stadium. The Old Aba Road is also to be known as Yakubu Gowon Road.”

Governor Wike had on Saturday promised to immortalise General Gowon (retd) for creating Rivers State when he was the Head of State in 1967.

Urhobo Social Club to honour monarch

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PROCESSION: Members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Rivers State during a peaceful procession in Port Harcourt, weekend.

Gov Emmanuel makes case for state-owned refineries

By Tom Moses

Rivers names stadium, road after Gowon

promote them to their appropriate cadres, adding that despite the economic downturn, his administration has been able to pay salaries to its workers just as gratuities

and other entitlements were being paid in batches.

The governor also advised pensioners to provide their biometric verification numbers to the Accountant General's

office for easy access to their benefits and restated his commitment to ensure that workers' welfare was accorded its deserved attention.

IPAC passes vote of no confidence on Cross River Exco

By Emma Una

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HE Interparty Advisory Council, IPAC, has been dissolved in Cross River State, following a vote of no confidence passed on them by the Chairmen and secretaries of nine political parties in the state, weekend and a five-man care taker committee set up to take charge of its activities.

The vote of no confidence, according to a source, is coming on the heels of the executives plan to return for a second term on the expiration of their tenure, which was said to be resisted by majority of the political parties in the state.

The five-man IPAC team is headed by PPA state Chairman, Mr Patrick Ali, with APGA Chairman, Dr. Fidelis Okoh, as Deputy Chairman and the state Chairman of NCP, Martin Bujor, as Secretary.

Other members of the executive committee include Mrs Helen Eke, Woman Leader, Labour Party and the state chairman of Action Alliance, Mr Eniang Offiong.

The parties that attended the meeting and endorsed the dissolution a n d subsequent setting up of a care-taker committee included PDP, APC, APGA, NCP, FDP, AA, LP, ID and PPA.

The new Secretary of IPAC, Marin Bujor, said the leadership will ensure that all political parties work for promotion of democratic ideals in the state.

RHOBO Social Club, Lagos, will on January 16, 2016, hold a reception in honour of the Chairman of Urhobo Traditional Rulers Council and the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Richard Ogbon, Ogoni-Oghoro I. The reception for the 99 yearold monarch, who is also a Royal Canon of the Anglican Communion, Ughelli Diocese, will hold at the Palace Ground, Ogoni-Olomu, Delta State.

A statement by the chairman, Reception Planning Committee, Olorogun Edoreh Agbah, said, the reception, which will be under the chairmanship of Olorogun Moses Taiga, is in recognition of the immense contribution of the Ohworode to the development and peace of Olomu Kingdom, Urhoboland and Delta State in general, in his 27 years on the throne.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—13

FG to probe N270bn expended on East-West road project

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT—THE Federal Government is to probe the 362 kilometre East West Road project to determine if the N270 billion so far expended on it was commensurate with the work done.

Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Uguru Usani, who disclosed this, weekend, during an inspection of the Rivers/Akwa Ibom states section of the road project, said his ministry would engage auditors to look at the books to ensure that contractors were guided by specifications and designs for the job.

Fielding questions from newsmen during the inspection, Pastor Usani, flanked by his Minister of State, Professor Claudius Daromola and some top officials of the Ministry of Niger Delta, said the Federal Government was in a hurry to see that the project was completed.

He said that the intervention

by Rivers State Government and some stakeholders on the portion of the road between Onne and Eleme Local Governments of Rivers State was for the good of the country.

The minister said that the N3

billion which the state government and other stakeholders saved the Federal Government with the intervention job on the road would be deployed to other needs.

It will be recalled that Governor Nyesom Wike rallied some companies,

among them Intels, Indorama and a few others, to collaborate with the state government to fix 6 kilometres of the road between Eleme and Onne at a cost of N3 billion.

The minister said: “The intervention is for the good of the country. We are told

THANKSGIVING: From left: Obi of Ubulu-Uku Kingdom, HRM, Obi Akaeze Ofulue II; Pastor

Tony Agafie, General Overseer, Path of Glory Ministry, Asaba; Pastor Eloke Ijeh and his wife, Ifeoma, during the 2015 annual general thanksgiving service of Path of Glory Ministry in Asaba.

Urhobo monarchs, P-Gs shun UPU annual congress, dissolve factions

U

By Perez Brisibe

G H E L L I — MONARCHS heading the 24 kingdoms that make up the Urhobo nation and their Presidents-General, PGs, weekend, shunned the annual national congress of the Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, and allegedly dissolved the executive headed by Chief Joe Omene as well as the splinter group headed

by Chief Tuesday Onoge.

The UPU, which is the apex socio-cultural body of the Urhobo, had on Saturday, held its 84th annual national congress and awards of honours/carnival at the Urhobo Cultural Centre, Uvwiamughe-Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The event which used to be a beehive of cultural activities with representatives from the various kingdoms, was devoid of the usual hustle and bustle as 22 monarchs, the PGs, clerics and a host of other representatives boycotted the congress and held a parallel congress at the palace of the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom, HRM Ogoni-Oghoro I, where the UPU executive and its splinter group were both allegedly dissolved.

Reacting to the purported

by the contractors that the state government will work with other companies to raise the balance. The contractors have said that the part of the road was part of the contractual agreement. The savings made from the intervention will be applied elsewhere.”

dissolution of his executive, Chief Omene, said: “The Ivie (kings) are not part of the structure of the UPU which is made up of the executive, the council of representatives, the board of trustees and the branches.

“Look at those who are here, I, as the PG, the national secretary, financial secretary, publicity secretary and treasurer. There is no single principal official member that is not here, the others are miscreants and mischief makers,” he stated.

Speaking to Vanguard on the dissolution of the UPU executive and its splinter group, secretary of UPU president generals, Chief Kenneth Iwhuwhu, said: “The kings in their wisdom believed it was not safe for the congress to hold owing to the alleged ineptitude and maladministration of the UPU.”

Rivers APC to begin registration of new members

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— ALL Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State is set to commence registration of new members this month.

State Chairman of the party, Mr Davies Ikanya, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen, weekend, also called on old members of the party to revalidate their membership during the registration exercise, expressing hope of a favourable ruling on Rivers election matters before the court.

Ikanya who also criticised the state government’s decision to cancel the scholarship scheme for students of the state origin in foreign universities said it was regrettable that the government took such step.

‘46,000 children drop out of school in C-River annually'

C

By Emma Una

ALABAR —FORTYSIX thousand children drop out of primary and secondary schools in Cross River State every year owing to lack of funds to continue their education This figure was reeled out

by The Bridge Leadership Foundation, TBLF, a nongovernmental organisation founded by former governor of the state, Mr Liyel Imoke, while presenting scholarships to 40 students of public secondary schools in the state.

Mrs Ewa Fasina, Executive Secretary of TBLF, who gave the figures, said a survey conducted by the foundation in conjunction with the state Ministry of Education revealed that thousands of pupils and students in primary and secondary schools in the state drop out of school every year because of their parents' inability to pay for their education.

14—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Chief Nike Akande's investiture as new President of LCCI

From left, Past President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Dr. Ademola Ajayi; From left, Deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Oluranti Immediate Past President, LCCI, Alhaji Ismaila Bello; New President, LCCI, Chief Nike Akande; her Adebule; former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan, and his husband, Chief Adebayo Akande, and another Past President, Chief John Odeyemi, during the wife, Margaret. investiture of Chief Akande as the new President of LCCI, in Lagos, yesterday. Photos: Bunmi Azeez

From left, New President, LCCI, Chief Nike Akande; Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and fomer Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire.

From left, Chief Folake Sholanke, Princess Sarah Adebisi Sosan, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

From left, Mrs. Tola Ojudu, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and Iyalode of Lagos, Chief Fatimah Tinubu.

My pledge to LCCI, economy —Nike Akande ...says Nigeria needs vibrant private sector •We expect nothing less from a two-time minister —Aisha Buhari •She's bringing rich blend of public, private sector experience to bear on LCCI —Bello

By Franklin Alli & Naomi Uzor

T

HE NEW president of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI, Dr. Nike Akande, weekend, pledged to re-dedicate herself to the services of the chamber and to use her tenure to push for fiscal and monetary policies that are investment friendly.

Dr. Akande, a two-time Minister of Industry during General Sanni Abacha’s era, was decorated, Saturday, as the second female president of LCCI after 127 years of its corporate existence in the country.

In an interview with newsmen after the investiture and acceptance speech, Dr. Akande said: “Being the LCCI president is both an honour and a challenge which I accept with utmost humility and a deep sense of responsibility.

“I pledge to re-dedicate myself to the service of the LCCI and I assure you of my commitment to ensure that the chamber retains its foremost position as a leading private sector advocacy organisation in Nigeria and the flagship of the

Chamber of Commerce movement in the country.

“As I mount the saddle of leadership of the chamber, effectiveness and positive impact on quality of investment climate will be my watch word.”

According to her, the private sector is pivotal to the transformation of the Nigerian economy, and indeed any economy for that matter, maintaining that Nigeria needs the private sector to create wealth from which government could generate revenue.

“We need the private sector to generate employment to address the acute and frightening unemployment, poverty and insecurity in our society; we need a virile private sector to make Nigeria a respected country in the comity of nation.

"We would not relent in our advocacy to promote a conducive environment for the private sector to play the role expected of it in the realisation of the Nigerian vision,”she stated.

She disclosed that LCCI will continue to work in close collaboration with government at all levels, the media and other stakeholders and will ensure

that their advocacy achieves the right level of effectiveness which will be measured by the response of various tiers of government to their proposals on policy direction in the interest of the investors, whether domestic or foreign.

She said the investiture marks another milestone in the history of the chamber with yet another graceful transition, saying that it is both an honour and a challenge for being the President of the chamber.

She noted that all the past presidents of the chamber served the chamber with profound dedication, commitment and uncommon passion, saying that they left credible and indelible marks in the chamber’s history.

“We would continue to build on their worthy legacies. Their numerous achievements made LCCI a household name and well acknowledged and appreciated by the entire members of the Lagos Chamber,” she stressed.

The wife of the president of Nigeria, Aisha Buhari said the election of Dr. Akande came at a time when the country was clamouring for change and that she was indeed excited to

collaborate with a woman of substance.

Rpresented by the former deputy Governor of Lagos state, Princess Adejoke Orelope Adefulire, Buhari noted that new opportunities are springing up in construction, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure as well as transportation.

“This is therefore the time when the chamber needs a visionary leader in the like of Dr. Nike Akande. Now I am confident that her unfailing polity, hard work, commitment and dedication be brought to bear in this new role and to promote the realisation of our vision and advancement of the Nigerian economy “ “Of course, the LCCI and the nation expects nothing less from a two-time minister of industry from the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As we all know, fighting corruption in all aspects of our national life, security of lives and property and the reordering of allocation of our common resources are very hard,” she said.

On the current administration agenda, Aisha, disclosed that, government remain committed both in the implementation of the economy diversification and reforms as well as enabling

environment for investors, adding that, governance is not a one way traffic, government and the people must work together.

“Nigeria is a Commonwealth and all of us owe it a duty to leave Nigeria than we meet it. For government to succeed, the Organised Private Sector and the individuals are of extreme importance.

“At a time when the nation is facing economic challenges, we need our best brains to move us forward, we need innovation and businesses have to reinvent themselves and also work with each other to achieve a sustainable development,” she added.

The outgoing President, LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, said the investiture was unique in a number of ways, adding that the new president is the second female president of the chamber in its 127 years history.

"She is the first former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to be president of the LCCI or any major business association of that matter. The value of this is that she is bringing a rich blend of public and private sector experience to bear on the LCCI presidency. I want to formally congratulate her on the well deserved election,” he said.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—15

BIAFRA: Uwazuruike renames MASSOB •Igbo have the right to clamour for self-determination, says Kalu •IPOB women give 7-day ultimatum to FG over Kanu •S-East not advocating secession — Ebonyi govt

By Kenneth Ehigiator, Chidi Nkwopara, Daniel Eteghe, Peter Okutu , Ugochukwu Alaribe & Chimaobi Nwaiwu

or face our wrath. In Igbo land, when women embark on a protest march, it means that the matter at hand had become serious.We decided to hold this protest to appeal to the Federal Government to release him.

“We can’t understand why the government is still detaining Nnamdi Kanu since he has been granted bail. IPOB sees this as part of the larger plot in the marginalization of Ndigbo. This is another proof that Ndigbo are not wanted in Nigeria, if a freedom fighter like Nnamdi Kanu, will be detained indefinitely.”

I

N A strategy designed to separate himself from a controversial movement that parades two factions, the leader of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, has announced a new name, Biafra Independent Movement, BIM, for the group.

This came as former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu declared that the Igbo have the full right to agitate for selfdetermination.

Chief Uwazuruike, who made the announcement, yesterday, while addressing the press in Owerri, also said that he was irked by the bad corporate image some dissidents of MASSOB, were attracting to the group.

“The change in name became absolutely necessary because of the sad introduction of violence by the disgruntled dissidents and this is at variance with the non-violence stance of MASSOB over the years,” Uwazuruike said.

He said that real loyalists of MASSOB feel ashamed to be associated with violence, promising that they will restructure MASSOB to make it the youth wing of the Biafra Independent Movement.

While saying that there is vicarious liability in civil law, Chief Uwazuruike equally recalled how he recruited Nnamdi Kanu in 1989, to head Radio Biafra.

“I recruited Nnamdi Kanu in 1989, when I established Radio Biafra and appointed him the director of the establishment. He started preaching hatred and brainwashing the youths. MASSOB sacked him,” Uwazuruike recalled.

Answering a question, Uwazuruike said he had been imprisoned 16 times in the past and wondered why and how the heavens should fall because Kanu was incarcerated for just one month.

He pleaded with the Federal Government to release Kanu and Benjamin Onwuka, a former student of Emmanuel College, Owerri, and chieftain of MASSOB, who had been in prison for years.

Uwazuruike reminded those preaching violence that Biafra could not be achieved through violence, pointing out that, “the South East is landlocked and there is no way we can win the battle for freedom through violence.”

He reminded followers of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, that if they close the Niger Bridge for one month or more, it will not affect activities in either Lagos or Abuja.

“Closing the Niger Bridge will only scuttle the business activities of Ndigbo.

The protest in the South East, as arranged and implemented by IPOB, ended up unleashing a high degree of suffering on Ndigbo,” Uwazuruike said.

He, however, blamed the Directorate of State Services, DSS, for bungling the arrest, detention and prosecution of Mr. Kanu.

“The DSS is largely responsible for the protest. They arrested Kanu, charged him for bailable offences and the court granted him bail, but the DSS refused to release him. They later came up with treason charges and asked the court to give them

TRAINING: From left, the Manager, Human Capital Development, Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Mrs. Michele Aiyegbusi; General Manager, Nigerian Content Development, ExxonMobil, Mr. Olusola Ogunsakin, and the Managing Director, Globestar, Mr. Phillipe Bonneau, at the closing ceremony of the Nigerian Human Capital Development, NHCD, Training of ExxonMobil's Erha North Phase II Project, in Lagos, last Friday.

90 days to conclude investigations. This cannot hold in democracy,” Uwazuruike said.

The right to clamour Similarly, former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu of Abia State affirmed that the right of the Igbo had been embedded in the United Nation’s charter, which gave them the full right to ask for a secession if they were no longer comfortable in living together as one country called Nigeria.

Speaking to newsmen at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, he stressed that the way and manner the youths were going about the demonstration was wrong as they had turned what was supposed to be a peaceful protest into violent killings and destruction of properties.

He said: “Those boys are right, they have a right to demonstrate, but not violent demonstration, not killing soldiers because if I am a Commander- in -Chief, and you kill one of my soldiers, I will kill everybody.

You cannot kill soldiers. You cannot kill police. You have a right to say no, we want our own Republic. The United Nations charter gives them the right to ask for selfdetermination. It is not a right of determination to go and destroy people's properties, to go and destroy Nigerian Armed Forces, whether it is Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy or Nigerian Police. These are not the rights. They have the right to speak for self-determination. This is the full right.

“If I am president, I will set up either traditional rulers and some political leaders to go and ask the boys what they really want, what is really their problem, what can be done to stop them from asking for this. This is how Boko Haram started killing members of Catholic Church, and as a Catholic, I spoke vehemently against it. I told you airport correspondents that they will finish killing the Catholic and will go and start killing everybody and it happened.

"When kidnapping just started, then I was governor, they were kidnapping white people and I spoke out. I said when they finished kidnapping white people and there were no more white man to kidnap, they would start kidnapping us and that is what is happening in the country today.

"So, I will advise the Federal Government. This is a federation, you need to manage the federation. Some people must ask for self-determination. It is the management of the people that matters.

President Buhari, as a matter of fact, should

set out traditional rulers, set out people, set out securities and intelligent agencies to intervene. They should be more intelligent than policemen or military people carrying guns. They should find a way and tell the boys that what they are doing is not the right thing to do. So, it is left for the Federal Government. This is the right time to nip the agitation in the bud, but not by force. It is a wrong strategy hearing people saying that we will quench it by force. We cannot quench anything by force because it is their right to ask for selfdetermination.

“But is it the right thing to do in a bigger country like ours? It is only a president that doesn’t know what he wants that will want a section of his country to go. I think negotiation is part of democracy . I have seen your Enugu-Port Harcourt, AbaUmahia express road that have not been built, I will build it in two years, I have seen your Awka-Onitsha express way that is not built, I will build it in two years, I have seen that your Umuahia-Ohafia to Aruchukuwu to Cross River express way is not built, I will do it. I have seen that your Arondizuogu-Okigwe express way is not done, I will do it. I have seen your Enugu to Makurdi express way is bad, people are dying there every day, which was what I quarrelled with the government over it in 2001.

"I said our roads are bad. Federal roads are very bad and they are taking it for granted. Check what I have said ten years ago, they are reccurring today and the government is still playing with it, people are still doing politics with it,” he stressed.

7-day ultimatum Meantime, women members of the IPOB have handed a seven day ultimatum calling on the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu, or face its wrath.

The women, who were dressed in Biafran emblems and Kanu’s portraits, vowed to embark on the next stage of its struggle to free Kanu including several activities which they claimed will embarrass the Federal Government.

The group, who handed the ultimatum while protesting along the Enyimba area and the Ariaria junction of the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, Aba, warned that Nigeria was sliding towards danger with the continued detention of Kanu.

“We are handing a seven day ultimatum to the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu. It is either they release him

Remain non violent —Igboezue Adding its own voice, the Igboezue International Association of Nigeria and Diaspora had appealed to all the pro-Biafra groups in Nigeria and in Diaspora, to ensure that all their protests and demonstrations were done peacefully because Igbo were not known to be violent people, but peaceful even in the face of marginalization.

National President of the association, Elder Pius Okoye while briefing newsmen in Onitsha, yesterday, said there was room for peaceful protest worldwide and the Nigerian constitution also provided room for peaceful protest and demonstration.

“Government is a continuum. It is not a private business. The last National Conference was well represented by all parts of the country. Nigerians expected continuity regarding the outcome of that National Conference, but we were disappointed that no mention had been made of it. However, we believe the implementation of its recommendations would bring peace in Nigeria,” he said.

He said IPOB and MASSOB had the right to protest and demonstrate as far as it was peaceful and non-violent and within the ambit of the law, warning that “involving or allowing violent miscreants to infiltrate their fold will make nonsense of their agitations that have been recognized worldwide.

“It is the duty of the police to control protesters and prevent them from destroying lives and properties, or involving in violent activities. The military should not shoot at protesters like animals,“he said.

Okoye told IPOB and MASSOB to scrutinize their members to avoid criminal elements infiltrating their folds and cashing in on that to rob and loot people’s property, after Nigerians and even the churches have testified through their publications that they had been peaceful in all their activities.

No to secession— Ebonyi govt Over the weekend, Ebonyi State government revealed that the South East geopolitical zone of the country was not advocating secession contrary to the wave of the agitation rocking the zone.

Briefing newsmen on the outcome of the state executive council meeting at the Government House in Abakaliki, the state commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Sen. Emmanuel Onwe added that the state government having carried out a critique of the whole situation was not in support of secession or any act of abuse on the government of the federation.

He appealed to the Biafran agitators to channel their grievances to the appropriate quarters and avoid incidents of violence and destruction of properties belonging to innocent citizens of the nation.

16 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—17

Ooni Ogunwusi:

Sitting on revered throne of Oduduwa

By Leke Adeseri, South West Regional Editor & Gbenga Olarinoye

O

SOGBO – SINCE the emergence of then Prince Enitan Babatunde Adeyeye Ogunwusi, as new Ooni of Ife, there has been consensus that the middle aged real estate guru is a perfect choice for the throne of Oduduwa. In the last 80 years, Ile Ife has been blessed with two great kings that not only dwarfed those that reigned alongside them across the country and to a large extent, in the diaspora.

It is relevant to emphasise that Ile Ife, going by the strategic position it occupies in the history of one of the major tribes in the country, has rich history of powerful and colourful personalities sitting on the revered stool of Ooni.

But the respect, aura and elegance both late Oba Adesoji Aderemi from Osinkola Ruling House, who reigned between 1930 to 1979 and the immediate past Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuade, from Ogboru, attracted to Ooni stool was unprecedented and peerless. There were even fears at the latter days of Ooni Sijuade that getting another monarch to lead the cradle of the Yoruba race and by extension the entire Yorubaland, in his mould might be impossible.

Fifth direct descendant However, the belief among the Ife people that an Ooni is never elected but emerges, cannot be controverted, with the choice of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi as the 51st Ooni. The 41-year-old Oba Enitan, was born to Pa Ropo and Mrs. Elizabeth Ogunwusi of the Ojaja Royal compound of Agbedegbede, Giesi Ruling House. He is a fifth direct descendant of the Giesi family.

The new Ooni who attended The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma, HND, in Accountancy was responsible for the establishment of the Association for International Business, AIB, in Nigeria and led the government delegation team to Canada in 2002 for strategic alliances and partnership with Ondo State Government on solid mineral potentials of the state.

This would lead to the formation of Amalgamated Mining and Exploration Company Limited, owned by the state government.

The monarch also facilitated the biggest lead and aluminium C M Y K

recycling plant set up in Nigeria

by National Steel Company of India in Ota, Ogun State and also founded Essential Homes, a real estate project that delivers affordable up-scale homes to the middle and high income earners.

The new Ooni is said to have in his employment over 300 youths at the Inagbe Cocowood Factory and has over 450 direct employees in his various companies and sits on the board of Imperial Homes Mortgage Bank Limited, (formerly GTHomes), GTBank Plc and FinaTrust Microfinance Bank Limited, among others.

There was never a pointer to his direction in the early days of struggle for the throne as the next Ooni, but as the struggle became more keen, the qualities of then Prince Enitan shown and eclipsed that of other contestants for the throne. As rich as his resume is, there were still fears and concerns about the new monarch filling the large shoes left by his predecessors. All these how evaporated the day Oba Ogunwusi made a triumphal entry into Ile-Ife when his subjects reached him amidst pomp.

While those watching from afar would conclude his emergence as Ooni was accidental, the main actors involved in the affairs of Ile-Ife would say the gods chose him and that he had emerged successor to the late Oba Sijuade even when the late monarch was still on the throne. Oba Ogunwusi, the third monarch to come from the Giesi Ruling House, is coming to the throne over a century after the reign of Ooni Derin Ologbenla, a warrior with intimidating history of

Oba Enitan Ogunwusi is stepping into the big shoes left behind by his predecessors, who no doubt, left indelible marks during their reigns as Obas of the Source

From left: Chief (Dr.) John Agboola Odeyemi the Obasewa of Ife, Managing Director of First Bank PLC, Mr. Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife and others, during the launching of the grand resorts and leisure at toll gate Ife. Photo: Sola Oyelese.

victories in many battles, will enter history as one of youngest to sit on the throne of Oduduwa.

Atiku congratulates, admonishes Ooni: Meantime, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who also holds a traditional title of Aare Adimula of the Source, yesterday, congratulated Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his coronation today as the 51st Ooni of Ile-Ife. He also wished the new king a long and eventful reign.

Atiku, in a congratulatory message said he had admired the youthfulness and resourcefulness of Oba Ogunwusi since he was unveiled as the choice of the king-makers to the stool of the Ooni.

Career and reputation Atiku said, “The choice of Oba Ogunwusi venerates the totemic deep wisdom, courage and resourcefulness which the throne of the Ooni is widely acknowledged for. It is not in doubt that Your Royal Highness made an early start in building a career and reputation in the private sector of the economy, which is a source of inspiration for many young Nigerians. Your footprints in the real estate sector of the economy will continue to create the pathways for generations to come that with an early start and an eye on focus, it is possible to attain greatness.

“Kabiyesi, while wishing you a very long and prosperous reign on the stool of your forefathers, let me remind you with every sense of modesty of the additional responsibility that your youthfulness has put on your shoulders, which is to mentor and inspire youths to industry through education across every parts of the African continent, especially Nigeria. Your coronation today is an epochal event for many of the youths in Yorubaland as it will be their first experience to witness the coronation of a very high ranking traditional ruler from that part of the world.’’

Osun Assembly hails new Ooni Also, the Osun State House of Assembly through its Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon. Oyintiloye Olatunbosun has congratulated

Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II on his coronation as the Ooni of Ife, asserting towering confidence in his ascendancy which they affirm would serve as a catalyst for the advancement of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba nation and the country at large. In a statement signed by Hon. Oyintiloye on behalf of the legislative body, the legislators said the credentials and mettle of the monarch is a testimony to the ardor and tireless creativity the king would bring to the throne.

The Assembly commended the ruling houses for the manner in which they harmoniously resolved their differences during the selection process. They also congratulated the Osun State government, the Council of Obas, and the people of the state, especially the descendants of IleIfe, home and abroad for the peaceful transition. “The spontaneous enthusiasm that greeted the announcement of the new monarch across Ile Ife, Osun State , and the entire nation is a substantiation of the better days ahead,” Hon Oyintiloye explained.

of Oba Enitan Ogunwusi to the exalted throne of Ooni of Ife, as a clarion call to service and a big challenge to him. The first civilian governor of Osun State said, that Oba Enitan Ogunwusi should join other progressively minded Nigerians, in the change wind, now blowing across the country and avail his people, his robust wealth of experience in socio-economic fields of human endeavours, that he was noted for.

Adeleke was of the view that now more than ever before, is the time for Ife and indeed the Yoruba nation, to live together in unity, peace and concord, so as to be the true custodians of our collective heritage. The Asiwaju of EdeLand, described the ascension to the throne of Ife, by Oba Enitan Ogunwusi as a no mean feat coming as it were, at a time when absolute cooperation among Obas in Osun State is very paramount for the advancement of the state.

