Tinubu attacks Saraki

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 62602

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

IMF urges CBN to review forex policy >>52

CVs OF MINISTERIAL NOMINEES

Their lives, education, interests >>40

Tinubu attacks Saraki •Fashola

•Says he is indisciplined, disloyal, PDP in soul •I won't join issues with Tinubu – Saraki

•Adeosun •Hadi

US EXCL

IVE

By Clifford Ndujihe & Dapo Akinrefon

EXPLOSION IN LAGOS

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ATIONAL Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday, lambasted Senate President, Bukola Saraki, describing him as an indisciplined, disloyal and member of the

Continues on Page 5

Police nab 6 of Falae's abductors in Ondo, Ekiti, Niger >>11 Mr & Mrs A gas explosion occurred, yesterday, at Oworo Road, in Oworonsoki area of Lagos State. Inset: Sympathisers at the scene of the explosion

COLUMNISTS:

Scales and high jumpers •P.19 C M Y K

Politics of Buhari’s •P.20 ministerial list

>>11

2 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

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POCKET CARTOON

From Left; Mrs Tosin Adefeko,Senior Consultant,The Quadrant Company;Mr George Thorpe,Chairman Tequila Nigeria Ltd;Mrs Chizor Malize,Convener,Brand platform/Managing Partner Brandzone with Mrs Bunmi Oke,Chief Operating Officer 141 Worldwide at the Press Conference on the 2015 Brand Innovation Conference in Lagos yesterday. PHOTO BY AKEEM SALAU

Tinubu attacks Saraki Continues from Page 1 Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in soul.

Tinubu spoke yesterday while denying media reports (not Vanguard) that he was conspiring with Senate President Saraki to move against President Muhammadu Buhari over his alleged disaffection with the ministerial list.

Insisting that President Buhari must be supported by all to realise the change agenda, Tinubu said there was no way he could conspire with Saraki, who he said was indisciplined, disloyal and a PDP member in soul.

Tinubu spoke via a statement from Conakry, Guinea, by his Media Director, Dare Sunday.

“The idea of an alleged conspiracy between Tinubu and Saraki against the President is a

lie. Tinubu is committed to the APC vision and the Nigeria Project. The way Senator Saraki captured his current seat travestied party discipline" he said.

Reacting to the attack, the Senate President, Saraki, said he would not join issues with Tinubu and promised that the screening of ministerial nominees, starting tomorrow, would be done objectively according to the laws of the country and in the interest of Nigerians.

Tinubu in the statement said: “It was a crass act of disloyalty showing that Saraki may have joined the APC on paper but has remained true to the malpractices and wrong aims of the reactionary PDP in his soul.

“If this nation is to have more than a fleeting chance of escaping the quagmire into which years of PDP misrule have taken us, we

IT'S UP TO YOU

BY AYO ADIO

T

HE change you seek is activated when your life becomes a message. To lead a new age, you must become the message. It's up to you.

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Be clear about what it would take for you to have your ideal life— Brain Tracy

H

AVE the courage to define your life in your own terms. With a grateful heart, write down every single thing that you can imagine would be in your life if you were perfectly happy at this very moment. Write down things such as health, happiness, loving relationships, inner peace, travel, homes, and money and so on. Let your mind run freely. Imagine that you have no limitations at all.

Write everything down whether or not you think you have the capacity to acquire it or achieve it in the short term.

SAYINGS OF OUR PEOPLE

N

O mather how dry the jungle is, the son of a lion will never eat grass.

cannot allow these regressive elements to deploy their cunning tricks to divide and pit progressives against progressives,” he said The APC leader said he would not toss aside a lifetime’s labour because of an alleged slight and certainly would not join with Senator Saraki in stymieing the government which might just be the nation’s last best chance to salvage itself.

“In our journey to national betterment, plans and policies will be made, then amended. Mistakes will occur and then be corrected. Achievements will be had and replicated.

Through it all, Asiwaju will remain true to the progressive ideals that fuelled the creation of the APC. He has devoted his political life to achieve what has been achieved. His heart is too much of the people and his mind too fixed on establishing a positive historic legacy to suffer such a cynical policy or engage in the destructive pettiness of which he is accused.”

He continued: ‘’The alleged conspiracy is a figment. It takes at least two people to make a conspiracy. There has been no substantive communication between Asiwaju and Saraki since the latter decided to foul the integrity of the Senate and the party. To be truthful, I don’t think Saraki would care to hear what Asiwaju would have to say to him.

He would admonish the Senator to treat the nomination process with dispatch, justice, fairness, transparency, and most of all with the greatest patriotism.

"He would counsel Saraki to shelve his personal situation for the moment to concentrate on the people’s

business. It would be a grave mistake and abuse of office for Saraki to directly or indirectly inject his personal matter into the approval process. Saraki should not link the approval of a single minister to his desire for extra-judicial treatment of his issues.’’

The statement read in part: ‘’Other than voice this encouragement, Bola Tinubu will never say a negative word or lift a finger to forestall anyone’s approval before the Senate.

For the record, the Buhari Presidency was brought to life by the votes of millions of Nigerians who desire change. Such a collective and historic achievement is not one that anyone who worked to bring it to life would easily seek to deconstruct.

"If adhering to the decisions of the party, supporting the government’s progressive plank and working for the good of the people qualifies Tinubu for surveillance, then he will accept that.

"However, we know that any such surveillance is not from state security organs.

Such activity would come from the insecurity agencies of the PDP and its mercenary allies elsewhere who would seek to fragment the true core of the APC so that they may scuttle the Buhari reform programme and return the nation to the misgovernance of the past.

They hope to delude the APC into attacking itself. By so doing, they believe they can regain through stealth, the reins of government the people seized from them through elections. They seek to break the hearts and hopes of the people.

Asiwaju Tinubu would never team with anyone to gain such an inhumane objective...

“Those who midwifed this garish tale gave birth not to

truth but to lies intended to kill APC unity and to retard the Buhari administration’s strategic reform initiatives, as earlier outlined by our party manifesto. Given the potential for change that stands before us, we are now beginning to see the true nature of many people.

There are those who truly want positive change so that we can break from the ways of a stolid past. Then there are those who speak of change with their mouths but never believe in it in their hearts. They came along with us for the ride or because no other political option availed itself at the operative time. Now given the chance to redeem themselves from their past political actions, they would rather return to the political morass from whence they came.

“Here, I will do those who inhabit the shadows of untruth a favour. I will state explicitly what they hoped to get the reader to infer.

Their claim is that Tinubu has joined with Saraki to scuttle the President’s ministerial nominations.

They have misfired. ‘’Their wrong is a great wrong. Like the rest of us, Asiwaju Tinubu waited for the President to select his cabinet. The majority of the selections have been made. There is nothing to do but congratulate the appointees and pray for them.

Their responsibilities are vast, the future of the nation now rests on their shoulders. The challenges before them are manifold and daunting. Those who want the best for Nigeria can only hope that these people succeed. The only intervention that Asiwaju Tinubu would make is one of encouragement. He would charge them to remain true to the progressive vision of the party and our President.’’

I won’t join issues with Tinubu—Saraki Reacting, Saraki, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mr Yusuf Olaniyonu said: “I saw the statement said to be issued by Senator Bola

Ahmed Tinubu over a story published by a national daily. I have decided not to join issues with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. However, I know that most Nigerians are aware that there has been no meeting or communication between me and Asiwaju Tinubu since I was elected Senate President. Therefore, I do not see any basis for a newspaper to report that we are both plotting to oppose the President.

“I recognise Tinubu as one of the leaders of the APC who contributed so much to the victory of the party in the last election.

Some other people also contributed and I believe the collective efforts made it possible for the first time in the history of our country for an opposition party to win the general elections.

He also said: “Let me state clearly that I remain a committed member of the APC and will do all in my powers to ensure the party fulfill its promises to bring positive changes into the country.

“Since my election as Senate President, my focus and efforts have been devoted to doing the job that I was elected to do by my constituents and my colleagues in the Senate. Twice, my colleagues have confirmed their support for me as the primus inter pares in the Senate.

“As I said in my speech when we resumed from our recess late September and in Ikenne over the weekend, the screening of ministerial nominees will be handled by me and my colleagues with all sense of responsibility and in adherence to the provision of the constitution. We will be fair to all and be guided by the interest of Nigeria.

The screening will be devoid of sentiment and it is not an opportunity for anybody to settle scores.

We are equally eager for us to make a positive difference in our polity and Nigerians will be able to judge us whether we acted in their best interest or not.”

6—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Man jailed 21 years for rape

By Samuel Oyadongha

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ENAGOA—A State High Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has sentenced an accused person, Super Ojo, to 21 years in prison for raping a lady (name withheld).

Super, popularly known as Bestman, said to be the leader of a cult group, “Bobos,” was sentenced at the State High Court 2, presided over by Justice Margaret Akpomiemie.

The alleged cult leader and nine other members of his gang were said to have raped a lady at Akaba in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State in 2011.

Super was arraigned in the court in May 2014 on a four-count charge of conspiracy, rape, murder and membership of an unlawful group.

The accused was alleged to have gone to the lady’s house with four other persons, dragged her out and forcibly took her to an uncompleted building in a bush where other members of his gang were waiting and raped her one after the other.

The lady was said to have been blindfolded as she was being gang-raped and after the assault, was given a machete cut on her back.

She was said to have been abandoned in the bush where a good samaritan rushed her to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, bleeding from her private part after the violent sexual assault.

The lady was later transferred to the National Hospital, Abuja, for further treatment due to the degree of injury sustained and the attendant trauma.

The victim of the gang rape, it was gathered, is still discharging from her vagina.

Also the brother of the victim was said to have been murdered by members of the gang when he allegedly failed to heed their instruction to effect the release of a member arrested by the police.

Delivering her judgement, Justice Akpomiemie said, having carefully studied the arguments of both the prosecution and defence counsel as well as the testimonies of the victim, she was convinced that the allegations against the accused had been proved beyond reasonable doubt by the prosecution with the exception of count three.

2 monarchs fight over supremacy in Ogun A

By Daud Olatunji

B E O K U T A — PANDEMONIUM broke out at Ilara in ImekoAfon Local Government Area of Ogun State, weekend, as the Village head of Alagbe, a border town in the area, Chief Joseph Ogunrinde, was allegedly beaten to coma and his official car destroyed.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday at the palace of the Oloola of Ilara, Oba Samuel Adeluyi, who is the prescribed authority of the Alagbe, was reportedly allegedly masterminded by the people of Ilara.

It was gathered that the incident was the result of a crisis that erupted between the two traditional rulers of the towns, following the controversy trailing the upgrade of village head to coronet and then to Oba’s position.

Ordeal

Narrating his ordeal, the village head of Alagbe alleged that the wife and one of the children of the Oloola harassed him in the palace for his alleged disrespect of their monarch.

He said his Honda Accord car, with number plate, Lagos JJJ 597 AP, was vandalised beyond repair and later set on fire, with some documents he kept in the car.

He said: "Around 5pm, Kabiyesi, Oba Samuel Adeluyi called me to his palace and gave me the letter from paramount ruler of Yewaland, the Olu of Ilaro, which I read. I told the Kabiyesi that I want to make photo copy so that I will take it to my community to show it to them at Alagbe.

“As I came down from upstairs, he called me back to bring back the letter and as climbed up to return the letter, his junior wife held me by my neck and asked if I could not run to Kabiyesi when he called me. ‘’Immediately, Kabiyesi’son, (names withheld), came out from a room, snatched the letter and started beating me till I became unconscious. “ Some youths also joined them in the beating and when my driver came in to rescue me, they beat him and attempted to throw me down from upstairs but I was rescued by policemen from Ilara."

Oloola's position

But, in a swift reaction, the Oloola of Ilara, who spoke with Vanguard on phone, described the allegation against his wife and son as a lie.

Oba Adeluyi, who confirmed the incident and destruction of the car, however, said, it was the other way round as he was the one that received the beating from the village head of Alagbe.

He said: “He told a lie. He came to my house to beat me. I have never seen this, that Baale would

FIGHTING CRIME AND CRIMINALS: Combat ready policemen at the Ikorodu area of Lagos as a result of ongiong miliatry operations to forestall criminal activities in the area, weekend. beat a monarch. People saw him when he was beating me and wanted to beat him. I did not allow the people to beat him.

“In fact, it was a mechanic who came to repair my car that separated the two of us at the veranda. Many people wanted to beat him. Because they may beat him to death, that was why I stopped them and the Police took

him away.

“I was hospitalised for three days. I only saw a vehicle that was destroyed which they said belonged to him. I was not in the house when they destroyed the car. I did not know he brought a car and none of my children beat him.

“The Police have taken a statement from me. He was the

one that harassed my wife. He rough handled her cloth . In fact, he has committed an offence by harassing the ‘Olori’. If I had allowed the people to beat him, he would have died.”

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, was not reachable at the time of filing this report.

DSS arraigns 8 suspects over death of Bayelsa Assembly deputy clerk

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

ENAGOA—THE Department of State Service, DSS, last Friday, arraigned eight persons in connection with the murder of the Deputy Clerk of Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Geofrey Nemine.

While the DSS, under the leadership of its new Bayelsa Director, Mr. Ade Olusesan, began the prosecution of Timmy Owokoro, Tony Wilson, Omoyo Agidi and Etete Wisdom, at the

state High Court II for the actual murder of the deputy clerk, Douglas Esegi, Peace Banjamin, Benike Tarila and Enyia Ben Karibo were arraigned in the same court on a three-count charge of illegal possession of firearms allegedly used in the gruesome killing of the victim.

The offences were said to be contrary to Section 147 of the Criminal Code Laws of Bayelsa State, 2006 and Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (special provision) Act, 2004.

Esegi, Benjamin, Tarila and Karibo were said to be illegally in possession of locally-made sixround revolver pistol and locallymade single barrel long gun.

Nemine was killed in April along Human Rights Street, Agudama, Yenagoa, the state capital at about 7:30pm.

Though some said he was caught in a cross-fire between two rival cult groups, others said he was accosted in front of his wife’s shop and shot at close range by gunmen.

2 in Police net over N7m fraud in Ekiti agency

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By Rotimi Olaleye

DO-EKITI—TWO officials of Ekiti State Central Medical Store, AdoEkiti, are currently cooling their heels in the custody of the State Police Command over fraud running into N7 million.

The state governor, Mr Ayo Fayose, yesterday handed over the culprits, Mrs Cecilia Akinyele, a grade level 9 officer and Mr Bello Olajide, a grade level 10 officer to the Commissioner of Police, Mr Etop John James, for a thorough investigation of the matter.

An audit of the finances of the agency early in the year showed that over N7 million was missing from the account of the agency.

Mrs Akinleye, a cashier in the agency, who is the prime suspect in the matter, had accused Olajide, the accountant, of collecting the money from her on various dates starting from April this year.

According to her, before she started giving out the money to Olajide, a few days after her posting as the cashier, she informed a fellow worker, Mrs Adekemi Ojuawo, that her boss asked her to lend him the agency’s money in her care.

“Mrs Ojuawo warned me against doing this, but because he is my boss, when he came to ask that I loan him the money again, I obliged him. I know this is against civil service rule.

“The first money he took from me was N100,000, that was on April 16, 2015. He went ahead to borrow from the government money 36 times. The least he took was N50,000 and the highest was N300,000,” she alleged.

In his defence, Olajide denied ever taking any money from the woman, saying some of the dates listed by Akinleye, such as May 29, 2015, were public holidays.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—7

Edo Reps's daughter found at Abuja airport 4 days after disappearance

Why I hid $34,000 in my pants, by suspect

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—A passenger who was arrested while attempting to smuggle 23 wraps containing $34, 000 has revealed that he hid the wraps under his pants when he could not swallow it.

The suspect, identified as Ozoh Ikenna, said: “I was only a courier. I was paid to smuggle the $34,000 to Brazil.

They promised to pay me five per cent. I agreed to smuggle the money to alleviate my financial hardship. I could not swallow the wraps, so I decided to hide it in my underpants.”

According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Head of Public Affairs, Ofoyeju Mitchell, Ozoh Ikenna was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos, on his way to Brazil. The money was detected during the screening of passengers for an Etihad Airways flight to Abu Dhabi.

He said the suspect packed the dollars in wraps and concealed in his boxer shorts.

NDLEA airport commander, Ahmadu Garba, said the arrest was facilitated by a scanning machine.

The suspect, Ozoh Ikenna.

“We also conducted a followup operation where one Ogbo Emmanuel who gave Ozoh the $34,000 dollars was arrested.

Investigation by the Assets and Financial Investigation Directorate, headed by Mrs Victoria Egbase, revealed that the suspects were involved in the laundering of substantial amounts of illicit drug proceeds. Over two hundred and twenty-six million Naira (N226, 000,000) was traced to one bank account belonging to the second suspect, Ogbo Emmanuel. The account name

is Eternal God International Limited."

Investigations also revealed that the cosmetic business of Ogbo Emmanuel at the Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, was a mere hoax, as his sales records did not justify the large inflow of money into his bank account. A Hyundai Tucson Jeep was seized as an exhibit during the raid operation.

It was also discovered that suspected drug proceeds were regularly deposited in the said bank account by membersofaninternationaldrugcellthat smuggle cocaine from South America to West Africa.

By Soni Daniel

A

EGHONGHON, second daughter of Edo State House of Representatives member, Chief Joe Edionwele, who disappeared since last Wednesday, was reunited with the father yesterday afternoon.

Although details of how she was found were not made public, the father, Chief Edionwele, confirmed to Vanguard last night that she had been found.

The 25-year-old was reportedly found near Lugbe, close to Abuja Airport but it was not clear if she was found in a kidnappers’ den or a hideout.

The NYSC member had shortly after flying into Abuja from Lagos last Wednesday, became incommunicado with his father who was waiting for her in his Area One residence.

Eghonghon, a graduate of Physiotherapy from Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, who is currently serving in Ibadan, had reportedly boarded a vehicle from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, in Abuja to the Area One residence of his father.

When the matter was reported to the FCT Police Commissioner, Wilson Inalegwu, he was said to have taken immediate steps to look for the lady, who was finally found yesterday but the command did not say what happened and how the lady was located and taken home.

The money recovered from the suspected courier.

NSCDC nabs woman for selling own baby for N100,000 in Enugu

By Esther Onyegbula

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N U G U — T H E Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, NSCDC, Enugu State Command, has arrested a young woman, identified as Nkechi Isioko, from Mpu in Aninri Local Government Area of the State for allegedly attempting to sell her baby for N100, 000.

Nkechi was paraded alongside some prostitutes and pipeline vandals. It was gathered that the suspect had collected the sum of N100, 000 from one Mrs. Blessing Egbo before operatives of the NSCDC arrested her and the suspected buyer.

She claimed that Mrs. Egbo initially gave her part payment of N10,000, and later completed the money.

She further confessed that she later gave back the N100, 000 to Mrs Egbo after she was advised not to sell her own baby, adding that she wanted to sell the baby because she needed money to treat herself.

Speaking while parading the suspects, the commandant of

NSCDC in Enugu State, Mr. Lar Stephen Zwali, warned pipeline vandals to look for another business, saying his command had intensified surveillance.

He disclosed that the suspects were caught at Nenwe in Aninri Local Government in the night while they were vandalising the pipelines.

The NCSDC Commandant further told journalists that

though the NNPC repaired the pipelines before it commenced pumping of petroleum products to its depot in Enugu, his command had informed the corporation of the development.

He further advised human traffickers and prostitutes to find another business, warning that his command was committed to stopping their illegal business.

The Chairman of the Committee

B U J A —

on Child Adoption and Fostering in Enugu State and Archbishop of the Anglican Communion, Enugu Province, Most Reverend Emmanuel Chukwuma, who also spoke to reporters warned that the state would no longer be conducive for human traffickers and prostitutes.

He stated that the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, had directed them to stop prostitution and illegal sale and adoption of babies.

8 UI students slump at exam centre

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

I

BADAN—EIGHT unidentified Open Distance Learning, ODL students of the University of Ibadan, weekend, slumped at Adebayo Akande E-Centre, Ajibode, Ibadan, after waiting for hours to write the GES 101 examination.

Vanguard learned that the students were among the over 3,000 students who arrived at the e-centre at about 8:00 am for the examination. Some of the students were from Ivory Coast.

But they were shocked that six

hours after arriving the centre, the examination was yet to commence.

Standing under the scorching sun, the students began to slump one after the other.

One of the students who identified himself as Micheal, lamented: “It is painful. We are disappointed that the management could not organise the examination properly. They knew the population of student who will be sitting for the examination. This is a compulsory course for everyone.

Knowing the huge population

and the weather condition, the management couldn’t make provision for canopies, either permanent or temporary.

Ifeoluwa who is also a student of the university said: “There’s lack of coordination and some things that were supposed to be put in consideration weren’t put into consideration. Every department offers GES 101 and they should have created spaces for people to stay instead of letting everyone stay under the sun."

President of the Student Representative Council, SRC, Mr. Oluleke Peters, said: “This was

how many students slumped last year. We hope that the management can adopt better strategy to conduct examination in the institution.

“But nevertheless, suspension of the exam seems to be the best option available because time is already running out and there is risk of having more casualties if the examination is allowed to continue. A number of students that collapsed were rushed to Jaja clinic. We thank God that there was standby ambulance. The students are all in stable condition, and a few have been discharged."

8—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

DANGOTE:

‘Dangote's stimulating African economy’

From left— (front row)President, Dangote group, Aliko Dangote; President, United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete; Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, representing President Muhammadu Buhari, and Regional Commissioner for Mtwara, Halima Dendego, at the commissioning of a new 3.0 million MTPA, Dangote Cement Tanzania Plant and groundbreaking ceremony of the jetty at Mgao Village, Mtwara, Tanzania.

By Naomi Uzor

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I G E R I A’ S President, Muhammadu Buhari and his Tanzanian counterpart, Jakaya Kikwete, have described the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, as Africa’s economic stimulant, whose investments have sustained economic stability and standard of living on the continent.

The two leaders spoke on the occasion of the commissioning of the Dangote Cement’s multimillion dollars new cement plant in Mtwara, Tanzania, and ground breaking of the 26 hectares jetty, which attracted top shots not only from Nigeria, but also from East African countries such as and Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Tanzanian President, Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, said there was no better way of rejuvenating and sustaining a nation’s economy if not through investment, which opens the door for job creation and opportunity for people to express their creative abilities.

He described the 3m mtpa cement plant as the largest cement plant in Eastern and Central Africa, noting that the investment was one that would have a huge impact and strengthen bilateral relations between Tanzania and Nigeria.

“It will go a long way in transforming our happily, existing diplomatic and political relations into investment and trade arena,” he noted.

Dr. Kikwete pointed that the timing of the citing of the cement plant was very auspicious, at a time the demand for cement was on the upsurge locally and regionally.

Said he: “It is logical that there is a sound relationship between economic growth and booming of the construction sector, where cement is a critical input.

Tanzania is one of the countries where such relationship can easily be traced.”

SECESSION: Nigerians divided over Yoruba threat

By Clifford Ndujihe, Dapo Akinrefon, Charles Kumolu, Gbenga Oke & Francis Igata

E

MINENT Nigerians, weekend, were divided over threats by some Yoruba leaders to pull the South-West zone out of Nigeria and become an independent country.

Led by General Adeyinka Adebayo (retd), Yoruba Leaders of Thought after a summit in Ibadan last week, where they dissected the recent attack and kidnap of former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae

by Fulani herdsmen, called for restructuring of the country into true federalism or they would exit the nation.

The Yoruba leaders said in a communique: “Realizing that the crisis that we are witnessing presently over the actions of the Fulani herdsmen is a function of the refusal of Nigeria to practice true federalism, which would guarantee significant autonomy to the constituent units, we demand an immediate restructuring of Nigeria with the implementation of the report of 2014 National Conference as a starting point.

“If we do not see any step in this direction within a reasonable time, Yoruba may have to reconsider their place in a union that cannot protect them and use all legitimate and peaceful means to attain self-determination.”

Ohanaeze

Reacting to the threat, yesterday, apex Igbo sociocultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, asked the Federal Government to halt incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen nationwide and implement the

Let’s implement Confab report— Ohanaeze tells FG We need dialogue— Arewa Youth Yoruba reaping rewards of empowering Fulani— Col Achuzia We’ll remain in Nigeria and fight for our rights— Babatope recommendations of the National Conference.

In a telephone interview, Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Joe Nworgu, said: “FG should implement the confab report, which was decided by consensus. Its recommendation dealt squarely with issues of herdsmen attacks.

“The menace of herdsmen should not be allowed to snowball. Ohanaeze has adopted the wait and see attitude given Nigeria’s history.

The Federal Government should be fair to all sides of the nation and not push people to the wall.”

Enugu Unity Forum

Another pan-Igbo group, Enugu Unity Forum, EUF, called for caution.

Chairman, EUF, Chief Tahil Ochi, said: “Nigeria has attained heights that nobody should be talking of secession.

The Igbo tried it and it set Nigeria back 10 years.

“Government should, as a matter of urgency, address the issue of Fulani herdsmen to avoid ethnic violence, because it is not only in the South-West that the damage is done.”

Babatope

Former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said the Yoruba people should come together and fight for their rights rather than secede.

He said: “As a Yoruba man, I cannot take a different position from what my fellow Yoruba men are saying and I am sure the Yoruba leaders, who

addressed that press conference, might have seen some dangers that will threaten the co-existence of Yoruba race before they voiced out their opinion.

“However, I will say that we should stay together and fight for our rights rather than thinking of seceding. Nigeria belongs to all of us and we should stay together and fight for the common interest of the Yoruba race.”

Uncalled for — Mohammed

Second Republic lawmaker, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, who condemned the attack on Falae’s farm and subsequent kidnap, said the Yoruba elders’ threat was uncalled for.

His words: “I condemn the abduction of Olu Falae. It is absolutely uncalled for and I also condemn in strong terms the alleged vandalization of his farm.

“I have no evidence to confirm whether these people were actually Fulani people because we have about 54 countries in Africa.

Out of the 54, there are about 33 Fulani towns and settlements. So I will call on the security agencies that anyone that is caught should be dealt with mercilessly.

“The statement by the Yoruba elders is uncalled for and unnecessary. Nigeria remains one indivisible entity.”

Achuzia

On his part, Civil War hero,

Col Joe Achuzia (retd), said: “The herdsmen have been a source of concern in the country. And the problems they cause are becoming endemic.

“The threat of secession has been in the air and everybody knows the position of the Yoruba on it. The Yoruba are in a good position to state how they feel about issues that concern them.

It is their right.

“However, it is the Yoruba, who made it possible for the Fulani to come to power. We the Igbo are just spectators; we are not concerned about secession. All we care for is equity and justice.

As far as we are concerned, what Nigeria needs now is justice and equity.”

Arewa Youths

National President of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, appealed to the Yoruba not to secede promising to initiate a peace process between Fulani leaders and the South-West.

He said: “I do not think there is need for the people of the South-West to secede. I know that something went wrong and nobody is happy with the development.

“I intend to initiate a meeting to bring the Yoruba leaders and Fulani leaders together alongside our own people so that we can resolve it amicably.”

We’re not part of it—ARG

However, a leading Yoruba pressure group, Afenifere Renewal Group, ARG, dissociated itself from the secession threat, saying it was not part of the ultimatum.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—9

NNPC records N378bn loss in 8 months PPMC spends N300bn on subsidy, pipeline repairs

By Mike Eboh

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HE Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, has announced a loss of N378.49 billion in its operations for the first eight months of the year.

One of NNPC's subsidiaries, the Products and Pipeline Marketing Company Limited, PPMC, accounted for majority of the losses, as it spent over N300 billion on subsidy and in the repairs and management of its pipelines between January and August.

In the figures presented by NNPC's Monthly Financial and Operations Report for August, obtained over the weekend, NNPC posted a loss of N60.669 billion and N51.714 billion for the months of July and August, respectively.

The loss resulted from expenses being higher than its revenue in the period under review.

Specifically, NNPC recorded a total revenue of N1.17 trillion, lower than an expenditure of N1.55 trillion, leaving a deficit of N378.49 billion.

In the month of July, NNPC recorded revenue of N149.198 billion and expenses of N200.126 billion, while in August, the group posted N146.617 billion revenue and expenses of N207.287 billion.

stated that 73 percent year-todate NNPC deficit of N378 billion was accounted for by the PPMC deficit of N278 billion.

It disclosed that PPMC deficit mainly comprised claimable subsidy of N231 billion, which represented 82 percent of the subsidiaries’ deficit and its claimable pipeline repairs/management cost of N69 billion and also crude product losses of N45 billion due to vandalized pipelines.

NNPC further stated that N723.82 billion for domestic crude oil and gas sales

proceeds was paid to the Federation Account from January to August.

Revenue from oil, gas

It also stated that from January to July, a total volume of 439 million barrels of crude oil and condensate were lifted by all parties.

The report said: “Total US dollar payment to the Federation from sales of export crude oil, gas and NLNG feedstock for the month of August was $225.7 million.

“Crude oil export sales contributed $108.9 million,

that is 48 percent of the dollar payment, compared with 76 percent contribution in previous month of July, while export gas sales and NLNG feedstock accounted for $99.65 million, that is 44 percent contribution compared with 23.7 percent contribution in the prior month of July.

“The remaining $16.8 million was attributable to other dollar denominated receipts by the corporation.

A total of $607.8 million has been paid so far to FAAC this year from sales of export oil and gas.”

Refineries' loss

The heavy losses were as a result of the lacklustre financial performance of majority of the NNPC subsidiaries in the eightmonth period, especially the refineries and retail subsidiaries.

Particularly, Kaduna, Port Harcourt and Warri refineries companies posted a combined loss of N48.92 billion, while NNPC Retail and PPMC recorded a combined loss of N275.16 billion.

Further analysis of the operation of strategic business units showed that Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited posted a loss of N21.90 billion; Port Harcourt Refining Company recorded a loss of N15.1 billion, while Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Company lost N12.62 billion.

NNPC Retail posted a loss of N3.679 billion, while the PPMC recorded N278.837 billion loss.

On the other hand, Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC; Integrated Data Services Limited, IDSL; Nigeria Engineering and Technical Company Limited, NETCO and Nigerian Gas Company, NGC, posted profits of N50.995 billion, N2.934 billion, N544 million and N19.239 billion, respectively.

In its explanations, NNPC C M Y K

STANBIC SERIES: From left— CEO, Interswitch, Mitchell Elegbe; CEO, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Sola David-Borha; Rocket scientist and guest speaker, Siyabulela Xusa; and CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Yinka Sanni, at the 2015 Stanbic IBTC Business Leadership Series in Lagos. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

Our expectations from ministerial nominees—Murray-Bruce

By Ben Akande

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BUJA—A Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senator from Bayelsa State, Ben Muray-Bruce, has said President Muhammadu Buhari had the right to appoint those he could work with as his ministers, provided such appointees met the expectations of the Red Chamber and Nigerians.

Murray-Bruce spoke in Abuja, weekend, when the members of Ben Bruce Vanguard, BBV, paid him a courtesy call.

The Senator, who confirmed that Senate would, today, begin screening of the first batch of ministerial nominees sent to it last week by President Buhari, noted that the

legislatures had no issues with the persons of the nominees.

He said, however, that when the nominees appeared for screening, they should be able to prove to the Senate that they were men of integrity, patriotism and had the interest of the common man at heart.

He said: “The President cannot be prevented from choosing whom he believed he can work with; he is free to make his choices.

“However, what is demanded of those he has chosen is that when they show up for confirmation before the Senate, they must be able to prove that they are patriotic Nigerians and they would be able to care for the people they are to govern.

“It is not important whom he

has chosen, but what is important is for them to discharge their responsibilities for the benefit of the people.

“We do not want to see them living like kings and lords, but like ordinary people.

“The Aviation Minister must fly Nigerian carriers, should stay in line to get screened and walk through the airports like every other passenger.

“The Works Minister must be ready to ply our roads, the Finance Minister must be seeing dealing with the economy and strengthening the Naira, while the Minister of Health must use Nigerian hospitals. They must use the services that are available to all Nigerians.”

UN, WHO advocate dignity for mentally ill

By Sola Ogundipe

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NITED Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, has called for policies and laws that will ensure dignity for the mentally ill, even as the World Health Organization, WHO, is advocating better support and care that inspires hope for people with mental health conditions as a way of promoting their rights and dignity Making the call, weekend, on this year’s World Mental Health Day, October 10, KiMoon said every human being had the right to respect and dignity.

He said: “Everyone is entitled to their hopes and dreams, to work, enjoy family and friends, go about their life without stigma and discrimination and participate in decisions that affect them.

“Policies and laws need to ensure this; services need to promote this and communities need to support this.

“Together, we can help make sure that people with mental health and psychosocial disabilities can live with the dignity that is integral to a healthy and fulfilling life.”

WHO

In a related development, WHO urged for more support and care for people with mental health conditions towards enabling their recovery approach to achieve their goals and aspirations In a statement to mark the day, with the theme Dignity in Mental Health, the global health body said the dignity of many people with mental health conditions was not respected.

Lamenting that thousands of people with mental health conditions around the world are deprived of their human rights, WHO said they were not only discriminated against, stigmatized and marginalized, but are also subjected to emotional and physical abuse in mental health facilities and the community.

10 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Alamieyeseigha was not a thief — Ibori

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ORMER governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori has stated that Diepreye Alamieyeseigha who died on Saturday, was not corrupt.

In a statement signed on his behalf by Tony Eluemunor, his spokesman, Ibori said: “Alamieyeseigha became the victim of great hypocrisy masquerading as nationalism and anticorruption fight.”

“Alamieyeseigha was lied against, as heaps upon heaps of untruths were piled on him, and national hysteria replaced public discourse whenever the subject was Alamieyeseigha. “He was plotted against by those who swore they were fighting on the side of good even though they had taken high seats in the devil’s court. “How many people would believe that Alamieyeseigha had only one house? And that is in his village, Amassoma!

One day, no matter how long the delay, Alamieyeseigha’s real story would be told, the truth about him would be unearthed and the world would know the kind of virulent politics he was victim of.”

Ibori showered encomiums on Alamieyeseigha, recalling his agitation for resource control and fiscal federalism. “We were not just colleagues in the governors forum from 1999, in the man I found a boundless and dependable warrior in the battle for the cause of the Niger Delta. He was fearless, forthright, outspoken and dedicated his life to the causes he believed would benefit his people,” Ibori said.

See more reactions on page 44.

Five injured as refrigerator explodes in Lagos

By Olasunkanmi Akoni, Bose Adelaja & Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS—A strange explosion occurred yesterday inside a beer parlour that is yet to open along L and K road in Oworonsoki area of Lagos.

The explosion occurred around

A G O S — S E N AT O R representing Lagos East senatorial district, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa has added his voice to a motion recently moved at the senate to honour late Dr. Gamaliel Offoritsenere Onosode, for his contribution to Nigeria’s development.

