How i arrived at $32bn figure - SARAKI

...towards a better life for the people

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VOL. 25: NO. 62414

N150

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

TOP AGENDA FOR BUHARI (1)

•Stop fuel subsidy; stop pipeline bursting •Make fuel, light available to the people

8&18

OIL SUBSIDY SCAM:

How I arrived at $32bn figure — SARAKI

By Joseph Erunke & Michael Eboh

A

•DPR warns marketers against selling above pump price

HAPPY CHILDREN'S DAY

BUJA—Former governor of Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, who claimed Monday, that Nigeria was spending $32 billion on non-existing oil subsidy operators, has explained that he arrived at the figure from the monthly and yearly payments to the operators by the Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory

Continues on Page 5

Court orders NDLEA to Vacate Kashamu's home 10 Mr & Mrs

CHILDREN'S DAY—School children having lesson at the Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, camp at Kuchingoro in Abuja, yesterday.

INSET: Pupils at a news conference to mark this year's National Children's Day in Abuja, yesterday. Photos: NAN.

Probe me, Amaechi dares Wike

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COLUMNISTS: ECTDA to demolish 2,100 buildings in de i ns Enugu eI Se

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Nigeria: Blackmailers beware or beware of blackmailers?

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Should I watch So long, Goodluck porn with my Jonathan •P.19 wife?

•P.39

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—5

POCKET CARTOON

INAUGURATION—President Goodluck Jonathan (2ndL); cutting the tape to inaugurate Dialysis Centre at Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), Abuja, yesterday. With him are: Minister of State for Defence, Retired Col. Augustine Akobundu (2ndR); Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Alex Badeh (R) and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Rear Admiral Gabriel Okoi.

Photo: NAN.

How I arrived at $32bn figure — SARAKI Continues from Page 1 Agency, PPPRA. This came as the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) vowed to revoke the licence of any filling station that sells petroleum products above the stipulated price in spite of the current scarcity, saying the Federal Government has not increased the price of fuel.

Senator Saraki, who represents Kwara Central in the Senate, had argued on Monday that the fuel subsidy management in the country was a very big platform for fraud and, therefore, advocated removal of subsidy.

Defending his claim of the loss of $32bn to subsidy scam, he

insisted that the figure he gave was authentic, telling those who cared to know more about his claim to contact the agency for the details.

Speaking to Vanguard, yesterday, the former Kwara State governor simply said: “I arrived at the amount from the calculations of the monthly and yearly payments by the PPPRA. The monthly and yearly payments by PPPRA will reflect that.”

He said there was nothing he would say about the oil subsidy that will be different from what he has been saying since 2011.

According to him, “countries that are producing oil are not

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

If you have nothing nice to say about a person, then do not say a thing— Bambi

W

E show love by demonstrating our actions to others, and one way to do this, is to show appreciation. Always help others to build their dream castles. These are aspirations and goals that we all pursue. Help another understand their divinity through your uplifting actions but remember there is a thin line that separates you too, for freedom to be, it comes with responsibility. Be nice and people will be nice, be friendly and people will be friendly.

Look at the fine qualities in your fellow man... and you too will radiate those virtues. Do not try to influence others deliberately or through subtle means to dislike or hate another.

Build solid foundation through your actions and imbibe attributes that will uplift you. Love comes only to those who give love. And even if you know all these already, just practice it more. Life is a Journey. We get the best ride through our most uplifting actions.

going through what we are going through, because when oil was $100 per barrel, they used the money effectively because it was clear a day like this would come. I have been saying it that the major issue confronting us has been the subsidy management. We are talking about a minimum of over $32 billion over five to six years,” he insisted.

Saraki, who regretted that the alleged fraud in the scheme was being allowed to fester by the Federal Government, urged the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari to completely remove fuel subsidy and restore normalcy to the petroleum sector.

He accused the government of issuing import licenses to bogus companies totaling 82 which were being used by oil marketers and government officials to rip off the country on a yearly basis.

He argued that it would be better to remove fuel subsidy and deliver the sector and the citizenry from the grip of racketeers in the industry, who would never allow things to work well because of their personal aggrandizement.

According to him, subsidy in itself was never a problem to the country but the bad management of it, which

had been turned into a huge racket that is causing the lingering crisis in the oil sector.

He said: “No matter what is happening now, If you go back and look at it, the major issue that swindled us was the subsidy management.

We are talking of about minimum of over $32billion wasted on it over the last five to six years. That is the difference between where we are now and that time. It has impacted on our exchange rate, it is going to impact on our infrastructure, there is no money for capital budgets.

The latest template from the Petroleum Product Pricing Regulatory Agency, PPPRA, the body responsible for managing the subsidy regime indicates that a liter of petrol should ordinarily cost N143, but the price is brought down to N87 a litre allegedly as a result of government subsidy.

Components of the pricing regime include demurrage, freight, traders’ margin, lightening expenses (cost of transferring products from big tankers to lighter vessels), NPA fee, product fee, fee for discharging the fuel, depot charges, among others.

Marketers flout DPR’s warning Meanwhile, NOIPolls, yesterday, stated that kerosene is currently being sold at an average of N137 per litre across the country, with some regions buying as high as N166 per litre. This was in spite of subsidy on the product, with the Federal Government fixing the price at N50 per litre.

NOIPolls, in its latest weekly poll results, stated that only three per cent of Nigerians buy kerosene at N50 per litre and less, while 97 per cent of Nigerians buy above N50 per litre.

According to the poll, the North-East, NorthWest and South-West zones pay the highest average amount of N155 per litre for the purchase of kerosene, when compared to other zones in the country, while the South-West zone has the largest proportion of Nigerians who purchase kerosene from major marketers’ filling stations at an average price of N129 per litre.

Giving a breakdown of

the findings, NOI Polls stated that in the NorthCentral, kerosene is sold at an average price of N141 per litre; NorthEast and North-West— N155 per litre; SouthEast — N166 per litre; South-South — N131 per litre and South-West — N129 per litre.

The report further noted that 96 per cent of Nigerians use kerosene for cooking, while only six per cent of the population use the commodity for lighting.

The poll result also revealed that only 23 per cent of Nigerians are aware of the official pump price of N50 per litre of kerosene.

“Almost eight in 10 adult Nigerians (77 per cent) are not aware of the N50 official pump price of kerosene. Nationwide average price of kerosene stands at N137 per litre,” NOIPolls stated.

The NOIPolls, had a few days ago, identified corruption and mismanagement of petroleum subsidy funds as the major factors hindering citizens from enjoying the full benefits of subsidy.

The polling agency had in one of its survey, revealed that about 52 per cent of Nigerians who purchase Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, are of the view that Nigerians have not enjoyed the full benefits of petroleum subsidy.

Giving a breakdown by geo-political zones, 72 per cent of North-East respondents claimed Nigerians have enjoyed the full benefits of the petroleum subsidy, compared to 37 per cent of respondents in the South-South who shared similar view and 40 per cent in the South-West.

In the North-Central, 42 per cent of respondents believed that Nigerians have enjoyed the benefits of petrol subsidy; 49 per cent and 50 per cent of South-East and NorthWest respondents respectively, share similar view.

This perception, according to the polling agency, may be guided

by the fact that a larger proportion of Nigerians purchase petrol at a price above the subsidized rate of N87.

The poll further revealed that majority of its respondents blame corruption as the key factor hindering Nigerians from enjoying the full benefits of petrol subsidy.

Specifically, 66 per cent of the respondents identified corruption as the factor that has hindered Nigerians from enjoying the full benefits of petroleum subsidy; 39 per cent blamed it on poor management of petrol subsidy, while 18 per cent blamed it on inefficient regulatory authorities.

Furthermore, 12 per cent of the respondents blamed their inability to enjoy the full benefits of subsidy on difference in the cost of fuel importation; 12 per cent chose inefficiencies of petrol price control mechanisms, while four per cent blame it on bad government/leadership.

DPR warns Responding to reports that marketers are selling petroleum products above official price, the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in a statement, yesterday, said it will revoke the licences of marketers who flout the warning.

DPR in a statement said while it is making every effort to ensure that fuel is available and reaches every part of the nation, “it is hereby emphasised that the Federal Government has not increased the price of fuel.

"The price remains at eighty seven Naira per litre (N87.00). Any station caught selling above the stipulated price, will have its licence revoked.

"No station should sell in jerry cans as there is enough fuel and for safety reasons. Any station caught dispensing into jerry cans will be sealed."

6—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Teenage girl docked over attempted murder zPleads guilty

L

AGOS—A teenage girl, Chidima Sunday, was yesterday charged before an Ojo Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly attempting to kill a man, Francis Ikemefuna, by stabbing him.

Chidima, 18, is standing trial on a four-count charge of felony, assault, threat and attempted murder.

The prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police Godwin Eze, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 6 at 8.30p.m. at Abulu-Ado in Ojo area of Lagos.

He said: “The accused had on the said date attempted to kill Francis Ikemefuna by stabbing him with a kitchen knife.

“Similarly, Chidima assaulted Ikemefuna, thereby causing him serious injuries on his left leg with intent to kill him.”

Eze noted that the offences contravened Sections 56, 171, 228, and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The teenager pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Magistrate, Mr. Teslimi Shomade, granted her bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in the like sum.

In addition, he said the sureties, who should be the blood relatives of the accused, should provide a two-year tax clearance.

The case was adjourned to June 26 for mention.

Police arrest 5 suspected robbers in Lagos

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS—THE Lagos State Police Command has arrested five notorious armed robbery suspects who specialised in terrorising residents, traders and commuters at Ketu, Iyano-Era, Alasia, Morogbo and its environs.

The suspects, identified as Ajay Solomon, 25; Momodu Williams, 19; Kazeem Ganiu, 19; Elija Dada, 19, and Seun Ariyo, 19, were arrested on Sunday, May 24, during an operation at Ijanikin.

It was gathered that 40 bandits stormed the area robbing, maiming and attacking unsuspecting residents in their homes.

They moved from Palace Road to Amosu-Igboro Street and residents returning from work and shop owners were not spared.

They lost their valuables as shops were looted.

Vanguard learned that antirobbery team led by the Divisional Police Officer, Superintendent of Police Robinson Eregare, apprehended the suspects while they robbed residents of Amosu-Igboro, Ijanikin.

The police acted on a distress call from residents that robbers were operating in the area.

Twenty-five years old Ajay Solomon, a native of Oto-

Awori, who just returned from prison about three weeks ago, explained his involvement in the robbery.

He said: “I started robbing about two years ago. I went into robbery because I am an orphan. I became a cultist about five years ago, when I joined

Eiye confraternity. My parents died while I was young.

“I dropped out of school in SS 2 and became a welder apprentice. I am not the leader of the gang. The name of the gang leader is Dollar.

“We planned the operation while we were at the Egun

The suspects.

Police rescue psychiatric patient from lynching over kidnap allegation

By Dayo Johnson

A

KURE—THE timely intervention of detectives from Ondo State Police Command reportedly saved a 25-year-old psychiatric patient from being set ablaze for allegedly attempting to kidnap some primary school pupils in Ondo town, yesterday.

Some youths in Oka area of the town were about roasting him alive, when policemen arrived the scene.

Vanguard gathered that ýthe suspect, identified as Peter

Oyeyemi, was accused of lurking around the school when youths saw him and kept a tab on him.

He was alleged to have lured some pupils only to be challenged by the youths, who searched him.

During the search, items discovered in his bags include passport-sized photographs of different persons, picture of a teenage girl, a tecno handset, cash, female dresses and a copy of Bible and Quran.

The youths raised an alarm that he was a kidnapper and

more youths mobilised to the scene. They stripped him naked and while some of the youths went for a tyre, others made for petrol.

He was reportedly beaten to pulp before those who went for used tyre and petrol ýreturned.

Vanguard learned that some elders in the area informed the police who raced to the scene and whisked him away.

Police’s reaction

The command’s spokesman, Wole Ogodo, who confirmed the incident, however, said the

Nightclub free-for-all lands Liberian, others in court

By Onozure Dania, Precious Akubueze & Opeyemi Lepe

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AGOS—A 24-year-old Liberian woman, Teddy Jallah, was yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere magistrate’s court for fighting in a nightclub.

The defendant, who is unemployed and resides at

festival, which was held at Oto-Awori.”

Confirming the incident, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Kenneth Nwosu, said the suspects has been arrested and will soon be arraigned in court.

Ajegunle area of Tarkwa Bay, Lagos Island, is facing a charge of disorderly conduct.

She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge, preferred against her by the police.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Oladejo Balogun, told the court that Jallah committed the offense at 2a.m. on May 21 at Lambada Nightclub, Tarkwa

Bay. He said the defendant got into a free-for-all in the nightclub, when one Gabriel Oke rejected her friend, Gloria Bah's request to sit at his table.

He said: “Jallah’s friend, Gloria, who is also a Liberian, wanted to sit at Gabriel’s table at the nightclub. Gabriel, who was at the table with his wife

Jina and some friends, refused Gloria sitting with them.

“Gabriel’s action made Gloria to punch him, which led to the free-for-all, with Jallah joining her friend in the fight.”

Balogun said Jallah was stabbed in her left hand during the fight and her action caused a breach of public peace.

suspect was a psychiatric patient who escaped from a mental home in the state capital.

According to him, police detectives discovered during interrogation that he was not mentally balanced.

Ogodo said his parents had been contacted and that they confirmed that he escaped from the psychiatric hospital in Akure, where he was receiving treatment.

He said: “The suspect was mistaken for a kidnapper. He is not. He is a psychiatric patient and his parents have gone to the station to show the police the documents of his health status.”

He, however, appealed to the people of the state not to take laws into their hands, advising that suspected criminals should be reported to the police.

The spokesman, who noted that but for the timely intervention of policemen the suspect would have been roasted alive on an allegation that was not proven, warned that jungle justice would not be tolerated in the state.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—7

IDU WELL: Youths and women (right) from Egbebiri at Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, protesting expired Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, with Nigerian Agip Oil Company at Idu Well 3, yesterday. NAN PHOTOS.

Female NYSC member found dead on Ilorin street

By Demola Akinyemi

I

LORIN—TRAGEDY struck in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, on Sunday night as a member of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, serving in the state, Miss Yetunde Shukurat Idowu, was found on the street, dead.

Vanguard reliably gathered that her last visit before she was found dead was to the popular shopping mall, Shoprite, located along Fate Road.

Consequently, concerned roommate and ýneighbours constituted themselves into a search party that found Yetunde stone dead on a street at GRA, Ilorin.

Vanguard also gathered that the family of the late youth corps member had been contacted, while her corpse would be released today (Wednesday) on the insistence of the family.

It was also gathered that the deceased, who was an indigene of Ogun State but lived along the popular Fate Road, Ilorin, was of the NYSC 2014 Batch ‘B’ set.

Vanguard investigations, however, revealed that the corps member who went to Shoprite on the fateful day, must have been given a free ride.

Police

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the incident, but could not confirm whether or not the late corps member was given a ride, saying they were still investigating.

Asked whether she was given a ride, he said: “All these are guess work. Nobody has volunteered any statement to us. If anybody has any information, maybe they should get to us.

“As far as we are concerned, it was a reported case of ‘found

dead’ with a broken skull and bruises. For now, I cannot tell you whether it was a case of rape, abduction or kidnapping.

“We are still investigating. We cannot conclusively say it is a case of abduction or ritual killing because no part of the body was missing.

“It could be a case of a hitand-run by a careless driver or an outright accident. I cannot

confirm that she was raped because all the examinations conducted on her does not show any sign of rape and we are still investigating. But I cannot say exactly what happened.”

He said the corpse would be released today, while investigation was ongoing.

NYSC

The state NYSC Public Relations Officer, Mr. Oladipo Morakinyo, confirmed the incident yesterday, adding that

the family had been contacted.

He said: “It is only the medical expert that can diagnose what actually killed her and this is beyond the scope of our scheme.

“The most important thing is that a corps member died and NYSC has done the necessary thing that we are expected to do. We have contacted the family.”

The corps member served with the state broadcasting corporation, Radio Kwara, Ilorin.

Police arrest two suspected kidnappers in Ekiti zAs Fayose read riot act to criminals, accomplices

By Gbenga Ariyibi

E

KITI State Police Command, yesterday, arrested two people believed to be kidnappers, who have been terrorising the people of the state lately.

This disclosure was made in Ado Ekiti in a broadcast by the state governor, Mr. Ayo Fayose.

According to Fayose, one Olumide, 31 and one Folorunsho, both from Esure Ekiti, were arrested by the police between Ikere and Iju, while trying to escape.

Also arrested was a woman

believed to be the wife of one of the kidnappers, simply known as Augustina.

He further said a manhunt has been launched for the remaining five to six kidnappers, who are believed to hail from Benin and its environs in Edo State.

Governor Fayose, who noted that the three people who accommodated them were also arrested, said his government is planning to enact a law that will empower the police to arrest landlords of criminals in the state.

He reiterated the readiness

of government to reward anyone one who could provide useful information leading to arrest of kidnappers and armed robbers.

Fayose further advised people of the state particularly residents of Atikankan and Bata areas of the state capital, considered as the hideouts of criminals, to report any suspected person to the police.

He also warned security personnel who have been serving as informants to the criminals to desist from such acts, saying whoever is caught will face severe consequences.

... 3 suspected cultists in Enugu

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—THREE notorious members of the Viking Confraternity, who had been on the wanted list of the operatives of 9th mile division of Enugu Police command, are now in police custody.

The suspects,Eze Joseph, 21; Uchenna Nwankwo,21; and Eric Erikume, 21, of no fixed address, were nabbed by the operatives who had been on their trail after an initiation.

The operatives, acting on a

tip-off, stormed their hideout on May 22, apprehending the suspects while other members fled into the bush.

Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO, Mr. Ebere Amaraizu, said: “The suspects had been on the wanted listed of the command following serial reports of their nefarious activities in the area which have left in its wake,agony and anguish to residents.

“Recovered from the gang are one pump action gun, cutlasses and some of the materials

suspected to be for initiation into the group. The arrested suspects are helping the operatives in their investigations.”

Similarly, investigations surrounding the sudden death of Uchenna Okonkwo by operatives of the state criminal investigation and intelligence department of the Enugu police command. have commenced.

The deceased, believed to be about 32-years-old and a wife to Obinna Okonkwo who resides at Orba road,Nsukka,

2 docked over 30 stolen phones

By Onozure Dania

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AGOS— A businessman, Charles Ndubusi, 25, and a sales representative, Amos Stephen, 26, were yesterday docked before a Lagos magistrate’s court, sitting at Igbosere for allegedly buying 30 stolen phones.

The defendants were arraigned before Magistrate J. O. Adepoju.

They are facing a twocount charge of conspiracy and stealing preferred against them by the police.

The prosecutor, Inspector Raji Akeem, told the court that the defendants conspired amongst themselves to commit the alleged offences between January 13 and May 9.

He said the first defendant bought various types of stolen phones worth N484,000, from the second defendant.

Akeem said the incident took place at Akinyemi Shopping Complex, Ajah Market along Epe Expressway.

The prosecutor said the second defendant stole eight pieces of Samsung phones valued N138,000; four pieces of BlackBerry phones, N58,000; one Sony LT181 phone, N14,000; 14 pieces of Techno phones, N339,000 and three Nokia phones valued N17,000 belonging to one Oyibe Isreal, who was his employer.

Magistrate Adepoju granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties each in like sum.

The matter was adjourned till June 9 for mention.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

By Omoh Gabriel, Business Editor

L

AST week, the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, told the nation in an interview with a national newspaper that he gets confused when Nigerians talk about subsidy.

He said: “One of the problems I have, other than the military, is the petroleum industry where I served for three and a half years under General Olusegun Obasanjo. When people start talking about subsidy I honestly get confused. I will tell you this, and I hope it will answer what you want to know. Back then we had a refinery in Port Harcourt, which was refining 30,000 barrels a day of Nigerian crude.

“Later, it was upgraded to refine 100,000 barrels a day. Another refinery was built in Port Harcourt to refine 150,000 barrels per day of Nigerian crude. So, Port Harcourt alone had the capacity to refine 250,000 barrels per day of Nigerian crude.

"But when I found myself as the Minister of Petroleum, I set up another refinery in Warri for 100,000 barrels per day of Nigerian crude and the Kaduna refinery a 100, 000 barrels per day.

So Nigeria built capacity to refine 450,000 a day.

"Four hundred thousands of which is purely Nigerian crude, but 50,000 was imported. The type of crude could be Venezuelan, which could be a bit heavier. But the lighter ones— kerosene, aviation fuel, diesel, PMS of different grades could be produced from our crude because Nigerian crude is about the best in the world.

“If you could recall, after finishing as Minister of Petroleum, I subsequently became Head of State. You remember, I appointed Professor Tam David West as the Minister of Petroleum. When we rounded up bunkers, collected their illegal jetties and allowed jetties for only big firms which were doing production and development in the country, we were shocked that we had too much fuel.

We built more than 20 depots

"We had to begin to export 100,000 barrels per day. Don’t forget that we didn’t stop at building refineries; we built more than 20 depots during my time, from Port Harcourt to Ilorin, Makurdi, Suleija, Maiduguri and Kano. More than 3,000 pipelines were laid to connect them. A number of stations were also built to take the trailers off the roads save lives and the infrastructure. It is more economical because each trailer uses fuel.

“We did all that in this country and we didn’t borrow any money as far as I know. It’s Nigerian money. From each Nigerian crude whether Akwa Ibom, Bonny Light or whatever it is, you can work out how much products it will give you; how much petrol it will give you; how much diesel it will give you if you want to produce diesel.

We could tell how much Nigerian crude cost, the cost of transportation from there to the refinery, the cost of refining, the

Stop fuel subsidy! (1)

THE AGONY CONTINUES —The crowd at Capital Oil filling station, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Monday. Photo:Lamidi Bamidele. cost of transportation to the pump stations and maybe five per centages go for overhead.”

Nigerians should not be talking of subsidy

In the President-elect's view, Nigerians should not be talking of subsidy but local production.

The infrastructure to enable the country refine petrol and move it to all parts of the country were allowed to decay at the expense of the common man and massive importation of petrol into the country ensued.

The question the Presidentelect wants Nigerians to answer is: What is subsidy and who needs it.

What is subsidy and who needs it?

Wikipedia, an online resource, states that subsidy is a sum of money granted by the government or a public body to assist an industry or business so that the price of a commodity or service may remain low or competitive. In the case of Nigeria it is money being paid to importers of fuel to maintain a uniform price across the country with the hope that Nigerians will benefit from the gesture. But over the years prices of fuel have not been the same across the country.

Fuel price in the East, North and Middle belt has always been higher than prices of the same product in Lagos and environs.

A subsidy, therefore, is a form of financial aid or support extended to an economic sector or institution, business or individual generally with the aim of promoting economic and social policy.

Has this goal been met in Nigeria? Although commonly extended from government, the term subsidy can relate to any type of support, for example from NGOs. Subsidies come in various forms including: direct (cash grants, interest-free loans) and indirect (tax breaks, insurance, low-interest loans, depreciation write-offs, rent rebates).

Furthermore, subsidy can be broad or narrow, legal or illegal, ethical or unethical. The most common forms of subsidies are

those to the producer or the consumer. Producer/Production subsidies ensure producers are better off by either supplying market price support, direct support, or payments to factors of production.

Consumer/Consumption subsidies commonly reduce the price of goods and services to the consumer as is the case with petrol subsidy in Nigeria.

Whether subsidies are positive or negative is typically a normative judgment. As a form of economic intervention, subsidies are inherently contrary to market demands. A consumption subsidy is one that subsidises the behaviour of consumers.

These types of subsidies are most common in developing countries where governments subsidise things as food, water, electricity and education on the basis that no matter how impoverished, all should be allowed those most basic requirements.

For example, some governments offer ‘lifeline’ rates for electricity, that is, the first increment of electricity each month is subsidised. However, subsidies can also be used as tools of political and corporate

Subsidy in itself was never a problem to the country but the bad management of the subsidy, which had been turned into a huge racket which created the lingering crisis in the oil sector

cronyism.

Detrimental effects of subsidies

The detrimental effects of subsidies that are not properly targeted are diverse in nature and reach. Directly, subsidies are expensive to governments by directing resources away from other legitimate priorities such as environmental conservation, education, health, or infrastructure as is the case with Nigeria where a substantial part of the annual budget is on subsidy.

