Onshore-offshore oildebate settled — FG

...towards a better life for the people VOL. 25: NO. 61710

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ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

N150

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Suspend talks on 2015, Tukur tells Jonathan, Sambo •P.6

US EMBASSY ATTACKS: ....Protests spread across Middle East

•P.5

Onshore-offshore oil debate settled — FG •Says Issue resolved by Supreme Court since 2005

BY IKECHUKWU NNOCHIRI

•Warns politicians not to overheat polity A •NBA wants retired judges to appear as advocates in courts

BUJA—THE At torney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, yesterday, adduced reasons why the controversial issue of onshore-offshore dichotomy in the allocation of derivation proceeds in the country cannot be revisited by the Federal Govern-

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STATE OF THE NATION: Prosperity through peace •P.45

DONU KOGBARA: •P.17

Mr & Mrs GUILD OF EDITORS CONFAB—From right: Labaran Maku, Minister for Information and Communications; Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Chairman of the occasion; Senate President, David Mark; Governor God'swill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State and Mr Gbenga Adefaye, President, Nigerian Guild of Editors/GM Publications/Editor-in-Chief Vanguard Newspapers, during the annual Conference of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, yesterday, at the Banquet Hall of the Akwa-Ibom State Government House Uyo. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke.

Why we disagree with Mark, Maku urge Nigerian Editors to promote ICJ judgment, GTA national interest Pg.7 Pg.26 — Gov. Imoke C M Y

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POCKET CARTOON

Onshore-offshore oil debate settled — FG Continues from Page 1 ment.

The AGF maintained that the matter had been laid to rest by the Supreme Court since 2005.

Consequently, he warned politicians to desist from overheating the polity with arguments bordering on “the desirability or otherwise of re-opening the issue of the abrogation of the onshore-offshore dichotomy." He said: “In the light of the unanimous position of the Supreme Court on this issue, expressed since 2005, it behoves on us all to promote the sanctity of our judicial system by recognizing that the pronouncements of the Supreme Court should neither be treated with levity nor be subjected to undue politicization in the name of politics or the pursuit of particular interests.”

Issue settled by Supreme Court Adoke, who made the assertion at a valedictory court session that was conducted by the apex court in honour of Justice Francis Fedode Emomotimi Tabai, who bowed out of active judicial service upon clocking 70 years on July 25, said: “It is per-

tinent to remind all interest groups in the matter that it is too early in the day to forget that this esteemed court, in the matter of A.G Adamawa & 21 Ors v. AG. Federation & 8 Ors [2005] 18 NWLR (Part 958) 581, was invited to rule on the constitutionality or otherwise of the Allocation of Revenue (Abolition of Dichotomy in the Application of the Principle of Derivation) Act 2004.

“The court, in a well reasoned judgment after benefiting from the submissions of some of our country ’s finest legal minds, reached the wellreasoned conclusion that the Act was not in conflict with the 1999 Constitution and was, indeed, properly made by the National Assembly to place the implementation of section 162 of the 1999 Constitution on a more ‘certain and predictable basis’.

“Indeed, Hon. Justice G.A Oguntade, JSC (as he then was) put the matter succinctly when he declared as follows in his supporting judgment: ‘There is no doubt that this court has the jurisdiction to invalidate a law which is contrary to or inconsistent with the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria. I have examined the 2004 Act again and again with a view to determining if there is anything intrinsic to it

LIFEWORDS

BY PASTOR ITUAH

Never force yourself to become what you can’t be, because “no matter how long a log may float in the water, it will never become a crocodile”

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Nothing truly valuable arises from ambition or from a mere sense of duty; it stems rather from love and devotion towards men and towards objective things — -Albert Einstein

P

AULO Coelho, an outstanding author shared this insightful story: A group of wise men gathered to discuss the work of God; they wanted to know why He had left it to the sixth day to create man. “He thought about first organizing the universe well, so that we could have all the marvels available to us,” said one of them.

“First of all, he wanted to run some tests on animals, so that he would not make the same mistakes with us,” argued another. One wise guy showed up at the meeting. They told him the theme of the discussion. “In your opinion, why did God leave it to the last day to create man?” “Very simple,” commented the wise man. “So that when we were moved by pride, we would remember that even a simple mosquito enjoyed priority in the work of the Divine.”

Sometimes we humans take our self worth too serious; one should always aspire to live graciously with all of life.

which is contrary to the letter and spirit of the 1999 constitution.

“I could not find such matter. Rather it is a legislation, which in my view, is directed at placing the implementation of the provisions of section 162 of the 1999 Constitution on a more certain and predictable basis. I do not see the law as a legislative judgment by the National Assembly. It is based on its tenor and language not an attempt to cede land to oil-producing states."

He continued: “One notes with grave concern the recent deliberate attempt to resurrect this debate and elevate it to the level of an urgent national issue, with all its potentials to generate acrimonious wrangling within the polity, as if it were a fresh matter on which there had been no judicial determination in the past.

“Our country faces challenges today as we pursue the consolidation of our democracy and the triumph of the rule of law in all aspects of our national life. While there will undoubtedly be stresses and strains as we continue on the journey to perfect nationhood, a credible and truly independent judiciary remains the best guarantee for political stability and social cohesion.

“Let me assure you therefore that the Executive arm of Government will continue to work closely with the judiciary to ensure that together, we build a country founded on justice, prosperity and equal opportunities for all."

NBA makes case for retired judges, others Meantime, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, yesterday, called for a repeal of section 292(a) of the 1999 Constitution with a view to making it possible for retired judges and former judicial officers to appear as advocates in Nigerian courts and tribunals.

In an address that was presented before the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Mariam Aloma Mukhtar, by the national president of the

NBA, Chief Okey Wali, SAN, yesterday, the legal body, argued that “the much-touted fear that former judges, if allowed to practice at the bar, might overwhelm their serving colleagues before whom they appear, thus engendering unfairness, loses sight of several important factors.

“In the first place, powerful or wealthy advocates already have the potential to overwhelm any timorous spirits on the Bench. Secondly, most Nigerian judges are bold spirits, not easily swayed by the status of lawyers who appear before them. Thirdly, if the fear of influence were to be the deciding factor, then, why should we allow spouses at the Bar to appear before their spouses on the Bench, when the judgment might be written in the bedroom?

“Or former partners to appear before their former partners who have been elevated to the Bench? Any person with potentials of being so intimidated should not be on the bench at all."

CJN extols Tabai's virtues Meanwhile, extolling the virtues of Justice Tabai who spent 42 years in active legal practice, 39 years as a judge out of which six years was spent on the apex court bench, the CJN, Justice Mukhtar, said he was “diligent, quick to capture the intricacy of the cases and was of great assistance to the court.”

Going down memory lane, the CJN, said: “The birth and survival of Hon. Justice Tabai can best be described as a miraculous one. Before his birth, his mother gave birth eight times, amongst which were two sets of twins. Thus before his birth, his mother gave birth to ten children but each of them died before he or she was a year old.

“It was only the grace of God through fervent prayers by his family and the community as a whole that ensured the survival of the Justice Tabai we have here today.”

In his remarks, Justice Tabai who hails from

Torugbene village in Delta State, said: “Nigeria has a duty to try and de-emphasize the differences between Christianity and Islamic regions. Look at us at the Bench, though we are of different religions, yet, there was that unparalleled cordiality and friendliness among all of us.”

Besides, he urged legal practitioners to eschew the habit of castigating judges in the media, even as he called

for more synergy between the Bar and the Bench with a view to moving the judiciary forward.

Among those that attended the valedictory session included Chief Edwin Clerk, former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, among other eminent members of the legal profession in Nigeria.

US Embassy attacks ....Protests spread across Middle East

U

NITED States President Mr. Barack Obama, yesterday, tightened security in American embassies across the world, after the assault that killed the country's Ambassador to Libya, Mr. Chris Stevens and three others. This came as anti American protests spread to Yemen, Berlin, Sudan, Bangladesh and Morocco.

Obama, who said this at a re-election campaign rally in Golden, Colorado, also said he and his aides had been in contact with other governments “to let them know they’ve got a responsibility to protect our citizens.”

Reports said demonstrators attacked the U.S. embassies in Yemen and Egypt, yesterday, to protest at a film they considered blasphemous to Islam, even as American warships headed to Libya.

The U.S. consulate in Berlin was partially evacuated after an employee fell ill on opening a suspicious envelope. Bangladeshi Islamists tried to march to the U.S. embassy in Dhaka and Iranian students protested in Tehran. Reports said

there were protests outside U.S. missions in Tunisia, Sudan and Morocco.

Hundreds of Yemenis broke through the main gate of the heavily fortified compound in the capital Sanaa, shouting: “We sacrifice ourselves for you, Messenger of God”. They smashed windows of security offices outside the embassy and burned cars.

“We can see a fire inside the compound and security forces are firing in the air. The demonstrators are fleeing and then charging back,” one witness told Reuters. A security source said at least 15 people were wounded, some by gunfire, before the Yemeni government ringed the area with troops. An embassy spokesman said its personnel were safe.

There was no casualties from the chaotic incident as the government of Yemen said it will honour international obligations to ensure the safety of diplomats and will step up security presence around all foreign missions,” the statement read.

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6—Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Suspend talks on 2015, Tukur tells Jonathan, Sambo ...harps on performance, infrastructure development

BY HENRY UMORU

A

BUJA—THE National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur yesterday urged President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo to deliver on energy and infrastructure and put on hold discussions on 2015.

According to Tukur, he was not interested on who emerges for the 2015 general elections, just as he said the next three years for the nation’s polls was not his immediate concern.

Speaking on Wednesday during a media interactive session to mark his 77th birthday anniversary at his Abuja residence, the PDP National Chairman stressed that what preoccupied his mind now was how to build a strong party that will transform the country to a greater level as well as focus on who will deliver on the party ’s manifesto.

He admitted that his interest in 2015 lies on who will deliver on agriculture, energy, health and other sectors that would help to transform the country, reiterating that PDP under his leadership would not guarantee automatic tickets for incumbent political office holders in the 2015 general elections.

Tukur said, "PDP has been in government for 13 years because the party is consistent. We are not talking of 2015, but infrastructure development, energy, health, agriculture among others. We are talking of performance and not 2015.

Give us energy. I am not after 2015 now, all I am interested in is selling the person who has done well based on his performance to the people by 2015.

When we get to the bridge of 2015, we will cross it.”

Reconciliation, key to unity in PDP The PDP National Chairman also told newsmen that if the nation’s problems must be addressed, there was the urgent need for the government to pay serious attention to education, adding that the country’s security challenges could be effectively addressed if the people were better informed through

education.

When asked why members of the National Working Committee, NWC were not at the function, Bamanga Tukur explained that he was not fighting his members and that he got to know about the function at about 6pm.

The PDP national chairman who emphasized that his agenda for the party was based on three Rs, three Ds and three Es aimed at transforming the party and by extension Nigeria, however, explained that the three Rs, which are reconciliation, reformation and rebuilding will help to reconcile the warring factions in the party

and by extension Nigeria, while the three Ds which stand for defence, dialogue and diplomacy would help to defend one in term of aggression, dialogue in a given situations so that peace would reign in the country and diplomacy whereby volatile situation could be addressed.

Education, panacea to Nigeria's problems The three Es, which stand for Environment, Energy and Education, the National Chairman of the party said would also help to develop the country.

While the environment would be sustained, Tukur

maintained that improving energy would develop the country, while education would help to transform the country and put Nigeria among the most developed nations.

Tukur who expressed optimism that with effective utilisation of the country‘s natural endowments, national development would be guaranteed, said, "there is nothing that Nigeria does not have, whatever America and Europe have got, we have got too but to achieve development, we have to build a stable platform and take care of our environment.”

CONFAB—From left: Nigerian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, F.A. Rotimi; Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Speakers of Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Sam Ikon, Katsina State House of Assembly, Yau Umar Gwajogwajo and others during the 58th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, yesterday.

$195m shortfall in funding hampers Nigeria's fight against polio eradication zFresh cases reported in 3 states

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

F

RESH facts have emerged that Nigeria’s polio eradication drive is being confronted by a $195.83 million shortfall in funds to meet up operational costs and procurement of doses of the Oral Polio vaccine, OPV, for the 2012-2013 National Immunisation Plus Days, NIPDs, and sub-National Plus Immunisation Days, SNIPDs, just as six fresh cases of the wild polio virus have been recorded in Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states bringing the total number of polio cases in the country so far for 2012 to 83.

A report by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, GPEI, shows that although $300 million is required for operational costs and procurement of oral polio vaccines for four rounds of NIPDs and nine rounds of SNIPDs during the 2012 2013 period, the shortfall was being incurred because some of the donor partners were yet to confirm their counterpart funds.

The GPEI which is being spearheaded by Nigeria and several other agencies, including the WHO, Rotary International, US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, and UNICEF, had expressed worry over the sustained mixture of operational and social factors confronting Nigeria’s polio eradication programme, causing many children in the country to

be missed in key geographic areas and population groups.

Meanwhile, six fresh cases of the wild polio virus transmission were reported in Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto states. Vanguard gathered that in the wake of numerous operational issues including insecurity and funding gaps, that are making the northern states of Nigeria a challenging place to fight polio, the Federal Government is exploring the possibility of implementing the success story of India, which has been polio-free since January 12, 2011, to try to turn around the situation of the polio eradication.

Although the Federal Ministry of Health declined to comment on the development, Vanguard gathered that lessons from the Indian experience are to be fully integrated in Nigeria, with the possibility of allocating relevant technical support to further boost the planning and monitoring of the upcoming National Immunisation Plus Days, NIPDs. In line with this, Indian surveillance medical officers would be on ground to provide technical support during the immunisations and state-wide mop-up exercises to be conducted September 15-18, 2012 in 219 “poor performing” wards of the most wild polio virus-prone states including Taraba, where wild polio virus type three cases were discovered recently.

....As opposition parties tell PDP to prepare for exit in 2015

BY SONI DANIEL

A

B U J A — EMBOLDENED by the confession by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that it was fast losing its members, leading opposition parties yesterday warned the ruling party to prepare for its exit in 2015.

Three parties, Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, Congress for Progressive Change and All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP, said the loss of PDP members to the opposition was a signal of the looming defeat starring the ruling party on its face.

According to them, the development was borne out of the over 13 years of unmitigated deception, failure and disappointment, which the ruling party’s government had subjected Nigerians to.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said it was not surprising that PDP was losing members since it had been subjecting Nigerians to avoidable hardship .

He said: “The PDP-led government has failed to provide the basic needs of the majority of Nigerians and they will continue to lose not only members but the confidence of Nigerians who cannot be taken for a

ride forever.

“In fact, if a referendum is conducted today, Nigerians would be very glad to kick out the PDP and pave the way for a new government that will take care of their basic needs and move the country forward".

The CPC in a reaction by its spokesman, Mr. Rotimi Fashakin, stated that it was inevitable for the PDP to lose its members to the opposition, which had become more and more attractive in terms of entrenching value-based governance.

Fashakin noted that the loss of members would continue until the PDP is finally buried in the next election because of its

fading glory arising from years of toying with Nigerians’ welfare without any remorse.

He said, “With a citizenry flustered by ineptitude of the PDP-bred leadership, it is clear that there would be pressure on the party’s membership to find political solace elsewhere. It is very likely for the trend to continue unabated because of PDP’s fading glory.

“Although the PDP national chairman’s admission of the loss of members might have come from a Freudian slip, it is definitely an unenviable task to admit the party’s waning glory,” he noted.

On his part, the ANPP National Publicity Secretary,

Emma Eneukwu, stated that with the way the ruling party was losing its members to the opposition, it was clear that Nigerians were no longer ready to go with a fading party in the next election.

Eneukwu said, “The PDP will receive shocks in the 2015 election if there is any semblance of free and fair election. Nigerians are prepared to dump the PDP that has been disappointing them in the last 13 years and seek solace in other parties.

“What is happening in PDP today is a sign of loss of confidence by Nigerians and the party has already seen the defeat that is awaiting it in 2015".

Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—7

Mark, Maku urge Nigerian Editors to promote national interest zAdefaye laments security challenges, says we 're all victims

BY TONY NYONG

U

YO—THE Minister of Information, Mr Labaran Maku, has advised Nigerian editors to define and promote national interest in their daily reportage.

Maku gave the advice yesterday in Uyo at the opening ceremony of the 8th All Nigeria Editors Conference organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE. He lauded Nigerian journalists for being always at the forefront of nationalist movements and the fight for Nigeria’s unity.

Maku said: “Under all periods, nobody had been able to cow the media; not even in the period of national emergency and military dictatorship.” He added that every editor was a nationalist and as gatekeepers they owed the nation a duty to protect its interest.

He noted that though Nigeria was facing security challenges, “there are so many good things that are happening that the editors should emphasize in the media.”

The minister urged editors to realize that though ‘Boko Haram’ was a major challenge, the greatest challenge was the need to promote the county’s unity.

“The development of millions of people is under threat; we can report it, not as a football match, but in a way that makes the nation feel a sense of confidence in the face of threat.”

Earlier in his welcome address, the NGE President, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, noted that the country had regrettably attracted global attention because of insecurity, suicide bombings and sectarian violence.

In the address entitled “We are all victims”, Adefaye observed that the insurgents’ resort to the bombing of media houses and killing of journalists was borne out of their wrong perception of the media.

Adefaye said: “It is a mistake to attack and destroy the medium of dialogue, which they will need ultimately to resolve their grievances.

“There can never be justification for bombing media houses and killing

journalists, no matter the grudges.”

He said the conference theme, ‘The Nigerian Editor and National Security’, was intended to help editors understand and acquire the skills for conflicts reportage, as well as build confidence between the media, government and the people.

Balanced reporting Senate President David Mark in declaring the Nigerian Guild of Editors Conference open urged the media, especially editors as the gatekeepers to ensure balanced reportage. He said: "I don’t believe that you are an opposing party, but I do believe that we are working towards the same goal of giving information to the people and the information you give, can only be based on what you see, and what is the reality on the ground based on fact.

"I am particularly pleased to be invited to declare this conference open. I am pleased because the theme of this conference is very apt at this point in time in the Nigerian history; ‘The Nigerian Editor and National Security’, and there can never be any better time for us to discuss this particular theme. The role of the media in the continuing evolution of the society cannot be overemphasized.

"Besides the traditional role of informing, entertaining and educating the public, the media have become an important tool of the state craft in the modern era. However the dynamics of the media are quite different, they vary in different countries.

"National security dwells on national survival, as well as the preservation of our ways of life. I must quickly add that I am a firm believer in the standard definition of the national security, which includes food security, infrastructure security, environmental security, health security, and even the welfare of reporters, because these things are important and they add to national security.

"The Editor is rightly called the gatekeeper who has the role to decide what

the public should know and picks from a sunray of news items, that which attract the readers and also help to maximize profit for the proprietors of the medium.

But I think the problem is the balance between what will make you remain in business, and what becomes national security issue. There is no list of what is classified as national security list, if there is a comprehensive list, then we will also be able to criticize it and agree on what should constitute a comprehensive list of what is national security, so the editor should be able to use their imaginations."

FOI Act The Senate President said the Freedom of Information

Bill has provided the guidelines for positive reporting and that the Nigerian media was the freest in the world.

Osoba commends editors The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Segun Osoba, commended the leadership of the guild for choosing a very apt theme bordering on national security.

Osoba, a veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun, noted that journalists had always been among the first casualties in any conflict situation in the country.

He recalled that the first casualty during the country’s civil war was a journalist. He also hailed

the association for elevating issues of national importance to the level of intellectual discourse.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the media should take advantage of the ongoing constitution amendment process being carried out in the National Assembly.

Tambuwal who was represented by his Deputy, Emeka Ihedioha, said: "Let me use the opportunity to restate the firm resolve of the leadership of the House to allow Nigerians decide the kind of amendments desired on the issues identified.

"As elected representatives of the people, we will never impose our will on the people from whom we

derive our mandate, we will pander to the wellarticulated interest of the people as far as the constitution amendment process is concerned.

Nigerians of all shades and opinions should therefore come out and drive the process by telling us what they want."

Welcoming the Editors, Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State called for the institution of cyber crime department in the police force.

The governor said corruption was a reflection of low level of patriotism, and called on Nigerians to move beyond personal interest and ethnic groups and communities, and consider the interest of the nation.

See pix on page 10

MEETING—From right: Vice President Namadi Sambo; Minister of State Defence, Erelu Olusola Obada; Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshal Oluseyi Petintrin and Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika during a meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House, Abuja, yesterday. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida.

....Jonathan reassurres on security

BY BEN AGANDE

A

BUJA—DESPITE the myriads of problem confronting the country, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday reassured that the country will overcome the challenges and emerge as a very strong, united, stable and economicallyprogressive nation.

He spoke when he bade

the outgoing Austrian Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Stefan Scholz, farewell.

According to the President, his administration was steadfastly evolving and implementing policies and measures to tackle the country ’s current developmental challenges, including those related to national security and power supply, adding that some of the positive effects of the

policies being implemented by the Federal Government will become increasingly manifest in the coming months.

While commending the outgoing ambassador for his efforts at improving bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and Austria, the president told the ambassador ; “You have done wonderfully well and we are quite pleased with what you have achieved

here”.

The out going ambassador described his tenure in Nigeria as a great “honour, privilege and opportunity” to get new perspectives on development.

While commending the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, the ambassador pledged Austria’s continued support to Nigeria towards its successful implementation.

8—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Publishers, Police raid book pirates of the book pirates, Chief Fredrick Ogbalu, in Onitsha effects adding that apart from who spoke at the Onitsha

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A PROMO: From left— Prince Emmanuel Jemmiwe, Acting Director, NLRC; Mr. Saheed Balogun, veteran actor; Prince Obika Ejezie, winner of SUV car; Mr. Obi Iregbu, Asst. Director, NLRC, and Mrs Funmi Olaogun, Master Brand MTN, at the final prize presentation to winners in the MTN Automania promo in Lagos. PHOTO: Diran Oshe.

NAFDAC, NYSC set up CDS

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—MANAGE MENT of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has established Community Development Services, CDS, in collaboration with National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in Imo State in a bid to curb drug abuse, misuse and counterfeiting.

Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, who spoke while inaugurating the committee in Owerri, said the agency

would not relent until the fake drugs are eradicated in the country.

Orhii was represented on the occasion by the Head of NAFDAC in the state, Mr. Victor Mmamelu.

State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Chinwe Ojukwu, said she “will give the desired management support to ensure that the CDS group was operational.

Orhii said: “The collaboration with NYSC was because NYSC has the highest number of graduate youths in every nook and cranny of this country.”

ERA/FoEN task FG on renewable energy

E

NVIRONMENTAL Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria, ERA/ FoEN, civil society and community-based groups across the country have called on the Nigerian government to demonstrate commitment to reducing carbon emissions and deforestation by developing a national programme on re-

Fidau

F

IDAU prayers will be held for Alhaja Sidikat Edu, a prominent Muslim women leader at Anwar Islam and Nasfat, on September 22, in Lagos.

Alhaja Edu, who died August 8, aged 82, has since being buried according to Muslim rites.

She is survived by children and grand-children, among whom are Dcns Ranti Adewoyin of Living Faith Church, Ota; Mr. Tolani Adeola and Mrs Abiodun Ajetunmobi.

Late Alhaja Edu. C M Y K

newable energy and promotion of non-grind energy that local communities should be integrated into.

The groups made the demand at a workshop convened by ERA/FoEN in Benin, Edo State capital, to present the research findings of a baseline study conducted to ascertain the energy consumption patterns in rural communities in Nigeria.

Participants were from Delta, Edo and Ekiti states, as well as communitybased organisations and civil society.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the workshop, the groups demanded that the Federal Government deploy a substantial portion of Nigeria’s ecological funds to renewable energy projects in the states to address climate change and energy poverty, especially in rural communities.

Mr. Godwin Ojo, ERA/ FoEN Director, Programmes & Administration, said: “The time is ripe for the Nigerian government to move beyond mere talks and shift from fossil fuelbased energy sources to renewables such as solar, wind turbines, and minihydro projects that are offgrid and in tune with local production, supply and maintenance. These require no gigantic infrastructure.”

WKA—BOOK pirates operating in the commercial city of Onitsha, yesterday, had a rough deal as the police arrested one of them (names withheld), while five others escaped.

The Onitsha branch of the Nigeria Publishers Association had over the years been complaining of the negative

putting members of the association out of business, they have been churning out poor quality books, which often confuse users.

Worried by the development, the association, with the assistance of the police, raided the offices of the syndicate and dislodged them, yesterday.

Secretary of the association, Mr. Felix Ogbalu, son of renowned author, late

Area Police Command, said they got information on the latest activities of the pirates and alerted the Area Commander, who ordered his men to raid and arrest the alleged pirates.

Two bus-load of pirated books of publishers such as, Kawuriz and Manilas, Heinemann Publishers, Macmillian, Longman and Africana First Publishers Limited, were confiscated.

Orient Petrol: Obi slams Enugu, Kogi communities' claim on oil deposits

BY VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA—GOVERNOR Peter Obi of Anambra State, yesterday, slammed claims by some communities in Enugu and Kogi states on the oil deposits around the newly-commissioned Orient Petroleum in Aguleri Layout, Anambra East Local Government Area, for waiting for Anambra to commission the oil facility before making their claims.

In a broadcast in Awka, the governor noted that none of the people making claims invested any money in the petroleum company, even as it took many years to materialise.

Obi said: “It is pertinent to recall that Orient Petroleum Resources Plc was formed during the government of Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju in 2001 and allocated oil fields domiciled in Anambra State.

“The Board is peopled by prominent Nigerians of Anambra extraction such as Chief Emeka Anyaoku (Chairman); Dr. Alex Ekwueme (Vice-Chairman), and Chief Arthur Mbanefo, among others. Its management is led by Engr. Emeka Nwawka.

“Though Dr. Mbadinuju did not make any direct monetary contribution, under Dr. Chris Ngige (20032006), Anambra State government invested N100 million in the project.

“Under our government (between 20062009), Anambra State, with the vision and be-

lief in the positive impact of the project on the economy of the state and country, invested, directly and indirectly, N4.4 billion, which bolstered the confidence of other investors in the venture that made its commissioning a reality.

“Whilst my predecessors never visited the site, I personally laid the foundation of the refinery. I have also visited the site several times since 2006 without any group or state interfering in its ownership as is

now the case following the announcement of drilling of oil there.

“It is also pertinent to note that till date, neither the group nor the states laying claim to the oil field have, directly or indirectly, invested a kobo in the project, while Anambra State and her people have invested several billions.

“Let me at this juncture state that Anambra State believes in good neighbourliness and will, in conformity with our nature, al-

ways admire and celebrate other states which may become producers of oil or any other mineral resource in the future.

“However, we believe that people’s hard work, sacrifices and investment should be allowed to match their opportunities.

“Anambra will remain a good neigbour and will continue to pray for oil to be discovered in other states so that Nigeria will emerge an economic giant in the comity of nations.”

... as CNPP, CLO condemn Enugu's N13bn secretariat project

BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—THE N13 bil lion proposed new state secretariat complex, which Enugu State government intends to build, attracted angry reaction, yesterday, from the state chapter of Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, which has vowed to mobilise stakeholders in the state against the project.

CLO declared that a new secretariat complex was not priority programme for the government or its people, saying it was like “pouring salt into a soak-away pit.”

Also criticising the government’s decision to embark on such a gigantic project in the face of high level unemployment, Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, Enugu State chapter, alleged that the Sullivan Chime administration and Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, intend to use the project to save

money for the 2015 elections.

CNPP comprises nine political parties, namely Action Congress of Nigeria, can; All Nigeria Peoples Party, ANPP; All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA; Congress for Progressive Change, CPC; Justice Party, JP; Labour Party, LP; National Solidarity Democratic Party, NSDP; Peoples Party of Nigeria, PPN, and Republican Party of Nigeria, RPN. A communique signed by Adonys Igwe and John Nwobodo on behalf of the opposition parties, said: “The proposed building of a new secretariat at a cost of N13 billion is unacceptable. We advise the governor to put his priorities right.