According to Ashafa in a statement, the motion was a well deserving gesture which befits the late boardroom guru over his

next to the beer parlour, but the building is said to pose no danger to the people.

Officials of fire service and policemen were still trying to find out the cause of the explosion as the shop was locked at the time of the incident.

But a crowd, which surged to the scene were said to be impeded the work of the

CONDOLENCE VISIT: Governor Rauf Aregbesola ((2nd right) with head of the committee on revenue allocation, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu (right) and the Deputy Governor, Mrs Titilayo LaoyeTomori during the inauguration of the 17-man committee at the Governor’s Office, Abeokuta.

Ex-labour leader, Sumonu leads Osun revenue allocation body changing their attitude from seeing

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BEOKUTA—THE Osun State Government has appointed veteran Labour leader and one-time Secretary General of the Organisation of African Trade Unions, OATU, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, as chairman of the Committee of Government and Labour to oversee allocation of state’s revenue to prompt payment of salaries as well as adequate running of government.

Specifically, the Committee of Government and Labour is for the apportionment of net revenue accruing from the Federation Account and Internally Generated Revenue.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola, during the inauguration of the Committee, stated that the committee, in a transparent manner, will apportion all funds accruing to the state government

Onosode should be immortalised — ASHAFA

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2.00 pm leaving five people injured including a young girl.

The injured, according to Vanguard sources, were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The actual source of the explosion has not been officially confirmed as at the time of this report.

It was however learnt that the explosion affected a building

significant contribution to national development.

“I suggest that a monument be built on behalf of late Chief Onosode or an Institution be named after him in order to keep his iconic attributes indelible in the memories of Nigerians,” he said.

He further urged the Federal Government to give him a posthumous award for his distinctive character.

to take care of salaries, pensions and other critical expenditure.

Aregbesola said the birth of a committee was long overdue having suggested the idea in the wake of the clamour for minimum wage, which pitched workers against their state governments.

The 17-man committee is made up of representatives of the government and workers.

Members of the Committee are; Osun Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC Chairman, Comrade Jacob Adekomi, Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) Comrade Bayo Adejumo, Osun’s Nigerian Union Teachers Chairman, Comrade Wakeel Amuda, Comrade Rufus Adeyemi, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Idowu, Comrade Afolabi, Comrade Gbenga Oyebode and Akeem Ibrahim.

O thers are; Chief of staff to the Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, former Group Managing Director of Oodua Investment, Bayo Jimoh, former Commissioner for Information, Sunday Akere, Managing Director, Osun Investment Company, Bola Oyebamiji, Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of Finance, Local Government and Chieftaincy titles and that of Human Resources and Capacity Building.

Aregbesola called on workers to be prepared for a more efficient service rendering period by

government job as social security but a profitable venture.

He said, “We must be businessminded. The positive impact of every agency of government must be felt in its own area of assignment and responsibility.

“In education, your products must be found to be worthy in learning and character. In healthcare, your work must be reflected in a healthy citizenry. In agriculture, it must be in indisputable food security and banishment of hunger.

Sunmonu, also a former NLC President, in his remarks attributed the financial crisis to fate, saying when things happened the way it happened to Osun and Nigeria, it only demonstrated that a divine being is directing affairs of men.

He thanked the governor for setting up the labour/ government committee as it will assist the parties to work harmoniously to find a lasting solution to the salaries hiccups.

service men and the police.

An official of the National Emergency management Agency had to appeal to the people to leave the area to allow his men to do their job.

Those injured were residents of the building and a motorcyclist who was passing at the time of the incident.

Affected was a five-month old baby girl, her mother, Mrs Joy Angolo, their relation, Mr Monsuru Angolo, a motorcyclist Kamoru Bashir and one other resident, whose name could not be ascertained.

As soon as the incident occurred, the area was thrown into confusion with the residents thinking the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram had struck and many of them reportedly took to their heels but the development was later confirmed to be that domestic explosion possibly from a refrigerator.

According to an eye witness, the incident occurred due to excessive heat build-up in the refrigerator ignited by fumes from petroleum products stored in the relaxation centre.

The baby was said to be unconscious due to excessive bleeding while his mother and their relation sustained head injuries.

In his reaction, to Vanguard’s enquiry, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, said there was no explosion rather it was a gas cylinder that busted.

According to him; “We should not create fear in the minds of people. It was a gas cylinder that busted resulting in a fire incident.

The small fire did not even consume the whole house where it happened. ‘’The place is densely populated so, a huge crowd rushed out when they saw smoke from the fire. There is heavy presence of policemen there now and they are making frantic efforts to control the crowd.’’

A resident of Oworonsoki said more casualties would have been recorded should the incident have occurred on a week day.

In a telephone conversation, the Director Lagos State Fire Service Razak Fadipe and South-West Information Officer, Ibrahim Farinloye confirmed the development to Vanguard, saying only five persons were injured during the incident.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 11

Police nab 6 of Falae’s abductors in Ondo, Ekiti, Niger

By Dayo Johnson & Ifeanyi Okolie

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KURE—SIX of the suspected Fulani herdsmen, who kidnapped the former Secretary to the Federal Government of Federation and Finance Minister. Chief Olu Falae, have been arrested and an unspecified amount of the N5 million ransom recovered from one of them.

Vanguard gathered that the six abductors, were apprehended at separate locations in Niger, Ondo and Ekiti states, by a team of Special Intelligence Squad, deployed by the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Solomon Arase.

The suspects, who were said to be of northern extraction, were picked by the operatives, following an intelligence report, who combed several locations in Ondo, Ekiti and Niger States.

It was further gathered that one of the suspects was still in possession of his share of the ransom when he was apprehended.

Although the Ondo State police Command was yet to confirm nor deny the arrest but competent family source confirmed the arrest.

Three of the abductors were apprehended in Niger State.

Sources said seven others are still on the run.

Reports have it that the suspects, who will soon be paraded are being detained at the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, in Akure, the state capital.

Four of the suspects were reportedly arrested last week Sunday, while the other two were picked up during the week.

Vanguard learnt that the suspects have made confessional statements.

Speaking with newsmen, ondo State Police spokesman, Femi Joseph was not categorical about the arrest of the suspects.

He said; ‘’The kidnap of Chief Falae was a national issue. It has been taken over by the Inspector General of Police. All issues that have to do with Chief Falae is

being handled by the IGP himself.

“I am sure that IGP will brief newsmen today on the development as regards the kidnap of Chief Falae.’’

A visit to the state police command showed that the security at the SARS had

been heightened.

The former Finance Minister was abducted by gun-wielding Fulani herdsmen in his farm located at Ilado village in Akure North area of the state.

He was released after 72 hours in captivity and payment of N5 million ransom to the kidnappers.

The politician's kidnap had generated a lot of controversies

Vanguard Annual Banks Review 2015

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Chief Olu Falae

Amuka, Aboderin, Okodua, others bag Rockcity awards Thirteen other prominent media of media icons.”

By Daud Olatunji

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BEOKUTA—IT was a day of honour for the publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu, the former chairman of The Punch newspapers, late Chief Olubunmi Aboderin and some media icons, including late ace broadcaster, Peter Okodua for their contributions to journalism.

They were honoured with the prestigious Rockcity awards instituted by Rockcity Foundation in conjunction with Rockcity 101.9FM, the first independent radio station in Ogun State, owned by a cerebral journalist, Dr Niran Malaolu.

icons got the award for their contributions to the development of their profession. Though some were posthumous.

Those who bagged the Rockcity awards were veteran journalists, former Managing Director of the defunct, Triumph newspaper, Haroun Adamu, Muyiwa Adetiba, Chief Executive Officer, Channels Television, John Momoh, ace broadcasters, Frank Olize, Julie Coker, Sienne Allwell-Brown, Dr Segun Aderiye, Hauwa BabaAhmed and advertising guru, Biodun Shobanjo.

They were all given plaques of recognition at the wellattended second edition in the series of what the initiator called “The annual celebration

Ondo takes bank facilities to pay salaries – MIMIKO

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By Dayo Johnson

KURE—GOVERNOR Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state weekend painted a gloomy picture of the state finances, saying that it takes overdraft to augment allocations from the Federation account to pay its workers N3.95 bn monthly.

He spoke during a town hall meeting at Okedogbo in Owo area of the state.

According to him government from February this year has relied on overdraft from banks to pay workers salaries and pensions as the monthly allocation was not enough.

C M Y K

across the country.

Various Yoruba groups have condemned the activities of the herdsmen in the South west.

Afenifere, a Pan-Yoruba Socio Political group at an emergency meeting a week ago called for the stoppage of cattle rearing activities in South West states.

Spokesman of the group, Yinka Odumakin said that their activities should be

stopped in entire Yorubaland.

A communique read by Odumakin said: “We demand that nomadic cattle rearing should be stopped in ever y state of Yoruba land.

According to him “We are not unmindful of some silences, but the voices of those who spoke for the solidarity with boldness with which they have spoken out on this barbarity.

Also, at the weekend, Yoruba leaders gathered for a summit in Ibadan, threatening secession if the herdsmen menace was not addressed.

For the posthumous awards, ace broadcasters , Peter Okodua, Yinka Craig and the former Managing Director, Africa Independent Television, Ladi Lawal as well as former editor of The Punch, Nurudeen Balogun were recognised.

The event full of glitz and glamour had in attendance a royal father, Olubara of Ibara, Oba Jacob Omolade, speaker Ogun State House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, General Manager, Vanguard newspapers, Gbenga Adefuye, ace broadcaster, Ambrose Somide, representative of the Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, Alhaji Bola Adeyemi, National President of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, Waheed Odusile among others.

While disclosing the rationale behind the awards, Malaolu, in his opening remarks, said the Rockcity awards was instituted to celebrate the media practitioners, most especially those who had made remarkable contribution to the development of the industry and the society as a whole.

The Vanguard publisher, while receiving the award through the General Manager and Editor-inChief, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, expressed gratitude for the honour bestowed on him.

Adefaye, who explained how Amuka-Pemu felt over the award, said; ‘’The publisher of Vanguard was grateful over the honour.

HE Vanguard Annual Banking Industry Report 2015 featuring the profile and challenges of the Nigerian banking industry from last year through current year will be out next month.

The publication which will be the 14th edition, would present the relative strength of each of the banks while giving insight into what to expect at year-end 2015 and in the medium term into 2016.

Preliminary reports on the banking sector profile and activities of all the deposit money banks in 2014/ 2015 focusing on the aggregate money supply, credit to the economy, assets and liabilities, interest rate structure and financial ratios are all pointing to a tough operating environment especially in 2015.

But many contributors in the Report indicate that most banks are weathering the storm.

The Vanguard Report will be a key source of data and analysis for the industry.

The report, first published in 1998, has been Nigeria’s major banking and finance resource, providing comprehensive financial intelligence about the health and wealth of the banking sector.

The Vanguard Report provides comprehensive financial data, news feeds and executive profile of bankers in Nigeria.

The publication over the years (1998 – 2011) have been a reference material on the Nigerian banking industry performance and strength representing over 95% of the industry’s total assets.

12—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

No Rivers State fund was misappropriated by Amaechi's govt —EX-COMMISSIONERS Describe white paper as product of illegality, lies

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By Jimitota Onoyume

ORT HARCOURT— FORMER Rivers State commissioners who served during the tenure of ExGovernor Rotimi Amaechi, weekend, in Port Harcourt, dismissed the report of misappropriated Rivers State funds during Mr. Amaechi's tenure, as claimed by the Rivers State Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

They insisted that the report of the commission was not only a product of illegality, but also that the allegations of misappropriation of public funds were mere fabrications to malign Amaechi and those who worked with him.

The ex-commissioners, at a briefing, contended that it was illegal for a governor to set up a panel of inquiry based on mind- set, claiming that Governor Nyesom Wike and the chairman of the judicial commission of inquiry, Justice George Omereji, had allegedly set their minds on issues to be investigated by the commission before it even commenced proceedings.

Some of the former commissioners at the briefing were Mrs. Ibim Semenitari, who was Commissioner for Information; Finance, Mr Chamberlain Peterside; Agriculture, Mr Emma Chinda; Power, Mr Austin Wokocha and Transport, Mr George Tolofari, among others.

governor, Chief Wike, was the Chief of Staff to the Governor at the time. When the decision to construct the monorail was taken, there was no Due Process law in existence in the state. But it should be noted that after the enactment of the Due Process law, the monorail project owner engineers, Arcus Gibb and officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Transport were constantly briefing and keeping the Due process team up to date on all issues as they related to the project. This fact can be backed up with several minutes of meetings between the Due Process team, officials of the Ministry of Transport and Arcus Gibb.”

Meltdown

Continuing the excommissioners said the global financial meltdown was the reason the private partner for the project could not fulfil its own end of the financial deal.

They said a committee headed by the former deputy governor recommended that government then should still go ahead with the project in spite of the failure of the private partner to implement its own part.

Exco Committee

The ex-commissioners said: “It should also be highlighted that after the PPP (Public Private Partnership) partners, TSI Property and Investment Holdings Ltd, pulled out of the project because of its inability to contribute its own 80% equity contribution (Due to the financial crash of 2008). The former deputy governor, Engr.

Tele Ikuru, headed an Executive Council committee to review and recommend if the Rivers State Government should continue with the project. The committee recommended that government should continue with the construction of the monorail project with Arcus Gibb acting as the project consultants.”

According to them, the first phase of the monorail project measuring about 2.6 kilometre was technically completed, stressing that the project should not be abandoned as it would ease traffic for business to thrive, saying, “The monorail project is even more significant now given the recent fall in the price of oil and the need for government to create a conducive environment for local business to thrive. There is no better way to help local businesses thrive than putting in place a proper transport

infrastructure network.

Extent of work

"By the end of Mr. Amaechi's tenure, two stations had been completed, Azikiwe and UTC stations. The Depot and Sharks Park stations were already 80% completed. The train has been mounted and tested. In fact, the first phase of the project (2.6 km stretch) could be said to have been technically completed. It is infantile and the height of irresponsibility to request that N33 billion be returned to the Rivers State Government. It shows a complete lack of understanding of the rudiments of governance and infrastructural developments.”

Agricultural credit loan scheme

On the agricultural credit loan scheme allegedly shared as grant to ex-council chairmen during governor Amaechi’s tenure, the former commissioners said 380 mother cooperative societies benefited from it, stressing that the records were in the ministry, They said: “About N3.1 billion was disbursed from the funds leaving behind about N900 million with Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture account

Monorail

The former commissioners insisted that they all left handover notes in their various ministries before bowing out on May 29.

They recalled that Wike was the Chief of Staff to former Governor Amaechi at the time the decision was taken to construct a monorail to ease traffic congestion in Port Harcourt metropolis, noting that it was a collective decision of the state executive council.

They said that budgetary allocations for the project were expended on it, noting that at the time the project took off due process law was not in force in the state, but as soon as it was enacted, drivers of the project started interfacing with the necessary quarters in relation to the law on the project, They said: “The decision to construct the Rivers Monorail Project was jointly adopted by the Rivers State Executive Council during Amaechi's first tenure when the present C M Y K

BRIEFING: From left: Former Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari; former Commissioner for Transport, Mr George Tolofari and former Commissioner for Finance, Mr Chamberline Peterside, at a news conference on the alledged missing funds during former Governor Rotimi Amaechi's administrtion, in Port Harcourt, weekend.

for the completion of the projects.”

Power assets

They equally dismissed as untrue, alleged sale of the four power assets of the state and conversion of the proceeds, declaring that “the power assets were priced and sold at a premium at $800,000 per mega watt, which is higher than the rate of $358,000 per megawatt used by the Federal Government in disposing its power assets at Afam. Whereas River State earned $302,000,000.00 for 70% of its power assets of 542 megawatts, the Federal Government received $260,000,000.00 for the 726 megawatts plant situated adjacent to the Rivers State facility. Payments for the assets were made in several tranches between 2012 and 2014 “All proceeds of the sale made in US dollars were lodged in the Rivers State Power Assets Sale Account with Access Bank. The USD proceeds were sold to willing buyers at a rate higher than the prevailing CBN rates, and the naira equivalent lodged by the buyers into the Rivers State Revenue Account, RVSG, at Zenith Bank. The companies that were erroneously portrayed as fronts for looting of the funds were actually those that bought the USD and made remittances of naira equivalents into the given account with Zenith Bank. Once the funds were received into RVSG account they were used alongside others from other revenue sources to finance various government projects and activities.”

On the Justice Adolphus Karibi Whyte Hospital, they said: “The Justice Adolphus Karibi-Whyte Hospital was conceived by former Governor Amaechi to address the huge tertiary health care deficit in Rivers State and indeed the country and help reduce the high cost of referrals to hospitals overseas. River State government in January 2008, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Clinotech Diagnostics and Pharmaceutical Inc. Canada, for the building and operation of a mega-specialist hospital and leisure facility in Port Harcourt on a Public Private Partnership basis (PPP) with equity participation of government 40% and Clinotech 60%."

Urhobo Social Club condoles with Onosode family

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HE President of Urhobo Social Club, Chief Simeon Ohwofa, has described the late business icon, Mr. Gamaliel Onosode, as a standard bearer whose life personified the change and national rebirth Nigeria is earnestly yearning for.

Chief Ohwofa made this statement when he led

members of the club on a condolence visit to the Onosodes in Surulere, Lagos.

He said Onosode left indelible marks of integrity, hard work and a sense of purpose in business, church, educational institutions and all aspects of life where he found himself.

Ohwofa said: “Though not

directly in government, the federal government, state governments and government agencies sought his wise counsel from his hay days in the 70s till he died."

He described Onosode as a great Nigerian, a great son of the Niger Delta and his native Urhoboland and

prayed for the repose of his soul.

The delegation which included the club’s vice presidents, Chris Umukoro and Austin Enajemo -Isire and trustees, Johnson Barovbe, Oma Odoh-Tadafe and Emmanuel Evue, was received by the widow and children, Ese and Spencer.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—13

Okowa denies approval of N750m to fund DTHA's US training trip

By Egufe Yafugborhi

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ARRI —GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has denied reported approval of N750 million by his administration to fund a training trip to the United States, US, for members of the Delta State House of Assembly, DTHA. Okowa spoke yesterday while addressing the media at the Olu's Palace, Warri, where he visited the Regent and Traditional Advisory Council of Warri Kingdom to condole with the Itsekiri nation on the passing of the Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse II. Asked to confirm what the US trip would cost, the governor simply said: “That is not true, it is all lies,” without responding to further enquiry to clarify the true budget for the project.

On perceived indifference of his administration to the poor state of roads in Warri and environs, Governor Okowa said: “People should be aware that the rains are still on. Only a mad man constructs roads in the rainy season, because you would just have destroyed the roads rather than repair them.

In the dry season we will attend to the roads.”

Okowa, during his condolence visit to the Olu's Palace, eulogised the late monarch as “a very peaceful man and a fatherly figure both in Delta State and in Nigeria.”

He said he was at the palace to know the challenges and the level of preparation for the burial and other events,

reiterating that his administration would partner with the Warri Kingdom to ensure a befitting funeral for the late monarch and successful coronation for his successor.

The governor was received

by Prince Eroro Emiko, Regent of the kingdom and

members of the Traditional Advisory Council, who thanked him for the condolence visit and the commitment to play key role in both the funeral for Atuwatse II and coronation of his successor, Prince Godfrey Ikenwole Abiloye Emiko.

CONDOLENCE VISIT: Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State (left) and the Regent of Warri Kingdom, Prince Eroro Emiko, during the governor's condolence visit to the Regent, at the Olu's Palace in Warri.

We'll leave lasting impression in next 13 months —OSHIOMHOLE

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, weekend, said his administration was aiming to leave lasting impression in the state in the next 13 months than it started, hence the decision to bring in fresh competent hands to drive the government’s dream of ending very strong.

Speaking at the swearing-in of two new commissioners in the State Executive Council, the governor urged people of the state and Nigerians to give total support to President Muhammadu Buhari, to enable him drive the desired change the country needed.

Swearing in Chief Tom Uloko and Gideon Obakhan, as commissioners, Oshiomhole said: “Nigerians wanted change and that was why they voted for a man who has the capacity to provide leadership for that change as represented by President Muhammadu Buhari and we all can see that things are already changing.

“I want to assure our people that we appreciate that we are in hard times, finances are dwindling, a lot of money was stolen from our treasury by previous governments, but we are not lamenting. The C M Y K

world appreciates and respects the integrity of the Nigerian President and that is why they all have been giving a helping hand to ensure that what was stolen is returned to the treasury and those involved are brought to justice. So, let me use this opportunity to ask you to give your total and unqualified support to our President so he can drive the change that Nigeria desires.”

On the new commissioners, Oshiomhole said: “They are coming on board at a time of

dwindling resources, very little available revenue and yet, the expectation of our people is understandably increasing by the day and it is our task to try and perform the magic. Chief Tom Uloko is not a stranger to Edo public service. He has been around for quite some time and he has served this state diligently in various capacities.

I believe with Tom Uloko joining the State Executive Council, we are bringing on board a very seasoned public officer who will add value to the governance of

this state to the benefit of our people.

Gideon Obhakhan is also somebody who has served our state. I felt, therefore, that knowing Gideon as I do, knowing his concern for the state, his passion for development, his managerial competence, a very promising young executive, I believe that he brings on board, not just the energy of a young man, but also the insight and the creativity of people of his generation."

My appointments not lopsided, Okowa tells critics

By Festus Ahon

A

SABA—GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, weekend, said he had been fair and equitable in the distribution of appointments into his administration and described as untrue allegations that his appointments were lopsided.

Okowa, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu, frowned at recent media reports faulting the manner of distribution of his appointments and leadership

style, since assumption of office.

He said: “The promoters of the publication captured their misgivings in phrases such as: “Dr. Okowa is going ahead to reward his cronies with hundreds of appointments all in a bid to further plunder our common patrimony. A government that takes care of only civil servants and government political appointees, tampered with the moral and economic fibre of the oil bearing communities, Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission,

DESOPADEC.” While noting that he would not have joined issues with the promoters of the said publication, but for his deep appreciation of the role of the opposition in keeping the ruling party on its toes, he, however, advised that opponents should criticize with some level of decorum and deference to facts.

He explained that the DESOPADEC amendment law, which he proposed, was duly passed by the state House of Assembly, which saw the need to restructure the Commission.

107 flood victims evacuated from Delta communities

By Ochuko Akuopha

O

LEH—ABOUT 107 flood victims were weekend, evacuated from Aballa-Oshimili, UtchiOkumedo and UtchiUmuochi communities, Ndokwa-East Local Government Area, Delta State.

This came as over 35 houses were submerged and farmlands overtaken by the ravaging flood at Abuator in the council area.

Vanguard gathered that the flood victims were evacuated in boats by the flood rescue team set up by the NdokwaEast Local Government council and driven in buses to the Internally Displaced Persons, IDP camp at Ashaka.

Speaking with newsmen at the IDP camp, the council Chairman, Mrs. Nkechi Chukura, decried what she described as the pitiable condition of the flood victims, and said the state and the local government council were committed to ensuring the safety of the people and their property.

She, however, expressed dissatisfaction at the reluctance of some residents of some of the communities affected by flood to relocate from the areas, saying: “I do not know why the people are refusing to come out. Though some of them are willing to come out, the number of persons that are willing to come out is not as much as we expect because of what we have seen on ground.

“Some of the communities are fully submerged, and they are living right inside the water. I want to appeal to the state government to continue to appeal to them to come out because they are in danger.

The children in particular are in great danger. We need to get them out of these places because what may happen may not be good at all because of the level of the water.”

While disclosing that the state government was preparing to take over the IDPs, she said: “As a local government, we may not be able to cater for them all the way, so we are doing what we can. The state government is putting up an IDP camp in Kwale, but for now that they are not much, we are doing all we can as a local government.”

At the time of filling this report, 82 IDPs were in the camp as others were said to have chosen to live with relatives in neighbouring communities.

14 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

MINISTERIAL LIST: Buhari won’t interfere with probe of nominees — APC CHIEF

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

A

BUJA—DEPUTY National Chairman, North, of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Senator Lawan Shuaibu, yesterday said that President Muhammadu Buhari would not stop corruption probe of any member of the party, especially the ministerial nominees.

Shuaibu, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja said the present government came on the background of change and was ready to effect changes in the social circles.

He however stated that the government would not act on mere allegations and petitions until such had been proven by the courts which might also pronounce judgments on the accused.

He said: “You see the President has said several times that he believes in the rule of law, that he respects the rule of the law.

Anything that is not in line with the constitution and the extant laws of this country, he would not go for it.

When it comes to the issue of the choice of people who will serve as ministers in his administration, I believe that until one is convicted in the law court, we will be chasing shadows on the basis of suspicions and assumptions.

“If he decides to interpret the laws in the case of people facing investigation, I think he is quite free to go ahead with it.

“I think, quite frankly, that he is

not going to stop any investigations against any member of his cabinet. But should that investigation lead to conviction in courts, I assure you even before President Buhari asks them to resign, such a person would have brought a letter of resignation. The President cannot intervene, I assure you, in a matter before the court on behalf of anybody including his own child.”

The APC scribe also refuted the insinuations in some quarters that the current anti corruption crusade of President Buhari was selective.

“What did you expect the President to do? President Buhari has made it clear, even during his recent interview in New York, he said he would not be interfering with judicial process or procedures and he will wait to see when a court makes a decision on anyone,

that is when he will respect the decision of the court.

“When you talk about people who have contributed to his emergence as president, I do not expect anybody who contributed to the emergence of President Buhari in the last general election to do so because they wanted cover from corruption prosecution. If anybody thinks that way, I would say that President Buhari is not thinking that way,” he said.

Shuaibu also said that APC government would earnestly kick off to realize the dreams of Nigerians immediately the nominees had been screened and sworn in.

“As soon as the ministers are sworn-in, the business of governance will fully commence in earnest and actual implementation of the programmes of government will start off,'' Shuaibu said.

PLAUDITS FOR AMUKA: Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, Vanguard Newspaper's GM/Editor-In-Chief (right) receiving an award on behalf of Mr Sam Amuka, Vanguard''s Publisher from Hon. Justice Demola Bakare (retd) at the Rockcity FM 101.9 awards ceremony held at DLKE Events Centre, along Abiola way, Leme, Abeokuta. Photo by Wunmi Akinola.

Why Boko Haram resumed bombings in Abuja, other towns

By Soni Daniel, Northern Region Editor

U

NRELENTING onslaught by the Nigerian forces against Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East may have forced many of the terrorists to escape the war front to seek

refuge in the cities.

Sources familiar with the war, told Vanguard last night that the three-month deadline given to the military by the President to clear the North-East of the menace of Boko Haram, has strengthened the troops to go all out against the insurgents.

Guided by the deadline, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.

Tukur Buratai, has reiterated the military’s determination to end Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria in December this year.

Buratai restated the commitment during a routine operational visit to frontline troops in parts of the North-East.

Buratai said, “I want to reassure Nigerians that Nigerian Army is ever determined to succeed in

meeting up with the set deadline of defeating Boko Haram terrorists by the end of this year.”

Already, people living in some parts of Maiduguri and Damaturu, have confessed that the military offensive by the Nigerian troops had had a devastating effect on the once dreaded strongholds of the insurgents.

A top Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, politician in Borno confirmed to Vanguard that some of the insurgents were fleeing to “The search for Maiduguri and Damaturu, abducted Chibok school following sustained girls and the rescue of bombings of their locations other Nigerian in by the military in recent hostage has never weeks. relapsed as could be But he said the attested to in recent insurgents were finding it times where hundreds of difficult to enter and settle women and children down in the city, as were rescued by the vigilance groups were military through its always on the alert to fish coordinated operations.'' them out for instant justice.

We'll never lose hope on Chibok girls, others — DHQ

By Kingsley Omonobi

A

BUJA—THE N i g e r i a n Military has restated its commitment towards the rescue of Chibok girls and other innocent

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victims being held captives by Boko Haram terrorists.

The Acting Director, Defence Information, Colonel Rabe Abubakar, made the disclosure in a statement today while responding to various

reports on the plights of Chibok Girls and other captives in terrorists’ dens.

He said: “the Nigerian military and other security agencies are working round the clock to secure the release of not only the Chibok girls

but also other innocent citizens who are held hostage by the terrorists.

“The military, being a component of the society, is equally worried and is doing everything possible to address the current security challenges.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—15

Obi shares N20m to schools

T

HE FORMER governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has shared N20 million to schools across the country.

Obi, who disclosed that support to schools had become a passion for him, said that having witnessed the impact the support he gave to schools when he was the governor of Anambra State , that he was encouraged to continue as part of his contributions to development of Nigeria.

He stated this last week as he moved from one school to another donating N1 million each to them.

Some of the schools he visited are: Holy Child Nursery and Primary School, Isiagu; Holy Spirit Secondary School, Ebenebe; St. Anthony Secondary School, Ikenga; Holy Family Secondary School, Igbukwu; St Anthony Nursery and Primary School, Ekwulobia; Immaculate Conception Secondary School, Umuchukwu;and Michael Tansi Secondary School, Akpu, among others.

Speaking at Madonna Nursery and Primary School, Agulu, which he visited on Friday, Obi encouraged the pupils to focus on education as their future.

Drop corrupt, aged ministerial nominees, CAN

tells Buhari

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—AS the Senate begins the screening of ministerial nominees on tomorrow(Tuesday), the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, says any politician with corruption issues hanging on his neck should not be confirmed.

The Christian body also urged the lawmakers to disqualify any of the nominees who has advanced in age.

Secretary of CAN in Enugu State, Joseph Ajujungwa, who stated this in Enugu over the weekend at an event to mark his 35th priestly anniversary, said Nigerians should stop trivializing corruption.

He maintained that corruption was clearly stealing and that any politician who continued with such habit, despite hearing the word of God, would end up in hell fire.

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ABIA GOV ELECTION: Appeal court reserves

ruling for Oct 12

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—THE Court of Appeal sitting in Owerri, Imo State capital, Saturday, reserved ruling for today, October 12, 2015, on the appeal filed by the governorship candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in the last general election, Dr. Alex Otti.

Otti approached the appellate court to challenge the decision of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, sitting in Umuahia, which refused him extension of time to present more witnesses.

When the appeal filed before a five-man panel led by Justice Jimmy Bada, came up for mention on Saturday, counsel for the applicant, Chief Awa Kalu, SAN, argued that his client was entitled to 14 days as stated by the Electoral Act. Kalu also told the court that the lower court had on July 27, 2015, allowed a motion from the respondent after the same lower court had ruled on July 24 that no further motion would be taken.

“The lower Tribunal foreclosed the appellant’s right to 14 days after granting him only 7 days and we prayed the court to grant him extra seven days extension to enable us call all our witnesses”, Kalu said.

He urged the appellate court to allow the application,

Counsel to Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Chief Wale Olanipekun, SAN, urged the court to discountenance the application, adding that

“the application has no connection with the prayers of the appellant”.

Citing a litany of legal authorities, Olanipekun, noted that the lower Tribunal had the constitutional backing to determine whether to extend time or not, in a matter before it.

VISIT: Chairman, Nigeria Governors' Forum (right), Adulaziz Yari; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Bishop Calistus Onaga, Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, and Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, exchanging pleasantries when the governors visited Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday.

BATTLE FOR SENATORIAL SEAT: Nnamani, Nnaji

know fate today

By Francis Igata

E

arguing that dismissing the matter would adversely affect the substantive petition.

NUGU—THE National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu will today,deliver judgment on the petition filed by candidate of the Peoples Democratic Change,PDC,former governor Chimaroke Nnamani,challenging the victory of Senator Gil Nnaji of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP,for the EnuguEast senatorial district conducted March 28.

Nnamani had approached the tribunal,alleging that the election,conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC,was fraught with substantial irregularities especially at Isi-Uzo Local Government Area where votes were said to have been inflated.

Parties to the suit,first respondent Nnaji,second respondent,PDP and third respondent INEC,had adopted their written addresses before the tribunal Chairman,Justice Matthew Adewara last September 28.

Vanguard checks revealed that residents in Enugu are waiting with baited breath, to know where the pendulum of justice will sway.

Further checks showed that security has been beefed up around the Court premises and other strategic junctions should there be a possible jubilation or protest that may disrupt public peace.

16—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

We won’t engage in needless opposition against Buhari —Umahi

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI— GOVERNOR David Umahi of Ebonyi State weekend stated that his administration and the state chapter of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP would not engage in “needless opposition” against President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.

He stated this when he met a team of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state who paid him a condolence visit at his country home, Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of the state According to him, the State has a lot of challenges and it would make no sense for it to embark on any form of “senseless opposition.”

However, he was quick to add that supporting Buhari’s programmes did not in any way mean that he and other members of the PDP in the state would abandon their party.

Abia govt begins disbursement of bailout funds, N8bn so far captured

By Anayo Okoli

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State Government has commenced disbursing the N14.152 billion bailout fund to clear the arrears of salary owed workers in the State.

The total debt so far captured by the committee constituted by

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to handle the disbursement of the fund as at last week’s sitting was about N8 billion.

Ministries and Parastatals so far captured by the Committee include Health Management Board, whose workerswere owed seven months arrears and Abia State University Teaching

Hospital, Aba, being owed about nine months arrears.

Others were Primary School Teachers owed three months; Local Government workers owed two months; Local Government Pensioners said to be owed two months and MDAs whose arrears range between one to two months.

According to the Chairman of

CONDOLENCE: Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige, former governor of Anambra State; exsenator and ministerial nominee (in black cap), accompanied by Emeka Ibe (in white French suit), Anambra State Chairman of APC, and entourage, condole with Chief Emma Eneukwu, National Vice Chairman All Progressives Party, APC, (left), and family at Obinagu, Enugu State, on the demise of their mother, Ezinne Marcillina Eneukwu.

ALGON lauds Ugwuanyi over urban renewal

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—THE Enugu State Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria,ALGON,has commended the State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his bold initiative and wisdom in constituting the Enugu State Urban Renewal Committee to replace the now dissolved Nsukka Urban Renewal Committee, earlier constituted to modernize and develop Nsukka town as a university town and the second largest city in the state.

The Association through a statement by its State Chairman and Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Cornelius Nnaji described the governor ’s decision as uncommon and a commit- ment to the running of an all-incluive government for developing the entire state on the principles of justice, equity and fairness.

It would be recalled that Ugwuanyi in keeping faith with his commitment to provide equitable distribution of dividends of democracy in the C M Y K

state and constitute a broad based committee for developing the entire zones of the state, recently dissolved the Nsukka Urban Renewal Committee and consequently constituted the Enugu State Urban Renewal Committee to take over the functions and activities of the former committee.