Indirectly, subsidy tends to benefit the few at the expense of the many, and the rich at the expense of the poor; lead to further polarisation of development; lower global market prices; and undermine investment decisions and reducing the pressure on businesses to become more efficient.

Over time, the latter effect means support becomes enshrined in human behaviour and business decisions to the point where people become reliant on, even addicted to, subsidies, ‘locking’ them into society.

Consumer attitudes do not change and become out-of-date, off-target and inefficient; furthermore, over time people feel a sense of historical right to them. Despite governments being responsible for the creation and lack of termination of subsidies, it is ironic that perverse subsidies are not tackled more rigorously, particularly as the above highlight their contradiction to the majority of governments’ stated policies.

This is why the President-elect is at a sea about fuel subsidy in Nigeria.

Subsidy management, biggest platform for fraud

Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki (APC Kwara Central) recently declared that fuel subsidy management in Nigeria is the biggest platform for fraud in the country.

He said that the subsidy is a

huge rackets being used by oil marketers and government officials to rip off the national treasury on yearly basis.

He said the fraud in the scheme was allowed to fester by government through issuance of import licenses to very bogus number of companies totaling 82 now, with many of them not having the required facilities for such very sensitive national economic assignment with attendant collection of $2billion on yearly basis for products largely not supplied.

Saraki, who stated this while fielding questions from journalists in his Abuja residence, on his ambition of becoming the next President of the Senate and other critical national issues, urged the Federal Government to take the bull by the horns by completely removing the fuel subsidy and restoring normalcy to the sector.

He argued that it would be better to remove the fuel subsidy and deliver the sector and the citizenry from the grip of racketeers in the industry, who would never allow things to work well because of their personal aggrandizement.

According to him, subsidy in itself was never a problem to the country but the bad management of the subsidy, which he said had been turned into a huge racket which created the lingering crisis in the oil sector.

He said: “No matter what is happening now, if you go back to look at it, the major issue that dwindled us was the subsidy management. We are talking of about minimum of over $32billion wasted on it over the last five to six years. “ That is the difference between where we are now and that time.

It has impacted on our exchange rate, it is going to impact on our infrastructure, there is no money for capital budget.

“We are fighting against entrenched interests whose infectious greed has decimated our people,” House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Waziri Tambuwal had said.

Alleged wrongdoings

A 205-page parliamentary investigation on fuel subsidy uncovered a long list of alleged wrongdoings involving oil retailers, NNPC and and oil companies operating in the country.

According to the report, a total of 15 fuel importers collected more than $300m two years ago without importing any fuel, while more than 100 oil marketers collected the same amount of money on several occasions. The report also says that officials in the government of President Goodluck Jonathan were among those who benefited from the subsidy fund.

Many of the people named in the document have denied any involvement in fraud, with some taking out full-page adverts proclaiming their innocence in local newspapers.

Despite being a major oil producer, Nigeria has not invested in the infrastructure needed to produce refined fuel, so has to import much of its petrol.

The annual $8bn subsidy means prices are lower than in neighbouring countries - and many Nigerians see cheap fuel as the only benefit they get from their country’s oil wealth, much of which is pocketed by corrupt officials.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—9

Jonathan turns down PDP BoT chair

By Ben Agande

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BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, turned down a proposal by members of the Board of Trustees, BoT, of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to take over the position of the chairman of the board.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting of the board, secretary of the board, Senator Wali Jibrin, said the board instead

appointed a former Minister of Defence, Dr. Haliru Bello Muhammed, in acting capacity for a period of two or three months.

While resigning his position as the BoT chairman last week, Chief Tony Anenih said he was doing so to pave the way for President Jonathan to take over.

The amended constitution of the PDP provides that a former president under the

aegis of the party should be the chairman of its BoT. Jibrin said at the end of the period, substantive chairman of the party as well as members of the board of trustees will be elected.

In a brief chat with State House correspondents, Bello, who is a former acting national chairman of the party, said his priority would be to reposition the party for its role as a party in opposition.

The meeting which started at about 9:05 am was presided over by President Jonathan and had in attendance Vice President Namadi Sambo; President of the Senate, David Mark; and his Deputy, Ike Ekweremadu.

Other members who were in attendance included Mrs. Josephine Anenih, Dr. Haliru Bello, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, Ibrahim Mantu, Prof. Jerry Gana, and Senator Hope Uzodinma among others.

My absence won't lead to constitutional crisis —Tambuwal

By Emman Ovuakporie

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BUJA — OUTGOING Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, has said that his absence from the House after he has been sworn in as the Governor of Sokoto State will not lead to any form of constitutional crisis.

Tambuwal, who spoke at an interactive session with members of the House of Representatives Press Corps said: ”We never envisaged this kind of development but thank God there is a provision in our House Rules which stipulates that we can vacate via a motion making it possible for my deputy to preside till the House finally disengages.

We’ll do that to avert any form of shut down due to my absence immediately I’m sworn in on May 29.”

Contrary to insinuations that Tambuwal is scheming to block the election of a new Speaker to replace him and preside over the House for the remaining days in the life of the 7th Assembly, Tambuwal denied existence of such a scheme.

He said: “At the closed session we had, we discussed about the situation of who presides over the House as I bow out. Because by Friday, I will cease to be a member of this House. And this is the first time such a thing is happening that a sitting Speaker will take another oath of office even before his tenure as Speaker ends, and the constitution did not envisage this.

“Incidentally, our rules provide that in the event that the Speaker ceases to be either by reasons of natural causes or a situation like mine, a new Speaker will be elected at the next seating.

“That the Clerk will notify the House of the vacuum and election will be held to bring about another Speaker.

“However, as we were brainstorming, a member came up with not necessarily a doctrine of necessity but an

PDP BOT MEETING: From left: Vice President Namadi Sambo, Senate President David Mark, President Goodluck Jonathan and former BoT Chairman, Chief Tony Anenih during the meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Board of Trustees at the State House, Abuja on Monday night. Photo: Abayomi Adeshida. ingenious way of solving the situation.

“He suggested that since it is our rules, we can simply move a motion to suspend that aspect of the rules to allow the Deputy Speaker to continue to conduct the affairs of the House until the life span of the 7th House comes to an end.”

He added that there is no way he would try to scuttle the natural course of things against the provision of the constitution, especially when it relates to the institution he holds so dear.

He said: “This House as an institution is bigger than myself and very dear to me. I

cannot under any circumstance try to cause any unnecessary disaffection within the institution that has done so much for me as an individual.

“It’s not my private property and as such cannot be taken as a private property.”

FEC to be formally dissolved today

By Ben Agande

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BUJA— IN preparation for its final handing over formalities to the incoming administration, the Federal Executive Council, FEC, will be formally dissolved today.

The session which will be presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to witness a formal speech by the President, highlighting his achievements while in office since May 29, 2011.

Ministers are also expected to make speeches on their experience as members of the council under President Jonathan.

The meeting which is expected to commence by 11am will afford each minister an opportunity to relieve his experience while in office.

Jonathan is expected to round up the session with a speech highlighting his achievements in office while setting agenda for the in coming administration.

President Jonathan is expected to leave the Presidential Villa on Friday morning for Port Harcourt, enroute Otuoke, his ancestral home.

Already, the president has packed out of the main building of the Presidential Villa and members of his immediate family are expected to accompany him to Otuoke, Friday.

Work for the good of Nigerians, Oyegun, Tambuwal, Ngige charge incoming Reps Representatives, Tambuwal

By Levinus Nwabughiogu

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BUJA — National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC has enjoined the incoming members of the House of Representatives elected on the party’s platform to work for the good of the people of the country.

Similarly, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal and former Governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, also asked the members-elect to see their election as opportunity to better the lots of Nigerians through people-oriented laws when

are eventually sworn in.

The APC chieftains spoke at the 2015 Retreat for the APC members of the House of Representatives.

In his welcome address, the national chairman of the party reminded the members that having identified with APC, they were to act as agents of change even as he told them to brace up for the challenges that would confront them as federal lawmakers in the National Assembly.

He said: “I welcome you most sincerely. We spoke yesterday. So, there is very little I have to add except to say that you are the torch bearers of this administration.

You are the agents of change

of this administration.

Yesterday, I told you about the great challenges that our nation faces.

“When we went round the country campaigning and preaching the gospel of change, you could see all of you here who contributed to that victory, each and everyone of you through the process of delivering his constituency contributed to making us today the APC, the most vibrant party in the whole of Africa and the incoming government of the federal republic of Nigeria."

Also speaking on the topic “Relationship Between the Party, Executive and Legislature,” the outgoing speaker of the House of

who was represented by his Special Adviser on Legal and Legislative Matters, enjoined the incoming parliamentarians to learn from the frosty relationship that existed between the PDP National Assembly lawmakers on one hand and the PDP-led Federal Government on the other hand, warning that the incoming government of APC should not repeat the same mistakes.

Ngige and Abubakar Baraje, chieftains of the party, who were both discussants at the events told the new members to always ensure that there exists a cordial relationship between them and their political party.

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

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By Innocent Anaba & Evelyn Usman

AGOS—A FEDERAL High Court sitting in Lagos yesterday directed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, to immediately lift the siege on the Lagos residence of Ogun Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu.

The order was given by Justice Ibrahim Buba.

The court order was immediately rebuffed by the NDLEA which pledged to sustain the siege as it described the court order as diversionary and inconsequential.

Justice Buba at the resumed hearing in the rights enforcement suit filed by Kashamu, challenging the siege laid on his Lagos residence by NDLEA operatives, ruled that, “the men of the NDLEA are hereby ordered to vacate the residence of the applicant in line with the order of Justice Abang.”

Kashamu’s counsel, Dr Alex Izinyon, SAN, who had reacted to a call for an adjournment of the matter by counsel from the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, prayed the court to direct the NDLEA operatives to vacate Buruji’s residence.

'NDLEA's action condemnable'

He argued that the agency’s action against the order of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, in a fundamental rights enforcement suit by his client against his extradition is condemnable.

Respondents in the suit before Justice Abang are Chairman, Nigerian Drug Laws Enforcement Agency, NDLEA; Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC; Director General, Department of State Security, DSS; the Interpol, National Central Bureau, NCB and AGF. Others the Clerk of the National Assembly, the National Security Adviser to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission ICPC, Nigeria Custom Services, NCS, the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

In the said fundamental rights suit, Justice Abang had directed that the status quo be maintained pending the final determination of the suit and fixed May 27, 2015 for judgement.

But at Justice Buba’s court, yesterday, who had earlier summoned the AGF and NDLEA chairman, Iziyon prayed for an order of the court that any warrant or application by anyone should be brought to the court and that the court should also direct other law enforcement agencies to ensure that any order made by the court was obeyed, since the NDLEA officers, who were laying siege to Kashamu’s residence are armed.

On his part, counsel representing the AGF, A. C. Akwiwu, sought for an

Tribunal rejects Agbaje's request to inspect polling documents

By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Bartholomew Madukwe

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WELCOME TO LAGOS: Lagos State Governor-elect, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd right), welcoming the Guinean President, Alpha Conde, to Lagos, yesterday. In the middle is All Progressives Congress, APC, National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (middle) and former APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande (right).

Court orders NDLEA to vacate Kashamu's residence zNDLEA kicks adjournment of the matter on the ground that the case is quasi - criminal in nature, insisting that all the orders being sought by the applicant should await the response of the AGF to the processes filed.

Case, a unique one —Judge

But Justice Buba in a short ruling, described the case as a unique one, in the sense that the applicant has been in and out of the court.

The judge while making reference to the sister case before his brother judge, Justice Abang, said that parties in the matter were bound by the order of the court which directed that status quo should be maintained pending the determination of the suit.

Justice Buba added; “The order of Justice Abang, whether rightly or wrongly must be binding on parties and must be obeyed. The position clearly is that the person against whose an order is made is bound to obey it or go on appeal.”

Justice Buba also said that even though it will be in the interest of justice to grant the AGF’s application for adjournment, justice will be done in the case if the oral application made by Kashamu’s lawyer was granted.

Police to be notified of pending contempt proceedings Justice Buba also directed that the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, must be notified of the pending contempt proceedings

zCourt adjourns till June 4 before the court and that the order must be published by the applicant in a national daily.

Court adjourns till June 4

The court adjourned the case till June 4, 2015 for hearing of the contempt proceedings against the AGF and the NDLEA Chairman on its merit.

It will be recalled that the court had earlier summoned the duo to appear before it over alleged contempt.

They were accused of disobeying the order of Justice Abang, to the extent that nothing should be done on the fundamental human rights enforcement suit by Prince Kashamu, pending the final determination of the suit.

Reacting to the ruling, the Head, Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju in a statement, said the agency would not heed the judgement describing it as inconsequential and diversionary.

Ofoyeju said: “The NDLEA does not believe that any court will issue an order preventing a government agency from performing its statutory responsibilities in a lawful manner. The agency has therefore, refused to be distracted and will continue to maintain presence at the residence. It is advisable that Kashamu respects the law by submitting himself to the due process of the law.

“The NDLEA wishes to reiterate that his rights like that of other citizens shall be respected and the due process of law followed in this case. The agency is prepared to further

increase her public rating and goodwill in the areas of suspect handling, respect for human rights and the rule of law.

“We are prepared to explore all legal means in handling this case to a logical conclusion. The Nigerian Government has received a formal request from the United States Government for the extradition of Prince Kashamu. It also has a provisional warrant of arrest on him contrary to claims by his attorneys,” he added.

Sticking to its guns, stern looking armed operatives of the agency were still seen at about 6.30pm at Kashamu’s Lekki Phase 1 abode.

Although his immediate family members were allowed in and out of the duplex, vehicles driving out of the street were checked by the operatives.

Vanguard gathered from close relatives that Kashamu still locked himself inside one of the bedrooms refusing to open to any member of his family.

Communication was reportedly done verbally from the entrance of the bedroom.

His media aide, Austine Oniyokor , however, said that they were yet to see any policeman around the premises to enforce the court order.

“The court said that the Police should enforce the order but as I speak with you, we are still waiting for them to carry out the instruction.

"It is most ludicrous that NDLEA has chosen to further sink not just the agency but the Federal Government and indeed Nigeria into the abyss of lawlessness,"Oniyokor stated.

AGOS—LAGOS State governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Muhammad Sirajo, yesterday rejected the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2015 governorship election, Mr. Jimi Agbaje’s request to inspect electoral materials and Card Reader devices used during the election.

The tribunal also rejected Agbaje’s Freedom of Information, FoI, request for the tribunal to order the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to produce all polling documents and card reader devices used.

It will be recalled that Justice Sirajo had on May 5, 2015 granted Agbaje leave to inspect all polling documents and devices used in the conduct of the election.

The Apostolic Church inaugurates new area

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AGOS—THE Morogbo Area of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, will be inaugurated on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the Area Headquarters, No. 1 Church Street, Olorunda, Morogbo, Lagos State, opposite Agbara, Badagry Expressway.

The first Superintendent of Morogbo Area, Pastor Isaac Gbenga Awotanmi stated that the new area was carved out from the old Badagry Area of the church early this year.

While highlighting the activities of the programme, the cleric urged members to be in attendance as the President of The Apostolic Nigeria, Pastor Gabriel Oladele Olutola, JP, who also doubles as the Chairman, Lagos Western and Northern Areas, LAWNA, territory, will be conducting both the inauguration and induction ceremony simultaneously.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 11

Fashola presents staff of office to new Ikorodu monarch amid protests

By Bose Adelaja

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AGOS—AMID protests and tight security, outgoing Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, yesterday, presented the staff of office to the new Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, just as he commissioned an ultra modern palace to serve Ikorodu town.

Roll call include the widow of late Ayangburen, Olori Taibat Oyefusi, Oba of Egbin Kingdom Oba Adeoriyomi Akeem, one time Lagos State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Matters, Ayodele Eleso, Chief Imam of Ikorodu Central Mosque, Assistant Bishop of Ikorodu Anglican Diocese Right Reverend Olumuyiwa Odejayi and state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademoorin Kuye among others.

Yesterday ’s presentation triggered disagreement between two Ikorodu royal families, the Lambo Lasunwon and Adegorise Lasunwon ruling houses.

The new monarch emerged from the Adegorise family.

Before the presentation of staff of office, the new Ayangburen was

the Odofin of Ikorodu and a member of the chieftaincy committee on lands.

Presenting the staff of office, the governor charged the new monarch to discharge his duties as expected, saying the new position was keenly contested for after which the wish of the people prevailed.

Fashola said the ancient town cannot remain without a paramount ruler, a situation which called for the presentation of the staff of office.

He also said the position was keenly contested by 24 contestants out of which a victor emerged.

His words: “It is understandable

to have a keen contest of 24 candidates but as far as we are concerned, Ikorodu indigenes have spoken and nobody can reverse it. In this new dispensation, a town as big as Ikorodu cannot remain without a king. Let me seize this opportunity to thank other aspirants who stood up to be counted in their own land,”

STAFF OF OFFICE: Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State, presenting the staff of office to the new Ayangburen of Ikorodu, His Royal Majesty, Kabiru Adewale Shotobi in Ikrodu, Lagos, yesterday. Photo: Bose Adelaja.

Workers threaten govs over unpaid salaries A

By Dayo Johnson

KURE—THE Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, has asked state governors, who are owing backlog of salaries to be ready for a showdown.

Its National President, Comrade Solomon Adelegan said this yesterday in Akure at the 19th Plenary Session of the National Governing Council of the association.

His words: “The unfulfilled daily expectation of an average Nigerian shows that political elites have not only disappointed the masses but also have not learned from history.

“The implication of not paying workers as at when due, has widened the gap between the rich and the poor. Nigeria is

currently at a crossroads. It is because in the last 16 years the country has suffered leadership deficit. People have not been put at the centre of development. It is therefore not

surprising that the message of change resonated during the last electioneering campaigns”.

Adelegan said the non payment of salaries by some state governments contravened the

AIT lists witnesses, denies libelling Tinubu LION OF BOURDILLON:

By Abdulwahab Abdulah & Batholomew Madukwe

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AGOS—CHAIRMAN of DAAR Communication Plc, Chief Raymond Dokpesi and seven others have been listed as witnesses to testify in a N150 billion libel suit filed against African Independent Television, AIT, by the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola

Tinubu.

Others are: Namure Joy Edoimioya, Chief Medan Tenke, Ajibola Adewusi, Olumide Idowu, Chief Stanley Odidi, Engr. Nwabueze and Dr. Stanley Bassey.

Tinubu had approached an Ikeja High court praying it to declare that the AIT had libelled him by allegedly peddling false accusations about his personality in a documentary titled: Lion of

Jonathan condoles with Obasanjo over sister's death

By BenAgande BUJA—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the death of his younger sister, Madam Adunni EwejeObasanjo.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Reuben

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Labour Act of 1971.

Also speaking, the state governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said workers have been paid up to the month of March 2015 in Ondo State.

Abati, in a statement, said the President joins Obasanjo and his family in mourning the late Eweje-Obasanjo, who died at the age of 76.

The statement reads: “As they mourn her, President Jonathan urges Chief Obasanjo and his family to be consoled by the knowledge that his late sister

lived a worthy and very fulfilled life in the service of her family and community.The President prays that God will grant Chief Obasanjo and his family the fortitude to bear the loss of Madam EwejeObasanjo. He similarly prays that God will receive Madam EwejeObasanjo’s soul and grant her eternal rest”.

Bourdilion.

According to him, the documentary was politically sponsored to tarnish his reputation.

He therefore demanded a sum of N150 billion as damages.

The presiding judge, Justice Iyabo Akinkugbe had on April 1, 2015 granted an interlocutory injunction restraining AIT from further airing of the documentary, pending the determination of the libel suit.

In a statement of defence and counter-claim filed by AIT yesterday, the defendants denied Tinubu’s allegation as contained in his amended statement.

AIT averred that Tinubu’s claims were based on non existent ground, adding that it lacked any cause of action because contrary to his (Tinubu) claim, the documentary aired by its media outfit was not titled: The Lion of Bourdilon but Unmasking the Real Tinubu.

LAGOS PDP CRISIS: LCDA

chairmen sue for peace

By Dapo Akinrefon

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AGOS—CHAIRMEN of Local Council Development Area chapters of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Lagos State and the National Youth Vanguard ,NYV, yesterday called on feuding party leaders to embrace peace.

Addressing a press conference yesterday in Lagos, spokesperson of the forum, Mr. Ade Onifade appealed to a faction of the State Working Committee led by Mr. Owolabi Olorunoje to allow peace to reign in the party.

He said: “Allow peace to reign to allow us consolidate on our recent electoral achievement and possibly garner more through the electoral tribunal cases and the forthcoming local government and LCDA election.”

On its part, the Lagos chapter of the NYV described the impeachment of the state chairman of the PDP, Capt Tunji Shelle (rtd), as unconstitutional.

Appeal court adjourns hearing on Lagos Assembly poll

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

AGOS—A COURT of Appeal sitting in Lagos has adjourned further hearing in a suit seeking determination of the authentic All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate in the April 11, 2015 House of Assembly Elections in Lagos Island Constituency I. The position is being disputed by the incumbent lawmaker, Mr. Hakeem Masha and lawmakerelect, Sanni-Eshinlokun.

Masha is challenging the ruling of a Federal High Court in Lagos which directed the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to declare Eshinlokun as the authentic candidate.

The plaintiff is seeking to amend the Notice of Appeal and an order directing INEC to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Eshinlokun.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Probe me, Amaechi dares Wike

By Jimitota Onoyume, Gbenga Oke & Davies Iheamnachor

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UT-GOING Rivers State governor, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has challenged the state governor-elect, Mr Nyesom Wike, that he (Amaechi) was not afraid of his administration being probed.

Speaking at his 50th birthday public lecture in Port Harcourt, Amaechi said “Listening to the governorelect, Wike, I am trying not to respond to him because he has been accusing me of corruption, forgetting that he was the Chief of Staff to this government and knows well how this government is being run. So, how can he turn back and accuse me of corruption?

Then he must be part of the corruption himself.”

Meanwhile, Amaechi at Government House during the inauguration of the 22 local government chairmen, elected at Saturday ’s council elections, said that Wike cannot dissolve the 22 councils elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as such power only lies with the court.

He insisted that the state government and the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, complied with all the stipulated laws on the conduct of the council elections. He assured the people of the state that the 22 chairmen will complete their term in office.

At his birthday lecture, he said “He (Wike) has been saying that he will probe me, but everybody can remember that despite calls by people of this state to probe former Governor Peter Odili, I never did. If you continue probing what the former administrations have done, how will you perform?

“This hall is a testimony of my actions in government and I can say boldly that I am a Christian, I have never killed in the course of my political life and I will not kill anybody in my life. Rather, I will drop my political ambition.

“I have satisfaction over what I have done, especially five days ago when my children and I were discussing in the United Kingdom. We were gossiping their mother, my wife, Judith.

One of my sons said: 'Despite the problems we have in Nigeria, you are so honest and transparent.' I asked why he said so and he responded that 'from our relationship with you, you have always told us not to steal anybody ’s property and it is important for all Nigerians be critical of that.'

“My eldest son also told me, ‘It is a good thing you are leaving government, but why hand over to Wike as governor?' He said everybody knows my struggle and he was proud to have me as a father.

For me, that is one of my greatest achievements as a father.

“The fight is not over yet, the struggle continues. Wike is

looking for us to come and join them in office but that will not happen. They even got injunction against the panel we set up to investigate deaths of innocent people during the presidential and governorship election in Rivers State.

“He went ahead to hire people like Ateke Tom just because of elections. I can

boldly say that when I became a governor, nobody died, but because of Wike’s ambition, people are dying every day.

The Lord I worship assured Nigerians that God will save us from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and I can say that God will deliver us and we will defeat Wike.

Even if I stop praying, God will make a way.”

INAUGURATION: Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Medical Waste, Dr Ifeoma Ricketta; Special Adviser on Environmental Health, Dr Oge Emejuru and Chairman of the occasion, Mr Godspower Ake, at the inauguration of Waste Water Treatment Plant and Medical Waste Management Facility, in Port Harcourt.

We never attacked Ogbe-Ijoh —Aladja community

By Festus Ahon

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SABA—THE people of Aladja, Udu Local Government Area, Delta State, have denied media reports that they were attacking the people of Ogbe-Ijoh, Warri South-West Local Government Area of the state.