“What is wrong with the existing secretariat? The structure is still solid and was built in accordance with international best building standards and could still

last longer than a century.

It is an ancient heritage, a monument that must be guarded jealously.

“Building a new secretariat in the midst of alarming levels of youth unemployment is a wild goose chase. The governor should channel the money earmarked for the proposed project into building at least one industry in each of the three senatorial districts and in revitalising moribund industries such as AVOP, Sunrise Flour Mill and Nigergas, among others.”

Meanwhile, it was alleged that retired teachers were being owed pension arrears of over 27 months.

Speaking with Vanguard on the development yesterday, Enugu State chairman of CLO, Mr. Osmond Ugwu, said the proposed secretariat complex was the most “wasteful project” the Chime administration would ever embark upon.

Cleric advocates return of schools to ‘original owners'

U

MUAHIA—A Catholic cleric, yesterday, said the clamour for the return of mission schools to its original owners was to ensure proper moral train-

ing for students and to raise the standard of education.

Director Media and Communications, Catholic Secretariat, Archdiocese of Abuja, Rev. Fr. Ralph

Madu, said: “If such schools are returned, the standard of Nigerian graduates will improve.”

The cleric noted that the pervasive immorality in the

society such as cultism, drug addiction, indiscipline, corruption, prostitution and violent crimes were all connected to faulty education foundation.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—9

Tension at NTA over ED's retirement

BY EMMA UJAH, Abuja Bureau Chief

A

BUJA—THERE is tension in the board and management of Nigerian Television Authority, NTA, over the decision of the Executive Director, ED, (Marketing) Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzodinma, not to retire after 35 years of service.

The ED, considered as one of NTA’s most lucrative Directorates, as learnt, had approached the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, to give notice

of her retirement from service as a career officer to continue her tenured appointment, but some interests in NTA have seen the move as contrary to extant public service rules.

Extant public service rules prescribe 60 years of age or 35 years of service, whichever comes first, as the point of mandatory retirement, which must be strictly complied with. However, it makes an allowance for those who reach any of the two but wish to remain in office in a tenured appoint-

ment capacity.

The affected ED, who filed May 17, 1953 as her date of birth, joined NTA on September 15, 1977 and therefore, will clock 35 years in service on September 15, 2012, which is Saturday, this week. Since Saturday is a non-work day, she is, ordinarily, expected to vacate her office today.

The brewing controversy stems from the fact that the lady in question was appointed ED in 2008. Although the appointment letter, which was signed by

LASAA concludes enumeration

T

HE enumeration exer cise to capture data of all paid and unpaid signage and outdoor advertising structures embarked on by Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency, LASAA, in March 2012, has ended, with a record of 300 percent increase in signs, 70 percent in billboards.

The project, a key component of LASAA’s Outdoor Master plan, was aimed at making the agency operate

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efficiently. It involved verifying, collating and evaluating a detailed robust and structured signage/outdoor database.

Speaking at the sendforth ceremony organised for the enumerators, the Managing Director of the agency, Mr. George Noah commended the 475 temporary workers for a job well done. He also used the opportunity to explain the benefits of the exercise.

Noah said: ‘’From the re-

ports compiled by the Enumeration Project Team, we now have good database.

We recorded over 300 percent increase in signs not previously captured on our books and a huge increase of 70 percent in the number of billboards (third party structures).

“The enumeration has confirmed our earlier assumption that signs and outdoor structures on our books were enormously understated.”

one Dr. A. K. Mohammed on behalf of the Minister of Information, bears February 13, 2009, the appointment was backdated to November 17, 2008.

Available documents indicate that Mrs. Uzodinma and her six ED colleagues were all appointed to the Board on November 17, 2008. The last Director-General, Alh. Mohammed Magawata, was appointed in May of the same 2008.

It was learnt that Alh. Magawata and two of the Eds, who had clocked 35 years in service, have since retired and several board and top management members also expect the ED (Marketing) to leave office upon reaching 35 years in service, which is due this weekend.

Sources said that the current disquiet in NTA stems fromthefactthatalthoughthe affected officer was, in 2009, reminded by the administration of the television organisation to resign if she wanted to run her term appointment, she did nothing until only last year and almost three years after her appointment as ED before she decided to apply

for retirement.

In particular, other board members and top management staff, as learnt, are spoiling for a showdown with the ED should she fail to vacate her office today.

The extant public service rules of July 27, 2009, also provides that career officers currently holding tenured appointments are required to retire from service and continue to run their term. Issued under the administration of Mr. Steve Oronsaye, the then Head of Service, the extant Public Service Rules provides “that public officers, who wish to take up tenured appointment should resign at the point of taking up the appointment, retire from service to ensure they run their term uninterrupted.

“That career officers who are currently holding tenured appointment are required to retire from service with immediate effect and continue to run their tenured.

“Failure to do so, would vacate office on attaining the mandatory retirement age or at the expiration of their term, whichever comes first.”

I've not declared intention on 2015, says Aliyu

BY WOLE MOSADOMI

M

INNA—GOVERNOR Babangida Aliyu of Niger State has said he has not declared his intention to contest the 2015 presidency, contrary to reports portraying him as vying for the position.

Aliyu said he was surprised to read reports that he had declared interest to contest the said election in a section of the media, pointing out that he had not made any formal declaration.

He spoke while receiving members of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Zone ‘B’ that paid him a solidarity visit in Minna, yesterday.

According to him, most of the problems he was facing in the state in the past few weeks were as a result of the fact that most people see him as a strong contender in the 2015 political race in the state.

10—Vanguard , FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

THE NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS ANNUAL CONFERENCE Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, held its annual conference at the Banquet Hall of AkwaIbom State Government House, Uyo, yesterday. PHOTOS: Nwankpa Chijioke.

From left— Mr. Mideno Bayagbon, Editor, Vanguard Newspaper; Mr. Celestine Ogolo, GM, Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, and Mr. Fred Fabor, Editor, Special Projects/Communication, New Waves.

From left— Senator David Mark, Senate President; Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, and Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, President, Nigerian Guild of Editors and GM Publications/Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers.

From right— Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, representing the Speaker; Obong Nsima Ekere, Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, and Senator Ita Enang.

From left— Prof. Adesoji Adelaja, Economic Intelligence Adviser to the National Security Adviser; Obong Umana Okon Umana, Akwa Ibom State SSG, and Mr. Labaran Maku, Minister of Information.

Mr. Garba Mohammed, National President, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, (left) and Mr. Tunde Lemo, Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria.

Mr. Ray Ekpu (right) and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.

A cross section of participants.

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ABOVE: From left— Mr. Paul Bassey; Victoria Ibanga, former Managing Editor, Champion Newspapers, and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu.

RIGHT: Dr. Reuben Abati, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Goodluck Jonathan (left), and Comfort Obi.

Band boys.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—11

Unemployed Ijaw graduates give Chevron 7–day ultimatum

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

VISIT: Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State (left) and Dr. Omoefe Asemota, Executive Director, Nigerian Institute for Oilpalm Research (NIFOR) during the latter's courtesy visit to the governor in Benin City, yesterday.

Ex-militant leader shot dead, police officer injured in Delta

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—AN exmilitant commander, Selekeme Alade, was shot dead and a police officer wounded by a police patrol team on the hunt for fleeing armed robbers on Okoloba Road, Effurun, near Warri, on Wednesday evening.

Angry Ijaw youths besieged Ekpan Police Station, Ekpan, Thursday morning, in protest, and it took the combined efforts of police officers and soldiers to dislodge them.

Selekeme, said to be an indigene of Ogiraigbene community in Bomadi Local Government Area, was reportedly returning from a restaurant where he went to buy food when the incident oc-

curred.

Police Area Commander in Warri, Hussein Rabiu, confirmed to Vanguard when contacted, yesterday, that there was an incident in which a policeman and one other person were shot, but the circumstance surrounding the shooting was ambiguous.

Contrary to the allegation that the police officers mounted an illegal checkpoint, he said they were on patrol when they heard people shouting ‘ robbers, robbers, robbers’ and they pursued the people.

He said they caught up with three persons at Okito Junction, but a police officer identified the driver as an executive of Uvwie youths, but just as they were exchanging

pleasantries, gunshots were fired from an unknown quarter.

Rabiu said there were subsequent gunshots and at the end, a police officer was shot, adding, “He is currently in the hospital and one other person was shot dead on the spot”.

He confirmed that there was tension, as youths stormed Ekpan Police Station, Thursday, over the incident. He said he and the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, would have to wait for frayed nerves to calm down before they visit the area for further investigation.

The police chief, however, said the police officers involved in the operation had been detained for questioning, noting that it any of them

Urhobo ex-militants demand integration into third phase of amnesty programme

BY FESTUS AHON

U

G H E L L I — URHOBO exmilitant group has called on the Federal Government to be transparent and objective in ensuring the total integration of all members of the third phase of the amnesty programme as captured by the Joint Task Force, JTF, in the Niger Delta region.

Frowning at the proposed inclusion of only 3,642 ex-militants into the third phase of the programme, the group insisted that the figure does

not reflect reasonable percentage of the total population of ex-militants that were yet to be integrated into the amnesty programme.

The group in a statement by its leaders, Wise Onobruchere, Eddy Goodnews and Ebuo Ata said: “The third phase exmilitants are the angry gods of the region and should be handled carefully in order to ensure that peace is sustained in the region.”

“The amnesty authority and the Federal Government should ensure pay-

ment for every arm and ammunition submitted by ex-militants, if lasting peace is to be experienced in the region.

Noting that the complete and comprehensive list of disarmed ex-militants was with the JTF, which it said was the accredited agent of the Federal Government that carried out the documentation and recovery of arms from the ex-militants, the statement added that “the government should also device urgent means of integrating the ex-militants."

was found to have done anything wrong in the course of his duty, then, appropriate disciplinary measure would be taken.

ARRI—GRADU ATES of tertiary institutions from Egbema and Gbaramatu kingdoms in Warri North and Warri South-West Local Government Areas of Delta State, Wednesday, gave Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, a seven-day ultimatum to provide them means of livelihood.

They threatened to disrupt the operations of the company if, before the expiration of the ultimatum, the firm still refuses to change its hard stance towards unemployed Ijaw graduates from the two kingdoms.

In a petition to the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, dated September 12, signed by its chairman, Mr. Ojusin Innoncent and two others, the former students under the auspices of

KOMBOT Employment Front, said Chevron had grossly marginalised Ijaw graduates from Egbema and Gbaramatu kingdoms in the area of employment.

They said they attended different interviews by the company for employment, but were not considered, whereas their counterparts from the South-West and SouthEast were recruited.

The graduates, therefore, demanded the employment of 39 EgbemaGbaramatu applicants, who, they claimed, were successful in the Ogere training programme and interview for the Project Operating Team, POT, for the Escravos-Gas-to-Liquid, EGTL Project.

KOMBOT also called for the reinstatement of Ijaw indigenes that were sacked by Chevron in February 2011, saying they would not vacillate to carry out their threat if the company joked with the warning.

12—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Man allegedly kills cousin in Bayelsa now in police custody,

BY SAMUEL OYADONGHA

Y

BRIEFING: From left: Mr. Maurice Lakanu, Registrar/Chief Executive, Nigerian Institute of Management (chartered); Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, President and Chairman Of Council and Engr.M.K Sulaiman, Director, Membership Services at a Press Conference On NIM 2012 Annual Management Conference in Lagos. Photo: Oscar Ochiogu.

ENAGOA—THE serenity of Azikoro suburb in the outskirt of Yenagoa was yesterday shattered when a young man allegedly killed his cousin with a machete.

The tragic incident, it was learnt, occurred in the forest between Azikoro and Agbura community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Though the motive for the attack could not be immediately ascertained, it was gathered that the assailant, identified as Richman Osain,

2015: Anioma makes case for Delta governorship

Fashola, crash victims' families want cause of Dana crash published C

BY CHARLES KUMOLU

BY OLASUNKANMI AKONI

G

O V E R N O R Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and families of the Dana plane crash victims, yesterday, demanded that details of what led to the June 3rd, 2012 crash of Dana Airline at IjuIshaga, a Lagos suburb, killing 153 passengers onboard and 10 residents of the affected buildings, be made public in the interest of transparency.

They also demanded for a comprehensive reform of the country’s aviation sector as part of measures to avert future disasters in the country.

Fashola and the families made the demand during a two-hour meeting held

at the Lagos House, Ikeja.

Speaking after the meeting, the governor said the authorities concerned should seize the opportunity the plane crash offered to reform the aviation sector.

He said: “More than 100 days after the crash, at least nine of the victims are yet to be identified by their relatives.”

According to him, au-

topsy had been carried out on 141 bodies so far, 89 of them had been collected while nine are yet to be identified.

Speaking on the wishes of the families, Fashola explained: “They said they did not want mass burial, they insisted on scientific identification, saying they wished to go and bury their loved ones.

All these and more we have granted them. We

have successfully conducted 94 per cent identification, we have released 89 bodies and issued the death certificates. 51 bodies are yet to be collected.”

According to him, “nine of the victims deposited in care of the state government are yet to be identified. Five families have made their samples ready and we have sent those samples overseas for proper DNA test."

Four kids die in mysterious fire

BY CHIDI NKWOPARA

O

WERRI—A myste rious fire yesterday, consumed four children of the same parents in their Obokofia, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of

Imo State.

Vanguard investigations revealed that the deceased children, Mercy, Ify, Chioma and Onyinyechi, were aged between six and 12.

Narrating the family’s

ordeal, the father of the deceased children, Mr. Charles Aggrey, lamented that it was most regrettable that his children spent their long vacation in their maternal home only to return and meet their untimely death.

dealt a fatal machete blow on one Diedem Otegbe, said to be his relation, leading to his death.

Sources from the area told Vanguard that until the sad incident the duo who went to the forest were best of friends and living in the same house.

Some of the natives returning from their farmland were said to have raised alarm on noticing the body of the deceased leading to the arrest of the suspect.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Fidelis Odunna (DSP) confirmed the incident.

HAIRMAN of Anioma Agenda, Mr. Alex Onwuadiamu, has disclosed that the Anioma people in Delta State have put all machinery in place, in their quest to produce the next governor of the state in the 2015 governorship elections.

He also noted that Delta North senatorial district deserved to produce the next chief executive of the

state, in the spirit of equity and fairness.

Onwuadiamu, who said this during the commissioning of the billboards of Anioma Agenda, stated that the group was determined to put in everything for the struggle.

Also speaking at the event, a former Deputy Inspector General of Police, Chief Donald Ugbaja, urged the people of Delta North to remain loyal and steadfast in the pursuit of the agenda.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—13

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14— Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—15

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16—Vanguard,

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14,

2012

Aregbesola, Oyinlola appear before contract probe panel

BY GBENGA OLARINOYE

O

L-R: Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Alhaji Saka Onimago; Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru Sanni Woleola; Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed; member (KWHA) Elder Dele David and Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Ademola Banu, at the foundation laying ceremony of the International Vocational Centre, Ajase-Ipo in Irepodun LGA, Kwara State last Tuesday

SOGBO - OSUN State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and his predecessor in office, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola yesterday appeared before the commission of inquiry set up by the Aregbesola administration to probe contracts and financial transactions particularly the N18.38b loan obtained by the Oyinlola administration.

The two helmsmen of the state who came into the venue of the commission with members of their cabinet shed lights into the reasons why the loan

Why I did not join ACN —Mimiko

By DAYO JOHNSON

A

KURE- AHEAD of the October 20 governorship election in Ondo State, Governor Olusegun Mimiko yesterday publicly gave reasons why he declined invitation from leaders of the Action Congress of Nigeria to join the party despite much pressure.

Mimiko spoke at Ile Oluji during the continuation of his campaign tour for re-election.

According to him, “They did not say I have not performed; in fact, they ac-

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knowledged that Ondo State is working. But they said I should come and join their party and we told them that the people have not asked us to join any political party as the Labour Party is doing fine.

“They then threatened to make the state ungovernable and capture it if we did not join them. But let me warn that they should remember the fates of the boastful in history; God abhors the boastful.

“They are haughty and want to ride roughshod on our people and add

them to their empire. But I can assure them that God will thwart their evil plans and they shall fail.”

Mimiko added: "Nothing but expansionist tendency and the desire to annex Ondo State to their treasure-trove rather than any desire to develop it were the prime reasons why the leaders of the oppositions want to capture the state at all cost.

According to him the desire by a particular political party to annex Ondo State was to include it in their growing empire

which they are attempting to build in the South West.

He, however, warned that the opposition should perish the thought of ever

capturing the state and assured them of a resounding defeat on October 20.

I will continue to ask for state police —Fayemi

By LAWANI MIKAIRU

L

AGOS - THE governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi has reiterated his

support for state police.

In an interview with Aviation reporters at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Governor Fayemi said state police would complement the efforts of the Nigeria Police, adding that , his support for the creation of state police has not changed. ‘’Everywhere in the world where there is a federal system of government, there are always state and local government police,’’ he said.

Fayemi continued, ‘’My position on state police has not changed.

I do not see any evidence on the other side that changed my position and I am not talking as a politician. When I talk about state police, I am talking as a security expert which is my own area and I am not playing politics with it.

"I have a Ph.D in this area and I know what obtains everywhere in the world. It is the norm all over the world, anywhere you have a federal system you always have police system at every level of the federation. You can name it ,you can do your own research, it's so in the United States, in Australia, in Canada, in India."

was obtained and why it was bought back from UBA by First Bank by the present administration.

Throwing lights into the circumstances that surrounded why the loan was taken, Prince Oyinlola stated that his administration took the loan because the state was insolvent and that there was need to develop the state’s infrastructure.

But Aregbesola faulted the claim that he did not object to taking loan to finance physical infrastructure on a long term basis but queried why the past administration had to commit the state into taking what he called a “suffocating loan” with stringent conditions from the UBA. Specifically, Aregbesola queried that, of what relevance is the use of constructing six stadia for the state hurriedly when the state is not hosting any national or international competition?

Earlier, Prince Oyinlola told the panel that his administration followed due process in the award of contracts but admitted that “there is no way we cannot see a little bit of slip in such a situation.but admitted that “there is no way we cannot see a little bit of slip in such a situation.

3 die in police, robbers' gun duel

BY OLA AJAYI

I

BADAN - TWO per sons, including a police sergeant lost their lives on Wednesday as men from the Oyo State Police command and some dare devil armed robbers engaged themselves in gun duel.

Also, three policemen were injured in the incident when the roving robbers who had reportedly attacked some places in Ilorin, Kwara State used dynamites on the police vehicle.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu said the "robbers opened fired at the Special Anti Robbery Squad, and one policeman was killed.

"When my men searched the bush where the robbers escaped into, we found one of the robbers already dead. We used this opportunity to call on the public to give us information on the whereabouts of the remaining robbers”.

Sweet & SOUR

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 — 17

Donu Kogbara

Map of Nigeria

Readers’ Responses F

ROM Peter Udosen (fazclean_ventures@ yahoo.com), in response to my complaints about this government’s performance. I was touched by Mr Udosen’s willingness to give Mr President more time and the benefit of the doubt.

The world has been greatly improved by impatient people who angrily demand positive changes. But the gently tolerant make it a nicer place on some levels.

Don Don, I can never get tired reading you. But in the matter of Mr. President, it is not as if I do not see some flaws in his administration, particularly in the area of fighting corruption.

Even at that, there are rules

nic group, he should be our Change Agent”. How? From day one, a section of the country did not welcome him, and the hatred is not abating. No kind words spared him, yet we had high hopes for him to transform Nigeria as if he came with a magic wand, to lap up the mess of over 50 years.

But no matter how hard he tries, the space in which he operates is hostile and boobytrapped with “landmines”. It is not about Jonathan, as it were, but about the system that threw him up. Considering that he has a PhD, I find it difficult to agree with those who regard him as a fool.

Continue with your altruistic services and remain blessed.

,

From day one, a section of the country did not welcome him, and the hatred is not abating; no kind words spared him, yet we had high hopes for him to transform Nigeria as if he came with a magic wand, to lap up the mess of over 50 years

,

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to comply with. Besides, he alone cannot do it. Are Nigerians also willing to change?

My worry, really, is in people deliberately wanting to shoot him down because of where he comes from. Taking the cue from that, I am compelled to encourage him, because, in the Nigerian parlance, he is one of my own.

Sorry I sound this way. I know that many will find it difficult to accept this view. All the same, I share in your frustrations about Naija.

We keep saying “as the first President from a minority eth-

Warm regards.

From Ifeka Okonkwo (ifekaokonkwo@yahoo.com), in response to my complaints about the fact that medical facilities in Nigeria are so inadequate that VIPs like the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, usually fly abroad when they get sick.

Donu, it is very shameful that our leaders since the ‘70s till date after mismanaging our resources at their disposal to enrich themselves and having failed deliberately to provide us with state-of-the-art hospitals, rush even with air

ambulance to countries whose leaders have provided such hospitals to treat themselves President Goodluck Jonathan of common ailments at government expense, as they are From Patrick Ani, who afraid to be hails from Enugu State treated in (onyiacaro@yahoo.com) and our runis (surprisingly, in my opindown hosion!) totally undisgruntled pitals. about the status quo: They are not even Dear Madam, ashamed of Please let me start by thankthemselves ing you for the wonderful opthat the portunity you gave to Vanleaders of guard readers to tell you their the counviews about democracy. tries they To me the Nigeria demogo to for cratic system of representative treatment governance is the last best or for hope for me on this earth… medical Our government uses indigcheckup, enous home grown solutions do not go Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, Minister of Health to solve our social-cultural and to other religious-political problems. countries to be treated of their Both freedom of individuals ailments, neither are they Parliamentary system of and intellectual properties are ashamed that they do not rep- government well safe-guarded and prolicate in our country the good Donu, I strongly advocate tected. These are national acfacilities they enjoy in the ad- that we go back to the less ex- complishments that I as a vanced countries they go for pensive parliamentary system Nigerian Black African is very treatment or for holidays. of government, collapse our proud of. It is also what makes states into six regions to cut me to identify with Nigerian Acquisition of cost of governance and by so system of representative obscene wealth doing our legislators will then democratic government as a be on part time basis and will typical example of a true deThey should forever bury no longer be paid outrageous mocracy. their heads in shame that our salaries and allowances, espeIn conclusion, I thank God country has remained in the cially the constituency project Almighty for giving us Godly stone age under their care due funds which they use to en- leaders ,like His Excellency, to their greed and penchant rich themselves and not their the President of the Federal for acquisition of obscene constituents and finally ex- Republic of Nigeria, Dr ecutive posts and political ap- Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, His wealth!

Mr Okonkwo writes to me so pointments should be made Excellency Governor Sullivan often that I cannot publish all less attractive so that our poli- Chime, the Enugu State Govof his views. He is certainly tics will no longer be a do-or- ernor and His Excellency Govthe most reactive reader I die affair and extremely cor- ernor Peter Obi, the Governor have ever had and I thank rupt. of Anambra State.

Yours But who will bell the cat Faithfully. him for taking the trouble to provide me with regular feed- when our legislators and the Responses to: back. executives want to donzol2002@yahoo.co.uk or to 0802 Mr Okonkwo had this to say maintain the status quo, 747 6458 (texts only). PLEASE when I questioned the value as it has never been so KINDLY NOTE THAT UNLESS of democracy within an Afri- good to them in our YOU REQUEST ANONYMITY, can context last week and nation’s history and YOUR COMMENTS MAY BE PUBasked what form of gover- worst to the silent maLISHED, WITH YOUR NAMES nance readers would favour jority and the downtrodAND CONTACT DETAILS ATif they had a choice: den?-Ifeka Okonkwo TACHED

18 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

O

N Thursday August 30, the Federal Gov ernment declared Anambra State the 10th oil bearing state in the country. President Goodluck Jonathan made the announcement while inaugurating Orient Petroleum’s Anambra River Production Facility in Aguleri-Otu, Anambra East Local Government Area and the decision has catapulted Anambra into the league of oilproducing states like Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Bayelsa, Abia, Imo, Ondo, Delta and Edo. With the development, the state will start getting extra revenue from the 13 per cent derivation fund as soon as oil produced from the state starts contributing to the federation account.

However, before Anambra earns a kobo from oil, it has started facing challenges from many quarters. Reason: Kogi and Enugu states are also laying claims to the oil. A host of Kogi groups and leaders are spoiling for war, claiming that the Anambra Well (1), which currently feeds the Orient refinery in Anambra, is on Odeke land in Ibaji local government area of Kogi State. A similar claim is also coming from Enugu State.

The Anambra basin, where the oil is being explored encompasses communities in Anambra, Kogi, Enugu and Delta states. Since 1927, ten-

As Anambra joins oil producing states sion has always brewed among the communities around the borders following the boundary demarcation between Northern and Eastern regions. There was a serious bloodbath between the people of Aguleri in Anambra and those of Ibaji (Kogi) in 1994. There was also a protracted war between the Aguleri and Umuleri people of Anambra in the late 90s.

Four of the wells, according to Orient Petroleum, are said to be currently at exploration stage in the area. While Orient said the bulk of the deposit are in Anambra State, Committee on Oil and Gas Exploration in Ibaji land contended that the area the company was referring to as part of Anambra, was indeed in Kogi State.

Orient Petroleum Chairman, Chief Emeka An-

yaoku, admitted that the basin cuts across the various states. However, he said the controversy over ownership of the oil deposits had been resolved and that the ‘bulk’ of the deposits were within Anambra territory, a statement the aggrieved Kogi groups dispute.

There is need to resolve the emerging disputes amicably to avert needless inter-state bickering, that may degenerate to another skirmishes and loss of human lives as was witnessed in April 1994 during the Obale/Aguleri crisis.

All the affected states should be brought to a round table to iron out the issues. Agencies of government charged with the responsibility of delineating boundaries such as the National Boundary Commission and the Surveyor-General of the Federation, must step in as a matter of urgency, to resolve the matter. Currently, there is an avalanche of unresolved issues in the oil sector. They include the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB, the onshore/offshore dichotomy and lingering face-off between Cross River and Akwa Ibom states over the former’s loss of 76 oil wells to the latter. The nation can ill afford to add oil blood bath in Anambra basin to these challenges.

OPINION

ehear sing this song of hope Town hall meeting: R Rehear ehearsing

BY OGWAZU NNAMDI

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HE idea of a Town Hall Meeting has lived with us, especially in our continent. It is never a matter of choice but a necessity as issues get resolved through communal thinking and action. It is due to its established benefits over time that our parents deemed it necessary to attend calls for such meeting and other demands.

Obviously, Town Hall Meetings of old followed the movement of the town crier round the village/town and the venue usually at a sacred place where every lover of the community expects only but the truth. The result was peaceful co-existence, brotherliness and monumental development across the communities to the envy of persons who may have thought otherwise.

Presently, this phenomenon of strength has continuously been modified to accommodate present realities and development necessitating gatherings in cosy environment. It is now a situation where the leaders convene the populace to give account of stewardship and in turn gets to hear from the people including those with opposing views. This evolutionary process incorporated into our democratic system has seen invitations issued to the opinion leaders and populace for a meet at specific locations to rehearse this supposedly song of hope. But, to the chagrin of many, this holy garb adorned with development colours has embraced the flash of darkened age with men and women tutored to acting a script prepared by the host/hostess.

So enter a stormy session as Town Hall meeting where C M Y K

too many minds would be heating as under fire but with little chance to having the soothing balm as the script is already handed over to a select few who would only attract the moderator's attention for a question.

Indeed, I enjoyed a beautiful scene in one of same where a youngman had a beautiful poster with bold inscriptions on the giant strides of his principal amidst beautiful dance steps but could not explain the actions as captured in his poster. All he could mumble is, “go see our oga” and the directive I did follow to the waiting ‘oga’ but was shocked as there was nothing convincing coming from him as expected of a product marketer expected to speak with great conviction over his brand. I am amazed that a product as rich as a Town Hall Meeting is conscripted to a point that those of us on the sideline seem to have lost the title-deed to a few who by their uncharitable actions would wish that we return to the dark age.