Goodwill message

Adeleke said, “Oba Enitan Ogunwusi is stepping into the big shoes left behind by his predecessors, who no doubt, left indelible marks during their reigns as Obas of the Source. He prays and wishes Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, God’s special mercy, guidance and divine wisdom to excel and surpass the enviable records left behind by late Oba Okunade Sijuade. Otunba Adeleke also, pray for the grace of God for Oba Enitan Ogunwusi in the execution and realization of the ideals of his high office as the Ooni of Ife and his resolve to truly make Ife a model community, where infrastructural facilities shall be taken for granted.

While urging Oba Enitan Ogunwusi to build bridges of unity, love and progress across the Yoruba nation and indeed Nigeria, Adeleke advised him to play down on whatsoever tends to create disharmony among the people of Osun State, and endeavour to close ranks with all traditional rulers in Yoruba Land and maintain cordiality with all, which on its own should be a lasting legacy for him and his predecessors.

In a goodwill message to the Ooni during a parliamentary session, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salam enjoined him to give inimitable service, and surpass the worthy legacies of his predecessors. He also admonished him to work with other traditional rulers and government at all levels to inspire harmony, peace and development in the country.

The parliamentarians implored the Ooni to use his position as the custodian of the cultural heritage and traditions of Yoruba land for the service of the people.

They urged Oba Adeyeye to be father to all, using his royal office to foster peaceful coexistence not only in Ife and the Yoruba land but throughout the country and beyond.

Similarly, Senator Isiaka Adeleke called on the Ooni to rely entirely on God in the discharge of his royal duties and be a father to all and sundry without discrimination. Senator Adeleke described the ascension

Indelible marks

18 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) released its third quarter (Q3) 2015 Gross Domestic Product, (GDP) report recently, which showed that in spite of the macroeconomic challenges faced during the period, the economy grew by 2.8 per cent year-on-year.

This is heart-warming considering the several down-turns in almost all indices of economic performance this year. The GDP had been in steady decline since the fourth quarter of 2014 with massive slides in the first two quarters of this year.

It is noteworthy that the improvement in GDP growth was majorly on account of increased oil production during the period which led to a rebound in oil sector growth and also pushed the sector’s contribution to GDP higher compared to the non-oil sector. This softened the impact of the third consecutive quarterly slowdown in the non-oil sector growth.

With continued volatility in oil prices leading to sharp declines in

Looking beyond positive GDP growth rate government revenue and cash flow in the economy, increased oil production came in truly handy.

However, during the period, the non-oil sector real growth decelerated for the third consecutive quarter, hence, the contributions of the non-oil sector to the total GDP declined due mainly to the weaker growth of the services sector.

But of more concern was manufacturing, which is a major contributor to the non-oil classification but which is currently in a recession given the three consecutive

year-on-year contractions in the sector.

Against this backdrop we recommend that while government’s economic blue-print following the swearing in of the new ministers should focus on all fundamentals, the non-oil classification and more particularly the manufacturing sector should be in greater focus.

We view the increased GDP growth rate in the review period as a positive development, but not a stellar performance given that the economy has now recorded two

consecutive sub-3.0 per cent GDP growth, the weakest since the postrebasing exercise.

Most economic analysts had forecast that the last quarter of 2015 growth would remain subdued at less than 3.0 per cent, significantly lower than the 2015 budget target of 5.5 per cent and global analysts’ estimate of 3.4 per cent.

Though many observers and policy authorities may have given up on the 2015 budget we are still convinced that the outlook in 2016 will dramatically improve if the federal government directs stronger policy attention to the fundamentals of our non-oil sector with more emphasis on expansionary fiscal policy in 2016.

With the federal cabinet now in place and the drivers of the economy fully installed, we call on the Muhammadu Buhari regime to fully unveil its economic roadmap and direction to enable the various players to plug in appropriately and get the economy once again on the roll.

OPINION Governor Ishaku and the progress of Taraba State shock, nothing else will!

What is not in doubt is that the tribunal’s

By Mike Ikpechi

T

HERE are certain things that serve as dream killers in life; you do not want near you. The news of the annulment of the election of Darius Ishaku, the Governor of Taraba State, is one of such. An amiable politician who is loved by his people, Governor Ishaku was voted into office in April 2015 after defeating the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, in a keenly-contested election and runoff. He emerged winner because the people believed in his ability and capacity to help rescue, rebuild and reposition the state.

The news of the annulment of his election by the Taraba Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abuja was a rude and immense shock not only to those of us privileged to know him, but indeed, to all well-meaning citizens of the state.

In the controversial judgement, the Justice Danladi Abubakar Tribunal announced that Ishaku did not emerge the candidate of the PDP in a properly-conducted primary election and so must vacate office. Meanwhile, here was a candidate who clearly won the elections by the valid votes cast in the elections and was so declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC. Now, if the surprise decision and conclusion of the tribunal doesn’t C M Y K

ruling continues to puzzle many close watchers of events in the state especially with the fact that not a single candidate in the PDP even went to court to challenge Architect Ishaku’s emergence as the PDP flag-bearer to contest the April 11 election! In the first run of the election, Ishaku scored 317,198 votes while the APC’s Alhassan polled 262,386. The difference between the votes of both candidates was 54,812. Over 100,000 potential votes were cancelled at some polling units.

However, INEC, through its Returning Officer for the election in the state, Prof. Muhammad Kariey, on April 13, declared it inconclusive and announced there would be a supplementary election within 30 days. INEC specifically said it took the position following its discovery that the total number of votes rejected and cancelled was more than the total

With all stakeholders in the state working together, he added that the job of rebuilding Taraba would be easier and achieved faster

votes with which Ishaku led the runner-up, Hajia Alhassan. Of course, INEC’s position made sense and Ishaku had no cause to argue against it despite the fact that he was leading.

The electoral body, through its Head of Public Affairs in the state, Fabian Yame, later announced April 25 as date for the runoff which held in Donga Local Government Area of the state, and some polling units in Bali, Karim Lamido, Takum, Ussa, Wukari, Yorro and Zing.

INEC eventually declared Ishaku the clear winner of the election with 369,318 votes to the APC’s Alhassan who scored 275,984 votes. The victory thus cleared the coast for him to commence his mission of rescuing and rebuilding Taraba state while seeking to position it as a state to watch in the North East geopolitical zone of the country.

Indeed, immediately he was sworn in on May 29, Ishaku promised to be the governor of all Tarabans and asked for the cooperation of people in the quest to move the state forward.

He pointed out some achievements of former Governor Danbaba Suntai and promised to continue from where Suntai stopped. He equally urged the people to set aside all political, religious and ethnic differences and unite to move the state forward.

Towards tackling crime as well as religious and ethnic crises in the state, he promised that his government would introduce community policing aside urging civil servants in the state to be guided by the rules, adding that more is demanded from them.

Understanding that the task of rebuilding Taraba cannot be delivered by him and his

commissioners alone, Governor Ishaku expressed his intention to work with traditional rulers in the state and always seek their fatherly advice on critical issues. A genuine patriot that he is, and ever ready to commit his all in serving his people, Governor Ishaku also galvanised Tarabans and called on them to ask themselves what they will offer to the state rather than what the state will do for them. With all stakeholders in the state working together, he added that the job of rebuilding Taraba would be easier and achieved faster.

That’s why despite the November 7 tribunal ruling, Governor Ishaku appealed for calm and called on the citizens of the state to remain peaceful even as he expressed his decision to appeal the tribunal’s ruling towards upholding the mandate freely given to him.

However, it’s clear that the Governor is not losing any sleep on the matter. Already, his party, the PDP, through its Acting National Chairman, Mr. Uche Secondus, has expressed its support for him in the quest to ensure that his electoral mandate is not tampered with.

The party decided to appeal the judgment.

The party chairman stated that the PDP followed every stage of the Electoral Act and the party’s guideline in the submission of the name of the governor and his deputy to the INEC. Yes, the tribunal’s ruling could come across to some as a setback. However, I believe it’s only a temporary one that Tarabans and wellmeaning Nigerians expect to be overturned by the Appeal Court in the interest of justice.

It’s just a matter of time. *Mr Ikpechi, political analyst, wrote from Abuja

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Malls, food and our survival

I

FLOATED through the stores of a new mall opened in Abuja 12 days ago. It is sprawling; taking one side of the only water/river in Abuja. This ordinarily should have been some public water front park. But the mall has it. The crowds were thick and various food and beverage companies offered free products. I reflected that while Nigerian traders are chased on the streets and their wares confiscated, the foreign malls are heavily guarded and secured by a motley of security men.

The malls sprouting in various corners of the country are a new colonising force set to dominate and eventually take over retail trade like they have done in Brazil. In such cases, these malls can determine what people eat and the cost. The traditional small, uncoordinated shops which is the source of income for millions of Nigerians, cannot engage in a price war with these transnational corporations who have huge capital and the economies of scale on their side.

With their capital, they can buy goods in large quantities and under sell the small trader. When they become dominant, the malls can drive down prices,

exert pressure on local suppliers to sell at low prices to them, or sell cheap products. That way, they can squeeze struggling local manufacturers such as textile companies, out of the market.

Apologists will call this, market forces. But in reality, the mass of our people are being further impoverished.

Another thought as I walked through the food and fruit displays was: where are they sourced from? Some were foreign, and given the fact that the mother country of these malls is South Africa, I wondered whether they are not genetically modified products. That country since its Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) Act of 1997, has become the eighth largest producer of such products in the world.

Eighty percent of South Africa’s white maize, 55 percent of its yellow maize, 85 percent soya and 98 percent cotton, are GMOs or what they call Bt-crops. South Africa also produces GMO potatoes, wheat and food additives. So its cereals and baby formulae, for instance, are likely to be from GMO products. Some of its cassava and grape vines are GMOs; it means that South African wines are likely to be

GMO products.

Part of the worry about GMOs is that they can cause long term health problems, its seeds can travel, pollination can spread it and their genes can transfer or affect the DNA of bacteria in humans. There are fears that the GM crops can affect animals and insects who feed on them, and penetrate the ecosystem. In other words, it can penetrate nature.

Many American scientists argue that health problems in the country have increased since the introduction of GMOs. Humanity is still uncertain about the effects of genetic engineering, but big companies like the super retailers can influence research, and are promoting GMOs in the public arena.

The struggle against GMOs is getting tougher as the transnational retailers are taking more of the retail trade shares. For instance, TESCO in Britain has 30 percent of the market share, while three others: Morrisons, Sainsbury and Asda/ Wal-mart, control 45 percent. The American WalMart controls 20 percent of United States retail and 33 percent of the market in Mexico. In

Nigeria is our home; we must protect it and our citizens against unfair and harmful competition, especially those that will further impoverish them

Australia, Woolworths and Coles sells one third of the food.

The giant malls in Nigeria are dominated by Shoprite, a South African Transnational Corporation, TNC, operating in at least 16 African and Indian Ocean countries. It started out under Apartheid in 1979 when eight shops in the Cape Town area were merged. It came to Nigeria in 2005 with the opening of its shop at the Palms Shopping Mall Lekki, Lagos.

Its labour policies were so bad that in 2009, the workers went on strike over poor wages which had remained unchanged for four years. The following year was worse as the Shoprite sacked 250 of its staff that had protested inhuman work conditions, including long work hours, lack of medical services, starvation wages and non- payment of bonuses, annual increments and overtime allowances. At this time when the National Minimum Wage was N18, 000, Shoprite paid its staff N13,000. One of the sacked workers had complained: “We work like elephants and yet eat like ants”.

While in Nigeria, the police protected Shoprite against the workers; and Labour officials were going through the long motions of Labour dispute, the Zambian Government sided with its citizens. When the company which had 30 outlets in Zambia sacked striking staff protesting against poor work conditions, the Labour Minister, Jackson Shamenda gave Shoprite ten days within which to recall all the sacked workers and reach agreement with them or have its trading licence revoked.

Shoprite had no regard for Nigerian laws. The Federal Inland Revenue Service had to threaten it with criminal prosecution for charging customers 10 percent VAT rather than the legal 5 percent.

All human beings protect their homes. Nigeria is our home; we must protect it and our citizens against unfair and harmful competition, especially those that will further impoverish them.

There must be strong pro-people policies on such malls, our farmers, traders and local manufacturers. For instance, we can insist that all fruits to be sold in the malls must be those produced in the country and that at least 70 percent of all goods sold in those shops, must be local.

This way, some money will circulate in the country rather than the TNCs carting everything away in the name of profit. We must know the type and standard of food and goods they sell. The Consumer Protection Council, Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration, NAFDAC, must ensure this.

Our policies should also encourage our farmers to produce more food, introduce better equipment, assist them get their produce to the market, help with storage and preservation, and subsidise them like Europe and America. We also need to modernise our markets; we cannot continue to operate in open, unsanitary markets. We also need a pro- street trading policy like in Europe. Generally, we need a rethink of our farm, food and trade policies.

Biafra agitation and divide-and-rule antics

By Nwobodo Chidiebere

“I freed a thousand slaves; I could have freed a thousand more if only they knew they were slaves.”

—Harriet Tubman

F

OR weeks now, the issue of Biafra agi tation has been at the front burner in the polity. Every vendor’s stand has been turned into a theatre of arguments by free readers and potential customers, who spend hours analysing the fresh Biafra movement being propelled by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and Movement for Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, via peaceful protests. The social media was not spared as it has been inundated with intellectual fireworks by proponents and opponents of the Biafra struggle. Almost every known and unknown columnist has written in support or against Biafra’s resuscitation by the promoters of IPOB led by the illegally detained Director of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

I have been prompted to express my thoughts on the Biafra agitation by the dimension the argument has taken, especially where spin-doctors who are known agents of divide-and-rule have gone back to their usual work of dividing the indigenous people of Biafra. The major aim of these divide-andrule elements who tend to cry more than the bereaved is to use the instrumentality of the media to tag the Biafra agitation an Igbo “affair”. The irony of the debate is that majority of those divide-and-rule advocates who have sworn to keep inciting Biafrans against each other are non-Biafrans. I think the future or restoration of Biafra should strictly be left for indigenous people of Biafra to de-

cide.

I would like to expose some of the antics of these divide-and-rule agents who only want to keep enslaving us by creating division amongst us. The following thought-provoking questions would help in highlighting the points of my submission: Why is the major ethnic groups in Northern Nigeriaare always referred to as Hausa/Fulani—giving the impression that they are one indivisible people, instead of Hausa and Fulani? Why do we have South-South as a geo-political zone carved out of old the Eastern Region, but there is nothing like North-North in Northern Nigeria? How did the creators of this SouthSouth mantra come about something that questions all the principles of geography?

How come there is Niger-Delta in the South but nothing like North-Sahara in the North?

Why is there one Northern Governors Forum in the North, but coming down Southern Nigeria, we have South East, South West and South-South Governors Forums? Why do we always hear about Northern Elders Forum and 19 Northern states as one socio-political bloc and one North,but we hardly talk of Southern Elders Forum, 17 Southern states or one South? Someone should put on his thinking cap over this.

The Yoruba, one of the major tribes in Nigeria, has roots in North-Central states of Kwara and Kogi—which are outside Yorubadominated region of South West. Yet Yorubas in Kogi and Kwara are all seen and respected as full-fledged Yoruba-speaking people with their rights and privileges protected in line with Yoruba customs and traditions. There is nothing like Kogi and Kwara Yoruba being inferior to Yorubas in Lagos or Ogun or other South-Western states.

In line of this thought process, why would divide-and-rule propagandists keep on refer-

ring to Igbos in Delta and Rivers states as not being “real” Igbos by branding them Delta or Rivers Igbo with the sole purpose of creating division between them and their brothers and sisters in the South East? As a result of years of propagating these wicked falsehood and deceits via the media owned and run by divide-and-rule proponents, these baseless conjectures and unproven innuendos have ended up sinking deep into the psyche of majority of Igbo people from these states born after the civil war, who now ignorantly view their brothers as strangers or even enemies!

If Yorubas in Kogi and Kwara states are “true” Yorubas like their brothers and sisters in Osun and Ekiti, why on earth would Igbos in Rivers and Delta states—who are of Igbo origin, bear Igbo names and speak its languages-- be made to believe unconsciously using the media that they are “half-caste” Igbos in other not only to divide old Eastern Region but to limit the so-called “real” Igbos to five states of South-East—thereby consolidating and deepening the seeds of division and discord in the region. Could the ill-conceived purpose of this segregation and creation of anti-geography mantra called SouthSouth be to reduce the size of Igbo-speaking

Why would divide-andrule propagandists keep on referring to Igbos in Delta and Rivers states as not being “real” Igbos by branding them Delta or Rivers Igbos...?

people in the old Eastern Region or to continue referring to South East as landlocked?

Unfortunately many of our brothers and sisters born during and after the civil war unknowingly bought into this gimmick. The emergence of Radio Biafra has helped to deconstruct this mountain of falsehood and deflate the balloon of fallacies bandied by divide-and-rule campaigners who now termed the undiluted and unalloyed truth emanating from Radio Biafra as “hate speeches”.

What an irony!

I have asked these questions several times without getting reasonable answers: Why do we have BBC Hausa Service broadcasting in the Northern Nigeria and there is no BBC Yoruba Service and Igbo Service or Ijaw Service broadcasting in the West or East?

Who is afraid of Radio Biafra? Could the difference between BBC Hausa Service and Radio Biafra be that one is propagating divide-and-rule antics-cum-born-to-rule ideology, while the other is championing restoration of rights of Indigenous People of Biafra via self-determination as enshrined in the United Nations Charter? Where were those anti-Radio Biafra elements when Radio Chanji set up by the APC apologists in the North before the presidential election for the only aim of inciting Northerners against President Goodluck Jonathan by heartlessly misinforming them that President Jonathan and General Ihejirika were the ones funding the dreaded Boko Haram—the same insurgents they were fighting?

Former President Jonathan lost the last presidential election as a hero but the campaign that preceded the election unified the entire old Eastern region for once since after the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.

•Mr Chidiebere, a political analyst, wrote from Abuja.

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20—Vanguard, Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Ojuelegba tanker fire:

Victims bemoan losses

By Olasunkanmi Akoni, Monsur Olowoopejo &Tiveruahor Ufuoma

O

JUELEGBA, a highly commercial and trafficbusy part of central Lagos was once again in the news for the wrong reason following Saturday’s tanker fire explosion that reportedly claimed a life and razed five cars and four buildings houses. Several individuals were also hospitalised following injuries they sustained from the resulting inferno. The incident was a tragic reminder of an incident last September when a container fell off a trailer on the bridge at Ojuelegba killing three persons.

The ill-fated tanker belonging to Forte Oil and carrying 33,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS (petrol), was said to be ascending the Ojuelegba bridge in the early hours of Saturday when it reportedly fell off the bridge, spilling its contents in the process before bursting into flames.

I am finished —driver Meantime, those directly and indirectly affected by the incident have been bemoaning their fate and counting their losses. One of them, Mr. Gbenga Omobowale, who is the owner of one of the burnt four commercial buses, could not control his tears as he lamented thus: “I am finished.”

Narrating his ordeal, Omobowale said: “The vehicle was given to me in July 2015 on hire purchase of N1.8 million. I have paid N100 000. I had hoped that I will complete the payment before the end of the year. But I cannot achieve that again.”

Informing that the vehicle was his only source of livelihood, he had queried rhetorically: “How do I feed my family now?”

How I escaped death ——Jinadu

Another fellow bitterly counting his own losses is one Oluwasanmi Jinadu. Narrating his own experience of the tanker fire, he said: “I was sleeping when my mother woke me up, screaming fire! At that time, the fire was blazing uncontrollably C M Y K

and all I could do was to run for safety. It was when I ran out that I remembered that my international passport and other credentials were in the house. Efforts to get Fire fighters battling the fire them proved abortive. None of us tire area was enveloped with could remove our credentials. the smell of fuel. We moved our “My mother became hyper- truck to the scene immediately tensive following the smoke to forestall any outbreak of fire, she inhaled. All we had in the while deploying necessary building were burnt. This is equipment.

At that time, tragic. I haven’t felt like this residents had run away to esfor years. My international cape the disaster. passport and certificates were “Then commercial bus drivall burnt”. ers under the bridge began to But while there has been of- scoop the fuel that flowed from ficial confirmation of the the fallen tanker into the drainnumber of vehicles and hous- age channels(in the area) and es razed, there has been con- store them in their vehicles. flicting claims regarding loss of While this went on, there was life. an explosion. We had to attack For instance, while confirm- the resultant fire with foam. ing the incident, the General Several vehicles were razed by Manager, Lagos State Emer- the inferno. The content in the gency Management Agency, drainage further escalated the LASEMA, Michael Akindele, spread of the fire.” claimed no life was lost, even Akindele on his part had reaas he affirmed that one house son to thank God that the inciwas completely razed while dent occurred at night because, three others were partially according to him, the tanker burnt, adding that five vehicles fire would have been more were also burnt in the inferno. tragic if it had happened in the His account differed slightly day time. from that of Mr. Okon Macaulay, Assistant Controller, Federal Fire Service, who averred that a lady died due to the explosion. Narrating the sequence of events leading to HE Federal Capital Ter the incident, he said: “At 1.30 ritory, Abuja, recorded am, we sighted a vehicle, towbetween September 2013 and ing a tanker carrying fuel on June 2015 about 1, 037 emerthe bridge. Few minutes later, gency incidents, according to the chain attached to the tankthe Emergency Re er snapped forcing the tanker sponse Bays established by the to detach.

National Emergency Manage“We discovered that the enment Agency, NEMA. Making this disclosure at the weekend, the Abuja Operations My mother became Coordinator of NEMA, Mr Ishaya Isa Chonoko, said the hypertensive follow- bays, established by the Agency for stakeholders in line with ing the smoke she its coordination roles, have also inhaled; all we had succeeded in building the rein the building were quired synergy in which they are now working efficiently toburnt; this is tragic; gether in addressing emergenI haven’t felt like cy challenges in the FCT. He said about 4, 040 persons this for years were involved in the emergency incidents with 1, 389 injured and 186 deaths. He gave the

Speaking on those who sustained injuries in the fire, he said: “The victims are still in the hospital. The occupants will be resettled at the Igando relief camp after being discharged from the hospital. I cannot be exact on what was lost but millions of Naira worth of properties were saved.

He therefore appealed to tanker drivers to be very careful while conveying such sensitive and inflammable products, adding that vehicles used in conveying such products must be roadworthy.

Structural test: He also informed that Governor Akinwumi Ambode had ordered immediate integrity test to be conducted on the Ojuelegba bridge to determine its state of stability and strength. “The governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode has directed the process of conducting Structural Stability test of the bridge, to ascertain if the

*Gbenga Omobowale bridge is safe for motorist or not,” he said.

FCT records 1, 037 incidents---NEMA

T

breakdown of the incidents with road traffic accidents being the highest with 1, 008 followed by fire, collapsed structures and drowning.

He said the bays which are strategically located with the aim of reducing response time to emergency situations, are equipped with urban search and rescue tools, including the fully equipped rescue tenders, rapid intervention vehicles and mobile intensive care unit ambulances.

Intensive care unit They are located in Central Area adjacent to the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Expressway (Airport road) Lug-

be, Kubwa Expressway and Nyanya by Karu junction.

He further said the bays were being jointly manned with the stakeholders that have deployed their search and rescue officers as well as paramedics drawn from the agencies, including the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, military paramedics and Federal Road Safety Corps, among others.

Chonoko also said that the Agency had over the years continued to support operations of the stakeholders, including their manpower development, presentation of equipment, such as ambulances, maintenance of their tools and experience-sharing on global best practices in emergency management.

DECEMBER 7, 2015

Finance sector worries over rising rules violations As CBN fines 4 banks N241.53m for sundry offences - 2014 Another 33 firms get N63.8m fines from NSE Shareholders want concerned boards, management sanctioned

By NKIRUKA NNOROM takeholders in the financial market have expressed d i s m a y over the rate at which public companies violate extant rules of their respective regulators, thereby attracting heavy fines.

According to a cross-section of key shareholders that spoke with Financial Vanguard, recklessness and carelessness on the part of companies' chief executives that give rise to such S

penalties should be curtailed, or the board and management of such companies should either be sacked or be made to pay the fines instead of using shareholders'fund.

They said that shareholders bear the brunt of their carelessness as the company ’s profit is reduced as a result and in effect lowers the dividends accruing to members of the company.

Financial Vanguard investigation showed that, a total of N241.529 million was paid as fines by four banks — FCMB Group Plc, Sterling Bank

Plc, Access Bank Plc and United Bank for Africa (UBA) for flouting the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directives in 2014 financial year alone.

Also, this year, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) fined 33 quoted companies N63.8 million. Their offence was reneging on their postlisting rules requirement in relation to timely submission of yearly and quarterly financial statements.

Financial Vanguard findings showed that Access Bank suffered the most penalties among all the listed entities surveyed and was made to pay

From left: Director, Fidelity Bank Plc., Kayode Olowoniyi, His Excellency, Deputy Governor, Oyo State, Chief Moses Adeyemo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., Nnamdi Okonkwo and Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Biodun Kola Daisi at the Regional SME Conference - South-West organised by Fidelity Bank Plc in Ibarahim.

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N184 million in fines for contravening various sections of Bank and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) and CBN’s circulars. The bank was fined N174 million for a contravention on the reporting of public sector deposits in line with the CBN guidelines. It was also fined N2 million by the CBN for weaknesses observed in its internal process and KYC procedures, including other offences.

The sum of N51.5 million fine was imposed on Sterling Bank Plc by the CBN and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) for violating their various regulations, as fines.

Specifically, the CBN fined the bank N50 million for under-reporting its public sector deposits as at August 29, 2014, while the NSE slammed N1.5 million fines on the bank for publication of newly appointed Board members without prior notification and approval from the Exchange.

Similarly, FCMB Group Plc paid cash penalty amounting to N6 million for contravening some sections of the provisions of the BOFIA and relevant CBN circulars. A subsidiary of the bank – FCMB Limited, according to Financial Vanguard findings, failed to satisfactorily implement prior-year external auditors’ recommendations and was fined N2 million; it also rendered incorrect returns to CBN on its MTR 202 and also failed to comply with ATM operation standard at ATM located at Lekki, Lagos, and was fined N2 million each for both of the offences. During the 2014 financial year, the United Bank for Africa paid a penalty of N0.29 million for ‘delay in remitting unapplied funds to beneficiaries’.

Already, this year (2015), the CBN has imposed combined fine of N4.8 billion on UBA Plc and First Bank of Nigeria for Treasury Single Account (TSA) breach. In the same vein, Skye Bank Plc was fined N4 billion for the same offence.

The companies involved in the NSE sanctions include: Aso Savings and Loans Plc (N3.7m); Mutual Benefit Assurance Plc (N3.8m); African Alliance Insurance Plc (N4.2m); Resort Savings and Loans Plc (N4.3m); Nigeria Enamelware Co. Plc (N1.6m); eTransact Int’l Plc (N2.7m); Universal Insurance Plc (N5.3m); Great Nigeria Insurance Plc (N5.6m); C & I Leasing Plc (N1.3m); Nigerian Ropes (N100,000.00); N.E.M insurance (N300,000.00); Fortis Microfinance Bank (N600,000.00);

Continues on page 22

22 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Cover

Breaking the Nigerian poverty cycle through entrepreneurial revolution Part 1

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CEREMONY - From left: Korede Adenowo; Head, Financial Institutions, Nigeria and West Africa, receiving the award on behalf of Standard Chartered Bank for Best Banks for Gambia, Botswana, Zambia and Sierra Leone at the 17th Annual Global Finance ceremony in Lima, Peru.