Reacting further to the development, Hon. Nnaji stated that the governor has by this singular act affirmed the confidence reposed in him by the people of the state, especially those at the grassroots who defied rain and sunshine to vote for him during the elections, adding that the new committee has provided another veritable platform for his administration to reward them with good governance as true heroes of democracy.

“We, the Chairmen of the 17 local government areas in Enugu State wish to sincerely commend our dear governor for his bold initiative and uncommon wisdom to replace the Nsukka Urban Renewal Committee with Enugu State Urban Renewal Committee, in line with his broad based vision of developing the entire zones

of the state.

"It shows that he is truly the Governor of Enugu State who knows no bounds in the development of the state and appreciates the tremendous goodwill and support the people of the state accorded him during the elections and since the inception of his administration. We will continue to give him our maximum support and cooperation to advance development in the state,” the ALGON chairman said.

The terms of reference of the new committee which membership runs across the three senatorial districts of the state are to: identify factors responsible for the slow pace of development of some Urban towns in the state; develop Enugu State Urban Plan or modify the existing one if necessary; identify structures/ buildings erected without Town Planning approval or that constitute nuisance which may obstruct the new Enugu State Urban Renewal.

Other terms of reference include: to identify new satellite areas that could be developed

as urban cities as part of Enugu State Urban Renewal and to make recommendations to the State Government actions to be taken to give Enugu State Urban Cities face-lift.

Abia State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, who is a member of the committee, the money for the payment of Local Government workers has been paid to the Joint Accounts Committee with instructions for the opening of a Local Government Bailout Account where the money would be transferred and disbursed to workers to ensure transparency.

The NLC chairman said that workers in the sectors so far captured would begin to receive bank payment alerts from this week, and urged the workers to be patient, assuring that everything was being done to ensure smooth disbursement.

“For Local Government staff who were being owed two months arrears, money has been made available to the Joint Accounts Committee, JAC, with a directive to the Councils to open separate Local Government Bailout accounts where the money would be transferred to and disbursed to individual workers. The payment was for July and August.

“Primary School teachers were paid for three months, June, July and August. September has already been taken care of by normal allocation. Local Government pensioners were paid July and August.

“Health Management Board workers were paid seven months, ABSUTH workers were paid nine months while the case of parastatals on subvention such as Abia State University and Abia State Polytechnic would be discussed on Tuesday [tomorrow]”, Obigwe explained.

However, the NLC Chairman also explained that the payments were in exclusion of leave allowances, promotion arrears, arrears of minimum wage, CONHESS for health workers and arrears overtime.

IGR: Cleric urges Gov Umahi to constitute strong economic team

By Peter Okutu

A

BAKALIKI—THE Bishop, Afikpo Diocese of Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, Rt. Reverend Paul Amechi Udogu, weekend called on Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state to set up a strong economic team to tackle the financial challenges bedeviling the state.

The cleric made the call during the 3rd session of the 3rd synod of the Diocese of Afikpo at the New Covenant Anglican Church Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area.

The Bishop stated that the constitution of economic team would not only upgrade the financial status of the state,

but also provide economic policies that would aid the provision of democracy dividend to Ebonyi people.

Udogu, who noted that the economic team should be made up of experts in financial generation and management called on Ebonyi people to be patient with the government and allow it time to address issues affecting the state.

“We are made to understand that the governor inherited an empty treasury with some debts still to be serviced or paid; the state of infrastructure is too appalling and the economy is too poor with meager internally generated revenue coupled with great expectations of Ebonyi people."

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 17

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18 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 Predictable public outrage has trailed the proposal from a section of federal lawmakers to move to change the constitution to include the Senate President and his Deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and his Deputy as well as the Chief Justice of the Federation in the list of public officers to enjoy immunity clause already granted the President and Vice President as well as Governors and their Deputies in the constitution.

The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon Leo Ogor, had disclosed the proposed constitutional amendment, perhaps in response to the travails of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, who is on trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over alleged wrongful declaration of assets when he was the Governor of Kwara State.

Indeed, federal lawmakers mighy have resorted to this measure as a

No immunity for NASS heads means of protecting the sanctity of the National Assembly from the antics of the Presidency, which in the past sixteen years, had been linked with several removals or attempted removals of the heads of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

But the Seventh Senate had firmly foreclosed the change of the constitution for this purpose through its Spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe earlier this year. Abaribe described the move as unnecessary and not within contemplation. He also pointed out that legislators already enjoy immunity under the

Ethics and Privileges rule, which protects them from any punitive consequence for actions and things they say while in the hallowed chambers.

We totally agree that this move is unnecessary if the protection of the leadership of the legislature from harassment is the issue. In recent years, lawmakers, especially our federal legislators, have demonstrated their ability to close ranks across party lines and protect their leadership when threatened by “external forces�. It is obvious that once the leadership enjoys the support and confidence of members, their

places are assured.

But if it is meant to shield them from prosecution for criminal or alleged criminal misconduct, we totally oppose any such move. Public officers must answer for their misdeeds even while in office. We must strive to strengthen probity, accountability, transparency and integrity in public office, rather than introduce measures to promote impunity and corruption.

The mood of the nation is more inclined towards the removal of the immunity that the constitution currently confers on the heads of the executive branch.

Though we are certain that this proposal will be soundly defeated in a proposed constitutional amendment, we insist the nation should be spared the trouble of going into it at all.

Our lawmakers should pay more attention to issues that improve the conditions of the citizenry.

OPINION Taxing Matters

religious institutions: will continue to impact on its arising Church operating environment especially with men

By God -dowell Avwomakpa

R

ECENTLY The Pointer Newspaper of Saturday, September 12, 2015 in a story entitled "Religious Institutions to Pay Tax on Investments," one Barrister Frank Nwugo, a member of the Delta State Board of Internal Revenue cited some sections of the law and thereafter, concluded that churches will henceforth be taxed for investments such as school, vehicles, business outfits, and land acquisition. He added in his last paragraph that, "even Jesus Christ himself paid tax."

It is necessary at this point to note that when the righteous are in power the people rejoice and l like to add that when the tax master is in power and wants the people to pay their taxes with their blood, the people become weary.

Indeed, the said publication is not only provocative against the Church, it does not represent the position of the law of taxation in relation to ecclesiastical bodies in Nigeria.

In fact, the publication, by my estimation, is intended to project the government, at all levels, in bad light before Christianity and Islam which are the two dominant religions in Nigeria. The end result of this is to set the Church and the Mosque against the government.

No doubt, in the last days the Church is expected to fight many challenges. In fact, there is an army of strong people who want to take the Church to the cleaners but the

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of the spirit still in the Church.

As a religious leader in Nigeria, let me say that I am compelled to put the records straight. No one tax the Church and the Mosque. It is a common practice across the world. Tithe is older than tax. Tax started from the time of Caesar. The Bible records that Jesus Christ paid tax for himself and his disciples but not for the Church.

It is a common knowledge that, both the churches and the mosques have schools. But it is wrong to tax any of these schools which are institutions of religious learning as they are established by these religious bodies to help the less-privileged. There is a difference between the establishments of ecclesiastical organisations and establishments of nonreligious or private organisations. The Federal Republic of Nigeria has one major law that regulates taxation which is the Personal Income Tax Act. Section 19(1) of the Act read together with the Third Schedule thereto provides clearly that: "The income of any ecclesiastical, charitable or educational institution of a public character in so far as such income is not derived from a trade or business carried on by such institution," shall be exempted from taxation.

The government had the clear intention

Jesus Christ paid tax for himself and his disciples but not for the Church

to separate the churches as well as the mosques and all their earnings and investments in the form of schools, cars, etc from any form of embarrassment by tax.

No one can tax God; instead, one is required to bring all his tithes and offerings to God so that the state and the nation can be blessed.

When the citizens flourish, the state and the nation at large will certainly experience high standards of living.

Besides, the tendency to impose double taxation on Nigerians is unacceptable. This is so because individual members of churches and mosques pay their taxes to the government. How will they now pay tax a second time at their places of worship? If we go by what was published in The Pointer Newspaper by the tax agent, it becomes double taxation. This is so because people give to the Church or Mosque out of their gains or profit and this is certainly after tax.

The Church admonishes Christians to pay their taxes individually to the government, it will be insensitive on the part of the tax office to overstretch that collaboration to begin to tax the churches and mosques to pay tax for church lands for instance, cars, buses, schools, etc. Religious institutions are non-profit organisations the world over.

In the United States of America (USA), when a church buys anything as a body or when people donate funds to a church, such resources are given tax exemptions. This is also the practice in Britain. By this concession, the government gives support to churches. If we run a democracy in line with that of the United States certainly, people in leadership position should contribute to the Church and the Mosque in

order for both religious organisations to handle their daunting tasks in the present world.

For instance, the government of Chief James Onanefe Ibori, from 1999 exempted all mosques and churches in Delta State from buying stickers for official vehicles. Ask yourself why should we at this time ever contemplate taxing religious institutions and their investments in Nigeria?

That aside, religious institutions are doing their best to support government to make society safer and better for all. For instance, churches are investing in agriculture to encourage members to go into agriculture and other sectors to grow the economy. Is it wrong for the church to complement government's efforts and make life better for the people. Is it wrong for the Church to empower its members to own plantain plantations and take to the cities to sell while providing jobs for some teeming youths and so on? Does it occur to apostles of tax regime for religious organisations that the religious organisations that currently run schools employ millions of people and by that act takes a lot of people out of the unemployment market?

We recall that when the military government decided to forcefully take over schools from the Church some years ago, the end of such blunder was cultism, criminality, bribery and corruption in our schools. If any state government plans to tax the Church in Nigeria, the Church will rise to stop it. *Archbishop Avwomakpa is the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, South South zone.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

Scales and high jumpers HE President, Muhammadu Anyone familiar with these fabrics Buhari is a victim of the high will realise that it is quite a T targets and expectations he and baggage from his old Presidential his lieutenants are setting. They do not appear to have learnt lessons from the Road Map and manifesto they made which are littered with promises, very difficult to fulfill.

Shortly after assuming office, rather than name ministers as was expected, he held on for four months. The populace thought he was sorting out angels, therefore, expectations were very high. The drama was heightened by the elaborate secrecy the list was wrapped in. So when finally unwrapped, it was an anti-climax.

In any case, it contained twenty one names, not the thirty six expected.

Although some over enthusiastic aides and party faithfuls have sought to attire Buhari in messianic regalia, they are borrowed robes he needs to reject, especially in his honeymoon period. The President is no revolutionary who has come to replace one system with another.

Rather, he is a reform-minded politician who is working with those he is familiar with, and the materials in the ruling party.

Task Force (PTF) days to the new APC which parades quite a handful of people who have not only been in power over the years, but are also not about to change.

To worsen matters, rather than focus on the onerous task of presiding over a huge country like Nigeria which is expected to lead Africa, the President wants to further burden himself with the Petroleum portfolio.

Insurgency is a very difficult and complex challenge to meet. The Yar ’Adua administration Amnesty Programme which ended insurgency in the Niger Delta, was nothing short of a miracle. But we cannot assume that because miracles happen frequently on television, we are about to witness another; the defeat of Boko Haram in the next four weeks as Buhari instructed the Service Chiefs.

In setting the three-month deadline, the President was also setting a deadline for himself.

This is another target set too high to achieve. If all a high jumper can scale is a metre and half, he should

not set for himself, or allow others set a three-metre high jump for him. Human nature can be complex. My mentor in trade unionism, Wahab Goodluck used to teach that if a labour leader is confident of achieving ten items in negotiations with the employer, he should tell his members he can achieve six. He said if he achieves all ten, he would be hailed as a hero. On the other hand, if he promised to win ten items, and ends up winning nine, the members will feel disappointed that he could not keep a basic promise. Some may even accuse him of selling out to the employer. From being a hero, he may be condemned as a villain.

It is time the President talks to the people about our common future; we need to know what programmes can be implemented and the role of the citizenry; which cannot be implemented and why.

We know the economy is not in good health. The Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele,

If all a high jumper can scale is a metre and half, he should not set for himself, or allow others set a three-metre high jump for him

Delta state, poverty and sustainable job creation (2) In the first part of this article, Dr. Nwaonicha opined that there are several ways the Delta State government can create jobs for her teeming mass of the unmeployed. He continues his submission in this 2nd part.

By Chukwuma Nwaonicha

C

APACITY building is an organisation’s ability to achieve its mission effectively and to sustain itself over the long term. It also refers to the skills and capabilities of individuals. It is a person’s ability to define and realise his/her goals or to do his/her job more effectively. The State should encourage capacity building initiatives across organisations in the State for meaningful and sustainable job creation.

(3) Infrastructural Development in which stable energy supply and quality education are provided is very crucial in creating sustainable and meaningful job; as noted, local and foreign investment options abound everywhere in Delta State to create employment for the youths: in agriculture, manufacturing, culture and tourism, education, healthcare, petrochemical and fertilizer industries, road construction, housing, electricity, information and communication technology, insurance, banking, raw materials and mining among others. The cornerstone for sustainable development in Delta State that could bring about meaningful job creation is through a practical approach in infrastructural development. For example, development in education to create efficient human resources: the greatest resources of any society and development in energy as energy is one of the prime factors for industrial and technology development among others.

(4) Infrastructural Maintenance Programme: as a way forward to actualise C M Y K

social and economic developments in the state, I suggest that the State initiate Delta State Public Works Programme (DSPWP), an infrastructural maintenance programme to create sustainable and meaningful employment for millions of Deltans that are without jobs. The DSPWP should cover renovation/rehabilitation of the existing infrastructure, which may require a long period of time to fix because they have been neglected or abandoned for many years.

Also, the DSPWP is a capital intensive programme or projects; hence state indebtedness poses a red flag. However, I strongly believe that the current Delta State Government is heading in the right direction as regards this issue. I’m convinced that proper and effective use of Direct Labour Agency for roads and streets maintenance will go a long way.

(5)Provision of technical and vocational education for meaningful and sustainable job creation is very crucial. Although education is more important than ever, there are still a lot of jobs that require some technical training but not a college degree, such as paralegals, dental hygienists, welders, electricians, carpenters, hospitalities, and a variety of medical technicians among others. Steering more students into vocational and technical

The State Government should assist local investors by creating an affordable loan system; (loans with low interest rate and long-term pay back)

warned last month that the country is recession-bound in 2016 unless government takes proactive measures to revive key sectors of the economy. We have to get down to serious work. Government is a continuum; there are some achievements of the previous government the country needs to build on or continue, such as a reformed electoral body and commission and the construction of new rail lines which would establish the mass transport system we never had.

This administration does not have much time on its hands; four years is a very short time in which Buhari is expected to perform, and meet some of the high expectations of Nigerians. He must guard against being like the boastful debtor who promised to pay by month end thinking it was a long way off, and when the month ended, could only scratch his head.

The hubris of President Olusegun Obasanjo is his assumption that he knows everything. So those who knew this, also became experts, not in governance, but how to massage his over bloated ego. With this, they got away with anything under his administration. He is clearly, not a good judge of character, which may be why his memoirs are full of lamentations.

President Goodluck Jonathan might have been laid-back. He seemed contented just to be president and watch his lieutenants. He listened to many including opposition governors and his party people , who gave him the impression that he was doing marvelously well even in the face of massive protests against his policies. He appeared loyal to

schools at a younger age could generate more workers with skills that employers say they need. As noted, a child with quality education has a better chance to succeed because knowledge is power. The best gift to any child is good education.

(6)Development of quality Information and Communication Technology (ICT) education is the provision of e-learning spaces and training for teachers and students across the state. “It is often used as an extended synonym for information technology (IT), but is a more specific term that stresses the role of unified communication and the integration of telecommunication (telephone lines and wireless signals), computers as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage, and audio-visual systems, which enable users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information”. I strongly suggest that the State include ICT in schools’ curriculums. Promoting quality ICT education will translate to quality labor force and could promote outsourcing industry.

(7) Effective use of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to create meaningful jobs in the state is highly recommended. FDI is a controlling ownership in a business enterprise in one country by an entity based in another country. A foreign direct investment includes but is not limited mergers and acquisitions, building new facilities, reinvesting profits earned from overseas operations and intra company loans. In a nut shell, foreign direct investment refers to building new facilities.

More countries are striving to create a favourable and enabling climate to attract FDI as a policy priority. Attracting beneficial FDI and local direct investment (LDI) is critical for Delta State’s economic diversification and development as stated in the Delta State SMART agenda. More incentive opportunities for FDI will translate to more meaningful and sustainable job creation for Deltans.

Effective management of FDI will promote wealth for the state, accelerate industrial and technology developments and enhance

people, and a willingness to defend those he trusted even when commonsense dictated he should have replaced some of his key functionaries. He shared this flaw with General Yakubu Gowon, and of course, President Shehu Shagari.

Buhari is being presented as a superman who can solve all problems. The reality is that he cannot. His state reminds me of the American President, Barack Obama who ran for office when the country under George Walker Bush, was a mess. The economy was in shambles and its standing abroad was quite bad. Some Nigerians I know, who have dual citizenship, abandoned their American passports to travel on our green passport.

Obama restored hope by telling Americans, “Yes, we can”. He let them know that they can change their unacceptable circumstance.

He knows he is human, and his lieutenants did not give the false impression that a messiah had arrived to free them. Obama’s men did not spend valuable time attacking Bush and his government; there was serious work to do, and they set about doing it. The fact that he can do virtually nothing about gun control, and has the emotionallytraumatic duty of frequently addressing Americans whenever another nut murders innocent people, does not mean he is not a great American leader.

Buhari can be like Obama by providing commonsensical leadership and working hard on achievable programmes. Yes, he can. In fact, he should.

employment for Deltans.

(8) Manufacturing based economy is required for meaningful and sustainable job creation in the State. Providing enabling environment for growth of local industry is a must and the power sector must and should be revived. Without stable electricity supply local manufacturing becomes very expensive. That is, without stable electricity supply it becomes cheaper to import goods from abroad than to produce them locally.

In other words, without stable electricity supply, there will be no meaningful and sustainable job creation. We must promote made-in-Nigeria goods by buying made-inNigeria products. Nigerian consumers also have a role to play to encourage local manufacturing of items that can easily be made here rather than rely so much on imports from China. We should halt the inordinate desire for foreign products for which substitutes are available in Nigeria.

This will expand the market and create more jobs. Nigerian producers must abide by the international standard of products as most of their products are low quality.

Furthermore, promotion of cottage industries is crucial to meaningful and sustainable job creation for Deltans.

(9) The State Government should note that adequate funding and financing are key to business success. One of the causes of business failure in the State/Nation is lack of capital for the indigenes. The State Government should assist local investors by creating an affordable loan system; (loans with low interest rate and long-term pay back).

(10) Tourism is big business, and there is need to revisit the sector in line with peace, environmental sanitation, safety and security of our communities. The Federal Government could boost tourism here by streamlining the visa process for foreigners and aggressively promoting travel to Nigeria, which will promote tourism business in the state and the nation at large.

Continues tomorrow on pg. 18 *Dr. Nwaonicha, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Asaba, Delta State.

20—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

F

OR four months, President Muhammadu Buhari was busy in his one-man conclave spinning an elaborate mystery about the character and quality of people he would nominate into his cabinet.

He stoked expectations, and speculations ran riot in the media and public spaces. The nation waited impatiently for him to unveil his saintly agents of change. What finally came out, for most Nigerians, did not reflect the “Change” that Buhari promised but a massive “Shortchange”. The president made a big mess of the simple act of eating an egg!

Looking at the names now on the table of the Senate President Bukola Saraki, it is obvious that Buhari could easily have formed his cabinet within a week of his swearing-in. His inner or “kitchen cabinet” is made up of “people he knows”, those who have worked for him over the years when he ran and lost presidential elections. Now is the time for them to reap their “rewards”.

The outer cabinet (ministerial nominees) is made up of those who contributed in one form or the other to the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and his own emergence as the president of Nigeria.

The search for ministers was not an act of altruism. It did not put aside political considerations to appoint men, women and youth of impeccable character to give Nigeria a fresh opportunity.

Fresh opportunity Being a recycled material, he merely went and recycled other materials, including many who played leading roles in what APC likes to call “sixteen years of rot and misrule” by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as National Chairmen, Governors and what have you.

However, in bending to political necessity rather than altruism, Buhari actually did what our highly permissive constitution expects of him. The constitution says that for a person to be a minister he must be qualified to be a member of the House of Representatives. Since independent candidacy is not permitted, it means he or she MUST be a card-carrying member of a political party, especially the party that won the presidential election to govern for four years.

The constitution expects that these politicians coming into the president’s cabinet would go to the various ministries and help the president and the ruling party to implement their manifestos and campaign promises. Based on this, it would have been difficult for Buhari to sideline or sidestep some of the most derided nominees, such as Rotimi Amaechi, Babatunde Fashola, Kayode Fayemi, Chris Ngige,

Politics of Buhari’s ministerial list Audu Ogbeh and others. Amaechi, we must remember, was the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign. He was a mainstay of the Buhari campaign. He is the biggest factor of APC presence in the SouthSouth, and he is paying for his efforts with the probe he is undergoing under the government of Governor Nyesom Wike, his successor.

Fashola, an estranged scion of the Bola Tinubu political clan, threw himself headlong into the Buhari campaign during which little else happened or mattered in Lagos. Buhari obviously noticed his untrammelled display of direct loyalty (as opposed to coming through Tinubu) and the two clicked at the personal level. The same goes for Fayemi, a very likeable gentleman and intellectual resource person who, many had believed, could have been the Chief of Staff or Secretary to the Government of the Federation. However, when victory came, people like him were pushed to the background while northerners who were

How will the political “partnership” between the North and South-West, which brought Buhari to power fare henceforth?

Will the late Dr. Sam Goomsu Ikoku be proved right, once again? He once postulated thus: “a merger of unequals always results in the tyranny of the major partner: a master-servant relationship”

never heard of during the campaigns were brought to fill “97%” of the kitchen cabinet.

I had predicted on this forum that this would happen under a President Buhari.

Chris Ngige is a sacrificial lamb of the APC in the South-East. A founding father of the PDP, Ngige was rigged into the office of governor of Anambra State in 2003 by his political godfathers, but when he refused to dance to their tune they humiliated him. He was eventually bundled out of power by the courts, but not before setting an enduring foundation for good governance in Anambra State.

Ngige who narrowly won election for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the Senate in 2011 was flushed out in 2015 because his people believed he belonged to “the wrong party”. Besides, not much has been said of Ngige and corruption. He and grandpa Audu Ogbeh (Minister of Communications 38 years ago when the then Senate Leader and Bukola Saraki’s father, Dr. Olusola Saraki, participated in screening him) are among the relatively clean politicians among Buhari’s nominees.

Instructively, they were also ranking PDP top shots!

A bold political statement Buhari has made with this exercise is that he is methodically creating a new APC (both party and government) which will reflect his own image and likeness. The days of sitting with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and sharing power along the CPC/ACN merger terms are over.

Tinubu’s vision of power sharing with Buhari was that, at least, he would be allowed to nominate all Buhari’s manpower from the South West and maintain his hard-won political kingdom.

But Buhari ignored him and appointed Tinubu’s rebellious political godsons, Fashola and Fayemi. Tinubu was not even allowed to nominate the minister from Lagos! Sources close to the president disclosed that when Tinubu sent Chief Bisi Akande to find out why his nominees failed to make the list, the president reportedly told him that since he (Tinubu) had already produced Vice President Yemi Osinbajo,

Majority Leader of the House of Reps, Femi Gbajabiamila and the nation’s chief taxman, Babatunde Fowler, there was a need to give “other tendencies in the South West” their own share.

Question: who are these “other tendencies in the South West”? The entire South West came into the platform that produced Buhari’s victory through Tinubu’s defunct ACN. Even Governors Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo and Adekunle Amosun of Ogun won their first term elections under Tinubu’s ACN. But Buhari chose to remember that Amosun once contested election under the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP) when he (Buhari) ran for president on its platform. Now, Fashola, Fayemi, and Amosun’s former finance commissioner, Kemi Adeosun, are treated as “other tendencies in the South West”!

The implication is obvious. Even if Buhari is not encouraging Tinubu’s disciples to be rebellious towards him, he is not discouraging them from bringing their loyalties directly to him. As ministers who are independent of Tinubu, Buhari can easily use them to bolster his hold on the APC in Yorubaland and eventually consign Tinubu to increasing political irrelevance.

Political irrelevance The mergers that put Buhari in power will give way to a new APC created after the image and likeness of the president. APC will thusly cease to be what Lai Mohammed naively described as a party with “many leaders”. Our old question as to whether Buhari will share power with Tinubu will be comprehensively answered.

How will the political “partnership” between the North and South-West, which brought Buhari to power fare henceforth?

Will the late Dr. Sam Goomsu Ikoku be proved right, once again? He once postulated thus: “a merger of unequals always results in the tyranny of the major partner: a master-servant relationship”.

Looking ahead, with the profile and character of politicians and individuals heading for Buhari’s cabinet, we are likely to see a lot of scandals. Politicians who funded the president’s campaign and got rewarded with ministerial posts will definitely want to recoup their “investments” and rearm for 2019. In fact, that some of these people with bold question-marks hanging on their heads are selected to be part of a government that purports to fight corruption is already a scandal of its own.

Political expediency is already overshadowing Buhari’s avowed war against corruption.

Again we ask: is this Change? Or Shortchange?

OPINION Can Fashola extend the Lagos impact?

By Emeka Odikpo

P

OLITICS is not a game for the feint of heart. This truism has been reiterated in various shapes and forms.

American politics is one of the most brutal. Nobody comes out of it with his reputation intact. Your political adversaries will pound at your name until it reeks of filth. Barack Obama confessed that he usually hides the Newspapers from his children, because he hates their reaction when they read the hate filled diatribes against their father.

Nigerian politics has swiftly descended into a chasm where hate and filth are routinely hurled at people on the other side of the political divide. This has led to a situation where even though we have had more than 100 State Governors since 1999, not one single one of them is considered by our internet warriors of hate as being good enough for the highest office of the land.

Babatunde Raji Fashola was Governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015. The chance to evaluate his performance by residents of Lagos came up in 2011. That election offered a clear window into his evaluation by the people of Lagos. The PDP nomination of an opponent for him for the election turned into a none-event.

This is apropos of the fact that no heavy weight in the then Federal Ruling party wanted the nomination. Musiliu Obanikoro did not bother to vie for the nomination, neither did the ebullient Jimmy Agbaje. The only reason these Gentlemen did not want the poisoned chalice of an opportunity to run against Fashola was because they knew that the

C M Y K

performance of the Governor was stellar and any contest against him was futile.

Fashola’s impact on Lagos despite all attempts by revanchists to change history has been phenomenal. In evaluating Fashola, you do not discuss tarring of roads, because he did this, rather you discuss the reinvention of the multi modal means of transportation in Lagos. The futuristic nature of the rail lines and innumerable flyovers that are being constructed from Okokomaiko to CMS has been the defining issue for experts on modern city reconstruction.

The construction of the 1st Suspension bridge in West Africa from Ikoyi to Lekki brought a refreshing dimension to the idea of governmental vision and delivery of a beautiful and well designed project. The sudden change of Lagos from a city of dirty dingy bus parks, such as Oshodi, Ojota and others to a city with beautiful gardens was the result of detailed planning and decisive actions. The ongoing The apposite constructions at Eko Atlantic hope herein is City that has created tens of thousands of construction jobs that he will and is billed to eventually create a whole new city from the also affect an formerly flood ridden Bar beach area of our remain the stuff of legends.

It is impossible to capture a national life significant part of the works by Fashola in a short essay, therefore positively I will suspend the discourse for

another day. The poser here is actually how the Fashola impact can be transferred to the National level. The onus will of course rest on the President and the role he decides to assign to the enigmatic Fashola. Even more important will be a decision by the President to give this particular Minister some creative space.

Any role that does not admit of counter-intuitive thinking and application will be a no-no for him. Most of the problems we have in Nigeria emanate from the poor quality of thinking by our leaders. Every leader, even the most ridiculed, actually had an ambition to be hugely successful. The catch is that leaders with low quality thinking are soon overwhelmed by the problems they are meant to confront and they succumb to the easy part of regarding the problems as part of the “Nigerian Factor”.

Great Leaders on the other hand realise that there is no such thing as the Nigerian Factor and that iron will ultimately melt at the right temperature. That is exactly where a man like Fashola will be useful to Nigeria. His uncanny ability to see solutions, where other Nigerians see problems have made him one of the most successful governors in Nigeria’s history.

Lagos is a much better space because Tunde Fashola happened to have been the governor for eight years. A continuation of the constructions, vision and plans he and his team have clearly commenced and mapped out for Lagos will ultimately resolve the transportation conundrum that is the greatest problem of Lagos.

The apposite hope herein is that he will also affect an area of our national life positively at the National level if he is adroitly utilised.

•Mr. Odikpo, a lawyer, wrote from Lagos.

OCTOBER 12, 2015

Stock market loses N3.255trn in 12 months As investors lose N160bn in four days

By PETER EGWUATU

T

otal value of stocks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) fell by N3.255 trillion in twelve months, from September 30 2014 to October 8, 2015.

This sharp decline in value of stocks on the exchange, also known as market capitalisation, worsened last week, with investors losing N160 billion between Monday and Thursday.

Specifically, market capitalisation fell by 23.9 per cent from 13.61 trillion on September 30, 2014 to N10.26 trillion at the end of trading on Thursday, October 8, 2015. Another stock market indicator, the All Share Index (ASI) dropped by 26.9 per cent from 41,210.10 basis points to 30123.20 points. Similarly, market capitalisation fell from N10.512 trillion, Friday October 2 to N10.352 trillion at the end of Trading on Thursday, October 8.

N10.148 trillion to N10.425 trillion in two weeks. The market added N42 billion.

But close to the October deadline for the removal of Nigeria’s bond from the J P Morgan index, the market started to experience decline, with investors losing over N160 billion in four days' trading .

“If Nigeria is removed from the JP Morgan Index, many foreign investors will be forced to sell off their Nigerian bond holdings, which is estimated to be worth about $2 billion,” noted Mr. Gregory Kronsten , Associate Director Head, Macroeconomic & Fixed Income Research, FBN Capital.

He added: “There are foreign portfolio investors who knew little about investing

in Nigeria but decided to invest because it is listed on the JP Morgan’s GBI-EM index."

The FBN analyst further stated: “Delisting Nigeria would also mean that bond yields and borrowing costs will increase, negatively affecting Nigeria’s dire economy. The Naira may also face another round of major devaluation, as the economy could struggle to sustain the pace of forex outflows outside Nigeria.”

Commenting on the loss experienced in the stock market, various stakeholders who spoke to Financial Vanguard linked the performance to the state of political, economic and financial situations in the

country.

In its reaction to the announcement

by J.P Morgan, WSTC Financial Services Limited, a Lagos-based investment house had said: “We expect both warranted and unwarranted reactions from investors in the equities market.

“We believe the sell-off in equities will be triggered by both panic reaction to the announcement, as well as more fundamental concerns which will be anchored upon elevated required return on equity, attractive returns in the fixed income market and uncertainty regarding the value of the Naira.

Continues on page 22

Forces behind market depression

This downward trend of the market, according to operators, is fuelled by a number of factors namely, the uncertain political climate before the elections, sharp decline in crude oil prices, devaluation of the naira, expectation of further devaluation of the naira, absence of clear economic direction or policy of the present administration reflected in the late appointment of ministers, exclusion of Nigerian from the J.P Morgan Bond Index and restrictive monetary policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

For example, after the September 8, 2015, announcement by JP Morgan of its decision to phase out Nigeria from its Government Bond Index, Emerging Market, GBI-EM, by ending of October, market indices showed steady recovery from several days of decline from C M Y K

MEETING: - From left, US Treasury Secretary, Mr Jacob Lew; Managing Director, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ms Christine Lagarde and Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, at the 2015 World Bank, IMF Annual Meetings in Lima, Peru.

22 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Cover

The Basic Guide to Starting your Business (2) What is not business? ne might wonder the importance of knowing what is not business, but this is necessary because you need to know the kind of business you should not go into, and businesses that are prohibited by law. Not every business is a genuine one and I will be taking you through a list of businesses you must not be found doing.

The mentality of a business man: There’s a saying in the good book which reads thus “by their fruits you shall know them”. The same applies to business men; they possess certain qualities and mind sets that make them stand out. Consequently, before you start a business you need to be adequately sure that you possess the die-hard mentality of an entrepreneur to withstand the challenges that will arise.

Who is an entrepreneur?

Over time various definitions have been given to the term, but I will be teaching you the difference between an entrepreneur and a businessman, the boundless and countless opportunities open to an entrepreneur, the traits and characteristics of a successful entrepreneur. In short, everything you need to know if you want to be not just a business man but also an entrepreneur.

Your readiness to be your own boss: A lot of people embark on a journey without fully preparing for it, and as such they are knocked off balance by the slightest wind that blows. No warrior goes to war without his arms and it’s only a stupid farmer that goes to farm without his hoe. At the end of this topic, you would know if you are ready to start a business and peradventure you are not, you would be taught steps that will help you to be both mentally and financially ready.

The basic steps: In this chapter I will be taking you through the steps that you cannot overlook, if you want to have a successful business. These include: conceiving an idea, planning, funding, structuring, location, training and so much more.

I am of the sincere opinion that this would be more than just a book for you and your loved ones; it will be a compass that will guide you on your journey into the world of entrepreneurs. There is no better time to start your own business than now. These same steps have worked for me and I dare say are still working for me, and I am confident they will work for you and everyone that reads this book.

WHAT IS BUSINESS? Before you start a business, it is very important to understand what a business is in order to avoid making mistakes that can be very detrimental. The term business is very broad and can be vague; for some it is any activity or trade with the sole aim of making profits. On the one hand, it can be said to be the occupation, work or trade in which a person is engaged in. On the other hand, a business can be defined as “an organization that provides goods and services to people who want or need them”. When many people think of business careers, they often think of jobs in large wealthy corporations, but for the entrepreneur, a business is any activity aimed at creating and keeping customers. There are basically two ways to carry out a business: 1.Sell goods (physical things like books, toys, cars, houses, etc).

2.Sell services (intangible things like nursery education, legal services, health care, insurance, etc).

Many business-related careers though, exist in small businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and educational settings. Conversely, your business may consist of selling both goods and services; for example if you are a computer dealer, you may sell goods (hardware and software) and services (maintenance, troubleshooting, or consulting). While it is very important to get a degree or some level of academic qualification, you can still go into business if you do not have one. Starting and growing your business is very much like having a baby and bringing up the child.

O

CLOSING- From left: Managing Director of Zenith Pensions Custodian; Mr. Eguarekhide Longe; Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria Stock Exchange, (NSE); Mr. Oscar Onyema; Director General, National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mrs. Chinelo Anohu-Amazu; and Commissioner (Technical), PENCOM, Mr. Rueben Omotowa; at the Closing Gong Ceremony at the Stock Exchange in Lagos.