Obviously, the political class seems to have obstruct ed this wheel of progress through the blindfold on the eyes of many who, by their actions, seem determined to enter this prepared pit of destruction. In their estimation, our politicians are smarting from temporary victory over our desire to build a progressive society.

They (politicians) are celebrating their escape from the boxing ring of the inquisitive and conscious minds but their refusal to hear us has never given them the true taste of our flavoured wine prepared for kings. Then, what we do we think over such unfulfilled mission and hope, especially in an atmosphere desired to be for sober reflections? Indeed, the rudder of prosperity is

being hit wrongly and those involved have taken same to be sweeter than we can imagine. But, I would ask, once more, the type of future we are desirous to have?

What good is there handing over an uncharitable baton to the generation unborn? Truthfully, there seems a disconnect presently in our approach to Town-Hall Meetings as we get caught dancing over few bags of rice, vegetable oils, wrapper, generators and motorcycles that we lose sight of the real soup. These deviations from the original intent of Town-Hall Meetings can never guarantee true democratic conversion among some select minds.

So, the greater task is on how to create an interface where our communities embrace the original intentions of Town Hall Meetings and to come up with views that would prop the development lamp in our society. It is equally a season to consult with the stakeholders to collate their views on probable routes to overcoming our challenges and with effective analysis of data construct bridges of prosperity. Now, it behoves our elected representatives and the like to move us from these clutches of destruction to a realm of democratic experimentation and result that will be unprecedented. Our future has tested the refiner’s pot for too long a time that we are now mocked for repeating same unproductive actions times without number. Today is like the Passover while tomorrow’s ocean current may be too deep to bear if we decide not to re-route our engines of growth properly. Yes! We must stand up for something but with greater introspection. *Mr Nnamdi, a political analyst, wrote from Owerri

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012— —19

BY EDDIE MBADIWE

rather uninspiring green, white, "To inspire a new generation of green national flag flutter from the winners flag stand.Briefly, let us reathletes" wind for a moment vis-a-vis some HAT was the mantra of the other African countries our med2012 London Olympic Games. als performance. Kenya 11, South Volumes and many inches of print Africa 6, Egypt 3, Botswana 1, have criticised and also extolled Uganda 1 (gold); Nigeria 0, Ghawhat in many people’s judgement na 0. As my friend, Professor Gaius was a well organised and superb- Igboeli would put it, Nigeria ly executed world festival called scored naught. My fellow compaLondon 2012. Analysis and com- triots, the sooner we recognised ments will continue for the fore- that leadership is earned by hard work, dedication and commitseeable future.

This contribution which is con- ment, the more circumspect we fined to the Main and not the Para- shall be in our claims. I have trelympics will address a tiny aspect mendous respect for the likes of of the Games as they relate to Ni- Blessing Okagbere, and a few othgeria. Abinitio, let it be on record ers who exerted themselves creditthat if gold medals were designat- ably inspite of inadequate prepaed for ‘Criticisms’, Nigeria would rations, which led to poor perforhave excelled in that department. mance.

In plain English, what the OlymWe literally have EMINENTLY QUALIFIED COFFEE POT pics have once again re-emphaSEMINAR EXPERTS who have at sised is that voodoo magic, talistheir finger tips solutions to every mans and their likes can never subproblem in the universe. Unfortu- stitute for long and dedicated trainnately, where it mattered most as ing in sports. Excellency, not only in that celebration of goodness in sports, but in all fields of human called Olympic Games, our dear endeavour will only emerge from country fell short and we were a well rounded and properly executed training programme coupled found wanting.

Several hearts bled, some a tiny with self denial. Success in life is bit, some profusely that in the en- disguised behind hard work.

The time to move forward and tire period of 16 glorious days of beautiful British summer (that in prepare for RIO 2016 is now. Henry Ford who pioneered developitself a bonus), ‘Arise 0’ Compatriots’, the Nigerian na- ment of the modern car and litertional anthem was not played at ally changed the face of modern all from the Winners Podium. In civilization used to tell his workAro dialect, we will say ‘odi omiko’ ers: “Don't find faults, find remedies". I recommend this to every (a thing of great grief).

Even Uganda with all their prob- Nigerian.

All patriots, and one believes they lems of world exclusion got world are in majority, must say with one attention when their anthem was played for Uganda’s gold. To make voice that the disgrace of London matters worse, we were not even 2012 must never, never repeat. RIO strong enough to have our bland, 2016 must be the litmus test for

T

,

Arise O' Compatriots

One expected that all those connected with the London 2012 fiasco would have quit honourably to save Mr President the embarrassment of flushing them out

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this resolve. Reasoning along this line, one agrees with the highly intelligent and gifted Saint Thomas Aquinas who said: "For those with faith, no explanation is necessary and for those without, no explanation is possible”. This piece is for those who still have faith in Nigeria.

Every student of military history knows that when a General losses a war, that General quits before being shown the exit door. In the Japanese army, the shame of losing was unbearable and defeated Generals usually committed harakiri. That saved the establishment the embarrassment of trials and further unnecessary expense. One expected that by now all those connected with the London 2012 fiasco would have quit honourably to save Mr President the embarrassment of inevitably flushing them out. Mr. President Sir, your re-organisation programme for the Sports Ministry will not clean the stench. We must clean the Augean stable completely. The needful act is that this nation demands a clean sweep from the Minister down to the top echelon of that Ministry.

Mr. President please do the needful NOW. The President’s advisers must wean him from this negative

psyche that everyone is out to get him. Nothing can be further from the truth. Most of those who have interacted with Mr. President find him pleasant. The flip side of that coin is that for some of us, Nigeria is more important than just being pleasant. It is criminal to just look unconcerned while our country drifts. It is nothing personal, Mr. President, as Nigeria just has to join the league of performing countries in the 21st century. The rest of the world is not standing still waiting for Africa to do catch up. That also is why there must be no pussy-footing on London 2012. Leadership is the ability to take fair, balanced but sometimes uncomfortable decisions in the greater interest of the nation. Our already damaged image was given a severe battering at London 2012. If we do not want RIO 2016 to be a repeat of London 2012, strong decisive action must be taken NOW.

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or every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction and also consequences. Until we put in place adequate punishment for dereliction of duty, Nigeria will continue to waffle. The athletes were ill-prepared and some people are culpable and must be held accountable. The punishment for this has to be clear and unequivocal.

Having said that much and in the interest of justice and fair play, it is also useful to look at possible solutions by thinking retrospectively. To a large extent, the disgrace (for that is what it was) suffered by Nigeria at London 2012 is traceable to all of us, either as individuals or corporate citizens; we must all take a share of the blame. How many of us can beat our chests proudly and justify our contribution to sports? How many have articulated programmes for sports development? As 12 and 13-year-

Anambra and the Nigerian Dream D

OES Nigeria give you hope? The in curable optimists in our midst particularly those of "the unity of this country is not negotiable" tribe, are wont to say an unqualified yes. Many sobered Nigerians would say that all is not well with Nigeria. And that would qualify as an outstanding understatement. One could as well say that AIDS is a harmful disease; that the Mafia is not opposed to violence; or that Hitler did not treat the Jews nicely.

Nigeria is a veritable tragedy, a perfect state of what it should not be and what it is capable of not being. This is a country at once wealthy and poor; a land prosperous and famished; a population free and in chains; a people so religious and yet so corrupt; a system steeped in statutes, laws, conventions and rules, yet so disorderly. Do you sigh with frustration?

As you try to cope with what seems an exhausting trial, take a good look, not a glance at Anambra State, and see if you recognise her. There stands an estate beginning to bloom. There stands the purposeful woman embracing new vistas of health of mind and body. A sense of confidence flowing from a new lease of life is unmistakable. The recovery of Mr Peter Obi’s stolen mandate in the April 19, 2003 election and the recent designation of Anambra as an oil producing state stand out as watersheds in the recreation of the state. Between these two highly significant signposts lie the secrets of Anambra’s success story. Robust, enterprising and the toast of investors today, it is easy to forget Anambra’s nightmarish past and thus downplay the state’s recent strides. Anambra’s journey, however, offers some useful lessons for the Nigerian project.

Gov Obi met Anambra on the brink of a failed state when he assumed office in 2006.

Between 2003 and 2006, Anambra State was a war zone with two factions of the PDP bat-

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tling for retention of Obi’s mandate. Several state of emergency plots were hatched, leading to the burning of the state’s few public infrastructure in November 2004. Investors and donor agencies took flight from the state. As at March 2006, no public school in the state had equipped and functional laboratory; no government-owned health institution had professional accreditation. The state university was a glorified primary school with a barren Igbariam campus existing only in name. Pensioners were owed accumulated arrears of 22 months pension while permanent secretaries and magistrates lacked official cars.

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nd how was it so easy for Anambra State to be reduced to a banana state where government and governance could be undermined by cabals and political cartels?

How did the breed of godfathers who sought to convert the state to their playground assume the levers of power? The immediate cause should lie in the Olusegun Obasanjo presidency’s mindset on the South East, the hitherto rebellious heartland of Biafra. And in the prelude to Obasanjo’s presidency, it was a citizen of Anambra State, Alex Ekwueme, who mounted a stiff challenge for the party’s presidential ticket. The remote cause, however, is to be found in the dislocations arising from military rule.

The combined effect of the arbitrary nature of military rule generally and the discriminatory measures against the Igbo segment of the population in particular was traumatic on the people. State marginalization provoked in the victim an attitude of withdrawal from the public estate. The elite of the society opted for a temporary leave from the public domain until such a time the system was more tolerant. But the stragglers on the path of fame moved to ingratiate themselves with the military lords as civilian lieutenants and foot soldiers. This was

a collaboration that paid off handsomely for the actors but was disastrous for the society. Fronting for the military chieftains in juicy contract deals (read abandoned projects) opened the eyes of the group to the connection between arbitrary power and stupendous wealth and their appetite for both grew by the day. As this nouveau riche

,

BY IFEANYI AFUBA

Through careful planning and prudent management of resources, Anambra has risen from the dust of neglect to the course of sustainable development

,

sought to fill the leadership vacuum at the time, they began to influence sections of society with some of their obscene ways.

A cabal was on the rise in the South East. The degree of anomie prevailing at the time is best illustrated in the more than casual reception of a highlife number popularized by its fatalistic lyric: Ana enwe obodo enwe, roughly translating to, there are lords who own every community. With money to burn, the new lords created spectacles in the streets, suddenly flinging wads of currency in the air and deriving tremendous kick from the mass scramble that followed.

But military rule would soon draw to an end. Cognizant of their personal inadequacies, this rascally club realised that the only way of satisfying their appetite for power and wealth in a democratic order seemed to lie in becoming some sort of kingmakers.

As the emergent princes of power bestrode

old’ foxes’ in the old government colleges, we recollect that games and sports were compulsory. Every student was forced to take part.

The sports discipline inculcated in our formative years has translated to the discipline many students from the old government colleges show today in public life. You learnt -from an early age- that certain things were simply not done and that hard work has merit. A good sporting nation is bound to be a good nation, for all sports have strict rules of engagement. Let us not wring our hands and say: “Aha, we knew they could not perform”. Let us honestly answer how many of us have mentored or acted as role models to young people. What time have we committed to serve with the Boys scouts, Girls Guides, Rotaract, Interact, Rotary, Lions Club? Can we imagine what will happen in four years time if all those in authority, from the President down to local government chairmen, adopt, mentor and train one or two young persons interested in sports through college and university? State governments, universities and large corporations have to set up sports scholarships to attract and train the brightest and the best.

This is the norm in advanced countries. One can only imagine the aggregated gains from millions of such small incremental improvements. It will be easier to select and polish winners from this enhanced gene pool.

The likes of Usin Bolt and Mohammed Farah who were the toast of London 2012 come from this biochemical stock. Nigeria cannot continue to claim to be the giant of Africa only in name. Positive achievements in all fields of human competition will earn, maintain and retain that slot for Nigeria. *Hon Mbadiwe is a member of the House of Reps

the landscape with blaring siren and mobile policemen at their beck and call, the average politician obsessed by being part of any government in power, came to the conclusion that if these powerful men were not already kings, they were veritable kingmakers. The ensuing alliance between the two camps as a strategy for securing political power and its benefits was, of course, presumptive of the democratic process. Inevitably, the cabal sought to impose the authoritarian ways that afforded them easy wealth on a traditionally republican people. And things fell apart in Anambra.

The journey of recovery had commenced in earnest on March 17, 2006. Sometimes it has been slow, painful and perhaps laborious. Many battles have been fought along the way, including the November 2006 impeachment and tenure interpretation saga. Through careful planning and prudent management of resources, Anambra has risen from the dust of neglect to the course of sustainable development. Public institutions have been revived with the various sectors of the state economy sufficiently injected with lifelines. Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Trade’s recent description of Anambra as a major player in the nation’s industrial quest is an apt reflection of the state’s progress in the past seven years. With respect to her new oil producing status, Governor Obi takes the deserved credit of realizing a deep-seated aspiration of the people.

Against the backdrop of the discriminatory politics that earlier placed Anambra’s oil on national reserve, Obi has proved himself a force to reckon with in leadership. Indeed leadership has facilitated the orientation behind the new outlook to the common good in Anambra State.

*Mr Afuba, a commentator on national issues, wrote from Nimo, Anambra State.

20—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Nigerian banks’ capital, lower than stated — S&P

BY MICHAEL EBOH

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LOBAL rating agency, Standard and Poor ’s Rating Services, yesterday, said Nigerian bank’s capital base is lower than widely publicized, saying that it views the banks capital as moderate or adequate.

The rating agency, in a report titled, ‘Why Standard & Poor’s Calculation Of Capitalization For Nigerian Banks Is Lower Than The Regulatory Measure,’ published yesterday, said, “Nigerian banks often view their capitalization as either strong or adequate. In contrast, Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services views their capitalization as ‘moderate’ or ‘adequate,’ under its criteria.”

George Maisey, Credit Analyst, Standard & Poor’s, said in measuring the capitalization of Nigerian banks, S&P, takes into account their high exposure to lower-rated government debt, and to corporate debt on and off the balance sheet compared with retail debt.

He said the banks believe their capital base to be stronger than it really is because of what the banks believed is surplus capital, which is over the

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minimum regulatory Capital Adequacy Ratio, CAR, stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. He, however, said, “It should be noted that our capital ratios for all of the banks that we rate globally are usually lower than regulatory CARs. That’s mainly because our measure is adjusted for the risks that banks face — either because of the riskiness of the banking industry where they operate or of the exposures they hold.”

Continuing, Maisey said the average CAR for the eight largest Nigerian banks by asset size, according to publicly available financial statements, was 21.1 per cent, versus the 15 per cent regulatory minimum for banks with international operations.

He said, “However, we calculate that capitalization was a much lower 6.2 per cent, on December 31, 2011, according to our globally comparable risk-adjusted capital framework.

“This is about one percentage point lower than our 7.4 per cent risk-adjusted capital (RAC) ratio we estimated for the 100 largest banks we rate across the globe according to data as of September 30, 2011.”

Maisey said the rating agency expects stability in the capital base of the banks,

going forward, adding that strong profitability is likely to generate internal capital at the same speed as loan growth.

“In rating a bank, we incorporate our projected RAC ratio into our assessment of capital and earnings. We combine analysis of these two areas together to form one of

the four bank-specific rating factors that determine an institution’s stand-alone credit profile (SACP).

“Our assessment of capital and earnings for the Nigerian banks we rate is either “moderate” or “adequate” and is therefore neutral for the ratings, under our criteria,” He said.

IFC, CIBN to boost corporate governance in Nigerian banks

BY EMMA UJAH

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HE International Finance Corporation, IFC, has agreed to work with the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, towards improving corporate governance in the nation’s banking sector.

Addressing the 6th Annual Conference of the Institute in Abuja, the President of the Institute, Mr. Segun Aina, that the institute was determined to improve the performance of Nigerian banks and would work with the IFC towards building capacity among

bankers to realize its objectives.

His words, “I am happy to announce that one of the results of our recent discussions with reputable national and international organisations is that the IFC has expressed its willingness to help enhance corporate governance in the banking sector.

“The Institute had also interacted with and conducted benchmarking trips to various high ranking professional banking Institutes in Europe, Asia and North America in furtherance of its global best

practice goal. Outcomes of theses engagements are being strategically rolled out and it includes new professional banking examinations structure, introduction of new certification programmes, technology-driven flexible and convenient learning and examination process and so on”.

The CIBN boss said that organization would continue to play a key role in the Global Banking Education Standards Board (GBEStB), expected to be launch in 2013 during the World Congress of Banking Institutes slated for Kenya.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 — 21

NECA, ILO launch entrepreneur scheme for youths

BY RITA OBODOECHINA

N

IGERIAN Employer ’s Consultative Association (NECA), in conjunction with the International Labour Organization ILO, has launched an entrepreneurial scheme for Nigerian youths called Start and Improve Your Business, SIYB. The Director General of NECA, Mr. Olusegun Oshinowo, who disclosed this during the official launch of the scheme in Lagos, urged Nigerian youths to take advantage of the scheme to generate employment for themselves.

He said, the SYIB was created in an effort to promote start up and strengthening of micro and small enterprises across the globe, thereby, boosting employment He added that one of the roles of NECA is to promote entrepreneurship in Nigeria through its capacity building programmes.

The Senior Specialist Employers Activities of ILO, Addis Ababa, Mr. Hezron Njugunan, in his presentation, titled, ‘Combating the Problem of Unemployment, the Role and Place of Entrepreneurship Promotion and Empowerment,’ said that SYIB has been tested and found approved to make youth and retirees to use the economy.

He advised youths to create their own jobs by themselves, adding that “if we simply have to go chasing jobs; we will not find it unless we create them ourselves.”

On the challenges of unemployment in Nigeria, the President of SYIB Trainers Association, Mr. Noruwa Edokpolo, said the programme is organised with the aim of contributing to job creation.

From left: Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor; Olusegun Aina, President Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria and Yerima Ngama, Minister of State for Finance during the 6thAnnual Banking and Finance Conference in Abuja.

Banks responsible for Nigeria’s economic woes — Yerima Ngama

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngama, has said that the deposit money banks are to be blamed for the present economic hardship in the country, especially with regards to lending to the manufacturing sector.

Ngama, who spoke at the Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN, said that

despite substantial support from the government, the banks have failed to provide commensurate support to the real sector.

He noted that instead, they have continued to show preference to financing import trade and by implication, contributing to the crisis in the real sector and the volatility of the foreign exchange market.

He said, “Most commentators believe that the banking sector is not supportive of the real sector. It only

UK firm to invest N78bn in Nigeria’s real estate, leisure sectors

BY LAZARUS IBEABUCHI

S

CARBOROUGH United Group Plc, SUGPlc, said it plans to invest N77.89 billion ($500 million) in Nigeria’s real estate, leisure and

177.00

-0.55

2,642.00

+10.00

19.67

+0.23

115.69

+0.29

96.84

-0.33

CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING DOLLAR POUNDS EURO FRANC YEN CFA WAUA RENMINBI RIYAL KRONA SDR

154.78 248.9946 199.5733 165.1691 1.9874 0.2827 236.7245 24.4621 41.2714 26.7614 238.5005

155.28 249.7989 200.218 165.7027 1.9938 0.2927 237.4892 24.5416 41.4047 26.8479 239.271

155.78 250.6033 200.8627 166.2363 2.0003 0.3027 238.2539 24.6211 41.538 26.9343 240.0414

CBN Exchange rate as at 13/09/2012 C M Y K

football services in the next six to nine months.

To actualise this, the firm which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Scarborough Group International Limited (SGIL), a United Kingdom based company, has appointed Mr Jacob Esan, a leading Nigerian investment banker into the boards of SUGPlc and Sheffield United Plc (SUPlc).

According to a statement by the company, Mr Esan will be working alongside the McCabes in an executive capacity principally to facilitate the provision of capital from Nigeria permitting SGIL via SUG to further expand its businesses in real estate, leisure and services – with Football at its hub, thereby exploiting its brand.

It is envisaged that the new funds of up to US$500 million will become available within a six to nine month period for SUG to invest in all its three business divisions. Mr Esan would also replicate similar skills and experience in Nigeria and Africa in general, the statement said.

Jacob Esan commented “Working with the other members of the Scarborough team to create a major independent group is an exciting challenge which I will relish. Given the anticipated size and scale of the group - and with it the

famous Sheffield United - I believe the opportunity to access capital to advance the business interests in our three divisions– is of great importance. I am committed to expanding all of our offthe-field activities taking advantage of opportunities available both in the UK and globally as a result of the continuing economic recession.”

SUGPlc and SUPlc are whollyowned subsidiaries of Scarborough Group International Ltd, SGIL which is controlled by the United Kingdom based McCabe family, led by the well known international real estate and leisure entrepreneur, Kevin McCabe.

SGIL already holds substantial real estate properties throughout the UK and internationally with subsidiary, associated or connected companies in the Far East, China and Australia. The Group’s global reach also includes interests in North America, Europe and India through other McCabe owned organisations. SGIL’s initial roots stretch back to the mid-1970’s with the first Scarborough branded corporate created in 1980. SGIL owns an 85 per cent shareholding of SU plc.

Within SGIL is Forsyth Ltd, a serviced office provider of repute operating out of over twenty centres in England and Scotland that was formed by Scarborough in 1991.

engages in financing imports at the detriment of the productive sector. For instance, the Textile Industry, Agriculture and Mining are not adequately supported by the banking sector hence the CBN intervention.

“Lending by the banks showed that of the total N6.42 trillion and N7.18 trillion loans and advances of the banking industry as at December 2011 and June 2012 respectively, contribution to agriculture received marginal 3.35 per cent and 3.45 per cent during the period, while Power and Energy sector got paltry 0.39 per cent and 0.81 per cent during the same period.

“General commerce and the importation of oil and gas maintained steady lead, thus making them to support the productive base and capacity of other countries at the detriment of the country.”

He stressed that since 1989, the Government through the CBN and the NDIC have intervened to save the banking industry, saying that it is the most protected industry in Nigeria.

“This cannot be sustained and it is, therefore, necessary for us to review our business model to ensure that the banking industry takes its rightful place in financing the vital sectors of the economy”, Ngama advocated.

He identified another debilitating factor to economic growth being promoted by the banking sector as high cost of fund, pointing out that the prohibitive interest rates of about 20 per cent to 25 per cent charged on loans had remained a disincentive to productive activities since the banks are more concerned with import finance, an action which puts further pressure on the local currency.

He observed that high interest rate on lending has made credits inaccessible to farmers, small and medium enterprises and the manufacturing sector, thereby crippling activities in the real sector.

22 — Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Securities lending: Market makers seek review of CBN, Pencom Acts

By PETER EGWUATU

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ARKET Makers (MM) on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), have called for a review of the CBN and National Pension Commission (PenCom)’s Acts, rules and regulations on securities lending so as to assist in solving illiquidity and debt overhang problems currently affecting the nation’s capital market.

The NSE is expected to commence the execution of Securities lending and borrowing from September 18, 2012 as part of its efforts to addressing illiquidity problem and enhancing confidence in the Nigerian capital market. It will be recalled that the NSE approved 10 stockbroking firms from a list of 20 that had applied as Market Makers last year. The market makers are Stanbic IBTC; Renaissance Capital; Future View Securities; Vetiva Capital; ESS/ DunnLoren Merrifield; WSTC; Capital Bancorp; FBN Securities; GreenwichSecurities and CSL Stockbrokers.

The Exchange also noted that in the first year of the take off of securities lending and borrowing retail investors will

not be involved as only professionals and institutional investors would be allowed to participate in the market making process.

Speaking at a workshop preparatory to the takeoff of the securities lending and borrowing, Tuesday, Chief Exec-

utive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema, said, “The securities lending and borrowing will help address liquidity problems in the market and improve market quality. This is the reason why we have invited CBN, PenCom, Asset Management Corporation of Nige-

ria (AMCON), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to be at this workshop to learn how the securities lending and borrowing will be executed and also to hear from participants and Market Makers on some of the likely challenges that will crop when the scheme

Amendment of PENCOM rules

From right: Dr Emmanuel Ukpabi, Group Managing Director, Flour Mills Nigeria Plc; Mr. George Coumantaros, Chairman; Alhaji Olalekan Saliu, Company Secretary/Director and Mr. Atedo Peterside, Director at the 52nd Annual General Meeting of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc in Lagos. Photo by Lamidi Bamidele

N200bn expansion project: Flour Mills targets improved profitability, returns …Gets shareholders’ nod for acquisition of Rom Oil

By MICHAEL EBOH

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LOUR Mills Nigeria Plc has assured of a significant increase in its bottom line and continuous improvement in returns to shareholders in the years ahead, saying that it has embarked on an expansionary programme that will improve its production capacity and strengthen its leadership position in the flour milling industry.

Speaking at its Annual General Meeting in Lagos, Mr. George Coumantaros, Chairman, Flour Mills, said the company’s plan to invest about N200 billion in different projects, is designed to allow it become a major player in all stages of the food value chain.

He assured shareholders of improved dividends and bonus in the years ahead, saying that the company’s inability to pay high dividends was as a result of the expansionary programme, which is capital intensive and requires all the funds the company can muster.

He said, “Flour Mills has invested more than N150 billion over the past 10 years across the Group. As a demonstration of confidence in the future of a prosperous Nigerian economy, the Group plans further invest-

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takes off.”

Continuing, he said, “The first six months of the take off of securities lending and borrowing will be the rolling plan stage while the other six months will be used to make amendments if need be and from there we will begin to see the impact on the market. In the first six months and second half only institutional investors and professional will be allowed to participate in the market making. We don’t want the retail investors to start with it as there are still issues to be trashed before they will be allowed to partake. Definitely, as the market making continues, more rules will be made so as to accommodate retail investors and others who may be interested to partake.”

ments in projects worth N200 billion.

“Flour Mills’ goal is to be involved at all stages of the food value chain where a profitable agro-allied platform of cultivating and processing locally produced raw materials will ensure the growth and success of our food business.

“In pursuit of our goals in the food and agro-allied businesses, we continue to explore growth opportunities through acquisitions, mergers, takeovers and other forms of business combinations in other to broaden our earnings base, create synergies and build a profitable and sustainable future.

“We will create and launch new products, deploy our resources to motivate, encourage and provide ultimate satisfaction to our company’s products leveraging on high quality, consistency, fair pricing and efficient delivery.”

At the Annual General Meeting, shareholders of the company approved the decision of the company’s Board and management to acquire a 90 per cent stake Rom Oil Mills Limited, Ibadan.

The approval was a reflection of the shareholders’ support for the long-term business model

of the company.

Coumantarous said the acquisition of Rom Oil Mills will further improve group synergies, as part of the raw materials used in the production of refined edible oils and associated products will be sourced from the Group’s commercial farming business.

He said, “We have taken a

strategic decision to invest in t he production of refined edible oils and associated products, in furtherance of Flour Mills’ focus on its food and agro-allied business consistent with government’s agriculture transformation agenda.

“Byproducts of the refined oils will serve as key inputs in the Group’s animal feed mills.”

Meanwhile, participants at the workshop identified that CBN, and Pencom rules, regulations and Acts need to be amended for effective implementation of securities lending and borrowing which is expected to address illiquidity challenges in the capital market. According to the participants, “The CBN should compel banks to allow equities as collateral for securities lending so as to assist in solving illiquidity issues. At present banks don’t allow equities as collateral. In the same vein, we call on Pencom to review its Act that does not allow Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to lend securities. So if the PFAs, who are part of the major players in the market are not allowed to lend securities, how will the objectives of market making in Nigerian capital market be achieved” They queried.

Cross River’s reserve fund hits N5.3bn

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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ALABAR—CROSS River State reserve fund which commenced in 2005 during the former Governor Donald Duke administration with N50 million contributions every month has hit N5.32 billion, Mr. Etim Caifas, state Commissioner for Finance has said.