Finance sector worries over rising rules violations Continued from page 21 LASACO Assurance (N400,000.00); Equity Assurance Plc (N500,000.00); Japaul Oil and Maritime Plc (N400,000.00); Regency Assurance Plc (N700,000.00); Staco Assurance Plc (N700,000.00); Niger Insurance Plc (N700,000.00); Daar Communications Plc (N6m); Linkage Assurance Plc (N900,000.00); Studio Press Plc (N900,000.00); and R.T Briscoe, which was fined N1.5 million for late submission of its 2014 full year result.

Others are; NASCON Allied and Industries Plc (N100,000.00); Vitafoam Nig. Plc (N1.4m); Union Diagnostic and Clinical Services (N100,000.00); Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc (N100,000.00); Multiverse Plc (N1.8m); Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc (N300,000.00); Standard Alliance Insurance Plc (N2.4m); Arbico Plc (N1.8m); Conoil Plc (N1.8m); Omoluabi Savings and Loans Plc (N1.6m) and Oando Plc (N6.2 million).

Reacting, Mr. Abayomi Obabolujo, President, Avid Shareholders Association, described it as a mark of high level of indiscipline among the management staff of those companies, saying that it shows that they are not competent enough. “As a matter of fact, any of them that erred should be removed because at the end day, whatsoever fine the company pays, the salaries and allowances of those management staff that are responsible for the act still remain the same.

“At the end, we have to suffer it as shareholders because the company’s profit comes to zero or lower than what it should have been. As a result, the dividend they C M Y K

ought to pay will either not be paid or the dividend becomes small. So, it is very sad news and it portends danger for the entire industry.

He urged the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to rise to the defence of the shareholders by ensuring that any management whose organisation is found to have contravened any rule to have made the organisation to pay any fine should be dealt with.

“This could be done by ensuring that such money is converted to loan from the salaries and allowances of the management concerned and then they pay back. If not, at the end of the day, it is the shareholders that have invested; that are not part of the management that have to pay. They contravene, they still collect their allowances and salaries, and at the end, they have nothing to suffer,” he lamented.

“Depending on the gravity of the offence, the first thing is that such management staff should be suspended with immediate effect because if

They contravene, they still collect their allowances and salaries, and at the end, they have nothing to suffer

nothing is done, others will go ahead and continue to do it, but if it happens that somebody did it and he was punished, others will be very careful.

“If you look at MTN for instance, as we speak today, it is only in Nigeria that such goes unnoticed. As at today, the managing director of MTN global is no longer there; so, it is now that the chairman took over the executive position for a period of six months. If it is in Nigeria, the managing director will continue, the chairman will continue, everybody will continue. So, if such managing director cannot pay, he should be sacked and all his entitlement forfeited. That is the ideal compensation to shareholders,” Obabolujo added.

Speaking in the same vein, Alhaji Gbadebo Olatokunbo, a founding member, Nigeria Shareholders Solidarity Association, said that instead of placing the fines on the companies, the Board and management of the companies concerned should be penalised, adding that it would call them to order.

“If they flout regulatory directives, they should pay, but I will appeal to the regulatory authorities not to always fine the company but to fine the management because they are being paid to do certain things and when they are not doing the right thing and the regulatory authority fines the corporation, it is the company that pays; the management staff don’t feel the pain.

“If there is a way they could make those in the helm of affairs to pay, that will ginger them to do the right thing.

They don’t feel the pain when

Continues on page 23

igeria is a country of absurd economic realities. The th 13 largest crude oil producer in the world and the second largest economy in Africa earn an estimated $2.2 million a day in oil revenue. Yet, its GDP per capita, at just over $1,400, is among the lowest for the continent and 54% of its 148 million people live on less than $1 per day. The figures are especially shocking because of the abundance of natural resources primarily oil and natural gas, and massive agricultural potential based on its climate and significant rural population.

Human development data for Nigeria has remained persistently bleak despite a considerable upturn in the country’s economic fortunes since 2000. The UNDP ranked th the country 80 in a poverty survey of 108 developing nations that focussed on severe deprivation1. The agency gave Nigeria a Human Poverty Index of 37.3, placing it below more impoverished African neighbours with far smaller economies like Rwanda and Malawi. Significantly, the study looked not just at income destitution, but also at secondary aspects including education, access to health care, standard of living and life-expectancy. More than 67 million Nigerians are docketed as poor according to standard definitions, while 35% of the total population live in extreme poverty.

These recent trends are especially worrying because they parallel a significant but contradictory improvement in Nigeria’s macro-economic performance. Before the current global financial crisis set in, Abuja had been successful in wielding substantial positive change in its overall balance sheets through a process of re-prioritisation and economic reform since 1999. A slew of measures, including privatisation of several steel, petrochemical, mining and port entities helped develop the non-oil sector, bring down inflation and boost international currency reserves. Nigeria also successfully negotiated with the London and Paris clubs to do away with a large part of its foreign debt.

However, World Bank research confirms that even during periods of relative prosperity, poverty levels remained unabated in the broadest sense, and actually worsened during successive positive growth periods.

Between 1972 and 1980, for instance, the Nigerian per capita income shot up from $1,300 to $2,900 based on rapidly escalating oil prices. A subsequent decline in global oil revenues dragged down per capita income, consumption and expenditure to critical levels. However, Nigeria neglected investment in human development projects and continued to pump borrowed finances into capital-intensive enterprises. The fallout was that the dramatic rise in national fortunes bypassed the majority of Nigerians, as evident from the negligible rise in per capita consumption figures for the same period.

The differential effect on poverty levels in rural and urban areas for the coinciding period is equally startling. Because of a simultaneous worsening of income distribution, rural poverty declined slightly while the number of urban poor gained. However, the worst-off were also the worst losers, as the population living in extreme poverty across Nigeria swelled up from 10 million to 14 million. The obvious explanation behind this is that policy makers sorely failed to share the increase in wealth equitably.

Till 1985, a variety of local factors (political turmoil and social unrest) and foreign influences (falling oil prices and mismanagement of state assets) was responsible for increasing poverty and a widening disparity between rural and urban incomes. Even by 1995, per capita income and consumption remained lower than at the beginning of the oil boom in the ‘70s. th It was only towards the end of the 20 century that Nigeria began to press forward a concerted though gradual effort at reform and regulation, made possible by relative political stability and the establishment of a democratically elected government. The advent of more inclusive policies truly began with the adoption of a proactive manifesto that sought to wean away Nigeria’s exclusive dependence on non-renewable resources and promote micro and macro level entrepreneurship as the only viable means to durable economic prosperity.

This change of stance pertinently describes the entrepreneurial spirit in general: the insistence on unique and creatively challenging business models for rapidly sustainable wealth creation.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 — 23

H

ere are some very interesting arguments put forward by readers on the above topic that was discussed in this column in the last two weeks

Abdu Maikano If there are illegal refineries in Nigeria, they should be seen as a blessing. Let us face it; it is better for our crude oil to be refined in our country, by indigenous companies than to be exported at great cost to foreign capitals. The solution lies in the regularisation of the ownership of such refineries.

We should give the culprits a period within which to strive to register ownership of their refineries and enter into the competitive market of petroleum products marketing.

James Grim Please, there is nothing good about illegal refineries. Get that straight. We have to take Nigerian sense out of things and start respecting ourselves.

Those things are destroying the environment for children unborn. Some components of crude oil are carcinogenic and you should not be in contact with them over a long period.

The processes are very wasteful of the very resources the people say they want to control. Underground water is destroyed. Fishing which is a more important economic activity than crude oil is destroyed. The mangrove swamps they are destroying are almost impossible to regrow. People should stop beer palour talk that romanticises or tolerates mass scale idiocy.

Even the most sophisticated refineries in the world most communities in Europe and the US will not allow in their backyard but Nigerians, the romanticisers of poverty and degradation of man would somehow justify crude distillation refineries.

Dahiru Bashir Should others be identified they should be destroyed.

There’s nothing good about illegal refinery. Why are you even thinking twice about this?

If anyone wants to invest let him follow the due process, no short cut.

Joseph Where there is no legal refinery illegal refineries should be allowed to exist.

Onyeka Edmond-Okafor Illegal refinery should be a

Is there nothing good about the so called illegal refineries?

Illegal refinery course in the University.

Ayo Ogundimu The government must tap into people’s industry to begin to employ them in the oil industry.

Temi Olasehan Fuel scarcity. Illegal refineries to the rescue Mc Enos Cilano Illegal or legal, let there be fuel & kerosene for the poor masses.

Christian Iwori Nigeria as a whole cannot refine fuel so why are they disturbing local people that are trying to survive.

Gbenga Atitebi If I were the President of Nigeria, I would legalise these refineries and empower the operators if this will solve the acute fuel shortage in the country and end oil theft. Non oil producing countries are not

in this horrible, hopeless situation we are in. We are over due for a revolution in this country. .

Bamidele Olakunle I think it is high time for the government to bring these so called illegal refinery owners together for partnership because we need to develop our own brain to make things work. After all, we have people that are refining palm oil for our use and if they can do it perfectly, then we have nothing to fear about these so called illegal refineries.

Nzikkiss Etim Vanguard you are sick of lack of gasoline right?

Hahahahahahahaha it is change, so bear it. Very soon you will go back to tiger battery for energy. Hahahhahahaha; sorry, it is called change. Even when you lose your job for walking long hours because

there are no taxis, yes, it is called change. Hahahah, bear it. But please do not fail to update us for we depend on your news for credibility. Sorry, I know how you feel take heart, it is change.

DOI If there are operators in the informal sector of the Nigerian economy that have developed indigenous ways of refining petroleum products, would it not pay the nation more to investigate the technology used and adopt it for local refining? Nigeria will be better for it if it employs local skills to develop the oil sector.

This is definitely the right thing to do. Make provision for acquiring crude oil legally for this group of persons. This will certainly create new business lines not just for Niger Delta people but for the entire country. But I can tell you that CORRUPTION will

Cover Finance sector worries over rising rules violations Continued from page 22 the company pays because they don’t pay from their pocket,” Olufemi insisted.

Speaking further, he said: “Every assignment in all companies is attached to a particular directory and they know those that are in-charge of the directory, so those that are paid to do the job should be fined.

“Before, we were shouting that the regulatory authorities are imposing too much fines C M Y K

on companies, but if these people are not fined and they are flouting the rules, the shareholders will suffer it.

And don’t forget, the regulatory authorities have more power on these companies than we do because they see their books more than the shareholders.

We don’t see their books; it is what they decide to show us that we see.

“The regulators go there for examinations, so, they have

more authority over them than us though we are the owners of the companies. So, my appeal is that they should be imposing the fines on the management instead of the companies because if they fine the companies, the offenders will not feel the pain.”

In his own contribution, Amb. Olufemi Timothy, National President, Renaissance Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said:

“All these sanctions, especially in the last five months in 2015, are very terrible and we are not happy about it because they will have adverse effect on the margins of the companies.”

He, however, cautioned the regulators, saying that heavy fines could hamper the ability of companies to declare good profit and pay dividends.

“Look at what happened in Skye Bank Plc, (N4 billion fines at a go by the CBN), are

not allow the concerned people to see it from this side of the coin. Let them keep destroying them, kill the young men / women doing it and kill the creativity that is inherent in the very soul of our youth. Let someone wake up, someone need to speak up for our youth.

Omenala Your federal government is making billions of naira from fuel importation that ends up in private pockets, they destroyed the refineries themselves. Let no one deceive you, Nigeria have the capacity to build 10 refineries in one year.

Pawa2 Treating petroleum to get a refined product is basic chemistry. The product obtained can be used to power cars and other engines but is not anywhere close to the quality of modern refined petroleum and is neither good for the engines nor the environment. The fact that someone produces something that works does not infer innovation that should be encouraged. In most cases, as was the case with Biafra, the products developed were only good for desperate situations but do not form the basis for innovation that is worth developing.

FrankNero Ufomadu Is their any product that is of best quality on earth?

When Japan started manufacturing those funny cars years back, if their government had banned Toyota from production, just because their cars could not match the likes of Mercedes Benz then, where would they have stayed to improve to this modern days Toyota that has almost sent Mercedez out of market in the early 2000s?

you telling me that it will not affect the bank’s profit next year. It will definitely affect that bank and shareholders’ cash dividend. So, we are looking into it and very soon, we will address the issue.”

He further stated that imposing huge fines would jeopardise the going concern of such business, adding that it is disincentive to investment. He also noted that such officers should be suspended and should lose their entitlement for the period the suspension lasted.

24— Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Business & Economy

Hi-Impact invests N6bn in amusement park to create 2,000 jobs

By ONOZURE DANIA

H

i-Impact Planet (HIP) has invested over N6billion on construction and purchase of amusement park facilities, just as it announces plans to create about 2000 jobs to benefit young Nigerians.

Hip is an amusement theme park located at KM 12 Lagos- Ibadan Expressway opposite Mountaintop University and would be officially launched on December 18, 2015.

Speaking during the facility tour in Ogun state, Chairman, Solution Media and Infotech, Mr. Adeyanju Lipede, said that the tour is a strategy to intimate government, stakeholders and the general public of the Park.

According to him “the investment portfolio up till now is in excess of N6 billion and then it is not going to stop there, that is why we are happy to have the financial institutions here, even the land here is more than N2 billion, so you can see how expensive it is.

Some of the rides you see there are in excess of N500million but the good thing is that the biggest business in the world all over today is entertainment, either in foot ball, music and film acting, they are still the highest paid in the world including amusement park.”

The world Disney land started with television series media and then went into amusement park today they are in trillion dollar profit sharing. But here in Nigeria we have what we call the population relatively in average form and we can always take it from there and you can imagine if we have 10,000 people come to the park, in a day that’s a lot of money.”Lipede said.

He also stated that the facility has enhanced the value of the area, adding that in a short while it’s going to be the reference point. “In the next one year you will hear people say I am five minutes away from HiImpact planet.”When we started this facility four years ago, the value of the land here per plot was just about maybe N3milion or N2million, now it’s about N6 to N7million and am sure in the next two years they are going to start selling at N10million, you will find out that people who have small businesses will catch in on the patronage of this place.” he said C M Y K

VISIT: Victor Gotevbe, Administration Manager, Vanguard Newspapers, Her Excellency, Mrs. Inger Ultvedt, Ambassador and Trade Promoter in Sub-Saharan Africa and His Excellency, Mr. Svante Kilander, Ambassador, Embassy of Sweden on the occasion of the visit to Nigeria of H.E. Ambassador Ms. Inger Ultvedt and the Swedish Energy Delegation to Nigeria.

Auditor General seeks passage of audit law to fight corruption

BY CHRIS OCHAYI

T

he Auditor General of the Federation, Mr. Samuel Ukura has called for an amendment of the constitution to pave way for passing into law, the audit bill, noting that the existing audit law is obsolete having been passed over 55 years ago. Mr. Ukura, who made this known at a two-day retreat between the Public Accounts Committee of the National Assembly and the Office of the Auditor- General of the Federation, AGF, in Abuja, said the new audit law would further empower the office to discharge its mandate effectively.

The retreat was organised by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation and Department of International Development (DFID) for PACs of the National Assembly in Abuja. Besides, the Chairman, United Kingdom Parliament on Public Account Committee, PAC, Hon. Margaret Hodge said the UK parliament is ready to partner the National Assembly NASS and Office of the Auditor General of the Federation (OAuGF) to ensure the success of anti-corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr. Ukura, while canvassing for the quick passage of the audit bill, noted that the war against corruption is strongly depended on works of the PACs, adding, “This is at the core of president Buhari’s agenda for change.”

According to him, “An effective partnership between the office of the AccountantGeneral for the federation and the Public Accounts

Committees of the National Assembly is crucial for the improved public accountability and governance that all Nigerians are yearning for,” he said.

The Chairman, United Kingdom Parliament on Public Account Committee (PAC), Hon. Margaret Hodge, who

also spoke at the retreat, stressed further that, although the present administration has been committed to reducing wastages and inefficiencies in the public service but there was need for more assurance from the public account committees. According to her, “Beyond inefficiency and

wastage, we know that corruption has hindered the performance of a number of public agencies over recent years and we welcome President Buhari’s prominentanti-corruption agenda. The PAC has the potential to be one of the key parliamentary champions of the anti-corruption agenda, and demonstrate NASS’ commitment to help clean up the public service.

“The opportunity is there but will need real leadership from the committees and partnership with the auditor general in order for this to be achieved. And we need to work together to stamp out corruption. Corruption is present in every society. No country is immune. But the solution is not simply to accept it. The solution is better, more accountable government.”

Hodge, who was represented

by Ukaid Head of Office, Ben Mellor emphasized that the public account committees are one of the strongest parliamentary tools to drive accountability and transparency in government.

She said if the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) report can be made public, nothing should stop PACs from publicising their audit reports if genuinely they represent the

World food prices fall 1.6% in November — FAO

W

orld food prices fell in November for the first time in three months, pulled down by a strong dollar and ample supplies, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s (FAO) food price index averaged 156.7 points in November, against a revised 159.3 points the month before. The index measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar.

The 1.6 per cent decrease follows two consecutive months of gains, although food on international markets in November remained 18 per

cent cheaper than one year ago, FAO said. The index has been sliding for most of the past 20 months, thanks partly to an abundant global supply, and is still less than two points above a six-year low hit in August.

A strengthening dollar, which is the benchmark currency for commodities, may drive prices lower in coming months, FAO senior economist Abdolreza Abbassian said.

“All the indications are for the (dollar) exchange rate to rise, especially if the Fed raises interest rates,” Abbassian said. Exchange rates have been driving the decline in prices. One cannot

exclude further downward pressure on prices in coming months,” he said. “One exception may be sugar.”

Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen said on Wednesday she was “looking forward” to a U.S. interest rate hike that will be seen as a testament to the economy ’s recovery from recession. Her comments drove the dollar to its highest level since March 2003.

FAO cut its forecast for world cereal output in 2015-16 to 2.527 billion tonnes, from a previous estimate of 2.530 billion tonnes. It lowered its world wheat output forecast for 2015/16 to 734.5 million tonnes from 736.2 million tonnes previously.

Empowering SMEs through franchising will drive Nigerian economy goes beyond job creation.

By EBELE ORAKPO

S

mall and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) are unarguably the biggest employers of labour but unfortunately, most hardly survive the first five years of existence due to myriad of reasons. As a result, the employees are sent back into the labour market.

To help SMEs survive and progress, Informa Life Sciences Exhibitions

organised first ever SME and Franchising Nigeria Exhibition and Congress in Nigeria.

In his keynote address at the event held at Eko Hotel Lagos, the Director-General of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Alhaji Bature Masari represented by the agency’s Director, Strategic Enterprise and Liaison, Dr Friday Okpara, noted that “SMEs play a pivotal role in economic development that

They not only improve living standards but also substantially, local capital formation.”

Fielding questions from journalists, the Director, Informa Life Science Group, Africa, Jamie Hill, said their aim is to change the face of SMEs in Nigeria by colocating franchise with SMEs. “The biggest problem here is access to finance. That is why we are co-locating the franchise with the SMEs because the franchise model is a proven, tested model that works all over the world.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 — 25

Corporate Report

S

even Up Bottling Company closed last year’s operations with a profit slowdown. This year, the company faces the prospects for a drop in profit.

Slowly moving sales and rapidly growing interest expenses are the problem.

The company’s balance sheet borrowings have been growing since last year as revenue slowdown caused cash flow gaps. The company sustained profit growth over the past five years but this year looks like the end of the good trend.

The summary of the company’s trading at the end of its second quarter in September is that sales revenue is failing to pick up and the company is devoting increased share of earnings to meet finance expenses.

Rising cost of sales has resulted in a significant loss of profit margin and a drop in profit at the end of the second quarter.

Sales revenue improved moderately by of 3.7% yearon-year to N39.57 billion in the second quarter in September- the lowest revenue growth rate in many years. Sales revenue is projected at N82.14 billion for Seven Up Bottling Company in its 2015/16 financial year. That will be a slight decline in turnover from the turnover of N82.45 billion in the prior year. Sales revenue slowed down last year from over 30% in the preceding year to 5.9%. Sales volume may accelerate in the second half, which is the critical selling period for the company.

The profit weakness facing the company is induced by two major rising costs against the weakness in sales revenue. Cost of sales, which rose by 14.5% at the end of the second quarter – nearly four times as fast as sales revenue. Its share of turnover grew from 63.3% last year to 70% at the end of the second quarter. This caused a drop of 15.6% in gross profit and slashed gross profit margin from 37% to 30% over the review period.

Interest expenses rose by 92.2% to N1.66 billion at the end of the second quarter and also undermined profit capacity. This follows a rapid growth in balance sheet borrowings - 378.8% upsurge in bank overdraft to N2.70 billion and a rise of 78.2% in short-terms borrowings to over N14 billion.

Cash flow pressure arising from inability to grow sales compelled the company to increase borrowings. Change in inventories was the critical factor in a shift from a net cash generated from operating activities of N7.66 billion last year to a net cash

TRAINING: From left: Olumide Ekisola, Principal Adejumo & Ekisola Law firm, Rotimi Olaniyan, EXMAN President, Audu Maikori, CEO Chocolate City and Ayo Elias, Vice Chairman Training & capacity building of Exman at the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) organised practice group session on Intellectual Property Right and Experiential Marketing in Lagos

Seven-Up: Profit looking down utilised in operating activities of N329 million at the end of the second quarter. The company ended the second quarter operations with a net cash decrease of over N2.4 billion. A step up of sales revenue in the second half may ease the company’s cash flow pressure and permit a pull back from rising debt.

Management applied drastic cost cutting in the other cost lines to counter the effects of rising input cost and finance

charges. A drop of over 25% in selling/distribution expenses and a cut by more than 29% in administrative cost are the indications of a successful cost management initiative. The effort enabled the company to prevent a more rapid drop in profit than actually recorded in the second quarter.

Seven Up Bottling Company posted a net profit of N1.82 billion at the

end of the second quarter, which is a drop of 26.6% yearon-year. After tax profit is projected at N4.12 billion for the company at full year in March 2016. That will be a drop of 42.2% from the net profit of N7.13 billion the company recorded in March 2015. The company grew profit by 11% in the 2014/15 financial year.

Profit growth may pick up in the company’s second half and the full year actual position may turn out better than projected.

Of its full year profit of N7.13 billion for the preceding year, only N2.48 billion or less than 35% was earned in the first half.

The ability to convert revenue into profit has weakened on account of rising costs. Net

profit margin is down from 6.5% in the same period last year to 4.6% at the end of the second quarter.

The company ended last year’s operations with a net profit margin of 8.6%.

Earnings per share amounted to N2.84 at the end of the second quarter, a drop from N3.87 in the same period last year. Earnings per share is projected at N6.43 for Seven Up Bottling Company at full year. The company earned N11.10 at the end of the prior financial year. It paid a cash dividend of N2.50 per share for the year and has maintained regular dividend payment in recent years.

Presco promising for another impressive profit growth

P

resco Plc, the oil palm producing company, has lifted profit margin and set profit on the path of another strong growth this year. The company is keeping revenue growing and also stretching out profit margin with after tax profit already standing at 35% above the full year figure in 2014. It started the current financial year with a strong growth in earnings, which it has maintained so far.

The company followed an earnings pattern last year that enabled it to nearly double profit in 2014. It is following the same pattern in the current year. It has lowered further the costincome ratio that enabled to improve profit margin last year and with that it grew profit more than three and half times as fast as sales revenue at the end of the third quarter. The company cannot meet local demand for its products and the restriction of

importation of palm oil under the Central Bank’s measure gives it a new advantage.

Sales revenue growth has been weak for the company since 2013 when there was a sharp fall of close to 25%. A moderate growth of 7.7% was recorded in 2014, while an accelerated growth is expected in 2015. Turnover amounted to N8.04 billion at the end of the third quarter, which is a year-on-year growth of 16.2%. The full year outlook indicates sales revenue in the region of N10 billion for Presco at the end of 2015. That will be an increase of 9.4% over the closing sales revenue figure of N9.14 billion in 2014.

Due to uneven quarterly earnings pattern, actual sales revenue is subject to a wide deviation from actual. The

Continues on Page 29 C M Y K

26 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Banking & Finance

Access Bank leadership conference discusses innovation

A

stellar line-up of global business and political leaders will next week descend on Lagos for the 2015 Access Leadership Conference which is being organised by Access Bank Plc. This year ’s Access Conference which holds on December 10, is titled “Leading in a transformational world – the imperative of innovation” and features a host of speakers from around the world who will discuss the major issues facing Africa, the global economy and the social transformation which is being wrought by technological change.

In both Nigeria and around the world every industry is grappling with the disruption that accompanies technological innovation. The financial system is no exception and faces changes that will fundamentally alter not just the operations of banks, but the nature of their relationships with customers.

A statement from the Bank indicated that public office decision-making is rarely straightforward. “Competing interests, rapidly changing circumstances and electoral dependencies mean that uncertainty is the only reliable constant in public policy. The discussion will look at what it takes to make bold, and sometimes unpopular, decisions in the face of complexity and opposition.”

Drawing on their varied experience from careers that include central banking and microfinance, panellists at the Conference according to the Bank, will discuss the impact of innovation so far, and where the next wave of disruption will take the sector.

The Access Conference 2015 closing ceremony will feature the W Awards, which have been set up to recognise and celebrate Nigerian women who defy all odds to stand out successfully.

Key categories include the W Entrepreneur award, the W Young Professional Award and the W Seasoned Professional Award. In addition to the awards, Access Bank will provide a preview of its new book, The Power of 100, which celebrates the positive contribution made to Nigerian society by women from all walks of life.

C M Y K

E-payment fraud down by 63 percent — NeFF

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

N

igeria Electronic Fraud Forum (NeFF) has said that loss arising from electronic payment fraud has fallen by 63 percent.

Chairman of the Forum and Director, Banking and Payment System Department, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Dipo Fatokun disclosed this at the annual Dinner of the Forum in Lagos.

Speaking on the progress recorded by the Forum in its attempt to combat electronic fraud in the country, he said, “We have now seen new result, which shows that some of the decisions taken at the forum have had a positive effect in securing our payment system in 2015.

“A report from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System Plc showed clearly that there had been a reduction by 45.98 per cent in attempted fraud while there is 63.07 per cent reduction based on actual losses for 2014 figures,” he added Speaking further, Fatokun disclosed that NeFF has commenced moves to establish an e-fraud risk information centre in the country. The establishment of the center, he said, is part of the Forum’s agenda for 2016.