Stock market loses N3.255trn in 12 months Continues from page 21 “We reckon that the rout in the equities market will create attractive entry opportunities for value investors and the ability to take advantage of these will depend on individual investor’s ability to filter the rhythm from the noise.

“However, it is important to state that the fundamental concerns further depress our short term outlook on the performance of the equities market, reinforcing our recommendation for flight for safety through asset reallocation into fixed income and currency-hedged assets.”

In its own analysis, Afrinvest Group, another Lagos-based investment house, said: “While we observed a knee-jerk reaction in the Nigerian capital market since the announcement, we expect this to stabilize in the medium to long term as we await policy direction from the Buhari’s administration.

“The financial market sentiment feels the impact of this news flow as the domestic investor sentiments will seem to be the new major force driving the fixed income market, while the equities market may still continue to enjoy a mix of foreign and domestic sentiments as Nigerian equities still remains in the Morgan Stanley Capital Index for frontier markets.”

Operators comment Speaking on the impact of the absence of a cabinet on the investors’ psyche, a financial expert, Mr. Olutola Oni said, “At first, hopes of investors were raised after a peaceful election.

But weeks after the inauguration of the President and cabinet not constituted, this had affected investment in the country.

“When the elections were conducted peacefully and the transition was peaceful, people expected that the incoming government would consolidate C M Y K

on that, roll out the list of those that would form the new government and make one or two policy statements. This late appointment has been one of the factors that have affected the performance of stock market..”

He noted that investors are concerned about the economic team Buhari had put up and its ability to handle the twin issues of insecurity and corruption which are key parameters for investment to flourish. “Now that the appointment has been done, the market will now begin to react based on calibre of people that are expected to initiate favourable fiscal and monetary policies,” he noted.

The Acting President of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, CIS, Mr. Oluwaseyi Abe said: “Currently, the slow governance, non appointment of ministers, lack of policy direction by the Federal Government have all contributed to affect the performance of the market . It is our hope that once the economy starts running, the market will improve and begin to attract investors.”

In his own comment, Managing Director/CEO of Highcap Securities Limited, Mr. David Adonri said: “The H

Hopes of investors were raised after a peaceful election. But weeks after the inauguration of the President and cabinet not constituted, this had affected investment in the country

recent decline of the Nigerian stock market is due to several factors. First is the increase of political risks due to infighting within the ruling party at Federal level. Next is the declining price of crude oil.

Others are Chinese stock market crisis, resurgence of Boka Haram, protracted energy crisis and macroeconomic liquidity squeeze. When the new government settles down, some of these issues should be addressed.”

The Managing Director/CEO of Capital Bancorp Plc, Mr. Aigboje Higo said: “The economic situation has affected the stock market. The foreign exchange market is a factor that affects the market. The weak naira is affecting investors to invest in the market coupled with rising inflation. Also, the non appointment of ministers is also another factor that has affected the market. We also have the insurgent situation in the country. Investors are weary of the insecurity in the country and are waiting for the government to assure them of drastic measures aimed at addressing the situation. But it is my hope that all these will soon be addressed given the fact that President Muhammadu Buhuri has started on a clean note by appointing credible people to handle the security sector of the economy.”

Continuing, he said: “The Nigerian capital market has a lot of potentials and investors should take advantage of an array of investment opportunities and do not need to wait until the boom period.”

Market operators however expressed hope that once the President appoints his cabinet, the market will begin to experience increased activity as funds would be made available to various ministries to execute their mandate of running the economy and this would have trickledown effect on the investors who will now have increased purchasing power to invest in the stock market.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 23

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hen President Muhmamadu Buhari was elected in April 2015, the expectation of Nigerians was that he was well prepared for the task ahead having attempted to occupy the high office three times and failed but succeeded at the fourth attempt. But to the surprise of many after taking office, it took the President and his party almost five solid months to nominate ministers for senate confirmation. The list expected was kind that will get the nod of majority of Nigerians.

As I look through the list in far away Lima, Peru, I am worried that the President has missed the mark from the very start. He has nominated men that will be a burden to him and the country when it comes to delivering service to Nigerians. The list of names, which was expected to break from a tradition of rewarding party cronies and supporters has however included former governors of Lagos, Rivers and Ekiti states, as well as a few operatives from Buhari’s APC party. There are also a few new names.

The 21 nominees in the first batch of names forwarded to the senate are: Dr. Chris Ngige – Anambra, Dr. Kayode Fayemi- Ekiti, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi – Rivers, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN – Lagos, Udoma Udo-Udoma – Akwa Ibom, Abdulrahman Danbazau – Kano, Aisha Alhassan – Taraba, Ogbonaya Onu- Abia, Kemi Adeosun – Ogun and Abubakar Malami (SAN) – Kebbi.

Others are Senator Hadi Sirika –Katsina, Barr. Adebayo Shittu –Oyo, Suleiman Adam –Jigawa, Ahmed Musa, Solomon Dalong –Plateau, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu –Delta, Osagie Ehanire –Edo, Audu Ogbeh – Benue, Lai Mohammed – Kwara, Ahmed Isa Ibeto – Niger and Amina Mohammed – Kaduna.

The lack of adequate female representation on the Buhari ministerial list will certainly raise eyebrows and questions over the involvement of women in Buhari’s administration from Nigerian women voters.

The long wait for ministers was understood by Nigerians to be as a result of Buhari’s supposed avowed careful selection process to find people who fit in his

The kind of ministers Nigeria needs now administration and with the fight against corruption being an obvious reason, several integrity checks were supposedly carried out.

Despite these checks and the long selection process, some people on the list have had major allegations of corrupt practices. A cursory look at the list does not give one hope for the change the nation is clamouring for. It is like business as usual as appointments of party men and loyalist has not changed.

On the list are the usual old horses that have been around for God knows how long. They have used up every idea in them and cannot provide the spike and energy needed for a change mantra. President Buhari is old and there is not much he can do on his own to run the nation. He needs young and vibrant men with clear vision, men who can stand on their own; principled

The ministers that will help to transform the economy must be those that understand the basic principle of the dual economy and integrate the two into a large, performing economy

gentlemen of proven integrity and honour, men who believe in the greater Nigeria, men who with little or no supervision will make things work. The President has said that economy will be his priority, he will need to be at the driving seat of the implementation as the chairman of the National Economic management team.

Yes, it is time for Mr. President to think economy, talk economy, dream economy and act on the economy. He should start with a comprehensive review of import subsidies and waivers granted to companies, give priority only to companies expanding domestic production and creating jobs.

Reviving the economy will require men and women who understand the nature and operation of the economy as a whole. The Nigerian economy is largely dominated by the informal sector. In other countries, they call it the small and medium scale enterprises which are the engine of growth. For economic policies to work and move the nation forward, the President needs to appoint men and women with integrity, vision and clear understanding of the clarion call to revive the economy. It is not about being a graduate from Harvard Business School or the London School of Economics but about men and women who understand the culture and workings of the economy. Many Londongroomed economists have come into the country and failed. Because they could not come to terms with the fact that theories are culturebased.

For any minister to succeed, he must be practical, meet the

people, understand how they do their business and mobilise them for national economic integration. Ministers must be men who know the potential of made in Aba, Awka or made in Nigeria products. They must see the beauty in tie and dye dire, they must understand the potential of the Fulani handloom dressmaker. He must learn the technology to be derived from those militants who refine petroleum products illegally in the creeks and the so-called illegal miners in the north. They must be ministers who adopt rather than import technology.

They must wear the face of Nigeria like Dr. Okonjo Iweala did who where ever she was, ties her gele headgear and wore her Nigerian dress and was proud of it. A minister who sits in Abuja and talks at people he is supposed to supervise instead of talking to them, can only harvest policy failures.

The desired minister must be energetic, ready to work and go to where the people work.

The problem that needed to be tackled is the duality of the nation’s economy. The duality between the formal and informal sectors is an important factor in the lack of competitiveness of the economy. In each of the major sectors of the economy, there is a sharp divide between a small number of highly productive, internationally competitive producers and a very large number of small producers/service providers with low productivity. The duality of the economy results in a lack of dynamism and competition. Addressing the duality of the economy is

therefore vital for strengthening and sustaining job creation. The President as he enters into the next phase of his administration must realise that consistent with the high level of informality and low productivity in the economy, job creation is insufficient The ministers that will help to transform the economy must be one of those that understand the basic principle of the dual economy and integrate the two into a large performing economy. We no longer need ministers who are treasury looters in active connivance with companies that exist on paper. Nigeria needs ministers who will not be compromised to giving individuals concession and waivers for their financial benefit instead of sectoral benefit; ministers who will not deal with businessmen on account of their persons, or self-centred solutions, but on basis of being a member of a group that represents group interest.

Most if not all of the President’s ministerial nominee do not possess these essential qualities.

Most of them were tested in the past and failed. Nigeria needs ministers who will see the country as a whole as their jurisdiction, ministers who will begin a mass mobilisation of Nigerians for productive ventures. Ministers who will assist to integrate the informal sector into the formal sector.

Emphasis should be on small and medium scale enterprises which in every economy, generates jobs more than the large companies. The Federal Government in the next four years should focus on creating and sustaining small and medium scale businesses in both the agricultural and industrial sectors along the value chain. Mr. President some of these men cannot deliver on their mandates.

and fields to suit various industries.”

Continuing he said “Our search and selection criteria is a globally accepted standards for top talents and deployed with our world class assessment tools and techniques to deliver premium talents across all recognised qualifications in Nigeria. In fact, more than twenty thousand candidates will be verified, tested and interviewed and two thousand talents will emerge for the fair.

He also noted that ICS publicity strategy is geared towards

reaching young graduates and professionals across the length and breadth of Nigeria in the six geographical zones and finally culminate into one event at the National Arts Theatre, Iganmu Lagos on the 21st October, 2015.

Olatide said “The talent hunt is the company singular activity that will help provide solutions to the challenges of unemployment, lack of marketable skill-set, poor business skills and entrepreneurial powers, low self esteem, amongst many other problems.”

Business & Economy ICS to boost economy with 2,000 jobs for youths

By PETER EGWUATU

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ntegrated Corporate Services, ICS Limited is set to recruit 2,000 youths as part of its contribution to reducing unemployment and social vices amongst the youths in Nigeria.

The Managing Director, ICS Limited, Mr. Femi Olatide disclosed this to news men in Lagos during the announcement of the launch

of a talent and employer branding expo tagged: “ICS talent bank 1.0” According to him, “Our company is 20 years old and we are using this talent hunt to mark the anniversary. The talent and employer branding expo tagged – ICS Talent bank 1.0 is the first ever innovative job fair in Nigeria tailored to reduce and control high rate of unemployment in the country,

through information, education and communication screening, amongst many others encountered by the youth population.

He said: “We are partnering with relevant institutions such as the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Higher institutions of learning and other strategic alliances to gain access to the talent and brighter graduates across all disciplines

24— Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Business & Economy

FEYrep to fight poverty in Akwa Ibom

BY PRINCEWILL EKWUJURU

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heFamily Empowerment a n d Y o u t h Re-orientation Programme, FEYReP has restated its a commitment to reducing poverty level in Akwa Ibom state.

FEYRep is the pet project of the wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Martha Udom.

Speaking at the launching of the project in Akwa Ibom, Mrs. Martha Udom advised beneficiaries of FEYReP’s benevolence to make judicious use of what she described as start-up seeds, saying this would be in the best interest of the families they represent and the state at large.

Among the items donated by Mrs. Udom were hairdressing, barbing and tailoring equipments. Other items included generator sets and disability aids like wheel chairs to physically challenged people as well as business start-up capitals and financial support to multiple birth families.

The event which was preceded by road shows and media chats, brought youths and women from across the state to the Ibom Hall Grounds, Uyo. In her speech, the Chairman on the occasion, Barr. Dorothy Ufot (SAN), commended the first lady’s resolve to expand the frontiers of prosperous families and building a lasting and enduring future for youths in the state, while calling for more support to enable her do more.

Highlighting on the five pillars of FEYReP , the company Secretary of MTN, Mrs. Mkpouto Ukpanah, lauded the first lady’s vision of creating a platform to showcase successful families, empowering women to provide emotional support to their families, advocacy against teenage pregnancy, promoting moral values and economic excellence in youths as well as support government efforts towards sustainable development.

Mrs. Udom sued for cooperation and support from all over the state and thanked her husband, Governor Udom Emmanuel, Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, immediate past First lady, Mrs Unoma Akpabio and Former Deputy Governor, Lady Valerie Ebe. She also expressed gratitude to members of the National and State Assemblies, members of the State Executive Council, Chairman of the occasion, C M Y K

IOSCO reinforces position for markets regulation STORIES BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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he Board of the International Organization of Securities Commissions, IOSCO has reinforced its position as a reference point for financial services and markets regulation in the globe.

The Board which during the two-day meeting in Toronto early this week, focused on three sets of activities in key priority areas as identified in the IOSCO 2020 Strategic Direction.

These include: Identifying and responding through guidance to global market risks; providing assistance to IOSCO members and supporting the G20 efforts to promote stability in the global financial system.

The meeting was preceded by a discussion among Board members on recent market developments, including recent market volatility and increased leverage, particularly in growth and emerging markets.

This was followed by a round table discussion with industry representatives on improving SME access to market-based finance.

As part of its ongoing efforts to identify and respond to emerging risks, the Board discussed progress in IOSCO’s work on asset management and agreed to publish a report on liquidity risk management in collective investment schemes. It further decided to conduct work on enhancing collection of data about asset management activity and considered developing guidance on liquidity risk management beyond its 2013 principles (including on stress testing) The Board discussed its work in other key areas, including the risks posed by CCP’s, market conduct, cyber resilience and audit quality.

It also discussed progressing recommendations in the recently published report on Cross Border Regulation and endorsed work to provide further guidance to financial benchmark administrators and crowd funding.

Corporate governance and IOSCO’s possible contribution to international integrated reporting were also discussed.

FORUM - From Left to Right: Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow; Bola Adesola, CEO, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria and West Africa and Mr. Ray Kyles, British Deputy High Commissioner, during the hosting of Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alan Yarrow at a Business Forum by Standard Chartered Bank at the Bank's Head Office in Lagos.

On assisting IOSCO members in building capacity and co-operating to develop, supervise and enforce laws in their jurisdiction, the Board agreed to proceed with the launch of a Global Certificate Program designed specifically for securities regulators; noted progress in the development of an online tool kit and supporting seminar programs to be rolled out by early 2016.

Other agreement reached include fostering greater cooperation and exchange of information among regulators for enforcement purposes through the enhancement of the current IOSCO Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation and the exchange of information.

On advocacy in the FSB, the Board also confirmed IOSCO will continue to actively

contribute to the international debate on potential financial stability risks that could emanate from asset management activities and products.

On other issues, the Board heard progress on its review of IOSCO’s Objectives and Principles of Securities Regulation and supporting Methodology. It also heard an update on proposals to undertake alternatives to its current implementation monitoring efforts.

BoI commissions N44m solar system to boost SMEs operation in Niger State

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ank of Industry ((BoI) has commissioned a N44 million micro-grid solar system in Bisanti, a remote community in Niger State as part of strategic moves to promote small scale enterprises in the country.

The 24KW micro-grid solar electrification system, which is billed to be replicated in six communities in a pilot phase across the country, is part of the bank’s Solar Energy Partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Already, other off-grid communities slated by the development finance institution to benefit from the rural eletricfication programme include: Idi-Ita/ Onibambu, Ile-Ife LGA, in Osun State, Ogbekpen, Ikpoba in Okha LGA, Edo State, Kolwa Kaltunga LGA, in Gombe State, Onono, Anambra West LGA, in Anambra State and Carwa/

Cakum, Markarfi LGA, in Kano State.

GVE Projects Limited, the project developer, implemented a 6KW PV solar rural micro-grid at Egbeke, Rivers State in 2013 and is said to be currently implementing a 18KW solar micro-grid solution in the same location.

Speaking during the commissioning of the project, BoI Managing Director, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, on Wednesday, stated that the project would not only help to drive entrepreneurship and boost economic activities in the community, it would also help to improve the quality of lives of the people.

He also said that by eliminating the use of kerosene lanterns, oil lamps and other dangerous and unhealthy sources of power generation, the lives of the community members would be preserved while also protecting the environment.

Olaoluwa, who noted that the current electricity situation in the country could not adequately support the growth of MSMEs in the country, stated that the time had come to deploy the abundant renewable energy sources that abound in the country for the nation’s economic development.

On the significance of the project to the community, the BoI boss added,”Each home will have sufficient solar electricity to power three(3) LED light bulbs, 1 electric fan, 1 radio/Tav set and of course, mobile phone charging.

“These are the basic energy needs of an average rural family. What we have initiated is a commercially sound model for delivering power to Nigerian rural homes at affordable rates, to provide a long-term alternative to the problematic national grid.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 25

Banking & Finance

VISIT: From left: Business Executive, Commercial Banking, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Obi Egbarin; Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Lanre Adesanya; General Manager, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Engr. Abdulwahab Ogunbiyi and Assistant General Manager, Adm and Human Resources, Mr. Segun Adeniji, during the Bank’s courtesy visit to the executive management of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) in Lagos

Banking sector shrinks in second quarter *Total assets fall by N186 billion *Lending to economy falls by 1.1% Stories by BABAJIDE KOMOLAFE

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eflecting the decline in the nation’s economic activities in the second quarter, the total assets of banks fell by N186 billion while lending to the economy fell by 1.1 percent.

This is in sharp contrast to development in the first quarter, when total assets grew by 4.4 per cent and lending to economy increased by 4.38 per cent.

According to the economic reports for the first and second quarter of the year by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN, total assets/liabilities of banks fell to N28.401 trillion in the second quarter from N28.587 trillion in the first quarter. Similarly, banks’ lending to the economy fell to N17.262 trillion in the second quarter from N17.280 trillion in the first quarter.

Recall that the nations’ economic activities as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew at 2.35 percent in the second quarter, down from 3.96 in the first quarter.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in its Economic Report for the second quarter of 2015, stated, “Available data indicated that the total assets and liabilities of the commercial banks stood at N28,400.8 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2015, representing a decline of 1.1 per cent below the level at the end of the preceding quarter. The funds were sourced, largely, from foreign and unclassified assets

disposal as well as draw-down on reserves. The funds were used, mainly, to increase capital accounts.

“At N17, 279.9 billion, banks’ credit to the domestic economy, fell by 1.1 per cent, in contrast to the 4.4 per cent growth in the

preceding quarter. The development was attributed to the decline in claims on the Federal Government and the private sector, in the review quater. Central Bank’s credit to the commercial banks rose by 5.3 per cent to N303.4 billion at the end of the review quarter, reflecting increase in CBN loans and advances to banks over the level at the end of the preceding quarter.

“Total specified liquid assets of the banks stood at N6,348.1 billion, representing 35.8 per cent of their total current liabilities. At that level, the liquidity ratio fell by 0.7 percentage point below the level in the preceding quarter, but was 5.8 percentage points above the stipulated minimum ratio of 30.0 per cent.

The loans-to-deposit ratio, at 67.8 per cent, was 1.6 percentage points above the level at the end of the preceding quarter, but was 12.2 percentage points below the prescribed maximum of 80.0 per cent “At N21, 409.8 billion, aggregate banking system’s credit (net) to the domestic economy, quarter-on-quarter, grew by 3.1 per cent at the end of the second quarter of 2015, compared with the growth of 7.7 per cent at the end of the first quarter. This, however, contrasted with the decline of 7.8 per cent at the end of the corresponding quarter of 2014.”

CBN ban banks from converting dormant account funds to income

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he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has banned banks from converting funds in dormant accounts to income.

Consequently, the apex bank directed that banks that in the last five years converted such funds to income should reclassify them as deposits.

The ban was contained in the Guidelines on the Management of Dormant Accounts and Other Unclaimed funds by banks and other financial institutions in Nigeria, released on Friday by the CBN. The guidelines stated, “Dormant account shall continue to be reflected in the book of banks as deposit liabilities until they are eventually withdrawn by the account holders or disposed of, on their instructions.

“Banks that have, in the last five years, from the date of these guidelines, appropriated credit balances in dormant accounts to income are to reclassify such accounts to deposits not later than six months from the effective date of the guidelines

“Notwithstanding the provisions above, banks shall retain the records of all dormant accounts irrespective of the number of years of dormancy of the accounts, and shall reactivate such accounts upon request by the bona fide account holder or his /her legitimate representatives.”

Defining what can be classified as a dormant account, the guidelines stated, “A bank account shall be classified as dormant if there has been no customer or depositor-initiated transactions in it for one year after the last customer or depositor-initiated transaction.”

The guidelines however stated that bank accounts that have no customer or depositor-initiated transaction for a period of six months shall be classified as an ‘Inactive Account.

It added that while the owner of an Inactive Account should not be required to provide documentation to reactive the account, the owner of a dormant account must provide satisfactory documentary evidence of account ownership including means of identification and present place of residence,

before the dormant account can be reactivated.

The guidelines also stated that when an account becomes dormant or inactive, “the bank shall elevate controls on the account in line with its precautionary policies, which may include surveillance procedures and second level authorisation.

On the treatment of dormant accounts, the guidelines stated, “Hence forth, revalidation of inactive/ dormant accounts shall not attract any cost to the account holder (as the bank would have made ample use of the idle funds); “Interest bearing accounts shall retain their interest earnings status during the period of dormancy; Deposit taking financial institutions shall continue to monitor accounts that show tendencies of inactivity and initiate action for the reactivation or protection from wrong usage. Such actions shall include, though not limited, to any of the following: SMS, email, visitation, and/or phone calls.

In all cases, the cost of monitoring the accounts and contacting the customers shall be borne by the bank.”

AfDB to triple climate financing to $5bn by 2020

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frican Development Bank (AfDB has said that it would nearly triple its annual climate financing to reach $5 billion a year by 2020.

The President of the Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, announced this on Friday adding that AfDB’s climate spending will increase to 40 per cent of its total new investments by 2020.

“Climate change is both an urgent threat and a unique opportunity,” Adesina said.

“The Bank is significantly stepping up its support for African countries, not only to meet that threat but also to seize the opportunity to drive low-carbon, climate-resilient growth.”

Half of the $5 billion will be dedicated to reducing Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions by unlocking Africa’s enormous potential for renewable energy, especially solar, hydro, wind and geothermal power. The AfDB will also work with its clients to improve energy efficiency and build sustainable transport systems.

Customer Service Week: Diamond Bank CEO serves as teller

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iamond Bank Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Uzoma Dozie personally attended to customers of the bank as a teller. This was part of the bank’s activities to celebrate its customers, in recognition of the 2015 global Customer Service Week, celebrated around the world last week.

Taking his role as teller for the day at the Ajao Estate, Isolo, Lagos branch, Dozie expressed delight at the opportunity to personally attend to the customers in keeping with the Bank’s core values of going the extra mile to foster lasting relationships with its customers.

“It is a pleasant experience to meet with our customers and also interact with them firsthand. We just updated our customer service application to make meeting customer needs a lot easier and faster.

We will always do our best possible to stay in touch with our publics and get relevant information on how our services impact their lives and businesses directly,” Dozie said.

C M Y K

26 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Corporate Report

Can UBA maintain its high growth momentum?

Meristem launches first naira trading platform

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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E R I S T E M Securities Limited has launched a new trading platform adjudged as Nigeria’s first naira multi derivative assets platform MeriFX. With the new trading platform, one can now trade Foreign Exchange, Forex, commodities, indices and equities all from one trading account in naira.

Speaking at the launch of the product last weekend, the Managing Director, Meristem Stockbrockers Ltd, Mrs. Gbadunola Sokunbi said “MeriFX offers you the chance to trade the world’s most popular financial markets at your fingertips.”

Continuing, he said “But the catch is that you are not really trading (buying or selling) anything that you can own, but merely engaging in something called ‘spread betting’. Unlike stocks whereby you own a piece of a company when you buy, when you spread bet, you are only speculating on the price movements of thousands of global financial markets including indices, shares, currencies, commodities and more”.

According to Sokunbi, “You can use spread bets to speculate on price movements irrespective of whether the markets are rising or falling. If you go long (buy), your profits will rise in line with any increase in that price. If you go short (sell), your profits will rise in line with any fall.

Similarly, if you go long on the price and the underlying stock price falls, you will incur losses.

“The minimum trade size on MeriFX is $200 or N40, 000”, she added.

Analysing the unique features of the platform, the guest speaker, Mr. Mathew Smith of FINSA Europe Ltd noted that the platform provides inexperienced traders a platform to test the waters with the MeriFX demo account which is a dummy of the real platform. This he said, safeguard inexperienced traders from running into ditches in the real process.

Meristem Securities Limited in 2014 inaugurated an online stock trading platform aimed at fostering market participation.

According to the firm, the platform, called Meritrade, serve as a virtual stockbroking platform, helping users to always trade stocks on the Nigerian Stock Exchange from anywhere in the world through their computers or mobile phones.

C M Y K

BY MIKE UZOR

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he current financial year looks quite promising for United Bank for Africa [UBA] but can the bank maintain the high growth momentum to full year? The bank’s profit records show a pattern of rise and fall and a big rise may be possible for the bank this year if the second quarter growth rate is sustained in the second half of the year.

The bank is experiencing a renewed growth in revenue and profit margin has also improved, which has brightened the full year profit prospects. This is unlike in the preceding two years when revenue growth slowed down and hindered profit performance. The bank may attain a new high in profit at the end of 2015, after two year of weakness.

Gross earnings amounted to N166.94 billion for UBA at the end of the second quarter, which is an increase of 20.8% year-on-year.

Growth in interest income has accelerated from 5.9% at the end of 2014 to 17.9% at the end of the second quarter. Based on the second quarter growth rate, gross income is likely to grow by about 16% over the bank’s full year figure of N290.02 billion in 2014.

This will be a renewed growth in revenue for UBA after two years of slowdown.

The bank’s profit outlook has been brightened by both the improved revenue performance as well as moderating expenses.

Interest expenses slowed down relative to earnings and therefore claimed reduced proportions of revenue. This led to a strong growth of about 19% in net interest income in the second quarter.

Operating expenses have also moderated relative to revenue. Total operating expenses grew by 13.9% to N69.65 billion year-on-year at the end of the second quarter compared to the 20.4% growth in gross earnings. Consequently, operating cost margin has declined from 44.7% at the end of 2014 to 41.7% at the end of the second quarter.

The favourable cost behaviour enabled the bank to grow profit ahead of revenue at the end of the second quarter. After tax profit rose by almost 70% year-on-year to N34.18 billion at the end of June.

Will the bank be able to keep profit growing at that rate to full year is the question given the earnings records of rise and fall.

If the second quarter growth rate is maintained, the bank may grow after tax profit by as much as 40% at the end of 2015. That will take the bank to a new peak in profit after two years of inability to return to its profit peak of N51.37 billion in 2012.

UBA lost profit margin in the preceding two years but this year a strong improvement has been recorded so far. At the end of the second quarter, net profit margin rose to 20.5% from 14.6% in the same period last year.

Net profit margin declined from 23.1% in 2012 to 17.3% in 2013 and further down to 16.2% in 2014.

The bank is showing one of the highest profit margins in the banking sector this year.

This is against a general decline in profit margin in the banking industry. Profit margins are affected by rising interest expenses and impairment charges for credit losses, which are industry wide developments.

The bank earned 94 kobo per share at the end of the second quarter, an increase from71 kobo in the corresponding period in 2014. It earned N1.42 per share at the end of 2014, which is may improve to over N1.80 in 2015. Its dividend per share dropped

from 50 kobo in 2013 to 10 kobo in 2014. It paid an interim dividend of 20 kobo for the current year last September.

UACN: profit likely to fall from peak UACN’s operations in the second quarter ended in a loss and the company’s profit looks likely to fall from the peak record attained in 2014.

The conglomerate has grown profit every year in the past five years but that record may be interrupted this year. Profit was already dropping as from first quarter and the second quarter loss has accelerated its pace towards the lowest profit figure in many years.

The company is facing operating pressure from both sides of sales revenue and profit. Sales revenue is declining while operating expenses are rising, resulting in a loss of considerable profit capacity in the current year.

The company’s sales revenue declined by 7% to N37.37 billion year-on-year at the end of the second quarter.

The full year outlook indicates that sales revenue could drop by a wider margin to the lowest figure in three years. The company grew sales revenue by 8.8% to N85.65 billion in 2014 and has maintained consistent growth in turnover since 2011.

The drop in sales revenue in

the second quarter was reinforced by a drop of 37% in other income. Share of profit from associates also dropped by18% to N1.2 billion at the end of the second quarter.

The pressure from the cost angle was led by distribution/administrative cost, which rose by 35% against the 7% decline in sales revenue during the review period. The company devoted 19.4% of sales revenue to distribution/ administrative cost in the second quarter compared to 13.4% in the same period last year.

A favourable cost behaviour came from interest expenses, which dropped by 31% to N708 million year-on-year in the second quarter. This is in spite of an increase of 17% in long-term borrowings to N9.28 billion. Short-term financial liabilities also grew by 5% to over N24 billion from the closing figures in 2014.

The company recorded a drop of 70% in after tax profit to N1.04 billion year-onyear at the end of the second quarter, which is below the N1.68 billion it reported in the first quarter. There was a loss of N638 million in the second quarter, as cost of sales and distribution/ administrative expenses grew well ahead of sales revenue.

Based on the second quarter growth rate, after tax profit could drop by as much as 78% at full year from the peak profit record of N10.73 billion in 2014. The company may therefore close the year with the lowest profit figure in five years. UACN grew after tax profit by 8.6% in 2014 and has grown profit every year since 2011.

Profit weakness is explained by a decline in revenue against increased costs, which has eroded the company’s profit margin.

Net profit margin has fallen sharply from 12.5% at the end of last year to 2.8% at the end of the second quarter.

The company earned 40 kobo per share at the end of the second quarter, a drop from N1.03 in the corresponding quarter last year. Earnings per share is expected to come to 91 kobo for UACN at the end of 2015 based on the full year projection of net profit attributable to owners of the company. That would be a drop from earnings per share of N3.40 in 2014. The company paid a cash dividend of N1.75 per share to shareholders for its 2014 operations.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 27

Corporate Report

C M Y K

28 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Corporate Finance

Meristem launches first naira trading platform

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E R I S T E M Securities Limited has launched a new trading platform adjudged as Nigeria’s first naira multi derivative assets platform MeriFX. With the new trading platform, one can now trade Foreign Exchange, Forex, commodities, indices and equities all from one trading account in naira.

Speaking at the launch of the product last weekend, the Managing Director, Meristem Stockbrockers Ltd, Mrs. Gbadunola Sokunbi said “MeriFX offers you the chance to trade the world’s most popular financial markets at your fingertips.”

Continuing, he said “But the catch is that you are not really trading (buying or selling) anything that you can own, but merely engaging in something called ‘spread betting’. Unlike stocks whereby you own a piece of a company when you buy, when you spread bet, you are only speculating on the price movements of thousands of global financial markets including indices, shares, currencies, commodities and more”.

According to Sokunbi, “You can use spread bets to speculate on price movements irrespective of whether the markets are rising or falling. If you go long (buy), your profits will rise in line with any increase in that price. If you go short (sell), your profits will rise in line with any fall. Similarly, if you go long on the price and the underlying stock price falls, you will incur losses.

“The minimum trade size on MeriFX is $200 or N40, 000”, she added.

Analysing the unique features of the platform, the guest speaker, Mr. Mathew Smith of FINSA Europe Ltd noted that the platform provides inexperienced traders a platform to test the waters with the MeriFX demo account which is a dummy of the real platform. This he said, safeguard inexperienced traders from running into ditches in the real process.

Meristem Securities Limited in 2014 inaugurated an online stock trading platform aimed at fostering market participation.

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FMDQ records N93.9trn market turnover in 8 months STORIES BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

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MDQ OTC Plc has recorded N93.9 trillion market turnover for the eight month period ended August 31, 2015.

The figure represents turnover on all products traded on the FMDQ secondary market as well as trade executed between Dealing Members, Dealing Members & Clients, and Dealing Members & the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Figures from the Exchange showed that top ten dealing members accounted for N67 trillion, representing 71 per cent of the overall turnover in the market, while the top three accounted for N27.9 trillion or 42 per cent of the subsection of the market.

Transaction on Treasury Bills accounted for most of the trade, accounting for N31.739 trillion of the total trade; repurchase agreement/buy backs followed with N21.354 trillion turnover; Foreign Exchange (forex) netted N19.84 trillion; unsecured placements/takings accounted for N9.212 trillion; FGN Bonds was the next with N6.062 trillion, while FX Derivatives accounted for n5.54 trillion of the total transactions for the period.

Others were money market derivatives that accounted for N101 billion of the total trade; Eurobonds N33 billion, while other bonds accounted for the remaining N18 billion of the total trade.

According to FMDQ, the figures excluded primary market auctions in T-Bills,

INAUGURATION - From left, Non Executive Director, Vitapur Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bayo Adeola; Chairman, Vitapur Nigeria Limited, Dr. Dele Makanjuola; and Group Managing Director, Vitafoam Nigeria Plc, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, during the inauguration of Vitapur new SAIP machines in Lagos

Bonds and FX. A review of activities undertook by the securities exchange showed that it listed two bonds during the eight month period. Wema Bank Plc’s N8.15 billion Series 1 Commercial Paper (CP) Notes under a N20 billion Commercial Paper Issuance Programme was admitted, as well as Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc (NMRC) N8 billion Series 1, 15-year 14.9 per cent Fixed Rate Bond under a N140 billion MediumTerm Note Programme.

As part of a continued progress towards

delivering on one of its mandates to develop the Nigerian financial markets through capacity building, the securities exchange introduced New Membership Category, Affiliate Members, during the period.

The introduction of the new membership category, FMDQ said in its News letter, would increase market confidence and efficiency.

Affiliate membership is ideal for institutions and individuals with a keen interest in the FMDQ OTC markets, and an association with the financial markets, but not in a full participatory role as either a dealing,

associate or registration member of FMDQ, taking advantage of the Exchange’s commitment to develop the Nigerian financial markets via capacity building through knowledge and information dissemination.

Affiliate Members can avail on FMDQ’s core value proposition of consistently adding value to a vast range of stakeholders and consequently be provided with benefits including, but not limited to financial market knowledge acquisition, trades/ investments monitoring ability, tools to enable informed investment decisions and efficient price discovery, as well as access to a repository of fixed income and currency market information.

Digitalisation, key to Africa's economic growth — EXPERTS

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ransforming Africamade solutions to meet its developmental aspirations has become imperative if the continent hopes to actualize its economic potential, experts have said.

Rising from the 2nd Stanbic IBTC Business Leadership Series, participants expressed their support to build a new cadre of business and entrepreneurship leadership to trigger the continent’s rebirth. The event had the theme: Digitalisation and Business Sustainability in the new World’.