The Commissioner who disclosed this Monday at a media briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre, Calabar said that state’s contribution of N50 million to the fund and the N18 million monthly contributions from the 18 Local government Areas of the state made it N68 million a month.

According to him, “The fund

as at June 2012 stood at N5.32 billion while the market value stood at N6.49 billion.”

He said that the state had tried to maintain a public sector finance structure that emphasized capital expenditure over recurrent and that as a deliberate principle, “We have been driven by capital/recurrent budget ratio of 60%/40% which virtually is maintained by the 2012 draft budget at a ratio of 58% for capital expenditure and 42% for recurrent.”

Etim also disclosed that the ministries, departments and agencies had been clustered for the medium term sector strategy which he explained was deployed as revenue performance enhancement structure, adding that the MDAs were assigned

revenue targets which were monitored to avoid diversion and abuse.

“A performance monitoring and management tool has been designed to capture revenue from income generating MDAs and rank them for performance.

Trhis has lifted the contribution of ministerial revenue to total IGR (Internally Generated Revenue). The ministry is monitoring the monthly performance of the MDAs.” The Commissioner said that the government has direct equity investments in about 19 enterprises operating in both the economic and social sectors and that some of them had not achieved the critical mass and had not started yielding returns.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—23

in the development of artisanal fishing in the state, noted that the programme is also to address low fish production as intervention through the provision of needed implement which the state government is doing.

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provided storage facilities as well as refrigerated van for easy evacuation of fish caught to the market.

The second pilot Artisanal Fishing Inputs Service Delivery Programme would take off in the Western Zone of the State in Year 2013 and lessons learnt from the model in the two locations would determine its extension throughout the communities in the State.

“This is one of the major ways of boosting fish production in the country and reducing huge expenditure on the importation of frozen fish. The state’s vision to increase fish production and make them available at affordable prices to the people would be pursued vigorously.”

The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Cooperative, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, in his address, said the programme was conceived to increase the production of sea foods and appreciate the efforts of fishermen in the state.

According to Lawal, selected cooperative societies had been chosen all over the state and donations to the cooperatives would be based on their requests, adding that Ibeju Lekki LCDA were the first to benefit.

Lawal stated that the efforts were in top gear to meet the 1million metric tonnes target of fish production in the state within the next three years, describing the distribution of inputs to the fishermen as a right step in the right direction.

"The time has come for all of us to ensure we boost fish production in the country. Perhaps we may begin to have fish ponds in our houses to achieve this because relying on foreign aids is not sustainable.

shafa, who donated N500,000 to be shared among each member of the cooperative societies, later led other dignitaries to present a complete fishing gear comprising of: two boats, two 40 Horse Power, PH, outboard engines, bundles of fishing nets, ropes, twines, refrigerated van and other accessories worth f N3.41million each to the five cooperatives for From left: Emiola Aladekomo, President, Nigeria Computer Society, Mrs Christabel Onyejekwe, Executive Director, Business Development, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, NIBSS, and Mr. Ade fishing expedition.

The five registered Shonubi, Managing Director, Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, during NCS visit to the Nigerian fishermen co-operative Inter-Bank settlement scheme in Lagos recently. societies comprising of 100 members which translates to benefit 600 fishing families from this pilot programme include: Alubarika Fishers Cooperative Society, Orimedu with 15 members, Ibeju Lekki FCS, Akodo, made up of 22 members, Ise-Oripa FCS, Folu made up of 11 members.

He explained that the balance of 75 percent costs of inputs would be spread over a period of two years. Repayment is

By OLASUNKANMI of the state government their thing and federal whopping N105billion to be made in kind from AKONI in agriculture aimed at doing theirs has gone, it hard earned Nigeria proceeds from sale of fish boosting food production is partnership now, we money being spent on caught.

In order to prevent locally. are not looking back on importation of 780,000 he Federal Adeshina noted that this."

Government is fishing business in the presently working out he minister, state contributes the modalities with Lagos e x p r e s s e d highest fishing in state government on Nigeria due to its natural optimism that the massive fish production 780,000 metric tonnes of water endowment. as part of measure to "The federal fish imported annually boost local production in government is ready to could be reduced with the country under the partner with Lagos state partnership with the A g r i c u l t u r a l government in fishing to state.

Transformation Agenda, Speaking on the boost local production ATA. and discourage occasion, a lawmaker This is coming as the importation that will representing Lagos East Lagos State Agricultural of save the hard currencies Senatorial District, metric tonnes of fish exploitation Inputs and Supply middlemen in the value annually being spent on Senator Gbenga Ashafa, annually.

Authority recently Ashafa, who described chain, Ashafa added that said the move was fish importation. flagged off the Artisanal "The era of state doing crucial to address the move as a new dawn the state government has Fishing Inputs Service Delivery Programme at Orimedu Beach, Ibeju Lekki, where fishing inputs worth over N17 million were presented to five registered fishermen cooperative

By ABDALLAH Commissioner, reiterated including clustering of small firm is to establish a societies in Orimadu EL-KUREBE government's commitment and scale farmers and a biotechnology fertilizer plant Beach. determination to transform Biotechnology fertilizer at no cost to the state, in According to the okoto - Sokoto state agriculture in the state. industry," Wamakko said. addition to power generating Minister for Agriculture, government has signed a According to the agreement, "The project," according to facility utilizing plant organic Dr. Akinwunmi N15 billion partnership Sokoto state government him, "is targeted for an annual raw materials, Adeshina, represented agreement with a Brazilian would provide land, production of 80,000 tons of Wamakko explained that

by Dr. Olajide Ayinla, Company on agriculture, State infrastructure and support the rice and 200,000 tons of soya "the state stands to drive Head Agricultural Commissioner for Agriculture, company in capital sourcing. beans, maize, tomato in tremendous technical and Transformation Agenda, Dr. Jabbi Kilgori has said.

"Two thousand hectares of addition to assorted livestock, managerial expertise from ATA, of the FG, the Governor Magatakarda irrigated nucleus farmland fish and horticultural Brazil's giant stride in partnership was in view Wamakko, represented at the would be established in each products," he added. agriculture. of the trail blazing efforts MoU signing by the of the three senatorial zones, More so, while the Brazilian C M Y K

FG partners Lagos to boost fish production …Lagos distributes N17m fishing inputs to cooperatives

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The era of state doing their thing and federal doing theirs has gone, it is partnership now, we are not looking back on this

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Sokoto, Brazilian firm sign N15bn agreement on Agriculture

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24—Vanguard, FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Traditional Medicine Practitioners seek FG’s recognition is paramount. The government/legislative assemblies should as a matter of urgency sign into law, the regulation and recognition of the practice and use of these medicines.” Chairman, Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board, Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi noted the growing evidence that traditional remedies for the treatment of common ailments, including some priority diseases, is effective. He said THPs currently enjoy considerable social status within their local communities and could play important role in curative, preventive and rehabilitative measures of many diseases as well as in health education and promotion.

Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Public Health, Dr. Yewande Adeshina said 1,500 TBAs had been trained and certified in Lagos. And through the initiative, “there has been an increase in documented referrals from TBAs to the hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres.”

By CHIOMA OBINNA

N

IGERIAN Tradi tional Medicine Practitioners, TMPs are seeking official recognition by the Federal Government with a view to complementing efforts of orthodox medicine practitioners in providing accessible and affordable healthcare sevices.

The call for legislation came during the 2012 African Traditional Medicine Day in Lagos, coupled with seeking legislation to integrate and recognise TMP in primary healthcare services.

Speaking, the guest speaker, Prof. of Pharmacognosy, Olukemi Odukoya, noted that besides the international recognition for traditional medicine in primary health care, the Nigerian populace had for long depended on indigenous system of medicine for relief.

Odukoya who noted that 80 per cent of people in the developing countries including Nigeria still depend on traditional medicine blamed it on the fact that on the fact that orthodox medicine is mostly out of reach.

Urging the Lagos State governO ensure better oral health ment to domesticate the World care as well as reduce the Health Organisation, WHO and African Union, AU, recommen- risk of heart diseases among Nidations on traditional medicine gerians, Nedis Company Limitin the first decade of African Tra- ed has introduced into the Niditional Medicine, she noted that gerian market, Chyk Dental the second decade (2011-2020) Floss Toothpick.

Dental floss is a plastic ribbon provides another opportunity for Nigeria to make health for all or thin nylon filaments bundle, goals possible through tradition- used to remove plaque formation and food from the teeth. al medicine.

According to experts, a good “In some rural areas, TBAs are the only source of assistance and hygiene involves brushing and care and deliver over 90 per cent flossing to prevent gum probof the births. The workforce pre- lems such as irritation and pain caused by bacterial growth on the sented by TMPs and TBAs is an gum line and also due to the important resource for the delivstuck food particles. It also helps ery of PHC.” to remove them and make an inOdukoya added that AU’s sup- dividual comfortable and prevent port for traditional medicine in inflammation and swelling of Africa had, in fact, led to improve- gums and ultimately prevents ment in the area of education, swelling of neck lymph nodes as training and research, and ex- well as the jaw. pansive use of TM in Nigeria in Presenting the product at a the last 10 years. Despite this media launch last week in Laacceptance, however, she ex- gos, Managing Director of Nepressed worry that herbal medi- dis Co. Limited, Joe Brown said cines had not yet been officially the Chyk Dental Floss Toothpick integrated with necessary legal was aesthetically and hygienibacking. “The political will of gov- cally designed, manufactured ernments to develop traditional and packaged to help men and medicine and medicinal plants women "maintain an impeccably

• L-R: Mr Raj Raina, GM, Marketing, Apollo Hospitals Delhi, Dr Ufuoma Okotete, MD/CEO, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance Ltd, Mr. Adeniyi Akofiranmi, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance Ltd, Dr. Vivian Mbaba, Executive Director, Training & capacity Development at the just-concluded Apollo Hospitals/Diamond Helix Training for Doctors in Enugu.

Oral healthcare: Chyk dental floss toothpick debuts

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•Centre: Managing director, Nedis Co. Ltd, Mr. Joe Brown; Admin Manager, Mrs. Joyce Aguwamba and Manager, Mr. Chukwuemeka Ogbenna during the medial launch of Chyke dental floss toothpick last week in Lagos.

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sound oral hygiene and thus halt the alarming increase in dental diseases." Brown, who spoke extensively on the benefit of using the Chyk Dental Floss Pick, noted that as flossing helps to remove the food debris, it ultimately prevents tooth disorders, such as tooth cavities or dental caries, abscession and tooth loss.

He added that is a disposable device used by hygieneconscious men and women all over the world to maintain their oral health. Nedis, a one-stop

security provider, planned to create massive awareness within three years to ensure that at least 60 per cent of the population floss their teeth instead of picking them.

While the use of ordinary tooth pick could cause gum inflammation or gingivitis, dental floss pick would prevent that.

You will never realise how important your mouth is until it gets infected. “It is better to pursue the path of prevention through the use of floss pick,"

he said. Demonstrating how it could be used, he said: “Teeth flossing are carried out when a user inserts the floss thread of the device in the gaps between the teeth, followed by a gentle forward and backward movements in order to mechanically clear the dento-bacterial plaque and food particles trapped therein. "The tapered end of the plastic handle of the dental floss pick is used as a toothpick." He discouraged re – use to avoid contamination.

500 benefit from Neimeth free health screening

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UCCOUR came the way of over 500 hundred of residents of Oregun community, Onigbogbo area of Lagos last week when NeimethInternational Pharmaceuticals Plc, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, rendered free health care services ranging from free consultancy, deworming, free anti malaria drug and other health checks.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive of the Company, Mr. Emmanuel Ekunno, the Chief Engineer, Engr. Olayinka Obafemi said the screening for malaria in the community, was aimed at reducing child mortality, improving maternal health, combat malaria and ensure a sustainable hygiene ethos in the host community.

The exercise tagged: “Touching every home in our host community” began with a courtesy visit to His Royal Highness Oba Lamidi Olorunfunmi (Olabisi I), the Oba of Oregun. Services provided include mass de-worming for children not above 14 years, malaria intervention/treatment, maternal healthcare among others.

“We believe not only in reaping in a community but also put back something in the community

where we are operating as well as better the lives of the people.

“This is one practical way to show that our company really cares for her host community. Neimeth has operated in Oregun Community for over 15 years and is determined to consolidate gen-

uine good will through an enduring legacy of caring for Oregun people. Counsellor representing the community, Hon. Seyi Lawal who commended the company for the exercise said Neimeth should see the community as partner in progress.

Apollo hospitals, Diamond Helix take medical education to Enugu

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NDIA Hospital enter prises, the Apollo Hospitals Group, in collaboration with its partner, Diamond Helix Medical Assistance Ltd has taken its Continuing Medical Education,CME, session and Medical Boot Camp to Enugu.

The session hosted another team of medical specialists from Apollo hospital New Delhi. The team carried out an intense interactive and informative CME session where Medical doctors and other Health personnel learnt more on several topics such as Advances in Common Venous and Arterial Diseases including Varicose Veins, Deep Venous Thrombosis, Aortic Aneurysms and Ischaemia, Early diagnosis of Prostate Cancers,

Timing of Surgery in Congenital Heart Disease where a video on Open Heart Surgery was shown and many more.

The CME also offered medical practitioners 5 CPU accredited by Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, MDCN. Chief Executive of Diamond Helix, Dr. Ufuoma Okotete, said the programme provided participants the unique opportunity of seeing the doctors free of charge for various ailments. “ There were over 180 participants at the exercise. The highlight of the programme was a brief meeting between Diamond Helix and the Apollo Hospital team and the Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Mrs. Fidelia Akpaon possible future collaborations.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 — 25

'Trade liberalisation costs Africa $270bn’

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HE President of the Least Developed Countries Watch, an international network of civil society organisations, has said that statistics received by his organisation indicated that trade liberalisation costs Africa a tune of $270 billion, and that it has not addressed the development needs of the continent.

Demba Dembelleh, who stressed the need to reverse the trend for the welfare of African people and all those found within the bracket Least Developed Countries (LDCs), made this remark recently, at a day's consultation forum on Istanbul Plan of Action on LDCs, held in the conference hall of TANGO. Organised by members of civil society networks and the government of The Gambia, the forum brought together representatives from the ministries of Finance and Economic Affairs, Water Resources, Foreign Affairs, members of

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the civil society organisations in the country, among others. It was meant to set up a task force committee with representatives from different government ministries, departments and members of the civil society organisations in The Gambia.

Dembelleh further stressed that LDCs need trade liberalisation, but remained cautious that as long as the current trade liberation policies remained in force, LDCs will not benefit from these policies."The trade liberalisation policies did not adequately address development needs of the LDCs; we also need to have debt cancellation and subsidies for agriculture production among others. Least Developed Countries across the globe are calling for a more effective and efficient trade liberalisation to enable them enhance and expedite their development process; hence move them from emerging economies to well developed

economies," he told the forum.

Recalling the first United Nations meeting held in France in 1981 on the need to eliminate or reduce the number of LDCs in the world, Dembelleh said it is unfortunate that instead of reducing them, the number is on the increase on a daily basis as indicated in the current trends of affairs and statistics found to that effect. He cited the 2010 Istanbul-Italy UN LDC meeting as the fourth of such meetings, and yet, the number of LDCs is increasing.

He again stressed the need to have a drastic and strong measures put in place to reverse the trend for the benefit and welfare of the people of the LDCs. The LDC Watch president said it has been confirmed that all the LDC programmes have failed, because they were aimed at reducing the alarming rate of poverty in the world, which kept on the increase instead.

DOMINO'S PIZZA — From left: Human Resource and Training Manager, Eat n Go, Olusola Adeeko, Managing Director, Eric Andre and Marketing Coordinator, Abdul Richard at the press briefing to announce the entrance of Domino's Pizza and Cold Stone Creamery into Nigerian market.

Crucial China role for African Export-Import Bank

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ITH more than $126 billion in trade with Africa, China has surpassed the United States to become the continent's largest trade partner.

The rank is reflected in the annual meeting of shareholders of the African Export-Import Bank now under way in Beijing.

Jean-Louis Ekra, chair-

man and president of Afreximbank, told a press conference on Monday that the meeting would review the bank's operations over the past year and look for new opportunities for the continent.

"This year, like many other years, we will have exhibitions, which is an opportunity for both Chinese and Afri-

can partners to show what they produce and what they can export," said Ekra. "Other activities usually include a forum, but this year we have an innovation.

"In addition to a bank advisory group that usually meets, we also give an opportunity for China-Africa cooperation in development that is open dialogue."

26—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

The complete violation of the Bakassi society cannot have been the intended consequence of the Green Tree Agreement, but that is the reality. Unable to withstand the inhumanity of the situation, the Bakassi people have chosen to declare their independence from Nigeria and Cameroun again an unintended consequence of the ICJ judgment and Green Tree Agreement.

The truth is that the ICJ, a fundamental organ of the United Nation, treated Bakassi like vacant land; giving little regard to the wishes of the people, and completely disregarding the right of the people to self determination – a right generously granted all the peoples of the world and jealously protected by the United Nation. To the ICJ, giving effect to the AngloGerman Treaty of 1913 to which the Bakassi people were not parties, was more important than protecting rights and humanity of the Bakassi people in the 21st century.

L-r: Olusegun Obasanjo, former UN scribe Kofi Annan and Paul Biya of Cameroun at the signing of the Green Tree agreement

Exercising sovereignty

Our grouse with the ICJ judgment, GTA—Gov Imoke

The attempt by Cameroun to assert authority over the people in the Peninsula and to exercise sovereignty over the area has produced violent clashes and sadly several fatalities amongst the people. The recent declaration of independence by militant groups among the Bakassi people, as regrettable as it is, is a clear signal that, however, well intentioned the ICJ judgment and Green Tree Agreement were, the people of Bakassi were accorded little premium. Whatever the legal basis of the judgment, a subject I would rather leave to you the experts, the recognition and enforcement of a colonial agreement, to which the Bakassi people were not parties, should not take precedence Continues on page 27

The International Court of Justice’s judgment of October 2002, may have been given, and the Green Tree Agreement arising from this judgment, may have been made with the best of intention; but then some of the greatest atrocities or mistakes in the world were committed, some in honest error, with the best of intentions.

Ten years after the ICJ judgment and several years after the Green Tree Agreement, the reality between the best of intentions and the actual outcome of the judgment and the agreement have become obvious. However well intended the ICJ judgment and Green the Tree Agreement may have been, they have produced untold hardship and difficult and unintended outcomes.

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Continues from yesterday

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The attempt

by Cameroun to assert authority over the people in the Peninsula and to exercise sovereignty over the area has produced violent clashes and sadly several fatalities amongst the people

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N the ICJ judgment, for the first time, an organ of the United Nations set up the foundation for people to be uprooted from their ancestral lands and to become refugees in their ountry of birth forever. The Green Tree Agreement, while recognizing the need for amicable settlement of the dispute and the promotion of peaceful co-existence between Nigerian and Cameroun after the judgment, set out terms that completely violated the Bakassi society.

The Green Tree Agreement recognized that the people of Bakassi are indigenous to the Peninsula and are Nigerian citizens. Faced with the problem of how to give the land to Cameroun and give the people to Nigeria in accordance with the ICJ judgment, the Green Tree Agreement gave the Bakassi people three options which are like the devil’s alternatives: (a) Remain in Bakassi and become Cameroun citizens. This

has the effect of forcing the people to change their citizenship from that of the country of birth; (b) Remain in Bakassi, retain their Nigerian citizenship, but live like immigrants; this has the effect of turning the people into strangers in the land of birth and subject to deportation; (c) Retain their Nigerian citizenship and relocate to Nigeria; this has the effect of transforming the people into eternal refugees in Nigeria.

These are hard options on the surface but very horrible prescriptions in reality. The assumption of the Green Tree Agreement is that the entire family will choose one of the options in unison. The reality is that for the African society of which Bakassi is part, the extended family ties are strong and very essential fabric in the maintenance of social cohesion.

Finding unanimity of choice amongst members of the nuclear family is difficult and absolutely impossible among ex-

tended family members. So as different members of the family contemplate different options, the family is separated; husband from wife, brother from sister, uncle from niece.

Cross River State Governor, Lyel Imoke

Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 —27

Our grouse with the ICJ judgment, GTA—Gov Imoke

Estuarine territory Recently the Nigerian Supreme Court awarded the estuarine territory of Cross River State which survive the Bakasi handover to Akwa Ibom State; the reason for this decision being the handover of Bakassi to Cameroun. So while the ICJ has handed over their ancestral homes to Cameroun, the Nigerian Supreme Court has handed over their fishing grounds still in Nigeria to Akwa Ibom State.

While the loss of Bakassi may be a cold historical reference in some quarters, to the Bakassi people and Cross River State, it is a living trauma; and as the Supreme Court judgment has shown, the consequences have not even played out. We have to face the reality: the ICJ and Green Tree Agreement have not worked. We either review these documents by engaging

all the parties through stipulated processes, or we wait and allow the situation to play out with unintended consequences.

An uncontrolled explosion of the Bakassi situation may lead to violent conflict or indeed bring the two countries into violent disagreement. It will be irresponsible for Nigeria or indeed the UN to abdicate responsibility for a peaceful solution and allow a degeneration of the already volatile situation. Certainly the option of standing by is not open to the United Nations and must be avoided by the leadership of both countries.

It is against this background that I want to appreciate this initiative of the Institute of International Affairs in bringing this issue to the fore. I have the privilege of full knowledge of the faculty and participants at this session and I am comforted that the prominence of the participants and the distinguished audience here, means that this issue is being given the serious attention it deserves.

It is important for the people of Bakassi to know that something is being done so that they are not frustrated into doing something by themselves. Fortunately the ICJ statute provide for application for review of judgments. I understand the 10 year window for this would close on October 10.

The urgency of our actions here is thus understated. Several countries have in the past applied for a review of the judgments of the ICJ; Elsavador and Honduras (2002) applied for the revision of a 1992 judgment; Yugoslavia and Bosnia and Herzegovina (2001) applied for the revision of the

HRM Etim Okon Edet, Bakassi royal father C M Y K

judgment of 1996. Tunisia and Libya adopted this option in 1982. If a situation calls for review, the Bakassi situation is classic.

The Green Tree Agreement is a negotiated document between two countries looking for peace under the auspices of the UN. If the Green Tree Agreement has not produced the intended outcome, then both countries and the UN should be open to a review of the judgment and the document as a commitment to the spirit of peaceful co-existence. Whatever the ICJ judgment say, the two countries can by agreement resolve the matter. A mutual agreement over this territory between Nigeria and Cameroun which gives effect to the wishes of the Bakassi people can supersede the ICJ judgment.

Negotiated settlement Terms of this agreement can be negotiated in the same spirit with which the Green Tree Agreement was negotiated. In these negotiations all options should be on the table without regard to the ICJ judgment.

The United Nations can, in recognition of its responsibility to the two member States, encourage such negotiated settlement by bringing both parties to the table. I also believe that the African Union can play some role to achieve a settlement that craves a win-win situation for the people of Bakassi and the nations of Nigeria and Cameroun.

This brainstorming session has brought together the best brains in international affairs in this country. The solution can be found in this room. In the

Bakassi youths ..set for war?

Justice Minister, Mohammed Adoke hours ahead I urge you to storm your brains and bring out the solutions. Considering the surprising paucity of discuss of this issue among the Nigerian intelligentsia, this forum has a responsibility even higher than the conveners contemplated.

The people of Bakassi look up to you and the outcome of your deliberations in the hope that the Nigerian Government will give full and urgent effect to your recommendations.

I urge the Bakassi people to be patient especially as all hands are on deck to find a solution to the problem. The emergence of militant groups as is now the trend in the region is counter-productive and may divert attention.

Agitations can effectively be undertaken in ways that avoid violence and conflict. These agitations must remain a reflection of the commitment of the people of Bakassi to the Nigerian federation and the strength of their determination to retain their Nigerian citizenship.

Once again I thank the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs for lending a powerful voice to the voiceless on this occasion and may the Almighty God, knowing the noble nature of your enterprise, grant you wisdom in your deliberations, and fruitful outcomes.

Continues next week

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Continues from page 26 over the human rights of the indigenes of the territory; especially when none of the parties to Anglo-German Treaty has any sustained interest in that treaty today.

The people of Bakassi are Nigerians and look up to Nigeria as a prominent member of the United Nation to project and protect their rights and basic freedoms, and their lives. Surprisingly little has been done to mitigate the suffering of the people. Presently with their resettlement disputed and inconclusive, the Bakassi people have been disenfranchised by the Independent National Electoral Commission. Federal elections are not conducted in this region.

If the Green Tree Agreement has not produced the intended outcome, then both countries and the UN should be open to a review of the judgment and the document as a commitment to the spirit of peaceful co-existence

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28—Vanguard , FRIDAY FRIDAY,, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

rescue road users from their ordeal. Meantime, the state once again resumed its palliative repairs of the bad portions of the road.

Speaking to Vanguard Metro, VM, one of the pregnant women and a serving Police Inspector who was travelling to Lagos to see her husband, said that but for the divine mercy of God, she would have lost the pregnancy.

The Police Inspector who did not want her name in print blamed the gridlock on the failed sections of the road. She said that apart from the Odukpani portion of the collapsed road, some other roads within the South-South and South East were so bad that she felt uncomfortable till she got to her destination.

Horrifying experience

*Stand-still traffic...A regular feature on deplorable Federal roads in Cross River State

CALABAR HIGHWAY OF HELL:

Tales of woe by pregnant women, others •I nearly lost my pregnancy, says Police Inspector

BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

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ALABAR, the Cross River State capital was for about five days cut off from other parts of the country as a result of the failed Federal Government roads leading to the one time former administrative headquarters of Nigeria during the colonial era.

The issue of bad road in the South East and South-South parts of the country is no longer news. But the deplorable state of the Calabar/Ikot Ekpene and Calabar/Ogoja federal roads recently enjoyed prime news attention on account that about eight pregnant women who were rushing to keep their appointments at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and the General Hospital Calabar were trapped in the resulting gridlock, thereby putting their lives and the lives of their unborn babies in great danger.

Apart from the pregnant women, ambulances carrying five corpses to their various destinations for burial could not pass through the traffic which made relatives of the dead persons to resort carrying the corpses on their shoulders, trekking close to three kilometres to transfer them to another vehicle after spendC M Y K

ing about two days on the road.

There has been a lot of outcry over the deplorable state of the roads which have become death

traps for some time now. The roads that were built over 40 years ago have failed and have become a nightmare for users, with the economy of the state

suffering as a result.

Incidentally, the Cross River State Government had for the past seven years reportedly spent N13 billion for rehabilitations of the roads. Though the Federal Government is perceived as being indifferent to the development, it had after sending a team to assess the level of palliatives done by the state, accepted to pay about N3 billion.

It took a combined team of the Cross River State Department of Public Transportation, Federal Road Safety Corps and the Armed Forces, including the Police, to get the traffic moving and

She also informed that everything, especially the foodstuff she was travelling with, got spoilt before she could reach Lagos. She described the experience as horrifying.

It was also gathered that Governor Liyel Imoke who was billed to travel within the period could not do so because the road serves as the only entry and exit point from the state capital to any other part of the country except if the person opts for air or water travel via Cameroun, Equatorial Guinea or Akwa Ibom State.

Special Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke on Public Transportation, Mr. Edem Ekong said: “Day before yesterday (Friday), they were carrying people’s coffins on their shoulders; there were corpses that were stranded on the road. Eventually they had to carry the coffins by hands because the roads have collapsed”.

Cross River govt reacts, seeks FG’s intervention

S

PEAKING after inspecting the collapsed roads, the State Commissioner for Works, Legor Idagbo, said the state had been calling on the Federal Government over the deplorable state of the road and other federal roads in the state since last year but received no favourable response.