President of Aladja Community, Mr Paulson Okobiebi, described the allegation as "unfounded and fabricated with the intention of truncating the peace agreement brokered between the two communities by the Delta State Government.”

Okobiebi, who was reacting to media reports credited to ‘Concerned Citizens of OgbeIjoh,’ said: “The Aladja community has held religiously to the peace brokered by the State Security Council presided over by the state deputy governor, Prof.

Amos Utuama, SAN. “Ogbe-Ijoh has largely observed the agreement in the breach. Contrary to the clearly stated facts in the agreement that owners of matured crops be allowed access to harvest their crops, our people have been consistently denied

access to their farm lands.

“Several cases of harassment of our farmers had been reported at the Ogbe-Ijoh Divisional Police headquarters, Ogbe-Ijoh.”

He called on leaders of Ogbe-Ijoh community to call

on those behind the said group to order so as to stop “further provocative and offensive peddling of lies in the media for peace to reign between the two communities.”

Health workers accuse Delta PS of intimidation

By Perez Brisibe

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GHELLI—DELTA State chapter of National Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, has accused the Permanent Secretary of the state Hospital Management Board, HMB, Dr. Caroline Ajuya, of intimidation and trying to frustrate the ongoing industrial action of the union in the state.

Speaking, yesterday, at the Ughelli Central Hospital, the state NUAHP chairman, Mr. Joseph Owholo, in company of other executives of the union, alleged that Dr. Ajuya was bent on hindering the success of the industrial action which started on May 25, 2015, by

engaging the services of technicians and non-professionals to frustrate the union’s strike.

He explained that Dr. Ajuya was forcing technicians and quarks who were not qualified to embark on jobs specified for scientists with a threat to sanction members of the executive at the end of the industrial action.

Contacted, Dr. Ajuya said: “When he called me, I told him that he is not the owner of the place and that if they were on strike, they should be able to handover to others willing to work. I only abused him for calling staff of the board quacks because we do not have quacks in our hospitals."

Isoko clan heads laud DESOPADEC commissioner

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By Ochuko Akuopha

HE forum of presidents-general of the 19 clans that make up Isoko nation has passed a vote of confidence in Mr Joseph Ogeh, the commissioner representing Isoko nation on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas D e v e l o p m e n t C o m m i s s i o n , DESOPADEC. The vote of confidence was passed in Ogeh, when the members paid a courtesy call on him in Warri.

Spokesman of the forum, Chief Johnson Akpomalue, who is the President-General of Ellu clan, described Ogeh, as one who desires the Isoko nation to move to the next level.

The forum commended the commissioner for the management of Isoko funds that were at his disposal and the equitable distribution of projects in Isoko land, noting that there was no community in Isokoland that does not have a DESOPADEC project.

Edo community assures on scholarships for indigenes

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HAIRMAN of Oben community youth league, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Edo State, Mr. Joel Edokpolor, has promised to provide scholarships for indigenes of the land.

Edokpolor, at the inauguration of newly elected executives of the youths’ association, said: “During my four-year tenure, my focus is going to be on education and infrastructural development and to provide scholarships to our children and youths starting from secondary school level.

“Apart from education because there is a lot of decadence in the area of education, there is also roads and electricity, and I intend to look at these areas and go on to health programme which is very critical to our people."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—13

BURIAL: From left: Funke Ogungbenele, Deborah Ofumeraedne, Mabel Ikeh, Owolabi Folashade, Lauretta Ekerue, Sir and Lady Henry Muogho, Comfort, Elizabeth Eguriase, Durosinme Felicia, Funmi Okeyode, Ngozi Elumeze-Osakwe at the burial ceremony of Olorogun David Udi Muogho at Aladja, Delta State.

Wike promises cooperation with FG to move Rivers forward

By Jimitota Onoyume

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ORT HARCOURT— RIVERS State governor-elect, Mr Nyesom Wike, has said that he was elected by Rivers people to attract development to the state and not to fight General Muhammadu Buhari, when sworn in as president of the country.

Wike, yesterday, in Port Harcourt, at a lecture as part of programmes for his swearing-in, said he will cooperate with the Federal Government led by Buhari to pursue the good of his state.

He said: “I will not fight Buhari. I will cooperate with his administration to attract benefits to Rivers State. The people of Rivers State did not overwhelmingly elect me to fight the Federal Government, but to work for the greater good of our people. In cooperating with

Buhari for development reasons, I will always bear in mind the fact that I am a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.” He said that the courts that had been shut down in the state for close to a year will be reopened on Monday, the same day he

will proclaim the 8th Assembly in the state.

He assured Rivers people that he will run a listening administration centred on the needs of the people, adding that he will not personalise governance as the journey to revive the ailing state

will involve all stakeholders.

He reiterated that the illegal local government elections conducted by the outgoing administration of Rotimi Amaechi will not stand as the court made specific order that it should not hold.

Oshiomhole suspends new LG chairman chairman, Alhaji

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

E N I N — GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has sworn in Mr. Alhassan Mohammed as Chairman, Etsako West Local Government Area but immediately suspended him for two months.

The new chairman was sworn-in, following the death, last Friday, of the Chairman of the council, Alhaji Hassan Kadiri.

The governor directed the new vice chairman of the council, Mr. Busari Yusuf, to act as the interim chairman pending the findings of a panel of enquiry investigating allegations against Mohammed.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the governor said: “I have just performed the task of swearing in the vice chairman of Etsako West council as the substantive chairman of the council following the death of the

Kadiri who passed on last week Friday. “ I have performed a task with mixed feelings. On the one hand, I had the privilege of having to swear in a chairman and on the other hand I am pained by the loss of someone who worked so hard for tha All Progressives Congress and who believed so much in his community but what made me even more sad is the fact that there are controversies as to what happened the very day Hassan passed away."

Delta communities threaten shutdown of oil operations

By Egufe Yafugborhi

W

ARRI—HOST communities to Jones Creek Oil Mining Lease, OML 42, in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State, have vowed to occupy and shut operations in the oil field if issues in dispute with Nestoil, a major contractor to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, operators of the oil field were not promptly resolved.

C M Y K

This is contained in a resolution by the communities, namely, Kokodiagbene, Omadino, Ekpemu Akpata, Okerenkoko and Akpata Gbe-Gbe, following Monday’s truce meeting with Nestoil mediated by the 3 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Warri.

In the resolutions read

by Sheriff Mulade, Chairman of Kokodiagbene, the communities alleged that NPDC and its major contractor have marginalised them since

taking over operations of the field from Shell Petroleum Development Company in 2010.

He said: “There is connivance with NPDC top management to register companies in their names and sub-let contracts to same companies to look as if it was in conformity with local content stipulations of the Federal Government.

“We have details of these companies and one of them is even trying to get an FTO (Freedom to

Operate) from the host communities.

"Another bone of contention is the noemployment policy of NPDC towards the host communities, a development that can best be described as appalling and atrocious.”

The communities are demanding among others “That, Jones Creek Oil Field host communities will no longer sign any fresh FTO with Nestoil Plc. Payment of workers’ salaries shall not exceed 10th of the new month."

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

N-Central APC presents Saraki for Senate President

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA—AS the contest for Senate Presidency heightens, Chairmen of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the North Central geopolitical zone, said they have adopted Senator Bukola Saraki as the zone’s sole candidate.

The APC State Chairmen in the North Central said that they will soon present PARTY: Social Secretary, Island Club, Femi Oderinde; outgoing Chairman, Island Club, Prince the former Kwara State Governor and Ademola Dad; Chairman, NATCOM/ Skye Bank Plc, Dr. Olatunde Ayeni (Chairman of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology as their event), and Secretary General, Island Club, Mr. Diji Vera-Cruz at a valedictory party in candidate for the Senate President in honour of the outgoing Chairman, Lagos Island Club, Prince Ademola Dada, at Peacock the 8th senate.

Hall, in Lagos.

Announcing the adoption of Senator Saraki as the zone’s sole candidate, the APC Chairmen said that the choice of Saraki was as a result of the withdrawal of Senator George Akume targeted by the facility are progress in strict compliance with the

By Babajide Komolafe who is also from the North manufacturing, agricultural value eligibility criteria of the facility. chain and selected service subHe assured that as soon as the Central and Senate HE CENTRAL Bank of Nigeria sectors. appraisals are concluded Minority leader from the CBN, yesterday, said that it had In a statement yesterday, Director recommendations would be made to senate presidency race last received over 200 applications for Corporate Communications, CBN, management of the Bank for approval week to settle down as the N300 billion Real Sector Support Alhaji Ibrahim Muazu, said that the and subsequent disbursement. He deputy to another Facility, RSSF. apex bank is appraising over 200 urged applicants for the RSSF to contestant, Senator Ahmad Introduced in March this year, the applications received in respect of the exercise a little patience to enable the Lawan from the North East.

RSSF fund was established to support Facility. He said that the CBN is yet Bank conclude the appraisals and to The APC Chairmen in a large enterprises for start-ups as well to commence disbursement of the disregard speculations. communiqué issued at the as expansion financing needs of Facility adding that the appraisal of In another development, the CBN end of a crucial meeting N500 million, up to a maximum of the applications by SMEs for the yesterday issued fresh directives on held in Abuja, allegedly N10 billion. The real sector activities N300 billion RSS facility was still in the ongoing enrollment of bank resolved and unanimously customers for the Biometric declared that they were only Verification Number, BVN. interested in the office of The directives was the Senate Presidency contained in a circular which had earlier been signed by the Director, zoned to it by the National Banking and Payment Working Committee of the Department, Mr. Dipo party.

Fatokun, and titled, “Re: The Chairmen in the Process for Linking the communiqué explained BVN with Customer ’s that due to the alleged Account on the Core personal decision of one of Banking Application by Banks.” The Circular the contenders from the stated, Further to our letter zone that he had dated February 26th withdrawn his aspiration interest from February 2015, on the and contesting the position of above subject, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has the Senate President of the noted the need to improve 8th Senate, they were left the processes for linking the with no other obvious BVN with customers’ conclusion than Senator account, such that the Abubakar Bukola Saraki customer does not remains the sole candidate necessarily have to from the zone. physically visit the banks They also said that Saraki for the linkage. would be presented to the

200 apply for N300bn real sector fund —CBN ...issues directive on biometric verification

T

leadership of the party as the sole candidate for the position of Senate President of the 8th Assembly.

According to them, “The sole endorsement of Senator Saraki was borne out of his unprecedented commitment to the growth and success of the party at all levels in the Zone and across the country.

“Saraki’s commitment, sacrifices, sincerity and purposeful leadership that ensured the success of all the Senators, House of Representatives Members, House of Assembly Members as well as gubernatorial candidates in the affected states within the zone, have earned him our support.”

The communiqué read in part; “that we are resolute in our collective decision to produce a single candidate from the zone to the office of the Senate Presidency and we abide with same considering the fact that all our distinguished senators from the zone had equally maintained similar position in their earlier meetings”.

The chairmen who endorsed the Communiqué also said they have rejected an attempt by some individuals and a group within and outside the North Central making efforts to jeopardise the collective will of the people of the zone.

They also claimed that they had “vehemently opposed any alliance, horse trading and fixing of positions in a way that may sabotage the official position of the APC North Central Zone as such step runs contrary to the interest and yearnings of the people, the APC members and the zone on a larger scale.”

SURE-P beneficiaries plan mass protest over unpaid salaries

B

ENIN CITY—THE 119,000 beneficiaries of the Community Services for Women and Youths Empowerment Project CSWYEP, a branch of the SURE-P, have vowed to embark on a mass protest tomorrow, due to failure by the Federal Government to pay their February, March,April and May salaries.

Three thousand of the beneficiaries were selected from each of the states of the federation and the Federal Government engaged them into community related services C M Y K

such as cleaning of gutters, traffic control and maintenance of government property.

However, the beneficiaries have been at war with the state coordinators of the programme, hence they are threatening to hold a mass protest tomorrow and Friday, when the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari, will be inaugurated.

Addressing journalists in Benin City on the issue, yesterday, the Edo State chairman of the CSWYEP and the chairman of all the

state chairmen, Mr. Lucky Imasuen, said the Federal Government was yet to release the funds, noting that the “beneficiaries are agitating due to the fear that the in-coming government may not be interested in paying the back-log of salaries.”

Imasuen, who also is the former Deputy Governor of Edo State, explained that “we have always followed due process in the payment.

The NDE handles the opening of the accounts for beneficiaries and every month the money goes straight to their accounts."

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 —15

Anambra solicits media assistance in projecting govt programmes

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

W K A — ANAMBRA State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Uju Nwogu, has solicited the assistance of the media in the projection of Governor Willie Obiano’s administration to enable the people at the grassroots appreciate government activities.

Addressing reporters in Awka, yesterday, Nwogu, who was among the five new commissioners sworn-in

by Governor Obiano last week, said government was already doing a lot in various parts of the state, adding that the people needed to know these activities through the media.

According to her, the governor had shown through the projects being executed in various parts of the state and the seriousness he attached to the welfare of workers that he meant well.

He insisted that media support would spur him to do more.

She said: “The interest of the governor is to make Anambra State the best in the country and he has realized that he needs to win the confidence of the people to be able to actualize his programmes. ‘’He does not joke with the welfare of workers and that is why he has already paid the May, 2015 workers’ salaries when many states were complaining of their inability to pay April salaries.

“That is where the assistance of the media is needed because the people need to the truth about their government.”

Nwogu listed some of the ongoing projects in the state to include massive investment in agriculture, tourism, commerce, as well as in oil and gas.

The commissioner also promised to look into the problems of state-owned media outfits and prepare them for the impending digitalization in the industry.

C M Y K

Look beyond APC in making appointments, Anglican Church tells Buhari

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—THE Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, has urged the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to look beyond his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in constituting his cabinet and making other appointments, advising him to look for capable hands wherever he could find them.

Rising from the synod of the Diocese of Aguata at Saint Andrews’ Church, Ezira in Orumba South Local Government Area, Anambra State, yesterday, the church said the task of ruling the country was enormous, advising the incoming administration to go for the best.

In an 11-point communiqué issued at the end of the synod, the church also reminded the President-elect that he would win the confidence of the people if he fulfilled his campaign promises to Nigerians.

In the communiqué by the Dean, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Christian Efobi, the Synod Clerical Secretary Ven. Steve Nnadi and the Chancellor of the diocese, Mr. Harford Ejim, condemned pre-election acrimonies and pockets of

violence recorded in some parts of the country during the recently concluded polls.

The synod also commended the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the outgoing President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, by conceding to defeat in the March 28 presidential elections.

It commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the successful conduct of the 2015

general elections, adding that “the introduction of smart card readers during the polls checked fraud, thereby restoring people’s confidence in the electoral process.”

The Church also praised the Nigerian military for its successes in the onslaught against insurgency in the North East and called on the Federal Government to sustain the tempo in order to deal with insecurity challenges in a more

coordinated and sustained manner.

It decried the unemployment situation in the country and called on all tiers of government to prioritize employment generation in order to engage the massive restive young populace in the country.

The church also advised wealthy Nigerians to always invest in the nation’s economy in order to stimulate it.

TOURNAMENT: Governor Rochas Okorocha and wife, Nneoma, with the staff and students of Rochas Foundation College, Oboko, who won the 2015 NNPC/Shell Football Tournament for All Secondary Schools in Nigeria recently.

Uneasy calm in Imo State judiciary over 3 months unpaid salaries

By Chidi Nkwopara

O

WERRI—UNEASY calm now pervades Imo State Judiciary, following the inability of the state government to pay salaries of workers in the last three months.

A female staff of the judiciary, who spoke on strict grounds of anonymity, yesterday, confirmed that staff of judiciary had been thrown into dire financial straits in the last three months.

“Honestly, we have been thrown into a financial mess in the last three months. A lot of us are now

owing various sums of money to creditors,” she lamented.

While reminding Governor Rochas Okorocha how funny it sounded to ask people he was currently owing to administer the oath of office on him, the lady also expressed regrets that no new high court judge had been

Anambra JUSUN suspends strike

By Vincent Ujumadu

A

WKA—WORKERS of Anambra State judiciary, yesterday, called off the strike it began on Monday, making litigants in the state heave a sigh of relief.

Consequently, the resumed strike embarked upon by the judicial staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, in Anambra State on Monday, has been suspended after a day.

State chairman of JUSUN, Mark Ifezue, said the callingoff the strike was based on the positive response of the state government, yesterday, but did not give details.

Many people were delighted to see the gates of the courts

opened for business, yesterday, and the workers arrived early to resume work.

It was, however, gathered that Governor Willie Obiano intervened in the matter, with a source saying the state government had promised to meet the demands of JUSUN members.

Meanwhile, the chief judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi, will begin visitation to the three prisons in the state on June 1, 2015.

A statement by the chief registrar of the state judiciary, Mrs. Doris Ezeani, said it was in exercise of the powers vested in him as the chief judge of the state.

According to the chief registrar, prison officials and

other stakeholders had been put on notice to ensure the success of the three-day exercise.

Details showed that the tour would begin on June 1 with a visit to Onitsha Prisons, while Aguata and Awka prisons would have theirs on June 3 and June 5 respectively.

Ezeani explained that priority would be given to inmates on the basis of old age, health grounds, juveniles and those who had stayed longer than their sentences would have lasted if their cases had been decided.

She said inmates who could engage the services of lawyers to present their cases during the visits, would have better opportunities to have their cases heard.

appointed in the state since 2011.

“There are only five serving judges in the Customary Court of Appeal, CCA, instead of about seven. ‘’In the same manner, there are only about 12 judges sitting in he State High Court instead of about 30 prescribed by law,” the woman said.

She recalled that the money Governor Okorocha promised to pay the serving judges to take care of seminars, conferences, workshops, hospital bills and vacation allowance had remained largely unpaid.

“While the governor made this promise in 2011, he only paid a fraction for 2014. ‘’As at the time of this interview, he has not completed payment for 2014 and 2015 has almost gone midway,” the woman said.

Another staff of the judiciary, who also pleaded anonymity for fear of victimization, lamented that no single capital project had been executed in the Customary Court of Appeal in the last four years.

“Construction of CCA court hall started by the former governor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, has not been completed," the staff said.

16 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

UNFPA denies promoting abortion among rescued women, girls

By Favour Nnabugwu

U

NITED NATIONS Population Fund, UNFPA, has denied claims

by Project for Human Development, PHD, that it planned to offer abortion services to pregnant women and girls rescued from Boko Haram’s captivity UNFPA representative in Nigeria, Ratidzai Ndhlovu, in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, denied the allegation of promoting abortion or anything close to it, adding that the agency’s activities were helping to reduce the recourse to abortion in Nigeria.

He said: “UNFPA does not promote abortion as a method of family planning nor does it have any abortion related interventions in Nigeria.

“UNFPA supports voluntary family planning so that women and men can freely determine the number, timing and spacing of their children as well as prevent unwanted pregnancies. ‘’It is their human right to do so and to have the means to exercise that right.

This helps reduce recourse to abortion. All UNFPA support abides by Nigeria’s laws.

“UNFPA is committed to delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every child birth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Its mandate was determined

by United Nations Members, including Nigeria.”

“All UNFPA-supported interventions are approved, owned and implemented

by Nigeria and respects the nation’s sovereignty, laws and priorities.

UNFPA’s work is done through its partners such as Federal and State governments in Nigeria.’’

C M Y K

Don’t jettison confab report, Jonathan tells Buhari P

RESIDENT GOODLUCK Jonathan has called on the President-elect, Maj-Gen Muhammudu Buhari (retd) not to jettison the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference.

The President said this,

yesterday, at the Presidential Villa, shortly after being decorated with the “PeaceLoving Global Citizen” award by the Universal Peace Forum led by lawyer, Mike Ozehkome.

While he appealed to General

Buhari to appreciate the good contributions made by Nigerians towards nationbuilding irrespective of political party or creed, he was optimistic that the incoming administration would take the time to appreciate the

VISIT: From left, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar 111, and Governor Aliyu Wamakko of Sokoto State, during a courtesy visit to the Sultan in Sokoto, yesterday. Photo: NAN

The Sun loses S/East photo-journalist, Nwosu

By Francis Igata

E

NUGU—The Sun photojournalist for the South-East, Mr. Okoro Ferguson Nwosu, is dead, aged 66.

A statement, yesterday, by his son, Mr. Emeka Nwosu, said the ace photo-journalist died at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital,UNTH, Ituku-Ozalla, on May 18, after a brief illness.

The late Nwosu started his journalism career in 1975 with the old Anambra State Ministry of Information and had worked under several governors of the state before joining The Sun about three years ago.

He was survived by five children.

Speaking on the demise of the journalist, Mr. Chidi Nnadi, The Sun Assistant Editor and Head, South East Bureau, where Nwosu

worked until he died, described his death as shocking, saying he was not sick to the point anyone would think he would die so soon.

Nnadi said the death of the ace photographer was a big loss to The Sun and the people of the South-East, where he plied his trade.

He consoled the family of the late photographer and prayed God to receive his soul in eternity.

PDP chieftain urges support for Okowa, Otuaro

A

SABA—A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, chieftain and a strong supporter of the Governorelect, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, Dr. Austin Obidi, has stressed the

need for all hands to join and support the incoming administration in the state.

Obidi, who stated this in an interview with news men in his office in Asaba, said that Okowa, apart from being his colleague in

the medical profession, was a tested grassroots politician that "has all it takes to bring good governance to the state."

As a member of PDP medical campaign team in the state, Obidi said their electoral victories revealed that the people in all the nooks and crannies of the 25 local government areas supported the governor-elect as the right man who would continue with the legacies of the o u t g o i n g administration of Governor Emmanuel Udughan.

He described Okowa and his deputy as a formidable team that would take the state to greater heights.

contributions of Nigerians in the efforts to build a greater nation.

The President, who enjoined Nigerians to remain committed to the unity of the nation, said everyone must be ready to make sacrifices.

His words: “We have our challenges, of course. We had a national conference; the idea of the conference is to look at these weak cleavages we have in this country. And we just finished that conference and we are thinking about how to implement it so that Nigeria will become stronger and united nation. I cannot be a party to the disintegration of the country.”

In addition, he said: “I’m quite pleased with what has happened. We have a country; our country will be more united. I believe and do pray that the incoming government should appreciate the contributions of everybody and see how we run Nigeria as a country that belongs to everybody, for all citizens; irrespective of political persuasion or creed; so that is what I stand for.”

The president, however, disclosed that he would not be party to the disintegration of Nigeria, noting that it was one of the reasons he conceded defeat after the March 28 presidential polls.

According to him: “I took that decision (to concede to Buhari) because I told those around me that no matter the ambition, the nation comes first.”

Why we gave Jonathan award— Ozekhome In his remarks, rights activist, Mr. Ozekhome, who commended the President’s gesture during the presidential polls, noted that his gesture had positively put Nigeria on the global map.

Ozekhome said: “Given your uncommon, almost unnatural gesture of conceding victory to your opponent, we want you to go back to Otuoke a very proud man.

"You are the greatest democrat we have ever had in this country. History will be fair to you.”

He, however, warned the outgoing President that he would have little rest after office since he would be invited to several world fora to lend his experience and touch to democracy.

Describing the President as a global peace ambassador, Mr. Ozekhome announced the nomination of the President to the board of the UPF in place of former head of state, Ernest Shonekan, who stepped down recently.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 17

H

OW did we get here?

How is it that a country like Nigeria borrows not to fund infrastructure and lift its people out of extreme poverty but to pay salaries and fund its recurrent expenditure? Quite honestly, I am not surprised that national debt now stands at 63 billion dollars. We are a country of showmen who would rather spend on frivolities than on anything of substance with long lasting effects on our lives. Our champagne lifestyle and the envy it enables (we love nothing more than to be admired) have made us into a typical what-not-to-do-inbusiness case: we spend more than we earn and spend not to halt this vicious cycle by enabling ordinary people to become sources of wealth for the country but to keep up appearances (e.g. the illogically large presidential fleet) and to ensure the comforts of the unproductive minority who feed off the system. Our country spends more on running government (that is, payment of salaries, maintenance and allowances) than it does on the people who elect said government.