In her welcome address, Chief Executive Officer, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, Mrs. Sola David-Borha, said a major objective of the event

was to help individuals and businesses gain insight on how they can leverage digitalization and technology to develop their businesses and the Nigerian economy.

She described digitalization as the way of the future, while the development of a vast entrepreneurship class will be crucial in lifting Africa out of poverty.

“The benefits of digitalization are obviously huge for any business or economy. In looking at today’s global economic landscape, businesses of every size need to overhaul their processes and applications if they hope to

compete and succeed,” Daivid-Borha stated.

Internationally acclaimed rocket scientist, motivational speaker and innovator, Siyabulela Xusa, who expressed delight to be visiting Nigeria for the first time, said that with science and technology being the bedrock of any nation’s productive capacity, Africa must focus on developing local capacity, part of which includes to ‘be ruthlessly curious.’

Xusa, who won global acclaim for developing a cheaper and safer rocket fuel, said Africa, needs ‘a revolution in innovations’ in order to put the continent on the path of growth and

greatness. According to Xusa, Nigeria, as Africa’s biggest economy, must lead the quest, while others follow. “Instead of buying technology and innovation, we should develop the African capacity to create innovations,” Xusa said, adding that “mediocrity is the enemy of innovation.”

CEO/founder, Interswitch Limited, Mr. Mitchel Elegbe, used the story of Interswitch, which he has nurtured into a leading panAfrican integrated payment giant, to illustrate the transformational power of digital technology. He reiterated that there are huge opportunities for African companies in the digital and innovation space, and only requires the ability to recognise such opportunities for growth and development.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 29

Homes & Housing

Low income housing generated N1.4bn in 2014 — Lafarge Africa

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afarge Africa Plc says the challenge of providing access to housing for low-income earners became a business that impacted more than 300,000 persons in the last two years, and generated 7.2 million Euros (N1.4billion) in 2014.

Speaking on ‘Creating and growing housing microfinance in Nigeria,’ at a program organised in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation, IFC, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Loren Zanin, CEO, Aggregates and Concrete, Lafarge Africa Plc, disclosed that the company has enabled a total of 10,000 Nigerians to become homeowners through the Lafarge Easy Home initiative.

He said the company sees providing access to housing as a challenge of the present time, but also as an opportunity which is fully aligned and central to the company’s objectives. “In the perimeter of Lafarge Group, this initiative was launched 4 four years ago.

Over the last 4 years, Lafarge has developed projects in 18 countries. This initiative is unique as it combines two objectives - finding new ways of doing business by serving the low income segment profitably, and making an impact on the housing for millions of people. This is now a business for Lafarge which impacted more than 300,000 people over the last two years, and generated 7.2 million Euros last year,” he stated.

Recall that Lafarge Africa launched the first housing microfinance program in the country, 2 years ago in Sagamu, in partnership with LAPO Microfinance Bank and with the support of AFD, which dedicated a 5 million Euros credit line to LAPO for this.

The program was initially tagged ‘Lafarge Ile Irorun’, which means house of comfort. It has now expanded nationally, and now called ‘Lafarge Easy Home’. Also speaking, CBN's Head of National Housing Fund Program & surveillance, Mr. Adedeji Adesemoye, said: the cornerstone of scheme is access to financing.

Typical mass housing development

FHA develops housing blueprint for states STORIES BY YINKA KOLAWOLE The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has developed a partnership blueprint to meet the housing needs and peculiarities of each state government in Nigeria, according to a newsletter by the organisation. FHA had already commenced aggressive campaign on the new initiative by meeting with state governments geared towards making houses accessible to Nigerians.

In one of such meetings recently held with the Katsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Masari, Managing Director of FHA, Professor Mohammed Almin, said the new initiative was informed by the need to boost housing delivery and create employment opportunities for the nation’s youths. He said similar visits would be paid to other states in the weeks ahead.

Presenting the blueprint to

The new initiative was informed by the need to boost housing delivery and create employment opportunities for the nation’s youths

Masari, the FHA boss said the geometric growth of major cities and towns in the state, availability of housing raw materials in large quantities as well as the teeming population of employable youths that could be trained and engaged in construction, were conditions that favoured mass housing

development in the state.

According to him, FHA has different delivery models such as social housing, commercial housing and public-private partnership on which a successful partnership could be built with the state government.

He added that the state government is at liberty to

either engage FHA in direct construction of houses using its funds or with the Authority’s funds and offtakers’ commitment.

Al-Amin said other funding windows include tripartite or bicameral partnerships with foreign investors, funding from international development groups, direct intervention through coordination of self-help community housing projects and the enhanced internally generated revenue of the state through improving the system of fees collections such as premiums and ground rents. The FHA CEO also sought the state government’s cooperation in job creation through the housing and construction industry that involves value chain improvement in related activities, engaging youths in municipal waste management and environmental sanitation as well as collaboration with foreign investors on housing cottage industry in the local government areas.

Governor Masari commended FHA for the initiative, expressing the state government’s readiness to key into the initiative. He however urged the Authority to structure the deal in conformity with the culture of the people and that the houses should be affordable.

“Real estate investment has double advantage” R eal estate is a veritable option for many investors still in a quandary as to where to invest their money.

Head of Treasury and Investment of Resort Savings and Loans Plc, Mr. J e f f Ejemai, made this observation recently in Lagos while unveiling the bank’s investment product. He said that investment in real estate guarantees a great return for the investor.

Commenting on the bank’s investment product, he said: “The aim of the product is to extend the opportunity for investors to invest in real estate. Such investment will procure not only a good return on their investment but also make it possible for the investor to save money.”

Ejemai noted that there is currently a deficit in housing which government alone cannot cater for, w h i c h necessitates the need for the private sector to invest. “Any investor who puts his money into housing project now will surely reap a good return,” he added.

On the investment product of the bank, he said: “A fixed deposit ranging from N500,000 to N2 million provided by the investor will be the basis of the investment

for which a fixed rate of return will be paid to the investor in the form of interest at an agreed period not less than 6 months (180days). Resort Savings and loans will seek out to fund existing residential properties being constructed in Lagos and Abuja and any other state capital.’ He said a minimum interest rate of 15 percent

per annum will be payable to such investment.

Ejemai further noted that the level of risk in the real estate business is low, adding that the investors have a rock sure assurance that their capital will be safe. “It should be noted that capital gains can also be realised when the property is sold.”

Multiple taxation: Building products dealers seek Oshiomhole’s intervention

By GABRIEL ENOGHOLASE

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embers of the Cements, Iron and Asbestos Free Products Dealers Association (CRADA), Edo State branch, has appealed to the State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, to intervene in what they described as multiple taxation and levies that are made to pay by agents of the state government and others on a daily basis.

The association in a petition to the governor through their counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, said they are forced to pay parking permit to the Ministry of Transport, road tax to the

Board of Internal Revenue, loading and off-loading permit to Oredo local government area, which now demands the sum of N150,000 from each member, in addition to their annual taxes to the state government among other rates and levies.

“Our clients whenever their goods arrive at any of their various shops within BeninCity, these government agents will storm our clients’ shops and start to demand for excessive and exorbitant fees under the guise of acting on behalf of the government of the day. The Ministry of Environment is not left out of the duplication of levies collected from our members on daily basis.

30—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

E-Commerce VConnect redesigns homepage

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LAUNCH - From left: Singer/ Songwriter, Tiwa Savage, Group Chief Executive Officer, Forte Oil, Akin Akinfemiwa, GMD/CEO designate, FirstBank Nigeria, Adesola Adeduntan and Chief Executive Officer, Verve International, Charles Ifedi at the launch of the new FO Advantage card, powered by Interswitch in Lagos.

Boosting online sales through effective customer service Stories by JONAH NWOKPOKU

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ost consumers will stop doing business with a brand after a bad customer service experience. These bad experiences, however, are not limited to brick-and-mortar stores.

Increasingly, consumers are demanding high levels of service across channels (Web, mobile and social), and do not hesitate to voice their dissatisfaction when their expectations are not met.

Despite increased expectations and the growing number of channels available to share experiences (good and bad), brands can still win at customer service, but doing so requires more than just displaying contact information on a website. Analysts at Wesbite Magazine argue that, brands should rather consider the

following three tips when strategizing a winning digital customer service plan. They inlcude:Leveraging mobile: In today’s always-connected world, a smartphone is rarely out of its owner’s sights. This is why it is imperative that brands make mobile the central focus of their customer service initiatives. Brands can offer mobile customer support in a variety of ways, including by adding live chat to mobile websites and native applications. In addition to live chat via native apps or mobile sites, companies can leverage a very familiar mobile feature to better serve their customers including SMS messaging.

Exploring social media Research has shown that 14 per cent of consumers leverage social media to reach businesses with customer support questions. What’s more, social presents a great opportunity for brands trying to separate themselves from the

Paga raises N2.6bn to bolster agent network

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igerian mobile payment operator, Paga has raised a $13 million, about N2.6 billion, to boost its agent network.

The Series B financing was led by venture capital firm, Adlevo Capital with participation from Omidyar Network, Goodwell West Africa, Acumen Fund, and Capricorn Investment Group.

Other investors included Jeremy Stoppelman, coFounder and CEO of Yelp and one of the early team members at PayPal. According to the founder and CEO of Paga, Tayo Oviosu, “Our recent financing will help us continue to build towards our vision and support the

strengthening of our agent network.”

Founded in 2009, Paga has over 3.4 million users and 3,600 SME clients and over 8,850 agents across Nigeria. Page allows users to send money to their friends as well as allow firms the ability to send money to any phone number for the beneficiary to redeem at any Paga agent across Nigeria, or at any ATM via a cardless withdrawal.

Users can use Paga to deposit money to bank accounts in Nigeria, pay their bills, or topup mobile phone airtime. Paga also allows merchants to recieve payments online and collect debit card or mobile money payments securely.

competition, as only 5 percent of customers say that social media has been a reliable channel for resolving issues on their first attempt. Although it can be difficult to cut through the social noise to serve customers in this channel, it is important brands respond to social customer service requests due to the fact that these conversations are public. By responding, companies demonstrate that they are listening, engaging and doing their best to meet their customers’ needs.

Initiating self service option: While traditional live chat is a common feature for many websites, brands can enhance their site’s customer service offerings by adding a selfservice option. One way to help customers serve themselves is by featuring frequently asked question (FAQ) sections on websites. Additionally, brands can integrate self-service solutions which present customers with automated guides to help them resolve common issues on their own.

Jovago debuts on Google hotel ads O

nline hotel booking platform, Jovago.com has been incorporated into Google hotels ads.

This means that users will now be able to click on the hotel listings directly from the search engine results page thereby giving them access to Jovago’s properties in Africa.

The service is also integrated with Google Maps, which grants the user the ability to see the exact location of the selected hotel while doing a price comparison at the same time.

Jovago said the strategic collaboration is aimed at easing the process of hotel search and reservation for travellers in Africa. This would allow Google users access to the best deals at any time and at their convenience, through the Jovago.com platform thus granting a diverse range of users the chance to find and book hotels across the African continent.

Chief of Executive Officer of Jovago,Paul Midy said:

“Google is a giant - the hotel finder metasearch is a remarkable and handy tool for travellers around the world looking to make smart and informed decisions when booking hotels. Jovago is focused on helping travellers find the best hotels regardless of location and making the process as convenient as possible.

With Jovago on the Google Travel Ads, customers can readily access our growing inventory of hotels on the go with little to no hassles as the customer service team caters to their needs.”

Also speaking, Managing Director of Jovago Nigeria, Marek Zmyslowski, said: "Our primary goal as a company is to add value to the lives of every customer who books a hotel on our platform through fast and reliable services. We will continue to put in effort to make this vision a reality and being the first African company to launch on Google Hotel Ads is a breakthrough we are excited about."

Connect, an online marketplace, has taken another leap forward in empowering SMEs in Nigeria. With the launch of a new home page, VConnect has established firm ground in the online business world.

The new homepage is in accordance with the company’s new promise to their customers, merchants and buyers.

Commenting on the launch of the new homepage, General Manager, VConnect, Mr. Deepankar Rustagi, said: “With this new release, the merchants’ stores and products receive a whole lot more visibility on the platform. And there are lot more changes than just the home page. Each merchant’s webpage and URL can now be fully customized as per their preference. There’s even a whole lot more for users. As you get on the website, the new homepage showcases an array of products, the newly arrived and the trending categories.

Users can now easily navigate to the products they need."

“The search experience has also been improved in terms of speed and relevance of results.

Apple pulls some apps from store over security concerns

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pple Inc said last that it had removed "a few" applications from its App Store, expressing its concern that the security of some users' personal data could be compromised in certain circumstances.

The company said the apps threatened users' security by installing certificates that can expose data to monitoring by third parties. The company did not specify the precise number of apps at issue.

"Apple is deeply committed to protecting customer privacy and security," an Apple spokeswoman said in a statement. "We are working closely with these developers to quickly get their apps back on the App Store, while ensuring customer privacy and security is not at risk."

Apps with so-called root certificates route user data to servers where it can be analyzed.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 31 “History does not repeat itself; man does.” Barbara Tuchmann, Historian, authority on 13th and 14th centuries in Europe.

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y first articles on

the Nigerian economy appeared in VANGUARD on Mondays in the 1980s, shortly before military President Ibarahim Badamasi Babangida, IBB, introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP. It was the most ambitious economic programme, ever, in our history. Even, till today, nothing has come close to the far-reaching impact of the economic policies. The main thrust of SAP was to deregulate the economy and allow the private sector to take on those aspects of the economy which governments were running badly. Consequently, the Federal Government, which because of its investments in banking, airlines (Nigerian Airways), shipping (Nigerian National Shipping Line), Hotels (Federal Palace Hotels), Insurance (NICON etc) divested from those enterprises. Foreign exchange rate, which was arbitrarily pegged by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, was allowed to respond to market forces – although the country started with partial deregulation of the foreign exchange by adopting the Dutch option. That turned out to be a colossal mistake which undermined the objectives of the SAP. However, of all the measures introduced by IBB from 1985 to 1993, none had such a dramatic impact as the instruction, given in 1989, to the Ministries,

Toss out Treasury Single Account, TSA, please (1) Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to withdraw all Federal Government and State Governments deposits in commercial and merchant banks and lodge them in the Central Bank. The reasons adduced for this order were clear enough.

Three, however, will be sufficient for our purpose here.

First, it had long been established that most of the currency in circulation was outside the banking sector.

Banks had grown to rely almost exclusively on deposits by governments and the Organized private sector and were contented to leave the over 70 per cent outside the system un-mobilized.

The CBN wanted to change that in the hope that more money in the banking sector will drive interest rates down and promote investment.

Second, government deposits in the commercial banks attracted no interest while agencies of government still went about borrowing from the banks at high interest rates. It was thought that the new policy would at least save government the interest payments.

Third, it was discovered that some of public funds were deposited in private accounts for months, even years, earning

interest for the owners, while governments went about borrowing. Government had no idea how much was in its accounts in the aggregate and decisions about borrowing could not be made with confidence. The new policy was designed to solve that problem as well.

On the face of it, one would have difficulties pointing to a flaw in government’s position.

Unfortunately, economics is full of paradoxes. Measure taken by governments or individuals

increased interest rates. Finance companies sprang up offering higher interest rates to depositors than the commercial banks. Each finance house increased its rates in order to secure more deposits.

As banks increased interest rates, they simultaneously hiked up lending rates. At one point lending rates topped 40% per annum.

Inflation reached about 30% per annum; prices of goods and services went through the roof; factory installed capacity was

Measure taken by governments or individuals aimed at solving certain problems might solve them but create unintended consequences aimed at solving certain problems might solve them but create unintended consequences.

Thus, in the late 1980s, the withdrawal of government funds from banks immediately resulted in a liquidity crisis. Most banks could not find cash to pat depositors as and when due.

Bank customers spent hours in banks trying to cash cheques. To mobilize deposits, banks

under-utilised; millions were retrenched and businesses folded up. UAC of Nigeria, the biggest business organization in Nigeria at the time, as well as others like PZ Industries and Leventis Group, merged some divisions, closed others and unemployment soared. In less than two years, the nation’s first banking crisis was upon us.

Today, none of the finance

houses, which sprang up is in business and most of the second generation banks have also gone under.

Incidentally, the order to withdraw government deposits from commercial banks and place them in the CBN occurred against the back ground of low crude oil prices which had tumbled from record highs in 1982 to less than US$10 per barrel. The country was earning less foreign exchange and the diversification of the Nigerian economy, which was one of the major goals of SAP, had not occurred significantly. Instead smuggling vitiated both the rice and sugar policies – aimed at making the nation self-sufficient in sugar and rice. There was also the investment of large sums of scarce resources in the ill-fated “Wheat Programme” which was also supposed to result in wheat production in large quantities.

Our continuing reliance on imported rice, wheat and sugar constitute the monuments to the battles we lost, when government deposits were suddenly withdrawn from commercial banks which were not prepared for the shock.

Will Treasury Single Account, TSA, work this time around? It is doubtful…

Business & Economy

NIPC, BCDA collaborate on investment for border communities

BY FAVOUR NNABUGWU

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he Nigerian I n v e s t m e n t P r o m o t i o n Commission (NIPC) and the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA) has pledged to collaborate to attract investments into border communities in the country.

Speaking while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Engr.

Numoipre Wills on a courtesy visit, Executive Secretary of NIPC, Mrs. Uju Aisha Hassan-Baba said the Commission is determined to ensure that beneficial investments are brought into the country in order to create wealth and generate employment for Nigerians and also develop the communities.

She pledged to use the LAKAJI Development Projects being piloted by

Expanded Trade and Transport (NEXTT) and the United States Agency for International Development Nigeria (USAID) to bring beneficial investments into the border communities along the corridors.

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a s s a n - B a b a commended the Executive Secretary of BCDA for identifying with the Commission in order to promotes its agency activities and realises its set goals, adding, “I welcome this collaboration and we will use the LAKAJI Project that we are promoting in liaison with NEXTT and USAID to develop the border communities through investments in Agriculture and Agro allied, cold chain and other small scale businesses in order to open up the communities.

BCDA’s Executive Secretary, Engr. Numoipre Wills in his response, said he was in the Commission to

seek for closer working relationship in order to develop the border communities through investments and provision of social amenities as they

have been neglected over the years for lack of social amenities, pointing out that “my mission to NIPC is to seek for their collaboration

to develop the communities through the LAKAJI Development Projects which the commission is promoting”.

have been neglected over the y e a r s , stressing that the mandate of my agency is to build schools, h e a l t h centers, p r o m o t e Agriculture and small s c a l e enterprises in the communities.

Wills however complained that the b o r d e r communities C M Y K

32 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Insurance

Expert advocates investment of pension fund in infrastructure STORIES BY ROSEMARY ONUOHA

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here is need to invest a portion of the country ’s pension fund assets into i n f r a s t r u c t u r e development, said Chief economist and global economic adviser of the World Pension Summit, Dr. Gerard Lyons.

He stated this at the second edition of the World Pension Summit ‘Africa Special’ (WPS-AS) in Abuja last week organised by the National Pension Commission, Nigeria and the World Pension Summit, the Netherlands.

According to Lyons, the country should focus on hard, soft and institutional infrastructure, which in turn would help address social infrastructure while focusing on the theme of this year’s summit ‘Building sustainable pension systems in Africa’

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and is focused on entrenching enduring pension systems across the continent with a particular emphasis on channelling pension funds towards addressing its huge infrastructure deficit.

In his speech, Dr. Lyons looked at Nigeria from a global, regional and national perspective and focused on the implications for the economy, infrastructure and pension funds. Lyons focused initially on the changing global environment that has resulted in greater uncertainty, more volatility, a desire by investors to search for yield and growth opportunities, and the need for markets to price for risk.

“Regionally, Africa is globalising at a fast pace and I think ‘Pan Africanism’ may become a more common future term, capturing the mood of the time. In this context, Nigeria can assume a greater regional role, as it is already doing in West Africa.”

To appreciate the domestic challenge, Lyons gave the

foreign view of Nigeria, what is being said, and also where he felt it was right and wrong: “There is unease about corruption and concern about security. It is good therefore that the administration is addressing these head on. It is also important to remember that in a world of high debts, Nigeria’s debt position is a big advantage and gives it room for fiscal flexibility. Its market size, young sizeable population, entrepreneurial spirit, and the growth of its service sector are also key positives that should not be overlooked.”

“Hard infrastructure opportunities include broadband and transport such as road and rail as well as housing and energy” he said.

“Soft infrastructure is building the skills and education needed, while institutional infrastructure is linked to openness and transparency, as strong institutions allow confidence, enable growth and greater investment and create stability. Regulations,

rules and laws are also vital so Nigeria should be proud of the progress made by PenCom on this so far.

However, it’s important that the country continues to build on this progress, embracing change and planning for the future.”

Director General of PenCom, Chinelo AnohuAmazu, said: “Compared with many of its African peers, Nigeria has relatively advanced infrastructure networks that cover extensive areas of the nation’s territory and, thanks to its strong economy, it is better placed than many of its neighbours to increase the share of fiscal resources going to infrastructure. Yet, according to the African Development Bank (AfDB), the nation’s core stock of infrastructure is estimated at only 20-25 per cent of GDP, compared with 70 per cent for other middle income countries of its size, leaving a gaping infrastructure deficit of $300bn.

Tianjin loss continues to rise

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he insurance and reinsurance industry loss from the Tianjin chemical storage facility explosions in China continues to evolve, with estimates now suggesting $3 billion or higher. Some ILS funds remain exposed, but any actual losses are expected to be minimal.

A number of insurance and reinsurance linked ILS investment funds had reported a potential exposure to the Tianjin blast losses in August, but at the time the industry loss estimates were suggesting an industry-wide impact of somewhere around the $1.5 billion to $2 billion mark.

The loss estimates have steadily risen, as the scale of the explosions, the impact to automotive storage units and areas, the complexity of the disaster and potential for pollution claims, as well as the challenging assessment process with China not allowing easy access to the site, became clear.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 33

Economy

BY EMEKA ANAETO

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ncreased liquidity in the money market last week has further forced down yields on government securities as Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, steps up efforts to achieve its targeted sales for the remaining part of this year.

The apex bank has raised N127.07 billion in trading Nigerian Treasury Bills, NTB, whose maturities range between three months and one year at lower yields compared with its previous auction.

CBN last month announced that the it planned to auction N814.78 billion in NTB between September 17 and December 3, 2015.

The apex bank sold N25.40 billion of the 91-day paper at a yield of 10 percent, which is lower than 10.50 percent rate at the previous trading session in September.

It sold N33.49 billion worth of six-month NTB at a yield of 12.20 percent, down from 13.39 percent on September 02, 2015 and paid 12.50 percent to sell N68.18 billion of one-year debt less than the

Treasury bill yields decline further amidst high liquidity Available information on the CBN’s NTB plan indicated that government would auction N215.12billion worth of the three-month instrument, N238.5billion in the six-month instrument and N419.34billion worth in the one-year instrument

•Godwin Emefiele, CBN Gov

NESG, PDF, others lament forex policy

BY ESTHER ONYEGBULA

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he Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Policy Development Facility, Phase II (PDF II), and other stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to review the foreign exchange policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, saying it will affect various business sectors, products, job creations as well as the economy.

This call was made at the dialogue on CBN Forex Policy, held in Lagos last week.

The policy which the CBN introduced on the 23rd of June 2015, suspended foreign currency funding for about 41 imported items which are considered a strain on Nigeria’s already dwindling foreign reserves. The policy which has been met by

Nigerians with mixed feelings, affects various business sectors and products ranging from vegetable oil to Palm Kernel, wooden fabrics, even toothpicks and many other items Lamenting the policy Director General of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Mr. Bature Umar Masari stated that this policy will directly impact negatively on job creation and that he hopes this discussion gets to the president of the country.

According to him “for Nigeria to grow and survive, we as a nation need business in Nigeria to grow and survive as well”.

Appreciating that Nigeria’s public finance is in a crisis which requires urgent attention, Dr. Eniola Ajayi from Consumer Advocacy

Foundation of Nigeria (CAFON), said that this policy cannot be a permanent solution to the problem.

CBN, he stated, needs to sit down with other ministries, departments and agencies to determine what the economic policy for the country will be in the short term, medium term, and long term.

But speaking in defence of the measures so far taken by the apex bank to contain some adverse fallouts of the fall in crude oil prices, Di-rector of Monetary Policy at the CBN, Mr. Moses Tule, explained that the economy of Nigeria desperately needs to be revamped. “We are concerned that we are having declining growth,” He defended the apex bank’s decision to impose currency controls to preserve foreign reserves, which fell 23 per-cent in the year to

September.

23, 2015 according to CBN data.

“We have to protect the na-tion before we protect busi-nesses,” Tule told the confer-ence in Lagos where he came under fire from captains of industry complaining the dol-lar controls are hurting their businesses However he also stated that even though the policy had already been introduced by the CBN, the apex bank is still open to dialogue. Mr. Tule said, “…when you dialogue you don’t have a fixed position, you have to listen to both sides. The Central Bank does recognize that the policy exclusion of 41 items from funding through Forex appears to be unpopular with the business community in Nigeria.” He likened the policy to the pains and pangs of child birth.

14.69 percent yield at the previous auction. The yield peaked at 14.71 per cent at the August 05 auction.

In all yields has declined four consecutive times in the past two months.

Available information on the CBN’s NTB plan indicated that government would auction N215.12billion worth of the three-month instrument, N238.5billion in the six-month instrument and N419.34billion worth in the one-year instrument.

Previous week, Federal Government bond prices appreciated and corresponding yields fell on continued bargain hunting activities at the over the counter market but risk adjusted returns remained attractive.

The 10-year, 16.39 per cent FGN January 2022 bond gained N2.0 (yield decreased to 15.51 per cent); the 7-year, 16.00 per cent FGN June 2019 bond climbed by N1.66 (yield decreased to 14.69 per cent); the 5-year 15.10 per cent FGN April 2017 bond gained N0.90 (yield declined to 14.66 per cent); while the 3-year, 13.05 per cent FGN August 2016 bond instrument upped by N0.34 (yield fell to 14.04 per cent).

However, the 20-year, 10.00 per cent FGN July 2030 bond remained steady at 15.51 per cent.

At the international bond market, FGN Eurobonds depreciated on sell-offs amid decline in external reservesweek-on-week, the reserves declined by 0.5 per cent to N30.54 billion (from N30.69 billion). Week-on-week, the 10-year, 6.75 per cent FGN January 2021 paper fell by USD1.77 (yield rose to 7.11 per cent) while the 5-year, 5.13 per cent FGN July 2018 bond declined by USD0.81 (yield increased to 5.47 per cent).

Also, the 10-year, 6.38 per cent FGN July 2023 bond lost USD2.32 (yield jumped to 7.54 per cent).

C M Y K

34 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Business & Economy

HongXing invests N240bn in Nigeria’s steel sector

By Franklin Alli

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ONGXING Steel Company Limited says it is increasing its investment in the Nigerian steel sector with the construction of $120 million (about N240 billion) new steel plant in Aba, Abia State.

Managing Director of the Company, Andy Lu disclosed this to Vanguard on Friday, adding that the plant will commence production in April 2016.

“It will be the biggest steel company in the whole of West Africa. A lot of my friends and banks are curious, asking me why we are expanding at a time a lot of investors are exiting the country, and I told them, “we want to do more because we have confidence in this country; we are investing not for today, but for future. We are forward looking and that is why I have confidence to invest more in this country.

“Right now we have invested $50 million dollars but by the time it is completed, the total cost will be well over $120 million. If you are investing this kind of money in the economy, certainly, we are here to stay and not running away from the country,” he said.

Lu said, “that Nigeria can become one of the largest economies by 2020 is not a

F

CUSTOMER SERVICE WEEK - Heritage Bank’s Executive Director, Mrs. Mary Akpobome attending to some customers of the bank at the Ikota Shopping Complex, Lekki Peninsula, Lagos as part of the activities marking the 2015 Customer Service Week, celebrated worldwide every October. The theme for this year’s edition is “Every day Heroes.” dream, it can happen. That is why I have so much confidence in this country.

The opportunities I see in Nigeria are the huge consumer markets- it is the most populous country in this continent and we believe in China that Africa is the next future. Nigeria has a lot of similar things with Chinabig population, is developing and the future is bright. I believe China yesterday is Chinese today, and China today is Nigeria’s future. “ Segun Bello, the company’s Admin helmsman, added that the production line of the

new plant is designed to do one million tons per annum.

“We will also produce other steel products, we are targeting exportation to other countries in West Africa and this would earn foreign exchange for Nigeria.

“We believe we would have exhausted the Nigeria market at that time and when the Aba plant is completed and running, it will be the biggest plant in West Africa, and with the economy of scale, we should produce cheaper for West African countries. We discussed with NEXIM sometimes ago, and they said

part of the things Nigerians don’t recognise is that the transactions we are having with West African economies are not actually brought into the mainstream of calculations, that there are a lot of transactions within the ECOWAS which we intend to dominate from next year, but we need to dominate Nigeria first, and once we have flooded Nigeria with enough products, we will make inroad to outside markets. We also have eyes on Iron-ore mining to feeds our plants because time is coming when scraps will be off the streets of Nigeria,” he said.

FG pledges enabling environment for ICT innovators

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he Federal Government has vowed to continue to nurture information communication technology [ICT] innovators in the country through the provision of friendly policies, enabling environment and legislative frameworks that support their growth.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Dr. Tunji Olaopa, stated this while speaking at the DEMO Africa 2015 event in Lagos.

Noting that ICT is an enabler for all sectors and spheres of life, he said, “As we realize day by day, we are compelled to embrace, explore and leverage on its roles to change things positively.

From government perspective, we cannot afford to ignore the geese that lay the golden eggs – that is, the ICT innovators, the software and hardware developers, the ICT entrepreneurs.

“While they are incomplete

C M Y K

FCMB wins award for Outstanding Support to SMEs

without the entire ecosystem of investors, academia, and mentors and so on, we must continue to nurture them through enabling environment, platforms such as DEMO Africa, right policies and legislative framework that support their growth”, he said.

He added that the federal government is aware that ICT is one of the sectors that have steadily contributed to the national GDP from 5.46% in 2011, to 112.25% in the second quarter of 2015 with 6.26% growth in real terms.

“This has not happened magically without strategic inputs from all stakeholders.

They have created jobs, raising funds to grow their businesses, expanding the frontier of entrepreneurship

While we have strengthened our industry with policies, interventions, programmes the industry is also exploring the business opportunities of our fast growing and large consuming class (over 40 million people according to US McKinsey and Company) – by creating consumer facing ICT businesses across the country.

“While our ICT entrepreneurs are beginning to tap into this, there is still a huge opportunity for all players to democratize ICT entrepreneurship in order to leap frog into reaping in huge benefits of economic diversification and growth.”

He noted that DEMO Africa has begun to yield some positive results for African nations who have participated since its inception. Since participating in DEMO Africa as far back as 2012, he pointed out; Nigeria has witnessed the emergence of at least 26 ICT startups with four in 2013, 14 in 2014 and

eight in 2015. “They have created jobs, raising funds to grow their businesses, expanding the frontier of entrepreneurship.”

To deepen the impact that platforms DEMO Africa has created in our nation, he enjoined African governments to support innovation and entrepreneurship through various policies, initiatives and programmes that will not only support the ICT entrepreneurs, but also grow the innovation ecosystem.

“It is high time we stepped up our involvement in supporting them through various catalytic interventions, taking cue from other nations like the US, Britain, Israel, India, China.”

The focus of the present administration, he opined, is strongly hinged on diversifying the economy, creating jobs and wealth that will improve the socio economic lot of the people.

irst City Monument Bank (FCMB) has won the award of the “Most Outstanding SMEs Friendly and Sponsorship Commercial Bank of the Year”. The award, which was conferred on the Bank during this year’s Entrepreneur Business Summit (EBS) held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State is in recognition of the various financial and other valueadded supports which the financial institution provides to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs).

Tagged Governor Nyesom Wike (of Rivers state) EBS/ SMEs award 2015, it was instituted by I-Contact Connect Communication Limited, organisers of the annual entrepreneurs summit, to reward the very best corporate organisations that contributes significantly to the growth of SMEs in Nigeria.

Ecobank to increase lending to agric sector

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cobank Nigeria has expressed its intention to increase lending to the agricultural sector in the next four years in line with Federal Government focus on the Agric sector.

Manager, Agriculture and Export Finance, Ecobank Nigeria, Mr. Abel Ajala who disclosed this in Lagos said the bank currently lends N84 billion to the agricultural sector in Nigeria.

He said the decision to increase lending to the sector is part of the bank’s deliberate and strategic initiative to increase support to the agriculture sector in Nigeria.

According to Mr. Ajala, the bank works closely with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Bank of Industry (BOI), using intervention funds and other schemes to avail credit facilities at concessionary interest rates and single digit interest rate for CBN/BOI intervention funds. ‘’ Apart from the bank’s direct lending to agric sector, Ecobank has s u p p o r t e d m a n y stakeholders in the sector to obtain BOI loans and various CBN-support facilities.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 35

Advertising & Promotions

Dakkada: State branding in nation building Princewill Ekwujuru takes a look at the move by Akwa Ibom state to instil new thinking in the minds of the citizenry.

It takes a new route to rebrand the state with the ‘Dakkada’ campaign instrument of change.

J

ust like everything else, in time, a brand image gets tired and dusty, no longer able to rise to customers’ expectations and even to its own. And when that happens, it’s time to let go of the past and start believing in ones future: then it is time to think about rebranding.

However, we all agree a logo says so much about our brand identity and reviving it is definitely a step forward, but re-branding is more than rethinking your logo design: it has everything from logo and package design to marketing campaigns and strategies for re-exposing the new product into the market.

Unique, but without being over-designed, a logo has to speak for itself, translating the brand identity into images, being simple and memorable.

Meanwhile, as Akwa Ibom state beat the drums to celebrate 28 years of its existence, there is a sense of satisfaction among the people of the state that the journey has been so far, so good.

The race that started on September 23, 1987 has seen the exchange of baton of governance, with Udom Emmanuel handling the baton presently.

The current situation of the nation’s economy and the lean purse of the state, like other states, will not allow for elaborate celebrations though.

But the milestone that has been achieved in the last 28 years is worth celebrating, even if on a small scale.

Perhaps a moment like this is what the state needs to take attention from the bickering and acrimony that have threatened the peaceful existence of the state, from the run-up to the 2015 general elections, and up till now.

Akwa Ibom has, in the last 28 years, moved from the backwaters of underdevelopment, poverty and illiteracy to a state that holds a lot of promise to its people and attraction to investors and tourists alike.