He said: “This is not the only federal roads that were are having problems, the road from Calabar to Ikom has the same problem. There are so many old culverts on those roads and the materials that were used for these culverts are failing, the culverts are beginning to collapse.

We have done so many interventions on the federal roads; Cross River State Government has spent close to N13 billion intervening on federal roads and as I speak to you today not even one kobo has been given back to us. Recently about some months ago, the Federal Government sent their team and they came up with a figure of

about N3 billion that was supposed to be due to Cross River State; that figure was grossly inadequate but we said okay give us that one. But until today one naira has not been given to us”.

He called on the Federal Government to be responsible to its obligation and do something urgently on the roads or in the alternative refund the amount spent so that it could carry out repairs on other bad portions of the road, adding, however, that the permanent solution was complete rehabilitation of the road.On his part, the state Commissioner for Information, Chief Akin Ricketts who was also trapped for several hours at the Odukpani section of the road called on the Federal Government to intervene as the road had affected the little resources of the state and demanded that the state be reimbursed for what it has spent so that it would be able to rehabilitate other bad portions.

Idagbo said: “Government is

quite aware of the excruciating and debilitating pains which commuters are currently facing as a result of this unwholesome situation. This is in addition to the economic loses that various businesses are facing as a consequence of the deplorable state of these roads. Government wishes to assure members of the public that the Ministry of Works officials are on top of the situation to carry out emergency remedial works on these bad portions to ease free flow of traffic, while the men of the Department of Public of Transportation have been directed to take full charge of the traffic situation and control the flow of vehicle in the affected areas.

“Government wishes to further note that the deplorable state of Federal roads in the State has worsened in the last six years, as a result of which the State Government has expended over N 13 billion on remedial maintenance of these roads. No kobo

has been paid back to the State till date by the Federal Government. Government, therefore, appeals to the Federal Government under President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently come to the rescue of the State by directing the re-construction and dualization of these Federal roads to bring them to the capacity of the current high volume of heavy duty traffic on these roads as well as make refunds of the over N 13 billion already spent on providing remedial maintenance on these Federal roads.

“Security agencies, especially the Police and Civil Defence force are please requested to deploy their men to maintain peace and security at these sections of heavy traffic hold ups on these roads.”

Unfortunately, the Federal Road Maintenance Agency, FERMA, has said that it was not its responsibility to repair the road, while the Federal Ministry of Works has so far remained indifferent on the bad state of the roads.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—29

Omotola

in court over breach of contract T

OP Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde who just back from Jamaica where she reportedly finalised some juicy contracts, has engaged the services of popular Lagos lawyer and human rights activist, Festus Keyamo to defend her in a case of breach of contract filed against her company, Redhot Concepts Limited by an up and coming lawyer, Keshi Elvis who holds brief for Megafield Solicitors.

According to the lawyer, trouble started when the latter failed to honour the contractual agreement they entered into in 2010.

He said all entreaties he made to Omotola and her company to honour the agreement hit brick wall, a situation which prompted his decision to seek redress in court.

Narrating how he met Omotola, the young lawyer said one Isaac who was his younger brother ‘s colleague in his office introduced him to the actress some two years ago (February, 2010. ). Isaac had hinted his younger brother that Omotola was in dire need of a young and vibrant lawyer to handle her briefs.

According to Isaac, Omotola’s former lawyer wasn’t handling her briefs satisfactorily and it was on this premise that Elvis was introduced to the

Omotola JaladeEkeinde

Continues on page 30

Damilola Adegbite bids farewell to ‘Tinsel’ family

A

•Damilola

INSIDE Bishop Idahosa, US singer, Ron Kenoly storm Niger State C M Y K

FTER playing the role of Telema Duke in “Tinsel”, M-Net’s hit television series for four years, actress Damilola Adegbite has announced her exit from the show.

A statement released by her management, Cartwheel and Pandora PR, and posted online, Adegbite’s exit from Tin-

FG should apologize to the Kutis — Seun Kuti

sel is ‘a professional career decision that had to be made’.

‘Damilola is sad to be saying goodbye to the show and would deeply miss everyone.

The last four years spent on the show has been a very beautiful and fulfilling experience for her.

Damilola in the past four years has built not only a good

work relationship, but also, great friendship and regards the entire cast and crew as a family,” the statement read.

The release however disclosed that Adegbite is currently on a movie set with AMAA award winning film maker, Michelle Bello and is ‘very excited about the next phase of her career ’ as she

Eye Fashion

will be playing the lead role in the movie.

‘I’m so sad saying goodbye to my Tinsel family, but I’m also happy because it’s the beginning of new things for me‘, Damilola tweeted.

Until her exit from the show,Damilola played a lead Continues on page 30

Keybard that converts iPad into laptop

30—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Movie of the week

Nollywood actress, Omotola dragged to court

Hoodrush

Continues from page 29 actress.

The lawyer stated further that “Omotola’s number was made available to me and after series of telephone discussions, we scheduled an appointment in her office. Then, she was having issues with Africa Independent Television, AIT following a programme on Kakakii, where Omotola was said to have travelled to the United States to carry out breast enlargement.”

“I wrote a letter to the management of DAAR Communications, owners of AIT and Raypower 100.5. The matter was eventually resolved via retraction on the same programme and a letter of apology tendered by the company’s law firm representing Jumoke Alao.” “ Impressed on how I handled the matterwith AIT and other assignments, the actress entered into contractual agreement with my firm, where I insisted that my annual retainership fee would be N500,000. She negotiated for N200,000 per annum retainership fee. I prepared an MOU and after studying it, she invited me on 22nd or 23rd of February, 2010 for the execution of the MOU.” he recounted.

Meanwhile, in the memorandum of Understanding signed by Omotola’s company and the lawyer, Keshi explained that the actress agreed to pay him the sum of N200,000 annually as his retainership fee in addition to paying him also a professional fee as well as out of pocket expenses incurred by me while handling her brief which she did not honour.

“Both parties, without coercion, signed the agreement. I have since carried out all instructions from Redhot concepts through Omotola”Elvis said.

According to the young laywer, since the MoU,was endorsed, he has only received a cheque of N50,000 from Omotola. He has gone to court to demand for the balance of

SYNOPSIS:

•Omotola his retainership agreement for 2010 (N150,000) and the retainership agreement for 2011 ( 200,000) as well as fee for services rendered between this period which amounted to N1,150,000.

“In February 2012, I wrote Omotola where I terminated our agreement, with a letter of demand.. She ignored me all this while.”

However, in a counter affidavit from Omotola’s counsel, Festus Keyamo , and which was made available to WG, the actress agreed owing the complainant the sum of N350,000, and not N1,150,000”as he claimed. The case came up yesterday, at the Magistrate court 1, Ikeja, Lagos.

Meanwhile, efforts to contact Omotola over the telephone to get her own side of the story proved abortive as her cell phones were switched off.

Onyeka Onwenu releases new video happiness, the pastor goes ahead with his sermon of love, encouraging them both to love each other till TWO years after she redeath. He pronounces leased her last album, legthem to husband and wife endary Songstress, Onyeka as he asks the groom to Onwenu has reassured her kiss the bride. fans that she is not done with Then Onyeka music yet, as she releases a enlightens with a pop-like new single “Falling In Love,” verse, calling to a from her upcoming compiremembrance, the lation album, The Legend. professed undying love Directed by Tolucci, the vidcouples had for each other eo which is not all gospel at the beginning of their contains 13 songs and it’s union. being sold for N1, 000. It exI’m falling in love, over plores the christian perspec•Onyeka Onwenu and over again...you are tive of Jesus as the groom and the church as the bride. The all I have, Jesus..., she sings. With a blend video opens with a drama between a bride and of English and Igbo, Onyeka delivers the groom who were about to be joined together by message of salvation and at the same a pastor in a holy matrimony. Blushing with time, professing her love for God.

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

Damilola Adegbite Bids farewell to ‘Tinsel’ family Continues from page 29 actress (Telema Duke). She has also graced the television screen with her charm and that disarming smile with a few commercials (a lead role in a TV commercial for Brilliance Motors in March 2009 and a calendar job for Nestle, in December 2008) to C M Y K

mention a few. She also played lead and supporting roles in a series of stage performances within Lagos State, including “The Vagina Monologues”,which shed light on gender inequality, and addressed sensitive issues such as female genital mutilation and wife battery.

Starring the likes of Bimbo Akintola, O.C Ukeje, Gabriel Afolayan, Bolanle Ninalowo, Ijeoma Agu, Lee Lee Byoma, Chelsea Eze and a host of other Nollywood stars, “Hoodrush”, a musical thriller produced by Flipsyde Studios is due to hit the Silverbird Cinemas, Victoria Island, Lagos, today.

The movie tells a story of two brothers closely bonded by their love for music; but deeply separated by their means for success. Shez and Tavier are two of a kind pursuing a Herculean dream of becoming music stars.

But all they have is their amazing

vocal talents, good looks, a crib in the ghetto and a menial job that could hardly pay for their clothing and feeding expenses.

Movie Schedule

September 14th – 20th.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, LAGOS Resident Evil: Retribution : 11:20am, 1:25pm, 5;35pm, 7:45pm.

Savages: 3:40pm, 7:45pm Katy Perry in 3D: 3:30pm Finding Goodluck: 1:20pm,2:35pm.

Step up 4: 11:00am, 3:40pm, 5:45pm, 8:00pm.

Total Recall: 11:15am.

That’s My Boy : 1;10pm, 10:10pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS, ABUJA Resident Evil: Retribution: 1:00pm, 3;00pm, 5;00pm, 7:00pm,9:00pm.

Finding Goodluck: 1:30pm,3:40pm,8:20pm Savages: 1:10pm, 4:00pm, 6:50pm, 9:25pm.

Total Recall: 11:30am, 1:50PM, 4:10pm, 6:30pm, 9:10pm.

The Amazing Spider Man: 3:30pm.

That’s My Boy: 11:40am, 2;00pm, 4:20pm, 6:40pm, 8:50pm Mirror Mirror; 6:40pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS CEDDI PLAZA , ABUJA Resident Evil: Retribution: 2:50pm,6:50pm,8:50pm.

Finding Goodluck; 1:20pm, 5:10pm,7:10pm In the Cupboard: 12:50pm, 4:50pm.

Total Recall; 12:10pm, 4:40pm, 9:00pm.

The Amazing Spider Man; 9:10pm.

SILVERBIRD CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Resident Evil: Retribution 12:30pm, 2;30pm,4:30pm,6:30pm,8:40pm Savages 11:50am,2:40pm,5:30pm,8:10pm Finding Goodluck 11:00am, 1:10am,3:30pm,5:55pm,8:20pm Step Up 4 11:30,1:50pm, 6:50pm,9:00pm Total Re c a l l : 4:10pm, 9:10pm.

Mirror Mirror 11:10am, 1:25pm,3:40pm.

That’s My Boy 6:05pm, 8:30pm SILVERBIRD CINEMAS UYO Resident Evil: Retribution In the Cupboard: That’s my Boy Think like a Man OZONE CINEMAS LAGOS Resident Evil: Retribution Savages Stepup4 In the Cupboard: Total Re c a l l : The Amazing Spider Man Madagascar

12:10pm, 2:15pm, 4:30pm,6:50pm.

11:35am, 3:00pm, 6:45pm.

5:05pm, 7:00pm.

11;40am, 4:20pm.

1:15pm,3:20pm,6:20pm,8:25pm 3:50pm,6:35pm,9:00pm 2:45pm, 4:50pm, 6:55pm 10:05am.

5:40pm.

10:05am.

10:55am.

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS LAGOS Resident Evil: Retribution 3D 12:50pm, 3:00pm, 5:10pm, 7:20pm, 9:30pm Finding Goodluck 10:30am, 12:45pm STEP UP 4 12:45pm, 5:05pm, 9:25pm That’s my Boy 3:10pm, 7:50pm The Amazing Spider Man 10:00am, 3:05pm Total Re c a l l 10:20am,5:45pm, 8:20pm GENESIS CINEMAS PORT HARCOURT Resident Evil: Retribution: 9:50am, 3:55pm, 5:50pm, 7:45pm Finding Goodluck: 10:00am, 7:35pm, 9:40pm Step UP 4: 1 2;05pm, 4:25pm, 6:25pm That’s my Boy: 2:05pm, 8:25pm, 10:45pm.

Total Recall: 12:15pm, 11:20pm.

GENESIS DELUXE CINEMAS ENUGU Resident Evil: Retribution; Finding Goodluck; STEP UP4: Total Recall: That’s my Boy:

12:35pm, 2:30pm, 7:00pm, 8:55pm 2:50pm, 9:00pm 10:00am, 3:10pm,8:20pm.

10;20am, 12;50pm, 5:40pm, 8:10pm 10:00am, 4;25pm

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—31

Julius Agwu hits Abuja with Crack Ya Ribs

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

A

FTER staging spectac ular concerts in Glasgow, London, New York, Houston and Dallas, Julius Agwu is due to storm Abuja later this month for this year’s edition of the annual Crack Ya Ribs show.

The show is billed to hold at the Transcorp Hilton hotel, on September 30.

With a line-up of some of the best entertainers in the country, residents of the Federal Capital Territory and environs are in for great surprises. For over a decade now, Crack Ya Ribs has always been an exhilarating night of sophisticated music, dance and comedy that has featured some of the best entertainers in the music industry including, D’Banj, Timaya, P-Square, 9ice and o t h e r s .

Aside Julius who will play as teh Chief host, other entertainers lined up to perform at event include Timaya, Inyanya, Funny Bone, Senator, I Go Die, Dan D’Humorous, Osama and Tripple White.

Speaking ahead of the show, Ju-

•Julius Agwu lius said “the Abuja edition of this year’s Crack Ya Ribs is my independence gift to Nigerians as we return after the summer tour. Not forgetting the fact that this year marks 12 years of Crack Ya Ribs and it has been repackaged with some fresh ideas to keep the brand going. We have made it bigger by turning it to the event to a Pan-African event and that informs why there were performances from Ghanaian leading music and comedy stars at the London show. With our current plans for the Abuja show, lovers of quality entertainment are in for a good time”.

Bishop Idahosa, US singer Ron Kenoly storm Niger State P

RESIDING Bishop of God First Ministries International also known as Illumination Assembly, Dr. Isaac Idahosa was recently in Minna, Niger State, to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of his church, which was set up in that State.

Idahosa, who was accompanied on the historic trip by US born international gospel star, Ron Kenoly and other senior members of his church, also visited the governor of the power State, Dr. Babangida Muazu, as part of the activities lined up for the special anniversary that rounded off with a Festival of Praise, at the UK Bello Hall.

While receiving Idahosa at the Government House on behalf on the governor, who was away on Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Daniel Shashere, thanked the man of God and his spirit-filled team for deemimg it fit to visit and pray for the State.

Shashere was particularly pleased that Idahosa went ahead to organize the well-attended Festival of Praise, despite the fear in some quarters that the State was not safe for any major religious activity, because of the menace of Boko Haram.

Visibly elated Shashare, who preC M Y K

sented souvenirs to his guests, also specially thanked Idahosa for bringing gospel star, Ron Kenoly to their State, for the very first time.

Immediately the power-packed programme that shook the entire Minna ended, widely-travelled Idahosa and Kenoly, who also promised to open a music/worship centre in Nigeria soon, flew down to Lagos and jetted straight to the US, to continue with God’s work.

While in the US for the threeday visit, Idahosa who visited Atlanta George and Arizona, respectively also met with some leading men of God, including Dr. Venom Beavers and wife.

•Idahosa, Ron Kenoly

32—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

GROOVE EXTRA Basket Mouth survives car accident, battles impostors

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

B

FG should apologize to the Kutis — Seun Kuti

BY OPEOLUWANI OGUNJIMI

F

OLLOWING the Federal Government’s announcement of Late Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuit, as one of the faces that would grace the new N5000 note, one of the grand-sons of the deceased, Seun Kuti, has demanded an apology from the FG before using her picture on the proposed note.

Seun made this declaration during an interview session with Channels TV, accusing the FG of killing his grandmother in February, 1978 by 1,000 unknown soldiers who stormed the Kalakuta Republic.

“She was murdered by the Federal Government, her house was burnt down on that same day, two of her children were brutalised, almost killed on that same day and the family have not received any apology or compensation, most especially justice for such an atrocity.”

Meanwhile, a campaign has started on social networks,

Twitter, by an, ‘I Hate the New 5000 Naira Note’ group, against the FG using Late Olufunmilayo’s picture on the N5000 note without a public apology to the Kutis.

The government is yet to respond to Seun’s accusation, likewise has any apology been made. Other siblings of Seun, Femi and Yeni, have also kept mum, as both seem to be per-occupied with the completion of the ongoing Fela Anikulapo-Kuti’s Museum.

It would be recalled that in February 1978, when Nigeria was under the Military rule, led by General Olusegun Obasanjo, Late Olufunmilayo Ransome Kuti and two of her sons, Doctor Beko Ransome Kuti and musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti , were attacked by 1000 soldiers. The unknown soldiers brutalised Beko and Fela, vandalized their properties, including Beko’s hospital and allegedly threw Olufunmilayo from the second floor of her house to the ground. She slept into coma and later died from the injuries sustained as a result of the attack in April, same year.

According to history, she was the first woman in Nigeria to drive a car.

Why Nwogwugwu and Ozurumba families were evicted from MDA Academy T

WO families, Nwogwugwu and Ozurumba were the first two to be evicted from the on-going Maltina Dance All Academy.

After performing the Wazobia and Salsa dance, the families were unable to satisfy the judges with their performance which led to their exit.

Anchored by Kemi Adetiba, the first eviction show had three families lock horns to remain in the Academy. The Okasia, Nwogwugwu and Ozurumba families had been placed on possible eviction list after their Wazobia performance show.

The judges considered their performance ‘unsatisfactory’ as they were given the marching order. Meanwhile, the Okasia family was the only family put C M Y K

UT for divine intervention, the nation’s entertainment industry would have been thrown into another mourning mood as one of its stand-up comedians, Basket Mouth was recently involved in a car accident. Though he did not sustain any serious injury, a close friend of the popular comedian, who confirmed the buzz to WG said Basket Mouth is hale and hearty.

“Basket Mouth was involved in a car accident last week but it wasn’t anything serious. The Comedian simply came out of the accident unharmed. According to our source, “Basket Mouth is alive and kicking, no injuries”. he said Meanwhile, the source disclosed that the comedian is presently battling with impersonators who have been pretending to be him on social network- Twitter.

“From what we heard, Basket Mouth presently has nine Twitter impersonators. The comedian who thinks the move by the impostors doesn’t make sense, quickly raised an alarm, warning his tweet fans to watch out for his fakes and not fall prey to their mischief.”

up for possible eviction after the Salsa performance.

The Ozurumba family who came on stage to open the show with the Wazobia dance performed very well to the

delight of the audience. They were followed by the Nwogwugwu and Okasia families who equally impressed the judges with their performances.

Muyiwa Osinaike, one of the judges, said most of the families who have participated at the eviction show down from the past till present always come back to the stage with so much vibrancy and determination, he thus commended them for their

•BasketMouth

Wazobia performance.

The second dance category performed by the contestants was the Salsa dance, where the stage was opened by the Nwogwugwu family followed by the Okasia and Ozurumba families respectively.

When it was time for the judges to announce the families that would be evicted the hall was filled with tension as the judges found it quite challenging in determining the fate of the two families that would leave the academy.

Commenting on their performance, one of the judges Janell Bugress, a professional dancer said the salsa performance by the three families were not encouraging, stressing further that their “performance lacked flexibility.”

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—33

Eye Fashion

•D&G

BY YEMISI SULEIMAN

D

on’t be afraid to hit the beach, the office, or the street, sporting the chicest shades and most gorgeous glasses around.

From retro styles, to colored frames, to funky shapes, this year ’s sunglasses feature both exaggerated sizes and shapes. The shapes are equally big and quirky, with a huge variety of trendy sunglasses sure to keep you looking cool in any season... Be camera ready in vivacious designs that cater to trendsetters. Feminine shapes and plush jewels are all the hype.

•Bvlgari

•Gucci

•D&G

•Kim-Kardashian, Kourtney Khloe Kollection Eyeglasses

•Brigitte Exaggerated Cateye Sunglasses

•New Collection Gucci Sunglasses

•Emporio Armani

Tuface, Tiwa Savage, Dakolo rise up for children of Bakassi A

FRICAN Queen Crooner, Tuface Idibia, Tiwa Savage and Timi Dakolo are a few amongst the entertainers billed to support the distinguished Senator Florence Ita- Giwa (OON) pet project; Foundation for Children of Bakassi.

The event promises to be thrilling even as the artistes emphasized the need to rise up for these displaced children.

Prestigious Zinnia Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites will accommodate invited guests and the performance.

Over the years, the Red Ball has been the principal fundraising vehicle for the foundation which caters for hundreds of displaced Bakassi children. Since the ceding of parts of Bakassi to C M Y K

Cameroun, the plight of the children has further worsened. It is for this reason that the single voice of the humane mother and passionate woman, Sen. ItaGiwa who has vowed to ensure the best and improve the welfare of the helpless children be supported.

Her words: “I am determined and I still remain absolutely resolute to cater for the needs of these innocent children who are victims of political machination and geographical dispute until they are properly resettled.

A

n international fashion show will also be on parade, as the management of Vlisco has indicated interest to partner with the Red Ball event. The frontline

•Senator Ita-Giwa, and Tuface Idibia flanked by some children of Bakassi

textile manufacturing firm will provide eight stunning outfits for the Middle East Afro Fusion fashion show. The

fabrics will be worn by famous Nollywood acts. A statement released by its Head of Channel and Trade Strategy,

Simi Belo, informs that Vlisco creates premium Dutch designed wax prints that embody African identity.

34— Vanguard, FRIDAY,

SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Power Dressing: How to Get it Right!

F

ORGET brains, beauty and preparation- if a woman wants power, then she needs to dress as though she wants power, or that she already has it, and plans to keep it.

Lipstick spoke to two of the leading Lagos-based style consultants (male and female) with widely varying ideas, and they both agreed on the following:Keep it straightforward Keep frills and frumps completely minimal.

Avoid unnecessary styling, and ensure the attention is on you, and not on your clothes.

Use strong lines, and strong colours Nothing wrong with bright red lipstick and manicured, long talons apparently. Gone are the days when a grey or black suit stood for power. Bold, serious colours are now the order of the day. There’s just a word of caution: do not mix colours.

The less skin, the better Keep the cute cleavage and the luscious legs out of sight if you want to be taken seriously. There’ll be lots of opportunity to show them off on vacation.

Top Women’s Wardrobes Mobola Johnson

T

he minister has spent most of her life in the corporate world, before exchanging the drudgery of the desk with the dynamism of the federal ministry. What has not changed is her style, comprising mostly of bobs or severely pulled back hair.

•Omobolaji-Johnson

Bose Ayeni

S

he may be soft spoken, but this graduate of the Lagos Business School knows her onions- not only because of her experience in the blue chip sector, but also decade long experience in running the pioneer privately owned fast food restaurant(Tantalizers) in Nigeria. She is well known for her severe bobs, clean suits and bold lip colours.

Funke Oshibodu

T

his no nonsense career banker was already well known before the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor appointed her to take over Union Bank, and nurse it back to life. She is also well known for her structured looks, clean hair and bold lips.

Use strong accessories Your scarf, your bags, your shoes, your hats. Go for understated drama, and spend a little fortune on them if you must. It will be worth it.

Understate your jewellery Remember, it is not how bogus you look that matters, but how mysterious. Use quality but deliberately understated pieces of jewellery. This would include your watch. Always wear a watch and carry a proper pen.

Keep the hair Clean A woman with short hair is considered more “professional looking” than one with long hair. Severe cut hair such as bobs are also considered more savvy looking than curls and waves.

C M Y K

•Funke Oshibodu

Bola Adesola

S

tandard Chartered has been honoured to have her on the number one spot, but this is not a new thing for this simple lady.

Known for her short hair and understated outlook, her style is as straightforward as she is.

•Bola Adesola

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 — 35

Let your Home Nurture, not Kill you!

I

N this postmodern age, we have overcome many home infrastructure issues. It is now possible to vacuum the house, put food on the table, do the laundry and the dishes in less than an hour- thanks to more advanced vacuum cleaners, washing machines, dishwashers, microwaves ovens, and so on. No doubt, many busy housewives look forward to the day when we will have machies to make the bed, iron the laundry and even take out the trash and wash the trashcan.

But while we wait, many new dangers are lurking in the corner, waiting to launch themselves into your home and you need an entirely new set of awareness skills to counter them. Look out for the following:-

consumption.

Be wary of fruit/vegetables that are bigger/greener/redder than usual.

If possible, buy palm oil and other vegetable oils in the supermarket. It might be a little more expensive, but you can easily trace the source.

Chemicals in the air ith increasing rates of cancers, including lung cancer, amongst the nonsmoking population, it is clear that the air is becoming as dangerous as any other means of contacting carcinogens (cancer causing agents).

Tips: Avoid insecticides like a plague, even if in a net. Find other means of combating mosquitoes and other insects and if you must use insecticides, use it in the morning just before leaving the house so particles can be cleared while the home

W

If possible, buy palm oil and other vegetable oils in the supermarket, it might be a little more expensive, but you can easily trace the source

,

is empty.

Use inverters and other sources of alternative energy rather than generators that use fossil fuels (diesel, petrol, kerosene, etcetera). But if you must use a generator, keep it far away from doors, windows and the house in general. If there is not enough space, do not leave the generator on overnight under any circumstances.

Do not allow smoking in the home under any circumstances, particularly if there are young children in the house. If you are a smoker yourself, take urgent steps to quit. Do not be diplomatic about anyone smoking in your house. Just make sure they do not, period.

Do not cook or fry food with windows and doors shut.

Avoid burning food.

Chemicals in your water The general idea is that water is fit for drinking as long as there are no germs in it. The reality is that heavy metals and other chemicals that can contaminate water pose a much greater problem than germs. In this day of water dispensers and bottled/pure water, chemical toxins are a real and present danger.

Tips: Boil and filter. The good old fashioned way, yet it might be

Chemicals from the helps You are not there to see to the day to day running of your house, so you delegate to domestic help. Not bad, but it is important to look out for certain things, including domestic practices. Ideally, set standards on certain things.

Ensure plates, cutlery and cups are properly rinsed after washing in order to avoid residues. Where food is concerned, opt for soap rather than detergent.

Read literature on washing liquids.

Wash children’s toys with mild soap as well, preferably the same soap with which you bathe the child.

Xpressions

Funmilayo Olayinka

Government should stop whining and get to work

This daring lady spent the greater part of her life acquiring diverse banking experience, before being elected the Ekiti deputy Governor alongside her principal Kayode Fayemi. Though she has now firmly opted for the traditional look, her outlook remains bold and consistent.

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Chemicals in your food.

If you live in the rural area, you would have quite a good idea of where your food is coming from. Large expanses of arable land in such areas ensure individuals can cultivate vegetables at least, around their dwelling places.

Where they do not, small scale agricultural activities ensure food is not coming from far off and is fresh.

The urban dweller however, tends to be more oblivious of where his food is coming from and would probably buy fresh food from far away or tinned/ otherwise conserved food.

She is more likely to get commercial, mass produced food laden with all kinds of chemicals and steroids.

Tips: You may have limited space, but just a little space in your back garden is all you need to grow vegetables, corn, and so on for your own

the only way with loose government controls.

If you have a borehole, ensure the water is tested for heavy metals before using to cook. Also have water tanks tested.

Toxins in preserved food This is the leading cause of ill health in modern Nigeria, according to doctors and unknown to many. Few foods are preserved without chemicals known as preservatives.

Tips:Roast nuts at home. Nuts generally have the tendency to grow a toxic kind of fungus that is highly carcinogenic. It is the same kind of fungus found in dried fish/meats that have been kept for too long, as well as chocolate.

Never buy a dented tin if there is food inside, and never store an open tin with food inside in the refrigerator. This is an old one, but still true.