He said a Steering Committee meant to drive the process of establishing the centre had already submitted a report on the proposal, adding that the growth of epayment transactions in Nigeria had necessitated the need for such information centre.

He said the centre would be patterned after the South Africa Banking Risk Information Center, adding that the centre will help the banking industry in its fight

against unrelenting efraudsters.

He said, “The NeFF visited the South Africa Banking Risk Information Centre, where we gained useful insight towards setting up a protective situation like the SABRIC in Nigeria.

“And as we speak, members of this forum have been constituted into a harmonised committee, which has written

a report on how we are going to have an organisation that will look the SABRIC.” Also speaking the occasion, Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, Mr. Sulaiman Barau, congratulated the Forum its achievement in the past four years for making the epayment platforms safer in Nigeria. He stated that the work of the Forum has helped

COMMEMORATION - From left: Executive Director, Centre for People with Disabilities, Mr. David Anyaele; Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro; Director of Rehabilitation, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Ms. Victoria Akintaro; and Representative, Minister of Health Dr. Akin Afolabi, at the commemoration of the 2015 International Day for People with Disabilities held in Abuja recently.

Managers target N1tr investment in mutual funds

By BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

T

he Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN) is seeking to attract N1 trillion investments into the various mutual funds in the country by year 2020.

Immediate past President of the Association, Mr. Michael Oyebola stated this while speaking to Vanguard on the sidelines of the group’s annual general meeting and election of new executives held in Lagos.

Oyebola who is also the Managing Director/Chief

CBN seeks law to strengthen payment system

BY JONAH NWOKPOKU

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN has said it will soon send to the National Assembly, a payment system management bill that will give legal backing to its policies and guidelines on payments in the country.

Deputy Governor, Operations, CBN, Suleiman Barau stated the CBN/SWIFT executive meeting in Lagos.

He was represented by the Director, Banking and Payment System Department, CBN, Mr. Dipo Fatokun.

He said: “The draft bill seeks to provide the necessary legal

to boost public confidence in the industry.

Barau said, “It is heartwarming to see that as the epayment increases in year 2015, there is a reduction in the e-fraud recorded.”

He assured stakeholders at the event that the NeFF, which comprises of representatives of banks, CBN and other stakeholders in the epayment space, would continue to enjoy necessary support from the central bank.

structure for the payment system in Nigeria that will cover all areas. You know, currently, the Central bank Act, 2007 has a line on the stability of the financial system which includes the payment system. But the nitty-gritty of the operations of that system like who is qualified to be a provider, a service provider, what are the duties and responsibilities of a service provider on the payment system, what is the relationship between the various service providers, how should collateral management look like and a lot of other issues that are

available in legislation in other countries that is not currently available in Nigeria.

“So in order to give a legal backing to the guidelines and the policies that are being churned out by the central bank, that is why we have that draft bill. It has been in the works but as I said, the payment strategy board has taken a final look at it and once it is Okayed by the Committee of Governors of the CBN, it will go to the appropriate arm of government for presentation to the National Assembly.”

Executive, FBN Capital Asset Management Limited, said, “The N1 trillion targets has more to do with the collective investment schemes. As an industry, segregated accounts have done up to N650 billion, while mutual funds have done almost N250 billion. So we are close to N1 trillion, however mutual funds is only N250 billion. It is mutual funds that we want to grow to N1 trillion and at N250 billion, we still have a long way to go.”

Meanwhile the Association has elected Dr. Ore Sofekun, Managing Director/Chief Executive, Investment One Funds Management Limited.

In her acceptance speech, Sofekun said the executives will consolidate on the progress made by the outgoing executives. The executives include: Bunmi Dayo - Olagunju, as Vice President and Fela Popoola as Treasurer. Non-Executives members of the executive are James Ilori, Eno Atoyebi, Ade Buraimo and Michael Oyebola.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015— 27

Corporate Finance

FMDQ OTC pledges to broaden fixed income market

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

MDQ OTC Securities Exchange (FMDQ) has pledged to further broaden the over-thecounter (OTC) fixed income securities market through innovations that will benefit all the stakeholders.

The Managing Director/ CEO, FMDQ OTC, Mr. Bola Onadele.Koko, gave the assurance at the 2015 annual workshop of the Capital Market Correspondents Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) in Lagos.

He spoke through the Head, Business Development, FMDQ OTC, Ms. Tumi Sekoni, saying that having succeeded in turning around the market within two years of its operation; the Exchange is set to bring more innovations that will make the platform more attractive to issuers and investors.

According to him, FMDQ OTC has not only deepened the fixed income debt securities market, but has also made it very liquid for investors to participate.

Onadele.Koko affirmed that FMDQ will play a pivotal role in implementation of Financial Sector Reform: FSS 2020 Blueprint, saying that its aspiration is to be the safest and fastest growing financial system among emerging economies. of FSS 2020 He explained that part of the Exchange’s objectives is to strengthen the domestic financial market, enhance integration with external financial market, as well as create a solid international financial centre, adding that to-date, FMDQ captures 98 per cent of Nigerian OTC financial market turnover.

He emphasised that in line with its mission, FMDQ is committed, as part of its strategy to the transformation of the markets, to drive change and impact knowledge through transparency, integration, regulation and education.

He listed some of the key milestones covered already by the securities exchange in the area of transparency and sustainability to include: codification of market and trading rules; introduction of daily quotations list (DQL); publication of the FGN Bond Index; activation of transaction fees and collection of weekly trade data.

Others, according to him, are website launch; change in board members from inaugural to substantive

Board (represented by shareholders).

In the area of market transparency and service enhancement, he said FMDQ has successfully launched FMDQ Bloomberg E-Bond Trading System (E-Bond), undertaken the activation of

quotations service on its website, commenced publication of “Daily Market Activity ” and “Financial Market Research” Reports Debut of FMDQ Newsletter “Spotlight” and OTC Monthly Report.

The rest are publication of OTC market turnover, introduction of dealing members’ League Table, Biannual All Members’

Meeting on FMDQ Market Architecture and price discovery trajectory among others.

It has also launched the FMDQ e-Discovery, E-Bond price global display, commencement of FGN and corporate bonds listings and Nigerian treasury bills quotation and launch of FMDQ e-Market Data & eAnalytics

FORUM: From left: Ayodeji Ogunyemi, Director, Ernest & Young; Noble Ekajeh, CEO, Shiraan Nigeria Ltd and Joseph Alabi, General Manager, Oyo State Waste Management Authority during the World Bank Investors’ Forum on Solid Waste Management in Ibadan.

Market fundamentals are good —CIS boss

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he acting President, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr Oluwaseyi Abe, has reassured both individuals and institutional investors to take advantage of the current low share prices to beef up their portfolios.

Abe, who responded to media enquires explained that the market had always been a barometer that gauges the mood of the economy, noted that the Nigerian economy would pick up soon as indices of prior uncertainties were fizzling out, especially, with the appointment of the new ministers.

According to him, “Chief Executive Officers of quoted companies are working round the clock to ensure shareholders’ value.” Abe stated that due to the lull in the economy and the need to boost disposable income and meet other exigencies, many investors had dumped shares, thus inducing bearish trading.

But he asserted that market fundamentals remained strong and share prices of many blue chip companies were trading below their intrinsic values and urged investors to take advantage of the cheap prices to increase their stakes in the quoted companies.

He explained that the prices would soon pick up. “New Ministers have been sworn in, securities issues corruption are being addressed daily, the management of the Naira exchange rate is being looked into as well, while the current administration would hopefully utilize the market to fund the infrastructural gap in the economy in the wake of dwindling revenue from crude oil,” he stated.

Abe also said that the innovative efforts of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and Securities and

Exchange Commission combined with the awareness creation by the CIS would ultimately strengthen the on-going globalization of the Exchange.

Commenting on the recent stockbrokers’ conference, Abe said the main target was entrepreneurs and the conference was very successful in both the form and content. He stated that the Exchange had become a major platform for entrepreneurs as the market possesses all parameters that can attract an entrepreneur.

‘The conference was well attended and the presentations were not only robust, but well discussed. The communiqué would be out soon and the process of implementing the collective decision would be fast tracked as many entrepreneurs would soon approach the market for investment opportunities ‘, he said.

Speaking on the institute’s Diploma Programme in Securities and Investment, Abe explained that it was a strategic way of not only attracting young entrepreneurs for training but a veritable platform for membership drive. He noted that the CIS had put in place series of activities aimed at boosting drive.

According to him, activities such as customized presentations in secondary schools and tertiary institutions as well as churches and mosques among others were aimed at reinforcing investor confidence in the market.

He urged the federal and state governments to take advantage of the capital market to finance the economy.

Stanbic IBTC Bank expands retail network, commissions Satellite town branch

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tanbic IBTC Bank has opened a new branch at Satellite town in Lagos. The new branch is expected to serve the financial needs of individuals and businesses in Satellite town and its environs, in fulfillment of the bank’s promise to bring banking closer to the people by expanding its service channels. The Satellite town branch will avail customers of Stanbic IBTC Bank as well as prospects the opportunity to enjoy quality and efficient banking services through innovative financial solutions.

The commissioning demonstrates the bank’s commitment to strengthening its business banking portfolio and add value to businesses, said Mr. Obinnia Abajue, Executive Director, Personal and Business Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank.

Only recently, the bank commissioned two cash offices at Orile-Coker and Computer Village, Ikeja, both in Lagos.

GTBank unveils Nigeria’s first virtual MasterCard

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uaranty Trust Bank plc has reaffirmed its position as a leading provider of e-payment gateway solutions with the recent launch of its Virtual Prepaid MasterCard. The card, which is issued instantly via Internet Banking, provides an added comfort for security conscious online shoppers who prefer not to use their regular debit/ credit cards when making online payments.

The GTBank Virtual card has all the essential features of a physical card and can be used to make both international and local online payments. It also serves as a fall back option for customers who have forgotten or lost their card, but need to perform urgent online purchases. The introduction of the virtual card has bridged the gap between traditional e-wallets and bank accounts by providing a low cost alternative to physical debit cards. Customers also have the option of converting the virtual card to a physical card.

28— Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

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Corporate Report Continued from Page 28 critical earning season is the first half of the year and a slowdown in sales revenue is therefore likely in the final quarter.

After tax profit came to N3.52 billion at the end of the third quarter, an increase of 58.9% year-on-year. Net profit is projected at N4.83 billion for Presco at the end of 2015. This will be a rise of 85% from the net profit figure of N2.61 billion the company recorded in 2014. The profit forecast is subject to a wide variation from the actual due to the uneven earnings pattern of the company across quarters.

The strength to grow profit came from a drop of 16.6% in cost of sales against the increase of 16.2% in sales revenue. This enabled the company to lift gross profit margin from 42.2% in the same period last year to 58.5% at the end of the third quarter. Gross profit rose by 61% to N4.71 billion at the end of September and net profit margin widened from 32% to 44% over the review period.

Another favourable development so far in the year is a gain of N2.23 billion

The strength to grow profit came from a drop of 16.6% in cost of sales against the increase of 16.2% in sales revenue.

This enabled the company to lift gross profit margin from 42.2% in the same period last year to 58.5% at the end of the third quarter in biological assets, which is an increase of 36.3% over the same period last year. On the other hand, selling/ administrative expenses rose ahead of sales revenue at 20.3% and claimed an increased share of sales revenue.

Again, other operating income dropped by over 22% during the period in spite of which the company achieved a leap of 62% in operating profit to N5.41 billion.

A major issue to contend with is a rise of over 73% in interest charges, which is hurting the cash flow position.

Cash flow difficulties created the need to borrow and short-term debts have expanded by 345% and long-term borrowings have grown by 19.4%.

The company earned N3.45 per share at the end of the third quarter, increasing from N2.22 in the same period last year. Full year earnings per share is projected at N4.85 for Presco in 2015, an expected rise from N2.68 in 2014. The company paid a cash dividend of N1.0 per share at the end of its 2014 operations.

30— Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Homes & Housing Finance Stories by YINKA KOLAWOLE

“Access to data key to mortgage sector growth”

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he growth of N i g e r i a ’ s Mortgage Banking sub-sector depends on access to strategic data insight which results in mortgage solutions that address market needs.

Chief Executive Officer of CreditRegistry (CR) Services, Mrs. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, disclosed this at the just concluded 11th Annual Mortgage Banking Association of Nigeria (MBAN), CEO’s Retreat at Epe Resort and Spa, Epe, Lagos State.

Speaking on the theme: “Sustainability of the Mortgage/ Housing SubSector: Critical Issues, Impediments, Prospects and Potentials”, SharrieffAyedun said that through the MBAN partnership and collaborative efforts with credit bureau firms, mortgage banks will gain business intelligence through the data shared with the bureau. She added that this would enable the banks to become more CBN compliant and the ensuring transparency will accelerate growth sustainability in the mortgage banking subsector.

Sharrieff-Ayedun noted that CR Services provide rich strategic data insight, industry growth trends, target market opportunities and credit information to evaluate and score obligor performance in terms of repayment amongst other things to other financial institutions that have 100 per cent coverage of data submission to the Bureau.

The CreditRegistry boss emphasised that the growth of Nigeria’s economy depends on depth of information sharing and transparency amongst its financial institutions. “CR Services (Credit Bureau) Plc recognises the value of sharing information to protect the integrity of the financial system and this is why it is partnering with MBAN to deliver total coverage of the sub-sector,” she stated.

In his closing remarks, the President of MBAN, Dr. Femi Johnson, encouraged all mortgage banks to adopt credit bureau services without further delay.

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been called upon to enforce its directive to all banks to reduce Commission on Turnover (COT) because it is threatening the existence of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs).

Mr. Ayobami Biobaku, Chairman of Builders’ Mart, a frontline provider of building equipment and homes solutions, who made the call, noted that the apex bank had not enforced the COT directive since it was issued in 2013. He added that the CBN’s inaction gave an impression that it had decided to look the other way while the banks engaged in all forms of unapproved practices as well as collect spurious charges.

Biobaku said the CBN should check the banks on COT charged so as not to cripple SMEs, adding that “COT is like cancer that is slowly and silently killing SMEs.” COT is a charge levied on customer withdrawals by banks, and it is calculated at the end of every month, applying the percentage on a customer ’s aggregate

RECEPTION- From left: President, Oxford and Cambridge Club, Nigeria, Mr. Akinfela Akoni; British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Ray Kyles and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof.

Bolaji Akinyemi, during the cocktail reception where the British High Commissioner hosted Oxford and Cambridge club members in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Builders Mart boss urges CBN to enforce COT directive withdrawals from the first day of the month to the last day of the month.

On June 11, 2014, the CBN in a circular to all deposit money banks titled, ‘Implementation of the

TrustBond mortgage bank unveils initiatives to enhance business

BY KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE

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rustBond Mortgage Bank Plc has concluded plans to put a smile on the faces of the suffering widows across Nigeria by designing a special mortgage product for them, just as the primary mortgage institution (PMI) will soon formally launch its mobile App and ATM Card to enhance its operations.

Mr. Adeniyi Akinlusi, Managing Director of the bank made the disclosure at the sixth Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the bank last week in Lagos. He said the initiatives became imperative because this is the only way it can demonstrate its corporate social responsibility to the society as well as enhancing its operations.

Akinlusi noted that the special product is aimed at alleviating the suffering of widows in the country, as they often get thrown out of their houses after they are bereaved. He assured that the widows’ special product that will be launched soon will be made so simple that all widows can benefit from it.

In his address, Chairman of the board of directors, Mr. Etigwe Uwa (SAN), said the pilot scheme for the mobile app and ATM Card is already being tested, adding that its launching will come up early next year. He pointed out that both products will add more value to the shares of the bank and enhance its operations.

Uwa noted that the Nigerian mortgage industry which is critical to the development and growth of the country had continued to adapt to regulatory changes designed to strengthen the mortgage sector. He pointed out that under the new CBN guidelines,

permissible activities for PMIs are mortgage finance, real estate construction finance and acceptance of deposits. According to him, this shift in policy on operational guidelines seemed to have brought the re-awakening that mortgage banks are “banks” and not real estate management firms with the need to continually refocus operations in line with the guidelines, informing that his bank has been committed to dedicating resources to ensure compliance with the relevant regulatory requirements.

The chairman added core competencies required have now shifted to improving and enhancing areas like deposit mobilisation, creation of risk assets, assets and liabilities management, risk management, financial regulatory compliance, etc. He emphasised that with a national franchise that enables the bank to engage in affordable home financing in all parts of the country, offer of innovative products catering to different needs of the populace and coupled with their growing brand in the industry, the bank is poised to take the opportunities that the estimated 17 million housing units Nigerian housing deficit presents.

On the performance of the bank for the year under review, he noted that despite the headwinds of 2014, gross earnings of the company increased by 5.3 per cent from N802.36 million in 2013 to N844.83 million in 2014. He said loss from continuing operations After Tax in 2014 reduced to N40.98 million from N76.26 million in 2013, while Profit After Tax in 2014 for discontinued operation reduced to N69.17 million from N139.56 million in 2013. He disclosed however, that Profit After tax and other comprehensive income for the financial year increased to N113.94 million from N63.77 million in 2013.

Revised Guide to Bank Charges- Commission on Turnover’ reminded all banks that “The CBN, in conjunction with the Bankers Committee, issued the Revised Guide to Bank Charges (the Guide) on March 27, 2013. The Guide sought to standardise charges for various products arc services offered by banks.

Section 3.1 of the Guide provides that Commission on Turnover (COT) is negotiable subject to a maximum of N3 per mille in 2013; N2 per mills In 2014; N1 per mille in 2015; and that no COT would be charged from 2016.

Information available to the CBN indicates that some banks are still charging COT at the rate of N3 per mille which was the agreed rate for 2013.”

The CBN reiterated in its 2014 circular that the maximum COT allowed by the Guide for 2014 is N2 per mille. “Consequently, all banks that have charged excess COT since the effective date of the Guide are hereby required to refund same to the affected customers not later than thirty (30 days from the date of this circular.”

Biobaku alleged that no bank has heeded the instruction of the CBN to refund money collected from them since 2013 and that they were still being charged by these banks in violation of the CBN directive, urging the CBN Governor to come to their rescue because they are losing a lot of money that should improve their business to the banks.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 — 31

Can Nigeria states go bankrupt? (2) “Looking from the fact that the funds from the Federation Account are not judiciously utilized by the states and they are not accountable to the people and the state legislature, our concern is that even if they get money from bonds and it is not invested, the state will be left with a huge debt burden , which will hurt in the long term.” Dr Usman Muttaka, Head of Department of Economics, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

“Osun’s federal allocation can’t pay electrical bill – Aregbesola.

Punch, November 30, 2015; page 12.

Governor Aregbesola, went on to disclose to the people of the state, and Nigeria, that “Osun State received only N55m from the Federation Account for the month of September 2015.”

For a state which had declared a monthly wage bill

totaling N2.4 billion, this is not only frightening, it naturally leads to the question: from where will the state raise the funds to fulfill its obligations to its workers and others? It is pertinent to point out that Gross Allocation from the Federal Government to Osun State was actually N2,461bn, but deductions for external debt (N59.6m), contractual obligation(ISPO) (N946m) and other deductions (N1.4bn), all amounting to N2.405bn, reduced the states “take home pay” to a mere N55m. So it is not the Federal government that is responsible for Osun State’s predicament, it is the debts and contractual obligations entered into by the government which had got it into deep trouble. And, the problem can only get worse as allocations from Abuja decline.

The revenue allocation figures for September

published in November reveal how states which are heavily indebted can easily become bankrupt. Most people don’t bother to read these publications which remain one of the best legacies of Dr Ngozi OkonjoIweala when she came in as Obasanjo’s Minister of Finance. Even those who take a glance conduct no deep analysis of the report. Let me use that report to illustrate how much information one can get from it.

All three represent decisions made by state governments to which the CBN gives effect when calculating what each state receives as net revenue for each month

Columns 7, 8 and 9 list deductions from source made from states allocations by the Central Bank. All three represent decisions made by state governments to which the CBN gives effect when calculating what each state receives as net revenue for each month. Column 7 represents external debt, column 8 lists contractual obligations (ISPO) and, 9 is for other deductions. When states enter into financial agreements and authorize the CBN to deduct as and when due, they cannot complain if later the deductions are killing them. What they sow is what they reap.

For September, the following facts emerge for selected states: RIVERS N1.728bn BAYELSA N2.252bn LAGOS N2332bn DELTA N2.355bn OSUN N2.404bn Source: Federal Ministry of Finance, Abuja.

As everybody knows Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers are oil producing states which receive the highest federal revenue allocation. Lagos meanwhile enjoys the highest Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, in the country.

Those states can survive with deductions of N2bn per month. Can Osun survive

with N2.404bn monthly deduction? Osun is not alone; but it presents the most puzzling case of a state with low revenue base competing with relatively rich states in debt acquisition. Granted, the case had been made for innovative programmes on which these sums ahd been spent. But, the truth remains this: for states to avert bankruptcy, they must tailor their spending ambition to their ability to fund those programmes in the long term.

How for instance will Osun State now continue to feed the kids with N55m received for October.

There is a lesson here for those who are still keen on getting the Federal government to provide “free” lunch and “free” money to the jobless. It is a sound idea which makes no economic senses. It will bankrupt us in the end.

States started defaulting on payment of salaries when the price of crude oil was over US$70 per barrel. The situation got worse when the crude price declined to under US$50. In 2016, Nigeria will be fortunate to receive US$35 per barrel for its crude. Can the states avoid bankruptcy?

The way I see it, three are already bankrupt and anybody extending them credit or signing a contract with them is wasting his money.

You can bet on that.

Micro-Finance

Why Nigeria SMEs die with first generation, by Omoigui-Okauru STORIES BY PROVIDENCE OBUH

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he question of why Nigeria has not been able to sustain generations of successful businesses has been addressed differently by experts, but former Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Executive Chairman, Mrs. Ifueko OmoiguiOkauru, attributed it to poor visual ability.

She cited Germany as example of country that has maintained fifth generation of SMEs, global and family businesses, in her keynote address at the 2015 WISCAR end of year graduation and 4 th award presentation ceremony with theme: “Women Leading Change” in Lagos.

Speaking on “Paradigm and Lens: Through Which We See” Okauru said, “We don’t build on our successes, I have pondered on why after the first generation of successful businesses, it is very difficult to move from one generation to another generation in this country, compared to Germany, which is dealing with fifth generation of SMEs, global businesses, family businesses. The way we see affects what we do and the C M Y K

results that we get.”

To this end, she said that to lead a change, there is the need to first champion a change in mindset, not just at the societal level, “but in ourselves.”

She added, “We really have not sat down to reflect what drives successes, we need to champion a change in mindset. We need to build a mindset of continuous research, innovation, inquiry, progress, learning, improving, capturing, for instance capturing records whether public or private sector. We are not good at capturing records; we don’t value records because we

don’t understand and value its importance. You cannot fight corruption without record,” she said.

The discussants at the event include Prof. Remi Sonaiya, first female presidential candidate, Mrs. Lynda SaintNwafor, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria and Mrs. Yewande Sadiku, Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank, shared their

experiences, advising on the way forward and how to succeed as a career woman without reflecting negatively on the home.

Founder, WISCAR, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, stated , “In my several years as a professional, I have come to the full realization of the hard work, diligence and creativity of the Nigerian Woman.

WISCAR will continue to

deploy programmes and provide frameworks to enable young female professionals achieve their potential and their aspirations.”

Meanwhile, WISCAR graduated its sixth stream of mentees and inducted the seventh set who will go through the intensive twelve months structured Win with WISCAR mentoring program.

Micro entrepreneurs call for enabling environment

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he Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria, AMEN has called on the Federal Government to

CEREMONY - From left: Mrs. Yewande Sadiku, Executive Director, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Prof. Remi Sonaiya, first female presidential candidate, Mrs. Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Technical Officer, MTN Nigeria and Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, Founder, WISCAR, at the 2015 end of year graduation and award presentation ceremony.

provide enabling environment to ensure continued productivity by local manufacturers.

Speaking at a one day awareness campaign organised by the association in Lagos, President, AMEN, Prince Saviour Iche, told press men that the awareness campaign was to sensitise youth that they can start up a business of their own rather than relying on white collar jobs that are not there According Iche, The issue of unemployment is on the increase, a country as Nigeria where we have graduates looking for jobs is not encouraging, we are asking government to look inward and create enabling environment for local manufacturers because

this is the only platform that can get millions of Nigerian youths to be employed. About 97 percent of what we consume is imported given that we are a consuming nation.

“If amenities, especially power and funding are made available for us, we will be employing a whole number of youths. I alone employ about 40 staff aside from indirect workers.” On N5,000 payment to unemployed youths, he stated: “Whether they are giving N5000 to the unemployed youths or the vulnerable in the society, it is an act of encouraging laziness, Nigeria is raising youths of future gamblers. That money is not the answer, what they need is employment,”he said.

32 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

Insurance

Premium pension appoints chief marketing officer

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he Board of Premium Pension Limited has approved the appointment of Mr. Kabir Ahmed Tijjani into the newly created position of Chief Marketing Officer as part of its continued repositioning efforts toward having a greater market share.

In a statement signed by the company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Paddy Ezeala, the move is in response to the ever expanding markets in the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The company said that the appointment which takes immediate effect is expected to enhance business development and customer relationship management.

“There is no doubt that the pension industry has been firmly rooted in the country” said Mr. Kayode Akande, the Company ’s Executive Director, Business Development and Investment. “There is every reason for us to respond to industry exigencies occasioned by the impending extension of the contributory pension scheme to the informal sector and the associated rise in micropension possibilities.

“By this appointment, we are proactively responding to the medium and long-term business challenges that will be emerging in the industry” Akande further stated. “The industry has been growing by leaps and bounds and we are only being strategic.

“Tijjani joined Premium Pension since its inception in 2005 as a management staff.

As a seasoned corporate legal practitioner, he first served as Company Secretary and Head of Legal Services Department. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Tijjani is now saddled with the responsibility of facilitating the business development functions, customer base growth and all activities geared towards marketing drive.

“Tijjani is an alumnus of Lagos Business School, (LBS), Howard University Washington DC and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He attended several professional courses, seminars and workshops on Corporate Legal practice, Telecommunications, Pension Matters, Information Communication Technology and Finance within and outside Nigeria.

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BAZAAR - From left, Alexander Tifase, Accounts Officer and Tunde Olabiyi; Relationship Manager, both of Access bank; Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, Executive Director of Ovie Brume Foundation; Ezeanya Franca, Research & Development Technologists, Mr. Cheff; and Abayomi Karounwi,Head Of Programmes, Ovie Brume Foundation at the Foundation's Christmas bazaar.

NIA, CIIN bid to reposition insurance in financial services sector Stories by ROSEMARY ONUOHA

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hairman of Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA, Mr. Godwin Wiggle has assured that the Association will continue to support the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, to move the insurance industry forward.

Wiggle made the assertion when the CIIN President, Lady Isioma Chukwuma paid

a courtesy visit to the NIA in Lagos.