We have created and enshrined a vastly unequal society where getting into government has become the only way to a life of comfort or to be exact, a life of extravagance using state funds. Looking at the simple dress and demeanour of some of our newly elected House of Representative members, especially those getting into power for the first time, I couldn’t help but wonder how much their lives would change after four years in office. They too will be driving fast cars and spending wildly

If indeed marketers “just want to make Nigerians suffer” then government should have curbed its own waste so that Nigerians would have trusted it to remove subsidy and not use the savings it would have made to fund their own extravagant lifestyles, leaving Nigerians to bear the sacrifice, as always C M Y K

tprincewill@yahoo.co.uk

Nigeria: Blackmailers beware or beware of blackmailers? before their terms are over. But what benefits will they bring their constituents? That remains to be seen. However, I do not expect change from them or from the average Nigerian politician who has little to offer this country besides antiquated ideas of zoning and ethnicity, the only way many know how to play politics or to stay relevant in a game where the objective is not prosperity for all Nigerians, or inclusiveness

for that matter but to further divide and segregate us based on class and ethno-religious lines. I was struck by pictures of lawmakers’ aides dragging ACs, fridges, water dispensers, chairs and various office furniture out of the National Assemblybuilding.No wonder we spend so much on “maintenance” in this country!

If the Presidency ’s food budget can serve to develop a small country, it is no wonder

our lawmakers, after losing an election, feel entitled to even the furniture in their offices, the consequence of which is that every newly elected official must spend Nigeria’s money to make their office comfortable (or rather, fit for a king) while the average Nigerian still has no access to running water or electricity, a national embarrassment for a country such as Nigeria in the 21st century. While we continuously forego all forms

Fuel shortage and Ifeanyi Ubah

A

N oil marketer’s claim to “refuse to be part of the sabotage” by bringing in petroleum products to save the masses, has been met with relief by some and confusion by others because in Nigeria, a country of ironies, inconsistencies, blackmail and sabotage, the more you look, the less you see. Ubah, in a statement, recognises fuel scarcity is a result of unpaid funds which marketers owe transporters, because said marketers are also owed by government. He goes on to lament that hospitals cannot perform surgeries and that our telecommunications and aviation sectors risk total

shut down. In recounting events we are quick to normalise incomprehensible situations: how is it that an entire country has been allowed to run on generators?

Is this possible in other climes? Capital Oil’s decision to “not be part of the sabotage” is as interesting as the idea of subsidy itself, as it is premised on selfaggrandizement for some and a deepening poverty trap for others, as Nigerian refineries or our capacity to generate any sort of energy has been unequivocally sabotaged over the past decade. There is also something more insidious here: would a

Where is Stella Oduah?

A

S many of Jonathan’s “super ministers” which some nicknamed “the untouchables” now face popular scrutiny and many quarters of society call for a probe of activities involving the Finance and Petroleum ministries notably, the senator-elect best known for her comments after the DANA crash during her time as aviation minister and the purchase of reportedly inflated BMW bullet-proof cars and allegations of corruption, is not currently facing the heat, unlike many of her former counterparts whose often abhorrent acts have not only trampled our constitution but kicked at our sensibilities and yearnings for honesty and transparency in government. This senator-

business man without any links to government be able to so easily, in such a context, load and distribute products nationwide? How is it that some marketers (those close to government) do have the funds to import products while other’s stare the hangman’s noose in the face, as their bank loans and interests pile up? Is it possible that this whole affair is an attempt at sabotaging the handover by creating an impossible climate in the country and blaming marketers for governments’ own failings? The ability to magically import products overnight is a brand of “patriotism” that not all marketers can afford as banks will not extend their credit lines and they will barely make a profit on their imports as government is a notoriously bad debtor. The Nigerian system is fair to no one besides the blackmailers who write its rules.

Senator- elect Oduah elect has quietly reinvented herself, apparently focusing on improving her constituency. Some like it hot, others disguise their sweat when the heat is on by burying themselves at home.

I am still looking forward to the coolness of change.

Ifeanyi Ubah

of financial prudence and responsibility, despite the presence in our government of high priestesses of the World Bank, a house panel in the US just approved a bill to cap expenses for former presidents who earn more than $400,000—bad news for George W. Bush’s reported $1.3 million per annum for office space and travel. This shows that although ambition and greed are universal, Nigeria differs in that neither we the people, nor those we elect, who are a reflection of our psyche, have the will to do the right thing, even when it is possible.

Of course, every human being deserves a level of relative comfort. But what output do our government officials show to justify their earnings? States award incredibly large pensions to former governors and their deputies, yet the average civil servant has not been paid in months, unemployment in some states is so high, some young people have never held down a job since university.

Pensioners, elderly former teachers, earn barely N2000 a month, the amount they were entitled to in the days where one naira was equal to one dollar. What is N2000 in today’s Nigeria?

Is this governance? It’s an issue of fairness rather than going after anyone: in fact, the way one hears Nigerians defending things that are not, frankly, in their interest, one is forced to further question the state of our educational system and its inability (perhaps this is done purposefully) to teach critical thinking. This is after all the country where embattled ministers run after the president-elect at airports, where the army engages in a war of words with #BringBackOurGirlsCampaigners and an entire economy can be shut down by fuel crisis. How th is it that suddenly, at the 99 hour, the Finance Minister realises she cannot pay marketers because their claims are “fraudulent”? If indeed marketers “just want to make Nigerians suffer ” then government should have curbed its own waste so that Nigerians would have trusted it to remove subsidy and not use the savings it would have made to fund their own extravagant lifestyles, leaving Nigerians to bear the sacrifice, as always. The entire system and the government that fine tunes it is blackmailing Nigerians which is why a “soft-landing” for anyone involved in misdeeds will never be acceptable to Nigerians.

Tabia Princewill is a strategic communications consultant and public policy analyst. She is also the co-host and executive producer of a talk show, WALK THE TALK which airs on Channels TV.

18 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 FEW would be surprised if governments forget today is Children’s Day, the United Nations designated day to focus global attention on the plight of children round the world and strategies to mitigate them.

Nigerians have weightier things, they would say, on their minds – fuel scarcity, new governments that would sprout, two days hence, in different parts of the country, a stalling economy and the unguided anxieties about the future, even when the future is just the next day.

Nowhere is the hypocrisy of Nigerian governments more prominent than in the abuse of the child. A few “right words” today, rehashes of speeches, some more than 20 years old, would underline the importance of the day.

Nothing shows the neglect of the future better than the 12-yearold reluctance of some States to implement the 2003 Child Rights

THE latest round of petroleum products scarcity, which held the country hostage in the past three weeks, has re-ignited the debate over whether to keep or remove the so-called subsidy on the price of these essential energy products.

Some argue that, as an oil producing country, the people have the right to continue to enjoy the subsidy. Some others continue to insist that there is no subsidy, but rather, that the policy is a ploy to corruptly enrich a few privileged members of the elite with the resources of the nation, create overnight multi billionaires and allow the major merchants of these products and workers in the sector to hold the nation to ransom from time to time.

Those who believe in the removC M Y K

Children’s What?

Act, CRA. The illegality of various State Houses of Assembly having to pass or reject a federal law holds no interest for our fiery lawyers.

One of CRA’s goals is the elimination, or at least reduction of child labour. Child labourers are house helps, apprentices, hawkers, street traders, market/shop assistants, bus conductors, motor park touts, ‘porters’, beggars for themselves or aides to adult beggars.

Section 28 of the Act states, “No child shall be a. Subjected to any forced or exploitative labour; or

b. Employed to work in any capacity except where he is employed by a member of his family on light work of an agricultural, horticultural or domestic character; or c. Required, in any case to lift, carry or move anything so heavy as likely to adversely affect his physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development; or d. Employed as a domestic help outside his home or family environment”.

Subsections (3) and (4) prescribe a fine of N50, 000 or five years’ imprisonment or both, for individual offenders while a corpo-

Rethinking subsidy removal al of the subsidy say it will make the recurrent incident of fuel scarcity a thing of the past, or at least, reduce it to the barest minimum.

They point to the telecoms industry, which was removed from the monopoly of the Nigerian Telecommunicatins Limited (NITEL) by the President Olusegun Obasanjo regime fourteen years ago. Since that time, nobody hears about strikes in the sector. Furthermore, telephone, which was touted as being a luxury service for the rich, is not only available to everyone with service providers offering generous discounts to win more customers, the sector has also become one of the great-

est sources of direct and indirect employment in our economy.

They also posit that deregulation of the petroleum products sector will create a similar commercial impetus and hasten the proliferation of refineries in the country since official red tape will give way to forces of demand and supply.

We are persuaded to believe that the time to take deregulation of the downstream sector of the economy seriously has come.

The advent of a new regime of President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, which has already mooted its inclination towards effecting the removal of the subsidy, is

rate organisation and its members would be liable on conviction to a fine of N250, 000.

CRA also prohibits child marriages and betrothals. In Section 21, any marriage contracted by anyone less than 18 years is invalid. Under Section 22: “(1) No parent, guardian or any other person shall betroth a child to any person. (2) A betrothal in contravention of subsection (1) of this section is null and void”. Both provisions are in the Criminal and Penal Codes, though they are hardly enforced.

Imagine the hypocrisy of Governors whose States have refused to implement CRA joining in trumpeting the importance of children as our future.

Our national hypocrisy of building a future that ignores our children should stop. We should ordain daily care for our children, instead of the dangers our greed that compromises our future.

the opportune moment to get it done once and for all. Had it been allowed in January 2012, when we had the last major crisis in the sector, perhaps, by now we would have been spared the agony of having to go through the asphyxiating hostage which marketers and workers unions in the sector subjected the nation to recently.

The truth is that with the oil boom over, the nation can no longer afford to shell out trillions every year to pay for petroleum subsidy.

We, however, caution that before the subsidy is removed, it must be planned to ensure that operators in the sector do not exploit the people and disrupt the rhythm of economic activities; and that those who try to do so are promptly brought to book.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—19 —19 Send Opinions & Letters to: opinions1234@yahoo.com

So long Goodluck Jonathan!

W

HEN Goodluck Jonathan steps down in two days time and Muhammadu Buhari takes over as president, he would have helped to give practical demonstration to that much remarked (in our parts) but hardly realised notion of popular democracy, that sovereignty lies with the people. By handing over power to Buhari, Jonathan would only be abiding by the will of the people who said, on March 28 2015, that they wanted a change of leadership. In a different dispensation, the outgoing president could have insisted on staying on in office against the will of the peopleeven if at his own peril. Thus, by listening to the voice of the people, Jonathan has helped to strengthen the idea that a democratic transfer of power from one elected government to another is actually possible in our country. For the simple fact that Nigeria had been under the governance of the same party since 1999, the very idea of democracy was in abeyance as the Peoples Democratic Party

was beginning to behave and see itself like a conquering army.

Now, it has brought the country down on its knees.

But Nigerians are a forgiving people and they will miss Goodluck Jonathan. If some of us could miss Sanni Abacha so much that they could swear by his name, far many more will surely miss Jonathan whose person and presidency was of a radically different character from Abacha’s. President Jonathan may have had a cat and mouse relationship with Nigerians; he may not have had an easy relationship with Nigeria. But he was a personable and an immensely lovable president. He had the mildness of character that would have been suited for a different era. But when he became president some six years ago, Nigerians were ready for a gritty and more determined leader. Aso Rock Villa was no longer a mere holiday resort for another ruler, whoever that might be, content to reign in blissful semi-retirement.

Jonathan might have come with

good intentions; and there is every reason to believe that his thoughts for Nigeria were good.

His undoing was his failure or refusal to reign in the excesses of his subordinates, many of whom were openly corrupt in a manner that questioned the legitimacy of the administration the president led. There were too many centres of power; too many leaders to the extent that control was almost nil. Everyone did as they pleased, especially those overrated female ministers who competed for attention and power with the president. Add to this the intrusive conduct of his wife, Patience, and you have the perfect diagnosis of the disease that eventually killed his government. Jonathan should not have been as laidback as he was, relying on unconscionable subordinates to run his administration on a day to day basis. The lethargy that characterised his government appeared to have been a “mortal inheritance” from the Umar Yar’Adua terminal administration. Even Yar’Adua, it seems, would have been a more assertive leader than Jonathan had his health permitted him.

It is Goodluck Jonathan who as leader is now being held to account for the government over which he had control

But Jonathan took too much for granted with the kind of people he was surrounded by. He stuck out his neck defending them in a way only a leader could have defended trusted people in whom he is well pleased. It was no surprise, therefore, that Nigerians took his defence of his ministers, heads of agencies and other parastatals, for approval and active support of their misconduct. Yet, it would not be surprising to many of us, Nigerians, to hear of serving or past members of the Jonathan government with more illegally acquired wealth than anything that can be attributed to the leader himself. Such was the reckless abandon with which some in that administration appeared to have operated.

Nigeria was there for the taking and at their beck and call. How hard they rode us!

It is Goodluck Jonathan who as leader is now being held to account for the government over which he had control. It is on his head that Nigerians have exacted the cost of misruling Nigeria in the past six years.

Now, Jonathan is paying the cost of not being nearly in charge.

First, he had to pay with his presidency which was booted out in an election that would have been his to lose, had he taken better charge of his administration. After the loss of the presidency, he now has to await the judgment of history.

The president’s administration surely had its pluses which may not be too obvious yet. It’s probably in realisation of this that the president himself said Nigerians would appreciate him more when he is gone. Good as I

Delivering value through strategic partnerships

BY NDUKA NWAEDE

R

ECENTLY the Nigerian ExportImport Bank, NEXIM Bank, embarked on a deliberate programme of building partnerships designed to deliver value to its stakeholders and target public as the Nigeria’s sole Government Trade Policy Bank. This development has been applauded by both players and watchers in the Nigerian SMEs, especially those operating in the manufacturing, agroprocessing, solid minerals and services sectors.

The world today has gone past the era of the lone-star performer onto the era of coalition building and strategic partnerships.

Today, both open and crowd sourcing are becoming major drivers of global commerce; meaning that business networks are increasingly becoming more cross border and more virtual in nature.

It is against this background that stakeholders have described the strong collaboration and interfaces among the NEXIM Bank and such institutions as the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, the National Directorate of Employment and Crown Agents Nigerian Ltd as the way forward.

The MD of NEXIM Bank’s, Mr. Roberts Orya and the Executive Director of NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, have over the period established a strong working strategic partnership – sharing ideas, valuable contacts, etc. These have resulted in beneficial synergies that have linked Nigerian exporters in the non-oil sector with buyers of same abroad further creating jobs and boosting forex revenue for the country.

This initiative indeed, is a major step in the effort towards the diversification of the economy from the dependency on crude oil for exchange earnings. It is also a clear evidence that the crucial nature of their respective mandates is not lost on them.

NEXIM Bank’s recent Corporate C M Y K

Transformation initiative has indeed improved its operations and positioned it as a world class institution that can hold its own among its peers in other fast growing economies, especially among the MINT Nations of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey.

The plan of the NEPC to increase the level of non-oil exports by at least 30 per cent in the next four years cannot be fully realised without a dynamic credit institution that will supply the needed financing as well as moderate the shocks that are usually attendant upon the vicissitudes of the export market. This partnership is sure to shore up market confidence and improve the level of trade flows and revenue earnings.

It is remarkable that in 2013 the annual earnings from informal trade was $12 billion (N1.9 trillion), a figure which is higher than the contribution from the formal trade subsector, which was valued at $3 billion (N477 billion) within the same period. NEXIM Bank and NEPC are concerned that most of the transactions that yielded this revenue did not go through the banking channel and were not adequately captured for statistical and

This partnership is sure to shore up market confidence and improve the level of trade flows and revenue earnings

‘market indicator ’ purposes. There is, therefore, cause for optimism that the continued collaboration by both institutions would help leverage their huge potentials.

Experts agree that both agencies are now better positioned also to boost Nigeria’s chances of exploring other avenues of trade promotion, especially the African Growth and Opportunities Acts, AGOA, designed to provide a leeway for selected African products to access the US market without the encumbrance of trade tariffs.

From the time of his appointment as the MD NEXIM Bank in 2009, it is remarkable that Mr Orya has since led a strategic transformation of the otherwise moribund institution and returned to a path of sustained profitability by refocusing its objectives to key sectors- manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals, and services, known as MASS Agenda.

Industry watchers are particularly optimistic that the NEXIM Bank-facilitated Sea-Link Project, designed to build regional maritime networks to connect West and Central African ports with a fleet of 3,000 to 5,000-tonne ships, is one of those longed for initiatives that will boost trade within the West and Central African sub-regions. It is also anticipated that it will boost Nigeria’strade and revenue benefits beyond the shores of ECOWAS where our products and services already hold sway.

Another equally strategic move is the Bank’s partnership with the National Directorate of Employment, NDE. This is designed to build capacity beyond its Corporate Transformation Initiative. Under the arrangement, both agencies are cooperating to train and empower a new crop of entrepreneurs who will become acquainted with SMEs and export of goods and services early in life.

After the training, successful participants are given loans upon fulfilling some basic criteria such as registrations with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC and the

want the judgment of history to be on Jonathan, I surely do not pray or hope to see another president whose term would be worse than his. Not in terms of fighting corruption, providing security in all ramifications or taking charge of governance.

The Shakespearean dictum that the evil that men do lives after them may already be at play with regard to the Jonathan years.

His administration seems to be going at the worst possible moment, with vastly dwindling oil revenue at a time when the commodity Nigeria ranks as one of its leading producers in the world cannot be found in the country or is only available at cut throat prices. Workers across the country are groaning hard as they are being owed salaries in arrears of six months or more in at least two-thirds of the country’s thirty six states. There has never been a worse scandal in the history of Nigeria’s civil service. In addition, power supply has become ever more erratic. All of these make for a vicious circle of corruption. It is with this slew of scandalous records that the Jonathan administration goes into the ages. This is surely a mean achievement for an administration that came into office on a promising note, if not exactly a bang. But a note of high expectations, nevertheless. Now it leaves with a whimper and we must wish the president and his family well for serving this country.

Go well, so long and better luck to you, Goodluck Jonathan. Welcome Mohammadu Buhari. May your time be well for Nigeria.

NEPC as well as the provision of minimal guarantees, among tohers.

Without a clear and deliberate effort of this nature, the gains the country is making in transformation of the economy would ultimately prove unsustainable. It is all too well known that Nigeria’s educational curriculum is not where it should be in regard to training employable graduates. Young folks leave schools only to discover that skills and experiences they have acquired do not effectively equip them for engagement or work in most of the sectors and industries.

Opportunities, such as this, being provided by the NEXIM Bank and the NDE will reskill the beneficiaries, bridge the skill gaps and provide opportunities for fresh graduates to build capacities in the given areas.

Another significant evidence of its passion for progress and growth is NEXIM Bank’s partnership agreement with Crown Agents, an international development agency that specialises in strengthening operations of various corporate organisations to position them appropriately to deliver on their mandate.

Through this arrangement NEXIM has strengthened its internal capacity and is reengineering its service delivery architecture for greater effectiveness. Crown Agents is particularly renowned in providing consultancy and training in trade and growth, public private partnerships, public financial management, governance, etc.

Partnerships of this nature would greatly assist to reinforce NEXIM’s human and technical capacities towards greater efficiency and productivity.

The relentless drive and strategic leadership focus to transform NEXIM Bank into a world class export credit agency has shown that Mr. Orya is on course to take the financial institution even to greater heights.

For Nigeria to fully exercise its position as the largest economy in Africa, this is the next necessary step that must be taken. This will also afford NEXIM Bank the opportunity to consolidate on the gains of its strategic transformation.

Mr. Nwaede, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Lagos.

20—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Remove fuel subsidy now!

By Ebele Orakpo

Fuel scarcity: Return of an almost forgotten ordeal Stories by Bose Adelaja

B

EFORE the strike by the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, was called off on Monday, most bus-stops in Lagos played host to crowds of stranded commuters who were on the receiving end of a biting fuel scarcity that kept commercial and private vehicles off the roads for days. And while the scarcity lasted, it was complaints and lamentation galore among Lagos residents who found it difficult coping with the challenges engendered by the development.

At some point, the situation seemingly got out of control as some Lagos workers were compelled by the transport challenges to pass the night in their offices. While there were fewer motor vehicles on the road, many people with jerry cans were frantically moving from one filling station to the other in search of the elusive petrol or diesel to buy.

Some of them who spoke to Vanguard Metro said they wake up as early as 2am to go in search of the products, especially when alerted that a particular filling station had fuel to sell.

Unfortunately as the days went by, the number of filling stations dispensing fuel reduced drastically.

The few that had fuel to sell became scenes of confusion as they were usually besieged by motorists and individuals who converged there with their jerry cans to buy the much-sought-after product.

Such scenes were witnessed in virtually every part of Lagos.

It also emerged that many of those who bought with jerry cans often did so for commercial purpose as they turn around to resell what they have bought for huge profit.

For instance, after buying at the rate of N120 or N150 a litre, they sold 10 litres at N5000, while others sold four litres for N2500.

Just when the situation was about taking a turn for the worst, oil workers, presumably prompted by the decision of Capital Oil boss, Ifeanyi Ubah, to release 13 million litres of petrol into the market, called off their strike. While news was received with joy, the suffering, however, continued.

This is because across the country, the situation brought about astronomical increases in fares. At Ketu area of Lagos, a commercial driver Femi Adegbuyi told VM he went as far as Idi-Iroko in search of the product. And after buying at the rate of N250 per litre, he was compelled to hike fares from N200 to N500 for a trip from Ketu to Oyingbo.

The situation was the same among other commercial drivers who also hiked their fares. For instance, a trip from Ayobo to Iyana- Ipaja which ordinarily costs N150 was increased to between N800 and N1000. Same applied to Sango/Oshodi-bound commercial vehicles which charged as much as N2,500 per trip as against the normal fare of

C M Y K

*Common sight: Fuel queue in a filling station N200.

Initially, a trip from Oshodi to Obalende which used to be between N50 and N200 was on Monday morning increased to between N800 and N1000, while a trip from CMS to Victoria Island, which ordinarily costs N150, was increased to N1000.

The situation was the same for Oshodi/ Abeokuta-bound vehicles which increased their fare to N2,500 as against N400. Also, the driver of an Ikorodu/ Abeokuta-bound car who ordinarily charges N1,000 per trip took advantage of the situation to increase his fare to N4,000.

While consumers paid through their noses to source for fuel, it was boom time for black market operators as a litre of fuel sold for between N500 and N700.

A Policeman, DSP Kolawole Olalekan, told VM on phone that he bought 10 litres

of fuel at the rate of N3000 to enable him report for duty on Monday.

At Yaba axis of Ikorodu Road, 10 litres of petrol sold for N3,500, while 5 litres sold for N1,700.

For water transportation, commuters were also made to pay through their noses. For instance, at one of the jetties in Ikorodu, a trip to Victoria Island was pegged at N2,500 as against N700. The same applied to Bayeku to Ajah which attracted a minimum of N500 as against N300.

A commercial boat operator, Mr Riire Emiloju, said he has decided to stop operation until there is solution to the fuel scarcity. Riire said he buys 50 litres PMS at the rate of N20,000. “ I have been operating at a loss and have asked my boys to park the boats until there is solution to the crisis,” he said.

Fashola for Citizens Day Award

B

ARRING any last minute change, Lagos State governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, will be the Special Guest of Honour at the Spirit of Lagos-organised CitizensDayawardceremonywhichholds today at the Exhibition Hall, Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos.

A statement by the Spirit of Lagos Project Director Olaniyi Omotoso, said the event is part of ongoing Spirit of Lagos activities to encourage Lagos residents to restore, share and protect those values that made Lagos great.

According to him, the Citizens Day ceremony which coincides with the 48th anniversary of Lagos, is a day set aside to celebrate individuals and corporate citizens of Lagos who have displayed selfless, civic responsibility and neighbourly acts to effect positive change in Lagos in the last few years.

Omotoso said the Citizens Day Awards will be in three categories: individual, public service and corporate organizations. “The award is to inspire and acknowledge good behaviour as well as engender and sustain attitudinal change among Lagos residents.

“The judges have shortlisted a number of individuals and organisations nominated by people across the 57 LGAs/LCDAs of the state.

The final awardees for each of the categories emerged after a voting process by the members of the public on Sunday May 24, 2015.

The individual category includes Lifetime Achievement Award – for an elderly citizen, dead or alive, who has impacted positively on the state; Award for Community Development – for a citizen who has impacted positively on

‘’I

think the first duty of the incoming administration should be to remove fuel subsidy. Enough of the thrash. For how long shall a few people continue to hold us by the jugular?” asked Jude in the CMSbound bus. Transport fare has hit the roof due to fuel scarcity.