It is a state that today has a new face; a state whose indigenes can proudly stand up and be counted among their compatriots from other parts of the country; a state whose indigenes no longer have inferiority complex in the midst of others, for the simple reason that they

come from the wrong part of the country.

According to Governor Emmanuel Udom during the celebration of the 28 years of the state, the fundamentals of its growth and development are strong and resilient. “We have evolved from a capital city that was for all a glorified village to a modern metropolis with perhaps the most modern road network in the whole nation,” he said.

A new story: The state has gone away from a State where the people looked forlorn, to a land where people now brim with infectious air of confidence.

The state has moved from a place where people carried hopelessness as a badge, to a land where they now glow with the “can-do” spirit.

Significantly the state has metamorphosed from an atomistic society perpetually at war with itself as once been defined to an orchestra playing the symphony of togetherness.”

Barely four months into the life of this administration, A new story is been written, work is ongoing on 137 kilometres of road courtesy of Udom’s administration.

These roads include: Dualization of 21.7km- UyoEtinan Road, construction of 39.4 km Etinan- Ndon Eyo Road with two bridges and spur. Construction of 7.3 km Ikot Ebekpo – Ikot Ebidang Road to aid the sighting of a clay refining factory.

Construction of 3.5km Ikot Udom Road with 15m span bridge in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.

Resumption of work at Ikot Ekara/Ikot Ibritam road in Oruk Anam LGA and more.

The moral challenge of today is that the indigenes have committed themselves to not allowing the labours of their heroes go in vain.

Collectively, the owners are steering the state into the path of moral transformation and spiritual re-birth. The

possible, that we can rise above our primordial b i a s e s , ethnicity, h a t r e d , a n g e r , bigotry and t h e exclusionary tendencies.

T h e campaign is a call for all Akwa Ibom people at home and in Diaspora to deepen their value - sets; to re-invent the spirit of creativity and chart a new course for the present and f u t u r e generations.”

“For too long, our core value of Gov. Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State honesty and integrity uniqueness of this story is became our undoing. the ‘Dakkada’ campaign.”

Nigerians could only trust ‘Dakkada’, meaning Arise, is Akwa Ibom people with their about attitudinal homes and kitchens; rectification, mental children and jewelry. So we reformation and economic served the rich and the re-generation. powerful and took care of their culinary needs.

‘Dakkada’ Philosophy Servitude became a badge The Governor had stated pinned on us by the nation. that the ‘Dakkada’ campaign But times have changed and was a clarion call for all the new Akwa Ibom identity Akwa-Ibom people to rise to has emerged: bold without their true potential of being obnoxious, confident greatness, spiritual rebirth, without being moral transformation and condescending, self-assured re-orientation.

The without being arrogant and campaign is a call to the faith above all, loyal and deeply that with God all things are inspirational.

He said: “this is the new Akwa Ibom spirit, a spirit that is aflame with greatness, a spirit that is not willing to Today, it's a play a second fiddle, a mind state whose that is conditioned to achieve success in spite of odds that indigenes can may be stacked against him. proudly stand If America had their American ‘Exceptionalism’, up and be we, too, can have our own.

The logo depicts the counted among continued transformation, their rebranding and repositioning of the state compatriots which showed the five from other parts fingers, all naturally together and infused with the state’s of the country map for unity of purpose.

Eagle Schnapps promotes tradition through sponsorship subsector of the

E

agle Aromatic schnapp from the stable of Intercontinental Distillery limited, IDL, said it’s in the fore front of promoting culture and tradition by sponsoring the Ojude Oba festival.

The company which said this year’s festival is not different , stated its also involved in the promotion of other traditions, but is using the Ojude Oba festival as a springboard to announce its leadership in the dry gin

spirit market.

The company said that as a build up to the event, the brand paid a courtesy visit to the Oba, HRH Sikiru Kayode Adetona, while the Oba noted that the company’s past chairman,Chief Ogunbanjo was an Ijebu man.

SPAR spreads to MMIA 2 terminal

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PAR, one of the largest chain of superstores in Nigeria franchised to Artee Group, has continued its expansion stride with the opening of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Domestic Terminal II, MMA2Terminal.

SPAR in MMA2 stocks a wide spread of products, ranging from Grocery, Bakery, Butchery, Fruits & Vegetables, Hot Meals, Wine & Spirits, Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Small Home Appliances, Consumer Electronics, Mobile Phones, Laptops & Tablets, Perfumes, Watches and Jewelry.

Alhaji. KunleHamzat, Group Head, HR for the Artee Group, franchisees of the SPAR International brand in Nigeria, said: “SPAR store in MM2 was conceived and designed to cater to the air traffic passengers and employees working in and around the airport terminals and the residential areas adjacent to the airport terminals. The product assortment of over 5,200 items were hand-picked by SPAR to meet the various needs of all consumers.

Capri-Sonne Minions promo depolys TVC, targets kids

T

o

further engage consumers in the ongoing Capri-Sonne Minions promo, Capri sonne has deployed a television commercial, TVC, that has generated huge interest amongst consumers, especially kids.

Children across Nigeria can now look forward to a season of adventure and fun which the Capri-Sonne Minions Promo promises through various consumer engagements platforms.

In the social media, Caprisonne Minions games can be played on the Capri-Sonne facebook page.

According to Deepanjan Roy, Managing Director, Chi Limited, “the Capri-Sonne Minions promo consumer engagements offer us another platform to further reward our consumers. It is our belief that Capri-Sonne Minions Promo would continue to create an atmosphere of fun and adventure for millions of young fans across the country” C M Y K

36 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Email:lesleba@lesleba.com, lesleba@gmail.com Blog page:www.lesleba.com/blog2 Website: www.lesleba.com

Tel:0805 220 1997

Is fiscal federalism Awo’s real legacy?

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igerians across divides still continue to extol the sterling performance of the defunct Western region’s economy under the governance of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his Political Party, the Action Group.

Indeed, in a recent lecture titled “The Awo legacy and the Challenges of political leadership and governance in present day Nigeria”, an erudite scholar, Prof Akin Mabogunje noted as follows: “The evergreen legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo has been based on how he harnessed the residual powers of his regional government to dramatically enhance the welfare and wellbeing of his people, in such areas, as education and healthcare and to systematically transform the socioeconomic conditions of his people”.

For example, according to Mabogunje, “when the idea of free primary education was first mooted by Chief Adekunle Ajasin at a party meeting in 1951, it sounded so impractical and impracticable”.

Incidentally, there was no petroleum or gas export revenue to rely on at that time, and “government had to depend on taxation and its ability to persuade the majority of the populace of the critical importance of this programme for the development of the region and their children”; consequently, “capitation tax was raised from six pence to ten shillings and six pence for all adult males”.

In the area of agricultural development, the Western Regional Government, reportedly, assiduously, nurtured marketing, consumer, thrift, credit and craft value chains and also diligently trained farmers to produce their cocoa to best quality standards for export.

The robust synergy with government made “life more

abundant” for more farmers, so much so that the movement, eventually, successfully established its own Co-operative Bank with an initial capital of £1m (Sterling) by 1953. The Cooperative also progressed to develop a “one-in-town” ten storey office block by 1957.

Incidentally, the Co-operative building remains a striking architectural landmark, to this day, in Ibadan.

Furthermore, when the Federal Government developed a cement factory at Nkalagu in Eastern Nigeria in 1957, plans were also made for another cement factory in Northern Nigeria, but unexpectedly, the Federal Government insisted that their own geological Survey indicated that there was no limestone deposit in the Western Region to support such industry”.

Nonetheless, undeterred, the Western Regional Government hired its own consultants whose investigations revealed a wider and thicker limestone belt extending from Dahomey (now Benin Republic) eastward into Western Nigeria. Consequently the Ewekoro Cement Factory was commissioned in 1960, surprisingly, “well before the proposed Federally sponsored Northern Nigeria Cement company”.

Instructively, the Awolowo led Government also made giant strides in establishing industrial estates under the WEMABOD/ODUA umbrella and also encouraged private sector driven industrial interventions, which ultimately embellished the tax revenue base which enabled Awo to fund other remarkable programmes such as the first Television Station in Africa and the equally prestigious Liberty Stadium which made the Federally owned National Stadium in Lagos look like a poor cousin. The Ikeja Arms (now Ikeja Airport Hotel) and other investments in several

businesses including, banking, insurance and real estate developments still thrive to this day.

However, in his recent lecture under reference, Prof Mabogunje stressed that the Awo Legacy, both in the area of political leadership and governance could only be possible under the existing arrangement of relative fiscal federalism.

Regrettably, according to Mabogunje, the inappropriate imposition of a unified military command structure as from 1966, on a supposedly federally articulated governance system, greatly challenged the principle “whereby regional governments kept 50% of royalties from mineral development in their area and remit the remaining 50% to the Federal government to support even development in all parts of the country”.

Clearly, as oil revenue became as high as over 70% of annual federal budgets, the sustenance of fiscal federalism would have made some of the oil producing states vastly

Clearly, Awo could not have recorded the laudable programmes in the Western Region without the accommodation of fiscal federalism prior to military rule

LCCI Women Group holds confab on women entrepreneurs

T

he Women Group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) is to host an international conference, designed to evolve strategies to increase the participation of Nigerian women in business.

According to a statement, signed by the Chair of the Women Group of the LCCI, Hon. Adenike Shobajo, the conference will hold in Lagos on October 13. The theme for the Conference is: “Developing the Next Generation of Female Entrepreneurs.”

Shobajo said that, “the conference would bring notable women from diverse backgrounds in business and industry together, to evolve strategies on how to boost women entrepreneurs in the next generation.”

The Special Guest of Honour for this year’s conference include Chief Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande, (CON) who is also the Deputy President of the LCCI and a Former Minister of Commerce and Industry.

Others include Princess Sarah Sosan, (OFR) and some prominent women leaders

Business & Economy

from Nigeria and abroad.

The President of the LCCI, Alhaji Remi Bello, (FCA) is to preside at the one-day event.

The Women Group of the LCCI is charged with the responsibility of coordinating the activities of female members of the body in the promotion of their businesses and key projects of the LCCI. The group also arranges programmes, geared towards promoting women empowerment.

It also networks with women organizations at the state, federal and international levels the aforementioned.

especially, in the rural areas, the land use decree of 1978, which attempted to unify land administration nationwide, simply made citizens tenants in their own land, with ownership now vested with state governors.

Ultimately, alienation of citizen according to Mabogunje, presently constitutes one of the greatest challenges to political leadership and governance in Nigeria today.

Drawing from the proceeding narrative, Mabogunje therefore concluded that ‘the present political arrangement of an over centralized federal government cannot lead Nigeria to a new and progressive path of economic and social development. He consequently recommended, therefore that, the struggle must continue as in Chief Awolowo’s day to secure a truly federal constitution which allows the states greater control over their resources and the opportunity to compete with one another for the overall growth and development of the Nation.

He insists that we must end the fiscal distortion of the military era and move nearer to the provision of the 1963 constitution which conceded 50% of the proceeds of royalty in respect of minerals, and mining rents to states.

Clearly, Awo could not have recorded the laudable programmes in the Western Region without the accommodation of fiscal federalism prior to military rule. Thus, the Action Group leader’s real legacy is possibly the early recognition of this reality which undoubtedly spurred his dogged determination between 19529 in several constitutional conferences, for the adoption and serious commitment to a federal system of government as the only path to Nigerian’s freedom and development.

SAVE THE NAIRA!! SAVE NIGERIA!!

richer than the federal government itself, and therefore discomfortingly undermine the hierarchical discipline of military a d m i n i s t r a t i o n s .

Consequently, the military readily abolished the derivation principle and instead, created a central federation account to receive all revenue (including mineral receipts) from which state allocations were arbitrarily determined and disbursed.

This arrangement, unfortunately, according to Mobogunje reduced the enthusiasm and capability of states to be pro-active in seeking new sources of revenue to successfully drive laudable social programmes; regrettably, thereafter, state governments became inevitably, increasingly dependent on the federation account for their survival.

Thus, in essence, “for the Federal Government, the more states that are created, the more they would become dependent on revenue allocations”. Unfortunately, this situation played into the hands of the military government which could create more states and local governments by fiat.

Furthermore, “the operation of a seemingly federating system of states and local governments based on monthly financial allocation from a federation account has done a lot to wean the population from their civic responsibility of paying personal income tax to provide funding for the services for which they crave as was the case in Awolowo’s Western Region; consequently, citizens lost the authority to insist on good governance or accountability from their political leaders, so that, widespread corruption in governance, invariably, quickly gained more ground.

Worse still, instead of funding economic exchange value to the land of citizens,

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, OCTOBER 12, 2015—37

Scarcity looms as marketers sell petrol at N100 per litre

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IGERIANS MAY be in for their first taste of fuel scarcity in the President Muhammadu Buhari's regime, following refusal of marketers to sell petrol.

In some parts of Lagos, many filling stations were closed to customers. For example, on the ever busy Oshodi Apapa expressway, Conoil, Forte Oil, Fatgbems, Techno Oil,NNPC and Petroleum Managers filling stations were not opened. At Ojodu area of Ikeja, MRS and Oando filling stations sold a litre of petrol for N100 and N110 per litre respectively, while long queues have returned to Forte Oil and Mobil at Ikeja, where the product was sold for N100 per litre.

When contacted, an attendant at the Forte Oil station told Vanguard that the price increase followed an order from the management.

C M Y K

MINISTERIAL SCREENING: Saraki, Lai

Mohammed mend fences ...as Amaechi, Ehanire, others lobby own Senators

By Henry Umoru

A

BUJA—AHEAD of commencement of screening of Ministerial nominees by senators tomorrow, strong indications have emerged that the nominees and some senators have begun the process of fence mending, just as the Ministerial nominees were said to have intensified serious lobbying to get the law makers to their side.

A source told Vanguard yesterday that some of the nominees and the senators who were not going along before now, following political differences have now decided to put the past behind them, and put the interest of the state and the country above personal interests.

One of such meetings, Vanguard gathered, was the meeting between Senate President, Bukola Saraki who hails from Kwara State, and the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who is also from Kwara State.

It was gathered that after the

meeting, Senate President Saraki has now decided to endorse the nomination of Lai Mohammed, who had been nominated to represent Kwara State on the Federal Executive Council(FEC).

According to the source, Senator Saraki was initially against the nomination of Lai Mohammed as the nominee from Kwara State, but Saraki

was said to have told the nominee and those who brought him that he would only support the nomination if Mohammed agreed to take some steps.

The meeting between Saraki and Mohammed was facilitated by the Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

According to a source, one of

the steps was the request that he visits the Emir of Ilorin and seek his blessing, while he was also requested to visit some elders in Kwara South Senatorial District and that he (Mohammed) should get back to him on the outcome of those meetings.

Lai Mohammed was said to have fulfilled the conditions spelt out by Saraki by embarking on the said journey on Saturday.

TCN restores 24-hr electricity supply to Maiduguri

By Ndahi Marama

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AIDUGURI—THE General Manager of Bauchi region of Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, Engineer Idris Alim, has said electricity had been fully restored to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital; four months after 132 KVA “power lines and transmissions stations” were destroyed by Boko Haram insurgents along the 87-kilometre Maiduguri-Damboa road.

He said besides the June 3, 2015, insurgents’ cut off of power lines, several attempts were made by Yola Electricity Distribution Company, YEDC, to fix the destroyed power lines early this year, but lamented the insurgents continued to destroy them.

“The restoration of these power lines were made possible when we complained to Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State on how to completely fix the destroyed power lines to Maiduguri;

because without security backups and logistics for the difficult terrains of the Sambisa Forest, the incessantly destroyed electric transmission lines may not be fully fixed for 24-hour electricity supply to the metropolis.

“Since our team of engineers completed the test run of supplying electricity to Maiduguri last Tuesday, we released a maximum of 20 megawatts of electricity for Borno State," he said.

38—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Vanguard CLASSIFIED Confirmation of Name IKUM —I, Ikum Abiodun Emmanuel wish to state that Ikum Abiodun Emmanuel as stated in my Identity card and other relevant documents is also same person as Abiodun Abioye as stated as a director in Seven Days Medical Nigeria Limited. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EBIGWAM —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ebigwam Beauty Onyenweuwa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okoro Paul Beauty Onyenweuwa. All documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ALESE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Oluwayemisi Enitan Alese, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oluwayemisi Enitan Olugbile. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CHIMEZIE—I, formerly known and addressed as Chimezie Nicodemus Onyekachi, now wish to be known and addressed as Adimegwu Nicodemus Onyekachi. All former documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

UKAEGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odimara Veronica Ukaegbu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odimara Veronica Eguzoribe Ukaegbu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLALEKAN—I, formerly known and addressed as Olalekan Atinuke Basirat, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogunsola Atinuke Basirat. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABDULAZEEZ—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Abdulazeez Folake Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Shobowale Folake Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ESSIEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Christiana Antigha Essien, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Christiana Archibong Edem. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ADEOSUN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adeosun Omowumi Juliana, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Oloyede Omowumi Juliana. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ORJI-NMAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Enyindiya OrjiNmah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Enyindiya Onyeani Mark Abu. All formerly documents remain valid. General Public please take note.

AJAYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omolabake Mary Ajayi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omolabake Mary TomAba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojoh Uzezi Endurance, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ojotobor Uzezi Endurance . All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

NWANKWO—We, formerly known and addressed as Nwankwo Joy Ijeoma, Nwankwo Grace Onyinye and Nwankwo Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Abraham Joy Ijeoma, Abraham Graceen Onyinyechukwu and Abraham Ngozi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O L AT I D O Y E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Olatidoye Kehinde Grace, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bude Kehinde Grace. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Confirmation of Name AKINOLA—I, Victoria Omowunmi Akinola is the same person as Victoria Omowunmi Aina. I now wish to be known and addressed as Victoria Omowunmi Aina as appeared on my International Passport. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IGBUWE—I, formerly

IGBEN—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Theodora Oghenerunor Igben, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. T h e o d o r a Oghenerunor Otegbiku. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

N WA N TA — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Nwanta Ijeoma Jennifer, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akaeze Ijeoma Jennifer. All formerly documents remain valid.

VConnect Global Services, NYSC and general Public please take note.

OYEDAPO—I, formerly known and addressed as Oyedapo Oyebolanle Oluwashayo, now wish to be known and addressed as Ilesanmi O y e b o l a n l e Oluwashayo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Correction of Name This is to notify the public that I am known and addressed as Eyarefe Happy Aghogho, that my name was wrongly written as Eyerefe Happy that my correct name is Eyarefe Happy Aghogho. All former documents remain valid. Geýneral public please take note.

UZOEGBU—I, formerly known as Mrs. Uzoegbu Chioma Monica, now wish to be known as Mrs. Chibuzo Chioma Monica. All former documents remain valid. Ikeja Electric and general public please take note.

EDEM—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Edem Onyekachukwu Monica, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. U m e g b o l u Onyekachukwu Monica. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OSUJI—We, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Chidiebere Chukwuma Osuji & Mrs Ijeoma Josephine Osuji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Chidiebere Emmanuel Chukwuma and Mrs. Ijeoma Josephine Chukwuma. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OBIBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Evelyn Oghenehole Obibi, now wish to be known and addressed as Evelyn Oghenehole Agatha Obibi Assay.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLOGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ologbo Patience Ovieeya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Patience Okolobe. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IFEANYI—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Ifeanyi Itohan Mercy, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Itohan Mercy Agho. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public please take note.

EDEGBAI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rebecca Edegbai, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rebecca Ohiolei. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ONOME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Joy Oghenevwaire Onome, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Joy Salubi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FATONA—We, formerly known and addressed as (1) Oladimeji Temitope Fatona (M), (2) Oluwasheyi Omolara Fatona (F), (3) Olumuyiwa Kolade Fatona (M), (4) Adedamola Oluwatosin Fatona (M), (5) Oluwakayode Adebayo Fatona (M), (6) Olorunleke Paul Fatona (M), (7) Toluwalope Peter Fatona (M), now wish to be known and addressed as (1) Oladimeji Temitope Ade-Emmanuel, (2) Oluwasheyi Omolara Ade-Emmanuel, (3) Olumuyiwa Kolade AdeEmmanuel, (4) Adedamola Oluwatosin Ade-Emmanuel, (5) Oluwakayode Adebayo Ade-Emmanuel, (6) Olorunleke Paul AdeEmmanuel, (7) Toluwalope Peter Ade-Emmanuel. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

VINCENT—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Vincent Mercy Ijeoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ajayi Mercy Ijeoma.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EGWEROME—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onome Egwerome, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onome Stephen Ayim Edi. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

NWAOBI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Agatha Onyebuchi Nwaobi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Agatha Onyebuchi Moeteke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

O G W U M U — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogwumu Frances Onyekachukwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyekachukwu Ogwumu Akowa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IBILIBOR—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Queenette Nwaka Ibilibor, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Queenette Nwaka Aghanti. All former documents remain valid.

Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Abudu and general public please take note.

HASSAN-DINDI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Maryam Adenike Hassan-Dindi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Maryam Adenike Dindi-Abolomope. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNBOOLU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogunboolu Abosede Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ayoola Abosede Oluwakemi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODIKPO— I, formerly known and addressed as Dr. Odikpo B e n j a m i n Olisanweokwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Dr. Chetauwa Benjamin Olisanweokwu. All former documents remain valid. F.M.C. Asaba, Dental and Medical Council of Nigeria and general public please take note.

known and addressed as Miss Igbuwe Sarah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okafor Igbuwe Sarah.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

FOR ENQUIRIES CALL ADVERT HOTLINE:

01- 4544821

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—39

Bad weather caused jet crash in Adamawa —NAF

By Kingsley Omonobi & Umar Yusuf

Marshal SB Abubakar has set up an investigation panel to unravel the remote and immediate causes) of the accident.

Further details will be communicated to the HE NIGERIAN Airforce has media in due course.”

The ill fated F 7NAF 801 fighter jet that attributed the crash of its F7-Ni fighter crashed on Saturday in Hong Local aircraft in Yola which killed the pilot, to bad Government Area of Adamawa State was weather and not enemy attack.

This came as locals said the ill-fated almost buried in the ground.

Meanwhile, a local resident of the area fighter jet almost buried itself because of disclosed to Vanguard, yesterday, that the impact of the crash.

Already, the Chief of Air staff, Air Marshal villagers were panicked when the crash Sadique Abubakar, has instituted an occurred.

The eyewitness, who said the incident investigation panel to unravel the remote took place at Didango village, about 20km and immediate cause of the crash.

A statement detailing the development, away from Hong Local Government signed by Air Commodore Dele Alonge, headquarters, said the incident might have Director, Airforce Public Relations , said: been caused by bad weather due to heavy “A Nigerian Air Force (NAF801) F7-Ni wind storm in the area.

According to him, when the incident fighter jet returning to the base from an interdicted mission crashed due to bad occurred, the villagers ran in all directions weather and not under enemy fire around because of the fear of the unknown.

He noted that before the fighter jet Hong, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State at about 16.23hrs (4.23 plunged to the ground around 4:30p.m. on Saturday, the pilot parachuted out of pm).

“There was no survivor as the pilot of the jet but could not land safely as he lost the aircraft lost his life in the unfortunate control and rammed into a tree as a result of the heavy wind storm, leading to his incident”.

“Meanwhile, the Chief of Air Staff, Air instant death.

“The fighter jet sunk into the ground and got missing completely. This is the first time we are witnessing this type of mishap in our village which scared all of us to our marrows as we thought it HE NIGERIAN is cleared of all terrorists was the end of the world,” he said.

Military has and miscreants.”

A security source noted While denying a recent restated its commitment towards the rescue of media report on an escapee that the ill fated fighter jet Chibok girls and other who alleged pregnancy of was returning from an innocent victims being most Chibok girls, the interdiction mission from held captive by Boko military Spokesperson parts of Yobe State when it urged the media to always plunged into a hilly side of Haram terrorists.

The Acting Director verify their information Hong Local Government.

The source added that the Defence Information, before going to the press. remains of the pilot of the He added that: “The DHQ Colonel Rabe Abubakar made the disclosure in a is not unmindful of the ill-fated fighter jet, who statement today while media’s good intention in was the only person on responding to various this regard, however, we board, had been deposited reports on the plight of wish to advise reporters in a morgue in the state even as Chibok Girls and other and any other stakeholders capital, were captives in terrorists’ to be good partners in arrangements ensuring their safe rescue underway to evacuate the dens.

He said: “the Nigerian and successful termination wreckage of the jet at press military and other security of this errorists' campaign.” time agencies are working round the clock to secure the release of not only the Chibok girls but other innocent citizens who are held hostage by the NDIGENES OF Ibusa community, including terrorists. in Oshimili North those by marriage, friends “The military, being a Local Government Area of and well-wishers of the component of the society, is Delta State at home and in community to give support equally worried and is the Diaspora have been towards the success of the doing everything possible enjoined to come together celebration which also to address the current and join hands to ensure marks the 20th Ofala security challenges. The the success of the celebration of the traditional search for abducted Chibok celebration of the 20-year ruler and Obuzor of Ibusa, school girls and the rescue Obuzor institution coming Obi Louis Nwoboshi. of other Nigerian hostages up next month.

Onowu Uchunor has never relapsed as could Speaking with newsmen remarked that the Obuzor be attested to in recent at the end of a crucial institution, having been times where hundreds of meeting of the 17-member instituted on May 31, 1995, women and children were planning committee for the which also witnessed the rescued by the military event. coronation/presentation of through its coordinated Chairman of the planning the staff of office to the operations. committee, Onowu Victor traditional ruler on “The military will continue Uchunor, said there was September 23, 1995, as the to sustain the operation need for all sons and first Obuzor Ibusa, "is worth until the entire North East daughters of the celebrating by all."

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We'll never lose hope on Chibok girls, other captives —DHQ

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Ibusa indigenes prepare for Obuzor, Ofala celebrations

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40—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Sen. Sirika Hadi Name : Gender: · Age:

Sen. Sirika Hadi Male 49 years (born on the 2nd of March, 1964) Profession: Pilot / Engineering ·Marital status: Double · State of origin: Katsina · Senatorial district: - Katsina North ·Academic Qualification: - See bellow - Previous occupation Occupation

Year/remark · Sen. Sirika Hadi is a former pilot Retired

Public offices held Type - Political Organization (Senate) Jurisdiction Year Party · Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,represents Katsina North Senatorial District 2011-2015 CPC/APC Organization (House of rep)·Member: Federal House of Representatives. 2003. 2007 · Committees membership in the senate · Senate Committee on Aviation Member · Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) (Vice-Chairman) Type- Non Political Position · 19-man transition committee Member - Qualifications: Education Qualification Date Petroleum Helicopters Institute, USA.Flight Safety International, United State of America.Delta Aeronautics, USA. Not available Achievements; (IN THE SENATE)Category Date · SB 298: Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended 2011 (Alteration) Bill, 2013 Sponsored bill 07/05/2013(first reading) · SB 297: Electoral Act 2010 (Amendment) Bill, 2013 07/05/2013(first reading)03/04/ 2014(Second reading) · SB 296: Nigeria Polio Federation (Establishment) Bill, 2013 07/05/ 2013(first reading)

·

Ibrahim Usman Jibril

Name : Ibrahim Usman Jibril ·Gender: Male Age:57 years (Born 27th January 1958) Profession: Geographer Marital status: Double State of origin: Nasarawa ·Academic Qualification: - See below Previous occupation Occupation Year/remark · Instructor in Map Reading with the Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia – Kaduna state, Nigeria, N.Y.S.C · Secretary of the Technical Committee on Rural Lands within the FCT, · Land Use and Allocation Committee of the FCT · Task term on Computerization of the Cadastral and Land Registry of the FCT Which led to the establishment of Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), a body that is the only official source of

geospatial information for the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja – Nigeria. · Ministerial Committee for the Appraisal of Physical Planning and Development Issues within the FCT Public offices held Organization Jurisdiction Year Party · Nasarawa Geographic Information System (NAGIS) Project Manager, Present Unknown · Abuja Geological Information Service (AGIS) Staff Not available Unknown · Development Control Abuja Deputy Director Not available Unknown · Gov Al-makura cabinet SSA NAGIS Not available Unknown - Qualifications: Education Qualification Date Bachelor’s Degree Education & Geography- Bayero University (BUK), Kano – Nigeria.

Not available Master’s Degree in Land ResourcesBayero University (BUK), Kano – Nigeria.

Not available specialization in Land Administration- Bayero University (BUK), Kano – Nigeria.

Not available Achievements; Category Date · March this year, Ibrahim was in Washington, he attended World Bank conference on land and property, he presented a paper Spatial Data infrastructures and land reform – lesson, from the Nasarawa experience. Same was also presented, at Africa Geospatial Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa between 18-19 August, 2015 Published Article March 2015 · using modern geospatial technologies to develop a modern geospatial data infrastructure for the state. The project has three components: – Orthophoto Mapping, Geographic Information Service and Urban Planning & Urban renewal – commenced in May 2012.

Ahmed Ibeto

Musa

Name Hon. (Dr.) Ahmed Musa Ibeto Age 56 years Marital Status Married Occupation Teacher Previous Job In Private Sector None Political Post Held · He was elected Chairman of the then Magama Local Government under the zero party system. He was the State Chairman of the National Republican Convention (NRC) Party in 1990 · He was elected as the State Secretary of the National Republican Convention from 1990 to 1992. · He was the State Secretary of the defunct United Nigeria Centre Party (UNCP), as well as that of the All Nigeria Peoples’ Party (ANPP) between the years of 1995 to 1996 and 1998 to 1999 respectively. · Hon. Ahmed Musa Ibeto was from 1999 to 2003 appointed Senior Special Assistant on Protocol Matters to the immediate past Governor. He contested and won

election into the Federal House of Representatives in 2003 under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).· He was the deputy to Governor Aliyu from 2007 - 2015 Education · His educational career started when he enrolled at LEA Primary School, Ibeto, in 1966. From 1973 to 1977 · The academically ambitious Ahmed was at the Government Secondary School, Rijau. Hon. Ahmed’s desire and determination for qualitative education took him to Zungeru College of Advance Studies (ZUCAS), Bida from 1979 to 1980.· From 1980 to 1985, he was at the famous Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History.

Achievements And Awards As Honorable Member House of Assembly, he served as the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Power and later Chairman, House Committee on States and Local Governments. · He was awarded a Doctorate Degree (Honoris Causa) in Administration by California University (USA) in conjunction with the Institute of Journalism, Enugu, in 2003.

Kemi Adeosun

Name Kemi Adeosun Age 48 Marital Status Married Occupation Economist/Chartered Accountant Previous Jobs In Private Sector (I) Senior Manager, Price Waterhouse Coopers(ii) Chapelhill Denham Previous Position In Public Sector Commissioner For Finance, Ogun State. Education (With Years) B. Sc (Hons) Applied Economics,University Of East London (1986-1989) Achievements And Awards Institute Of Chartered Accountant (England And Wales)

Babatunde Raji Fashola BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA. Born 28th June 1963 ·He attended Birch freeman high school Lagos and Igbobi College ·He studied law and obtained his Bachelor of laws (LL.B) at the University of Benin· Fashola is married with kids · In 1988 Fashola was called to bar as a solicitor and advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria · He has a decade and half in the profession and awarded the following honour /achievements · · Distinguished Alumnus Award from University of Benin · Notary Public of the Supreme Court of Nigeria· Successful containment and eradication of Ebola outbreak in Lagos · Lagos State Public Service Club (Platinum Award) · 1st member of the Nigerian law school graduating class of 1988 ·First ever Chief of Staff to be honoured · · Member , Nigerian Bar Association · · Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria · Introduction of BRT (Bus Rapid Transport) to ease transportation · Recovery of Lands in Victoria Island being lost to erosion · Fashola launched an appeal to raise $1m for victims of Haiti earthquake Chief of Staff to former governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu Honourable Commissioner to the Governor’s office .

Secretary of the Lands Sub-Committee of the Transitional Work Groups 1999 Panel Member on allocation of houses on Mobolaji Johnson Housing Scheme Lekki .

Member of the State Tenders Board- 2002-2006 .

Member of the State Security Council – 2002-2006 .

Chairman Ad-Hoc Committee on Review of Asset distribution among LGs · Executive governor of Lagos State between 2007 - 2015.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—41

The dynamics of NAFDAC and media partnership

By Martins Ikhilae

Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode: An Ode to the Iroko “A tree has fallen! A tree has fallen!” the young man said to his father. The old man looked and walked in the direction of the fallen tree. “This is not just a tree,” he said to his son. “This is the tree, the tree of all trees. This is the Iroko.”

By Michael Ovienmhada

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NCE in about every 76 years, a comet is visible to the human eye from earth. It is called Haley’s Comet. Such was the presence, carriage, compassion, mastery and swagger of Mr. Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode, that you would run out of adjectives in describing him after an encounter..

I knew him for twenty nine years.

My first meeting with him was in February 1986. I had read about a church he had founded two years earlier and had gone in search of the church on that particular Sunday morning in Surulere. He was in his housecoat arranging chairs by himself. He welcomed me warmly and asked me to sit down while he continued. I joined him in arranging chairs. He later disappeared upstairs.

As the service began shortly after, he re-appeared in a dashing dark suit with a dimple in his tie, hair parted in the middle and took the pulpit.

The church service held in his living room for four years until it moved to Adeniran Ogunsanya and later to Olufemi Street, off Ogunlana Street, Surulere where a Cathedral is now situated.

If you could choose one sentence to describe Mr. Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode, many who had an encounter with him would, I believe, simply say - a commitment to excellence. Such was his relentless pursuit of excellence that it usually took him several hours to draft a letter.

Great satisfaction He would look at it and then look at it and then look at it again and then, not satisfied, he would change a word and see how everything worked together and in those moments, you did not want to be around him because he would be consumed by the work that was required to go into the construction of what many would regard as a mere letter. He took pride in what he wrote in much the same fashion as Michelangelo or Picasso would look at a finished work with great satisfaction. Head and shoulders, he stood tall in his generation, possessing the virtues of clear penetration in his arguments, clear headedness in disposition, good sense and consistency in his positions to the point of what many would term unyielding.

Every Sunday afternoon was open house at 44 Adelabu Street and I was at several of those. It was a time when we would discuss the burning national issues of the day. It was a kind of market square and there was always enough food for as many as showed up. Mr. Onosode liked to joke and play in a way that belied his public persona. Under that serious mien was a very ordinary, C M Y K

approachable and playful man who enjoyed a hearty laughter and he cracked many jokes himself.

One of his favorite stories was about a certain athlete in his high school days who was a star athlete in the marathon. The mile race usually closed the inter-house sports competition every year and Bamidele was Late Gamaliel Onosode always expected to win.