Wiggle said, “We welcome you to NIA and do assure you of our support as always. The CIIN and NIA have enjoyed very cordial relationship over the years and your visit has further strengthened the bond. The insurance industry is one big family and we have to co-operate at all times in the interest of the insurance profession” he stated.

“Insurance is our business and as the President of our professional body, the onus is on all of us to support you to succeed so that our profession will get the kind of recognition it rightly deserves” he added.

Meanwhile, Chukwuma in her address said that the CIIN is not resting on its oars in the drive to promote insurance awareness and education in Nigeria.

Chukwuma said, “The 2015 edition of the Institute’s annual education seminar with the theme “Synergizing Branch Office Operations and Insurance Awareness” was held just last week in Port Harcourt.

The event was followed by our donation of 750 copies of the CIIN published ‘Insurance Textbook for Secondary Schools’ to both the Rivers and Imo States’ Ministries of Education for onward distribution to all the senior secondary schools in both states. The donation of the textbooks to Rivers and Imo States follows prior donations to the governments of Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ondo and Kwara States.

“All of these represent our articulated efforts at expanding the capacity of institutions offering insurance programmes thereby guiding them pragmatically towards the improvement of their capacity to deliver superior and qualitative insurance education.

“I must reiterate at this point that the Institute is fully committed to placing the insurance industry in a prime position in the financial services sector and the national economy as a whole. Let me therefore assure you that the Institute is receptive to ideas and suggestions geared at guaranteeing success.

IHMS gets recognition for excellence I

nternational

Health

Management Services Ltd (IHMS) has received the West African Quality Health Maintenance Organisation Company of the Year 2015 Award presented by the Quality Management Development Institute (QMDI).

The award, which was presented to IHMS in Lagos during the annual West African Quality Endorsement, Products/ Ser vices Awards (WAQEPSA), was instituted to recognise products, services, individuals and organisations that have excelled when measured against the framework of excellence.

Chief Operating Officer of IHMS, Dr. Chidi Ukandu, who expressed happiness at winning the award, described the achievement as further proof of the commitment of IHMS to delivering total quality service to all its subscribers.

“Over the last 14 years, IHMS has dedicated itself to serving our enrollees nationwide with best-in-class

health insurance services with a view to promoting health and wellness in our areas of coverage,” Ukandu said.

He stressed that “The award has affirmed our capacity to deliver on our promise and it will spur IHMS and its management to reach for higher quality of service to all its enrollees in accordance with global best practice.”

Ukandu explained that the vision of IHMS is to be the preferred provider of integrated and quality

healthcare solutions in Nigeria. This, according to him, is in tandem with the goals of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

“From inception, IHMS has supported its vision with the latest and most effective ICT tools and a nationwide select group of primary, secondary, tertiary and ancillary healthcare providers that offer us necessary leverage to meet the needs of our customers.”

The Award Board Chairman and former President of the

Certified Pension Institute of Nigeria, Dr. Olu Ige, said: “IHMS clinched the award from amongst several organisations recommended to QMDI’s selection committee in a public survey that was based on several parameters that included international best practice; operational excellence; quality and focused leadership; quality products/ services; sound business ethics and Customers’ satisfaction.”

Onaolapo bows out of Sovereign Trust

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anaging Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, STI, Mr. Wale Onaolapo has finally taken a bow after 21 years of meritorious service.

An astute and thoroughbred professional, Onaolapo joined the company from inception in 1994 as an Assistant General Manager, Technical, and rose through the ranks.

In a statement, the company said that Onaolapo was appointed to the Board of the company in 2004 when he became an Executive Director and later rose to the position of the Managing Director in 2008. In 2009, he became the MD/CEO when the pioneering Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Oluseun Ajayi became the Executive Vice Chairman of the organisation.

Wale Onaolapo’s invaluable contributions to the development and growth of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has been described as very phenomenal by watchers of the industry. He was part of the management team that took the company’s shareholders’ fund from N20 million at inception to over N4 billion to date while growing the balance sheet size from N25 million to N9.6 billion as at the end of third quarter of 2015. The gross premium income of the company grew from N36 million in 1995 to over N7 billion in 2014. Under his leadership, the company executed two successful rights issue in 2011 and 2015 respectively in shoring up the capital base of the company.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 — 33

Economy

Global economic changes, accountability drive high demand for data — KALE STORIES BY EMEKA ANAETO, ECONOMY EDITOR

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ational Bureau of Statistics, NBS, has recorded an explosion in the demand for data and statistical information both from international and local interests.

Key data request indicators at the NBS show that in 2005, just under 50,000 reports were downloaded from the NBS website compared to over three million in 2014, just as As a result, he stated requests for data by walk-in “several international users which was 23 in 2005 investors are seeking rose to 1,817 in 2014. investment opportunities Last year NBS had the elsewhere and attention is highest freedom of turning to emerging markets information requests and including those in Africa”. submissions amongst all After the onset of the 2008 government agencies in the global financial crisis, growth country. slowed to an average of less Furthermore, in 2005 visits than two percent in the to NBS website was recorded developed world, while many at 36, 280 but at end of 2014, African countries including this was 7.5million.

Nigeria recorded over 5.0 per Dr Yemi Kale, the cent growth rates. statistician general of the According to Kale “the federation, who disclosed African rising story really these during the combined started after this period. The session of the national result was a huge inflow of consultative committee on interest and capital inflow statistics, NCCS, last week into the region. At the same said the external component time a huge number of of the demand pressure was international brands have dominant due to the declining come in and are now doing growth and business business in Nigeria as have opportunities in most parts of international development the developed world at a time agencies. growth was increasing in “Foreign investors and Nigeria and some other development agencies, African economies. however, require huge

•Dr Yemi Kale amount of data to make their decisions and with this increase in interest African and Nigerian statistical offices are being put under pressure to meet the demand and accordingly are being forced to raise the bar higher in the quality of data produced.

On the domestic front, data demand is being fueled by what Kale call “endogenous” factors.

According to him, “one can point to an increased demand for data due to the increased insistence for accountability and good governance by citizens, as well as the willingness by governments at all levels to demonstrate progress and democratic dividends in various sectors.

Nigeria just completed successful elections recently and huge parts of the campaign were arguments about data.

“Endogenous demand for data is also being driven by a resurgence in strategic planning and renewed emphasis on key performance indicators for outputs and

outcomes rather than solely on inputs. As we are all aware, after many years of neglect, Nigeria, both at the Federal and across many States, has embarked on a process leading to a return towards strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation and accordingly, the use of evidenced-based policy as a means of transforming the social and economic wellbeing of our country.

“Accordingly, the significance of statistical information for making evidenced-based decisions that guide the implementation of new policy, monitoring of existing policy and evaluation of the effectiveness of policy decisions cannot be overemphasised.

“This point is especially relevant to Nigeria today as we are in an era of change. It is however, when we are able to collate, understand and interpret data correctly, as well as develop our ability to identify key areas in our society or our economy that require change, that our

policy prescriptions and direction are more likely to respond to the real needs of the community and the real changes our country needs”.

Kale noted that the underpinning of this entire system is timely and reliable statistics, adding that as a nation Nigerians have become more aware that measuring progress is instrumental in ensuring the success of any development programme or process.

He also noted that Nigeria as a nation is faced with many developmental challenges in the areas of health, education, security, governance among other challenges and measuring the success or otherwise of these interventions and initiatives can only be substantiated by accurate and reliable data which is as important if not more than the programmes or strategy itself.

According to him the factors have created a scenario where there is immense attention and interest in Nigeria, as one of the major destination for growth and opportunities, and with it has come increased demand for information and consequently significant efforts over the last few years to improve the quality, timeliness and reliability of statistics.

Against the backdrop of the crucial role of statistics for development and the increasing demand for reliable and timely data and the need to meet that demand, Kale stated that NBS has developed the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics, NSDS, an internationally recognised framework for statistical development in several countries.

Inflation stabilizes in Nov, Q4 despite fuel crises

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ontrary to expectations inflation rate may become stable in fourth quarter 2015 as indicators point to slower pace in increases in the prices of commodities in both international and local markets.

Despite fuel crises that had hit the economy since second week of November inflation rate (year-on-year) is forecast to remain unchanged at 9.3 per cent, same level as October.

Inflation rate has been on upswing since this year but it toned down in October as against 9.4 per cent peak recorded in September.

Economy observers said there has been slower increases in the prices of most food and non-food items, except for transportation due to the fuel shortage.

Food prices in the month of November at the international market dropped after a spike in October. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Food Price Index, FFPI, for the month of November 2015 released last week, shows that the Index averaged 156.7 points, about 1.6 per cent C M Y K

lower in October 2015.

According to the FAO, all the commodities included in the FFPI dropped except for sugar prices.

Vegetable oil prices recorded the highest drop. Abundant supplies and lower energy prices were responsible for the drop in the Index.

The Dairy Price Index fell for the first time in three months by 2.9 per cent. Milk powder and butter were the main commodities affected.

The FAO Cereal Price Index declined by 2.3 per cent from the previous month, due to the continued fall in the prices of coarse grains, wheat and rice.

FAO Meat Price Index was down 1.6 per cent supported by oversupply within the European Union.

However, the FAO Sugar Price Index was up 4.6 per cent, the highest level since February 2015. The increase was due largely to weather conditions in Brazil, the world’s leading sugar producer.

34 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

E-Commerce

Lagos places Nigeria on top global mileage ranking

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survey by online vehicle marketplace, Carmudi.com has shown that Nigeria ranks high on global mileage ranking.

TheCarmudi team in a survey compared average country mileage and found out that population growth; rise in the price of real estate and petrol subsidy affects the distance cars travel. The cars examined ranged from 2 to 5 years old.

The research revealed that Nigeria’s average is 22.8 per cent higher than the global average. The average mileage for used cars in Nigeria amounted to 51,764 km. After the first two years of driving, cars in Nigeria averaged 35,714 km. The number of miles on average almost doubles after five years to amount to 59,938 km showing a steady increase in the distance travelled by commuters. accordibng to the survey, the leading contributor to the higher than average mileage in Nigeria is Lagos. The city's population has grown 20 per cent since 2006 due to urban migration, favorable business conditions and high birth rates. Due to the population increase, the former capital is experiencing a significant housing shortage, as well as high levels of migration from the countryside, pushing real estate prices up. Lagos state government estimates that 4 million homes must be constructed to close the current housing gap. The outskirts of Lagos have become preferable in terms of residential areas and people prefer to travel from the outskirt to the city and back on a regular basis to avoid sky high real estate prices.

This has increased the collective millage for Lagos state and ultimately Nigeria on the global ranking.

When examining diesel vs. petrol cars in Nigeria, it is seen that cars powered by petrol fuel are clearly driven more. Petrol cars in Nigeria were driven 77 per cent further on average than diesel cars. The main contributing factor is petrol state subsidies, which make driving petrol cars cheaper on average. It’s also the reason for continuous increase in amount of petro cars on Nigerian roads.

Training, key to unlocking e-commerce potential in Nigeria — AKINDE Stories by JONAH NWOKPOKU

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hief Executive Officer of ecommerce solution provider, Slimtrader, Femi Akinde has identified capacity building as a critical ingredient to unlocking the potential of e-commerce in Nigeria.

Akinde who was speaking at the Africa Technology Summit in Ghana highlighted the need for employers to train people in order to achieve set business goals, while identifying talent acquisition as one of the major challenges confronting the sector.

According to him, the Nigerian market doesn’t have people who are equipped with the right skills for roles in the-commerce sector, adding that his experience as a major player in the hospitality industry, shows t hat lack of talent has constituted major hindrance to growth.

He however said that, “Slimtrader has been able to overcome this challenge by grooming talents for the industry with a training program in partnership with

AWARD - From left: Chief Executive Officer, Pass.ng, Sampson Abioye, Co-Founder, Pass.ng, Joshua Adegbagbo, 2nd Best scorer, 2015 UTME, and Pass.ng Top Awardee, Faith Bamidele, Top Scorer and Awardee, Joshua Ani and Vice President, Airtel Nigeria at the maiden edition of Pass.ng Excellence Award held in Lagos.

West Africa Vocational Education (WAVE) to get Nigerian youths equipped with the right skills for jobs in the hospitality industry, especially, bearing in mind, the sector ’s potential to contribute up to 5.8 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP within the next decade.”

He added: “Ecommerce solutions such as

SlimTrader’s MoBiashara for Hotel marketplace platform will therefore help the sector grow, giving hotels greater visibility.”

Speaking further, Akinde said: “In recent times, Slimtrader has taken further steps to ensure the MoBiashara service is offered to hotels around Africa. With the recent funding of $1

million through Interswitch’s e-payment growth fund, Slimtrader plans to expand to other African countries. To further boost expertise, Founder and GroupManaging Director of Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe has also joined the Board of Directors of Slimtrader.”

Konga rakes in N1.2bn from Yakata sales N

igeria’s online mall, Konga.com, said it recorded over N1.2 billion in sales during the 2015 Yakata sales which held on Thursday, November 26 and continued on Friday, November 27, 2015.

Yakata is Konga.com’s version of the globally famous

‘Black Friday’,and during the sales promo, online shoppers were offered good deals across several items.

Speaking on the success of the promo, Konga.com's Chief Operating Officer, Shola Adekoya said: “We are more than pleased with the success recorded with the recent

Yakata sales. The success is not for Konga alone, it is for a myriad of small and medium sized businesses across Nigeria that are selling on Konga’s platform today.This is also a reflection of the outstanding team of people we have here and the support from our customers.”

Pass.ng rewards top 10 UTME 2015 outstanding students

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igeria’s examinations preparatory and etesting platform, Pass.ng has rewarded its top 10 users, who excelled in this year’s UTME JAMB during the maiden edition of Pass.ng Excellence Award held in Lagos.

Speaking on the awards, Chief Executive Officer, Pass.ng, M r. Samson Abioye said the aim of the award is to underscore the importance of excellence in education to national development.

He said: “The excellence awards are geared towards rewarding our users who not only made us proud but did excellently well in this year’s UTME JAMB. This year,

about 1.5 million students wrote UTME and a 100,000 of them used our platform to prepare for the exam. We are glad to say that over 60 per cent scored 200 and above.

This is a remarkable achievement. We hope to increase this figure yearly.

“With the excellence award, we hope to encourage students to be committed towards hard work and diligence, especially in the pursuit of their careers. We believe the award will create a healthy competition among students and also reduce massive failure rate experienced yearly in the UTME exams.”

Also speaking, the Product

Manager, Pass.ng, Mr. Imole Oluyemi, said the excellence award would rekindle students’ love for academic excellence.

“We want this to be the very catalyst of change for a complete overhaul of our education system. The celebration is not just for the urban setting; we are looking at celebrating students who live in remote villages. We believe this will have a domino effect on the education system,” he said.

The top 10 students will each be awarded prices including laptops and scholarship for the overall best.

He added: “Konga is becoming more and more of a positive force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian economy and we are grateful to all Nigerians that have chosen us as their trusted ecommerce platform.”

Adekoya stated that sales peaked at N1 million per minute: a growth of 113 percent compared to 2014 sales.

Highlighting other highlights of the two days sales event , Adekoya said: "At it’s peak, Konga had 25,000 users concurrently engaged on the platform; mobile was the dominant channel, contributing 58 percent of visits, with 42 per cent from desktop; and 40 percent of first day orders shipped within 24 hours, with customers tweeting proof of received orders even before the sale promo was over."

Also speaking, Konga's CEO, SimShagaya, disclosed that buyer traffic more than doubled from what was recorded a year ago, and over N110,000,000 worth of orders were placed during the first 4 hours of Konga’sYakata. He noted that most of these transactions were completed through the company’s new online payment solution, KongaPay.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 — 35

Media & Advertising Stories by PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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he technological revolution of the past 150 years has given people around the world easy access to everything from smartphones to life-saving medical devices. While one may not yet be aware of all the implications of our hyperconnected society, it is abundantly clear that the rapid growth in the capability and availability of smart technology is a net positive for everyone. However, despite the progress that has accompanied bringing futuristic technology to so many homes, the technological revolution has had a negative impact on the environment and emerging markets still lag far behind their developed peers.

The rise of mobile technology means more consumers are spending more time with more devices and power consumption has risen around the globe, particularly in emerging markets. The increased demand for smartphones has also fuell ed exploitative labour practices and environmentally hazardous strip mining for coltan and other minerals in underdeveloped parts of central Africa. Unfortunately, the costs associated with the massive steps forward in technological development are being borne by those living in emerging markets.

The solution to these difficult issues is not to give up our technology.

Rather, technology has the power to solve these problems and prominent firms are taking hands on roles in affected

Smartphone market welcomes Infinix NOTE 2

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RELAUNCH: From Left: Babaloja of Gbagi Market Ibadan, Alhaji. Akeem Kareem, Regional Sales Manager, PZ Cussons,Mr Oni Bashiru, Iyaloja of Gbagi Market Ibadan, Mrs. Aminat Adewunmi and Senior Brand Manager, PZ Cussons, Mr. Olalekan Aro during the PZ Cussons Canoe Relaunch at Gbagi market, Ibadan recently.

Pioneering rapid growth in technology via CSR communities and seizing the initiative in creating products and projects that are affordable, sustainable and ethical. One of such companies is LG Electronics with its extensive Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR activities aimed at giving back to its host communities. LG is helping to lead the way with its highly energy efficient products and CSR activities

that are helping to redefine the company as both a green innovator and a humanitarian crusader. LG’s involvement in charitable causes has set the company apart from profitdriven competitors and helped improve countless lives.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Academy, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Seonghak

LAIF 2015: Insight consolidates position, wins 25 awards LAIF Awards for ten years

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nsight Communications Limited at the just concluded 2015 Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival, LAIF Awards carted home 25 awards.

The award which held in Lagos saw the company emerge the most awarded company for the year, going home with 25 awards, comprising five gold, ten silver and ten bronze awards respectively.

Feyi Olubodun, Chief Operating Officer at Insight Communications, was quick to dedicate the awards to the clients who continue to entrust the company with briefs over the years. “The successful execution of these briefs,” said he “has given birth to these awards.”

He gave kudos to the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) for initiating and sustaining the awards, which according to him have improved the practice of advertising in Nigeria.

The secret behind the company’s consistent strong professional performance is

the hunger to satisfy clients so it looks forward to measuring itself against other competent professionals regularly.

Olubodun disclosed that “the LAIF Awards is something we look forward to every year. It affords us the opportunity to have the industry undertake an independent assessment of what we have done for clients, thereby measuring ourselves against fellow professionals.”

He explained that each work entered by his company for the awards must first pass the critical test of public acceptance, then client satisfaction and approval.

According to him, “clients’ endorsement of ideas and creatives is very complex, as clients trust you with their brands and pay for services.

To earn formal approval of services from paying clients would always be tough, which is why I also commend the employees who give their all, functioning as a well lubricated machine on daily basis to achieve these.”

Recalling that his company has consistently emerged the most awarded company at the

running, Olubodun attributed it to a strong system put in place by the founding fathers of the company – Biodun Shobanjo and Jimi Awoshika.

This according to him “has evolved into a functional system where everybody is aware of his/her roles and delivers on them for the common good of the business.

The creative team, the account management team, the strategic planning team, each department brings value to the table to make Insight a great company. This is what reinforces our confidence that this dominance is sustainable.”

Similarly, Chima Okenimpe, Executive Creative Director at Insight Communications Limited, while applauding the LAIF and its contributions to the advertising industry in Nigeria, counselled the organisers to strive to encourage creativity with a view to “identifying and celebrating adverts that showcase true Nigerian narrative, so as to gain global recognition for the Nigerian ad industry.”

Kim said: “As a socially responsible and purpose driven organization, LG Electronics believes that in order to get the best out of students, the right learning environment ought to be created, which is what informed the establishment of the LG Commercial Air Conditioning Academy in the University of Lagos. Indeed, we believe this will go a long way to boost the intellectual and technical capabilities of the students.

“This scholarship is being awarded to 10 students of 400 and 500 levels from the Faculty of Engineering who emerged as best students after a careful selection by both the university authority and LG Electronics based on their Grade Points of 4.0 to 5.0, which made them stand out from their colleagues.”

Also speaking, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Rahamon Bello said: “on behalf of the University of Lagos, we are highly appreciative of this gesture from the people at LG Electronics- for counting us worthy to be the site for this iconic academy. All over the world there is a great push for more of our young people to be involved in engineering and it is good to see a company of this magnitude investing in the development of Nigerian Youths, giving them the enabling platform to live their dreams”.

Speaking further, Professor Bello said that the annual LG scholarship grants to deserving UNILAG Engineering students which is in its third year is really empowering its students enabling them focus on the things that matter.

he smartphone market will welcome the entrant of a new device Infinix NOTE 2, the latest in its NOTE series from the manufacturing line of Infinix Mobility.

According to Seun Ajiboye, E-Commerce Manager, Infinix Mobility, at a briefing in Lagos prelude to the formal launch of the device in Lagos this week, said Infinix NOTE 2 was introduced to raise the bar in smartphone brands in the Nigerian market.

He said: “since we entered the Nigerian market three years ago, we have had positive response from customers and with the Infinix NOTE 2. We intend to raise the bar because it is one of our most advanced smartphone yet in terms of design and features”.

While listing the features of the NOTE 2, Ajiboye stated that the NOTE 2 comes with exciting specs customized for daily use.

In his words: “The Infinix NOTE 2 offers a bright and large 6.0 inch screen with slim bezels that maximizes the space of the display. Its stunning HD 720 X1280 resolution display reproduces natural colors with deep contrast andThe 6.0 inch screen enhances productivity.

StarTimes begins year end promo

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tarTimes Nigeria has launched a special year end offer that would allow many Nigerians recharge for content and get a decoder for free as well as get extra TV viewing time.

The new offer which starts by November 21 and valid while stock lasts would be available for both digital terrestrial and digital satellite packages and would have new customers recharge N3990 for digital terrestrial and N4800 digital satellite.

The free decoders would come preloaded with exciting content on a bouquet desired by the customers, including basic, classic or unique on digital terrestrial or smart, super on digital satellite.

Existing subscribers can also do an instant recharge for two months and get two months free access to watch sports plus worth N2,400.

StarTimes Marketing Director, Mr. Oludare Kafar, said the special offer is designed to give opportunities for more Nigerians to conveniently own a decoder, enjoy great entertainment with families and friends during the festive season.

36— Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

(0805 220 1997)

Does CBN mastermind the brazen rape of the treasury?

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t would come as a huge surprise to Nigerians if anyone suggested that surplus money constitutes the greatest impediment to the creation of more jobs to enhance the quality of economic and social welfare of our people. Nonetheless, the constitutional custodian of money supply, i.e. CBN, would readily admit that the incurable presence of surplus money supply is actually the major challenge to best practice inflation rate below 2% and cost of funds below 5%, to successfully drive our economy.

Expectedly, persistent excess money supply is also responsible for the unending slide in Naira exchange rate, even when our National coffers are fortuitously endowed with best ever accumulated dollar reserves.

In this regard, in a press briefing on the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee(MPC) meeting of 16/6/2005, former CBN Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, noted as follows: “The major source of huge liquidity injection has been “the monetization (read as the substitution of Naira for dollar denominated revenue) of 2004 Excess crude earnings amounting to over N160bn and this has contributed to the liquidity surge”; Soludo therefore warned that....”the (adverse) consequences of excess liquidity stare us in the face”.

Regrettably, CBN has however, failed, so far, to reduce the extent of liquidity and restrain inflation and Naira depreciation with its usual strategy of borrowing and warehousing some of the market’s surplus liquidity as idle funds, despite the attendant cost that is inconsistent with risk free

sovereign debts, incurred by a resource and reserves rich country like Nigeria. Clearly, even though this trade in government securities remains the most profitable investment for Nigerian banks, it also discourages facilitation of low cost credit to the real sector. Curiously, while the real sector struggles to survive, the banks continue to declare bountiful profits which are primarily derived from loans to government; current indications are that while fiscal debts may require almost N900bn to service annually, the banks, primarily, will also earn over N600bn from the related high interest charges from buying government’s Treasury Bills.

It is pertinent, to interrogate why such loans cost the Treasury so much despite the alleged surfeit of money supply in the market.

Undoubtedly, if CBN does not borrow trillions of Naira to store away as idle funds annually, the banks would have no choice than to eagerly seek out real sector investors for patronage with cheaper credit.

Incidentally, after the MPC meeting in July 2013, Lamido Sanusi, the past CBN Governor also ‘remorsefully’ observed that: “First of all, you have got liquidity surplus in the banking industry.... there is over N1.3Tn or so sitting in banks belonging to government agencies. Now basically, they (these funds) are at zero percent interest and the banks are lending about N2Tn to government and charging 13 to 14%; so why would I, as a bank, go and lend to anyone?”

Similarly, Godwin Emefiele, the present CBN Governor, in another press briefing after another MPC meeting in

November 2015, also disdainfully noted that: “We have discovered that, instead of banks to deploy their liquidity to the real sector to create credit, (and) stimulate growth, what the banks do is to dump their money on CBN AND EARN 11% FOR DOING NOTHING”! Admittedly, the pertinent question, however, is whether or not it makes business sense for government to borrow at even 1% if such loans are ultimately simply kept idle from productive use? Indeed, Central banks in successful economies now, conversely, charge a token fee from banks to warehouse their excess funds.

Incidentally, before the recent introduction of the

CBN made Nigerian banks richer as it returned N740bn to sector, and in the process made liquidity available to the banking system Treasury Single Account(TSA), the availability of idle government deposits in various banks ironically facilitated the farcical process of government borrowing back its own money from banks despite the oppressive cost.

With the adoption of TSA, one would expect reduced market

Business & Economy

providing comfortable liquidity cover for the banking sector.

Nevertheless, the CBN may contend that the additional reduction in CRR, is designed to guarantee that banks will not be starved of liquidity, despite Okonkwo’s assurances of sufficient market liquidity; however, this strategy certainly became inexplicable, when, the CBN on 2nd December 2015, soon after reducing CRR to 20%, again forayed into the market to once more provide banks with the usual ‘awoof’ income by selling N129bn worth of Treasury bills, allegedly to mop up an obviously still compounded market liquidity surplus and restrain an inflationary spiral.

Evidently, the challenge of excess liquidity is also clearly recognised in the monetary policy thrust of vision 2020 which states as follows: “Dealing with the excess liquidity challenge requires innovative approaches... one potentially enduring solution, which would avoid the creation of new money and boost the naira value in the foreign exchange market, relates to the allocation of foreign exchange earned from oil to the three tiers of government rather than monetising it.. but this may be a recipe for capital flight. therefore, the central bank would need to develop capacity for LIQUIDITY FORECASTING AND PROGRAMMING.” In retrospect, however, with inflation at almost 10% and cost of funds at over 22% to the real sector and a sliding naira rate, clearly the CBN’s liquidity forecasting and programming have failed as monetary strategy to induce price stability.