Avoid ‘everlasting foods’ such as noodles, sausage and so on. They make sure your own system does not last.

VER the years, Nigerian politicians in general seem to have acquired a firm reputation for seeing reality and firmly looking away from it. It becomes a much bigger problem when government at its highest levels, as it has consistently displayed infantile tendencies, both as individuals and as groups. Government has shown unflinching determination to look away from the issues, while making a song and dance over issues which either do not exist, or have minimum importance in the scheme of things.

They have become traditionally reactionary, communicating with the people only when there is trouble, or when a rumour has been spun that requires debunking. The best press secretaries, therefore, are the ones that are more into image laundering than image building, and the ones that can not keep shut the can of worms cannot last.

If the presidency has nothing else to tell the Nigerian people other than excuses on why just about nothing is working then, it should just keep mum. It is far more honourable.

36—VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 GENERALLY, all acts of worship, through financial expenditure are by broader definition classified as Sadaqah.

But by extension, good deeds and acts that tend to save or ameleorate the suffereings of another creature of God are also considered as sadaqah. Today, we are not going to focus on Zakat as it implies but other acts of worship that are not only ihsan but also Sadaqah.

Goodness or ihsan, and a sense of collective responsibility towards one another were a hallmark of the early Muslims. That ultimately resulted in orderliness in the society in which they lived and a flexible hierarchical social structure that prevailed before now. The poor and the needy were entitled to a share of the society’s wealth. They were sensitive to each other, even governments and leaders did not shirk from their responsibilities.

Crimes were almost unreported and life was meaningful to every living being. Through tat, Islam could be easily explained and seen to be thriving in the lives of

Tel: 08098097290 email: isholaism@yahoo.co.uk

Showing kindness to all creatures of Allah properly on is one that states, Aljazahu-li Ihsana, ilaa-li ihsan.

No one does any atom of goodness, except that he is paid back with goodness. As human beings, we all enjoy numerous blessings of Allah in our lives and the only way we can show gratitude to Allah for His blessings is to pass some of the blessings on to our fellow humans beings. If we take a critical look at Quran Chapter 93, we will realise that we have greater

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The Prophet taught that if a Muslim is performing ablution for prayer and somebody who is dying of thirst cries for water, it becomes necessary for the Muslim to sacrifice the water meant for ablution to quench the thirst of that person, even if he is a non-Muslim

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people. But today, the reverse is the case. Insensitivity to the plight of the people, looting, cruelty, worse crime against human beings are the order of the day.

Given that Charity is not mandatory and has no preset limit, it is strongly encouraged in hundreds of verses in the Quran.

Various verses of te Holy Qur’an pontificate the act as a means of obtaining God’s mercy and forgiveness (24:22, 92:17 to 92:18), cleansing the souls of impurity (9:103), and attaining superior degree faith (30:38, 76:8 to 76:9, 90:10 to 90:16). In fact, one area that we should reflect

respsibilities to the less fortunate than we think we have. In the same way, causing avoidable pain and suffering to the defenseless and innocent creatures of Almighty Allah is not justifiable under any circumstances. No doubt, it attracts its own punishment too.

Another point is that it is not only necessary on human beings, animals are also part of Allah’s creatures and kindness to them is also a act of ibadaah and charity.

As Muslims, we are encouraged to act and think in such a way of accepting all species of creatures in their own right and do what is

right on them. It is true that Allah has given human beings dominions over all other creatures but we cannot sit in judgement on them according to our whim and caprices. Causing emotional distress on animals is no less a physical injury on it. There was a story of the Prophet cutting off his shirt’s sleeve as a cat was sleeping on it, rather than disturbing the sleeping cat; when it was time for prayers. When people at the mosque noticed him wearing a torn sleeved robe, they asked: “Holy Prophet, why is your garment torn?” The Prophet simply replied that his cat was sleeping soundly upon the sleeve of his robe and rather than disturbing the cat, he cut the sleeve and put on what remained of his garment. The Prophet is so kind to animals that he would not pull the garment or awaken the cat, instead he rather cut his robe and let the cat sleep undisturbed.

In another story narrated by Abdul Rahman bin Abdullah bin Mas’ud, he stated that: “We were on a journey with the Prophet (s.a.w), and he left us for a while.

During his absence, we saw a bird called hummara with its two young ones and took the young ones. The mother bird was going round over us in the air, clapping its wings in grief, when the Prophet (s.a.w), returned, he said: “Who has hurt the feelings of this bird by taking its young ones? Return them to her, he said.”

We also read the story of an Israeli prostitute who was saved from being ont of the dwellers of Hell as a result of her kindness to

From left: Mr. Christopher Agbonghah, ADIA; Engr. Mustapha Oduola, Head of Engineering; Alhaji Maloum Jimeta, General Manager, Bond FM; Miss Adenike Adegoke, Controller Editorial; and Miss Delightsome Alfred, General Manager, Metro FM, during the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, FRCN, Ikoyi, 2012 Post Ramadan Lecture, in Lagos. Photo: Bunmi Azeez

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a dog. The dog was reported dying of thirst, runing helter skelter searching for water. It got to a well and it was going round the well in utter discomfort. This Israeli prostitute saw this dog and came to its rescue. She took off her shoe and watered it and fed the dog severally until the dog was satisfied. By this singular act, Allah forgave her and admitted her into al-janah.

The Prophet taught that if a Muslim is performing ablution for prayer and somebody who is dying of thirst cries for water, it becomes necessary for the Muslim to sacrifice the water meant for ablution to quench the thirst of that person, even if he is a non-Muslim. Islam therefore is all about goodness to the creatures of Allah and not solely about a salat without any iota of goodness to humanity.

Those who are bent on amassing wealth, and denying the less fortunate a share are those who

will suffer in the hereafter and will be deprived of the mercy of God. (3:180, 4:37, 47:38, 89:17 to 89.24).

Not feeding the needy is cited amongst the major reasons for which someone will not be in paradise (74:42 to 74:46). Being insensitive to the plight of those in need of help is another means of incuring the wrath of Allah.

The Quran describes as hypocrites those who perform their salat but do not show kindness to the orphans and the needy; these are those who have sold their chances of being in aljanah. (107:1-7). Amassing wealth for its own sake or for the love of bequeathing money for children unborn is an evil deed deserving of extreme punishment on the Day of Judgment (9:35).

The lesson is that not only are Muslims repeatedly instructed to spend, they are explicitly instructed to spend from their most cherished possessions, from what is dear to them, from what they consider to be the best that they own to releiving those who are in one for of hardships or the other. Aprt from financial consideration, kindness in deed, and act of goodness even to those who wrong you are the major kernel of what Islam is all about.

Allahuma ihdina fii man adaeta, a aafina fii man aafaeta, wa tawallana fii man tawallaeta, Nastagfirka wa na tubu ilaeka. Rabana atina fi duniyya hasanata wa fil akhirat.

Rabbana aatina fid dunya hasanah, wa fil akhirate hasanah, wa qina azaban naar.

Preparing for Hajj

By HARUN RASAQ

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AJJ is Muslim pilgrimage to the holy land of Makkah and other places in Saudi Arabia during the month of Hajj with specific conditions. Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which requires early and adequate preparation.

The importance of Hajj cannot be over-emphasized in Islam.

This is because the Qur ’an, Sunnah and consensus of the Muslim from the period of the salaf till now support it. Hajj is so important in Islam that any Muslim that met its condition and refused to answer the call is regarded as kafir.

Unfortunately, many Muslims today in Nigeria have refused to carry out this divine injunctions inspite of the fact that they are qualified. They give unacceptable excuses of time, building of houses or other flimsy excuses.

Contrastively, many of those who are not qualify embark on the journey yearly and thus turn the holy status of Alhaji to another thing entirely.

Therefore before Hajj can be beneficial, the Hujaj, an intending pilgrim must meet certain conditions and some steps must be taken before embarking on the journey.

Some of the conditions for Hajj are: (1) the intending pilgrim must be a practising

Muslim with sound ‘Aqidah (doctrine); must be a true Muslim must not involve in any act that nullifies iman-belief).

The ten most common ones are (i) associating partner with Allah, (ii) Setting up intermediary between oneself and Allah (iii) not considering Mushrikin to be unbelievers, (iv) believing that some guidance is better than what the prophet’s (s.a.w) came with, (v) hating something that the Messenger (s.a.w) came with, (vi) mocking something of the faith, (vii) practising sorcery,(viii) Supporting the polytheists against the Muslims, (ix) believing that some people are permitted to deviate from the Shariah, (x) turning away from the religion of Allah. So, faith is a condition of the validity of the deeds and its approval.

(2) Must have attained adulthood; (3) Must be of a sound state of mind and in full control of his mental faculties; (4) Ability: this include the following: Must be healthy and physically fit, to undergo the rigours of the journey and rites; Must be sure that the way to the holy land is safe; Must be financially sound enough to be able to bear all of the expenses for Hajj, also to provide adequately for his dependants before leaving home.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—37

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40— Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—41

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42— Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

ECONOMY: How northern Nigeria swims against the tide of insecurity THIS is certainly not the best of times for most of the 19 states of the North. For about two years now, most of them have contended with unceasing violence, which has led death of thousands of persons and

BY WOLE MOSADOMI, NDAHI MARAMA,JOHN BULUS,AKANINYENE EZEKIEL,BOLUWAJI OBAHOPO &TINA AKANNAM

Dearth of professionals hits Gombe HE spate of insecurity, characterised by ethnic conflicts in Jos, Plateau State and Boko Haram insurgency, is fast demolishing the remnants of economic and social infrastructure of the North with palpable fear that life would become tougher and harder in the region. Like other northern states, Gombe, which used to be a safe haven of some sorts for the people of the north-eastern region, is now suffering a backlash of the violence with the relocation of over 1000 out of

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1,687 Batch B, 2012 corps members from Gombe recently.

No thanks to the growing state of insecurity in the North East geo-political zone. Vanguard checks indicate that there is dearth of graduate teachers across secondary schools in the state. Hospitals and other public institutions also lack qualified hands. These are the areas where corps members, prior to now, were primarily deployed.

But with their redeployment to other states of the federation, Gombe is left with insufficient personnel to drive the economy.

A confirmation of the situation came from the State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo recently, during a courtesy call on him by the Director-General of the National

destruction of properties worth several billions of Naira. Vanguard Politics took a tour of the affected states and our findings show that the region is gradually becoming inclement for business.

Mathematical Centre, NMC, Abuja, Prof Sam Ale. The governor, who was particular about the study of Mathematics said: “No Gombe child has been given the opportunity to study Mathematics.

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ecause it is an opportunity; if it is not given to you, you cannot have it.

So, there was no teacher who could teach Mathematics very well”. He further added that the case of Government Secondary School, Doma where over 4000 students of the school have not been given adequate attention in terms of proper teaching was worrisome. Similarly, commercial activities have considerably slowed down. There is also a drastic fall in commercial

transportation. For instance, commercial motor cycle riders popularly called Achaba are not getting the usual patronage from passengers, who they say prefer taxis. Those who spoke to Vanguard said passengers feel dangerously exposed while on bikes, and so, elect to wait for taxis. But one interesting thing amid the development is that the number of tricycles on the roads in Gombe is increasing on daily basis thereby providing an appreciable alternative to commercial motor bikes.

Enquires showed that there is influx of people from other neighbouring states such as Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba. Reports say that Borno and Adamawa states had long banned commercial motor bike

operations culminating into massive exodus of people whose means of livelihood is the Achaba business, to Gombe in search of greener pastures.

By its location, Gombe is strategically positioned in the centre of North-East zone thereby giving it both business and tourist advantages. Besides, the people, mixed in their religions, live peacefully with one another. But notably, at the heat of the serial bombings in Gombe, most residents especially the nonindigenes decided to take a flight out of the state yet to the chagrin of many but others from the states around it are making Gombe their safe haven. In what ways has the development affected the

Continues on page 43

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 —43

Weathering the tide of insecurity Continues from page 42

PLATEAU State has been plagued by series of crises for over 10 years now leading to massive loss of lives, property and other investments. The perennial situation even led to the destruction of the famous Terminus Market, which used to generate millions to the state coffer. The situation has crippled some businesses; left traders stranded and forced many more into street trading.

For some years, the various administrations in the state condoned the street trading phenomenon attributing it to lack of market where traders could put their wares in shops but the Jonah Jang’s administration, in its first tenure, constructed market stalls at the Rukuba satellite market still in Jos, the State capital.

Though there have been few hitches in allocation of the stalls in the market, a problem which had long been solved but most traders refuse to go to the new market citing various reasons.

While some traders say they do not have shops there, many said they were used to selling at the roadside at the old Terminus, Abuja markets as well as other major streets in the metropolis as many customers patronize them

*Babangida

Already, Gomboru Market, Baga and Monday Markets, which attract foreigners from Chad, Niger and Cameroon Republic, have remained deserted as over 80 percent of stalls and shops are closed without any hope of reopening them, as most owners were either killed or fled the town

Raising the tension Though, we may admit that some people still do leave but those who have really established here are not leaving. Still people are coming to Gombe. As for the Youth Corps members, I think it is the media that are just raising the tension and thinking that the whole North or the whole NorthEast is on fire. Of course, no father would want his child to go to a place that he is not comfortable with their security, but the security situation on the ground in Gombe, honestly, is better. And I think, the government is up to the task with the security challenges and that’s why we are seeing a drastic fall in all the unfortunate things that are happening”. Indeed, the government appears determined to provide maximum security.

To actualize this, the Army hierarchy recently reshuffled in its formation based in the state.

The 301 Artillery Regiment Unit was swapped with that of Onitsha, Anambra State. Since their arrival, analysts say the soldiers have been up and doing, complimenting the efforts of the Police and the State Security Services, SSS in policing the state. It is expected that with the latest development in the security checks, Gombe and indeed, the entire North-East may soon heave a sigh of relief from criminal activities and insurgency.

Borno: Violence lays economy

the state in bad light.

Mostly, many traders open for business as early as 8:30 am compared to when businesses were opened at 7am and shops are closed by 6pm. Banks which before now used to operate on Saturdays only open to customers by 8:30am. While some close by 2pm, others stop operation by 3pm. Residents are very cautious as you hardly see people far from their houses once the day gets dark.

Night life in Kogi: LOKOJA Insecurity in Kogi State has taken a huge toll on the socio economic activities of the residents.

The recent killing of 20 worshipers at the Deeper Life Bible Church and killing of two soldiers at the Okene secretariat by gunmen have further heightened tension in the town.

The development, which brought the deployment of army to the area coupled with the curfew imposed by the state government, is affecting how residents conduct their affairs in the state. Lokoja, which is the state capital also, has a fair share in the deal as Okada operators have been banned from 6pm everyday; a development that has made life tough for Okada riders

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state? Barrister Zubairu Mohammed Umar, the immediate past Commissioner for Justice and Attorney –General of the State, said: “I think that generally in the North, things are becoming bad, economically. We really thank God that Gombe is not experiencing the kind of drastic fall in economic activities as it is been experienced in other states, say Yobe, Borno, etc.

You know Gombe is the commercial nerve centre of the North-East. So, people still come to Gombe for their commercial activities. Although, things might have fallen a little bit but I don’t think it is as bad as we think. In any event, one would even say business activities have even picked up because people still need to do business even in the North-East and the only place they can come now comfortably, despite all the security challenges, to do business is Gombe. So, Gombe is okay as far as business is concerned.” He was also very swift to add that Gombe was not witnessing mass exodus as such compared to its neigbours in the North-East.

“When it comes to an exodus, I think Gombe stands a better place because less people are leaving Gombe than they are leaving some other parts of the North.

*Shettima prostrate FOLLOWING the activities of suspected terrorists in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital, which is riddled with series of killings and bombings, the socio- economic fortune of the state, is in shambles. Although Governor Kashim Shettima and the security agencies, particularly men of the Joint Task Force (JTF) are having sleepless nights in order to end the violence, the efforts are yet to start yielding dividends.

Abandoning businesses Over 70 percent of investors have either fled the town or abandoned their businesses due to insecurity. For example, Igbo traders, who constituted the majority in trading and other businesses, were forced to leave the state, as their brothers and sisters were the most targets by the sect. Already, Gomboru Market, Baga and Monday Markets, which attract foreigners from Chad, Niger and Cameroon Republic, have remained

deserted as over 80 percent of stalls and shops are closed without any hope of reopening them, as most owners were either killed or fled the town. Also, most telecommunication companies have relocated their North- East offices from Maiduguri to Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe or Taraba. The situation has compounded the problem of youth restiveness following the sack of many youths by the relocating firms. Likewise, with the outright ban of commercial motorcycle (Okada) riders, the transportation system in the state has been made more difficult for less income earners, whose welfare is also worse off because commercial motorbike was a means of livelihood for about 20 percent of the state’s population.The cattle market in Gomboru popularly called Kasuwan Shanu, which supplies most of the cattle to Southern parts of the country has remained a-no-go area, as series of attacks and killings remained the order of the Day in the market.

How insecurity affects business on the Plateau

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on their way to and fro their businesses. However, the situation has generated controversy as the State government recently put a Task Force in place to relocate the traders from their temporary sales point, a move which the roadside traders have severally rebuffed.

On the effect of crises on businesses in the state, to say the State has been worst hit is an understatement as many business premises do not open on time and business men also close businesses early due to lack of patronage as residents are cautious on daily basis on what time to come out and what time to return to the safety of their homes.

Many investors especially the foreign ones whom the government has approached are skeptical about investing in the state. Some existing business owners have relocated to other states with a typical example being the closure of the MTN Call Centre in Jos, a situation many believe is an afterthought and an act aimed at portraying

and those who require their services for evening businesses.

Also, majority of drinking joints are adversely affected as patronage has dwindled. The fear of the unknown since the surge in insecurity in the state has caused fun seekers to desist from drinking at joints and night clubs. Suspicious of fellow residents, everyone sleeps with one eye closed. At Present, business activities close early while resident have decided to avoid hot spots where they may be susceptible to attack by armed bandits. Churches have been advised to close before 12 noon for Sunday services; and attendance during church services has recorded a noticeable decline in the number of worshipers ever since.

However, the state government has continued to put in place measures to resolve the insecurity in the state in order to pursue their investors’ drive. The quick response of the State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada and the directive to security operatives to Continues on page 44 C M Y K

44—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Night life takes flight in Kogi Continued from page 43 fish out the perpetrators of the acts seem to be aiding to address the ugly trends.

At many fora, the state governor and his deputy have assured of their commitment at ensuring that normalcy returns to the state while pursuing with vigour their drive towards attracting both local and international investors to Kogi.

Towards this, Governor Wada had embarked on numerous journeys to economic summits in Germany, Malaysia and other part of the country to seek for investors in the agricultural, mining and infrastructural sectors coupled with the ongoing beautification exercise in the state capital to make it attractive for investors. At present, the security personnel seem to be handling the situation adequately while the state government pursues their aims of attracting investors into the state.

Fear of the unknown reign in Jigawa JIGAWA State has been very lucky because it has not witnessed the security crises bedeviling neigbouring states but ironically commercial activities in the state have a suffered setback in recent times.

Though business activities in Jigawa State commence as from 9-10am daily and closes at 7 p.m in the markets because the traders stay longer hoping to make more sales, patronage has dwindled since neighboring

*Scene of bomb explosion in Suleja, Niger state states like Kano, Bauchi and Borno states started experiencing terror attacks.

The general outcry from the traders, who usual travel to Kano to buy consumable and textile materials, is that business is slow because of poor patronage.

While those who buy food stuffs from the north eastern states are complaining that the incessant crises in those states have affected their business activities because they get less supply of

food stuffs from those states, and most of them seldom travel because of insecurity in the neigbouring states.

In terms of government effort on maintaining security, the Jigawa State Government has adopted diverse methods apart from holding several meetings with relevant stakeholders on security. Joint patrol teams are also assigned to monitor all parts of the state. On the other hand, the new central market, which is

located in the outskirt of the state, has notable presence of both security operatives as well as market security men. Governor Dr. Sule Lamido is relying on the prevailing peace in Jigawa to woo investors.

Niger: Life no longer the same after Suleja attacks Niger State was one of the first states to have baptism of bomb blasts in the country during which hundreds of people were killed.

The first was in April last year in Suleja during a political campaign rally organized by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) towards the general election during which there was a bomb blast leading to the killing of many people. Nearly three days to the National Assembly elections last year, another bomb blast was recorded at the INEC office, Suleja during which some lives were lost and many others injured. The worst came on Christmas Day in the same Suleja town last year when innocent worshippers were bombed and several people killed at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Madalla, and Suleja.

This incident recorded the highest casualties and was the climax of it all which eventually sent strong and wrong signals to most Nigerians especially the non-indigenes. The deadline given by the Boko Haram leaders also last year to all non-indigenes residing in the northern part of the country is still very fresh in the memories of all Nigerians especially the non-indigenes. Till now, the facts have not been really established on why Suleja town is the main target in Niger state.

The only reason attributed to the dastardly acts is the proximity of Suleja town to Abuja, the new Federal Capital. Minna, the state capital, have not experienced any form of bomb blast but the state government had always been proactive on the issue in order to

Continues on page 46

2015: Why Delta North must produce governor — Onwuadiamu Barrister Alex Onwuadiamu is the interim chairman of Anioma Agenda, a socio-political organisation committed to the realisation of the governorship dream of the Anioma people in the Northern Senatorial district of Delta State. Onwuadiamu who before now was the secretary-general of the Anioma Political Forum in this interview articulates reasons why the search for the next governor of Delta State should be focused within his Delta North Senatorial district. Excerpts

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HAT is the Anioma agenda all about?

As the name says, Anioma Agenda is an organisation dedicated towards ensuring that an Anioma son or daughter assumes the post of governor of Delta State come 2015.

Why that seemingly selfish agenda?

The Aniomas over time have had the quest for governorship in mind but never succeeded and 21 years of Delta State we have never held that position.

So, we feel strongly that being a part of Delta State, that we should have a take at that office.

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occupy that office cost you?

You can’t quantify it. You can’t quantify the opportunity cost in terms of infrastructural development, in terms of human capital development, in terms of political empowerment, in terms of economic empowerment. You just cannot quantify it.

When we look at ourselves and look at others in other ethnic nationalities we see quite a lot of difference. In terms of political maturity, you see quite a lot of difference.

When you look at the Central Senatorial or the South Senatorial district, they are a lot more matured, a lot more organised than the Anioma area because they have been in power.

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BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, POLITICAL EDITOR

We believe that networking will get us there.

We believe that letting others know how we feel, getting the understanding of others will get us there and that is why you see that our consultations are not limited to politicians from Delta North

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Being in power gives you a lot more confidence that you don’t get from any where else.

*Onwuadiamu Are you saying that others who have occupied the office have marginalised you?

If you say marginalised it won’t be exactly the situation, if you also say marginalised it won’t be too far from it and that is why we want to occupy the position. We want to know how it feels. We also want to feel like others who have had it.

So, how are you going about your campaign?

We in Anioma believe that consultation will take us there.

We believe that networking will get us there. We believe that letting others know how we feel, getting the understanding of others will get us there and that is why you see that our Continues on page 45

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—45

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WAS born in the Northern part of Nigeria (Jos, now the capital of Plateau State) some decades ago. As my name reads, my parents (both) were from the Southern part of the country (South Western zone). My primary education took place in two different schools run by Christian institutions. My father (who died in 1958) told me that he and his friend (Mallam Nasidi, a Northerner) trekked to Jos from Bida (now in Niger State) about the year 1912. After a short stay, they moved back to Bida, doing all sorts of jobs on the way unmolested.

The two friends later returned to Jos around 1922, where they stayed permanently till death separated them. They became prosperous traders and built houses. It was discovered that members of my father’s friend family saved my father ‘s properties during the crazy destruction by the ethnic and religious vandals in Jos. I left the North (Jos) for the South for my Secondary education and have remained there except for the delightful periods when I worked in the North (Kaduna, now Kaduna State capital), Warri (now in Delta State) and Port Harcourt (now Rivers State capital). My stay in Kaduna as Area Manager of a ‘big‘ organization introduced me to the varied and beautiful scenery that made the delightful panoramic view of Northern Nigeria.

I could say that I have travelled extensively throughout the areas which constitute the present nineteen states of the north. The rural areas were picturesque, while the people were fantastic, extremely friendly and hardworking (Agriculture). My sojourn in Warri and Port Harcourt were pleasant excursions into the Delta and South Eastern areas of the country.

In the Niger Delta riverine areas, I watched with painful conscience the struggle of

07059197616

STATE OF THE NATION:

Prosperity through peace human beings attempting to eke out a dangerous living in an environment far from being friendly. Yet, the people were friendly, jovial and pleasant, especially to strangers.

The Ibos, as usual, were sturdy, steady and hardworking. The village life into which I was introduced indirectly (through disappearance of some of my staff in Port Harcourt every Friday afternoon) provided a life of tranquillity and relaxation necessary for the turbulence of a city life.

Personality and immense love I believed then, that the true friendship of the Igbo personality and the immense love towards a stranger is found in the ‘village. Palmwine was served gleefully with its purity undisturbed. The ‘kola-nut‘ was a symbol of total submission to the concept of peaceful co-existence and trust.

However, some Igbos of the urban centers appear to be of a different specie who like a newspaper columnist, in a moment of indiscretion, would look at the Yoruba and Northerners as conspirators to rub the Easterners of their oil,

wealth and greatness.

The sketch of my life experience describes vividly the spirit of peaceful existence amongst Nigerians at that period.

It tells also the success story of the 20th century in the social history of Nigeria. However, the first decade of the 21st century appears to me as a dark period of destabilization and revenge – a tortuous journey towards political and economic instability. Though there were riots (for various reasons) in many Nigerian cities in the 1990s, yet these were quickly and successfully controlled.However, the political, religious and ethnic disturbances of the first decade of this century were of such magnitude that the future of Nigeria seems to be in jeopardy.

Compensations to many victims of southern origin were neither assessed nor paid. The 20th century grappled with the problem of political instability and tried to solve it through the creation of states to allay the fears of the minorities. Rather than re-examining the structure of the 36 states already created, the 21st century funny politicians are clamouring for the creation of

more states to add to the existing woes of the country.

While sympathy goes to the protagonists of creation of new states, realities of general prosperity should be the determining factor in any state creation exercise. The allurement of free monthly allocation in a federal system of government needs to be critically examined.

If substantial economic and political progress became visible in the 20th century (under Peace and Order), it is now very necessary that the prevailing century should exude peaceful tendencies.

Therefore, all efforts should be directed towards the ending of the dangerous and disastrous Boko Haram insurgency. It is not a case of calling on the Federal Government alone to ensure security in the Northern part of the country; it is a clear responsibility of all Nigerians to work with the central authority.

It would be unfortunate if the general security of the nation is left alone in the hand of a single political party which has not in the past shown enough capacity and capability in handling serious national issues. If is possible to achieve an atmosphere of peaceful co-

existence at home, the external forces will respond in terms of investment, aid and partnership to uplift the economy. Under this peaceful atmosphere, serious efforts would be expected in the fields of power supply and infrastructural developments. It has been suggested in many quarters that in a situation where the economy is dormant and unemployment is rife, it would be necessary to stimulate effective demand through the injection of funds into the economy. It is known that fructification of “consumers‘” pockets would affect positively the demand for goods produced at home by those who have lower taste for foreign goods (low income earners).

Some believe also that the creation of State Police might increase the level of employment in the country. The huge amount of funds (unaudited) allocated to security votes of every state could be used in supporting a good number of Police recruits whose main job would be directed towards securing peace and preventing criminal activities.

The argument of political use of the police to harass opponents by State Governors does not arise since the present system where the Nigerian Police is under the present Federal Government does not imply that the Federal Government uses the Police to oppress political opponents.

The duty of a state police is to enhance security and prevent crime.

I am still of a firm belief that in an atmosphere of insecurity, political instability and economic uncertainties (under punishing monetary policies), high unemployment and infrastructural decays, it is futile (as it has shown) to rely on a single political party to provide the magic. The reasonable option left to good leadership is through shared responsibilities in a genuine national government.