The race began and at the end of the first lap, Bamidele was due to his naivety. lagging at the rear. By the second To him, things were just what they lap, Bamidele was still behind but were - things. The story is told of how everyone who knew Bamidele one of his daughters who was in her believed he was going to win and teens at the time was learning to drive. they just told everyone else to be She crashed his car but when he heard, patient, saying, “Make una wait, he was only concerned about the wellBamidele never start.” being of the child, not even bothering He lingered on the third lap. By to ask about the state of the car. The the fourth and final lap everyone was girl had a surprise awaiting her from chanting for Bamidele to excite the her mother who thought she needed crowd with his prowess but it was to be punished nevertheless. She not to be. The race ended with smacked her across the head and the everyone in disbelief. “Bamidele girl in exasperation said, “Why are you never start.” In 2011, I was in London beating me when you are not the for his wife’s birthday. He displayed owner of the car?” some dexterity dancing heartily to, He shared his philosophy about “I feel good” by James Brown. When sharing with the banana analogy. He ‘Beat it’ by Michael Jackson began would say - ”Sharing is a gift which to play, Mr. Onosode took off his has nothing to do with quantity. If you jacket, put on a hat, Michael Jackson cannot share a banana when you have style and did the moonwalk! it, you will never be able to share a In 2014 when I told him I was bunch of bananas.” He was a helper, running for President of the Federal mentor, teacher and father to many, Republic of Nigeria, he said he had including the writer. a story to tell me of his own foray into the murky waters of Nigerian Hundred politics. Nigerians, he said were not questions ready for a great leader because of a lack of commitment to probity and In a conversation with one of his accountability. sons on the day he passed, his first He told of how words to me were, “your mentor is he had joined gone.” I dare to call him not only one of the mentor but friend also. I enjoyed parties in 1999 visiting him and was very proud to as a host him for one week when he visited presidential my family in Dallas, Texas. His older aspirant. At daughter and her family joined us from some point, the Houston, Texas. On one of our outings party officials to the mall, I grabbed the opportunity approached all to sit with him to get the one on one the aspirants for chance to ask him one hundred a loan. When questions. he asked for his Amongst other things, I asked him money back at what the secret of his success was and the time the In his he told me exactly what my father had loan was told me when I was 21—”Live within classy supposed to be your means and invest the extra.” I paid back, they manner, was at 44 Adelabu Street the day he replied that passed on. I saw two old men in their Mr. they thought eighties, who had come to pay their he understood Gamaliel respect. They could hardly walk that it was a themselves. One supported the other.

Oforitsenere donation to the That picture alone brought a tear to party! It turned Onosode my eyes. In his classy manner, Mr. out that he was Gamaliel Oforitsenere Onosode makes makes the only death look so cool. “Daddy O,” as I aspirant that death look fondly called him, “Adieu.” granted the •Ovienmhada is an author, so cool party the loan inventor, politician and businessman.

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HE mass media are indeed globally acknowledged as veritable tool for social, economic and political prosperity.This notion is not an illusion it is rather an assertion of the obvious. The mass media are meant to achieve a variety of functions among which are to entertain, educate, inform, reform, set agenda, provide employment and achieve societal surveillance among others.They play pivotal roles in the shaping of the society. In Nigeria, the media industry has expanded phenomenally leading to a mass increase in the number of Media firms domiciled in the country.

As a aresult, the decision of the Paul Orhii administered NAFDAC regime to embrace and extend hands of fellowship to the Nigeria media is drawn from the comprehension that the media is a necessity for grassroot assessment.

Grassroots assessment A scientific and human health boosting cum life elongating organ as this need be properly connected to the society and citizens it serves.

This entails being able to inform, educate, protect, reform its stakeholders a responsibility which requires enormous operational partnership with the media.

Established by Decree 15 of 1993 as amended by Decree 19 of 1999 and now the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control Act Cap N1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004 which mandates the Agency to regulate and control the manufacture, importation, exportation, distribution, advertisement, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, chemicals, detergents, medical devices and packaged water collectively tagged“NAFDAC regulated

In PortHarcourt, Rivers State for instance, the agency showcased its multi-million naira corporate and befitting edifice

products” the agency certainly requires absolute partnership with the Media to successfully ventilate information about its scientific health boosting engagements.

Without much trepidation, it has a visionary projection aimed at safeguarding public health, including a patriotic mission of ensuring that only right quality food, drugs and other regulated products of the agency are manufactured, imported, exported, distributed, advertised, sold and used in Nigeria.

NAFDAC equally has its core values competently articulated, itemized and streamlined.

To effectively utilize and harness the enormous benefits derivable from associating with the media, there is the inescapable need to adequately equip media professionals on the agency ’s mode of operations so as to enable them maximally comprehend its scientific technicalities.

Since the emergence of Dr Orhii as the agency’s chief executive, numerous trainings have been organized for media professionals in both electronic and print media aimed at equipping them with rudimentary knowledge of the agency’s activities, focus, vision which are targeted towards effective and efficient healthcare regulation in the country.

In Port-Harcourt, Rivers State for instance, the agency showcased its multi-million naira corporate and befitting edifice strategically located at plot 5,Worji Crescent while at Agulu, a community in Anambra state in the south eastern part of the country, a unique and outrightly marvelous NAFDAC presence has been e s t a b l i s h e d .

Undoubtedly, Dr Orhii has maximally succeeded in developing commendable working relationship with media professionals both in and outside Nigeria and this has greatly rubbed off positively on the agency and its activities as well as helped placed NAFDAC on international pedestal as a leading healthcare regulator with maximum grassroot and global effect while extensively according the nation a prideful place in the comity of nations.

•Ikhilae, is a Lagos state based Public Affairs Analyst

42—VANGUARD, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

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Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—43

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44—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

INC declares 7 days mourning for Alamieyeseigha APC, PDP others pay tributes

By Jimitota Onoyume, Samuel Oyadongha, Dayo Johnson, Henry Umoru, Levinus Nwabughiogu, Rotimi Olaleye & Emem Idio

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ORT HARCOURT— APEX Ijaw body, Ijaw National Congress, INC, yesterday declared 7 days of mourning in all Ijaw communities for the former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who died on Saturday.

This came as All Progressives Congress, APC; Peoples Democratic Party, PDP; former Vice President, Atiku Abubarkar, former governors including Chief James Ibori, among others, continued to mourn Alamieyeseigha's demise, extolling his leadership qualities.

INC, in a statement by its president, Boma Obuoforibo, said flags would fly at half mast in all Ijaw communities.

It lamented the death of the former governor, describing it as a tragedy and commiserated with his widow, Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha and other members of the family.

The statement reads: “The Ijaw nation was thrown into grief by the death of Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, the Governor General of the Ijaw nation, on October 10, at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, following a cardiac arrest. On behalf of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Worldwide, we commiserate with his widow, Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, the entire Alamieyeiseigha family of Amassoma, the Ogboin Clan, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and the government and people of Bayelsa State on this great tragedy that has befallen the Ijaw Nation.”

APC mourns Alamieyeseigha

Meanwhile, more tributes have been pouring in for the late former governor with, APC commiserating with the family and friends of the former Bayelsa State governor, Chief Alamieyeseigha.

In a statement in Abuja on yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party also condoled with the Bayelsa State Government over the death of its former governor.

It said it received the news of the former governor’s demise with great shock, considering that he was not publicly reported to have been gravely ill.

APC prayed that the family would find comfort in their moment of sadness, as well as the strength to bear the loss of their loved one.

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An outstanding party man —PDP

Similarly, PDP described late Alamieyeseigha as an outstanding party-man despite his travails.

In a statement by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party described his death as shocking and deeply saddening.

Metuh said: “The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, on behalf of the National Executive Committee, NEC, and the PDP family nationwide mourns the death of former Governor of Bayelsa state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha."

Alamieyeseigha was an astute Ijaw leader —Atiku

On his part, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, described him as an astute politician who firmly protected the interest of the Ijaw people.

The former Vice President, in a statement by his media office in Abuja, yesterday, said he was shocked when the news of the former governor ’s death reached him.

He further described the deceased as a worthy ambassador of the Ijaw nation, who contributed his quota in the service of the nation, and the development of democratic governance in the country.

We've lost a political colossus —Akpabio Similarly, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio, described the demise of Alamieyeseigha as the loss of a political colossus, not only to the people of Bayelsa, but to the Niger Delta region and Nigeria.

In a release by his media aide, Jackson Udom, Akpabio said: “The sudden death of DSP Alamieyeseigha has robbed the Niger Delta region of a committed and dedicated indigene, who was always in the forefront of the struggle for the emancipation and development of the Niger Delta region.”

An astute Politician, Says Mark

Also reacting, former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, described him as an astute politician.

In a message of condolence to the government and people of Bayelsa State by his media assistant, Paul Mumeh, Mark described Alamieyesiegha's death as untimely, lamenting that he was a founding member of the PDP. Senator Mark noted that though Alamieyeseigha had not

AWARD: From left: Senator Gbenga Ashafa; Abbas Nafarya Ibrahim (winner); Mr Tope Asiwaju, Marketing Manager, Dufil Prime Foods; Chief Joseph Sanusi, Dufil Director and Mr Deepak Singhal, MD/CEO Dufil Prime Foods, at Indomie Independence Day Award for Heroes of Nigeria 2015, at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. too rosy a political career judging from his travails, he nonetheless left an indelible mark as a political colossus.

Uncommon resource control warrior—Ibori

In the same vein, former governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori, said the news of the death of Chief Alamieyeseigha hit him like a sledge hammer.

He said that though the man had been ailing for a long time, hunted here and there by forces motivated by crass politics and personal vendetta, the man had looked as if he would be able to rise above the persecution and allow peace to pervade his life.

Unfortunately, said Ibori, in a statement by Tony Eluemunor, his Media Assistant, on Saturday, Chief Alamieyeseigha went the way of all mortals.

Mimiko mourns

On his part, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinola, in Akure, condoled with the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson and the people of the state over the death of the former governor of the state, DSP Alamieyeseigha Mimiko prayed God to give the governor, the people of the state and family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Fayose blames FG

Meanwhile, Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, blamed the APC-led Federal Government for Alamieyeseigha's death,

describing the death as painful and unfortunate.

Fayose, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said the governor commiserated with the deceased's family, former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan as well as the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson and the entire people of the state.

Gloom Amassoma

envelops

Meanwhile, Amassaoma, the home town of the late former governor, has been moody since the news of his death filtered in on Saturday.

Most indigenes of the community including the Paramount Ruler, Chief Sharp Sogo, have expressed sadness over his sudden demise.

A visit to Amassoma, which is also the host to the Niger Delta University, an institution established by the deceased, was a far cry from the usual hustle and bustle the community is known for as the length and breadth of the community was quiet.

Also, the late former governor ’s residence was unusually quiet when Vanguard visited, except for few of his relations seen coming and going out of the compound.

Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, his widow and other children, were still at their Port Harcourt residence.

The security guard at the expansive compound of the Alameiseigha’s confirmed

that nobody was at home and that all the immediate family members of his boss were in Port Harcourt.

“You cannot go in because there is nobody in the compound.

Madam and others are in Port Harcourt. Oga died there,” he said as tears dripped from his eyes.

At the home of Alamieyeseigha’s step mother, children were seen playing at the compound while the step-mother and other elderly women were at the parlour grieving over their loss.

Speaking on the demise of their son, the paramount ruler of the community, Chief Sharp Sogo, said the indigenes were shocked by the death of a man he said was like a god to them.

“When the sad news filtered into this community, nobody was happy. Boys, girls, men and women cried. He was one of the best leaders we had in this community. He was just like a father and grandfather to everybody,” he said.

According to him, Alamieyesiegha's last outing in the community was when he came home with his political associates and community leaders to re-strategize for the December 5 governorship election.

He said the late former governor was a rallying point and a voice of the PDP, which relied on him to win the election.

“We can’t count the values he added to this community. They are too numerous to mention.

Without him, there couldn’t have been Amasomma. He brought the university and constructed all the roads. Everybody took him like a god,” he added.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOMBER 12 , 2015—45

Emir of Ilorin calls for restructuring of Nigeria •Tasks Buhari on 2014 Confab implementation I

By Demola Akinyemi

L O R I N — T H E chairman, Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, has expressed the urgent need for the restructuring of Nigeria and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to make the best use of the report of the 2014 National Conference to achieve that purpose.

The monarch also expressed confidence that Nigeria would not disintegrate, despite the numerous challenges facing it, stressing that media practitioners should be committed to ethical practice.

The Emir, also a member of the confab, who spoke at a meeting with members of the Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Ilorin, noted that Nigeria needed restructuring.

Consequently, he urged President Buhari to commence the process that would lead to implementation of the 2014 national conference report as a way to restructure Nigeria.

The Emir, who said the report of the national conference should not be discarded, added that the President should pass the report in form of a bill to the National Assembly, so it could be embedded in the the constitution and law for the good of the nation.

He said: “The law is made for the people and people are not made for law. Nigerian people have gathered for a purpose, the people have spoken through their

representatives. So the parliament would have to endorse it for necessary criteria that had been drawn up in the constitution. ‘’Having done that it will now be passed as a bill and people of Nigeria can now say they have given unto themselves this piece in the constitution. The one given to us by the military was not by the people of this country. ‘’The military only gave us that one to guide and rule us. Men are not supposed to be made for law, but rather, laws are supposed to be made for man. And the constitution of Nigeria will be the grand norm.

‘’The highest norm, law in the land so that whatever may happen since we are still in the period of restructuring, probably the document gathered during the confab should be looked into as part of documents for restructuring. ‘’I believe it should not be thrown into dustbin as the experienced professor, Professor Agboola Gambari.”

Worried by the unending menace of the Boko Haram on innocent Nigerians, Emir of Ilorin also called on the Federal Government to identify sponsors of deadly Boko Haram insurgency in the country, expressing the hope

that the insurgency would come to an end when the sponsors were identified.

He also said that the state was glad to have Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, as an indigene of the state, assuring that the number three man would perform creditably for national growth and progress.

The monarch, who charged journalists to be socially responsible in their news writing at every critical moment, said that they should protect corporate existence of Nigeria, and not write anything that will divide the country or its people.

PRESENTATION: Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel (left), being conferred with an award of excellence by President, Akwa Ibom State Conference of Traders Association, Obong Christopher Usoro, during the flag off of the presentation of Medium and Small Micro Enterprises Funds to traders in the state at Ibom Hall, Uyo.

Jigawa Assembly sacks LG chair, suspends 2 others

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By Tina Akannam

UTSE—JIGAWA State House of Assembly has removed Jahun Local Government Area chairman, Alhaji Musa Harbu, and suspended two others for alleged misconduct and negligence of duty.

Those suspended include chairmen of Gumel and Birniwa local government councils, Alhaji Muhammed Bunde and Alhaji Alhassan Babandi, respectively.

Vanguard gathered the House on June 24 this year, constituted an adhoc committee to investigate the activities of the 27 local government council chairmen in the state.

Presenting the report in the House, the committee recommended the immediate removal of Jahun council chairman from the office for alleged misconduct and negligence of duty, based on the provision of section 9 of Local Government Councils Law chapter 18 law of Jigawa State 2012.

The committee further C M Y K

recommended that Birniwa and Gumel local governments council’s chairmen be suspended for misconduct, dereliction of duty and failure to comply with provisions of local government appropriation law.

The chairman of the Committee, Musa Sule Dutse, also disclosed that 10 local councils chairmen were found wanting by the committee, adding that they failed to defend themselves before the

committee.

He pointed out that the cases of the remaining 17 local government chairmen were still under investigation.

The committee also recommended that the two council chairmen should remain suspended until conclusion of further investigation by the assembly.

Vanguard reports that the sitting, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji

Muhammad Garba, adopted the report and pronounced the immediate removal and suspension of the three council chairmen.

In a quick reaction to the decision, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state said it would seek legal interpretation of the verdict in court.

Chairman of the state PDP, Alhaji Salisu Mamuda Kuit, described the decision of the state lawmakers as barbaric and an injustice.

Army chief blames Yobe attack on troops' attitudeterrorists were killed and their I was in Geidam and the attitude

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By Evelyn Usman

AGOS—CHIEF of Army Staff,COAS, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, weekend, blamed the recent attack on Sector 1 of 27 Task Force Brigade located in Gaidem, Yobe State on the attitude of troops towards the ongoing war, calling on the need for a review of the troops attitude.

Though the attack was reported to have been repelled by the troops, during which several

weapons destroyed, three soldiers also lost their lives.

Addressing soldiers and officers during his maiden tour of units and commands under the 81 Division of the Army, in Lagos, Buratai said despite sophisticated weapons and equipment at the disposal of troops in Giadem to protect themselves as well as civilians , they did not attack the insurgents.

He said: “Two, three days back,

of our troops call for serious review because they have the equipment, weapons, everything they require to protect themselves and indeed citizens that are there, the whole community and villages around.

"But, they just went and sat down without adopting the proper battle procedures. These are the attitudes we have been suffering all these while."

Group seeks support for Plateau insurgency victims

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By Marie-Therese Nanlong

OS—THE federal government has been urged to establish the “Victim Support Scheme” in Plateau State to rehabilitate the many decimated communities affected by crises within the state in the last two decades.

A Civil Right group, Plateau Intelligentsia, PI, working to bring an end to the persistent killings in the State made the appeals reiterating in a statement in Jos at the weekend, that “the senseless killings in the state, requires a similar approach the government was giving to the situation in the North East.”

The group also advocated the moving of the Operational Headquarters of Operation Safe Haven, Op SH, to the epicentre of the crises in Riyom and Barkin Ladi Councils to quell the incessant attacks once for all.

Ogbe qualified to be Minister —TSAV

By Peter Duru

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AKURDI— FORMER Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav, has condemned the outcry by a section of the people of Benue over the selection of Dr. Audu Ogbe as Ministerial Nominee from the state, describing it as unfair and unwarranted.

Speaking in a telephone interview yesterday in Makurdi, Tsav lauded the selection of Dr. Ogbe who is of the Idoma extraction, describing him as a man of honesty and integrity.

He stated that it would have amounted to injustice to deny the Idoma tribe of the state the Ministerial slot while the Tiv tribe had the governorship position.

Tsav said: “the hue and cry by some of our people over the nomination of Dr. Innocent Audu Ogbe as Benue state Ministerial Nominee is uncalled for."

46—VANGUARD, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

•Okowa: PDP Candidate and Delta State governor

result of the election INEC had put the figure of accredited voters at 1,017,796, significantly exceeding actual accreditation number revealed by the admitted report obtained from INEC central server.

Objecting to admissibility of these documents, Okowa’s counsel, Dr Alex Izinyon, SAN; PDP’s counsel, Timothy Kehinde, SAN; and counsel for INEC, Damien Dodo, SAN, averred that the documents were not listed, pleaded or properly certified.

Counsel to the petitioner and APC, Okpoko, argued that the documents tendered by INEC were pleaded, adding that it was stated in Paragraph 4 of the petitioner’s reply to the first respondent’s reply to the petition.

In his ruling, Justice Nasiru Gunmi said: “We have examined this application on the face of the document tendered and we are satisfied that the document satisfies the requirement of Section 104 (2) of the Evidence Act to justify the admission of these documents.

“We therefore overrule the objection to admission of this document, and therefore admit the documents as exhibits PW1A and PW1B.” Emerhor ’s counsel while examining his witness, Mr. Ore Ohimor, tendered Form EC8A and unit by unit election result sheets for the 25 local councils of the state.

•O'tega: APC candidate

DELTA GOV:

Admissibility of document

Tension as tribunal delivers verdict

By Egufe Yafugorhi

A

S election petition tribunals approach the mandatory terminal period when all cases must be decided across the country, there is anxiety in Delta State over the likely outcome of the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba.

The tribunal had adjourned for two weeks to resume on October 13, 2015 for submission and adoption of written addresses.

Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, had approached the tribunal challenging the conduct of the polls and declaration of Senator Ifeanyi Okowa as winner.

At the last sitting, the Justice Nasiru Gunmi-led three-man panel directed that respondents file and serve final written addresses on the petitioners within five days

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beginning from October 2, 2015, while the petitioners were to file and serve their final written addresses to the respondents within five days of acknowledgment of respondents’ service.

Emerhor opened his case at the resumed hearing on August 25, 2015 when his counsel, Chief Thompson Okpoko, SAN, called on two Independent Electoral Commission of Nigeria, INEC, witnesses to tender documents and give oral evidence before the tribunal.

Evidence before the tribunal Okpoko led Mrs. Abimbola Olagunjoye, Assistant Director, Information and Communication Technology, ICT, Department at INEC’s head office in Abuja, as first witness to tender four documents including card readers’ accreditation report

uploaded from INEC central server.

The INEC accreditation report tendered through Mrs. Olagunjoye showed that the number of accredited voters for the April 11 governorship election in the state was lower than the results announced by electoral officials after the polls.

Other documents tendered by INEC at the hearing include manual for election officials 2015, INEC’s April 2, 2015 press statement affirming accreditation through use of card readers for the governorship election and guidelines for the conduct of 2015 general election.

In their testimony, the INEC officials said: “All documents tendered were duly certified by INEC. The card reader has three functions. The functions are identification of voters, verification of Permanent Voters’ Card,PVC, holder and voter ’s authentication on Election Day.”

She further told the tribunal that: “The card readers recorded no sustained failure during the governorship election in Delta State and accredited numbers of voters as at April 29 was 709,000 and at the expiration of the shutting down of data upload, the final tally was 715,393.”

However, while declaring the

In no other state has the stakes grown higher and anticipation of surprises more intense than in Delta state, particularly over the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Asaba

The tribunal also dismissed objections by the counsel to the respondent to the admissibility of the document and thereafter admitted it as exhibit.

Governor Okowa opened his defence, as his star witness, Chief Festus Ovie Agas, who is Secretary to the State Government, SSG, was cross examined.

Okowa’s counsel, Izyon leading Mrs. Ehikhametalo Mercy, a staff of the electoral umpire working in the Delta State office of the commission, had sought to tender four documents through her as exhibits.

Rejecting the document, the tribunal noted: “We believe that the objections of Okpoko (SAN) to the admissibility of these documents are germane. The two documents sought to be tendered are computer generated. There is nothing on the face of the document to show that it complied with section 84 of the Evidence Act. In view of this, we hereby agree that the documents are not admissible and are hereby rejected”.

Ehikhametalo had claimed that the Card Readers failed in many places she monitored in Isoko North.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015—47

Chukwumerije’s seat:

PDP, APGA look up to tribunal today WHO is the authentic successor of late Senator Uche Chukwumerije in the Senate? Is it Senator Mao Ohuabunwa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) or Chief David Ogba Onuoha-Bourdex of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)?

T

2015: KOGI DECIDES Audu unveils three-point agenda

By Clifford Ndujihe

HESE are some of the questions that the Abia State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia will answer today while ruling on the petition filed by Onuoha-Bourdex, the APGA senatorial candidate against the return of Senator Ohuabunwa of PDP, as the winner of the March 28, 2015 Abia North Senatorial election.

In the suit, No. AB/EPT/SN/4/2015, he filed on April 17, Onuoha-Bourdex alleged that there were monumental irregularities and breaches of electoral law in the March 28 election. According to him, as a result of the brazen irregularities and manipulations, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC (the second respondent) was unable to declare the results several days after the polls and had to set up a committee to inquire into the matter.

“Without waiting for the completion of work by the Committee in respect of all the local government areas in the Senatorial District, the 2nd respondent under pressure from certain quarters declared a result on 1st April 2015 and wrongly returned the 1st respondent (Ohuabunwa) as the winner of the said election, when he did not win the majority of lawful votes cast,” he averred.

I’m the rightful winner – Onuoha-Bourdex In his statement of facts, Onuoha-Bourdex through his counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), prayed the tribunal to rule that Ohuiabunwa did not score the majority of lawful votes cast at the election held on March 28, 2015 and that he ought to have been declared the winner having won majority of lawful votes cast at the election.

He also disclosed that the grounds upon which the Petition was brought include that the 1st respondent was not duly elected by the majority of lawful votes cast at the election and that the election was invalid by reason of corrupt practices and substantial non-compliance with the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended).

Ohuabunwa (the 1st respondent) filed tha reply to the Petition on May 28 while the 2nd to 14 respondents filed their replies to the petition on May 13.

In their witness testimonies, Onuoha-Bourdex contended that the PDP candidate inflated results of the election by increasing prefixing numbers to the exact value generated from the polling units to jack up the total votes.

The petitioner called 18 witnesses including the The tribunal Returning Officer for Abia North has a duty, Senatorial zone in the election, Dr. Chukwugoziem Ihekwoaba in and an expert witness, Adeola determining Olayiwola, who explained that the election was fraught with who scored large scale inflation and the majority mutilation of numbers which when deducted leaves the APGA of lawful candidate with the highest votes cast, to number of lawful votes cast in the compute or election.

The Returning Officer, who was collate the a subpoenaed witness, declared results, once that he refused to announce the result given to him from the the results wards during collation based on are available the noticeable inconsistencies between facts and figures adding and there is that it was based on that proof of discovery that he alerted the INEC Resident Electoral inflation and Commissioner, who set up a of wrong review committee to examine the discrepancies. “But after going computation through the results from two local

By Boluwaji Obahopo

T

•Chukwumerije government councils, the respondents engineered violence and intimidation thereby stalling the review,” Dr. Ihekwoaba stated adding that he resisted pressures and inducement on him to declare the fabricated result.

The RO added that the claim that he abandoned his duty post was made up by the respondents to justify their action of contracting an unauthorized person to declare results of Abia North Senatorial election stressing that his conscience never permitted him to declare a result that was clearly out of sync with the votes cast by the people in the field.

There was no irregularity – Ohuabunwa However, Senator Ohuabunwa denied any irregularities in his election when he was confronted with discrepancies in the election result sheets of Arochukwu ward claiming that the INEC appointed another returning officer who announced the result of the election and declared him winner. He identified Dr. Ihekweaba Chukwugoziem as the returning officer for the Abia North senatorial election but claimed that INEC subsequently appointed another returning officer in the person of Prof. Onuoh Etebat, who declared him winner.

Returning officer On October 5, 2015 counsels to the parties were at the Tribunal where they adopted their final written addresses.

The petitioner’s counsel Chief Chris Uche (SAN) enjoined the Tribunal to declare Onuoha-Bourdex, stressing that having proved sundry allegations of electoral and criminal offences beyond reasonable doubts, his client should be declared winner of the election.

He maintained that given the failure or refusal of the 2nd to 14th respondents to call evidence, “it is pertinent to properly situate the legal consequences of such strategy or gamble...INEC in the case at hand offered no evidence whatsoever to disprove the evidence of the petitioners that there was substantial non-compliance with the Electoral Act and that the votes credited to the 1st to 3rd respondents were not lawful votes even as they did not also substantiate their own allegation to the contrary as they were bound to do.

Where the outcome of an election is challenged on grounds that the winner did not have the majority of lawful votes, the burden or task of the election tribunal is to determine the actual unit results and add them up.

The tribunal has a duty, in determining who scored the majority of lawful votes cast, to compute or collate the results, once the results are available and there is proof of inflation and of wrong computation,” he advocated.

Counsels to Ohuabunwa and INEC, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN) and Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN) who declared that it is not correct to say the petitioner won the election by 37115 valid votes or that he won 28, 894; or that the petitioner led by 6, 609 votes stressing that they were relying on documents and evidence tendered by INEC .

HE Candidate of the All Progressives Congress for the November 21governorship election, Prince Abubakar Audu, has unveiled a three- point agenda he would pursue , if elected.

Audu, unveiled the agenda at Alu, Yagba East Local Council of the state while receiving hundreds of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, decampees from Yagba federal constituency.

He promised to focus on power shift, declare a state of emergency in critical sectors of the state and concentrate on ‘stomach infrastructure.’

His words: “Let me make my three-point agenda known to the people of the state because I want to be held responsible for my world later when I gain power.

First, I will make sure that power shift becomes sacrosanct. I will be the first governor to change power in the state. I must honour my agreement that after my full tenure I will ensure power rotation either to Kogi West or Kogi Central.

“I will declare state of emergency on the critical sectors of the state especially in the infrastructural sector. Shortly after I won my party primary, I took a trip outside the country where I met international business organisations, who by now are just waiting for me to be sworn-in so that they can come and invest in critical sectors of the state. “Lastly, I will concentrate on ‘stomach Infrastructure’. The welfare of the people of the state remains a priority to me. Let no one deceive you, I have nothing but the best interest of the people at heart.”

Elder Leke Abejide, who led other decampees from the PDP in the federal constituency said he left the PDP because of its rigidity. “There are five reasons I left the PDP. Foremost of it all is that the PDP is conservative in nature and I am progressive in nature.

Over the years I have tried to change things within their fold but I have realised that it will not be. After painstaking deliberation with some of my followers and supporters across the three local councils in the area, and some people outside the state, we decided it is best to move to the APC where the real idea behind my joining politics can be realised.’’

Governor of Jigawa state, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru who was at the occasion to receive the decampees said it was disheartening that despite the level of education of people of the state, it could still be ruled by the PDP.

Kogi West PDP assures Wada of victory

By KIngsley Fanwo EADERS of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi West Senatorial District have resolved to give an overwhelming victory to the party in the November 21governorship election in the state.

The resolution was reached by critical stakeholders in Kogi West at a meeting held in Kabba, the headquarters of the District. Those in attendance included party executives and leaders in the seven local councils.

The meeting which was chaired by Kogi State Deputy Governor, Yomi Awoniyi, commended the members for their steadfastness and enjoined them to see the forthcoming governorship election as a defining moment for the state’s development.

The deputy governor urged the people to give another opportunity to Capt. Idris Wada to enable him consolidate on the gains of democracy that have been recorded by the administration since inception in 2012.

He said a vote against the governor is a vote against development, urging the people to support a governor who has proven to be a shrewd manager of resources in this very critical period.

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48—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

World Egg Day: An egg a day keeps malnutrition at bay development. "Eggs are best brain and body food for pregnant women, their unborn children and lactating mothers.

Egg improves a child's concentration level, attention span and scholarly performance for 'eggcellent' grades," he explained.

Akpa recalled that in March, 2002, the American Heart Association guidelines were changed to allow one egg per day into the average healthy American diet thereby ending the Association's 30 years old campaign that limited egg consumption to three eggs per week.

In the same light, the Harvard School of Public Health published that moderate egg consumption which is defined as one egg per day is not associated with increased risk of heart disease and does not have a negative impact on cholesterol neither does it affect a person's lipid profile.

Eggs do not contain saturated fat, but contain dietary cholesterol that does not harm the body.

By Gabriel Olawale & Jeffrey Ogunyinde

E

VERYBODY should eat eggs, children in particular because eggs are not just good to eat but very nutritious. So good are eggs for nutrient health that the World Health Organisation, WHO, recommends that every healthy individual should eat one egg daily for optimal health.

Latest data released by UNICEF shows that about 1.7 million Nigerian children under the age of five, are severely and acutely malnourished, accounting for 10 percent of the global total of malnourished children.

With prices of foods skyrocketing, more hard times await Nigerian children as statistics have shown that two out of every five Nigerian children are chronically malnourished. According to 2011 World Global Hunger Index, Nigeria contributes 58 per cent of the global hunger problem, and may worsen if urgent measures are not taken to reverse the trend.

However, the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, says it has a simple and inexpensive solution to the problem - eggs.

Disclosing this during an activity to commemorate this year's World Egg Day with the theme: "Benefits of an egg a day for the Nigerian child," President of the Association, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, said immediate measures needed to be taken to prevent further negative impact on the nutritional health of the vulnerable population (pregnant women and children).

Oduntan said World Egg Day is globally marked every 2nd Friday in October to highlight simple steps that can help to address some of these challenges.He identified the egg as God's natural pill that

BENEFIT OF EGGS: Inset: National President, PAN, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan. can conquer hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, and noted that it contains best proteins, vitamins and minerals.

"It contains natural vitamin D, useful for calcium and phosphorus absorption for strong bones and teeth.

"Eggs are the best follow up to breast milk in children as they contain the richest mix of essential amino acids. An egg contains the perfect combination of protein, 12 vitamins and 12 minerals. Eggs help to regulate the brain, nervous and cardiovascular system since one egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline,

helping both memory and mental capacity," he said.

Also speaking, Director General of the Association, Onallo Akpa, said having eggs for breakfast, assists dieters to lose weight because of the feeling of fullness or the satiety reflex an egg meal stimulates.

"Studies have proved that eggs may prevent breast cancer, as women who consume at least six eggs per week reduce their risk of breast cancer by 44 percent.

Eggs prevent ageing of the skin and help in increasing the red blood cell count in infants as well as in their brain

Arise Women seeks access to medicare for all

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By Chioma Obinna

N line with the change slogan of the present administration, a group of Christian women under the auspices of Arise Women has called for a change in the health care system that would guarantee quality healthcare for all Nigerians, particularly women and children even as it has reached 36,000 Nigerians with medical services in seven years.

Arise Women is a women’s organisation of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, City of David, Lagos Province 4 that feeds, empowers and provides free medical services for the poor.

Addressing a press conference on its forthcoming 2015 Women Conferencing in Lagos, the Convener , Barrister Siju Iluyomade tasked government to ensure that the era of change reflects on the health of Nigerians by ensuring that there is at least a general practitioner in every community across the country.

Iluyomade who lamented that Arise Women medical outreaches have showed that many Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare said many people are languishing in communities due to their inability to access healthcare.

"We are expecting a change that will ensure that medical care is accessible to every single Nigerian no matter how poor they are. Some of these people in various communities are doing self-medication

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because they can't afford medical care," she said.

In order to alleviate the problems, Iluyomade explained that as part of the visions of the Arise Women, they have reached over 36,000 Nigerians with free medical services in the last seven years.

Arise has established three mobile clinics, trained over 400 women on various skills, provided various working tools including sewing machines, grinding machines, hair driers, cake mixers and deep freezers to more than 60 women, and every week over 60,000 people in different locations are fed

by Arise.

Disclosing that Arise will be celebrating some of its members during the upcoming conference in Lagos billed to hold this month, she also confirmed that wife of the Vice President, Mr. Yemi Osibanjo and wife

We are expecting a change that will ensure that medical care is accessible to every single Nigerian no matter how poor they are

of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode among others will be among the outstanding women.

"The wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs. Osinbanjo was a Chairperson of the Arise and the wife of the Governor of Lagos State was an Usher in the organisation.

We are celebrating them because they have imbibed the values of Arise which is compassion for all men regardless of colour, economic status or wherever they may be coming from. We see them as ambassadors of arise and we hold them accountable to doing well, with regard to the general citizenry of Nigeria, not just a selected few," she said.

She said no fewer than 10, 000 people are expected at the Arise October conference that will be featuring free medical screening for cancer and disease preventive talk, free eye tests and glasses, free services on blood sugar level and blood pressure checks among others.

Speaking, the Chairperson for Abuja Branch of Arise, Dr Mojisola Odeku, decried the level of diseases that have crippled the communities, saying that their outreaches and in reaches have revealed alarming prevalence of hypertension.