SAVE THE NAIRA! SAVE NIGERIANS.

liquidity and subsequent reduction in unproductive government borrowings. The reality, of course, is that any payment made by MDAs as recurrent or capital expenses to staff and contractors will ultimately migrate to private sector bank accounts and still invariably compound market liquidity. The marginal impact of TSA on banks’ liquidity was also recently underscored by Nnandi Okonkwo, Chairman of the Bankers Committee; in his reaction to CBN’s earlier harmonisation of Cash Reserve Ratios for public and private sectors deposits with banks to 25%, in October 2015, Okonkwo happily declared that: “CBN made Nigerian banks richer as it returned N740bn to sector, and in the process made liquidity available to the banking system”, consequently, Okonkwo concluded that “ we can say that there is no alarm on account of moving TSA funds; and ‘I am (therefore) pleased to inform you that after the review and after compliance, industry liquidity remained strong”.

Sadly, however, there is still no assurance that the resultant liquidity surplus, reported by Okonkwo would reach the real sector, as the CBN re-entered the money market soon after the review, to once more borrow and store, as idle funds, hundreds of billions of presumed troublesome Naira surplus in the system.

Curiously, despite Okonkwo’s confidence on adequate market liquidity, the CBN, nonetheless, still set out, nonetheless, to create even more liquidity with further reduction of the harmonised CRR to 20% from the previous 25% rate that was adjudged by the Banker ’s Committee Chairman as

Governor Udom calls for increased innovation in epayment industry

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overnor Emmanual Udom of Akwa Ibom State has called for more innovation to drive adoption of electronic payment in Nigeria.

He made this call at the ongoing annual retreat of the Committee of E-Banking Industry Heads (CeBIH) in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Represented by the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Akan Okon, the Governor said that while CeBIH has contributed significantly to the growth of epayment in Nigeria, there is need to do more in terms of sound policy framework, innovation and awareness.

He said, “I will like to urge you to incorporate global best practices in the promotion of adoption of electronic payment, and this requires the cooperation of every stakeholder. Furthermore there is need to evolve policies by the regulators and the agencies that will promote innovation in the electronic payment industry.”

He noted that, “Beyond a sound regulatory

framework, we cannot drive the adoption of electronic banking without the right technology, the right standard, and above all, a sustained and robust awareness of the Nigerian public.

“I think we have not done enough in letting our people see the need to embrace electronic banking, which is the best for our society. Granted that we are still in the transition period, more commitment is required to strengthen the consumer confidence that these policies will enhance efficiency, transparency and sustainable development.

“I enjoin you to carry the public along in this vision. Let them know and tap into the tremendous benefits in the electronic banking industry. Continue to work towards unlocking the opportunities that lie fallow in the economy. This should remain your focus as you sail along.”

Omoh Gabriel Babajide Komolafe Clara Nwachukwu Peter Egwuatu Yinka Kolawole Favour Nnabugwu Godwin Oritse Godfrey Bivbere Michael Eboh Franklin Alli Ifeyinwa Obi Rosemary Onuoha Nkiruka Nnorom CONTRIBUTORS Princewill Ekwujuru Jonah Nwokpoku Naomi Uzor Providence Obuh LAYOUT

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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 Maritime Reporter Insurance Reporter Capital Market Reporter

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Media/Marketing E-Commerce Industry Micro Finance Graphics Department

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015— 37

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38—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 , 2015

Fuel Scarcity: DPR seals 97 stations in Lagos, Ogun

From left; Garuba Deen Mohammed,President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Prof Ralph Akinfeleye, Dr. Doyin Abiola and Aremo Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State at the 24th Diamond Awards for Media Excellence in Lagos. Photo: Akeem Salau

•Fines erring stations N100k and above

By Clara Nwachukwu

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BOUT 99 filling stations in Lagos and Ogun states have been sealed for various market infractions and sanctioned accordingly for taking advantage of the current fuel supply shortages.

Industry regulator, the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR, in a statement weekend, in Lagos, said the retail outlets violated various regulations and indicated the sanctions imposed on them, including: •Selling above government stipulated prices – N100K/ per pump; •Under-dispensing of products – N100K/pump; • Operating without licence – seal/shut down; • Diversion of products – N200/litre, and; •Hoarding – dispense to the public at no cost.

The surprise of the list is not so much in the number of those affected but more in the fact that quite a number of the major marketers’ branded outlets were caught violating DPR market regulations as shown below: Lagos area include: •NNPC Retail, Lagos/Abeokuta Exp. Way, Alakuko - diverted 45,000 litres of petrol from NNPC Depot Ejigbo on 9/11/15, penalised with N200/L and suspended from lifting from depot • Mobil, Idimu/Ikotun Road, Ikotun - petrol under-dispensing •Mobil, Akute - petrol underdispensing. •Mobil, Isawo Road, Ikorodu - selling petrol in jerry cans at N100/L, collecting tolls of N100 per motorists/cyclists to sell at N87/L •Mobil, Airport Road, Ikeja – petrol under-dispensing •Conoil, Airport Road Ikeja petrol under-dispensing • Conoil, Opp. Hajj Camp Airport Rd Ikeja - petrol underdispensing •Conoil MM2 Local Airport Road Ikeja – petrol underdispensing. • MRS, Jakande Road, Ijegun Alimosho - selling petrol & kerosene at N110/L, operating with DPR licence •Total, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Old toll gate, Alausa – under-dispensing, and hoarding petrol. • Forte Oil, Ewuelere Ikorodu - selling kerosene at N110/L The rest of the defaulters were independent outlets, who are mostly known for such malpractices: • Gods Decision, Abaranje/Ikotun Road, Alimosho – selling petrol at N100/litre • Lado Oil, Ejigbo/Ikotun Rroad, Egbe – petrol under dispensing • Ladiji, Ejigbo/Ikotun Road, Egbe - selling kerosene at N100/ L. •Carol & Asma’u Oil, Lagos/ Badagry Exp. Way – diesel under-dispensing, no lience,

removal of DPR seal •Olaoluwanishola, Igbogbo, Bayeku Road, Ikorodu selling kerosene at N130/L. •Be Happy, Ijede Road, Itamaga Ikorodu – petrol under-dispensing • MUKKY, 50, Ikotun/Ijegun Road, Alimosho - selling petrol at N100/L, kerosene at N105/L Ogun State There were more incidences of products diversion in the Ogun area than in Lagos as shown below: •Adeyanju, Sango-Ota diverted 33,000 liters of petrol from PPMC Mosimi on 18/11/15 •Mofab, Sango/Ijoko Road, Sango Ota, Ado Odo/Ota diverted 33,000 litres of petrol from PPMC Mosimi on 18/11/15 •Ademayor Eyenla J4 diverted 33,000 litres of petrol from PPMC Mosimi on 18/11/15 •Johntomme, Ipokia - diverted 33,000 litres of petrol from PPMC Mosimi on 18/11/15 •Hope Okerinja - diverted 33,000 litres of petrol from PPMC Mosimi on 18/11/15. All of the above stations were surcharged with N200/L and suspended from lifting from depot. Other offenders include: •MRS Agbado Ijoko Road hoarding and under-dispensing petrol. •MRS Km 4, Itamope Ijebu Ode Road – hoarding and selling kerosene at N100/L. • Unicorn Oil, Alagbado Ota/Ifo selling kerosene at N100/L. •JF Investment Orudu Adeyan Agbado Road - selling petrol at N100/L.

NGE asks Senate to suspend frivolous petitions bill

By Henry Umoru & Joseph Erunke

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HE Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has asked the Senate to suspend unconditionally, all proceedings with respect to a proposed Bill, “Frivolous Petitions (Prohibitions, Etc.) Bill, 2015.

In a statement issued yesterday signed by its president, Garba Deen Muhammad, the Guild said,”the broad objective of this curiously accelerated Bill is to outlaw the freedom of expression of all Nigerian citizens and freedom of speech of all media organizations operating in print, electronic and on-line platforms in Nigeria and beyond.

Appallingly, the Bill has also included as its target very personal and private means of communication such as SMS or text messages and WhatsApp, among others. The freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed in section 22 and 39(1) of the 1999 Nigerian constitution

Globacom enhances customer satisfaction, signs agreement with Vodafone

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LOBACOM has unveiled details of its strategic partnership with Vodafone, assuring its subscribers of a new phase of innovation-leadership and unprecedented quality of service.

Under the Partner Market Agreement covering Nigeria and Benin Republic, Globacom and Vodafone will work together to significantly enhance the experience of individual and corporate customers in terms of access to more robust bouquet of telecom products and services as well as improved service quality levels.

Speaking at the ceremony, Group Executive Director, Globacom, Mrs. Bella Disu, said, “This partnership is something that we both have been yearning for. Globacom is known to be a leader of innovations and, we really have the hunger to

increase our subscriber experience to the highest level possible.

Vodafone has the scale; it has the experience and we both have the same customer-obsession to make that experience even better for our customers. We are very excited.”

Also speaking, Vodafone’s Regional Director, Partner Markets, Vik Patel, said the partnership will help deliver enhanced roaming benefits for Globacom’s consumer and multinational corporate customers.

He said Vodafone will gain from Globacom’s expertise and deep understanding of African markets.

The British High Commissioner, Mr. Thomas Arkwright said the Globacom-Vodafone relationship is in continuation of decades of partnership between Nigeria and United Kingdom, which has manifested in over two million Nigerians living in the UK, 18,000 Nigerian students and five members of Parliament.

respectively.

“Therefore, to enact any kind of law under any guise that will contradict these fundamental provisions is to deliberately seek to undermine the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

We are, therefore, concerned that a group of persons elected by Nigerians to ensure that their rights, privileges and interests are protected, should gleefully misuse the mandate given to them to the detriment of the same people that elected them”.

According to the Guild, “as other concerned individuals and groups have pointed out, the Senate should note that there are already existing laws in our Constitution that can accommodate all the concerns, real or imagined, that the proposed Bill is expected to address. These laws include the Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, the Libel law, etc. In view of this and

the glaring danger posed by the proposed Bill, the NGE is strongly advising the Senate to drop all proceedings on the proposed Bill and turn its attention instead to critical areas in need of urgent intervention. ''While believing that members of the Senate have a right both individually and collectively to express their concerns about the abuse of the cyberspace by unscrupulous people and organizations, we advise them to consolidate or strengthen the existing laws and enforce implementation. We call on all Nigerians that are justifiably peeved by the very consideration of enacting such obnoxious law to remain calm and express their opposition through lawful means.

However, we frown at on-line fraudsters who take advantage of the vulnerable cyber space to carry out cyber bullying, stealing, stalking and all manner of cybercrimes.''

••Critics of the Bill can make input—Senate

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EANWHILE, the Senate said, yesterday, that those opposed to the social media censorship bill were free to make contributions to the red chambers.

In a statement by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Aliyu Sabi, the Senate said, “members of the public, including those for or against the AntiFrivolity bill or parts of the bill will have the opportunity to shape its final outcome as there is an elaborate process which the bill must undergo before it becomes a law. It noted that some of the comments on the bill emanated from misconception and misunderstanding of the objective which it said is meant to protect all individuals and institutions, including journalists and social media users.

“The senate is committed to freedom of speech and a fully inclusive and participatory democracy. The process of passing a bill is comprehensive and provide for inputs to be taken

from all and sundry. The first stage is merely to read the short title of the bill. The second stage is purely to debate the general principles.

The next stage is committal of the bill to appropriate committee or committees for further detailed legislative action where the details, intendment and clause by clause implications of the bill is dissected by the committee.

This stage also involves public hearing in which members of the public, civil society, non governmental organizations and all interested parties for or against the bill have the opportunity to shape and influence its content.

“The outcome from this committee stage is what will be finalized and then represented to the chamber for clause by clause consideration and approval or disapproval by the Senate.

Thereafter, if the bill is approved, then the clean version of the bill is forwarded to the House of Representatives for concurrence or otherwise.''

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—39

Group commends Adighije for helping Abia to recover N12.7bn

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M UA H I A — A group, Abians for Good Leadership has commended Senator Chris Adighije, representing Abia State at Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMFAC, for helping the state to get the refund of N12.7 billion that accrued from the 22 Oil Wells formerly ceded to Rivers State.

The group also said that Adighije assited the State to recover the sum of N226 million said to have erroneously debited to Abia State Government.

On account of these achievements, ‘Abians for Good Leadership has therefore calleed for the reappointment of Senator Adighije for a second term, saying that he has done well for the State.

According to Dr. Nwokoma Ihediuwa, Senator Adighije has represented the State creditably and deserved to be reappointed “ to continue his good work for the State.”

New VC laments ABSU's poor academic ranking

By Anayo Okoli

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MUAHIA—THE new Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, ABSU, Uturu, Prof. Uche Ikonne has decried the university’s poor ranking, which he said is at a low ebb and vowed to enhance the national and international ranking of the university.

Addressing the management, academic and non-academic staff members of the University at the institution’s auditorium, Prof. Ikonne lamented that the status of the univerity in national and international ranking was not cheerful.

“The ranking of universities by the national and international community underscores this point and it’s a veritable index for measuring the achievements of any or successive university administrations”, the new Vice Chancellor said.

Widow cries out as fire guts her shop in Umuahia

By Anayo Okoli

goods worth over N500, 000 to a strange fire that razed her provision shop .

Narrating her ordeal, one Mrs. Emeka said that she heard some strange noise at about 1 a.m but thought the noise was coming from her neighbour’s house and

when the noise persisted, she opened her window and discovered that her shop was on fire.

“It was beyond my comprehension. When I raised an alarm , my neighbours came out to help me put out the fire. But by

the time we opened the shop, all my goods were already burnt MUAHIA—A widow, Mrs. down.

Oluchi Emeka of “Nothing was rescued from the Umuokoroala village, Afugiri, shop and I just stocked my shop Umuahia North Council Area of for Christmas sales. I have no Abia State has cried out to public money to restock my shop again,” spirited individuals after she lost she lamented.

On the possible cause of the fire, she said , “We don’t use candle in the shop and nothing was plugged to any electric source. Besides, there was power outage all through the night.

Even the fuel and kerosene in the shop were not burnt. I can’t explain the cause of this fire. I am a widow with six children. I really need help and support to start over again.”

A resident of the community who did not want her name in print alleged that such fire incident must be the handiwork of some evil people who do not appreciate the progress of others.

“This lady lost husband last year and this Christmas, they have also burnt her shop. Her enemies are SHOW: From left, ICT Director, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Olisa Okeke; Comedian Okey Bakassi, at work and I will only advise her and Hon. Celestine Ogbu, Speaker of Nsukka Local Government Legislative Council, at the Glo Laffta to be strong in prayer,” she said.

Fest comedy show in Nsukka, Enugu State, last Friday.

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Ebonyi first lady pledges lifeline to widows

By Peter Okutu

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BAKALIKI—THE wife of Ebonyi State governor, Chief Rachael Umahi, yesterday, revealed the preparedness of the state government to grant automatic employment to 260 indigent widows from across the 13 local government areas.

Umahi’s wife made this known while addressing the women of the state during a one day workshop held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki, WDC, where she distributed over 400 wheelchairs to disabled persons through her pet project, ‘Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation Programme’.

She assured the commitment of her foundation to build 171 houses for widows, one in each of the 171 wards in the 13 local government areas of the state.

“I told my husband that you can’t say there is economic challenges. I assured him that Ebonyi women must benefit from the government. And as a listening governor, he graciously approved that 260

widows from the 13 LGA’s be placed on salary.

The wife of the governor further noted that her foundation has started to build 171 houses for widows across the 13 local government areas so as to alleviate poverty and suffering of widows and indigent children in the state.

She urged the people of the state, especially women to be patient with the government and stop being too critical of it, noting that there are great

opportunities and benefit to get from the present administration.

The wife of the governor noted that God who called them into power would bring changes but warned them to stop gossiping around the state and should be ambassador of goodness to the poor and the widows.

Earlier, Dr Ntem Mbam who was a guest lecturer at the occasion said over 1.3billions of people in Africa are suffering from acute poverty just as he noted that Ebonyi has the

highest poverty rate in southeast.

He said that poverty is caused by incessant war and communal crisis, especially in south-east where people prefer crisis instead of using dialogue to settle land dispute.

Ntem called on widows who are still young to re-marry instead of staying in their husband houses to engage in prostitution which according to him will increase their poverty rate.

Abia Gov's mother dies at 87

By Anayo Okoli

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Late Mrs. Bessie Ikpeazu

MUAHIA—MRS. Bessie Ikpeazu (Nee Nwagwu), the mother of Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is dead, aged 87.

According to a statement on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Godwin Adindum, Governor Ikpeazu confirmed the death of his mother last Sunday at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, UNTH, Enugu after a brief illness Born on May 27, 1928 to Mr. & Mrs. Nwagwu Anaba of Umuafor Village in Obingwa Council of Abia State, late Bessie Ikpeazu was a career nurse and midwife.

As a nurse, Mrs. Ikpeazu worked at Ahoada County Hospital, Ahoada, Rivers State, Okpuala Ngwa General Hospital and Nigerian

Christian Hospital, Onitcha Ngwa in Aba where she served as the matron until she retired in 1994.

During this period, she also served as the nursing supervisor for the Motherless Babies Home, Adventist Hospital, Aba. Mrs. Ikpeazu was the founder and owner of Ulari Maternity H o m e / C l i n i c Umuobiakwa, a clinic where she saved many lives for no charge and delivered thousands of babies for little or no charge.

She is survived by children, Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Mrs. Ocheze Edith Ugboaja and Iheanyichukwu Ikpeazu.

40 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 — 41

Ending child deaths from preventable diseases

By Rakesh Kapoor

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ROUND the world more than 2.5 billion people do not have access to a toilet, and more than 1 billion people defecate in the open, impacting human health and leaving women and girls vulnerable to the risk of gender based violence. Poor sewage filters contribute to the spread of diseases such as typhoid, cholera and diarrhoea.

Last week, was World Toilet Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the hundreds of thousands of preventable child deaths caused every year by poor sanitation. An estimated 64 children around the world die every hour from diarrhoea alone.

To many in the developed world, the thought of losing your child to a disease like diarrhoea is unthinkable. In developing countries like Nigeria and India, it is reality. Children suffering from chronic diarrhoea also face stunted growth, impairing their ability to realise their true potential. Poor health also has a significant economic impact, with countries like Nigeria losing as much as 1.3 percent of national GDP to poor sanitation according to a 2012 desk study carried out by the Water and Sanitation Programme (WSP). A serious economic burden is also placed on those affected by disease.

So far, despite significant efforts to build toilet facilities by governments , preventable child deaths have continued unabated. At Reckitt Benkiser, RB we believe that sanitation products targeted at the world's poorest, within the right price bracket, can provide a sustainable way to encourage the essential behavioural change needed to stop child deaths from diarrhoea.

Some countries of the world, like India has embarked on an ambitious mission to provide access to toilets for more than 60 million Indian households by 2019. While the efforts are commendable, this essential work is not having the impact on public health. Building toilets does not provide a sustainable solution to keeping them clean.

While some may think that issues

OPEN DEFECATION: About 110 million Nigerians do not use modern toilet facilities. surrounding sanitation should fall to national governments and the international development community alone, there is a role for the private sector.

Firms like RB, are using our expertise in hygiene and sanitation to solve problems for consumers at all levels. This includes people who may not yet understand the need for hygiene.

After two years of research and

development, and working with some of the world's leading chemical scientists, enzyme specialists, and fragrance experts from a number of leading businesses, we have developed two new affordable hygiene products: a multipurpose soap that can be used for washing hands, clothes, surfaces and bathing; and a toilet powder for open pit latrines that reduces faecal matter and the transmission of

germs.These two products, which are currently being piloted in Nigeria and Pakistan will later be introduced in India.

They are specifically developed for consumers at the bottom of the pyramid.

They are highly affordable and effective, without compromising on quality. For example, market research demonstrated the importance consumers placed on scent, as well as affordability. Our toilet powder has a citrus fragrance, reducing unpleasant odours and encouraging consumers to make use of the hygienic pit latrines, as opposed to defecating openly in public areas. To contribute to ending these deaths, we have decided to invest into new product and fund our 'Stop Diarrhoea' campaign in collaboration with Save the Children, which aims to apply the World Health Organisation and UNICEF's 7-point plan for diarrhoea treatment and prevention in Nigeria, India and Pakistan.

Too many people die unnecessarily from diarrhoea. It is a problem we can solve but only if we harness the best of government, charities and the private sector. By taking a market approach to some of the world's most intractable problems, the private sector can be at the heart of developing innovative solutions that empower some of the world's poorest people and give them the products to significantly improve their own lives.

Rakesh Kapoor is the Global Chief Executive of RB, the world's consumer health and hygiene company.

SOGON takes expertise to rural health centres

By Victoria Ojeme & Samuel Ujah

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HE Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON) is commencing work in primary health centres nationwide under a newly inaugurated volunteer scheme as part of efforts to improve maternal and newborn health in the rural areas.

SOGON President, Dr Joseph Adinma, who disclosed this during their 9th international congress and annual general meeting in Abuja, said the volunteer obstetrician's scheme, which has latched onto the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, "is

currently being implemented in a number of states and is soon going to be formally flagged off for nationwide implementation."

Under the scheme, experts in obstetrics and gynaecology working in tertiary hospitals will commit regular hours free of charge to consult in primary health centres nearest to their place of work in efforts to afford rural women expert care.

SOGON is also pushing for national obstetrics and gynaecology unions across West Africa to band into a regional association as has been done in Latin America and East and Southern Africa.

The sub-regional association of

obstetricians and gynaecologists of West Africa could be prelude to a college for the speciality, which as yetis subsumed under the West African College of Surgeons.

"Every country has a SOGO. There are lots of things that can bring us together in the sub-region," said Adinma, insisting SOGON was looking to create a common front in obstetrics and gynaecology and move the frontiers in women and children's health. SOGON said its members have already begun a programme for free maternal health services for internally displaced people in Borno, Bauchi and Yobe states.

Appropriate nutrition will prevent 53% under-5 deaths —EXPERT W

ITH about 1,000 Nigerian children dying of malnutrition-related causes every day and a total of 361,000 each year, Nutrition experts have stressed the need to prioritize nutrition in children with a view to averting 53 percent of deaths of children under the ages of five annually.

Recent statistics from the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, showed that there are approximately 1.7 million severely acutely malnourished children under five in Nigeria – accounting for a 10th of the global total.

The experts who gathered last week at the 2015 Nestle fortification workshop, titled: “Hidden Hunger Nigeria Silent Crisis” posited that there is need for Nigeria to invest more in nutrition, particularly in the first 1000 days of a child’s life.

They maintained that the cause of malnutrition in the first 1000 days of an infant is almost irreversible. According to them, malnutrition is not exclusive to the poor as recent reports have shown that 13 per cent of children born to rich people in Nigeria are malnourished.

In the views of a Consultant Gastroenterologist, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Dr. Adeniyi Olufunke, with good nutrition, the country would be able to reverse the current

WORKSHOP: From left; Director, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Nestle Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Adenekan; Ag Head, Dept of Human Nutrition, University of Ibadan, Dr. Folake Samuel; Manager, Nestle Nutrition Institute Africa Anglophone Countries, Mrs. Chioma Emma-Nwachukwu and Consultant Gastroenterologist LASUTH, Dr. Olufunke Adeniyi, recently at Nestle’s Fortification Workshop on “ Hidden Hunger Nigeria Silent Crisis at Nestle office, in Lagos. research which showed that 1 in 10 Nigerian children never get to the age of 15.

Olufunke, who spoke extensively on the

health indicators of hidden hunger, said some of the signs of malnutrition are hidden. “The nature of malnutrition burden facing the world is increasingly

complex. Most malnourished children lack vitamin A and this is the cause of night blindness.

Earlier, Managing Director, Nestle Nigeria, Dharnesh Gordhon noted that more than two billion people around the world are suffering from one sorts of micronutrients deficiency including, iron, zinc, Vitamin A and Iodine.

Represented by the Director Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Dr Samuel Adenekan, he said micronutrient deficiencies remain a major public health concern in Nigeria.

To address the problems, Gordhon said Nestle is committed to developing foods and beverages fortified with micronutrients – vitamins and minerals – that can help to tackle under nutrition.

“We are producing a growing number of fortified popularly positioned products that provide nutritional value at a price that lower – income consumers, the sector most vulnerable to deficiencies, can afford.

In what seems like a score card, he said in 2014, Nestle reached over 18.3 million households with iron – fortified magi cubes while over 8 million households benefitted from iron fortified and vitamin – A enriched golden-morn.

42—Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

By Simon Ebegbulem

W

E have not heard anything yet on the committee set up by the Federal Government to look into the books of the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party, PDP led administration and you are the leader of that committee.

What is the situation?

Like we told Nigerians earlier, we have appointed PPMG to carry out a professional forensic audit and we have to allow them to finish the audit and the number of parastatals involved such as the NNPC, NPA. They are many.

So, we have to allow professionals to carry out the audit. It is beyond what you can do on part time basis.

That has been accepted by the National Economic Council and when they finish their work the report will be published and government will take action on the basis of the report. The report, I can assure you, will not be like the previous one. Under President Buhari you will not investigate anything and allow the report to gather dust on the shelf.

But Nigerians are still suffering fuel scarcity, epileptic power supply, which we thought will be over under an APC led administration. What is your party doing about these problems?

The President just inaugurated the National Executive Council made up of men and women of enormous strength and capacity.

After our governors meeting, we said there may be need for a national conversation on the state of the economy. But the truth is that some of these things you are beginning to see are the medium to the long term manifestations of the abuses of yesterday.

Just like any public policy, there is always a time lag between when you take an action and when the result of that action begins to

STATE OF ECONOMY:

Why we need national conversation — OSHIOMHOLE

IN this interview, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State spoke about the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, his quarrel with his predecessor, former Governor Lucky Igbinedion and his strategy to ensure that he hands over Osadebey Avenue to an All Progressives Congress (APC) governor in 2016 •Oshiomhole: Nobody will return Edo to Egypt manifest. So the massive looting that took place in the recent past has created a huge hole in the national treasury with a huge debt profile and that has affected the finances of the state. I don’t think anyone will be fair to think that under a few months of this government all the misdeeds of the PDP over a period of 16 years will be wiped out. I am sure that the Federal Government is addressing the problems one after the other.

Business of governance

I don’t think anyone will be fair to think that under a few months of this government all the misdeeds of the PDP over a period of 16 years will be wiped out

We have ministers, many of them are not strangers to public service, they are people of proven trackrecord.ThatiswhyIdiasgree with some some commentators saying we already know these names. The business of governance is not for apprenticeship and when a country has been run down like the way the Nigerian economy was run down, you are not going to bring untested materials to come and do apprenticeship at the Federal level, that is not the place you try knew hands. The situation requires tested hands and that is what the President has assembled. Very many of them have track record of performance in public office, so they are not strangers to governance and they have shown passion for the country. I believe that we have a team that inspires confidence and

I am very confident that they have what it takes to drive the changes that APC promised.