2015: Why Delta North must produce governor — Onwuadiamu Continued from page 44 consultations are not limited to politicians from Delta North.

Recently we went to our national leader, Chief E. K. Clark to seek his understanding and we got it.

The man was forthright, he spoke out in support of it and even went to the extent of telling us that if ‘you cannot fight for your rights, then you don’t exist as a people.’ And he said that he would always defend minority interests wherever.

We are going to reach out to political leaders from central senatorial district particularly the Urhobos because we feel that the Aniomas have been long standing political partners of the Urhobos and it is time

now for us to cash on that political equity ‘IOU’ which we think that they owe us.

Also, our brothers from the Southern senatorial district, particularly the Itsekiris, Ijaws, Isokos, we will reach out to them. We are talking and we will work out partnership with these ethnic nationalities so that come 2015 it would just be a contest within Anioma.

But this is not the first time you would be having such an initiative. In 2007 even when your son was the second, your people still drew back?

There is going to be a difference now so that it doesn’t happen the way it has been happening before.

How do you respond to the argument of Delta North holding the post of PDP chairman and producing the

gubernatorial candidate?

The issue canvassed before was that you have capital of the state and that precludes you from running for governorship, that let others who don’t have the capital run for governor.

Running for governorship That doesn’t apply anywhere.

In Lagos, Lagosians are not excluded from running for governorship of Lagos State, they are indeed in the forefront. It is not tenable anywhere. Delta cannot be in isolation.

Indeed what is the norm now is that nobody from the senatorial district of the outgoing governor will succeed the outgoing.

Why?

Because it is not fair. The essence of having three senatorial zones is just like the reason for having six geopolitical zones.

The principal of equity and fairness says that as the president is from the SouthSouth zone, you don’t expect that if the president contests and wins in 2015 that he would be succeeded by someone else from the South-south zone.

That is why we don’t expect that by any means that another person from the Southern senatorial district or Central Senatorial zone in Delta State would want to contest the position of governor in 2015.

On the chairmanship of the party, Delta State has a norm and it is a near perfect norm.

Under Chief James Ibori, the chairmanship of the party was

first under James Manager then Pius Senibe, When the incumbent was coming to power, the chairman of the party was Emmanuel Ogidi from his own Southern senatorial zone.

The fact that Emmanuel Ogidi was the chairman of the party didn’t stop Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan from winning the primaries. But as soon as Dr. Uduaghan was sworn in as governor, Ogidi had to relinquish that position to someone else. So, come 2015 when we assume that an Anioma son would win the governorship of Delta State the chairmanship of the PDP would naturally shift to another senatorial zone and perhaps to Central Senatorial zone.

C M Y K

46—Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Enugu equips teachers to implement new curriculum

Nasarawa to build 1,000 houses for non-civil servants

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BY TONY EDIKE

E

NUGU—ENUGU State Government has started a capacitybuilding programme to equip teachers to implement the new Basic and Senior Secondary School curriculum prepared by the Federal Ministry of Education.

The state Commissioner for Education, Dr. Simon Ortuanya, who declared the training programme open in Enugu, said the state government organised the training to “help participants and their students build on the gains of the nine-year Basic Education Curriculum and also connect logically to the learning expectations and experiences as to be successful at the tertiary education level.”

Ortuanya stated, “Enugu State Government is determined to reform the teacher training model to show respect for teachers as professionals."

FREE MEDICAL TEST FOR JOURNALISTS: Members of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Correspondents' Chapel, Ibadan, Oyo State, during a free medical test for journalists and members of the public at the chapel's office in Mokola, Ibadan. Photo: Dare Fasube.

U

MUAHIA—ABIA State Government has accused the management of Pipelines and Products Marketing Company Limited, PPMC, of sabotaging the effort of both the federal and state governments to ensure availability of petrol at the Osisioma Depot near Aba. The government alleged that the PPMC was conniving with operators of tank farms to claim that pipelines conveying products from Eleme to Osisioma were being vandalized when in fact the reverse was the case as the pipelines were being guarded around the clock by soldiers.

The faace-off between the government and PPMC was sparked off via a letter dated August 6, 2012, by the PPMC to the government, claiming that it lost 2. 7 million litres of petrol worth over N232 million to vandals between July 5 and July 19, 2 0 1 2 .

In the letter, PPMC named the areas where the “multiple vandalism” took place to include ElC M Y K

gage institutions.

He said: “It is a social housing policy under the National Housing Programme aimed at providing housing for noncivil servants in the states.”

He said the project would benefit those that did not benefit from the 18 per cent national minimum wage, adding that it was to improve their well being.

The commissioner said those interested would be required to form cooperatives of 20 to 70 members who must register with a mortgage institution.

ASUU President urges increased spending in education

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Prof. Gontalo Mirinda of International Bio Research Institute ( left), during a press conference in Enugu.

Abia govt accuses PPMC of sabotage

BY ANAYO OKOLI

A F I A — N A S A R AWA State Government yesterday said it would build 1,000 housing units for non-civil servants in the state.

Mr. Musa Yusuf, the state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lafia that the houses would be located in the local government areas.

According to him, the project, known as “Informal Sector Co-operative Housing Loan Scheme”, would be executed in partnership with mort-

eme axis, kilometer 19.1 at Ubaku and kilometer 26.6 at Owaza.

It said: “The vandals carried out these nefarious activities undetected.

We urge Abia State Government to intensify its campaign against pipelines vandalism among the communities to enlighten the people of the dangers of this nefarious act. This is due to the fact that NNPC may be compelled to shut the line once again if successful pump-

ing of petroleum products through the lines cannot be guaranteed.” The letter was signed by Dr. A. Fagbure.

Reacting to the letter, the state government, through the Commissioner for Petroleum and Solid Mineral Resources, Chief Don Ubani, dismissed it as “spurious and in bad faith.”

He stated: “We see the letter as spurious, a blackmail to discontinue pumping fuel to Abia state. My

investigation showed that some people who operate tank farms were behind it.

They want to sabotage the Osisioma depot. There is no truth in the letter.”

According to Ubani there is no pipeline vandalization on the pipelines that pump oil to Osisioma. He said that soldiers and other security operatives had been on 24-hour surveillance of the pipelines since the resumption of operation at Osisioma depot.

Oil thieves threaten pipeline surveillance workers in Delta

BY EMMA AMAIZE

W

ARRI—OIL thieves and barons have threatened the lives of top officials and workers of Oil Facility Surveillance Limited, OFSL, Warri, Delta State, a pipeline surveillance company contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to police the facilities in the state, for allegedly demolishing

their illegal refineries.

Ex-militant leader, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, is believed to be among the promoters of the OFSL, whose activities had since February, 2010 when it was established, been a threat to oil thieves.

General Manager of OFSL, Mr. Keston Pondi, who confirmed the threats to the lives and property of workers of the company, said formal reports on the threats

were made to the office of Area Commander, Police, Warri.

Pondi also reiterated that the firm was being owed for its services by NNPC, saying that if the contract was not renewed in the next two months, the workers would down tools. He explained that since the company started operation in the state two years ago, the NNPC could attest that the rampant cases of oil theft in the state had dropped.

AGOS—DR. Nasir Fagge, President of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, on Wednesday condemned huge funds, which Nigerians spend on education abroad, describing it as a setback to the education system.

Fagge told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in a telephone interview in Lagos that the Federal Government should

refocus and invest more in education.

He said such investment would curb the trend of Nigerians spending heavily on education abroad.

Dr. Wale Babalakin, Chairman, Committee of Pro-chancellors of Nigeria, had last week reported that Nigerians spent about N160 billion annually on education in Ghana.

Fish dealers assure on adequate supply

BY YINKA LATONA

T

HE Association of Fish Suppliers of Nigeria, AFISUN, has assured on improving and providing good fish on a sustainable basis in adequate quantity to the generality of Nigerians as part of its contribution in bridging the demand and supply for food security and national development.

While speaking to

newsmen in Lagos, AFISUN Public Relation Officer, Mr Monday Evawomaha, said as part of its vision, AFISUN, in collaboration with major government statutory bodies, has set new standards on the quality of fish being supplied in the country, to meet the recommended intake of fish per person per annum by the Food and Agricultural Organization, FAO.

Lawmaker empowers youths in Delta

BY SIMON ADEWALE

T

HE member repre senting Ndokwa East Constituency in Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Friday Osanebi, has empowered youths in his constituency with cash and gift items.

Addressing newsmen, Osanebi, who is Chairman, House Committee on Delta State Oil Pro-

ducing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, said the gesture was part of his empowerment programme for youths in the region.

He said that items were distributed to the Ukwani Team A, Team B and Ndokwa West that came 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively in the Unity Cup competition oraganised by him in line with his campaign promises.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—47 Edited by MCPHILIPS NWACHUKWU 08026350360 E-mail: chimeena@yahoo.com

Entries for Life in my City Photo Africa begins

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Frm left: South African Sifiso Mzobe[ winner of 4th Edition of Wole Soyinka prize], Ogochukwu Promise, founder of LUMINA Foundations and others during the award

IFE in My City Art Initia tive (the organiser of Life in My City Art Festival), c/o Alliance Française Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria, hereby invites entries for Life in My City Photo Africa as part of the 2012 Life In My City Art Festival holding in October, 2012.

Photo Africa is an international photo contest for African photographers under 35 years of age, living and working in Africa. A statement by the organiser says that submitted works are expected to portray interesting current living conditions in the African city as seen through the lens of photographer, bearing in mind that one of the aims of the Life In

My City Art Festival is to provide a platform for young artists to make meaningful statements about their environment.

The theme of this first Photo Africa contest is: Life in My City!

The prize for the winning entry will be USD1000 and a one week trip to Enugu, Nigeria during Live in My City Art Festival.

Submission of entries is ongoing and will close on September 25th, 2012. Interested applicants are expected to submit a maximum of 2 photos (size: less than 1MB), a brief bio-data (Not more than 100 words) and a short statement describing their photos to Dominique Fancelli, Director of Alliance Française, Enugu.

Sifiso Mzobe wins 4th Soyinka Prize for Literature

By PRISCA SAM-DURU

S

OUTH Africa’s Sifizo Mzobe, Saturday, clinched the Award for the fourth edition of Wole Soyinka(WS) Prize for Literature in Africa organized by Lumina Foundation. Sifiso Mzobe winning work, Young Blood beat Akachi Adimora - Eziegbo's Roses and Bullets and The Unseen Leopard, by another South African, Bridget Pitt, to capture the crest. He was born in Umlazi, Durban and studied journalism at Damelin Business Campus in Durban. He is a freelance journalist who currently works for a community newspaper in South Africa. Besides spending substantial part of his time to write his forth-coming second novel, he works for various organizations that pro-

Mamabolo; former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke; Executive governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Ben Tomoloju; publishers, writers, artistes; GLO Ambassadors, Monalisa Chinda, Ini Edo and many other Nollywood stars.

Wole Soyinka Prize, a biennial Award for the best literary work produced by an African is the brain child of the founder, Dr .

Ogochukwu Promise and sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom honors Africa’s great writers and causes their works to be appreciated.

It celebrates excellent writing, promotes scholarship and makes books available and affordable by subsidizing the publication of books in the top list of the judges.

Thought provoking dance: Aside a thought provoking

Wole Soyinka prize for literature honors Africa’s great writers, celebrates excellent writing, promotes scholarship and makes books available and affordable by subsidizing the publication of books

,

mote reading for young people.

He has publications in the Sunday Times, Mail, Guardian and Fundza.co.za. He lives in the city of Durban and he is a father of one.

His first book, Young Blood was the Joint winner of the 2011 Sunday Times Literary Award. It also won the Herman Charles Bosman Prize for English Fiction and it was the Best First Time Published Author Award at the South African Literary Awards. In 2012, the novel was optioned by Rogue Star Production to be made into a Feature Film in August next year The grand Award night held at the Civic Centre, Lagos which was piloted by ever charming Adesua Onyenukwe had the hall, packed full with international presence as well as eminent Nigerians some of whom were, South African Ambassador to Nigeria, Kingsley C M Y K

,

Dance Drama by Crown Troupe of Africa which gave an insight into what the Wole Soyinka’s Prize for Literature was all about, as well as exhilarating performance by the Footprints of David and Nefertiti displaying such performance style and energetic dancing steps, masked man and Afro-Calypso exponent, Lagbaja was also on ground with unforgettable entertainment which left his audience, irrespective of the age bracket, moving their bodies even while seated.

Former Ghanaian president John Agyekum Kufor who was the Special guest of honour while speaking on “Pursuit for excellence”, described the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature as Africa’s equivalent of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

The Chairperson of Lumina Foundation, Mrs. Francesca Emmanuel stated that the objectives of the Wole Soyinka Prize is not

to honour only those who bring pride to Africa, but also, Africa's giant writers and cause their works to be appreciated worldwide. She stated further, “we cannot afford to fail, this prize must continue for the celebration of excellence and the edification of Africans.”

Mrs Emmanuel disclosed that a total of 412 entries from 26 African countries were received. And out of this number, Nigeria’s Prof.

Akachi Adimora Ezeigbo( Roses and Bullets), Sifiso Mzobe(Young Blonde) from South Africa and Bridget Pit(The Unseen Leopard), a Zimbabwean born South African writer were shortlisted for the coveted prize. And at the end of the day, Sifiso Mzobe was declared the winner and went home with the cash award of 20 thousand dollars and a trophy donated by McMillan.

Nobel Laureate, Professor Soyinka commended the Lumina Foundation’s effort in promot-

ing reading culture in Africa, adding that Literature in the continent will continue to grow with this encouragement from the likes of Lumina. He therefore called on African youths to work assiduously towards promotion of African culture and heritage.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman of Globacom, the major sponsors of the prize, Dr. Mike Adenuga jr. who was represented by the company’s National Sales Coordinator, Mr. David Maji commended the organizers of the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature in Africa for keeping the flag flying very high since the Prize was established in 2005, pointing out that it has, within its short life span carved a niche for itself in the literary circle by recognizing and encouraging professionalism and excellence.

He stated further: “Like the Colossus that he is, Professor

Wole Soyinka has towered above the global cultural and literary milieu to emerge as the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, he is not only one of the world’s greatest writers of all times, he is also Africa’s most credible advocate of culture, due process, democracy and social justice.”

Globacom chairman stated that “the association between Globacom and the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka is premised on the similarity of our aspirations and characteristics in terms of developing a strong, virile African society”.

The host Governor, Raji Fashola in his address, expressed delight for hosting an award of such magnitude in Lagos state.

Literature and arts he said, truly define Nigerians, stressing that “it is agonizing daily seeing treasures of this great country under threat”.

Addressing security challenges in Africa

By JAPHET ALAKAM

A

FRICA is faced with series of security challenges at present, which many believe there is no end to it, but it is also reassuring to note that a number of people still believe solutions to many of the challenges are not as distant as they seem.

Such people believe that if every individual especially the leaders do the right thing, the story will be a lot better.

One of such fellows is Tunde Eso, a political scientist and journalist who believes that he has a message to pass across to all and sundry especially those in authority. The Osun state born graduate of Ife and publisher of Jubel magazine after a deep reflection of the problems of insecurity in Africa came up with a book that has solutions to the continent’s insecurity. According to him, the book is a practical discussion offering solutions in a pragmatic approach to everyday social,

economic, political and developmental issues plaguing Africa. These same issues and inequalities are the very foundation causing insecurity in the continent.

The new book titled, African Security Solution, a 58-page book, described as a framework for African leaders on how to put to an end the series of security problems is a wake up call to all African leaders to look at the fundamental issues and

address them.

In a chat with the author on why he embarked on the mission, Eso who said that the materials have been ready for years disclosed that he decided to publish the book after he was attacked and nearly killed by hoodlums for no cause.

According to him, after the attack he saw the need to bring out something so that if the leaders adhere to it, Africa will be a safe place.

Noting that the book highlights some of the causes of insecurity in Africa especially Nigeria and ways in which the government can manage the youths. He identified hunger and poverty as the greatest cause of insecurity and called on government to address them. Some of the ways to address that include, the provision of electricity. Nigeria has been battling with it for years but if they will provide regular power, many youths will be gainfully employed and the rate of crime will reduce.

48— Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

C M Y K

Vanguard anguard,, YOUR LUCK TODAY

GEMINI: Those of your who are red-blooded for romance may have an exciting and satisfying day. Happenings within your social circles must be taken more seriously.

CANCER: Confrontation may come your way in the circle but the heavens are working favourably for you.

Some doses of romance is not too much for you on a day like this.

LEO: Provided you don’t allow your innate ability to be as diplomatic as necessary desert you, things work favourably for you to the betterment of your finances.

VIRGO: Many of you will be in sentimental mood and exhibit strong romantic desire openly. But then, if care is not taken, you may be carried away to the detriment of your finances. Serious minded lovers are in for happy day.

— 49

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139 TAURUS: Although matters-of-the-heart may give you cause to smile broadly, if care is not taken, you would cause friction that can’t help you r case at work. This is the wrong time for unnecessary scheming within your working arena.

FRID AY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 FRIDA

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

Where is the man with the time...?

I

F there is any com modity that is scarce today, that thing is time. It is on account of this that many of us leave undone what ought to have been done. It is for this reason too

woman without something occupying him/her now? Virtually, every one of us is busy doing one thing or the other, but leave undone what the issue is: what are could lead to our you busy doing? promotion.

Think about it!

If I may ask you, who is that man/

that many of us leave tasking duties to our own detriment. It is for this reason also that we

TERROR MUDA

in “Never say goodbye”

By Lanre Kehinde

LIBRA: Whatever anybody says or does, you will have both your say and way. Venus and Jupiter may tempt some of you to embrace illicit (or secret) romance within your base of operation.

SCORPIO: Venus and Jupiter at positive angles may tempt you to join some of your friends who are already onboard of merry making train. Watch your health.

SAGITTARIUS: Good luck will smile at many and induce love of luxury merry making and romantic liason.

Genuine lovers will need to be on guard against deceit from new admirers.

CAPRICORN: Both financial success and emotional satisfaction are closed to you than before. Those of you travelling because of maters-of-the-heart are in for an exciting romantic day Those ambitious career-wise will succeed after few struggles.

AQUARIUS: Many members of your opposite sex will go out of their ways to attract your romantic interest. This is the wrong time to engage on unnecessary argument.

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Princess Shii’

By Andy Akman

PISCES: If you priority is love, much of it would come your way as desired. But here is a better day for more ambitious in the business world. Don’t allow anybody to deceive you over money.

ARIES: Those of you with secret admirers within your working area will have the needed opportunities to make the needed moves. Resist the temptation to deceive others.

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

What’s my Horoscope?

Dear Joshua, I am a middle aged lady born on September 13, 1962.

Although I am fairly successful, I want you to give me my comprehensive horoscope, especially what my special gift is.

Which day of the week was I born? Where were my natal planets and their meanings? Who am I? Doris, Jos.

VIRGINIA

dadadekola@yahoo.com

Dear Doris, There is no space for comprehensive horoscope but what you’ll have here -under is answer to your questions/ You were born on a Thursday and your special gift is LEADERSHIP quality.

YOUR HOROSCOPE DATA Date of Birth: Thursday, September 13, 1962 Sun Sign: Virgo: Sun in 20th Degree of Virgo Moon Sign: PISCES: Moon on 10th Degree of Pisces Mercury in 16th Degree of Libra Venues in 5th Degree of Scorpio Mars in 13th Degree of Cancer Jupiter in 6th Degree of Pisces Saturn in 5th Degree of Aquarius Uranus in 2nd Degree of Virgo Neptune in 11th Degree of Scorpio Pluto in 10th Degree of Virgo North Node in 6th Degree of Leo South Node in 6th Degree of Aquarius Quality and Element Cardinal and air star signs hosted two planets each fixed and earth three each, no planet in fire while mutable and water star signs hosted five planets each.

Push-full influence = 20% Non- push-full element = 80% Final dispositor = Lucky Jupiter General Analysis Just 20 per cent of push-full influence in your chart can deceptively present you to others as a soft (or even timid) person but practical Virgo that hosted nothing less than three heavenly bodies when you were born and Astrological aspects between Mercury (mental focus) and aggressive Mars in you r chart are pointers to the contrary.

C M Y K

Commen3

by Lawrence Akapa

50— Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

Vanguard CLASSIFIED AKANEGBU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Akanegbu Victoria Chinelo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Victoria Chinelo Ogbunambala. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EZUMA—I, Aloysius Nwankwo Ezuma wish to inform the general public that I and former Mrs. Angela Ifeyinwa Ezuma divorced legally in the court of law.

Henceforth she no longer bears EZUMA as her surname. Any dealings with her by the name Mrs. Angela Ifeyinwa Ezuma is Illegal. General public should please take note.

UCHEBENU—I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Onyeka Uchebenu Agagaraga, now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Onyeka OkwuenyiAgagaraga.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OBE—I, formerly known and addressed as Obe Idowu Ayisat, now wish to be known and addressed as Aneyo Idowu Ayisat.

All former documents remain valid. University of Lagos, Guarantee Trust Bank and general public please take note.

ASHIRU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ashiru Rukayat Oluwaranti, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Akinyanmi R u k a y a t Oluwaranti. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

AFOLABI—I, formerly known and addressed as Afolabi Adebola Oko-osi, now wish to be known and addressed as Racheal Adebola Oko-osi.

All f o r m e r documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

E K O N G — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Eka Monday Ekong , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eka Friday Brownson Usoro.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

NDUKWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ijeoma Joy Ndukwe , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ijeoma Joy Alex Opara. All former documents remain valid. Mainstreet Bank Limited and general public please take note.

OLORUNFUNMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O l o r u n f u n m i Olayinka Rebecca, now wish to be known and addressed as Adeshina Olayinka Rebecca. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Immigration Services and general public please take note.

OGUNROTIMI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bolanle Abosede Ogunrotimi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bolanle Abosede Faniran.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UKASOANYA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onyeka Gloria Ukasoanya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onyeka Gloria I k e c h u k w u Ofoegbu. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ODIGBO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chigozie Faith Odigbo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chigozie Faith Oranekwu.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AUGUSTINE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Augustine Elizabeth Ashe’azi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Elizabeth Anthony Embugus. All former documents remain valid. Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu and general public please take note.

MOJISOLA—I, formerly known and addressed as Mrs. Mojisola Balogun, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Yinka Balogun. All former documents r e m a i n valid.General public please take note.

BOYO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Omasan Georgina Boyo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Omasan Georgina Okorodudu.

All former documents remain valid.

DESOPADEC, Firstbank Nig. plc and general public please take note.

EYIFOMA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Roli Eyifoma, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Roli Akpita. All former documents r e m a i n valid.DESOPADEC and general public please take note.

I M O D E — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Imode Thelma Nwanneka, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ofor Thelma Nwanneka. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

EBUEBORHO—I, formerly known and addressed as Andrew Ebueborho, now wish to be known and addressed as Ogbebor .O. Andrew . All former documentsw remain valid.

General public please take note.

ANIM—I, formerly known and addressed as Olisedeme Anim Friday, now wish to be known and addressed as Olisedeme Animson Friday. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ODUBENU—I, formerly known as Miss Perpetual Kelecha Odubenu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.Perpetual Kelecha Rhogho. All former documents remain valid. Post Primary Education Board (Asaba) and general public please take note.

OFOJEBE—We, formerly known and addressed as Ofojebe family: Revd. Engr .Paul Anene Ofojebe, Mrs. Echezona Ebele Ofojebe, Miss Grace Somtochukwu Oluwafunmilayo Ofojebe, Master Paul Ugochukwu Babafemi Ofojebe, Miss Esther Ogonna Oluwafunke Ofojebe, now wish to be known and addressed as Chikodili family: Revd.

Engr Paul Anene Chikodili, Mrs. Echezona Ebele Chikodili, Miss Grace Somtochukwu Oluwafunmilayo Chikodili, Master Paul Ugochukwu Babafemi Chikodili, Miss Esther Ogonna Oluwafunke Chikodili. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ojo Folake Julianah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Aina-Double Folake Julianah. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKPAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Henry Okpah, now wish to be known and addressed as Henry Ohakwuyelum. All former documents remain valid. General public, financial institutions, federal government parastatals and embassies please take note.

ANOLIEFO—I, formerly known and addressed as Nkeiruka Yvonne, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkeiruka Yvonne Anoliefo. All former documents remain valid. Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) and general public please take note.

ALAO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Modupe Maryam Alao, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Modupe Maryam Ogunbor. All former documents remain valid. Lagos State Government and general public please take note.

ONWUEGBUSI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Chinwe Gloria Onwuegbusi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chinwe Gloria Okpala. All former documents remain valid.

Anambra College of E d u c a t i o n , Aw k a , Nnamdi Azikiwe University, NYSC and general public please take note.

UCHEAGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ucheagwu Chinyere Catherine, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Anowai Chinyere Catherine.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

OKEZUE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ike Doris Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Okezue Doris Ngozi. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Nigerian Prisons Service, National Youth Service Corps and general public please take note.

IGBOZURUIKE—I, formerly known and addressed as Igbozuruike Anthonia Njideka, now wish to be known and addressed as Egeolu Anthonia Njideka.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ABENGOWESHABA —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Vita Chidima Abengowe, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Vita Chidima Abengowe-Shaba. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OLADOKUN—I, formerly and addressed as Oladokun Temitope Tosin, now wish to be known and addressed as Ikhiede Temitope Tosin. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

A B ATA N — I , formerly known and addressed as Miss Abatan Rofiat Oluwakemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. AdetomiwaOgunnwa Rofiat Oluwakemi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

EKEANYANWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Vivian Chidimma Ekeanyanwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Vivian Chidimma KenUkewuihe. All former documents remain valid. Imo State Polytechnic, NYSC and general public please take note.

USENU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Rose Oghenetejirin Usenu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Rose Oghenetejirin Kumane. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Peace Obumneke Ugwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Peace Obumneke Adelakun.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

Confirmation of Date of Birth That I Mrs. Ewere Rose Ayekoren have my date of birth as 19th April, 1963 and 19th April, 1967, the same and one person. All former documents remain valid. Oredo Local Government Marriage Registry, Immigration, US Consulate Office, Lagos and general public please take note.

EZIEFULA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Miss Eziefula Sylvia Onyinyechi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Eziefula Sylvia Onyinyechi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UMEH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Umeh Benedicta Chinyere, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezendu Benedicta Chinyere. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

GBOLU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Gbolu Queen, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbu Clement Queen.

All former documents remain valid. State Universal Basic Education Board, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State and general public please take note.

MADAMEDON— I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Bawo Madamedon, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Bawo Iyonsi.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OJIREVWE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss O j i r e v w e Oghenerukevwe Cynthia, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. O g a g i f o Oghenerukevwe Cynthia. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

Vanguard CLASSIFIED ASEIMO—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Aseimo Blessing Saturday Dokubo, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Tamaratariela Donatus Blessing.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

DIEJOMAOH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Onome Onakorame Diejomaoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onome Onakorame Ekpruke. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGUNYA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Adebimpe Comfort Ogunya, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adebimpe Comfort Ogunya-Adelakun.

All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

ANYAOGU—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anyaogu Akunna Favour, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwokeocha Akunna Favour. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general Public please take note.

ALERECHI—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alerechi Ngozi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Igwe-Chekwas Ngozi.

All former documents remain valid. Rivers State University of Education, University of Port Harcourt and general Public please take note.

NNAJI—I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ifeoma Nnaji, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogbodoh Ifeoma. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general Public, please take note.

NDUNYIRIUGWU—I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ndunyiriugwu Callista Chima, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ogundu Callista Chima. All former documents remain valid.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and the general Public, please take note.

ECHEBIMA—I formerly known and addressed as Miss Chioma Gloria Echebima, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Chioma Gloria Ukeagbu. All former documents remain valid. General Public, please take note.