On her part, Chairperson, Lagos State Branch, Barrister Iyabo Ladipo, said the source of resources has been largely the church, adding that several organisations including the Federal Government have partnered with them and Arise Medical Outreach will not rest on its oars until everyone gets the basic primary care.

ICPC hails NAFDAC anti-graft efforts

T

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has commended the efforts of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to tackle corruption in the country particularly in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr Ekpo Nta who was represented by Deputy Director in the Commission, Mr. Akeem Lawal, gave the commendation during the flag-off of a 3-day sensitisation workshop for NAFDAC Staff in Enugu.

The activity was put together by the AntiCorruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Agency.

Lawal said NAFDAC as an AntiCorruption compliant agency has taken leadership through the instrument of ACTU to strengthen its system and put in place workable strategies that prevent corruption within the system and has helped immensely in the successes recorded in the fight against counterfeit regulated products.

Earlier, Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh said in order to enthrone transparency; the Agency introduced an e-Registration process through computerization to allow the client initiate and monitor his or her application for product registration from the comfort of their room. This, according to him, has prevented the incidence of corruption hitherto associated with the process.

Further, Jimoh said other strategies adopted by the Agency, especially the use of cutting-edge technologies such as the TRUSCAN and Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) were deployed to check the incidence of counterfeiting on-the-spot and prevent fraudulent practices.

He attributed the huge successes recorded by the Agency, especially the reduction of the prevalence of counterfeit anti-malarial drugs from 64 percent in 2005 to just 3.4 percent in 2014 to the multilayered and well co-ordinated strategies that are antithetical to corruption.

48—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

World Egg Day: An egg a day keeps malnutrition at bay development. "Eggs are best brain and body food for pregnant women, their unborn children and lactating mothers.

Egg improves a child's concentration level, attention span and scholarly performance for 'eggcellent' grades," he explained.

Akpa recalled that in March, 2002, the American Heart Association guidelines were changed to allow one egg per day into the average healthy American diet thereby ending the Association's 30 years old campaign that limited egg consumption to three eggs per week.

In the same light, the Harvard School of Public Health published that moderate egg consumption which is defined as one egg per day is not associated with increased risk of heart disease and does not have a negative impact on cholesterol neither does it affect a person's lipid profile.

Eggs do not contain saturated fat, but contain dietary cholesterol that does not harm the body.

By Gabriel Olawale & Jeffrey Ogunyinde

E

VERYBODY should eat eggs, children in particular because eggs are not just good to eat but very nutritious. So good are eggs for nutrient health that the World Health Organisation, WHO, recommends that every healthy individual should eat one egg daily for optimal health.

Latest data released by UNICEF shows that about 1.7 million Nigerian children under the age of five, are severely and acutely malnourished, accounting for 10 percent of the global total of malnourished children.

With prices of foods skyrocketing, more hard times await Nigerian children as statistics have shown that two out of every five Nigerian children are chronically malnourished. According to 2011 World Global Hunger Index, Nigeria contributes 58 per cent of the global hunger problem, and may worsen if urgent measures are not taken to reverse the trend.

However, the Poultry Association of Nigeria, PAN, says it has a simple and inexpensive solution to the problem - eggs.

Disclosing this during an activity to commemorate this year's World Egg Day with the theme: "Benefits of an egg a day for the Nigerian child," President of the Association, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, said immediate measures needed to be taken to prevent further negative impact on the nutritional health of the vulnerable population (pregnant women and children).

Oduntan said World Egg Day is globally marked every 2nd Friday in October to highlight simple steps that can help to address some of these challenges.He identified the egg as God's natural pill that

BENEFIT OF EGGS: Inset: National President, PAN, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan. can conquer hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition, and noted that it contains best proteins, vitamins and minerals.

"It contains natural vitamin D, useful for calcium and phosphorus absorption for strong bones and teeth.

"Eggs are the best follow up to breast milk in children as they contain the richest mix of essential amino acids. An egg contains the perfect combination of protein, 12 vitamins and 12 minerals. Eggs help to regulate the brain, nervous and cardiovascular system since one egg yolk has about 300 micrograms of choline,

helping both memory and mental capacity," he said.

Also speaking, Director General of the Association, Onallo Akpa, said having eggs for breakfast, assists dieters to lose weight because of the feeling of fullness or the satiety reflex an egg meal stimulates.

"Studies have proved that eggs may prevent breast cancer, as women who consume at least six eggs per week reduce their risk of breast cancer by 44 percent.

Eggs prevent ageing of the skin and help in increasing the red blood cell count in infants as well as in their brain

Arise Women seeks access to medicare for all

I

By Chioma Obinna

N line with the change slogan of the present administration, a group of Christian women under the auspices of Arise Women has called for a change in the health care system that would guarantee quality healthcare for all Nigerians, particularly women and children even as it has reached 36,000 Nigerians with medical services in seven years.

Arise Women is a women’s organisation of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, City of David, Lagos Province 4 that feeds, empowers and provides free medical services for the poor.

Addressing a press conference on its forthcoming 2015 Women Conferencing in Lagos, the Convener , Barrister Siju Iluyomade tasked government to ensure that the era of change reflects on the health of Nigerians by ensuring that there is at least a general practitioner in every community across the country.

Iluyomade who lamented that Arise Women medical outreaches have showed that many Nigerians lack access to basic healthcare said many people are languishing in communities due to their inability to access healthcare.

"We are expecting a change that will ensure that medical care is accessible to every single Nigerian no matter how poor they are. Some of these people in various communities are doing self-medication

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because they can't afford medical care," she said.

In order to alleviate the problems, Iluyomade explained that as part of the visions of the Arise Women, they have reached over 36,000 Nigerians with free medical services in the last seven years.

Arise has established three mobile clinics, trained over 400 women on various skills, provided various working tools including sewing machines, grinding machines, hair driers, cake mixers and deep freezers to more than 60 women, and every week over 60,000 people in different locations are fed

by Arise.

Disclosing that Arise will be celebrating some of its members during the upcoming conference in Lagos billed to hold this month, she also confirmed that wife of the Vice President, Mr. Yemi Osibanjo and wife

We are expecting a change that will ensure that medical care is accessible to every single Nigerian no matter how poor they are

of the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode among others will be among the outstanding women.

"The wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs. Osinbanjo was a Chairperson of the Arise and the wife of the Governor of Lagos State was an Usher in the organisation.

We are celebrating them because they have imbibed the values of Arise which is compassion for all men regardless of colour, economic status or wherever they may be coming from. We see them as ambassadors of arise and we hold them accountable to doing well, with regard to the general citizenry of Nigeria, not just a selected few," she said.

She said no fewer than 10, 000 people are expected at the Arise October conference that will be featuring free medical screening for cancer and disease preventive talk, free eye tests and glasses, free services on blood sugar level and blood pressure checks among others.

Speaking, the Chairperson for Abuja Branch of Arise, Dr Mojisola Odeku, decried the level of diseases that have crippled the communities, saying that their outreaches and in reaches have revealed alarming prevalence of hypertension.

On her part, Chairperson, Lagos State Branch, Barrister Iyabo Ladipo, said the source of resources has been largely the church, adding that several organisations including the Federal Government have partnered with them and Arise Medical Outreach will not rest on its oars until everyone gets the basic primary care.

ICPC hails NAFDAC anti-graft efforts

T

HE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has commended the efforts of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to tackle corruption in the country particularly in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Chairman of the Commission, Mr Ekpo Nta who was represented by Deputy Director in the Commission, Mr. Akeem Lawal, gave the commendation during the flag-off of a 3-day sensitisation workshop for NAFDAC Staff in Enugu.

The activity was put together by the AntiCorruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) of the Agency.

Lawal said NAFDAC as an AntiCorruption compliant agency has taken leadership through the instrument of ACTU to strengthen its system and put in place workable strategies that prevent corruption within the system and has helped immensely in the successes recorded in the fight against counterfeit regulated products.

Earlier, Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii who was represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Abubakar Jimoh said in order to enthrone transparency; the Agency introduced an e-Registration process through computerization to allow the client initiate and monitor his or her application for product registration from the comfort of their room. This, according to him, has prevented the incidence of corruption hitherto associated with the process.

Further, Jimoh said other strategies adopted by the Agency, especially the use of cutting-edge technologies such as the TRUSCAN and Mobile Authentication Service (MAS) were deployed to check the incidence of counterfeiting on-the-spot and prevent fraudulent practices.

He attributed the huge successes recorded by the Agency, especially the reduction of the prevalence of counterfeit anti-malarial drugs from 64 percent in 2005 to just 3.4 percent in 2014 to the multilayered and well co-ordinated strategies that are antithetical to corruption.

VANGUARD, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 49

Iraqi forces bomb ISIS leader’s convoy

I

RAQI security forces say they have struck the convoy of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, in an air strike near the country’s border with Syria.

“The Iraqi air force carried out a heroic operation targeting the convoy of the criminal terrorist Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi,” Iraq’s security forces said in a statement on Sunday.

“His health status is unknown,” it said.

Pentagon officials said that they could not “corroborate or confirm the Iraqi government claim of striking or killing Baghadi at this point”.

Iraqi security sources

S

•ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi ,whose fate is still unknown after his convoy was reportedly bombed by Iraqi forces yesterday. have previously claimed several times that Baghdadi had been injured or killed in strikes but the claims were either never verified or later denied.

The army statement said Iraqi aircraft struck Baghdadi’s convoy as it was

Assad forces make ‘significant gains’

S

YRIAN forces backed by Hezbollah militants from Lebanon are said to have made significant advances against rebels after heavy Russian air strikes.

Government gains are being reported in Idlib, Hama and Latakia provinces.

Russia says its aircraft carried out more than 60 missions over Syria in the past 24 hours, and that the Islamic State group was its main target.

But the Russian strikes appear to have impacted heavily on rebels fighting both the government and IS. The main battlefront is currently close to the key highway that links the capital Damascus with other major cities, including Aleppo, and President Bashar al-Assad’s forces are believed to be seeking to cut off rebels in Idlib.

Before Russia’s intervention, Idlib had all but fallen to a rebel coalition that had been seriously threatening Mr Assad and his heartland as well as fighting IS, BBC Arab affairs editor Sebastian Usher reports.

“moving towards Karabla to attend a meeting of the Daesh terrorist leaders”.

Daesh is an Arabic acronym for the ISIL group, which last year proclaimed a caliphate straddling Iraqi and Syria.

Karabla is located on the Euphrates river barely five kilometres from the border with Syria. The statement did not make clear when the strike was carried out.

The statement said the operation was conducted in coordination with Iraq’s interior ministry intelligence services and the joint operation command centre that includes military advisers from the USled coalition.

China detains Japanese woman for spying

A

Japanese woman is being detained by the Chinese authorities on suspicion of spying, Japanese media has reported.

The unnamed woman from Tokyo, said to be in her 50s, worked at a language school in the Japanese capital. She was arrested while in Shanghai in June.

She is the fourth Japanese citizen to be detained on spying charges since May, all in different parts of China.

The arrest is likely to increase tensions between the two countries, the BBC’s Jill McGivering says.

China has not commented on the latest report.

But our correspondent says the leadership in Beijing has toughened its stance on national security - with a new commission and stronger laws.

Sino-Japanese relations are already strained by revived war memories and tensions over the South China Sea.

US journalist sentenced in Iran

A

N Iranian court has handed down a verdict in the espionage trial of jailed Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, the semi-official Iranian Students’ News Agency reported on Sunday, quoting the judiciary's spokesman.

The verdict and the sentence are not yet known.

Rezaian’s family said the lack of information “follows an unconscionable pattern by Iranian authorities of silence, obfuscation, delay and a total lack of adherence to

S/Africa plans to leave International Criminal Court

•Rezaian international law, as well as Iranian law.”

ISNA quoted the judiciary spokesman, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei, as saying that “this person has been sentenced, but I don’t

know the details of the verdict.”

Mohseni Ejei said the ruling may be appealed

by Rezaian or his lawyer in the next 20 days.

Rezaian, The Washington Post’s bureau chief in Tehran, was detained in Iran in July 2014 and has languished in jail for over a year despite an international outcry.

Uncertainty continued to reign on Sunday. The statement from his family called it “another sad chapter in his 14-month illegal imprisonment and opaque trial process.”

OUTH Africa plans to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC), a deputy minister said on Sunday, as the government faces criticism for ignoring a court order to arrest Sudan’s president earlier this year.

The ICC has “lost its direction” and the ruling African National Congress (ANC) wants to withdraw South Africa after following certain processes, Obed Bapela,

deputy minister in the Presidency, told reporters after a ruling party policy meeting.

Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir, accused of genocide and war crimes, visited the country in June, but was allowed to leave despite a court order to detain him. The government last week asked the ICC for more time to explain why it allowed this.

But the ruling party this weekend resolved to

leave the ICC, with Bapela saying powerful nations “trample” human rights and pursue “selfish interests”.

“South Africa still holds the flag of human rights, we are not lowering it,” he said, adding parliament would now debate ICC membership.

The ANC commands a comfortable majority in the legislature of Africa’s most advanced economy, with more than 60 percent of the vote.

•A woman prepares to cast her vote at a polling station during a presidential election in Conakry, Guinea yesterday.

Guineans vote in presidential election amid tight security

L

ONG lines formed in front of guarded polling booths across Guinea on Sunday as the West African country voted in its second free election in nearly 60 years since independence.

Guinea - Africa’s leading producer of bauxite, the raw material for aluminum - has a history of election violence linked to ethnic tensions, including in a 2010 vote that brought President Alpha Conde to power after military rule.

The 77-year-old Conde is widely expected to win a second mandate, though the results are deemed to be close enough to require a second round, probably against main rival Cellou Dalein Diallo.

The streets were calm in the capital Conakry on Sunday after clashes this week between security forces and supporters of rival parties that left several dead and dozens injured.

Plainclothes policemen stood vigil at schools and

petrol stations transformed into voting booths while anti-riot police took positions at street corners to check vehicle permits amid tight security measures.

Casting his vote in the

Conakry neighborhood of Boulbinet, Conde, dressed in a white tunic, reiterated an earlier call for calm. “I hope things go well because Guinea needs peace, Guinea needs unity,” he told reporters.

Central African Republic rebels, peacekeepers clash

F

RENCH and U.N. troops halted a rebel march towards the capital of Central African Republic this week, clashing with mostly Muslim fighters about 180 km (110 miles) northeast of Bangui, a government spokesman said.

Dominique Said Paguindji and residents said the troops fought the Seleka rebels on Saturday in the town of Sibut after an ultimatum for them to halt their march southwards expired.

It was not immediately clear if there were any dead or wounded during the clashes.

The former French colony has been torn by

bloodshed since 2013 and interim authorities are struggling to disarm militias ahead of elections scheduled for October 18, 2015.

Seleka fighters briefly seized power in the majority Christian country of 4.5 million in 2013 and later handed power over to an interim government. However, they still control large swathes of Central African Republic’s north.

The international community is pressing for Central African Republic to go ahead with an election intended to restore democratic governance by the end of this year, despite widespread lawlessness.

50 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

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Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 51

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52—Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

By Omoh Gabriel, in Lima, & Emeka Anaeto

A

S the foreign exchange market records further widening of the parallel market margin, the Director, African Department of International Monetary Fund, IMF, Ms Antoinette Sayer, has said that measures put in place by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to restrict access to foreign exchange, forex, needed to be reviewed.

While CBN forex trading window had exchange rate stabled at N197/US $1 last week, pressure however continued to mount at the parallel market, as the Naira depreciated from N224/ US $1 to N2250/US $1 during the week, sustaining the slide for the third week consecutively, thereby widening the exchange gap between the CBN official window and the parallel market.

The gap, according to market analysts, underscores market inefficiency The depreciation in the value of the Naira in the parallel market has continually been attributed to insufficient supply of the foreign currency in the market.

Market operators say “barring any major pronouncement from CBN this week, we expect rate to trade within the current band.”

CBN had removed 41 items from access to its foreign exchange window on grounds that they could easily be produced in Nigeria rather than spend the country’s reserves on importing them.

Silent on importation of local products

Though Sayer said the restriction seems detrimental, when asked if Nigeria should continue to import goods it can produce locally, she did not respond.

In the interactive session with the media, she said: “The central bank has introduced administrative measures that limit access to foreign exchange and ban certain imports as a way of restricting the demand for foreign exchange.

“Those are measures that are quite detrimental, we think. It has certainly led to a lot of unhappiness in the private sector, as far as we’ve been aware, and understand that private investors see this as very detrimental to their economic activities.

“It is not something we think is sustainable or advisable. We hope that there will be an opportunity to review those restrictions and permit the exchange rate to continue to adjust.

“Of course, the exchange rate pressures in Nigeria and other oil producers has been considerable in the course of this past year because of what has happened in terms of, for example, foreign exchange C M Y

IMF urges CBN to review forex policy As Naira depreciates in parallel market

WORLD BANK/IMF MEETING: From left— Swedish Finance Minister, Magdalene Anderson; African Development Bank President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina; International Monetary Fund, IMF, Deputy Managing Director, Min Zhu; Heirs Holdings Chairman, Tony Elumelu; Nobel Laureate, Economics, Professor Joseph Stiglitz; and World Bank Managing Director, Bertrand Badre, during discussions on Sustainable Development Goals as part of the 2015 World Bank/ IMF Annual Meetings in Lima, Peru. earnings as oil prices have reduced those considerably, and the demand for foreign exchange continues to exert considerable pressure on their exchange rates.

on the fiscal side.

“That is what Nigeria and other countries that have an exchange rate can avoid. So we think it is appropriate to have the exchange rate adjust.

Effect of elections, FG's policy

‘CBN measures detrimental’

“In the case of Nigeria, of course, a number of other factors have been at play.

Those, of course, include in the run up to the elections: some uncertainties about what the possible outcome of those elections would be.

“Since the elections, there has been continued uncertainty about the policy direction that the current administration is going to take, the waiting for a cabinet, and the vision and plans for pursuing the reform effort and what can be expected from that.

“It is certainly the case that there are a number of factors that have led to pressures on the Naira. In response, of course, the exchange rate, being an important instrument of adjustment in countries that have a flexible exchange rate, we think it is appropriate to allow the exchange rate to depreciate, with a view to helping to contain the demand for more foreign exchange and to help contain the level of imports that was not sustainable in light of the shock to the Nigerian economy.

“The exchange rate plays a very important role there.

There are countries that do not have the exchange rate and as a result have an even more arduous burden of adjustment

“As you say, of course, the central bank has introduced administrative measures that limit access to foreign exchange and that ban certain imports as a way of restricting the demand for foreign exchange.

“Those are measures that are quite detrimental we think. It has certainly led to a lot of unhappiness in the private sector. As far as we have been aware, and understands that private investors see this as very detrimental to their economic activities.

“It is not something we think is sustainable or advisable. We hope that there will be an opportunity to review those restrictions and permit the exchange rate to continue to adjust.

“You asked what that meant for the Nigerian population as a whole. Clearly, some of the products that are being disallowed are products that average Nigerians buys. The restrictions on those products are already making it harder for the average person to buy milk or to buy milk at an affordable price.

“So they are already feeling the impact of those restrictions: not in a very beneficial way.

So we think it is certainly advisable to have a second look at those.

‘Sub-Sahara economy week’

“Now, although growth remains stronger than in many other regions, economic activity in SubSaharan Africa has weakened markedly in recent months.

“In fact, the very strong growth momentum evident in recent years has dissipated in quite a few countries. And as a result, growth in the region is now expected at some three and threequarters percent in 2015, which is the slowest pace we had seen since 2009.

“But we think it will strengthen somewhat to four and a quarter percent in 2016.

To understand the reasons behind this slow down it is useful to look at the key factors that have supported the high growth of the region over the past decade or so and perhaps the most important of those factors has been the vastly improved business and macroeconomic environment that policy makers have put in place.

“In addition, high commodity prices have also played a role, especially among oil exporters and highly accommodative financial conditions, which have boosted capital flows to the region over the last eight years, facilitating investment.

“However, of late these two last factors, as you know, have become far less supportive.

Commodity prices have fallen sharply and financing conditions have become more difficult.

“The upshot is the deceleration in activity that the region is experiencing.

“In particular, with high commodity prices having played a role in some of the largest economies such as Angola, Nigeria and South Africa, their current difficulties are weighing down the regional average numbers. This overall picture, however, marks considerable variation across the region.

“In most low income countries growth is holding up, averaging about six percent in 2015 as investment in infrastructure and private consumption remain strong in those countries. But even within that group, some countries are being negatively affected by the sharp decline in the price of main commodity exports.

Oil producers hard hit

“Even more hard hit are the eight oil exporting countries, which together account for half of the regions GDP and include Nigeria and Angola.

“Their falling export incomes and sharp fiscal adjustment are taking their toll on growth, which is expected to decelerate sharply to three and a half percent this year from six percent in 2014.

“Several middle income countries are also facing unfavourable conditions resulting from a combination of supply shocks such as electricity shortages in Ghana, Zambia and South Africa and more difficult financial conditions and weaker commodity prices.

“In many countries, prospects are further compounded by the generally limited fiscal space and foreign exchange reserves.”

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 53

NFF moves to enforce code of conduct Premier League wage

T

HE code of conduct for players and officials of the various National Teams will soon come into force, so says the Nigeria Football Federation.

Speaking from Belgium on Sunday, NFF President Amaju Pinnick assured that the code of conduct was ready and would be implemented soonest to guide the conduct of players, officials and coaches and minimize areas of conflict and tension in the national camp.

“A small group had been working on the code of conduct and I am happy to say that it is now ready for implementation. This will spell out how players and officials must conduct themselves while in any of the national camps, and minimize the probability of misunderstanding between coaches and players.

“The recent happening in the camp of the Super Eagles in Belgium was unwarranted but I am happy we have been able

to put that behind us. Both Coach Sunday Oliseh and player Vincent Enyeama even spoke cordially on Saturday during Enyeama’s meeting with the NFF leadership.”

At the meeting, Pinnick, in company with NFF 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi and 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko, told Enyeama in clear terms that the country is bigger than any individual, and that even if he was determined to quit international football, he did not have to do so in a situation of acrimony.

“I told him that he did so well for Nigeria over the past thirteen-and-half years that he had been there, and by all means, is deserving of a honourable exit. Whatever the situation, whether he decides to return to the team or not, the NFF will organize a worthy testimonial match in his honour because he served the nation so well.

tempts Muller

T

•Enyeama

Chelsea plot to replace Mourinho with Simeone

C

HELSEA are r e p o r t e d l y considering bringing Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone to Stamford Bridge as Jose Mourinho’s replacement.

The Mirror reports that the Blues are assessing the possibility of bringing the former Argentina international to West London, should

•Simeone

Eagles Continues from BP Incidentally, it was just minutes after Ambrose almost put the ball into his own net when his back pass beat an onrushing goalkeeper Carl Ikeme.

Moses Simon scored his second Eagles goal on the hour when he blasted past the Cameroon goalkeeper after he was released by skipper Ahmed Musa.

Substitute Odion Ighalo took the game beyond the Indomitable Lions with a third goal two minutes from time when he headed hoEaqgles me off a delightful cross by Elderson Echiejile from the left flank.

Cameroon would also struggle when skipper Stephane Mbia was sent off in the 47th minute after his second booking C M Y K

of the night.

Before then, Cameroon young goalkeeper Ondoa had to pull off at least two big saves to deny the Super Eagles.

In the ninth minute, the Barcelona second team shot stopper had to go down quickly to keep out a menacing ball heading for goal.

He will also get a strong hand to a pile drive by Emmanuel Emenike after 31 minutes.

But after Nigeria’s goal, Cameroon raised their game and ought to have at least drawn level particularly in the 44th minute when spurs winger Clinton Njie got behind the Eagles defence, but Leonard Kweuku could not get a touch to his pass from inside the six-yard box.

Chelsea’s poor form continue.

The club have endured an abysmal start to the Premier League season, the 3-1 home defeat to Southampton last time out left Mourinho’s men languishing in 16th in the table, having taken just eight points from as many games.

Atleti, meanwhile, sit fifth in La Liga, having

earned a draw with Mourinho’s former club Real Madrid in last weekend’s derby at the Vicente Calderon.

Simeone has enjoyed a glittering four-year spell in charge of Los Colchoneros, claiming the 2011/ 12 Europa League title and the 2012/13 Copa del Rey on top of 2013/14’s La Liga winning campaign.

Egypt bash Zambia 3-0 Portuguese Sporting Braga striker Ahmed Hassan ‘Koka’ bagged a brace to inspire Egypt to a 3-0 friendly win over Zambia at Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi as both teams gear up for the 2018 World Cup qualifications next month.

Koka opened the scoring in stunning

fashion minutes into the game, before adding another one himself three minutes after the break.

Ahly striker Amr Gamal then made it three deep into stoppage time to give Egypt a 3-0 win against an opponent who hardly troubled them throughout the game.

Enyeama Continues from BP Enyeama features for French club Lille, while Ahmed Musa has been in superb form for Russian army club CSKA Moscow in the year under review.

Reigning African Player of the Year Yaya Toure is also on a long list of 37 nominees.

England-based stars Riyad Mahrez from

Algeria, Yannick Bolasie of DR Congo, Ghana’s Andre Ayew, Mame Diouf from Senegal, Kenya’s Victor Wanyama and Gabon skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are also on the list.

Yaya Toure has won this prestigious award four time including in the last three straight years.

HOMAS Muller has suggested he could leave Bayern Munich in favour of a move to the Premier League if a big-money offer comes in.

Bayern chairman KarlHeinz Rummenigge recently revealed that Manchester United attempted to sign the Germany international during the most recent transfer window, before stressing that the Bundesliga champions have no intention of selling the 26-year-old.

However, Muller has refused to rule out a move to England in the future.

“In the end, we should not forget that playing football is our job,” Muller told Welt am Sonntag.

“So people should accept that wages will always play a role in a player’s decision-making. Of course, the wages that are being paid in the Premier League are very tempting.

It would be hypocrisy to deny that.

“You have to look at the complete package to determine whether something is right for you. What’s good for you one day will not necessarily still be good for you the day after.

• Muller “I know that a lot of German clubs are unhappy with the Premier League clubs’ spending, but I think it is something good for all clubs in the end. It can only be a good thing for football when clubs invest so much money.”

Muller has a contract with Bayern until June 2019.

NFF Continues from BP in clear terms that the country is bigger than any individual, and that even if he was determined to quit international football, he did not have to do so in a situation of acrimony.

“I told him that he did so well for Nigeria over the past 13-and-half years that he had been there, and by all means, is deserving of a honourable exit,” the NFF boss said.

“Whatever the situation, whether he decides to return to the team or not, the NFF will organise a worthy testimonial match in his honour because he served the nation so well.

“However, the head coach is in full charge of the team and the camp at all times, and that fact must be respected. The NFF will support and respect the decision of the head coach of any of the national teams at all times.

“Both Oliseh and

Enyeama are true heroes of Nigeria football, if you look at what they achieved at different times. But Oliseh is head coach now and in charge of the team. We will continue to respect his contract; our role as a federation is advisory.”

Pinnick further hinted that a code of conduct for players and officials of the various national teams will soon come into force.

•Pinnick

54 — Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

Enyimba extend lead over rivals E

R

ANGERS head coach Imama Amapakabo has said his side will devise a plan to dim Sunshine Stars in their next match, after settling for a 1-1 draw with visiting Warri Wolves yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu.

“We will work on the lapses to ensure we come out with a different approach that will help us win our next match at Sunshine Stars,” the coach told supersport.

Reflecting on the draw with Wolves, Amapakabo said “the match was more or less a game of two halves, Warri Wolves were by far the best side in the first half of the encounter while we came into the match meaningfully in the second half. We got everything wrong in the first half, allowing Warri Wolves all the room to operate unchallenged. I won’t say I’m happy with the outcome of the match, however it’s still better than losing all the points.”

NYIMBA in creased to five points their lead at the top of the Nigerian league after captain Chinedu Udoji produced the match winner in a 21 home win over a resolute Shooting Stars side yesterday.

Enyimba thus remained top of the league table with 61 points from 33 games.

Closest rivals Warri Wolves were forced to a 1-1 draw by hosts Enugu Rangers and now have 56 points as both Wikki Tourists and Sunshine Stars faltered in their chase of the championship.

Musa Najere gave Enyimba the lead in the 14th minute when he headed in Ugwu Uwadiegwu’s corner.

3SC equalised in the 56th minute through Ajani Ibrahim.

Then skipper Udoji powered home in a header in the 75th minute off Ezekiel Bassey’s cross for the winner.

•Chinedu Udoji (r) of Enyimba contests for the ball during a past game.

Sharks swallow Wikki after Eunisel boost

Title race still open — Warri Wolves W

ARRI Wolves coach Paul Aigbogun has insisted the Nigeria league title race is still open after they were held to a draw by hosts Rangers and leaders Enyimba won at home.

Enyimba opened a five-point gap at the top of the table when they beat Shooting Stars 2-1 and Wolves were held to a 1-1 draw at Rangers in Week 33 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

“The title race is still wide open,” said coach Aigbogun.

Next weekend, Wolves

S

HARKS yesterday continued to swim further out of troubled waters following their 2-0 spanking of title-chasing Wikki Tourist in Port Harcourt.

And it seems that Sharks new-found winning rhythm is not unconnected to the cash for goals promise that their official shirt sponsors, Eunisel Nigeria Limited made to the team on Friday, when it promised to repay the players for every goal scored in a move to steer the club further way from the relegation zone.

And reacting to the latest win, Eunise’s Marketing Communications Manager, Kunmi Balogun, said it was heartening that the club heeded the clarion call to score goals for cash reward.

“It is obvious that this has had its positive effect on the team as the Garden City was agog by the victory the team recorded over visiting Wikki Tourists. The game ended 2-0 in favour of Sharks with goals from Aremu Afeez and Christian Pyagbara. We are happy with their performance”.

Sharks now have 39 points and are 16th on the table.

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Rangers plot to dim Sunshine Stars

•Wolves players celebrate during a previous match

El-Kanemi risk N10m fine for boycotting Ifeanyi Ubah tie

P

LAYERS of ElKanemi Warriors have decided to stay away from yesterday’s NPFL clash at FC Ifeanyi Ubah, thereby gifting the Nnewibased side all three points and three goals.

Chairman of the club, Zanna Mohammed, confirmed that the players refused to travel for the game in protest over unpaid wages.

“It is true that we did not make the trip (for the game against FC Ifeanyiubah),” began a disappointed Mohammed. “The players are insisting that they will not make the trip unless they are paid despite our pleas to them.”

Players of the club refused to talk to supersport.com unless they are guaranteed to be quoted anonymously.

One of the players, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, claimed that they are owed eight months salaries, seven match bonuses as well as 145 per cent signingon fees including 45 per cent from last season.

El-Kanemi could as well face a hefty fine of N10 million for failing to honour their match.

•El-Kanemi players

will be home, while Enyimba will be on the road.

In Enugu, Warri Wolves took the lead after 13 minutes through Gbolahan Salami who slotted home a pass by Kufre Ebong after he was released by Ikechukwu Ibenegbu.

Osas Okoro drew Ranger level in the 51st minute when he stabbed home from deep inside the box.

This was just a minute after striker Emmanuel Eze had been denied by a point-blank save by goalkeeper Okiemute Odah.

It was Wolves eighth draw on the road.

Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015 — 55

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Vanguard, MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2015

C

AF have nominated Nigeria’s Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa for the 2015 African Footballer of the Year.

Continues on Page 53

Enyeama, Musa get CAF Player of the Year nominations

Eagles rebound NFF plans testimonial for Enyeama

•Humiliate Cameroun 3-0 S

UPER Eagles last night in Brussels put to sword fierce rivals Cameroon 3-0 in a much improved display from the loss to DR Congo.

After the shambolic showing against DRC on Thursday, the Super Eagles raised their game against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon to win this friendly and ease pressure on coach Sunday Oliseh after his major falling out with Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama Nigeria deserved their lead in the 39th minute through Efe Ambrose.

The Celtic defender rose above the Cameroon defence to power home a free kick from the right taken by Mikel Obi. Continues on Page 53

T

HE president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has said a testimonial will be organised for Vincent Enyeama, saying he deserves “an honourable exit” from the Super Eagles.

On Saturday, Enyeama returned to Belgium to meet with NFF president Pinnick, NFF 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi and 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko.

Pinnick told Enyeama

Continues on Page 53

RESULTS

WINNERS. . . Super Eagles squad before the friendly match against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun in Belgium.

•Chelsea plot to replace Mourinho with Simeone — P.53 •Enyimba extend lead over rivals — P.54

Giwa Sharks Taraba Enyimba Bayelsa Lobi Stars Akwa Kano Pillars Rangers Malawi Ethiopia Kenya

1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1

NPFL

Dolphins Wikki Heartland Shooting Stars Nasarawa Kwara Abia Warriors Sunshine Stars Wolves

World Cup qualifying 1 3 0

Tanzania Sao Tome Mauritius

0 0 0 1 2 1 0 1 1 0 0 0

QUICK CR OSS WORD CROSS OSSWORD

T OD AY'S PUZZLE ODA

FRI DAY'S ANS WERS FRID ANSWERS

ACROSS 1 Fashionable (4) 4 Lout (3) 6 Shortage (4) 8 Ready (6) 9 Passionate (6) 10 Girl’s (3) 12 Animals (5) 14 Cut (5) 15 Singer (5) 18 Maintain (6) 20 Pressing (6) 24 Irrigate (5) 26 Last (5) 28 Loiter (5) 30 Pig-pen (3) 32 Uproar (6) 33 Whole (6) 34 Stunt (4) 35 Faucet (3) 36 Consider (4)

DOWN 2 Stern (5) 3 Vie (7) 4 Curse (4) 5 Dread (4) 6 Embed (5) 7 Trouble (7) 11 Self (3) 12 Ocean (3) 13 Fix (3) 16 Novel (3) 17 Groove (3) 19 Relaxation (7) 21 Colour (3) 22 Allowed (7) 23 Attempt (3) 25 Deed (3) 27 On high (5) 29 Huge (5) 30 Chair (4) 31 Yap (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Bawdy 7, Ahead 8, Elder Sound 12, Air 13, Never 15, Yearned Eroded 19, Vim 20, Defiled 23, Duct Deep 26, Erected 30, Awe 31, Demure Obscene 37, Meter 38, Yak 39, Taper Aspen 41, Agree 42, Stone.

10, 17, 25, 34, 40,

DOWN: 1, Cheer 2, Based 3, Adored 4, Deny 5, Alarmed 6, Beret 9, Din 11, Devised 13, Needy 14, Voice 16, All 18, Descent 21, Debut 22, Upper 24, Tracked 27, Ewe 28, Demean 29, Abyss 32, Merge 33, Repel 35, Sap 36, East.

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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