The opposition PDP has accused the APC led government of targeting only the opposition in its war against corruption, what is your take on that?

Don’t forget when PDP was in power they were always stories about selective application but my argument is simple, if you monopolise power for 16 years and you were in charge and the Nigerian project was mismanaged and compromised, is it not those who were in charge that you will go after? You want to go after those who were not incharge? The PDP had monopoly of governance for 16 years so they have to be responsible for the mismanagement of the economy and the massive looting that characterized the period. But you know Nigerians, once they are in trouble they whip up sentiments.

If they don’t say it is ethnic they will say it is selective war against corruption.

For me, I don’t think it is selective. It is when they can prove that an innocent person has been charged that this can make sense.

I had said this when I was in the NLC even the period Nuhu Ribadu was EFCC chairman, I said, is it really worth debating, ‘if some armed robbers are shouting in court that my Lord we are not the only armed robbers, why didn’t they arraign other

armed robbers?’ But I said the fact that there are other armed robbers does not mean that those arraigned should be excused.

People are saying for seven years you never said anything about your predecessor, former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, until now, what went wrong?

I think there are some truth in that because in the past the PDP had accused me, why are you not mentioning the name of the former governor and his father who presided over the state for eight years? And I said I don’t know about the former governor or the father of the former governor but I know about the political party that governed this state, which is the PDP.

Political environment But I think what happened was that as the political environment got more liberalized with the change that has taken place at the national level, there is political re-alignment of forces and those who could not cope with the logic and politics of change have relocated to PDP and they were the people who also perpetrated evil in PDP. Now you find them taking advantage of the social media to try to change history and throw the mess they forced on the state at my direction. For example, one of their perpetual governorship aspirants, said the industries they set up because he

was the SSG then, that I ran the industries down, yet they know that not only did they use these things as conduit pipes to syphon money, they also know that from day one those industries never worked and they were not programmed to work.

The worst is that they sold them off at prices below cost. Now ITV which is owned by the Igbinedion family, dedicates substantial air time to recycling this false information and they kept repeating them. I said okay now that the ITV is the main vehicle for falsifying this information, all I needed to do is to ask the Commissioners to go and publish the facts. Namely, where were these industries established, which governor sold them? It will show that it was the Igbinedion government that sold them. It will show that they sold them below the cost. So, if you did that how could you turn round to accuse me? It is like you commit murder and when I am passing by you say I was the one that killed the person.

For me, it was time to tell Edo people the truth. Everybody who lived in this state knows my endless battle with the PDP, you knowhowtheykilledmyPrincipal Private Secretary Olaitan and the way the investigation was compromised.

Sometimes,I ask myself , who are you reporting to? And you know the fraud that was going on Continues on page 43

VANGUARD, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—43

EDO 2016:

I'll hand over to an APC successor — OSHIOMHOLE

Oshiomhole: Edo man has regained confidence, Continues from page 42 in Abuja, so there was no point reporting them to their criminal brothers. I said I will rather concentrate on what will bring comfort to the people of Edo state than on the misdeed of my predecessors.

However, that does not mean that I will allow you to continue to recycle false information and misleading the public. They went on last time to say I beat up a Rev.Father thank God that the Catholic Church issued a statement that there was no such incident whatsoever. That is how far they went. They have gone on to say I have estates here and there, they even said within six months of my wife’s death I impregnated a girl.

Questionable circumstances People who stole from the Edo state people are the ones throwing mud at me, I decided to call off the bluff and it will be of no use for me to end my tenure without speaking on those issues. Like the issue of $31 million, it was an operation they succeeded in taking that money out of Afribank through questionable circumstances.

Nobodygavemehandovernote on that, it was through our internal audit effort that that withdrawal was discovered and we have been tracing it since them. I even hired some Senior Advocates of Nigeria to check the Corporate Affairs Commission and see what legal windows exist for us to recover that money.

For me, I always stand on the side of Edo people because it is the greatest honour for someone of my back ground to be entrusted with the collective well being of the people of this state. So, I will not compromise public interest and I will not bow before anybody, I will respect but not fear. Where people see fear I see challenges and challenges are to be overcome.

Up tillNovember 12, 2016, Edo state must be governed under the rule of law, nobody must say he is above the law. During his campaigns, President Buhari he said he was going to end impunity and as a proud member of APC and a believer in the mantra of change, it is the end of impunity and therefore the end of exemption. So, Mr Exemption has to accept that he can no longer continue, this is the end. And I have no apologies whatsoever.

The question in town is how willthesedevelopmentalprojects in the state be sustained after Oshiomhole, what efforts are you making to ensure that your legacies are not destroyed?

I don’t think it is a realistic thing for anyone to expect that an out gone governor can ensure that his successor sustains anything.

That is not realistic. It is the responsibility of Edo people to ensure that the next governor takes the development of Edo to the highest level that he does better than my tenure. That is the responsibility of the Edo electorate, it not the responsibility of a predecessor to ensure that the successor performs, it is the people and that is the beauty of

democracy.

I have always argued that democracy does not end at voting and counting and declaring results, it also entails an activist citizenry that engages the stewards that have been entrusted withthemanagementoftheaffairs of state to hold them accountable and ensure that they don’t derail.

Only Edo people can do that.

Enough materials The only role I can play is to ensure that from now tillNovember 12, 2016, I remain faithful to the cause of Edo people and within my party like any other party member, I will play my part in seeking to have a say in the choice of APC candidate. And the good news is that the party has enough materials, very responsible and competent hands that are passionate about the development of this state. So we don’t lack materials in house in terms of intellect, capacity, we probably have much more than we need because we need one person.

I am very confident that the person that will emerge will be one that has passion for the state, the managerial competence to drive and ensure that the state witness more growth and development than during my time. What we have done over the years is trying to rediscover this state and giving our people confidence that Edo is viable.

Tasks before my successor: Today, the Edo man has regained confidence, there is no question

now that the state is capable of developing and that we can do something about the problem of infrastructure, flooding, restoring integrity to public schools, restoring integrity to public health care system. The challenge of the next governor is to work on some feeder roads, we have done some of them but not all. The next governor will not need to work on Airport Road or Akpakpava road but he can connect all the adjoining streets. If the road we have done overt the past seven years, if the PDP did half of them in 10 years we would have added those ones to the ones we have done.

The problem we are having in Edo today is that PDP cannot show you one clean road with street light and drainage that they did that is still there. The only thing you can see are the ones Ogbemudia did. If the PDP had laid some foundations we would have gone far today.

We started from minu-minus to zero.

But the next governor is going to build on plus plus plus. The key answer to you question is that the people must be vigilant to ensure that the next governor remains focused.

And I am confident that the next governor will come from APC because the PDP has neither the messenger nor can they have a credible message.

The challenge of the next governor now is to work on some feeder roads, we have done some of them but not all

Credible message I know that we are living in a world of so called born again but like I said during the 7th anniversary, when a woman is found guilty of serial adultery in the community and 10 years later she says I have repented, I am now a Pastor, I shall commit no more adultery, can you entrust your wife to such a person? I know Edo people will answer that question in a resounding manner. No body can return Edo to Egypt and PDP cannot be the answer. And my joy is that the next election will be the easiest we shall ever have.

Of course we are not taking Edo people for granted but I said it because our main opponents have no credentials, and we will remind them of their history. Edo people have not forgotten what happened before seven years ago and the PDP have no control of the instrument of rigging they have always ruthlessly deployed. So for the first time they will be learning the language of canvassing for votes or winning votes. They will no longer be holding midnight meetings with Commissioner of Police, or INEC officials. I am looking forward to the election and I believe the wheel of progress cannot be put on the reverse any more. Edo has moved on and we have the duty to protect the gains we have made.

The only role I can play is to ensure that from now tillNovember 12, 2016, I remain faithful to the cause of Edo people and within my party like any other party member I will play my part in seeking to have a say in the choice of APC candidate

44 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 , 2015—45

Scale of destruction in Bama, Konduga have humbled me – Minister •described Nigerian soldiers as unsung heroes •as reconstruction begins in recaptured areas

By Emmanuel Elebeke, in Maiduguri

M

INISTER of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has showered encomiums on Nigerian soldiers for what he called their gallant fight and bravery in dislodging the elements of Boko Haram in Bama and Konduga LGAs of Borno state, saying that the December deadline given by the President will be achieved.

The minister gave the commendation, yesterday, during an official visit to Bama and Konduga Local Government Councils of the State.

Mohammed who led a team of information reporters to the visit said, he was humbled by the high scale of destruction and damages left behind in the areas by the insurgents as well as the palpable suffering and poverty undergone by the surviving victims of the Boko Haram war.

He commended the Nigerian army for rising to the occasion when it mattered most in restoring the integrity of federal government by rooting out the insurgents and the ongoing efforts to recapture the remaining areas before the December deadline. “They are very happy

about what we are doing and are very committed to restoring peace in North-East and unity of this country. We went to Bama and Konduga and saw firsthand, the scale of damage and destruction that the Boko Haram terrorists left behind.

“It humbled many of us, and we all came back very very sober. I hope that with this visit, my colleagues in the media will show more restraint, more understanding in reporting the efforts being made in the war against terrorism. We are also confident that by today, we are much more informed about the

corruption war,” he said.

On the visit to the IDP camp in Bama, where the team saw the victims of the war, old people, women and kids, the Minister lamented the impact of the war on the victims, and promised that government would do everything possible to rehabilitate them soon. ''Many of them they are victims of war they did not know about and many of the kids were their

clapping without understanding what were being said. We saw abject poverty with sorrow, fear in the eyes of all the people there.

“I must publicly commend our military because it takes one to believe here the enormity of challenges they are facing. They are not only winning the war against insurgency but are also winning the peace, and even the humanitarian burden is probably heavier than the military burden.

I saw a soft side of the commander of the Theatre, who was moved by the condition of the IDPs and suggested that the kids be adopted to reduce their sufferings.''

IPMAN protests sealing of members’ filling stations

T

HE Lagos chapter of Independent Petroleum

Marketers Association, IPMAN, has protested the harassment and sealing off of its members’ filling stations over alleged hoarding and inflation of fuel prices in the country.

IPMAN said in a statement signed by chairman of the Satellite Depot, Ejigbo, Lagos, Alhaji Alanamu Ayo Balogun, that the action of the DPR was uncalled for, irrational and unjustified.

Alhaji Balogun chided the DPR for harassing and accusing the IPMAN’s fuel stations and directing its action against innocent marketers when it knew that the depot owners were the culprits allegedly hoarding and inflation fuel prices. He said the depot owners should be blamed for selling fuel to IPMAN at the rate of N117 per litre.

He asked: “If the filling stations get the fuel at N117 per litre, is it possible to sell to the public at N87 per litre.

They have to add their running costs before selling to the public?''

Balogun said the DPR should confront the depot owners instead of giving his members a bad name.

While stressing that IPMAN controls 85 percent of all the filling stations in the country, he questioned the rationale behind the fuel subsidy, noting that at all times, IPMAN bought fuel above the government controlled price from depot owners. “Depot owners will tell the IPMAN members to pay N77.66 kobo into one account which is the controlled price and pay the remaining money into another account. At other occasions, depot owners will sell all their products to one dealer at a higher price, and this dealer will sell to IPMAN at his own price, which negates the government controlled price of N87 per liter.”

The IPMAN chairman asked the Federal Government to look into the fuel subsidy matter carefully, to avoid taking the nation for a ride by the fuel importers.

46 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY , DECEMBER 7, 2015 — 47

Fulani herdsmen kill palm wine tapper, injure one other in Delta J Lawani DIOTS would read,hear and see the evil atrocities of the Fulanis’ in this Lugard’s creation but shamelessly look the other way. Are they scared of the Fulanis because of their brutality or what?Let one Idiot please answer this question that needs urgent answer.

They will prefer to show their hate ,strength and anger on peaceful Igbos’ that believes in live and let live. Their hate against Igbos’ are obviously because of their success in this contraption. I believe that Igbos would have been loved by their haters,had it been they were as wretched as the murderous Janjaweed.

Why do people prefer darkness to light?You will hear them urge Nigerian Military to crush the Biafran peaceful agitators but kept quiet when Fulani killings are mentioned..Riding on the back of the same evil Fulanis’ to attack and threaten Igbos’..

I will love to see a One on One confrontation of the Igbos’ by any tribe without this united evil front. Conspiracy and treachery should be made an abomination in Yorubaland before it becomes a way of life. Anyway,we still have people with good conscience in SW,so all hope is not lost..

I

Sunday Odeh It is possible that Fulani may have been wronged. But if a man is always right everywhere he goes, and as such takes lives at any slightest provocation, don’t you think that person is actually a bundle of trouble in himself? No man can be always right in all conflicts he is involved.

Trust me, your comment is unpatriotic brother.

Ekpe Mahmud It is weakness and laziness of the community concerned. They did this to Hausa and d Hausa dealt with them and today they are at peace. They will continue so long as no resistance is on ground to put paid to their madness

Fr. Mbaka creates 4,500 jobs for unemployed Donabilly 771 Pope must hear this. What! Is Mbaka a business man or a priest? Wonders shall never end. People of God listen and go and read. Luke:18:22, Mathew 19;21, Mark 10: 21, Listen to the word of God and obey them than following an ordinary business politician father. Open your eyes end time is near.

Followers of this man must be careful, A man that call his people evil is today providing jobs to evil, all are wonders. Open your eyes. This is another way of enslaving people for not support their freedom, He is evil and we must say it; let those who have ears hear. How much is their salary?

When did Jesus employ workers or have a company? Nnamdi Kanu is the Man sent by God to take you to promise land where you will work and get paid. Don’t abandon him as he is suffering for you in prison. Go get what belongs to you than searching for peanut. God bless Biafra.

LukesonOguchiLuke Is Mbaka a business man? How come he suddenly is now so rich after?

Boko Haram: FG urged to ban use of veils

Ladan Zakari Muhammed No way! Enemies of Islam.

Muhammad Mamman Garga How did Mary in the bible use to dress please?

Munonye Ifeoma Onyinye Yes my dear but She didn’t cover her face. It was open. The banning is for the good of us all, if only it will be maintained.

Odiaka Godsown A Muslim fundamentalist one like Buhari cannot accept that, he can sacrifice all Nigerians instead.

Jeleelabas Ban hijab. It is being used to commit evil. Let us start from there. Why should women wear hijab anyway? It is oppression. Why should men force women to cover themselves when the men are free to walk around and commit immorality in brothels all over? Republic of Chad has banned hijab.

They are more Islamic than Nigeria because the percentage of Muslims there is more than that of Nigeria. They banned it because of terrorism. Nigeria should ban it too. All these rubbish started a few years ago nationwide when they started their sharia nonsense.

Then we have all these terrorism all over. Yes, the ban will not completely solve the terror issue. But it is one of the ways of dealing with it. This is not a matter of religion. This is a matter of national security.

Stop threatening public peace or…, IGP tells MASSOB Promise Onwudiwe Nwelu Mr IG! release their leader if you need peace.

Abuabakar S. Umar Igbo people don’t deceive yourselves, you can not win this war . its better for u to ` come back to your sense Milky Victor Chukwuemeka ‘Who is terrorising public peace, the people doing a peaceful demonstration or the ones violating the laws by making the zoo a lawless society Moweta Tony Tell that to Boko Haram in the north and not unarmed civilians. Coward Nigeria Police.

Frank Iyke Who gathered infested firewood should not complain of the consequences... Thank God for technology! because all there killing against peaceful protesters are been documented!

Governors and the minimum wage

Dangkat Idris Any governor that cant pay the minimum wage should immediately resign Aghahowa Igiebor Mabel The incompetent Governors should quit office, if they don’t know their work. Governors have to reduce their own Salaries by 50% and cancel every other allowances they collect along with their monthly salaries, so that the poor minimum wages of #18,000 can be successfully paid to the workers.

Fuel scarcity and NNPC’s alleged missing funds Why the fuel scarcity nationwide? It is unfortunate that the proceeds made from our NNPC which are supposed to be used for development of this country and our refineries, end up in pockets of some greedy and corrupt individuals.

I hope President Buhari or his aides have read these stories and should act accordingly.

Mercy writes in via email

N2 billion payroll fraud in Nigerian Police

Nigerians have not heard anything regarding the payroll fraud, when a body that should help curb corruption is itself enmeshed in the act , then the country is doomed.

No matter how one wants to argue for or against it, the truth is that the average policeman on the street is corrupt because he does not get what is due to him either from the government or from his bosses. We have heard of policemen killing each other because of illegal money derived from road blocks.

Also we have heard of policemen killing innocent citizens of this country just because of N100 extortion.

When such happens, you hear that the police hierarchy would fire the officer and charge him to court, meanwhile top police officers continue to enjoy their loot from the sweat of the poor cops with impunity.

Nobody questions them. The IGP should prosecute all involved in these scams.

Segun 08039240765

no more on planet earth and fix a new date for a fresh election.

Barr Anthony O. Obi+2348056009586

NNPC’s reform and Gaius-Obaseki’s advice

It is very pertinent to re echo the advice of former GMD of NNPC to the Kachikwu team not to implement foreign structure in Nigeria (Vanguard Nov 15,. p8) as timely. In other countries, the oil belongs to the community where it is found, but in Nigeria people that are thousands of miles away from where it is located, lay claim to the oil.

The Minister of State/GMD should know that in Delta state it is only the Ijaws,Itsekiris, Isokos,Kwales are the major oil communities.Thus recruitments and award of contracts must follow that order to reduce the agitations .

Dedemo +2348033783758

Calls on Gov Okowa to pay Delta state pensioneers

It is high time we discussed the condition of living of Delta pensioneers and what to do to improve it in the new democratic dispensation.

To improve the living condition of our pensioneers, they must be payed regularly to avoid the high death rate recorded among pensioneers.

I really want to seize this opportunity to implore Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa to embark on the journey of prosperity for all Deltans especially our helpless Pensioneers to reduce the death rate among Delta Pensioneers.

Anonymous +2348039531605

On minimum wage

State govnernors should please explain what they do with their internally generated revenue, I.G.R. They ‘ve no excuses why they can’t pay #18,000 minimum wage which is less than $90 dollars.

They are not expected to owe workers salaries. Amazing most of the previous governors cannot give account of their stewardships.

Anonymous +2348085679627

On Kogi State inconclusive elections The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should put a stop to the election rescheduled for 5th Dec 2015, since the leading candidate is

Biafra protest and need for unity

The problem is that the cost of fragmentation is greater. Who would believe that India and Pakistan now at each others throat were once one nation? The same goes for the Balkan states in Europe etc.

Even here in Nigeria the minorities are often at each others throats.That this corrupt nation remained united to date looks like a grand cosmic plan.

There are also secession movements in Spain,UK and by some blacks in USA but they still manage along, so Nigeria needs to be united.

Anonymous 2347067515592

SAYINGS OF OUR ELDERS I have sown a riga without a neck. Let him who cuts a neck for it put it on.

- Hausa proverb Send us your Sayings of Our Elders. They must be African sayings or proverbs. Biblical or English proverbs are unacceptable.

Address your sayings to: editor@vanguardngr.com

48 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

TAURUS: EVEN, if friends and others are helpful and pledging loyalty today, they may be forced and get on your nerve tomorrow when effects of fullmoon’ll come to play.

GEMINI: WHATEVER can lead to avoidable trouble tomorrow, either at home or along your career/ business lines, should be well taken care of today.

Be very open.

CANCER: YOUR best bet today is to seek important co-operation of influential people and that of your spouse/partner. The more legal conscious you are, the better for you.

LEO: IF others want you to conclude an important financial transactions that can possibly be done today, you’ll need to say no and go ahead as tomorrow may not be as conducive as today.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

I

guess your answer will be yes.

But let me ask you directly,do you love Okoro?

Do you also love Ahmed? How about Wale,do you love him too?I ask this be-

Do you really love God? cause the reason why Nigeria is the way it is today is because we do not practise love. True love does not seek its own. True love is selfless. True love knows

TERROR MUDA

no ethnicity. True love is kind. The holy writ says, if you love Him you should feed His sheep. How many have you fed?Now,it’s very easy to give ex-

in “Never say goodbye”

cuses on why we deny someone love.

The truth is that love is not earned.

Can you imagine what would have been your fate if you need to earn the love of God? If you truly love God,you will love your neighbour.

By Lanre Kehinde

VIRGO: IT’S important you don’t take things and people for granted now because they may not be as co-operative tomorrow as they are now. Be more loving.

LIBRA: ALTHOUGH there seem to be an air of understanding within your working arena today, tomorrow’s full-moon may turn the whole thing the other way.

SCORPIO: HERE is an exciting day that will climax tomorrow. After a long time, others will see how passionate you can be even in love. Don’t gamble, please.

SAGITTARIUS: IF your desire is to make money today, you will need to be less emotional and prepare for domestic challenges tomorrow. Enjoy your love life.

CAPRICORN: GOOD relationship between the moon in Capricorn and lucky Jupiter in your star sign will bring you good opportunities. Be less argumentative.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

AQUARIUS: THIS is your day when things will go according to your plans. Financial success indicated but if you wait till tomorrow, opposition’ll bring disappointment.

PISCES: THE moon in your star sign that encourages you to be as assertive are likely to oppose you tomorrow. Try to be more friendly.

ARIES: HAPPENINGS within your working arena should be taken more seriously now or else, avoidable trouble would start tomorrow. Again, it’s important you are more practical about your health.

Be more loving.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

What’s my immediate future Dear Joshua, I have been following your works in the newspapers for many years and the truth is you are very good. I therefore want your in-depth analysis and tell me about my social life, luck and the time I am likely to have my much desired break-through in life.

Anonymous, Nigeria.

Dear Anonymous, What you will find here-under will answer your questions. Social life will always bring you attention good luck envy opposition and possibly fame.

Aquarius and Leo are two most active social Star signs. And you will notice that your natal Venus in Taurus, Moon in Aquarius and Uranus in Leo formed T-Square aspects putting Venus as pointfocus, meaning that the best way for you not to be constant loser in the social world is to always study situation practically and know that your finance will not suffer (if it can not be beneficiary) from the setting before taking responsibility.

As for influential friends you will have them but never always take them for granted. Yes you can be a self made man but it is indicated that there will be times when both human and divine assistance will lift you up. You will have more to gain by your being spiritual .Saturday born people are favoured by BLACK and golden colours.

Sudden SUCCESS will come your way during your 44th year on earth and will serve as a break-through year you can build great foundation of endless success on. But the same 44th year will bring love related challenges you must manage with all maturity or else it will linger till after your 46th year on earth.

HOME & ABROAD

By Lawrence Akapa

VANGUARD, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 —49

Collapse of Palestinian Authority’ll B/Faso charges former coup threaten security— John Kerry

T

HE US secretary of state has warned Israel on the danger of a possible collapse of the Palestinian Authority, saying its demise would threaten the security of the Jewish state.

John Kerry said calls from some Israeli politicians to let Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ administration wither are counterproductive and self-defeating for Israel.

If it were to happen, Kerry said, Israel would be forced to assume all governance in the occupied West Bank.

Kerry also said without a two-state solution, Israel would be forced into an unsustainable position of perpetual occupation that would be rejected by Palestinians and the international community.

“If there is a risk that the PA [Palestinian Au-

thority] could collapse and it is in Israel’s interest for it to in fact survive, as the prime minister suggested - should more therefore not be done to

Recently appointed governor of Yemen's Port City of Aden, Major General Jafar Mohammed Saad who was reportedly killed yesterday in a bomb blast by ISIS.

Governor of Aden killed in Islamic State attack

I

SLAMIC State mili tants say they carried out a bombing that killed the governor of Yemen’s port city of Aden.

Jimmy Carter says his brain cancer is gone

F

ORMER US Presi dent Jimmy Carter has said that his brain cancer is gone, US media report.

The 91-year-old made the announcement during a Sunday school class in Plains, Georgia, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) newspaper said.

Mr Carter, who was president from 1977 to 1981 and won a Nobel

help sustain it?” said Kerry, speaking at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC on Saturday.

Peace Prize in 2002, announced his illness in August.

Last month, Mr Carter said he was responding well to treatment and there were no signs of further cancer growth.

Jill Stuckey, a member of the congregation at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains,told AJC that Mr Carter was teaching the class of about 350 people when he made the announce-

Jaafar Mohammed Saad and several aides died when their convoy was hit. IS says it detonated a car laden with explosives as he drove by.

The group has established a presence in Yemen since its civil war broke out.

It is opposed to the government and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels who have seized much of the country, including the capital Sanaa.

Earlier this year, Aden was recaptured by government troops backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

Mr Saad was appointed Aden governor in October.

Myanmar: Ex-military leader backs Suu Kyi first openly contested ed him as having said in the meeting: “It is

M

YANMAR’s former military ruler sees erstwhile foe Aung San Suu Kyi as the country’s “future leader ” and has pledged support for her in a secret meeting, the general’s grandson said.

Details of Friday ’s meeting between the two was revealed by General Than Shwe’s grandson, who acted as intermediary.

He said in a Facebook post the meeting had lasted two-and-a-half hours.

Ms Suu Kyi led her National League for Democracy (NLD) party to a landslide election victory in November.

The election was the

general election in Myanmar (also known as Burma) in 25 years.

His grandson Nay Shwe Thway Aung quot-

the truth that she will become the future leader of the country,” and “I will support her with all of my efforts”.

France holds first elections since Paris attacks

F

RANCE’s far-right National Front (FN) is widely predicted to win control of at least one region for the first time, as the country holds regional elections three weeks after the deadly attacks in Paris.

Both FN leader Marine Le Pen and her niece, 25-year-old Marion Marechal-Le Pen, were expected to perform strongly in the first round of the poll on Sunday, as

they capitalise on their anti-immigration and sometimes Islamophobic message.

Polls opened at 08:00 (07:00 GMT) and will close at 20:00 (19:00 GMT), with some 44m people eligible to vote.

Ballots are cast under tight security with France in a state of emergency after the Paris attacks on November 13, in which 130 people were killed.

leader over murder of Sankara

A

UTHORITIES in Burkina Faso have charged a general who led a failed coup in September with complicity in the 1987 assassination of President Thomas Sankara, senior security sources told Reuters.

Sankara’s murder is one of the most high-profile killings in Africa’s post-independence history and the charge against General Gilbert Diendere appears to represent a breakthrough in a case that has haunted the West African country for decades.

It follows a pledge by the transitional government to investigate the murder and a decision in

May to exhume the remains of a body believed to be Sankara’s, which was buried at a cemetery on the outskirts of the capital Ouagadougou.

“General Gilbert Diendere is formally charged in the Thomas Sankara case,” said a senior security source with direct knowledge of the case.

Diendere was charged last month with complicity in assassination and attack, the source said.

Diendere’s lawyer, Mathieu Some, told Reuters on Sunday his client had been charged over Sankara’s death and he would prepare his legal defense. The

charges are yet to be made public.

Ten others, less senior than Diendere, have already been charged. The senior security official said most were soldiers in the elite presidential guard of former President Blaise Compaore, who was ousted in October 2014.