“That will be starting on a wrong footing. Labour will not allow it,” said Lucky.

“Not just Labour but the masses. Shebi GEJ tried it and the masses resisted him until he backed down.

If they remove subsidy, what will the masses benefit as nationals of an oil-producing country?” asked Bunmi.

Asked Jude: “So the masses are benefiting from the way things are now?”

“Yes, at least we can still afford to buy fuel at reasonable price but if they remove the subsidy, many of us will not be able to afford it and it will affect every aspect of life; so they should leave it the way it is,” said Bunmi.

“That is not true. Many of the so-called oil marketers collect subsidy without importing any oil. So it is the usual insincerity on our part. Again, government is to be blamed because they should have a way of ensuring that the suppliers actually supplied the quantity they are being paid for,” said Toby.

“But since it seems almost impossible to do that, they should remove the subsidy and allow market forces determine prices. Let the marketers import from wherever they want, and sell at whatever price they want. The consumers will choose whoever they want to patronise,” said Jude.

“Yes, like what happened in the telecom industry.

Remember that SIM cards were going for as high as N16,000 at the initial stage, but today, thanks to stiff competition, SIM cards are free, and you can get a brand new phone for as low as N1,500, which was unthinkable some few years ago. That is what will happen in the oil sector if subsidy is removed,” said Toby.

“But why are we so fixated on importation and nobody is talking about repairing our refineries and building new ones?” asked Lucky.

“My brother, the cabal will frustrate every attempt at rehabilitating the refineries because that will make them lose their business,” said Nike.

“We are not a serious lot! Otherwise, we would have gone past this stage. I keep wondering why our security agencies keep arresting and destroying the wares of local refiners. In saner climes, since these people are able to do what government could not do, the best thing would have been to get them together and pick their brains, get them to tell how they are able to refine crude using local technology. You know, redirect their skills, equip them with the basic things and let them refine whatever quantity they can for sale,” said Juliet.

“They are illegal refiners who are supposed to be punished,” said Bunmi.

“That is where we get it wrong! Yes, they are operating illegally but we need their knowledge and expertise; so guide them aright. The whites will pardon a very intelligent criminal if his knowledge will help the society,” said Jude.

“Some very powerful people are behind our refineries not working. Some of them have refineries abroad; so if our refineries become functional and these local refiners are allowed to operate, they will be out of business, so they will do anything to frustrate every effort aimed at making our refineries work,” said Lucky.

“That was why we voted for Buhari. I believe he has the will to break their backbone,” said Bunmi.

“Hmm, I dey laugh in Pidgin oo. You know what?

This is not military era when he ruled with decrees; now, he has to deal with so many people, including the cabal; it is not going to be easy for him,” said Juliet.

“But why will the outgoing government not pay the marketers?” asked Lucky.

Replied Jude: “They have been paid. What they are asking for is the differential in naira/dollar value.”

“That is nonsense! If that is the case, their licences should be revoked. Who the hell do they think they are?” fumed Lucky.

“The truth is that the elite will not solve our problems; we need the masses to rise up and take their destinies in their hands,” counseled Juliet.

“Yes, but who will bell the cat? The average Nigerian hasn’t got the liver. We are just good at talking without action,” said Jude.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

By Emma Ujah

P

ension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria, PENOP, and the National Pension Commission, PenCom, have recovered about N7.5 billion from employers of labour who had defaulted in remitting their workers’ contributions to the appropriate Pension Fund Administrators.

The Chairman of PENOP, Mr. MisbahuYola, told journalists, in an interview, in Abuja, that the new Pension Reform Act 2014 would make it more difficult for employers to default in their pension obligations towards their employees.

He noted that, “Deductions that have not been remitted is part of the recovery and its a very big task. Total recovery made by recovery agents is about N7.5bn and this has been on for more than two years.

“The country is very large and so we need an army of recovery agents to actually do this because there are hundreds of companies but the most important thing is for employers to understand that it is good for them”.

The Chairman added “The 2014 PRA, has given a lot more powers to PenCom, in terms of prosecution and

— 21

Fund: PENOP recovers N7.5bn from defaulters

COURTESY VISIT: From left, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology,

Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Ade Bajomo; Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Martin Uden; Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar Onyema and Economist, Middle East, Africa & Energy Team, Economics Unit, Foreign & Commonwealth Office, London, Mr. Simon Murphy on a courtesy visit to the NSE.

ensuring compliance because they can really take you to court unlike in 2004. They engage recovery agents also and they have been doing that.

They are making some

progress on that and the powers will allow them to bring more people on board.

“If you are working with someone that is owing you pension, you have a right to

report them. Every month, we forward a list of employers that we cannot receive contribution from to the commission and they now share these employers name

to recovery agents.”

According to him, part of the challenges facing the system was the reluctance of state governments to join the scheme and regularly remit deductions into their employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts, saying, “If they had gotten on board, it would have been better ”.

Mr. Yola also said that bringing operators of the informal sector was a major challenge especially given the fact that there has been a proper identity management system in place in the country.

The flow of income in the informal sector, he said also posed a challenged, but that the sector was being looked at critically with a view to evolving a mechanism to assist those in that sector to benefit from the scheme.

On the new investment guidelines the PENOP boss expressed optimism that when released would give a greater flexibility on the ability of the PFAs to invest in several sectors.

Fuel crisis delays AfDB delegates from Nigeria

By Omoh Gabriel with agency reports

N

igerians who were billed to travel to attend the African Development Bank Annual Meeting and Conference in Abidjan were stranded at the airport as a result of the fuel crisis that ended on Monday.

Many could not travel outside of the country as delegates attending the banking conference in Ivory Coast were left stranded or forced to pay additional costs after planes were grounded.

Arik Air Ltd., Nigeria’s biggest airline, delayed or canceled dozens of flights since the weekend as guests prepared to make their way to Abidjan to attend the African Development Bank’s annual meeting. The conference draws finance ministers and central bank officials from across the continent and is a networking opportunity for bankers.

Andrew Alli, the chief executive of Africa Finance Corp., spent extra money on

C M Y K

backup travel plans rather than miss the event. His team booked flights from Lagos, to Abidjan via Ghana’s capital, Accra, and Lome in Togo, on different airlines.

“This is one of the hidden costs of doing business within Africa,” Alli said in an interview at the AfDB meeting on Tuesday.

“We knew there was a fuel strike in Nigeria and it had been affecting domestic flights. As a precaution, as we felt it would start to affect international flights, we booked a second flight to Abidjan.” Flying in West Africa is often beset with difficulty due to underequipped fleets, departure schedules that demand long layovers, strict visa regulations and costly tickets. The number of air passengers traveling both domestically and internationally in Nigeria surged to 3.75 million in 2013 from 520,263 in 2003, according to World Bank data.

Banks Shut A big focus of the AfDB’s

work and its annual conference is on expanding infrastructure on the continent to help spur investment and reduce the cost of doing business. The bank estimates African nations need to spend $93 billion each year until 2020 to help fix power shortages, inadequate water supplies and expand transport and Internet networks.

A lack of oil refining capacity means Nigeria suffers frequent fuel

Flying in West Africa is often beset with difficulty due to under-equipped fleets, departure schedules that demand long layovers, strict visa regulations and costly tickets

shortages even though it’s Africa’s biggest crude producer of about 2 million barrels a day.

The latest crisis shut banks and t h r e a t e n e d operations of b u s i n e s s e s including MTN Group Ltd., the biggest mobilephone company on the continent.

Gasoline and diesel retailers had halted distribution because they said the outgoing government of President Goodluck Jonathan owed them about $1 billion in outstanding payments.

President-elect Muhammadu Buhari will take over from Jonathan on May 29, causing anxiety among the fuel marketers that

the new government may take longer to pay the claims. They agreed late on Monday to resume supplies.

$141.80

-1.35

$3,1440

4.00

$12.83

0.05

$65.21

58.40 CURRENCY

BUYING

-1.06

-1.03

CENTRAL

DOLLAR 196 196.5 197 POUNDS 307.132 307.9155 308.699 EURO 223. 3812 223.9511 224.5209 FRANC 212.9509 213.4941 214.0374 YEN 1.6374 1.6416 1.6458 CFA 0.3193 0.3293 0.3393 WAUA 276. 8277 277.5339 278.2401 RENMINBI 31.5896 31.6706 31.7517 RIYAL 52.2639 52.3972 52.5305 KRONA 29.9246 30.0009 30.0773 SDR 277.9476 278.6567 279.3657

CBN Exchange Rate as at 19/ 05 /15

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Nigeria has a population of over 175 million people and where local insurers look at it that the Nigerian market is tough, foreign investors see opportunity in Nigeria because they look at the large population

,

,

IEI poised for repositioning

I

nternational Energy Insurance (IEI) plc says it is poised for repositioning to enable the company play leading role in the insurance industry, having all the potentials to do so.

IEI, the Company says has some of the most competent hands in energy and general business underwriting, and an innovative business drive, which it believes are core competences it requires to deliver value to policy holders and other stakeholders.

Peter Irene, interim Managing Director of the Company who disclosed this in a statement, said the intervention of NAICOM to dissolve former board of the company is not to take over the company but an intervention to create neutrality towards ensuring peace and order.

“The mandate of the interim board is to guide the company through this transition period, to greater stability for the next six months. The aim is to ensure that the company is professionally and ethically anchored on the tenets of international best practice in alignment with the code of good corporate governance.”

IEI remains a going concern with the capacity to continue to fulfill every business obligations and still remains one of the best underwriting firms in Nigeria, Irene noted.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) had on May 18, 2015 inaugurated a new Interim Board to direct the affairs of International Energy Insurance plc, after the dissolution of the former board.

The new board comprises Malam Muhammad Kabir Ahmad, former DirectorGeneral of the National Pension Commission, as the Chairman; others are Ms. Daisy Ekineh, former Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Mrs. Bridget Ibiyemi, former acting Managing Director of Societe Bancaire Nigeria Limited (now Unity Bank Plc) and Perter Irene, interim Managing Director.

The former board, the company noted was dissolved because of persistent unresolved differences which led to the removal of two former directors from the board, and the directors are challenging the propriety of their removal in court. This unfortunate development polarized the board and all efforts by NAICOM to amicably resolve the matter failed.

This led to the consequent intervention of NAICOM to protect the company and the interest of policy holders and all stakeholders, the company stated.

In the first quarter ended March 31, 2015, IEI generated a premium income of N1, 421,323,367.41 and paid out N474, 399,034.30, as claims.

The Interim Management Board is optimistic that the short term stewardship in creating the needed stability will boost greater confidence of the insuring public, to continue to enjoy the unique service offerings of IEI.

31 charged with insurance fraud

T

HIRTY-ONE people have been charged with bilking insurance companies out of more than $7 million by intentionally setting fires and causing floods in homes across Miami.

The state attorney’s office, along with the Florida Fire Marshall’s Office and Miami-Dade PoliceTT Department’s Economic Crimes and Arson Investigation Division, took a closer look at Jorge Fausto Espinosa, 59, whom Rundle named as the ring leader of the organized fraud scheme.

“These arrests focus again on the essential role of a specific public adjuster, who is the key player in this organized scheme.”

Espinosa, who owned and

operated Nationwide Adjusters, was arrested in 2014 for allegedly working with recruiters and “finders” across the county to locate homeowners willing to allow him to set fires or flood their homes. The homeowners would then file a homeowner’s claim with insurance companies. At the time, 21 other people were also arrested in the scheme.

Espinosa, a public adjuster, was charged with racketeering, grand theft, arson and forgery. If convicted, he would serve more than 30 years in federal prison.

Send comments & enquiries to insuranceandyou@yahoo.com C M Y K

INSURAN Huge population a big opportunity for insurers — Hassan-Odukale

By Rosemary Onuoha

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anaging Director of Leadway Assurance Plc, Mr. Oye Hassan-Odukale said that sundry challenges in the insurance sector are not enough reasons for insurers to shy away from retail insurance. He spoke on this and other issues.

How can insurance penetration grow in Nigeria?

Insurance is a business that is done with a large number of people. One of the things we have been accused of in Nigeria is not reaching large number of Nigerians. You grow penetration by selling insurance products to a larger number of people. Nigeria has a population of over 175 million people and where local insurers look at it that the Nigerian market is tough, foreign investors see opportunity in Nigeria because they look at the large population.

They believe that if they can sell products to this huge population, then they have penetrated the market.

However, the local players have decided to look inward.

There are people we need to reach here. Although, we in the insurance industry have been a bit lazy by not trying to reach enough people to get insurance products to them, overall premium income of the insurance industry is not all that bad but most of them come through commercial

•Mr. Oye Hassan-Odukale insurance because you can sell one policy to an organisation for a couple of millions but you need to sell probably 1000 policies to individuals to make that same level of premium in retail.

Previously insurers had challenges with banks payments system because we want to sell in a way that we can efficiently collect premium. Now it is getting better but we are still struggling. There are lots of

GAINERS FOR EQUITIES

LOSERS FOR EQUITIES

things that have not worked in our favour. Sometimes, when you use agents, some agents can be very funny and that also can affect your brand.

Some will collect premium and will not remit it to the company thereby causing the insured to be unhappy with you.

Yes, we have a lot of challenges but they are still not enough reasons for us not to try and take advantage of the opportunities that are just

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

lying at our door steps. But I think we are all waking up to it.

How soon can we begin to see growth in retail insurance?

Retail insurance could be expensive but it is the only way to grow penetration and if insurers don’t face it now, they have to face it some other time.

It takes a while to reach a critical mass in retail insurance and it is also expensive in terms of investment. Our believe in Leadway Assurance is that we have to do it now because if we don’t, one day we must have to do it.

Corporate insurance could reduce with time because there are a lot of mechanisms for managing risks that are available to companies.

However, it is not so for the individual. The man that has one car must insure that one car because it is the only car he has. But a corporate organisation that has 50 cars, to insure one may be hard because there are other cars.

So the person that needs insurance more is the individual. I am not saying that corporate organisations don’t need insurance; they need insurance that is more sophisticated. But the basic insurance such as motor, fire, house, children’s education is needed more by individuals.

However, reaching them has been expensive and challenging.

Are foreign companies a threat to local players?

But I am not saying because

it is expensive we will not face it. We will face it. The foreign companies that have entered Nigeria insurance sector are being attracted by retail insurance. They are not coming to insure the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC. They are coming to insure people like you. They know that it is going to be expensive initially but when you overcome it you will just be cruising but to reach that critical mass could be challenging. So local players must also strive to reach that critical mass. People must feel our impact as an industry.

Corporate organisations feel our impact because we pay their claims, but many individuals do say that insurance companies don’t pay claims because we are not

People must feel our impact as an industry. Corporate organisations feel our impact because we pay their claims, but many individuals do say that insurance companies don’t pay claims because we are not reaching them

Consolidated Hallmark returns to profitability

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onsolidated Hallmark Insurance (CHI Plc) has returned to profitability, going by the 2014 financial results of the company recently approved by the various regulators, and made available to investors on the trading floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

CHI Plc posted a premium income of N4,678,556,485 when compared with the N4,151,298,704 recorded during the 2013 financial year. While the company also recorded an underwriting profit of N863,244,006, compared to N1,057,117,228 in 2013, the profit attributable to equity holders of the parent company took a forward leap from a negative position of (N200, 555,035) in 2013 to yield N193,076,785 in 2014.

The results have brought to fruition, the assurance to shareholders by the Managing Director/CEO, Mr Eddie Efekoha during the Annual General Meeting at Uyo in 2014 that “ with the outstanding premium debacle ended in the industry and particularly for our company, it is a very strong signal of better days of profitability ahead”.

It is indeed, a promise fulfilled as the company ’s 2014 accounts have shown.

CHI is one of the few industry players that have so far received the approval of the industry and other regulators for their 2014 financials.

Meanwhile, arrangements are ongoing for the 20th Annual General Meeting of the company, holding on a date to be announced soon.

,

CE & YOU

reaching them and they are not feeling our impact enough.

So, if people start buying insurance policies and their claims are promptly settled, they will help to spread the good news to their friends saying, ‘Ah! These people are paying o!’ For instance, if you buy the Leadway Family Benefit Plan Plus which is a funeral cover and something happens to any beneficiary of the cover, you will get paid instantly and you will have a smooth burial for the dead.

Thereafter, you will tell your friends that ‘Ah! This thing worked for me.’ So that is the best advertisement we need.

To what extent has insurers embraced retail insurance?

There is still work in progress because we are not yet there, but we are ready to face it squarely. To amass premium in retail insurance could take time. For instance, in corporate insurance, you can do a premium of N1 billion, but to do N1 million in retail will take a longer time because it is a lot of policy count. But overall retail can be more profitable when you get the right number. If you insured one big factory now, if there is a claim, you know how much you will pay, but in retail, how much claims can you have? Also in retail insurance, insurers retain more premium. For instance, Leadway can insure a car worth N5 million and retain it. But if Leadway insures a plane for $5 million, Leadway cannot retain a premium of $5million as part of it will go to the reinsurer. If you are a commercial insurer, and you are doing a premium of N1billion, probably you may retain N300million, but a retail underwriter that does N1billion could retain N900million.

Retail insurance could be expensive but it is the only way to grow penetration and if insurers don’t face it now, they have to face it some other time

— 23

,

Leadway Assurance Limited, others win CAC corporate awards

By Favour Nnabugwu

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eadway Assurance Limited has received the “Above Basic Compliance” for its corporate leadership, sustainability programmes and corporate social responsibility, CSR efforts at the maiden Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC Corporate Citizens Awards in Abuja.

The “Above Basic Compliance” category winners are the Leadway Assurance Limited and Nigerian Breweries Plc while the “Basic Compliance” award was won by the Yobe Investment & Securities Limited.

Winning the star prize of the “Most Extensive Compliance Award” are Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc while Access Bank and Zenith Bank Plc each won awards in the “More Extensive Compliance” category while the United Bank for Africa Plc; Asha Microfinance Bank Limited and Lafarge Africa Plc received the “Extensive Compliance” awards respectively.

In his keynote address on the occasion, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga said “the main purpose of the awards is to promote the culture of good statutory compliance in Nigeria by recognising and honouring corporate citizens who have distinguished themselves in the conduct of their

businesses”.

Aganga maintained that such corporate citizens must have complied with all statutory requirements and best practices of corporate governance.

The minister noted that the guiding principles for the award is to create a conducive and enabling environment for business growth, ensure greater efficiency, openness and transparency in business.

He added that “the overall commitment is to change the focus in doing business in Nigeria with a view to stimulating the growth of domestic economy”.

Aganga said, “At the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, we have given the issue of conduct of business very serious attention. This is with a view to creating the requisite environment for rapid economic growth and development”.

“I find the criteria for the awards quite robust and satisfactory. I note that areas considered by the panel of judges include, quality of financial management, management of stakeholders relations, workplace environment, corporate social responsibility, industry leadership, innovation as well as environmental performance”, he said.

To ensure a transparent, fair and credible selection process, he said CAC collaborated and consulted extensively with other regulatory and professional bodies to ensure that awardees do not have issues, and indeed do merit the awards.

MEETING: From left: Temitope Samagbeyi, Associate Director, KPMG; Sunil Bansal, CFO, APM Terminal Limited; Tayo Ogungbenro, partner and Head, Transfer Pricing, TRPS, KPMG; Victor Onyenkpa, Partner and Head, TRPS, KPMG; Ajayi Bamidele, keynote speaker/ Coordinating Director, Field Operations Group, FIRS, and Adewale Ajayi, Partner and Head, Energy TRPS, KPMG, at the tax breakfast meeting organised by KPMG, in Lagos.

24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Arepo, the petroleum products pipelines and the River Owuru

A

BELL RINGING: From left: Executive Director, Business Development, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri; Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE, Mr. Ade Bajomo; President, CFA Society Nigeria, Sade Odunaiya and Fund Managers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), Mr. Michael Oyebola, at the closing gong ceremony by CFA Society at the NSE.

Learn Africa laments piracy activity

By Peter Egwuatu

T

he Chairman Learn Africa Plc, a quoted company on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, Chief Emeka Iwerebon has lamented on pirate activity that has crippled the publishing industry in the country.

He disclosed this at the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)Ikeja branch annual law week 2015, saying “ impunity is one of the dangerous demons that has inflicted the greatest havoc on the national life of Nigerians.

In his opening remarks as the Chairman of the occasion , Chief Iwerebon stated that the theme for this year’s lecture “Curtailing the culture of impunity in our national life” is most suitable for our nation at this period, when our leaders are re-strategising to cleanse the nation of its decade of corruption, mediocrity and

highhandedness in public and private sectors.

Defining impunity as a term derived from the word “impunitas“ is a situation where everyone does what he/she likes in disregard for the rule of law, with “no risk of punishment.”

It is a state of “no law” but “absolute freedom.”

He said “In the Nigerian

Pirates and plagiarists have continued to defile existing copyright legislations to stifle the promotion and protection of intellectual property

parlance, impunity is exhibited in words such as nothing go happen, na today! From the perspective of a book publisher, Chief Iwerebon stated that the culture of impunity has not spared the creativity sector in Nigeria.

For instance, pirates and plagiarists have continued to defile existing copyright legislations to stifle the promotion and protection of intellectual property.

Stressing that pirates blatantly violate patent and copyright laws, to the extent that they have taken over the reprint, resale and distribution of intellectual property at the expense of genuine creativity.

Over 80 percent of intellectual property according to the Learn Africa Plc Chairman has been appropriated by pirates thereby affecting the economic growth of the sector.

UBA wins Corporate Citizens award

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an-African financial services group, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc continues to garner national and international laurels with the latest being the Corporate Citizens Award in the ‘Extensive Compliance Category.

UBA received the award at the maiden edition of the awards ceremony organised by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.

The Corporate Citizens Award is open to all registered companies in Nigeria and seeks to promote the culture of good corporate governance in the Nigerian environment by recognising corporate citizens who have conducted their affairs in compliance with statutory “The idea behind this initiative is to C M Y K

recognize performance and reward corporate excellence among companies operating in Nigeria, with the ultimate goal of improving our rating in the global competitiveness index” said Otunba Funso Lawal, Chairman of the Board of Directors the Companies and Allied Matters Act and respective industry statutes and regulations.

Apart from impacting on their respective industries positively they are expected to have performed creditably well in corporate social responsibility.

Independent panel of judges under the Chairmanship of Dr. Christopher Kolade, Fmr. Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, looked at financial management, work place environment, management of stakeholder relations, innovation, corporate social responsibility,

repo, Ogun State is has to be carried out as two known for one of its separate operations, one residential estates whose operation from Warewa to the development has been river and the other from the river sponsored by the Nigerian to the NNPC depot.

Union of Journalists. The Vandalisation of the pipelines petroleum products pipelines has been an ever-present passing through Arepo start problem and early 2013, there from the Lagos Ports area, was a major vandalisation event several kilometers to the south on the pipelines in the Arepo and west of Arepo. The area accompanied by a huge fire pipelines cross the Lagos to and curtailment of fuel supplies Ibadan expressway north of the to the public. Arepo has been in long concrete bridge at Warewa the news lately as there have adjacent to Arepo, they been reports of a gunfight continue in a north-easterly between the pipeline vandals direction through Arepo before and persons engaged to secure crossing the River Owuru. the pipelines. An Arepo resident Arepo is a developing on her way home was killed by community on either side of a bullet from this gunfight. The the pipelines and in recent Ogun State Government, years, the authorities have re- OGSG, should identify and established the acquire a land right-of-way of corridor for an the pipelines east-west road link t h r o u g h from the Ikorodu to The authorities demolitions/ Sagamu road to would also removals of the Lagos to encroachments. have to look at I b a d a n In contrast, east expressway to providing of the River provide access for armed patrols Owuru, there are resolving issues on the river as no villages or with the petroleum the river h u m a n p r o d u c t s provides ready settlements pipelines. One passage for within one such corridor could packaged kilometre on be from Ita-Oluwo petroleum either side of the through Imusin, products out of pipeline for a A j e g u n l e , the area distance of at least Bolorunduro, two kilometres Imunti, Imegbon from the river. and in a northBeyond this uninhabited area, westerly direction until the route the pipelines pass south of crosses the petroleum products Ilara-Ajeregu, they reach the pipelines and next in a westerly Ikodoru to Sagamu road direction with a bridge crossing between Labori and Kamalo of the River Owuru, and the and then continue to the NNPC route reaches the expressway depot, east of the Ikorodu to between Arepo and Magboro.