OSUAGWU—I, formerly known and addressed as Chibuzor Onachukwu Osuagwu, now wish to be known and addressed as Chibuzor Unachukwu Macdonald Roland. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ODUSOTE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Odusote Sukurat Adebola, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Olayinka Sukurat Adebola. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

ABDULLAHI-LAWAL —I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Faith Talatu Abdullahi-Lawal, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Faith Talatu Victor Dapo. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OGWUCHE—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogwuche Iyawo Theresa, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Odumah Iyawo Theresa . All former documents remain valid.

Kogi State University Anyigba and general public please take note.

OKPARA—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Clara Ifeoma Okpara, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Clara Ifeoma Ezenwa. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

JONAH—I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ngozi Jonah, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ngozi Nnamdi Eboh. All former documents remain valid. General public and Union Bank please take note.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—51

Dana Air begins re-certification, re-training exercise

By LAWANI MIKAIRU & DANIEL ETEGHE

DANA Airline is undergoing a process of recertification by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA. Also, staff of the airline will begin refresher programmes in preparation for commencement of operations.

The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Tony Usidamen, who made the disclosure, said it was standard industry practice for an airline to undergo recertification after its operations have been grounded for several weeks.

Usidamen said: “This is a standard safety measure taken by the authorities to ensure that all the aircrafts in the fleet are fully serviceable, and we are cooperating fully in the exercise. Of the five aircraft in the airline’s fleet, three are currently at MMA2 while two are undergoing the statutory ‘C-Checks’ at the MyTechnic engineering base in Istanbul, Turkey.”

Also, all staff of the airline will commence re-training shortly. This is to ensure that they are up to date after being out of service for some time.

••NNPC announces burial rites for Levi Ajuonuma THE burial ceremony of Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, the late Group General Manager Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, who died in the June 3, 2012 Dana air crash, has been fixed for September 13 and 14, 2012.

This was disclosed in a statement by Mr. Fidel Pepple Ag. Group General Manager of the Corporation’s Group Public Affairs Division.

He said the funeral ceremony will commence by 3pm on Thursday, September 13, with a service of songs at Harbour Point, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos, while the final burial rites and interment will take place on Friday, September 14, by 12 noon in his home town, Awalla autonomous community near Isiekenesi in Ideato-South Local Government Area, Imo State.

The late Dr. Levi Ajuonuma was born on December 2, 1959 in Enugu. He had his early education in Enugu before proceeding to the United States of America for further studies.

52 — V anguard, FRID AY , SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 FRIDA Vanguard

ANTI US A TT ACKS ATT TTA CKSrt Protests spread across Middle East

miners •Afghan blocks S/Africa’s Youtube •Arab press condemns violent protest protest persists U

NITED States President Mr. Barack Obama yesterday tightened security in its embassies across the world after the assault that killed the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Mr. Chris Stevens, just as anti American protest spread to Yemen, Berlin Sudan, Bangladesh and Morocco.

Obama, who said this at a re-election campaign rally in Golden, Colorado, also said he and his aides had been in contact with other governments “to let them know they ’ve got a responsibility to protect our citizens.”

Reports said demonstrators attacked the U.S. embassies in Yemen and Egypt yesterday to protest at a film they considered blasphemous to Islam, even as American warships headed to Libya.

Also, the U.S. consulate in Berlin was partially evacuated after an employee fell ill on opening a suspicious envelope.

Bangladeshi Islamists tried to march on the U.S. embassy in Dhaka and Iranian students protested in Tehran.Reports said there were protests outside

•Obama U.S. missions in Tunisia, Sudan and Morocco.

Hundreds of Yemenis broke through the main gate of the heavily fortified compound in the capital Sanaa, shouting “We sacrifice ourselves for you, Messenger of God”. They smashed windows of security offices outside the embassy and burned cars.

“We can see a fire inside the compound and security forces are firing in the air.

The demonstrators are fleeing and then charging back,” one witness told Reuters. A security source said at least 15 people were wounded, some by gunfire, before the Yemeni government ringed the area with troops. An embassy spokesman said its personnel were safe.

There was no casualties from the chaotic incident as the government of Yemen said it will honor international obligations to ensure the safety of diplomats and will step up security presence around all foreign missions,” the statement read.

S/African miners call for nationwide protest

T

HE leader of a major protest by South African platinum miners has called for a national strike in the sector, deepening an industrial crisis that has escalated over the past few months, and spurred violence that left 45 people killed at the Lonmin operated Marikana mine.

Miners from the Anglo

American platinum mine (Amplats), joined forces with their colleagues from Marikana at the Blesbok stadium in the heart of the platinum belt near Rustenburg, 100km northwest of Johannesburg on Thursday in a show of solidarity against low wages.

Al Shabab claims attack on new president shot dead as he tried to

E

XPLOSIONS and gunfire have rocked the Mogadishu hotel where the newly elected Somali president was meeting with Kenya’s foreign minister and other dignitaries. A bomb exploded outside the gate, followed by an exchange of fire, leaving at least eight people dead on Wednesday. A police officer said a Ugandan soldier from the regional force and two Somali troops were killed in the attack, adding that initial reports suggested it was

•Mahmud carried out by three suicide bombers.

Two suicide bombers were shot and blew up while trying to enter the hotel, while a third bomber was

climb the compound wall, an AU statement said. AlShabab, an Islamist group battling the Somali government, claimed responsibility for the attack through a spokesman. The group has opposed Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s election, saying it was manipulated by the West.

“We are responsible for the attack against the so-called president and the delegation,” Ali Mohamud Rage, the spokesman, told the AFP news agency.

We want to be resettled – Sen Ita-Giwa

BY NKIRUKA NNOROM

T

HE most vocal advocate of the Bakassi people, Sen Florence Ita-Giwa, stated that nine years after Bakassi was ceded to Cameroon, the essence of the recent pursuit to appeal the verdict is to address the destination of the Bakassi people.

Ita-Giwa, who was represented by Capt.

Albert Oti, stressed that the Bakassi question is

that the people as Internal Displaced People needed to be properly relocated and resettled with all their institutions intact; be it political, social or traditional, in a place of choice where they can vote or be voted for.

The senator also averred that that the British forced the Efiks to sign the protectorate treaty of 1884 in other to have a grip in the scramble for power in Africa.

“The 21st Century Challenge; waking from the amnesia of nearly nine and a half years after ceding Bakassi to the Camerouns, the recent vibrant pursuit to appeal against the ceding of Bakassi to the Camerouns has gained center stage in the media, but in sincerity, what are we fighting to gain back, is it the essence of the people as a global concern or the abounding resources,” she queried.

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012—53

Oil firm fingered in petroleum product theft

By GODWIN ORITSE

A

JOINT operation carried out by managements of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, and Global West Specialist Vessels has led to the interception of a vessel, "M .T. Grace" laden with suspected stolen refined petroleum product.

Director-General of NIMASA, Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, told Vanguard that acting on a tip off, both organisations swung into action and arrested a crew vessel ‘M.T.Ejenavi’ with 11 suspected pirates on board. He said the vessel was used for freighting of pirates to the high sea for operations that had resulted in major hijack, kidnapping and oil theft.

Akpobolokemi stated that in the course of investigation, it discovered that the entire crew of pirates are members of a cartel whose suspected sponsor, one Mr. Olawarukanmi Aseluwa aka ‘Wazobia’ has also been arrested. He noted that in the course of Wazobia’s arrest, eight AK47 riffles and other dangerous weapons were recovered.

Akpobolokemi who briefednewsmen in Lagos, said the agency has also launched a manhunt for other major sponsors of the cartel who are currently on the

run. He also fingered some security operatives involved the syndicate he described as a cartel and warned NIMASA’s officials against hobnobbing with these unscrupulous Nigerians.

He said: “The young men and lady you see here today are part of the network of cartel that has caused a lot of problem for us.

They have been engaged in organized crime in our maritime domain. They have been on our surveillance list, and we picked them from different locations, some from outside the state. We have one of the master minds and major sponsors of the cartel and at the time of their arrest, they were about going out for another operation.

“They are not all here, there are others on our list that are still on the run and I think that it is necessary that the public understands this problem and gives us cooperation. They have caused untold hardship to Nigerians, they have hijacked tanker vessels.

If a tanker vessel has 10,000 tonnes of fuel in the hull, they would hijack it siphon some of the fuel and sell it to ready buyers."

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard, Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo said the vessel ‘M. T. Grace’ has been traced to the tank farm of Integrated Oil

and Gas which has been taken over security operatives.

Tompolo stated who ever is involved in any form of economic sabotage will be brought to justice, adding: "It is true that some of the suspected stolen product have been traced to Integrated and I have documented evidence to prove it. We have arrested quite a number of people including one captain Nicholas Okotie who has been transporting these hijackers to sea.

“With the discovery we have right now, we expect that the tank farm ought to have been shut that is what we expect from the government. By the time some of these so called big men are brought to justice, then we will be on our to putting this country back on track.”

In the vessel ullage report, it was noted that the port of discharged was Integrated Oil and Gas as the date of arrival of the vessel was put at August 23, 2012.

Reacting to the development, owner of the tank farm, Captain Emmanuel Ifenacho, said that he was being blackmailed as some powers that be are making moves to take over his tank farm. He told Vanguard that some people want to destroy the business he has spent years to build adding that they have tried all they could but failed.

L-r: Ms Moyo Oyatogun, Star FM, Lagos; Dr. Abdul Rahaman Asambo, Executive Secretary, NHIS; Mrs Hanatu Ardo, Head of Media and Dr. Thomas Olabode Adeoye, Acting GM, ICT during a briefing on Voluntary Contributor Social Health Insurance by National Helath insurance Scheme in Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

L-r: Etisalat CEO, Mr. Steven Evans; Mr Obinnia Abajue, executive director, personnel business/banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank; Mr. Lucas Dada Director, products and service, Etisalat Nig and Mrs Folashade Femi Lawal, representing First Bank at the launching of the Etisalat Easy wallet in Lagos. Photo: Shola Oyelese

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54 —

Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

N

T

hey marched on. They became the sponsors of the National league, the national football teams and the supporters club. They went into athletics and sponsored the Lagos Half Marathon. They have had a hand in golf and Squash Racket. When Nigeria hosted the Under 17 FIFA World Cup in 2009 Globacom was one of the sponsors. Just on Tuesday they launched a football academy. They have become synonymous with sports in Nigeria. But have their efforts yielded commensurate results? I wouldn’t say so. But that has been largely no fault of theirs.

However, they are still to blame to some extent. When a league in tropical Africa receives some sponsorship

N9b in 9 years, kudos to Glo and Adenuga

,

INE years ago, there were long queues in Ni gerian cities especially Abuja.

It cost more than 20,000 to purchase a sim card when Nigeria introduced GSM telecommunications. Globacom stormed the scene more than one year after and crashed the price to N5,000.

Nigerians, in their hundreds of thousands, lined up to acquire Glo lines. It was a massive relief to the common man as the cost even crashed further until it got to the current state where a hundred Naira can fetch one a sim card. That’s what competition can do to an economy. Nigerians reaped from this economic factor courtesy Globacom. It did not end there. GSM charges were on minute by minute billing and Nigerians complained of reap offs as calls less than a minute attracted full one minute charge. Glo was on the march again. They started second by second billing and others followed. Nigerians were the beneficiaries of this Glo initiative. Phones are for everybody and not only for the rich as it struck many during analogue era and the early stage of GSM phones.

Globacom had made instant impact and it did not take them time to glow into sports. Just barely one year in business Nigeria was to host the greatest sports show in Africa, the All Africa Games. They did not want the event to suffer and had to lend a hand financially. They became the official GSM partners of the Local Organising Committee, LOC. They leveraged from the visibility it exposed them. Sports commands passion. Sports is loud, noisy and sensational in all aspects including the reportorial duties of the media. They all add to the huge entertainment that it is. It has great followership. Globacom tasted it and felt that it was good.

Ask Orji Uzor Kalu what this title means and he will tell you the role Chief Adenuga played when Enyimba won the then elusive Champions League back to back

,

funding to the tune of about N500m to almost N800 m yearly that league should be worth the sponsorship.

But the managers of the league in Nigeria had other ideas and helped themselves rather than the league.

Why would Globacom share in the blame? There’s a difference between donation and sponsorship. When you donate money to an organisation you don’t worry about what they do with it. It’s charity work. But when you sponsor an event you have a right to know how the sponsorship money is being spent. You expect certain mileage from your sponsorship. And if you are not leveraging from it you have a right for a review based on the contract, anyway. Sponsorship is not free, it’s no donation. And this is what Globacom did not appear to realise in the greater part of their sponsorship of the league in Nigeria. They failed to ask questions about their sponsorship money. When they tried

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

A

FTER last week end’s 2-2 stalemate at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, the Lone Star of Liberia have declared ‘total war’ on the Super Eagles of Nigeria when both teams clash in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations reverse fixture on October 13 in Calabar.

Speaking to STAR radio Liberia 104.1, Smith, who described his players as wonder boys, said they would make the Eagles to appear ordinary in the decisive clash.

“The second leg match in Nigeria is the match of our destiny. It would decide many things between both nations and for us, we are taking it

C M Y K

very seriously. It is going to fight to finish in Nigeria because they came here and got a draw and we are going to their country to get a result that would put smiles on our fans face.

“We would take the game to them and I know that they are going to be under pressure playing in front of their fans”, added Coach Smith, who has been receiving plaudits in Liberia for the way he has rejuvenated the senior national side, who

W

e are still the sponsors of all the national teams. As for the league, we hope that they get a few things right. We are the sponsors of the league in Ghana and there the foreign leagues have not consumed everything. The crowds still come to watch matches and the people still have passion for the local league. We need to get a few things right in Nigeria and Globacom will renew the league sponsorship. We have not left. We are still there.”

Janarius freely discussed global sports including the Olympics and showed good knowledge of the sports industry. What he said is a challenge to those running the league now. The current managers have also not met expectations of Nigerians. They have not lifted the league beyond were they met it. Some argue that it is even worse. The loser is still Nigerian football. The only good thing about the Nigerian league is that new Eagles coach is drawing players from the local pool. Globacom may still return and make it better. Their chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr has passion for sports. He will not let it die. He is a patriotic Nigerian Adenuga has been massive to sports. He has a massive frame, massive businesses which have provided massive employment for thousands of Nigerians. It is no wonder that the Federal Government will on Monday honour him with a massive National Honour, Grand Commander of Niger, the second highest award in the country. He deserves it. He is the ENYI 1 of Nigeria. Ask Orji Uzor Kalu what this title means and he will tell you the role Chief Adenuga played when Enyimba won the then elusive Champions League back to back.

Don’t run down your players, Laloko tells Keshi shouldn’t come up. The

It’s fight to finish in Calabar •Lone Star warn Eagles

to do the damage had been massive and the league was crumbling. Globacom suspended their sponsorship and till date the Nigerian League has no title right sponsors two seasons after they said enough is enough. Nigerian football has remained the loser. It should not be so. Nigerian sports should be richer going by what Globacom has invested since they started business in Nigeria. ”We have invested about N9 billion into sports in Nigeria in the nine years we have existed,” Globacom’s Regional Director, Marketing communications, Charles Janarius said in Lagos last week. It was in a dinner that reminded guests this is their 9th year of service and business in Nigeria.

Janarius told me Globacom has not stopped sponsoring sports. “We are still sponsoring sports and cannot stop as sports is part of life.

BY SOLOMON NWOKE

•Yobo

are now on the verge of qualifying for Africa’s

F

premium soccer tournament.

ORMER Nigeria Football Association (NFA) technical adviser, Coach Kashimawo Laloko has charged the Super Eagles’ handlers to play down the players’ deficiencies as it would affect their morale in the remaining 2013AFCON and 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

“My advise is that the team coach Stephen Keshi should not run down the players or condemn them publicly. To say that they have no character or whatever

danger is that such comments will affect the players badly and it’ll affect them in their next games.

It is the duty of the coach to instil in them good habit. Keshi has to change their attitude by telling them what he wants. The issue of discipline is not the fault of the players, but that of the handlers”, he said.

•Keshi

Match commissioner wants U-17 friendly

T

HE last has not been heard of the superlative performance of the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria over their Nigerien counterparts last weekend.

Vanguard has it on

good authority and exclusively too that the match commissioner for the encounter, Mr Bruno Didavi was so impressed that he put a call through to his FA chairman asking him to get in touch

with his Nigerian counterparts for a friendly match.

Mr Didavi is the Vice President of the Benin Football Federation.

He saw a Kanu and Adebayo combined in

Success Isaac, Okocha in Alhassan Ibrahim and praised the dexterity of Musa Yahaya. He told Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, NFF Director, Technical department that based on his recommendation

his Federation has gotten in touch with the NFF so that a friendly match can be put together to toughen their boys. “ I believe that your boys will give us quality opposition."

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Vanguard, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012 — 55

State of Abuja Nat. Stadium: Minister queries Mogaji I RKED by the bushy state of the N54 billion Abuja National Stadium which has been overtaken by weeds and reptiles, the Minister of Sports and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi has demanded for explanation from his Director of Facilities, Abubakar Mogaji.

The Abuja National Stadium which hosted the 2003 All Africa Games, is Nigeria’s most modern sports arena with facilities for both indoor sports and track and field events. Sports Vanguard gathered that the Minister was so bitter because the stadium which gulped N54 billion of taxpayers’ money to build under a decade ago

NATIONAL DISGRACE••• Overgrown turf of the Abuja National Stadium. could be neglected to such a level that has become a national disgrace.

“Heads might role,” our source who pleaded ano-

nymity revealed, adding that “it could start with some suspensions and other actions that will follow.”

Sports Minister endorses Nigeria Pitch Awards

T

HE Honourable Minister/Chairman of the National Sports Commission,Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Thursday threw his weight behind the upcoming Nigeria Pitch Awards, being organized by Matchmakers Consult International at the behest of Nigeria Football Federation.

The Nigeria Pitch Awards, which was approved by the Nigeria Football Federation as an annual awards programme for all areas of the pitch in Nigeria football, got rave reviews after a well-attended, exquisite press conference in Lagos a couple of months ago.

The inaugural Nigeria Pitch Awards ceremony

is scheduled for December this year.

Speaking in Abuja, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi said that awards serve to reward excellence in areas of human endeavour and that the Nigeria Pitch Awards will also serve motivational purpose for Nigerian footballers in the National Teams and elsewhere.

Don’t expect anything from Eagles Continues from B/P be hero worshiped in Accra or a Petit Sory would salute Emma Okalla from Conakry were gone.

He said,”You cannot give what you do not have.The present Eagles are not in anyway Super.I cannot find even the shadow of Nwankwo Kanu,or the cleats of Rashidi Yekini in the squad.It is so bad that an Austin Okocha will not make any difference.Green may have defined the Eagles of Christian Chukwu,Odegbami and Okalla.The present

bunch cannot do better than greenhorns.”

The exgovernor refused to blame Coach Stephen Keshi for the drab results so far recorded by the senior national team in the South Africa 2013 Nations’ Cup qualifiers.

“Those who want to crucify Keshi are not followers of the team.Maybe,they are Liberians. Fact is,the players do not have what it takes to rule Africa.Clemens Westerhof did well here because we had boys willing to die.Jo Bonfrere’s success came through

the quality of stars.When they left Nigeria,the Dutchmen never won anything,” Kalu added.

Kalu advised Nigerians to shift support to the women and Special sports instead of concentrating on the Eagles.

“Eagles are on Ground Zero today.Tomorrow may bring a change.We need not worry.I can go watch the Falconets or wine and dine with the paralympians. Afterall,they are Nigerians.Let us switch our support until the Eagles begin to fly again,”he summed up.

Pinnick makes case for Olympians Continues from B/P captain of team Nigeria did well. Blessing Okagbare, Ajoke Odumosu. These athletes surpassed their personal bests and created new national records.

All the athletes who

qualified in the final of their events, no doubt, did well. Hosting them will ginger them on and also motivate others. If you truly look at it, these are some of the athletes who will also represent Nigeria at the 2016

Olympics in Rio in Brazil. It will be good if Mr President accommodates them’’, Pinnick who was endorsed by Delta State House of Assembly for another fouryear tenure for a job well done pleaded.

Wh alconnets ffailed ailed in Japan Whyy F Falconnets

BY TONY UBANI

T

HE real truth behind the shameful elimination of Falconnets in the just ended U-20 World Cup in Japan has finally been revealed.

Sports Vanguard can reveal that in-fighting by players of Rivers Angels and Delta Queens who formed the bulk of the team, division between the technical crew and hatred among accompanying officials of the team tore whatever remained of the team to shreads before they fell headlong.

For a team that was beaten by Germany in the final of the last edition, many expected the team to, at least qualify for the final. And they showed so much vim and vitality in the beginning of the tournament before in-fighting and power-tussle set in and dragged them down.

We learnt that the team which was largely made up of Rivers Angels and Delta Queens players quarreled over the cap-

taincy of the team ably led

by Rivers Angels’ defender, Gloria Ofoegbu.

Players of Delta Queens did not recognise Ofoegbu as their captain and showed their disdain for her while Ofoegbu’s Rivers Angels teammates queued behind her. ‘’It was so bad that when the Captain talks to the team, some players will be hissing and sighing, while opposing players hailed the captain’’, a source in the team said.

Regrettably, though, the coaching crew were also infected by the division as assistant coaches to Edwin Okon(head coach from Rivers Angels) challenged him openly of favouring his club players in selecting players for the national assignment. ‘’The girls were not in speaking terms and they took the quarell to the pitch. It was shameful”, our source said.

Our source said that the uneasiness in camp took a dangerous turn when backroom staff joined in

the self-destructive fight, pitching tents with one camp or another. ‘’Do you know that even leaders of the team had their own misgivings. They don’t greet themselves and gave counter orders”.

Sports Vanguard was informed that NFF’s Leader of Delegation, Johnson played reconciliatory roles to no end.

Our source even said that we should watch out tomorrow at the planned reception for them by the Presidency as the girls only mix with their club players while avoiding others.

But when contacted yesterday, Chairman of NFF’s Media Committee and board member, High Chief Emeka Inyama said that they were not aware of any such thing. ‘’This is a shocking news and we are going to investigate and take appropriate actions. We can’t tolerate in-fighting and distraction in a team that was supposed to be one’’, Inyama said.

66 athletes get employment in Edo

E

DO State govern ment is leaving nothing to chance in the forthcoming National Sports Festival in Lagos as 66 athletes have received their appointment letters from the government.

Among these athletes were those who won

medals at the KADA Games, 2009 and Garden City Games, 2011 but were yet to be confirmed as a result of the backlog from Gateway Games, 2006.

Confirming the appointment of the athletes, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon.

Anita Evbuomwan said it was a tradition in the state to employ all athletes who won medals during festival.

She said the 66 athletes currently added to the state’s payroll included 24 Gold, 23 Silver and 19 Bronze medalists.

Tyson w ants tto o ssttar in a musical wants Continues from B/P try a new career in order to entertain his fans.

Mike, said: “I want to dance and sing. I want to do some dancing and singing musicals.”

The super heavyweight used to refer to himself as the “baddest man on the planet” but insisted that’s not who

he is anymore.

Mike, who made his acting debut in The Hangover in 2009, said: “I don’t have the desire to be that guy any more.

“I was always the bad guy that wanted to be a good guy, but I didn’t know how to be a good guy. I was always so concentrating on being bad.

“I’m just so happy to

become this guy, to be a responsible adult. For a guy like me this is very courageous.”

The former sportsman blew millions of dollars on alcohol and drugs over the years but says boxing for him wasn’t about the money.

He said: “I didn’t care about my business. I only cared about my glory.

o lose six F alcons AWC: Ikhana tto Falcons Continues from B/P Sweden that the likes of Faith Ikidi, Uloma Jerome, Helen Ukaonu, Ogonna Chukwudi, Rita Chikwelu, Perpetua Nkwocha and Sarah Michael who play in Sweden may not be released for the African

Championship.

CAF fixed the AWC date outside FIFA calendar and clubs who pay the players may not want to release them for national duty. The source informed.

Round 22 of the Swedish league that is adjudged as the best wom-

en league in the world will be played on the 3rd day of November, 2012 when the AWC would already have kicked off.

Coach Ikhana and the Nigeria Football Federation may start contacting the clubs in Sweden if these players will be featured at the AWC.

VANGUARD, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2012

o lose six F alcons AWC: Ikhana tto Falcons

C

OACH of Nigeria’s senior national women team Kadiri Ikhana may have so much to worry about as six players of the Super Falcons who ply their

trade in Sweden may not be released for the Nations Cup due to club engagement.

The African Women Championship will kick off on October 28, and run till November 11, a

Don’t expect anything from Eagles — Kalu

Continues on page 55

Tyson wants to star in a musical

E

XPECT so much from Super Eagles,at your own peril.Former Abia state governor Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu highlighted this Thursday as he cautioned compatriots against building castles in the air.

Kalu explained that the Golden Years of Nigerian soccer when a Segun Odegbami could

F

ORMER boxing champ Mike Tyson wants to “sing and dance” in a musical.

The controversial 46year-old – who famously chomped off a piece of Evander Holyfield’s ear in the ring in 1997 – wants to branch out and Continues on page 55

Continues on page 55

Presidential Reception: Pinnick makes case for Olympians

A

S President Good luck Jonathan hosts the heroes and heroines of the London 2012 Paralympic Games and members of Super Falconnets who placed fourth in the U-20 World Cup in Japan tomorrow in Abuja,

TODAY'S

period the Swedish women’s league will be concluding the current season.

Some clubs are fighting to escape relegation, while others are gunning for the title, hence the players will be fully engaged with club duties.

It has been gathered from a close source in

HOUSE OF DISCORD ••• Desire Oparanozie (9) runs to an assistant coach after scoring for Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, as Coach Edwin Okon looks on. Where are her team mates?

Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has made case for some members of the Olympics to be included.

Nigeria did not win a

PUZZLE

medal at the main Olympics before the Paralympians brought back cheers with their sterling performance winning six Gold, five Silver and two bronze medals.

YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

But Pinnick pleaded passionately yesterday that the President should accommodate some of the younger able-bodied athletes who distinguished themselves at

ACROSS 1 Term (6) 5 Firm (6) 9 Earlier (5) 10 Language (6) 11 Calmed (6) 12 Ointment (5) 14 Among (4) 17 Owing (3) 18 Secure (4) 20 Bottom (5) 22 Finished (5) 23 Trace (7) 24 Sulk (5) 26 Dance (5) 29 Gap (4) 30 Merriment (3) 32 Cattle (4) 33 Arctic (5) 35 Instrument (6)

the Olympics, though they could not get a medal. ‘’Athletes like Chika Chukwumerije, team

Continues on page 55

•Tyson

DOWN 1 Miner (6) 2 Off (6) 3 Musical work (4) 4 Terror (5) 5 Work out (5) 6 Loyal (4) 7 Lay (6) 8 Whirled (6) 13 Lascivious (7) 15 N. Zealander (5) 16 Turf (5) 18 Creep (5) 19 Criminal (5) 21 Colour (3) 22 Ovum (3) 24 Dialect (6) 25 Bureau (6) 27 Predilection (6) 28 Hawk (6)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 4, Crave 7, Winced 9, Woe 10, Pup 12, Marry 13, Idol 15, Moral 17, Ramble 19, Maul 20, Genie 22, Lap 24, Regular 27, Kit 28, Crease 31, Clef 33, Sicken 35, Actor 37, Fond 38, Scull 39, Nap 41, Sap 42, Manner 43, Steep.

How to Play Sudoku

THE VIGILANTE

DOWN: 1, Awning 2, Inborn 3, Pep 4, Coma 5, Realm 6, Virtuous 8, Dumb 11, Pollution 14, Lair 16, Real 18, Meek 21, Explicit 23, Pack 25, Gist 26, Reef 29, Anoint 30, Endure 32, False 34, Cram 36, Clap 40, Pay.

e-mail: rowolove@yahoo.co.uk

Place 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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