Diendere was Compaore’s intelligence chief and right-hand man. In September, he led the presidential guard in a short-lived coup in which soldiers took transitional President Michel Kafando and the prime minister hostage.

Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin standing second left on the back row alongside some international and local gospel artistes shortly before the commencement of International Gosptel Concert, The Experience which was held in Lagos.

Libya’s rival parliament reach tentative agreement

L

IBYA’s two rival par liaments have reached an initial agreement aimed at resolving the political crisis that has plagued the country for years.

The deal, agreed at talks in Tunis, is intended to lead to a single government and elections within two years.

It needs to be endorsed by both the internationally recognised parliament in eastern Libya and the Tripolibased General National Congress (GNC).

The agreement is separate from UN efforts at mediation in Libya.

The United Nations special envoy to Libya, Martin Kobler, called it a very good basis for going forward.

In October, the UN submitted its own blueprint for a deal leading to a unified government, but neither side has endorsed it.

The UN is due to host peace talks between the

two factions next week in Rome.

Libya has been unstable since long-serving strongman Muammar

Gaddafi was toppled in October 2011, with militias ruling various parts of the country.

Seychelles heads for an election run-off

T

HE Seychelles will go to an unprecedented presidential election run-off after all six candidates in the first round failed to secure a 50 percent share of the vote, the electoral commission said on Sunday.

“We will have to go into a second round,” said Hendrick Gappy, chairman of the Seychelles Electoral Commission.

The next vote begins on December 16.

The Indian Ocean archipelago nation of 115 islands and 93,000 peo-

ple went to the polls to pick a new president on December 3 in the threeday vote.

The incumbent President James Michel, 71, won 47.76 percent of the 62,004 votes that were cast, while his closest challenger, Wavel Ramkalawan, a 54-year old Anglican priest, scored 33.93 percent.

Michel, who touted his economic credentials during the campaign, said the result showed his Parti Lepep, or People’s Party in Creole, was still dominant.

50—Vanguard, MONDAY , DECEMBER 7, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED OTU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Affiong Otu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Affiong Daniella Okolie. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and general public please take note.

OKPARA—I, formerly known and addressed as Okpara Christiana Ugochi, now wish to be known and addressed as Timothy Christiana Ugochi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name The names, Obasi Daniel Odinakachi, Odinakachi Obasi, Obasi Odinaka D. and Obasi Odinaka refer to one and the same me.

I now wish to be known and addressed as Obasi Odinakachi Daniel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name I hereby wish to affirm that my name was wrongly written as Umaru Faruk, instead of Umar Farouk. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O K E S A N YA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Okesanya Esther Motunrayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obialor Esther Motunrayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NKECHUKWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Anthony John Nkechukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Anthony John Ogeleka. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

J O S E P H AT — I , formerly known and addressed as Mary Josephat, now wish to be known and addressed as Yaahaya Maria Ojochide. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OREKOMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Orekomi Bukola Senami, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ige Bukola Senami. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name OBIAJULU—I wish to state that my name was wrongly written as Mmuogboh Obiajulu Ejike, instead of Mmuogboh Ejike Vincent. I now wish to be known and addressed as Mmuogboh Ejike Vincent. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

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AWUBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Idoko Rose Awuba, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Idoko Rose Ene. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JABORO—I, formerly

public please take note.

Confirmation of Name The names Onojeruo Samson Tega and Onojevwiona Samson refer to one and the same person. I now wish to be known ans addressed as Onojeruo Samson Tega. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALFRED—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alfred Hope, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Njidda Hope. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name The names Okotietie Sunday and Okotietie Timothy Eseoghene refer to one and same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Okotietie Timothy Eseoghene. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O N I YA M A H — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Blessing Godday Oniyamah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Blessing Godday Abutor. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESONU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinwendu Favour Esonu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinwendu Favour Ndukwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AREOMMBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Favour Areommbi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Favour Nikateri. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Kareem Wasilat Adejoke, now wish to be known and addressed as KareemOke Wasilat Adejoke.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MKPARU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeyinwa Augustina Mkparu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeyinwa Augustina Okpala. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name This is to confirm that Ikpi Edet, Ikpi Edet Eteng, Ikpi Godfrey Eteng is the same person. The Bank Verification Number (BVN) 22175704978, registered in Ikpi Godfrey Eteng is valid. That Ikpi Edet Godfrey Eteng is valid. All former documents remain valid.

Nigerian Police Force, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; UBA Plc, First Bank and general public please take note.

EKPERIGIN—I, formerly known and addressed as Hilda Esinjolomi Ekperigin, henceforth wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ifeoluwa Hilda Igun. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

CHIJIOKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Gozie Chijioke Ezughalu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Gozie Chigioke Ezughalu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

PAT I E N C E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Mercy Okujo Patience, now wish to be known and addressed as Mercy Precious Omorogie. All former documents remain valid. Banks and general public please take note.

OGADIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogadie Philip Okeoghene Helen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. E g h w u b a r e Okeoghene Helen. All former documents remain valid. Any authority it may concern and general public please take note.

EFFIONG—I, formerly known and addressed as Effiong Sunday Williams Obot, now wish to be known and addressed as Idongesit Sunday Williams. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EDERARO—I, formerly known and addressed as Vera Osaruemen Ederaro, now wish to be known and addressed as Vera O s a r u e m e n Ekhorutomwen. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IBRAHIM—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs Jemila Sadat Irene Ibrahim, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Irene Nwamaka Osemeka. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

B A B AT U N D E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Babatunde Abimbola Funke, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oshodi Abimbola Funke. All former documents remain valid. Contact Marketing Services Limited and general public take note.

IGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Igbo Esther Chinenye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chimereze Esther Chinenye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Reconciliation of Names The names Calistus Gabriel and Calistus Chibo Ofuegbu refer to one and the same person. I now wish to be known and addressed as Calistus Chibo Ofuegbu. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODIMEGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Odimegwu Anne Onyemaechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igwegbe Anne Onyemaechi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

known and addressed as Miss Jaboro Dorcas, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikpeni Dorcas. All former

documents

remain valid. General

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015—51

Vanguard CLASSIFIED AKHOGBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akhogba Ono Maureen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Amende Ono Eda. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BOMO—I, formerly known and addressed as Bomo Yawo Nelson, now wish to be known and addressed as Bomo Charles Yawo Nelson. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name I, Apodobeyai Ebiarede Jonathan do hereby confirm that the names Apodobeyai Ebiarede refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UZOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Uzor Almas Nneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nneka Almas Enairuoghene. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OMODIAGBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omodiagbe Gladys Iyenguwhena, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwachukwu Gladys.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name I, Diseye Isaac James do hereby confirm that the names Diseye Isaac James Obas,Obas Isaac Diseye and Diseye Isaac refer to one and same me. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALLI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Halimat Olanike Alli, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Halimat Aliyu Ibrahim.

All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

IBANGA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Dorcas Victor Ibanga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Dorcas Victor Ikonoh. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKEOCHA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Juliet .N. Ekeocha, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Juliet .N. Iheanacho.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

UMUKORO—I, formerly known and addressed as Princess Cecilia Cynthia Eyifoma Umukoro, now wish to be known and addressed as Cecilia Eyifoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BETHEL— I, formerly known and addressed as Bethel Comfort Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Nwagu Comfort Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank and the general public please take note.

NJOKU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Njoku Justin Chimezie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Gabriel Justin Chimezie. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Diamond Bank, Ecobank and general public please take note.

EKANDEM—I, formerly known and addressed as Joseph Samuel Ekandem, now wish to be known and addressed as Joseph Samuel Joseph. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGODO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Egodo Temituokpe Blessing, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agbada Temituokpe Blessing. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

GODSPOWER—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Godspower Evelyn, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Obukowho Evelyn. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONYEAKUSI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyeakusi Joy Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Ibanga Joy Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onah Nkiruka Rita, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ikewuibe Nkiruka Rita. All former documents remain valid. Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), NYSC and general public please take note.

OKOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okoh Helen Chinenye, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. I k e c h u k w u Onuchukwu Helen Chinenye. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IDEHEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Itohan Mary Idehen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Itohan Mary Osakwe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESEMUEDE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esemuede Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aminaghan Jennifer.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKOSUN—I, formerly known as Miss Okosun Philomina Ekeoseya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Erobomhan Philomina Ekeoseya. All document remains valid.

General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name I, Mr. Onobrenufe John Uvwo, wish to state that Onobrenufe John Uvwo, Onobrenufe Uvwo John and John Okiamu Uvwo are the same. All documents bearing any of the above names are mine and remain valid and authentic. The general public and whomever it may concern should please take note.

O M A S A N — I , formerly known and addressed as Adidi Rebecca Omasan, now wish to be known and addressed as Akpede Rebecca Omasan (Mrs). All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EYEKOMIOGBA— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Sarah Oniovosa Eyekomiogban, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Sarah Oniovosa Aya. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

BASSEY—I, formerly known and addressed a s M i s s Toby Joy Bassey, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Akaniyene Paul. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OKONTA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Okonta Isioma Fidelia, now wish to be known and addressed as Amakubukuro Isioma Fidelia (Mrs). All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ANTOINE—I, formerly known and addressed as Medji Antoine, now wish to be known and addressed as Medji Anthony Friday. All former documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank Plc, Ecobank and general public please take note.

ENUENWEMBA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss E n u e n w e m b a Chukwutem Favour, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chukwutem Favour Efiri. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OZOBE— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Lucky Oghenerobo Ozobe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Lucky Oghenerobo Odiete. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FOR ENQUIRIES CALL ADVERT HOTLINE: 01- 4544821

AKPOFE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akpofe Mariagoretti Ebere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agunwa Mariagoretti Ebere. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onah Patience Ifeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ihejiawunze Patience Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

YOU CAN BOOK YOUR ADVERT AT: TRINITY MALL, 79/81 OBAFEMI AWOLOWO WAY, IKEJA. CALL: 08035449960, 07031322957 MURPHÝ'S PLAZA 27, SANUSI FAFUNWA STREET, VICTORIA ISLAND. CALL: 08038092373, 08033163424

Delta Airline flies over 900,000 passengers from Nigeria in 8years

By Lawani Mikairu

L

AGOS — Delta Airline has airlifted over 900,000 passengers from Nigeria in the last Eight years. This was revealed by the airline Commercial Director, East and West Africa, Mr. Bobby Byran while fielding questions from aviation reporters and giving an update of the airlines activities during the year and its projections in the coming year.

Byran also said that Delta will continue to fly the Lagos route as Nigeria as a destination is one of the airlines strong markets, adding: “Africa is the future and Nigeria is the future of Africa.The Nigerian market always comes back against the run of play. In other climes, other markets have periods where there is traffic peak and when it is low but the Nigerian market is the exception.

“Delta started service between Nigeria and the United States in December 2007, since that date we have carried over 900,000 passengers on the route.

Delta is now the only airline to operate a daily yearround service between the U.S. and Lagos. On average we carry approximately 10,000 passengers per month."

Iba community celebrates Oseni's 40th coronation anniversary

I

NDIGENES of Iba community recently went agog as they celebrates the 40th coronation anniversary of their paramount ruler, His Royal Majesty, Alayeluwa Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni 1, JP, the Oniba Ekun of Ibaland, who ascended the throne at the tender age of 32 years.

Under His Royal Majesty, Ibaland has witnessed complete transformation from a remote village setting to a modern town attracting investors and visitors from other part of the country as their second home.

In a released, HRM Oba Yushau Goriola Oseni, said: “When I ascended the throne at the tender age of 32 years, I saw the task of leading the political and spiritual affairs of Ibaland and Awori Ajeromi district council as absolutely enormous for me to shoulder."

52 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

I

DO not think Nigerian coaches and players know my age. If they did, they would not have conspired to send me to my grave before my time.

After the Federation Cup Final, I told a colleague that I cannot count the number of matches I have watched, a situation that should save me from unnecessary tension and fear, yet the last five minutes of that match was hell for me as Lobi Stars were on the rampage threatening to draw level.

Yesterday I was all nerves as Manchester United struggled to ward off an ambitious West Ham team, preventing us from going top of the table ( Yes “us”ahahahahaah) I remember Pointe Noire and the struggle to qualify for the CAF U-23 Nations Cup and how we sweated, waiting anxiously for the referee’s final whistle.

Of late,the National teams have also not helped me. Imagine our U-2O girls leaving it till the return leg in South Africa to qualify for FIFA. What about the national team? The unexplained woeful outings against Tanzania and Swaziland?

Perhaps the one that beats them all is the current “Dream Team” campaigning in Senegal. I watched the team take a commanding three goal lead against Mali, only to leave me a nervous wreck at the end of the match with Mali at the point of coming back.

Then came the Egyptians, two penalty goals in the first half and before we knew it, Egypt was on the verge of beating us after drawing level Despite Coach Siasia’s assurances that they were going to make amends ( Said the same after the Mali match ) yesterday I told my wife I was not going to watch the match against Algeria. I told her I was certain Egypt will go all out to beat Mali, while we could not swear on our team anymore, so she should keep me posted.

The first good news I got from her was that Mali were leading the Egyptians and they maintained the position till the end, while we struggled to hold the Algerians thanking God for the draw that has exposed us to a possible ouster by the host.

When God damned kidnappers held Siasia’s mother hostage, my heart bled for him. I knew there was no way he could concentrate on the job at hand and I feared for the worst. As God would have it, his

them if they had bundled us out. Now that they have given us a window to peep in, we are set to open the door wide and walk in, boldly.

That was the nature, character and spirit of our youth and women teams. Now, things seems to be falling apart. Eagles free fall, All Africa Games disaster, and Olympics miss by the women.....time to arrest the situation. Over to you Sia Sia, another chance beckons.

Rough road to Rio dear mother was released in time to allow him face the task at hand. With the current results however, I am led to believe that Siasia could not do much while the mother was in captivity.

That brings me to the Amuneke example. Last week I received a call from him and in the course of our discussion , he was grateful to all those who stood by him in the course of his travails. He was particularly pleased with the NFF leadership for believing in him after he could not pick even a bronze in the African U-17 qualifiers. Today he is a World Cup winning coach.

Siasia has wobbled and fumbled into the semi finals. He is one match away from a Rio ticket and the challenge are the rampaging Senegalese complete with home support.

On paper we are as good as the third place match against South Africa and a remote chance of smuggling ourselves to Rio. Let it be said however that you underrate a Nigerian team at your peril. It would have been okay for

On paper we are as good as the third place match against South Africa and a remote chance of smuggling ourselves to Rio

History... Honour... Houses...

Money... God... Thanksgiving...

Africa...

Yesterday, the Government of Akwa Ibom State went to church to give Thanks to the Almighty God for the success of Akwa United.

Quoting Governor Udom Emmanuel the Thanksgiving marks the end of celebrations. “ Back to business. Africa calls.” He ordered.

Represented by the Sports Commissioner Sir Monday Uko, Governor Udom thanked Akwa Ibomites for their prayers and promised that the Federation Cup was just the beginning of a greater future for the state.

In his sermon, the Field Superintendent of the Apostolic Church in Akwa Ibom State apostle Ime George attributed the victory to God’s favour and acceptance of the leadership of the state. To the delight of those present, he chronicled the history of Challenge cup from inception to the present day and thanked God for making His light to shine on Akwa Ibom.

In his own speech, the Chairman of the club, Akparawa Nse Ubeh gave God all the glory for the victory. He said left for the team alone, there was no how the team could have won the cup but that with God all challenges were surmounted.

He thanked the state Governor, the Commissioner for sports, his board members, management, staff and players for making him an history maker, while promising that with God on the side of the team and the state, Africa will be conquered.

The service was marked with songs and dances galore. See you next week.

Fanfare as Team Tombim win NCC Tennis Cup Nigerian number one, tie after defeating Sarah

By John Egbokhan

A

FTER almost eight months of absorbing tennis action across some states of the country, Team Tombim were weekend crowned champions of the inaugural NCC Tennis League.

In the grand finale held at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club and watched by the creme-de-lacreme of the society, comprising the first vice president of Nigeria, Dr. Alex Ekwueme and Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, the Abuja based Team Tombirin carted home the whopping N5m prize money after beating Team Civil Defence 4-2 in the seven match championship decider with the final mixed doubles match becoming inconsequential.

The hero of the final day turned out to be 22 year-old Christian Paul, who with a lowly ranking of 27 in the national rankings as certified by the Nigeria Tennis Federation, stunned Davis Cup regular ad former

Abdulmumuni Babalola in the first singles and then immediate past national champion, Christian Enosoregbe in the match that clinched the tie for his team.

The Abuja-based Team Tombim had taken a 2-1 lead into the final day but national ladies’ champion, Christie Agugbom, squared the

Adegoke in three engaging sets1-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Team Tomirin asserted their advantage when Moses Michael outlasted Babalola 1-6, 6-1, 64 in the fifth rubber and Paul ended hopes of a late-fightback by winning the second reverse singles. For their effort, Civil Defence got N3 million.

Gov’s Cup: Nigerians scramble ica, who have all confor ranking points verged on Lagos for the

By John Egbokhan

T

HE courts of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club will literally burn from today as 15th Governor ’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship serves off, with Nigerian players scrambling for precious world ranking points to boost their stunted careers.

About 20 matches in the Men and Women singles main draw are on the card, with no fewer than eight Nigerian players entering the main draw, courtesy of wild cards extended to them by the Sani Ndanusa-led Nigeria Tennis Federation.

But for the wild cards granted them, most of them would have played through the qualifying draw often seen as a tortuous path to get into the main draw of tournaments of this nature.

Moses Michael will be championing Nigeria’s bid of an unlikely shot at the top prize in the first week of the tournament.

As the highest ranked Nigerian in the draw and still fresh from helping Team Tombim win the NCC Team Tennis title on Saturday, Michael will face treacherous waters in the hands of better equipped players from Europe, Asia and Amer-

only international ranking event in the country.

Also in the spotlight is Russia-based Nigerian angel, Melissa Ifidzhen, who marked her entry in the local scene in a big way after winning the ladies singles title at the Central Bank of Nigeria Championship, held earlier in the year in Lagos.

Bosnia and Herzegovina player, Aldin Setkic is the highest ranked player in the tournament. With a singles ranking of 231, he is the favourite to win the men’s tittle while French lady Sherazad Reix is the women’s top seed, all thanks to her current ranking of 247

CHAMPS... Former Vice President, Dr. Dr. Alex Ekwueme and other guests during the trophy presentation to Team Tombirin at the final of the NCC Tennis League on Saturday.

O’jez aims at world champs

O

N the backdrop of the dominance of his players in the just concluded 47th Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championships, financier of O’jez Sports Academy, Joseph Odobeatu, says his objective is to nurture African and world champions in table tennis and other sports as his contribution to Nigerian sports development.

O’jez players seized the stage in the Asoju Oba Championships, producing all four men’s singles semifinalists with Adeyinka Ahmed and Ayo Omotara providing a dramatically

pulsating final that kept spectators on edge for the duration.

Club chairman ays it is a great beginning to his commitment to contribute his quota in the development of Nigerian athletes. “We have just started and our success in this outing is very encouraging. This is a sports academy and our aim is to catch them young and make Nigeria and Nigerians proud on the local, continental and world stages. we preparing them for the future to make Nigeria great again in the sport,” Odobeatu said.

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 — 53

Govt reject Naira rain for victorious Eaglets A reward package proposed by the sports ministry for Nigeria’s team to the recent FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile has been rejected by the country’s government as “too outrageous”, sources at the Presidency have revealed. The government of President Muhammadu Buhari has sounded it loud and clear the country ’s coffers are hugely depleted and as such it cannot afford unnecessary expenditure.

The Golden Eaglets received cash gifts as well as national honours when they clinched a

record fourth World Cup two years ago in Abu Dhabi. But the team who retained this championship in November may not be that lucky.

“The proposal sent to the presidency on what

should be given by government as reward to the Eaglets following their victory in Chile has been rejected. Government said it does not reflect the current economic realities,” a source

simply informed.

It was earlier reported that the team would be feted by President Buhari on November 29 at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, but that did not come to pass.

Siasia

is why most Senegalese remember me. I will be around my players to repeat it next Wednesday,” said the former Super Eagles striker. He stated that he was happy the team reached the semifinal.

“I congratulate my team for not conceding and qualifying for the semifinals. The most important was to qualify and we have achieved it. We wish we could garner the three points but I’m happy with qualifying and getting closer to Rio de Janeiro.”

Siasia fulfilled his pledge of rewarding the team with 100 dollars each.

Nigeria are undefeated after three matches, after winning their first game at the tourney against Mali and drawing the last two with Egypt and Algeria. Only the top three countries will represent Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games .

Continues from BP lese at the 1992 African Cup of Nations at the Lepold Sedar Senghor Stadium, and go all out with confidence on Wednesday, to get a result that will secure their passage to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

“I would have preferred to play Senegal in the fi-

nal but I have to do at the semis. It will be a great match because they will have the public behind them and we have to play and win.

“At the Africa Cup of Nations in 1992, I scored here (Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium), and this

S/Africa coach dreams final slot Continues from BP na’ will battle Algeria in the CAF U-23 African Nations Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night in Dakar, Senegal.

“The dream lives on.

When we left home the mission was to qualify for the Rio Olympic Games, and we are still on track,” Da Gama said following Amagluglug’s 1-0 defeat of Tunisia in M’Bour this past Friday.

“We mentioned that we

will take it one game at a time, and it has worked for us. We did not want to get ahead of ourselves by thinking about the final before we had even qualified for the last-four.

Now we are just one match away from achieving our dreams.

“It would make life so much easier if we were to qualify for the final outright and eliminate all the pressure. That would also be killing two

birds with one stone – qualifying for the Olympics and playing in the final.” The Bafana Bafana assistant coach is confident his outfit can overcome the North Africans at Léopold Senghor Stadium. “We have to be very optimistic. We have to be very positive and tell ourselves that we have a very good chance in this game and most likely the opposition will be saying the same.

Continues from BP

Algeria coach

they are the only side with a 100 per cent record after defeating South Africa (3-1), Tunisia (2-0) and Zambia (10) to finish top of Group A. It was apparent that the 55-year-old Swiss feared that a semifinal clash with Senegal will be too much of a contest for his men after their gruelling 0-0 match-up with Nigeria.

The former FC Sion manager is pleased that his Algerian under-23s are facing South Africa and is already focused on the match.

“Now we will prepare

for the match against South Africa because it was important to avoid the host country in the semifinals,” he said.

He is also talked about their “match after match” approach as well as coming off a difficult game with Nigeria.

“I am glad we ended the top of the group and qualified for the semifinals of the Under-23 Afcon. Our approach is match after match. I am satisfied with our performance overall, and against a tough opponent like Nigeria,” said Schurman.

Victor Moses out six weeks Continues from BP

out with a hamstring injury after the 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

Moses hobbled off in the first-half of their stalemate as the Hammers avoided defeat at another of the Premier League heavyweights following wins at Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The winger joins an ever-growing injury list with Dimitri Payet, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Manuel Lanzini all facing spells on the side-

lines.

Bilic bemoaned his team’s luck, but said the well earned point at Old Trafford was made more special due to the lack of attacking options.

“We have to wait for a scan but it doesn’t look good,” he said.

“It’s not like cramp. I don’t know if it’s three, four, five or six weeks. It is painful to be without Dimi Payet, Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini and now Victor Moses.

54 — Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015— 55

C M Y K

Vanguard, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 , 2015

Algeria coach happy to avoid Senegal

A

LGERIA Under-23 head coach PierreAndre Schurman has not hidden his joy at facing South Africa in the semifinals of the Under-23

CAF U-23 AFCON:

Afcon, and not Senegal.

The Senegalese are the hosts of the ongoing Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations and apart from that, Continues on Page 53

Senegal will be a high hurdle —Siasia A

S Nigeria prepare to take on hosts Senegal in the semi-final of the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations, coach Samson Siasia has acknowledged that it will be a tough task facing the Senegalese in front of their vociferous fans.

However, he has urged his team members to roll back to 1992 when he scored against Senega

*Schurman

S/Africa coach dreams final slot

*TOUGH CALL...

Nigeria’s Ndifreke Effiong Udo (3) Muhammed Usman (10) restrain Algerian attacker Zinedine Ferhat during their CAF U-23 AFCON match.

S

OUTH Africa U-23 coach Owen da Gama says the team is one match away from achieving their Olympic dream.

The ‘Baby Bafana Bafa Continues on Page 53

Victor Moses out six weeks

Continues on Page 53

W

EST Ham coach Slaven Bilic has revealed that Victor Moses could face six weeks Continues on Page 53

*Samson Siasia

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

.5 Pg

—

Govt denies Naira rain for victorious Eaglets

3

RESULTS EPL Newcastle 2 Liverpool 0 SERIE A Bologna 3 Napoli 2 Atalanta 3 Palermo 0 Fiorentina 3 Udinese 0 Frosinone 0 Verona 2 Hellas 0 Empoli 1 LA LIGA R/Sociedad 2 Eibar 1 Villarreal 2 R/Vallecano 1 BUNDESLIGA VfBStuttgart1 W/Bremen 1 LIGUE I Marseille 2Montpellier 2

QUICK CROSSWORD

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Formula (6) 5 Strengthened (6) 9 Fish (5) 10 Allow (6) 11 Interior (6) 12 Inclined (5) 14 Pace (4) 17 Colour (3) 18 Lake (4) 20 Consumer (5) 22 Drilled (5) 23 With claws (7) 24 Started (5) 26 Principle (5) 29 Hero (4) 30 Crowd (3) 32 Entice (4) 33 Aviator (5) 35 Lecture (6) 36 Aeroplane (6) 37 Memorise (5) 38 Knocked (6).

39 Costlier (6)

DOWN 1 Rest (6) 2 Floor-covering (6) 3 Bucket (4) 4 Go in (5) 5 Unseeing (5) 6 Tear (4) 7 Stove (6) 8 Dashed (6) 13 Air-spray (7) 15 Domesticated (5) 16 Leaf (5) 18 Pattern (5) 19 Allude (5) 21 Managed (3) 22 Wager (3) 24 Lodgings (6) 25 Tattle (6) 27 Figure (6) 28 Tormentor (6) 30 Booby-trapped (5) 31 Plank (5) 33 Staff (4) 34 Prong (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Fling 7, Callow 9, Too 10, Rat 12, Owner 13, Chef 15, Irate 17, Guitar 19, Role 20, Agent 22, Dip 24, Derided 27, Met 28, Roost 31, Fear 33, Siting 35, Actor 37, Erse 38, Cavil 39, Nag 41, Saw 42, Pursue 43, Hewed.

DOWN; 1. Acacia 2, Allege 3, For 4, Foot 5, Lower 6, Needless 8, Wait 11, Tradition 14, Fund 16, Arid 18, Item 21, Generate 23, Peri 25, Rest 26, Done 29, Ogress 30, Teemed 32, Raise 34, Trap 36, Clad 40, Gun.

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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