Sagamu road. The River The route should avoid the Owuru has its origins north of swampy areas through which the Redemption Camp, it the pipelines pass. crosses the Lagos to Ibadan The OGSG should also acquire expressway before reaching land along the route in order to the Redemption Camp. The secure the pipelines and to river flows in a north-south ensure that development in the direction through the area adds significant value to Redemption Camp and it goes the area. The road link, when past Ebute Bonwu, Ebute constructed, would also provide Ojora, Arepo and into the a relief road taking traffic from Majidun creeks which the Lagos to Ibadan expressway discharge into the Lagos to the Ikorodu to Sagamu road Lagoon. whenever traffic blockages occur Between Warewa and the on the expressway. The opening Redemption Camp, the Lagos up of the area on the other side to Ibadan expressway is of the river from Arepo should separated from the Ikorodu to lead to a significant reduction in Sagamu road by a distance of the vandalisation of the approximately 11km, the River pipelines. The authorities would Owuru lies between the two also have to look at providing routes and effectively acts as a armed patrols on the river as the barrier to movement from one river provides ready passage for route to the other. Surveillance packaged petroleum products of the pipelines’ right-of-way out of the area.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 —25

DIARY zICT Africa Cape Town, South Africa July 15-16, 2015

Preview

A technology driven Nigeria, in Uwaje’s world view zHow a revitalized NCS can bring it about

By Prince Osuagwu

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B

eing hailed as the world’s most flexible camera mount, the Gekkopod’s flexible legs can provide support on a wide range of surfaces.

The GekkoPod’s bendable legs are made of a siliconcoated rubber and tipped with raised bumps to improve its gripping abilities. The legs can be wrapped around a branch or set of handlebars as well as arranged into a handy, tabletop tripod, and mounts are available to support smartphones, GoPros and conventional, screw-mount cameras. The Gekkopod has already exceeded its funding goal on Kickstarter.

nown widely as the oracle of the Nigerian Information and Communication Technology, ICT sector, immediate past President of the Indigenous Software Practitioners of Nigeria, ISPON, Mr. Chris Uwaje has never been afraid of setting high targets for himself. His ideas of technology implementation in a society, particularly in Nigeria, at first, sound utopian. They hardly simmer down well to the ordinary mind. But at the end his blue prints become the pillar of sustainable national strategy.

When he set out to draw the IT policy roadmap for Nigeria, not quite a few dismissed him with a wave of the hand. The stakes were too high for a budding technology economy like Nigeria. But today, the country’s ICT policies are greatly dependent, if not wholly adapted from the document he single handedly wrote some 15 years ago.

Similarly, Uwaje seemed a lone voice in the wilderness in the call for a local content policy to protect Nigerian content developers, especially in the software sector. His wish for a software Nigeria, seemed a mirage. He pushed with as much pressure that an individual strength can afford. He got himself involved in the leadership of ISPON. Again, he was lucky to get the idea inculcated into Nigeria’s policies by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Today, indigenous Nigerian content developers are heard all over the world.

Lately he is setting another high target for himself. He is seeing a

I N S I D E

•Uwaje technology driven Nigeria, made possible by a group of professionals known as the Nigerian Computer Society, NCS. Although the group has been part of champions of the Nigerian egovernance campaign, Uwaje believes that the group should rather take the task of turning things around in a new Nigeria, led by technology rather than being a passive player.

His strategy as always has been to stick out his neck, sacrifice his reputation and risk failure, to introduce and see through, the implementation of ideologies never before attempted in the quest to making Nigeria a technology driven state.

This takes him to the hot contest of the presidency of the NCS in the next election of the society. However, the challenge Uwaje faces, is that though the dream is nationalistic, it is going to take a somewhat personal ambition to actualize. What is the conviction that the desire is not more individualistic than that which would impact positively on the Nigeria economy?

However, he seems to have the answer in the manifesto he presented

Globacom nears 30m subscriber base PAGE 26

to Hi-Tech as blueprint to a new Nigeria, should he clinch the presidency of Nigerian computer people.

We need to produce a minimum of 150,000 Computer Science and Electronic Engineering graduates annually, to compete with the rest of the world

TD, EMC Partner to drive technological innovation PAGE 28

The Task My foremost task is to positively disrupt the current settings in the national Information Technology, IT, ecosystem and take the society to where no man has been! In clear and unambiguous terms, I want to serve the Nigeria IT Community and stakeholders at large. I will do this together with the team of elected members of NEC – powered by a formidable and productive secretariat structure, infrastructure and manpower.

The Mission “Work the Mile – Recover Lost Grounds & Take NCS to where no man has been. This mission will be accomplished with measurable agility, transparency, accountability and professionalism.

The epicenter of this mission will focus on enhancing the desire of the IT Professionals, Industry, the Nigeria Youth, the women and girlchild, who represent the critical mass of national and indeed, global IT needs and ownership.

The agenda My agenda will be Team-driven, tactically executed and determined by professionalism and high ethical standard. The hallmark of the Team strategy under my leadership will focus on the dynamic retooling and Continues on page 28

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

4,000 users to te s t LG G4 ahead of glo -drive bal launch

LG G4

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000 users from 14 different countries will be given the opportunity to test-drive the LG G4 several weeks before the official release into the market.

LG says that feedback from these

users will help LG iron out any difficulties with the G4 before it hits the market.

Commenting on the G4, General Manger, Mobile Communications, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Steve Seungeui Lee said that “the G4 was designed to tackle two

polar issues in the consumer base. It should be easy enough for anyone to use, yet still pack the enhanced features that techintensive users are after. In the design process the look and feel were not engineered simply to grab headlines, but the philosophy behind the G4 was to accentuate the lifestyle of the user from the viewpoint that the smartphone is an extension of the self. The G4 represents a milestone-level achievement, with advanced technology powering the screen and camera, and an updated UX that is as convenient as it is functional.”

More than any other component, the screen is the first

SOCIETY & SOCIAL MEDIA

By Agbolade Omowole @iamagbolade

7 ways SMEs can use Social Media to attract new customers

S

mall and Medium Scale Enterprises, SMEs, are the fuel that drive the engine of every developed econmy all over the world. As Nigerians look forward to a new government, I believe that entrepreneurs must position themselves to increase monthly turn over and engender exponential cash flow by leveraging on social media.

Here are seven things to do to take your business to the next level.

Start with the end on mind: I have seen companies who are using social media just because it is the rave of the moment. Most times, they don’t achieve as much as those who use social media with a clear-cut vision. When the purpose of a thing is not known, abuse is inevitable.

Multiply your results: Understand that social media provides exponential results. Try to monitor the result you get on each platform. Once you stumble on a magic formular, use more of it with some innovation.

Learn how to engage people on Facebook.

Facebook now has about 1.2 billion users.

Researchers have revealed that for every 7 minute people spend on the internet, a minute is spent on Facebook alone.

Sharing a status update, tagging friends and fans in a photo and commenting on posts goes viral easily if done properly.

Take it slow: Nothing happens overnight. It takes time to develop relationships and establish credibility with your brand and your target audience. Over time, events and a steady pace will win out. Rushing leads to mistakes.

Be flexible: Circumstances change, not every strategy works, and you need to also be willing to recognize that it is time to try something new. Don’t stick to a strategy that is not working for you.

Hang on: Purchase decisions are made from the subconscious mind. You must master the art of marketing - use pictures, beautiful words, and recommendations from satisfied customers. Experts say people need to hear your message 27 times before making a purchase decision.

Don’t bore your Fans. Balance is important in everything. While you have to keep being in the eyes of your customers, be careful. Draw the line between being persistent and being forceful. You will always know when people are getting bored.

People will let you know in their comments and all that.

Be persistent in implementing your plan and in monitoring whether you’re reaching the objectives that will take you to your goal.

Combine your methods: The last thing you should do to leverage on social media is to use all the aforementioned methods.

thing most consumers notice when evaluating smart phones.

Although the G3 won praise last year for its impressive quad HD display, the G4’s screen features a vastly improved 5.5-inch QHD LCD screen, represents a quantum jump in brightness, color gamut, contrast ratio, touch input responsiveness and power consumption, all packed into a display that is slimmer than ever before.

Its QHD screen boasts a 2560x1440 pixel resolution of 4 times higher than the LCD standard of 1280x720. More accurate colors are also made possible by the display’s 120 percent color gamut. The QHD display’s contrast ratio is 50 percent higher than conventional QHD LCD panels and its brightness is 30 percent higher. In spite of its performance statistics, there is no surge in power consumption, meaning

that the G4’s battery will prove long-lasting even under the most intense use. All these specs come together to create deeper blacks, brighter colors and much sharper images. The display can even be viewed in direct sunlight as the brightness counteracts any glare.

The G4's most impressive feature is its ability to take accurate lowlight shots, even in poorly-lit city environments. The device boasts an impressive F/ 1.8 aperture, meaning the lens can take in more light than any competing device.

Users from across the market have repeatedly indicated their preference for smartphones with higher quality screens. Because top of the line HD displays are more expensive, the ability to deliver the very best in display technology has helped larger manufacturers maintain their competitive edge.

Globacom nears 30m subscriber base

By Emmanuel Elebeke

T

elecommunications company, Globacom, has said that almost 30 million subscribers across Nigeria are now on its network.

National Sales Coordinator of Globacom for North West Operations, Samuel Edoho disclosed last weekend in Abuja at an award ceremony where the company was recognized as the network provider of the year 2014 by the Independent Newspaper Limited.

He said the company achieved the feat due to the company’s consistent investment and deployment of innovative and customer oriented services for its teaming subscribers.

Edoho said the company, with close to 30 million subscribers in its network, plans to soar towards its aspiration of building Africa’s biggest and best telecommunications network in the continent.

With this latest record, Globacom still retains its number two spot, with MTN Nigeria at number one. As at the last review, MTN Nigeria stood at 59,893,093 subscriber base, Globacom 28,219,089; Airtel Nigeria – 27,556,544; Etisalat Nigeria stood at 21,103,745 while Mtel came last with 258,520 subscriber base.

“We are still very aggressive, we will keep the spirit high and assure Nigerians who have no confidence in the market of our determination to offer them best experience ever across all networks “For us, this is a testimony to the innovation the company has brought and we will want to dedicate this award to our teaming subscribers because it is because of that we can be recognized and we will like to let our subscribers know that the network that brought per second billing is still in the fore front of bringing new things.

“As we speak now, we have got 200 per cent incentives for all subscribers in our network. Our capacity is immense. With Glo 1, we have the potential to deliver fast internet service,” said Edoho.

On poor quality of service, Edoho said, “we are doing our best to meet the needs of our teaming subscribers. If we are not doing well, we will not have customers, our customers have stood by us and what Daily Independence are doing today is a testimony to the fact that Globacom is delivering quality service on day to day basis.

“We hope to bring more innovations on board, give better services and make everything better. There are a lot of challenges but we are coping.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—27

Buhari urged to leverage digital economy for national development zBloggers tasked on professionalism TOP broadband provider, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, has described Nigeria’s digital economy as huge, adding that leveraging on this should be a priority of the incoming administration.

Making this assertion in Lagos is Managing Director of Smile Communications, Mr. Michiel Buitelaar during a panel discussion at the 6th Annual PanAfrican 1:1 Investor Conference organized by Renaissance Capital in Lagos on Monday, May 18.

Also, Chief Marketing Officer of the company, Mrs Alero Ladipo has identified professionalism, passion and content creation as critical in enhancing capacity of bloggers in West African region. Mrs. Alero Ladipo made the remark during a presentation titled, How to Promote Your Blog, at West Africa Bloggers’ Conference (WABC) 2015, held in Lagos at the weekend.

Ladipo said that in as much as bloggers must ensure explicit, informative and clearly defined content delivered with passion and fun, they should not relent in professionalizing in order to attract right busi-

nesses to monetize the enterprise.

Buitelaar, said that leveraging digital economy should be regarded as a sine qua non in sustaining the economy by the incoming administration led by General Muhammadu Buhari.

Buitelaar identified infrastructural advancement as overriding factor for the immediate expansion of sectors such as agriculture, transportation, banking & finance, health-care/ medicine, and education.

The Smile MD said: “There are various advantages the digital economic providers have over the traditional. However, to make this happen faster, there are catalysts required for it to even drive other sectors outside the ICT. Digital economy will be the driver of the agricultural, transport, healthcare/medicine, education, banking & finance, among others. In our company, for instance, we are talking to companies in those sectors and one recently said that ‘the software is eating the world’.

Tasking bloggers on professionalism, Mrs Ladipo said: “People think that blogging is a habit that anybody can just

CONFERENCE: From left, Mr Sola Badmus, Director of Protocols, West Africa Bloggers Conference, Mrs Alero Ladipo, Chief Marketing Officer, Smile Communications Nigeria Limited, Mr Ayo Oyebade, MD, Advert Striker Limited and Mr Jonathan Doer, MD, Jumia Nigeria at the West Africa Bloggers Conference held in Lagos recently. pick up and start practicing.

However, as we get more people entrenched in consistent growth, it becomes important we make it professional. Essentially, readers visit blogs for a particular reason. By implication, a blog is not a dumping ground.

Stick to the core reason you started the blog and adhere to your principles.

“There is a philosophy that

you stick to certain principles even when many people are deviating; it is the same thing with blogs. When you maintain the professional competencies, people will come to partner with you. For instance, on the course of my presentation I randomly asked participants ‘sell me your blog’, which is simply to market the platform, but people fell-flat on their faces. It is

important you know what your blog is all about and can sell it.

Present it appropriately”.

Ladipo added that for bloggers to attain their expected heights, “they should improve on the marketing. A lot of people do not know how to use the available tools. For instance, everybody talks about social media, but nobody talks about how they can grasp onto the social media."

A technology driven Nigeria in Uwaje’s world view Continues from page 25 empowerment of NCS secretariat structure and above all, quality benefits to all NCS members.

Together, we will build and empower a strong and dynamic Secretariat manned by seasoned Professionals. The new NCS Secretariat will be equipped with adequate infrastructure and world-class facilities to ensure efficient delivery of outstanding services and quality performance at all times.

Uwaje said it was time enough to close shop on NCS playing at the fringes of governance in the country. “Moving forward, NCS is challenged to turn around the current playbook and replace it with an omnipresence function of bold steps at the corridors of power. Under my watch, we will occupy our professionally deserved seat at the decision table of Nigeria’s Intellectual and technology governance - at all levels of engagement.

“To achieve our goals, I will work towards the improvement of NCS membership base from the current 10,000 to 100,000 IT Professionals, Associates and friends. The central objective is to strategically wrestle our birthright from policy intruders and empower as well as reward our profession and her innovative professionals.

Top on the strategic list is the advocacy for the establishment of Government N100 Billion Naira ($500million USD) IT Stimulus Package for the IT Profession and Industry. Therefore, there is an

urgent need to retool and restructure the Nigeria IT Ecosystem for Innovation and competitiveness.

Returning IT to Education Nigeria needs to build large and skilful capacities for the IT Profession and Industry. Over the last decades, knowledge has evolved at a supersonic-speed and our academic institutions and centres of learning were not fully prepared for the IT Tsunami.

Today, they are visibly caught-up in a surprised web of knowledge catch-up re-engineering.

Computer Science as a faculty of science is critical to the development and growth of the IT Profession and Industry.

However, the Computer Science ‘Lecturer domain’ and IT Curriculum remain an albatross for many complex reasons. This makes Government special intervention in the IT domain, a time-critical and strategic imperative. We need to produce a minimum of 150,000 Computer Science and Electronic Engineering graduates annually, to compete with the rest of the world.

Conscious of the fact that university diplomas no longer give a guarantee for the future, communications and media experts are taking over the role of producers of knowledge, knowledge sharing and the globalization of Intellectual Property for commercial purposes. The custodians of education should therefore deploy and apply Information Technology to fight back. NCS

will advocate “Knowledge Conversion System” – that is, converting existing Engineers/ Architects, Medical Doctors and other strategic workforce to IT Analytics, Software Analysts, Mobile Content Developers and Multimedia Graphics and Technology specialists.”

In my opinion, the three significant forces that will shape the emerging knowledge economy of this 21st Century are: (a) Education and RD&D intensity, leading to Technology innovation & creativity – harnessing critical and valuable energy of the youth. (b) Globalization of Knowledge products, Solutions & Services for the new economy/Social Media and (c) Digital Infrastructure for Connectivity and Mobile presence of multi-disciplinary Resources.

If we agree that the new knowledge society and economy (Information Society) cannot be separated from the education process, then, Nigeria must completely retool the mechanisms and facilities in the Computer Science Domain.

Informed by the above perspectives, NSC is duty bound to return the life-engine of Information Technology, IT, which currently and erroneously resides in the Nigeria IT industry, back to the education domain.

Establishing council of IT pastpresidents My Team will establish the Council of IT Past-Presidents (CITPP) of NCS, CPN and Past

Funding, Regulation, Exclusion of Professionals and Transparency.

•Uwaje Provosts of NCS College of Fellows as the Engine of National IT Lobby Group. The CITPP will be responsible for special assignments for the profession.

The Council will promote and secure Government N100 Billion Naira ($500million USD) IT Stimulus Package (IT Dev. 20152017). There is a Fundamental need for ‘Financial Stimulus Package’ for Nigeria Information Technology (IT) Sector. Nigeria’s e-Readiness status in global performance in respect of IT comprehension, understanding and innovation remains abysmally low over the decade.

The principal factors for this revolve around matters of Policy,

Building IT Parks There is a fundamental need for government to invest heavily in the establishment of at least 12 Information Technology & Knowledge Parks as well as Business Process Outsourcing Centres in strategic areas of the country. There is also an ambitious need to establish at least 20 more Open Universities and Technical Institutions designed to develop IT-centric Software Engineering and services model.

NCS will also refocus its strategy by putting the Youths in the driver’s seat of the National IT Ecosystem and by extension, making them the accelerator in the IT engine room. This translates to mounting a National IT Innovation Olympiad via the vehicle of National IT Hackathon and indeed celebrating their creativity through a public IT Bazaar quarterly”.

Among other critical problems like creation of jobs, proper recognition of professionals who have made the country proud, which an Uwaje led NCS will muscle the government to provide for the people, he also sees a greater need in ensuring that the Nigerian Local Content ACT 2010 is implemented vigorously not only in Oil and Gas, but at all levels of ICT and by extension, the Software Nigeria.

28— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 —29

30—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

By Emmanuel Elebeke

T

hree tech-savvy female secondary school students last week grabbed federal government’s N1 million Application Innovation Awards price sum in Abuja for overcoming the fear of technology.

The three lucky lasses emerged victorious in the contest out of over 89 other entries for developing website and software applications on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Child Adoption and Health. The winners are: Zainab Aliyu Gebi of International Community Secondary School Abuja, Praise Sanni Adeniyi of International School University of Lagos and Omotayo Ogunnaike of Lagoon Secondary School Lagos, who developed the original website and apps to help the country solve some of its humanitarian problems in the areas of IDPs, child adoption and health.

They were rewarded with cash prizes of N500, 000, N300,000 st nd and N200,000 for 1 , 2 and rd 3 positions respectively by the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology.

Presenting the awards, the Minister of Communication Technology, Dr. Omobola Johnson, said the winners were rewarded as part of activities for Federal Government to commemorate the Girls in ICT Day celebration in Nigeria.

Johnson said the FG used the competition to woo young women and girls to take career

3 tech savvy kids grab FG’s N1m largesse in ICT and expressed satisfaction that the thought didn’t turn out disappointing.

She said the future of countries now depends on ICT and Nigeria could not afford to be left behind. She urged other young women and young girls to emulate the winners and take interest in the ICT sector to build a brighter and rewarding future for themselves.

“This effort is good because if they don’t overcome that fear of technology, they can never

SAP smart academy to equip Nigerian youths for tomorrow workforce

By Emeka Aginam

A

s part of the initiative to provide Nigerian youths with the right skills to increase their chances of employ ability and make them more productive within the workplace, SAP Africa has launched Smart Academy.

The project is aimed at promoting skills development on the continent and in alignment with SAP’s Skills for Africa programme.

The Academy situated in many states across the nation including Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt is expected to enable a large number of skilled young people boost their labor market relevance through specialized SAP technology skills training.

As a product of SAP Education Africa, the SAP Smart Academy courses have been designed to help students learn how to effectively leverage the power of SAP technology solutions and drive greater proficiency within a variety of organizations and industries.

According to SAP, only

C M Y K

The benefits of this initiative lie in the fact that individuals who aspire to advance their careers can gain the skills to compete in the vibrant SAP market individuals students (students) that are actively enrolled at a tertiary academic institution may take part in the Smart Academy training as the offering has been tailor made to meet their levels of affordability. For this reason, no SAP customers are eligible to participate.

In partnership with various local West-African Partners, the SAP

venture into science and ICTs. Also for being able to fight cultural and social bars they can now pursue careers in ICT. To sustain the initiative, the Minister said: "The people I am leaving behind have been part of the programme planning and I know they are going to sustain it, while I might have introduced it, they will take and run with it. I have no doubt in my mind because of the seriousness they have demonstrated, they need to take this programme to where it should really be at the national level.”

Smart Academy utilizes world-class SAP infrastructure and facilitators and teaches end-users through live as well as on-line courses.

On completing the program, successful participants will be given a globally-recognized certification.

“For the youth of Nigeria, the benefits of this initiative lie in the fact that individuals who aspire to advance their careers can gain the skills to compete in the vibrant SAP market.” Pfungwa Serima, CEO SAP Africa, said.

“Graduates of the SAP Smart Academy will become certified associate-level functional consultants who will be in a position to secure the competitive edge they require in applying for positions within SAP’s vast ecosystem,” said Serima, adding that , “The SAP Skills for Africa programme continues to deliver on its promise to upskill Africa’s talented youth.

With about 10 million young African youth arriving on the labour market annually, obtaining additional skills that would render them more marketable within their environment is no longer negotiable, it is necessity, he added.

The SAP Smart Academy’s 20-day long courses cover a range of popular SAP solutions ranging from SAP Financial Accounting and SAP Human Capital Management, to SAP Server Implementation & Operation or SAP ABAP Workbench.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—31

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

We must embrace school sports to produce great athletes —— Oshodi T

here was a time when Lagos State arguably was the mecca of sports and Table Tennis in Nigeria. The time of the Obisanyas, Atanda Musa, Kuburat Owolabi, Bose kaffo, Funke Oshonaike, Yomi Bankole and a host of others. They produced lightening strokes on the green table that was the envy of many other states. But that glory moved over to the South where Cross Rivers state produced the duo of Offiong Edem and Cecilia Otu who took over the dominance of the female events.

Then, comes the entry of Wahid Enitan Oshodi as Sports Commissioner. He not only restored the lost glory of sports in Lagos but also went to the grassroots to produce budding athletes. What about the International Table Tennis Classics that placed Nigeria on international podium? In this interview, the inimitable Oshodi reflects on his tenure as sports Commissioner in Lagos.

Excerpts: How were you able to administer sports without any controversies during your tenure?

It depends on what you mean by controversies. If you mean by controversies problems and clashes with certain people and groups, then I encountered several obstacles during my tenure. The key is not to try to avoid controversies but to have a clear vision of development and steadfastly pursue this goal, irrespective of the controversies that may arise. When I came in there were certain things that needed to change in Lagos State sports, we set clear goals and I am thankful we were able to achieve a lot of them.

Are there major challenges that you faced as commissioner?

As I just mentioned, we faced a number of challenges and hurdles along the way. This is normal and to be expected. Once you sail away from the old way of doing things and towards a path of growth and development, you are bound to face certain obstacles and challenges. With a lot of patience you will manage such situations.

How will describe your tenure as Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Development?

It has been a tremendous adventure and a great privilege.

Of course I have been involved in Lagos State sports long before I became a Commissioner, but to serve at the helm of sports in this great State is a special responsibility and opportunity, one in which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Can you say you are fulfilled as a commissioner in Lagos?

I can say I am pleased with what we have been able to achieve during my tenure, but there is still a lot of work to be done in sports and my true fulfillment will come when we have fully developed, vibrant, public engaging, developmental and commercially viable sports sector in Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole. My predecessor, Prince Adeniji-Adele did a lot of good work and C M Y K

introduced a number of key innovations. I am pleased that I have been able to carry that baton and run a good race, but true fulfillment for all of us sports lovers will only come when sports in Lagos and Nigeria truly begins to flourish and live up to the tremendous potential that we all know it has. I have always set my standards by those attainable in the most successful sporting nations. Until we attain those standards I can’t be satisfied. We have the talent and skills in this country to attain such standards but we need to be visionary, knuckle down and do things properly.

Was there any time you felt like quitting?

I suppose such thoughts may cross your mind when things aren’t going the way you want them to but I was brought up with the knowledge that quitting does

The support we received from the Governor, my colleagues in the Executive Council and the international and national federations across this sports was wonderful. The Classics brought together a wide range of Government and private sector officials to work together and the results we achieved were fantastic. It is common to put down Civil and Public servants in this country but my experience with many of them was wonderful. To put together events that attract world class international athletes takes a lot of planning. I must thank and congratulate all those involved from the Immigration Services who oversaw the arrival of foreign guests, protocol officers, security services down to our sports officers in Lagos who went above the call of duty and this was what made the event a success. It gives me great pride to have led such an excellent team. Lagos is

Oshodi

Quadri

"

We revived many competitions and started supporting many of our athletes with training allowances, the best equipment money could buy

not solve problems. I worked with a great team in Lagos, many of whom we had worked together in different capacities over the years. It was hard at times but overall I think the team did extremely well.

What will you be remember for as a sports commissioner?

I will leave that to posterity. The

"

people of Lagos are very discerning and perceptive. They will be the judge of that. A lot of people talk about the innovations we brought in across the spectrum of sports but for me personally if I was to touch upon anything I think it was the wonderful engagement I had with our athletes especially the secondary school athletes. We

Funke made the athletes the centre of our vision.

The Lagos Sports Classics has hosted series of international competitions, how were you able to ensure the consistency of this and what can other states learn from this legacy?

now the centre of sports tourism this side of Africa.

How was it working with Governor Fashola?

It has been very easy, but more than that it has been an absolute delight. Indeed any success we have achieved during my tenure

VOL. 1 NO 34

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

•Ongoing demolition exercise in Enugu metropolis.

ECTDA to demolish 2,100 residential, business buildings in Enugu

By FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU — There are indications that the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, ECTDA,will demolish 2,100 residential and business outfits in Enugu metropolis over alleged contravention of the state’s waterway policy.

This was even as over 200 shops have been demolished along the Legislative Quarters, Independence Layout, Otigba Junction and Abakpa.

Scene of demolition South-East Voice’s visit to the scene of demolition showed that affected victims wept uncontrollably as a D6 earth moving machine crushed their structures during the exercise.

Ifeoma Nwabueze, a victim whose tears rolled down freely, C M Y K

lamented that her source of livelihood had been extinguished.

She said:”Where will I go to now? My husband has no job.

The family depends on this shop for survival. I do not see how these shops offend government’s policy. These shops have been here before the Governor Sullivan Chime’s administration. How can it be demolished in the dying days of his administration.

Another victim, Basil Oke also wondered why there should be no human face in the demolition exercise, adding that there should some form of compensation for those affected.

Government’s stand Commissioner for ECTDA, Mr. Emmanuel Omeje while fielding questions from SouthEast Voice in his office explained that the shop owners contravened the

government green verge policy.

He said: ”The shops were built on government green verge. Shops should not be built within 10 metres away from the road. We issued the shop owners quit notice two years ago. They refused to quit.

“The shop owners do not

The commissioner said: "Shops were built on waterways,rail line,drainage channels will be demolished. But the demolition will be done in phases.”

have approval for those structures. They were built as government set backs. There will be no compensation for affected victims because we cannot legalise legality.

“By next week,we will demolish all the shops at the Computer Village,along Fire service. All the shops,left and right will be demolished. They built shops directly on railway lines which cannot be so. You cannot build shops within 6 meters away from the rail tracks.

“I was in one of the shops eating and train passed. The shop was vibrating and i asked the restaurant operator if she noticed what was happening.

We will demolish 2,100 residential and business outfits in Enugu metropolis that have contravened the waterway policy. All those that built on waterways,rail line,drainage channels will be demolished.

But the demolition will be done in phases.”

ALSO IN THIS EDITION

IGBOKAENYI: Philanthropist, Ezeemo remembers the forgotten tribe in PAGE 3 Anambra

Families worry over PAGE 7 abducted undergraduates in Aba

Abandoned leprosy settlement comes alive with donated items worth N20m PAGE 8

2 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

By VINCENT UJUMADU

A

WKA — FOLLOWING the release of the fact sheet of Service Delivery Indicators, SDI, survey for 2013 in Anambra State, which exposed the problems in the health sector, stakeholders from the health departments in al the 21 local government areas of the state brainstormed in Awka to suggest ways of improving the situation.

The stakeholders were armed with the report of the survey sponsored by the World Bank, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Hanova Medical Limited.

During the two-day exercise, the stakeholders considered issues raised in the report point by point after which recommendations were made to the policy formulators of the state government on what should be done to put the health sector on the right track again.

According to the report, there was only 17.1 per cent adherence to clinical guidelines, while adherence by doctors, nurses/ midwives and para-professionals were 32.8 per cent, 21.7 per cent, 14.2 per cent and 10.8 per cent respectively.

Similarly, the absence of health workers from facilities ranged from 32.6 per cent in health posts to 48.5 per cent in secondary health facilities, while 42.8 per cent of doctors, 39.1 per cent of nurses, 44.4 per cent of para- cent.

The stakeholders who worked professionals were absent from groups, in their all facilities during unannounced in recommendations, agreed on the visits.

It was, however, observed that need to employ more staff, the necessary 43.9 per cent of excused absence provide was in the form of training, official infrastructure, including vehicles mission and approved absence, for monitoring activities, while 15 per cent and 8.6 per cent refrigerators for storing drugs at were unapproved absence and the right temperature, training and retraining of staff, improved sick/maternity.

The report said that only 15 per budgetary allocation to the sector.

Essentially, the survey centred cent of all health facilities had work plans, while 7.4 per cent on what health workers know, had quarterly implementation what they do, what they work plans, adding that availability of with, as well as management of work plans among the primary resources, supervision and tier health facilities was even financing.

Dr. Dale Ogunbayo, who lower, recording 14.4 per cent, compared to the secondary provided technical support for the facilities which stood at 51 per survey described the outcome as

•Participants at the presentation of Anambra State health SDI surveys.

Stakeholders brainstorm to reverse worrisome situation in health sector Stakeholders agreed on need to employ more staff, provide the necessary infrastructure, including vehicles for monitoring activities, refrigerators for storing drugs at the right temperature, training and retraining of staff, improved budgetary allocation to the sector.

an eye opener, adding that it would assist authorities to improve on areas the country was lagging behind.

According to him, rather than apportion blames, the best thing to do is to find the way forward, which was why the stakeholders who operate at the primary healthcare level to make the necessary input that will guide the state government in making policies that concern the health sector.

Some of the participants admitted that the report was not a surprise to them, noting that it revealed the anomalies which they had been complaining about anytime they had opportunity to

interact with officials of the ministry of health.

They observed that in some of the Primary Health Centres, there is only one staff and wondered the kind of result to expect from such a situation.

They also complained that local government chairmen were not helping matters as they are only interested in ventures that could yield money for them.

For instance, most of the stakeholders said that although all local governments have giant generating sets to power the entire local government, the chairmen abandoned them and procured only the small ones that light their offices, keeping the entire local government in darkness.

They also allege that drugs supplied to the health centers are not properly accounted for, leading to some health staff purchasing drugs they administer to patients and charging them money, when such services were expected to be provided free of charge.

Workshop calls for increased women participation in decision making processes

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU

E

KWULOBIA— PARTICIPANTS at a one-day workshop on enhancing the status of women have called for increased women participation in decision making processes as a stepping stone to attaining greater heights in all fields of human endeavour.

The workshop, which was organized at Awka by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, Anambra State chapter, attracted resource persons and experts who enlightened women on their role in the quest for greater involvement in politics and trade union matters.

Chairperson of MHWUN in the state, Mrs. Chinwe Orizu, had set the tone for the event by urging women to be conscious of their capabilities which could be properly C M Y K

utilized to place them in vantage position to be leaders.

Orizu described the theme of the workshop ‘’Building Women; Building the Union’’ as timely especially now that there was seemingly apathy among women about politics and union leadership matters.

She also said that time had come for women to strive at excellence and shun all forms of negative biases that had held them down from effective participation in trade unionism.

In her welcome address, the state Chairperson, Women

Commission, Patricia Maduabum, said that the nation could enhance its productivity and guarantee gender equality by utilizing female experts. ‘’Women all over the world and Nigeria in particular today compete with their men counterparts in building the economy. For example, late Prof Dora Akunyili and Dr Okonjo Iweala Ngozi and so many others made enormous contributions to the development of this country,’’ she said, adding that the

•A cross section of resource persons at the workshop.

workshop was anchored on empowering women towards a better tomorrow in view of their potentials in transforming nations, as they had proved to be better managers of human resources and materials. ‘’In as much as we are still having some challenges concerning gender inequality, it beats my imagination that women themselves are the architects of their problems.

So at the end of this workshop, we will be better equipped for the challenges ahead towards building the unions and having a better Nigeria via women,’’ Maduabum added.

In her own paper, entitled 'Combating gender based violence in Nigeria;Issues and Challenges,' the Deputy Chairman, NLC, Oby Eze, stated that violence against women was an age long problem which must be addressed.

Eze named types of gender based violence to include, rape, sexual assault, incest, wife battering, forced marriages,

widow inheritance, female genital mutilation amongst others.

Proffering solution to the problems, she urged government to enact or reinforce sanctions to punish and redress acts of violence against women and girls, adding that NGOs should intensify awareness campaigns and report cases to appropriate authorities for further action.

Also, the South East Coordinator, Women Committee of MHWUN, Ify Oranye, whose paper was on 'Trade Unions and the challenges of gender mainstreaming,' suggested that 30 per cent affirmative action should be applied in workplace leadership positions.

She observed that certain factors militating against effective women participation in trade unionism included foul languages, timing of meetings often at midnights to discourage them, multiple roles in family, ante natal and post natal matters, among others, must be resolved to launch them to stardom.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 3

•From left, Alhaji Ibrahim Romi, representing Prof.

Addison Wokocha, Chief Executive TRCN, Provost FCE Umunze Prof Ogbuagu (middle) and Sir A.I Udensi, Registrar of the College during TRCN induction.

•Newly inducted teachers in a group photograph with Provost and TRCN officials shortly after the ceremony.

TRCN inducts 784 graduands into teaching profession

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU

E

KWULOBIA—THE Registrar and Chief executive of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, TRCN, Professor Addison Wokocha has asked fresh graduate teachers from the Federal College of Education, Technical, Umunze to take their induction into the council with the highest level of seriousness and commitment to professionalism.

Wokocha, who spoke at the maiden registration and induction ceremony for Masters, PDE, first degree and NCE programmes of the institution, said the induction was neccesitated by the clamour for professionalism in teaching in the country.

Commending the inductees, Wokocha who was represented on the occasion

by Alhaji Ibrahim Romi said that the induction which was done during graduation was aimed at checking quackery in the profession.

He said TRCN was poised to regulate teacher education, training and practice at all levels of the education system to match teachers’ quality, discipline, professionalism, reward and dignity to ensure international best practices.

According to him, the council was out to achieve such objectives by promoting excellence in education through effective registration, certification and licensing of teachers, and promoting professionalism through accreditation, monitoring and supervision of teachereducation programmes.

He then appealed to the inductees to hold the profession in high esteem as teaching was the father of all professions.

Earlier, the Provost of the college, Professor Josephat Ogbuagu urged the C M Y K

graduating teachers to take advantage of the opportunity that has exempted them from the rigours of the processes of being registered as teachers.

Ogbuagu said, “I want you to count yourselves fortunate to have this privilege of being inducted as full-fledged professional teachers by the TRCN. The college in affiliation with Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka has produced degree graduates as well as NCE and PDE with the latest contents that meet

He then appealed to the inductees to hold the profession in high esteem as teaching was the father of all professions.

general and specialist pedagogical requirements for professional registration and induction of teachers.

“That is why it started with Teacher Technical Certificate, TTC, which was in vogue at the inception of the college.

However, with the commencement of the PDE, TRCN has considered all other previously accepted programmes which had never been reviewed for more than 10 years now automatically closed down. ‘’This is

particularly true of TTC and other related programmes which pre-dated PDE.” He then advised those who were yet to get their TRCN certificates as teachers to do so in their own interest.

His words: “TRCN has provided a rich comprehensive professional standard for Nigerian teachers i “You should do this by showing good examples and being good ambassadors of the college in terms of knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and conduct.’’

Roadside motor parks on the rise in Abia

By FELIX OGBONNA

A

BA —Despite the efforts of the Abia State government to ensure that motorists in Aba make use of approved motor parks, more roadside motor parks are still springing up daily at many areas of the city.

From Asa, Park, Pound, St. Michaels, Hospital and Azikiwe roads at the city centre, transporters have converted every available space like filling stations, parking lots, entrance to buildings and pedestrian walkways to loading bays.

It is the same situation are the Waterside, Omoba and Opobo junctions on Ikot Ekpene road in Ogbor Hill, Brass junction, Ngwa/ Port Harcourt road junction, Factory road as well as the Osisioma Ngwa junction along the Enugu—Port Harcourt expressway where the number of roadside motor parks continues to rise daily.

South East Voice investigations at the Aba city centre showed that there were more than 15 roadside motor parks between the Aba city centre and Azikiwe/Asa road junction.

Chairman of the Abia State Task Force on Environment and Allied Matters, Capt. Awa Udonsi Agwu, rtd, had told

newsmen in Aba, that most motor park in the state were highly underutilized and called on transport operators to patronize them instead of using illegal parks.

His words, “Most transporters have abandoned the approved motor parks in every part of Aba. Out- going Gov. Theodore Orji recently built the Osisioma Ngwa Motor park with modern facilities. As I’m talking to you now, that park is highly underutilized. Another one is at the Burrow Pit/Enyimba Motor Park along the express way. There are Ehere, Ogbor Hill, Alaoji Flyover and

From Asa, Park, Pound, St. Michaels, Hospital and Azikiwe roads at the city centre, transporters have converted every available space like filling stations, parking lots, entrance to buildings and pedestrian walkways to loading bays.

•Roadside motor park in Aba.

Cemetery Motor parks. We are appealing to these transporters to use government approved motor parks.

“The Taskforce is determined to enforce the relocation to motor parks because the Aba Master Plan never included the sitting of motor parks at unapproved places. We have been appealing to the transport operators to relocate to the Aba Main Motor Park. From our deduction, these transporters prefer to load by the roadside, perhaps they make more profit there, but government is determined to return sanity to Aba.” U d o n s i f u r t h e r lamented that some transport companies have converted the Aba main motor park to a garage where they wash and maintain their vehicles, covering available spaces for transporters to load and offload their passengers.

4 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY,

MAY 27, 2015

E

KWULOBIA — IGBOKAENYI, one of the seven Igala speaking communities in Anambra State that had been abandoned over the years by both the local and state governments.

The seven Igala communities known as Olumbanasaa and located at Anambra West Local Government area of Anambra State include Ode, Igbedor, Odekpe, Alla, Onugwa, Odomagwu and Igbokaenyi.

The Olumbanasa is an island inside the River Niger and can only be accessed through water. However, Igbokaenyi Community has a population of less than 2,000 people. People hardly visit them.

The predominantly agrarian community has no potable water, electricity, access road, schools, GSM network and other social amenities in this 21st century that is characterized by globalization and technological innovations. and their sons and daughters who are resident outside.

And for his joy of felicitating with the abandoned, a philanthropist and Publisher, Orient Newspapers, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo took a trip to Igbokaenyi community.

The traditional ruler of the town, Igwe Osuji was not on seat but his spokesman, Dr. Okolo Paul, while giving more insight into the well-being of the community, described Igbokaenyi community as a macro minority, that is grossly marginalized and neglected in terms of infrastructure.

He narrated how he lost his day old child at Asaba hospital because they could not get to the hospital on time when his wife was on labour by midnight.

Hear him: “That was the day I cried to heaven as I watched my wife dying gradually in pains. I called the ferry men but they had all gone to bed. One of them that managed to answer me, charged N3,000 which I paid. Before we could get to hospital in Asaba, the neighbouring Delta State capital, the child had already died in its mother’s womb. My wife has been in unstable condition since then. She is still recuperating.”

Igbokaenyi appears to be the most neglected or forgotten tribe in Anambra State as government presence has not in any way been felt by the people, especially in the area of basic amenities and infrastructure.

According to a resident, Mr. Emmanuel Okolo, the only health centre in the community ‘’is as lifeless as a morgue as no health personnel or drugs could be found there.

The place can only be accessed through Illah in Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta State, at the river bank where C M Y K

•Ezeemo flanked by members of St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Igbokaenyi.

IGBOKAENYI: Philanthropist, Ezeemo remembers the forgotten tribe in Anambra

By OBIALUNAMMA NWADIOGBU visitors and even the indigenous people park their vehicles and then travel on ferry boats for over 30 minutes to the area before trekking for another 20 minutes to get to the heart of the community.

An Anglican priest in the community, Rev. Victor Ogbalu revealed that the area had no functional health centre or potable water.

He said: “When I came here last year, I met only seven

T

he 2015 general elections has become history but the sad memory of the event would remain evergreen in the minds of Obiangwu people in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

Their son and Labour Party, LP, candidate for Ngor Okpala state constituency seat in the House of Assembly, Mr. Andrew Ugwuezumba, was assassinated in cold blood. The suspected hired assassins had on the night of Tuesday, March 31, 2015, shot and killed Ugwuezumba a few metres from his ancestral home, as he was returning from a political meeting.

Apparently irked by stories bandied in their community that the police were not doing enough to apprehend and prosecute the alleged perpetrators of the heinous crime, scores of aggrieved women, clad in black blouses, staged a peaceful demonstration.

The women carried the campaign-flex banners of the slain politician, lamenting and raining curses on the killers of their illustrious son, as they protested on the roads in the

Igbokaenyi appears to be the most neglected or forgotten tribe in Anambra State as government presence has not in any way been felt by the people, especially in the area of basic amenities and infrastructure.

worshippers at St. Mary ’s Anglican church as the faithful.

I have not set my eyes on any politician or prominent person in this town. Social amenities are very serious issues here.

“For one to go to Onitsha or Awka, the state capital, you have to go to Asaba or Nzam and from here to Nzam will take about 30 minutes on a motorbike that will drop you at the river bank because there is no access road.

There is no single health facility here as we rely on the mercy of the patent medicine dealers. Pregnant women go to

Asaba or Onitsha to be delivered of their babies as the nurses posted here usually run away after reporting on the first day, complaining that there is no life here.

“The teachers posted here also run away after reporting and we have no single secondary school, except a lone primary school. Our children who passed common entrance examinations trek from here to our neighbouring town, Igbedor, which is about five kilometres from Igbokaenyi for their secondary education. That secondary school is the only one in the entire Olumbansaa communities.

“For water, that one is pitiable as we drink and do other domestic affairs from River Niger.

Sometimes, if you draw water from the well, it will be as clean as water from the borehole, but after some minutes, it will turn reddish which we treat with alum before drinking.

“We can’t talk of electricity supply because most children of 20 years and above who have not been to townships cannot describe what electricity is like, as they have never seen any since birth. My brother, we are in another world but I am happy we are very happy people as this place is as secured as anywhere you can think of in the world.”

Meanwhile, a philanthropist, Mr. Godwin Ezeemo, who was at Igbokaenyi at the time South East Voice visted and worshipped with the people at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in company of his ally and the Progressive People’s Alliance, PPA, state chairman in Anambra, Dr. Ralph Chikwenze, as well as Chief Ameke Oranwike, among other personalities, expressed shock that a community like Igbokaenyi existed in the state.

Ezeemo later donated food items, drinks and some packs of bottled water to the people.

When angry women blocked Imo Airport Road

By CHIDI NKWOPARA community before heading to the ever busy Imo Airport Junction where they held up traffic for over an hour.

The protesters marched to the parish priest in charge of the Catholic Church parish, the Traditional Ruler, Eze Samuel Odu, as well as other churches located in the community.

Addressing newsmen later, the President, Obiangwu Development Union, ODU, Woman Wing, Mrs. Rose Anyanwu, said that the women were “extremely unhappy over the mindless murder of an enterprising son of the town by suspected assassins.”

She further explained that they were angry over the

•Gov Rochas Okorocha dastardly killing of Ugwuezumba, especially as “there are feelers that some powerful forces are trying to conceal evidence and shield the culprits from facing the full weight of the law.”

Mrs. Anyanwu, who said that Obiangwu women had been fasting and praying for God’s intervention in exposing those who played any part in the murder, stressed that they “will

continue to cry to God and government until justice is done.

“The heartless killing of Ugwuezumba is a brazen assault on all the people of Obiangwu. We call on Imo State government, the police and other security agencies, to set machinery in motion to uravel and punish anybody found to be culpable,” Mrs. Anyanwu pleaded.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 5

8 Ngwa communities avert bloody clash over control of market U

By ANAYO OKOLI

Commuters lament over uncompleted work at Enugu - Abakaliki expressway

By PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI — COMMUTERS plying the Enugu-Abakaliki express way are grumbling over lack of road signs on a section of the road which should have been completed before the inauguration of the new government power this Friday.

The project which was started by the state government last year amid criticisms, has appeared to be an impossible task even as South East Voice learned that the outgoing administration was no longer willing to release funds for the project.

The state government decided to handle a section of the road at the Abakaliki end of the express-way by Ebonyi State University, EBSU, permanent site at Ohaukwu Local Government Area and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, state secretariat with a work plan of dualizing it to ease movement of vehicles and pedestrians into the state capital.

However, completion of the project is now a mission impossible as the state government said it was still working assiduously to ensure that April salaries of workers were paid without further delay as labour unions in the state

•Gov. Martins Elechi have threatened to embark on an indefinite strike, if nothing was done to improve their welfare.

The condition of the road had deteriorated so much in recent

“We have really suffered; vehicles have been damaged and unnecessary accidents have occurred on this road. This is a shame,’’ a motorist said.

times that commuters now find it difficult to navigate through the portion currently being dualized to avoid accident as the area was usually flooded.

Commuters, who spoke on condition of anonymity, criticized the state government for taking up a task that it would not complete.

“I really don’t know why the state government took up the dualization of the road in the first place; SETRACO took up the construction of the road from Enugu only to be halted by the state government when the contractor got to the permanent site of the university.

“We have really suffered; vehicles have been damaged and unnecessary accidents have occurred on this road.

This is a shame,’’ a motorist said. In an interview with South East Voice, the state Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Chukwuma Nwandugo, who agreed that the project would not be completed by the present administration due to lack of funds, noted that all the essential materials needed for the execution of the project were already on site.

Nwandugo said that the 5.75 kilometre road project was being handled by CCECC at a cost of N4.2 billion, adding that when completed it would raise the aesthetic value of the Enugu-Abakaliki express way.

MUAHIA — BUT for the timely intervention of the Abia State House of Assembly, eight Ngwa communities would perhaps be fighting and maiming themselves following struggle for the control of a market jointly owned by them.

The cause of the fight was who among them should control the proceeds from the Umunna Nsulu Daily Market, said to be jointly owned by the sister communities. The communities which are in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Areas of Abia State include Umuosu, Ikputu Umuode, Umuezeukwu, Mbubo and Umuodeche.

The issue had raised tension in the area as youths in the various communities were already spoiling for war, which would have cause dbreach of the peace in the state. However, worried by the development, the Abia State House of Assembly mandated its committee on Security and Boundary Matters headed by the Deputy Speaker, Allwell Okere to wade into the crisis and find amicable solution.

The timely intervention by the House committee was said to have saved the situation from degenerating further, as acting on the mandate it summoned traditional rulers and leaders of thought in the affected communities to chat a way forward.

Following the peace of the meeting, the House set up a 13man committee selected from the affected communities to oversee the day to day affairs in the market.

The terms of reference to the market management committee included ensuring proper management and maintenance of the market, collection of all tolls

•Hon. Ude Okochukwu, Speaker, Abia state House of Assembly and equitable sharing of same among the communities in a manner that it would engender peace and harmony among the people.

In their remarks, two traditional rulers from the area, Eze Ikechukwu Adikwu and Eze F. C. Nwulu expressed gratitude to the House of Assembly over its intervention and urged the committee to discharge their responsibilities without fear or favour.

The timely intervention by the House committee was said to have saved the situation, as acting on the mandate it summoned traditional rulers and leaders of thought in the affected communities to chat a way forward.

Marine Market traders appeal to Obiano for assistance over borehole, toilet, road projects

By CHIMAOBI NWAIWU, Nnewi

T

raders at the Marine Modern Market Onitsha, one of the biggest markets after Onitsha Main Market and Ochanja Modern Market in Onitsha have appealed to the Chief Willie Obiano led Anambra State government to assist them to rehabilitate their abandoned borehole and toilet projects.

They also, asked the state government to build a link road between the market and the abattoir that was left uncompleted by successive administrations in the state.

Chairman of the Market Traders Association, Chief Vincent Ifeme who spoke in an interview with South East Voice said there was the need for the state government to assist the traders in developing the market to enable it collect more Internally Generated Revenue, C M Y K

IGR, through taxes, development levies and stallage fees from the market.

“The market currently has a make shift toilet that servers over 20,000 traders in the market and the arrangement of the toilets is capable of causing

an outbreak of epidemic in the market. The toilets that are needed in the market must work with a functional bore hole,” he said. Ifeme said that another problem facing the traders that needed urgent government’s intervention was the protracted dispute over the ownership of the land on which the market was built, between some individuals and families in Onitsha over which the traders had been caught in the

•The abandoned Water bore-hole project.

•Uncompleted road project that leads to butchers marked and Onitsha Main Market.

web of the intrigues.

“A popular Igbo adage says that when two elephants fight the grass suffers. That is the lot of the traders at Marine Modern Market Onitsha who are now caught in between the parties that are involved in the ownership tussle over the market land,” he added.

It was alleged that the traders in the market had for fear of losing their investments in the market, stopped development

of the market because for fear of losing such investments since they were not sure of what would happen in future, and this has adversely affected the growth of the market.

According to Ifeme, “the market is a shadow of itself due to the ownership crisis that has rocked it for over eight years before I assumed office.

“The marked has developed up to this level through self help and some individuals who donated lorry loads of stone to cover the deep gutter that divided the road into two until the former governor of the state Mr. Peter Obi intervened and constructed the major road that leads to the market.

There was no existing office complex for the market but I came in and erected an office that we are occupying today, I met a foundation for an office started by the man who made the market autonomous, Chief Enweremuozo Obikwelu.

6 —Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

By FRANCIS IGATA

E

NUGU — MOTORISTS in Enugu State and environs have cried to relevant authorities at both the state and federal levels to intervene in what they described as the fraud associated with renewing or obtaining driver's licence in the state.

Investigations conducted by South-East Voice in the state showed that although the approved fee by the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, was N6,350, drivers were charged between N10,000 and N15,000 for the drivers's licence by the state Board of Internal Revenue, BIR. Victim laments A resident, Mr. Gambo Danjuma,a member of Civil Liberties Organisation,CLO, showed some of the receipts and bank payment slips issued to him by the BIR after he had paid N10,000 to the revenue agency.

He, however, said that some of the payments were not receipted by the BIR as part of the money collected went into private hands.

His word: “I paid N10,000 for my driver's licence which had expired at the BIR situated at Obianodu Street, Achara Layout, Enugu.

“I was given a form to fill and thereafter, directed to FRSC where I was issued a temporary driver's licence after the board had issued me a receipt of N6,350. After two months, I was directed to the BIR situated at Okpara Avenue for collection of the permanent driver's licence.

“When I got there, the attendant requested that I part with N50. I asked her, 'for what?' She said it was compulsory and that it was for text messages. I told her that I An anonymous did not receive any text FRSC official said: message and was not aware of "The state BIR issues such payment.

“It is not the amount that is the licence; the the issue but the volume of Vehicle Inspection people that paid the N50 which Officials, VIO, is not receipted. It goes into their pockets directly. It is conduct driving tests daylight robbery and and issue certificates corruption. There is no record for a fee which I anywhere for the N50 payment think is part of the and it makes things difficult for surplus on N10,000 the people.

FRSC source speaks motorists pay ."

•Payment slip of N6, 350 he paid for driver’s licence.

Motorists in Enugu cry out over inflation of driver’s licence fee An FRSC official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told South-East Voice that the official fee for driver's licence was N6,350.

According to the source, FRSC’s job is to harmonize the features of driver's licence nationwide.

He said: ”Before now, you will notice that driver's licence varied in features from state to state.

That is why we moved in to harmonize the features so that it will be identical.

How police rescued kidnapped Catholic priest

By CHIDI NKWOPARA

T

he question that is currently on the lips of Imo people is: Are we back to the dark evil days of kidnapping and armed robbery? To many, the definite answer is “ yes,” because no week passes without one tale or the other of people either robbed or abducted by armed hoodlums.

However, a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Phillip Ojimanu, who was recently kidnapped by these dreaded criminals at Uzoagba, Ikeduru Local Government Area of the state C M Y K

•IGP Solomon Arase is lucky as he was rescued by the anti-kidnap unit of state police command from the kidnappers den unhurt.

Stating how Ojimanu was rescued and his Nissan Sports

Utility Vehicle recovered, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Andrew Enwerem, said the priest was rescued from his abductors after a fierce gun battle with

•Gambo Danjuma “Now, the official fee is N6,350.

But it is the state governments that issue the licences. In their bid to generate revenue, they increased the fees. There is a tripartite arrangement in the process for procurement of a driver's licence.

The state BIR issues the licence, the vehicle

Inspection"Officials, VIO, conduct driving tests and issue certificates for a fee which I think is part of the surplus on N10,000 motorists pay and FRSC acquires materials and produces the driver's licence and send to the state BIR for issuance.”

the police.

Enwerem further said that one of the kidnappers, Ibeawuchi Uzor, was shot dead during the encounter, while three other suspects including Obinna Mba from Orodo, Mbaitoli Local Government Area; Celestine Emma Chukwuma, a native of Orsu Local Government Area and Frank Uche were arrested.

“The police shot one of the kidnappers, while the ring leader known as Bush, escaped through the back door,” the PPRO recounted.

He recalled how the police team that had been trailing the hoodlums eventually identified their hide-out at Orodo, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state and also traced the deadly gang to a local hotel in Aba, Abia State, where they had arranged to collect the ransom demanded from members of the priest’s family.

“Two of the hoodlums were

arrested in this hotel. The arrested suspects later took the police to their hideout in Orodo. On sighting the antikidnapping squad, the suspects engaged the police in a shoot out. In the ensuing gun duel, Ibewuchi Uzo was shot dead, while another member of the gang, Celestine Emma Chukwuma, was seriously wounded,” Enwerem said.

However, the badly wounded suspect, Celestine Emma Chukwuma, denied being a member of the gang and never negotiated for payment of ransom with anybody before the priest would be released, as alleged by the police.

“I was contracted by the leader of the group to build a pillar at his house and I decided to run when I saw the police because I won’t have the money to bail myself if I am arrested,” Chukwuma explained.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 —7

Catholic Owerri Diocese to own community based radio station soon

Traditional ruler bemoans attack on subjects in Imo

By CHINONSO ALOZIE, Owerri

T

he Traditional ruler of Okwudor, Njaba Local Government Area, Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze Anayochukwu Durueburo, Obi ll of Okwuodor, has pleaded with the state government to assist his subjects whose goods were vandalized at Eke Okwudor market by some youths during a burial procession.

He made this appeal while inspecting the level of damage caused by the youths who were said to have come from the neighbouring Awo Omamma in Oru East Local Government Area.

He said that the action of the suspected Awo Omamma youths which had contributed to the hardship of his people was deliberately planned and carried out, adding that in a normal situation such ceremony ought not be used to inflict untold hardship on the people.

He further said that, he was told that the particular young man (name withheld )who led other youths to carry out the dastardly act had been linked to so many conflicts in the community where he came from.

The traditional ruler also called on the concerned authorities to commence a thorough investigation of the matter to serve as a deterrent to others who had such bad intentions.

Confirming the matter, a member of the Transition Committee, Njaba Local

By FELIX OGBONNA

C M Y K

O

WERRI — Catholic Archbishop of Owerri A r c h d i o c e s e , M o s t Rev. A.J.V.Obinna, has said that the church has started the process of establishing a community based radio station in Imo State.

He spoke in Owerri during a briefing on the message of His Holiness, Pope Francis on the 49th Wo r l d Communication Day with the theme: Communicating with the family “A privileged Place of encounter with the Gift of Love”.

BAD ROAD: Traders beg Imo govt to intervene

By CHINOSO ALOZIE

•Rochas Okorocha Government Area, told South East Voice that the scene of the incident was an eyesore, saying that valuables destroyed included chairs, shops, and vehicles.

He also said that both the

He said that the action of the suspected Awo Omamma youths which had contributed to the hardship of his people was deliberately planned and carried out, adding that in a normal situation such ceremony ought not be used to inflict untold hardship on the people.

police and the Transition Committee Chairman of the Oru East Local Government Area, Mr. Lasbery Okaforanyanwu, were alerted over the matter on getting the information to enable them control the situation.

Commenting on the matter, the Chairman of Oru East, Mr. Okaforanyawu described the incident as ugly, saying that he would step into the case to ensure peace in the area, warning that those behind the dastardly act would not go scotfree.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Commissioner for Community Government Council, Val Mbamara in a meeting recently in Owerri with the heads of the CGC, including the traditional rulers, advised them to be in control of their various communities and take the issue of security of llivesof their subjects seriously.

O

WERRI — The Traders at Toronto Junction ,Umuchima, Umuoba, Owerri North Local Government Area in Imo State, have called on the state governor-elect, Chief Rochas Okorocha to fulfil his campaign promises by ensuring that the road was constructed.

Complaining over the hardship the bad road had brought to them, the traders who deal on weave-on materials said that since the commencement of the rainy season it had been very difficult to sell their goods as their customers were finding it difficult to access the area.

One of the traders, Chinasa Ike who spoke on the issue said that, she had been recording poor sales as a result of the development.

Another trader who simply identified himself as Mr

Vitalis told the South East Voice that his provision store, was always flooded each time it rained, leading to the destruction of his goods worth over N300,000 by flood.

A woman who sells food stuff said that the Imo State government was insensitive to the plight of the people attributing the cause of the bad road to the use of substandard materials for construction of drainage system adding that, the abandoned road project midway contributed largely to the sufferings being experienced by the people.

Speaking to the South East Voice, a driver Mr. Okechukwu Nze whose car broke down on the same road while trying to convey some goods to his friend in one of the villages said that he was disappointed over the situation.

Families worry over abducted undergraduates in Aba

T

he families of Mr. Joseph O. Azih and Theophilus Nwakanma residing at 9B and 14 Ahunanya Street, Umungasi, Aba, Abia State, respectively have cried over the fate of their abducted children; Martin Azih and Temple Nwakanma for about two years now.

Narrating the ordeal his family had been made to undergo since the disappearance of his son, Martin’s father, Joseph Azih, said his family had been mourning since the incident.

According to Azih: “My family has not known peace since Martin was abducted.

It has been mourning, mourning, mourning for me and my family. Imagine the pains we have been going through since August 2013

By CHINONSO ALOZIE

He said that the radio station would not only promote peace and unity but would ensure that the societal values were restored for the good of mankind.

According to him, through communication the understanding of the younger people would be shaped for them to be relevant in their environments.

Obinna also said that the odenigbo radio station would be sited had been supervised and ready to take off immediately the licence was obtained.

•Temple Nwakanma when the incident took place.

It is about a year and nine months now. Many people have defrauded us of our hard earned resources on the

•Martin Azih pretext of knowing where my son is being held, but all to no avail. It has not been easy; I have spent my little savings going from one place to another looking for my son.

We have petitioned Gov. Theodore Orji through our lawyer, yet nothing came out of it. I have decided to leave everything to God because nothing is hidden from Him.” Mr. Theophilus Nwakanma, who is the father of Temple Nwakanma, also said he had made several efforts to know the whereabouts of his son, but had also decided to leave everything to God. “What more can I do? I have searched for my son everywhere I am supposed to but I am yet to find him. I have decided to leave everything to God.” South East Voice gathered that the families had through their lawyer, David Ifedilinwoke, petitioned Gov. Orji, over the disappearance of their sons; Martin and

Temple who are undergraduates of the Imo State University and Federal Polytechnic, Nekede respectively.

South East Voice gathered that Martin and Temple were arrested on Friday, August 30, 2013 at Redeemed Street, World Bank Housing Estate, Abayi, Aba by members of the Scorpion Squad of the Abia State Vigilante Services while the families have continued to lament that since the said arrest; nobody had seen or heard from the two undergraduates.

According to the petition, “the parents of the duo lodged a report at the World Bank Police station and have searched other security formations across the state without success.”

8 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

•Food items donated to them.

E

NUGU — The Oji River Leprosy Centre at Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State is in a desolate state following neglect by successive governments.

The centre, established in the early 60's to cater for the peculiar health challenges of people afflicted with leprosy during and after the civil war given the contagious nature of the ailment had been abandoned even as the sufferings of the patients were being compounded.

The prevailing harsh situation in the centre was said to have driven many of the inmates to the EnuguOnitsha express way, where they beg for alms on daily basis.

South-East Voice’s visit to the centre showed that most of the administrative buildings had caved in, even as the residential areas for patients were in tatters.

There was no visible means of water or power supply to the centre as both the borehole and the electric generator had since packed up.

•Chairman, Bina Foundation, Mr. Chris Atuegwu.

Abandoned Leprosy settlement comes alive as foundation donates items worth N20m

By FRANCIS IGATA A peep at the dispensary section showed that there were no drugs or medical personnel manning the clinic; a situation which had made the inmates seek medical assistance outside the settlement.

Rescue However, last week, Bina Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to alleviating the pains and suffering of people with special needs, came to their rescue with the donations of various items worth over N20 million.

The foundation arrived the

leprosy centre with medical doctors, pharmacists, laboratory scientists, nurses and social workers to conduct screening tests for common

Bina Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to alleviating the pains and suffering of people with special needs, came to their rescue with the donations of various items worth over N20 million.

ailments like malaria, diabetes, high blood pressure and glaucoma on the patients.

The doctors also performed eye examinations, provided medications,and reading glasses where necessary.

Other items donated also included educational materials, toiletries, wheel chairs and bags of rice among others.

Bina boss appeals Presenting the items, the founder of Bina Foundation, Mrs Ifeoma Atuegwu, appealed to governments at all levels, high spirited individuals, churches as well as local and international NGOs to come to the aid of the inmates to alleviate their sufferings.

She said,”we strive to improve the lives of people with special needs through skills acquisition, vocational training programmes, women empowerment, provision of free and quality medical services as well as general charity works.

“We also provide nutritional, educational, financial, emotional and psychological support. We will not relent in supporting the mentally, physical challenged, blind, deaf and orphans and vulnerable children, the aged, indigent widows and the marginalized in our society.

“We will ensure that this event is an annual exercise and will strive to improve on the donation in the years ahead.”

Water scarcity: Gov Elechi commissions N350m pipe production company in Ebonyi

By PETER OKUTU

A

BAKALIKI — EBONYI state government has commissioned an ultra-modern Pipe Production Company Limited at Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu local government area of the state.

The company which is designed to produce polyethylene pipes was started by the outgoing administration in March 2014 and completed in December of the same year.

The project was conceived, evaluated and approved by the state Executive Council, EXCO, to enable speedy reticulation of water from Oferekpe Water treatment plants in Ikwo Local Government Area to different parts of the state. The equipment for the project were imported from China.

Speaking on the occasion, the state Commissioner for Public Utilities, Mr. Ben Okah said that the essence of the factory was not only for local C M Y K

consumption but to meet the pipe needs of the country and its neighbours.

“The machines consist of four pies manufacturing lines of diameters ranging from 25mm to 800mm and so

•Ultra-modern Pipe Production Company Limited at Ezzamgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

all our requirement for water piping will be met in this factory.

“The structure you are seeing was designed and built by an Exco Committee of Technical members at the cost of over N350 million and delivered in record time of seven months.

“It is called high density polyethylene pipe or HDPE or just PE pipes. It is a pipe that is corrosive free, leak free, no synthetic contaminants; almost frictionless and does not grow algae. This pipe is the most currently approved by WHO as best for drinking water. These pipes can also be used for irrigation, oil, gas sewage,” he added.

Commissioning the project, Governor Martin Elechi who expressed satisfaction over the establishment of the project, noted that it would enable the state government fulfil its promises of ensuring that water scarcity was a thing of the past in the state.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 33

of making Lagos the centre of excellence.

If given another chance what will you have done better?

There is always room for improvement. I think I would have focused more on school

sports. Going to the foundation is the only way we will succeed as a nation. Get the children playing different sports from primary school, which was the case forty years ago and we have done a lot in this area but there is a lot of scope for improvement.

Lagos is referred to as Mecca of Sports in Nigeria, how were you able to achieve this?

Hardwork and a fantastic team made up of experienced sports administrators like Wale Oladunjoye, Mr. Fatayi-Williams, Kweku Tandoh and many young sports officers and so many others in and out of Government. I like to tap the brains of many of our veteran sports administrators who had succeeded in the past. I believe that you must know where you are coming from to know where you are going. I worked with some exciting ambitious young men and women as well. To succeed you need to take on board the views of people. The support of my colleagues in the various ministries was overwhelming and of course the Governor’s well known support for sports aided me in no small way.

Eko 2012 remains one of the best organised National Sports Festival, how were you able to achieve vis-a-vis the third place finishing of the state?

A lot of planning and hard work. We had come from the previous festival in our worst position ever. A lot of people were demoralized and a lot of our athletes had left for so called greener pastures. We brought in new ideas with coaches and programmes that meant our having athletes constant training and competition. We revived many competitions and started supporting many of our athletes with training allowances, the best equipment money could buy. But for me, I think the most important factor was engaging with the athletes one-on-one. It took a lot of my time but for me engaging with sportspeople gives me great joy. I am an unashamed super fan. I knew nearly all our 1000 plus athletes one-on-one and in many cases their parents too. We were a team. The camaraderie in Team Lagos was a joy to behold. It was a festival in every sense of the word. I think for me that 3rd place with the number of medals we had coming off our very poor outing in Rivers gives me the greatest joy. Another factor which is not spoken off much was the determination of Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor, who is a very determined woman who always wants the best for everyone. Her support and show of love for the athletes was tremendous and really boosted their morale. We built a great team for those games.

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

is based on the support I received from him. He is not only supportive but extremely knowledgeable about sports, which has helped me a great deal.

When you have a boss who not only supports you but also has vast knowledge and intelligence, it helps to keep you sharp and motivated, which ultimately brings out the best in you.

What are the things you could not achieve while in office?

There is still so much to do if we are to dine at the top table of world sports. We need to ensure that the processes we have created for the development of athletes must be consistent and sustainable. We are too reliant in this country on one or two individual athletes across all our sports. We must work to develop strong teams in each sport. We must look to the development of school sports to enable us produce a constant stream of athletes. There is still so much to do.

What motivated you throughout your tenure?

Basically it is the will to excel.

To attain the standard of the world’s best. In my work as a lawyer and an engineer that has always been my driving goal. To be the best that one is able to be.

In Lagos State it is the same and also to work hard to meet that goal

How were you able to combine your office with being the President of Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF)?

I tell people all the time that my greatest pleasure apart from my family is the fact that I work in sports. When you enjoy what you do the way I enjoy my sports then it would be an injustice to call it work. To see your athletes develop and grow from year to year really fulfills me. What we have been able to achieve in the NTTF is also down to a lot of hard work from the Board. The fact that I have so many good talented people working with me at the NTTF and in Lagos Sports make heading both offices much easier than you would think. I really enjoy what I do.

What is your view on making the National Sports Festival an open event for professionals and amateurs?

Our view in Lagos since the days of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been consistent. The NSF should be an avenue to seek out new young talents who can then grow into national stars. The participation of our elite athletes in the NSF serves no purpose. I make bold to say that this is just a concoction for those states who judge their development only by the medals they win. It would even be understandable if they developed many of these elite athletes they intend to use but in many cases they just use their superior funding to buy over young men and women who have been developed by Coaches in Lagos and other states that have grassroots programmes.

Either way we will continue to develop our young athletes and they will continue to represent us in the NSF.

Transf er Mar ket...T ransf er Mar ket... ransfer Mark t...Transf ransfer Mark

e afftter lke halk avves Scch eoo lea tte Di Matt disappointing season tteo chalke 04 coach Roberto Di MaItalthe r afte y tera yes club the left nio n ove r ian said a diff ere nce of opi impossiit e mad son sea t nex for s plan ainder of ble for him to see out the rem his contract to 2017. k over The former Chelsea coach too endbut r obe Oct in side the Ruhr valley cam liga des ed a dis app oin ting Bun ieve ach to ing fail e, plac h sixt paign in g a place his own stated target of securinLeague. s ion mp Cha ’s son sea t nex in dt and “(Director of sport) Horst Hel t sevpas the uss myself did not only disc ,” Di Maten months but also next season nt. eme stat teo said in a club e suc“I offered a plan for a possiblditions con the t wha and re futu cessful ame clear for that would need to be. It bec hasis.” emp nt ere diff a had club the t tha ChamDi Matteo, who led Chelsea to that said 2, 201 in pions League glory better for was it s, nce ere diff ir the to due part ways both the club and himself to and start afresh. gn from “This is why I decided to resi said. he ch,” coa d my position as hea point Club officials added that at no leave to ed forc or ked sac tteo was Di Ma ort s rep dia me n as sev era l Ge rma inst aga loss 2-0 ay’s urd Sat r afte claimed

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Di Matteo le.

Hamburg SV in the season fina was he t tha day Sun on “Re por ts facts,” sacked did not correspond to Heldt said.

Stok e plan a permanent oke deal for Moses

V

ictor Moses remains a transfer target for Stoke with Potters boss Mark Hughes saying he is still keen to sign the Nigerian winger, who was on loan from Chelsea this term, on a full contract.

Moses was surplus to Jose Mourinho’s requirements and sent to the Britannia after a previous loan to Liverpool.

And he impressed Hughes so much that he wants the winger on his books long-term.

Moses, whose current Chelsea contract expires at the end of the month, enjoyed regular first-team action under Hughes and his form led Mourinho to attempt to get him back for the second half of their successful title charge in January.

A hamstring injury ended the 24-year-old’s season early after he played 19 Premier League matches but he was at the Britannia to watch Stoke batter Liverpool 6-1 in the final game of the season and give Liverpool a nightmare farewell from the Premier League.

Liverpool target Ings

I

t did not go unnoticed amid the carnage of Liverpool’s final-day debacle at Stoke that Brendan Rodgers started without a recognised striker on the pitch.

His team were five goals down by halftime and lost 6-1. Their only consolation came from an ageing midfielder playing his last game for the club, who also happens to be Liverpool’s top scorer this season with 13 goals.

The sight of Steven Gerrard leaving Anfield so soon after Luis Suarez, while contract rebel Raheem Sterling and his representatives continue to agitate for a move away from Merseyside, has understandably struck fear into many Liverpool fans.

The Kop are crying out for a new saviour to lift the gloom after a truly wretched season. Against this backdrop, Danny Ings must decide on his next career move in the coming weeks when he leaves Burnley as a free agent.

Liverpool remain favourites to sign the England Under 21 striker ahead of the two Manchester clubs and Real Sociedad. But it does beg the question: are Liverpool right for Ings, and is Ings right for Liverpool?

C M Y K

34—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2015

Ngozi Okonjo Iwealla

B

logosphere last week was also dominated by news of the Minister of Finance’s latest award, handed out by none less than Yale University: a Doctorate of Human Letters for her contribution to social and economic development in Nigeria while serving as the minister for finance and coordinating minister for the economy, and while working at the World Bank. A petition has however followed this in protest, refering to the award as an insult to the Nigerian people and asking Yale to withdraw it.

Tens of thousands of signatures have already been signed online, while a bicker is being carried

Diezani Allison-Madueke

T

rending on blogosphere is an apparent drama at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja last week, as the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, ran to catch up with the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.

Buhari and the minister on Friday morning travelled out of the country to London on the same British Airways flight. It was gathered that when Diezani arrived the airport and got news that Buhari had already boarded the flight, she hurriedly ran to ensure that she entered the plane, leaving behind her aides.

There is a heated debate on what the trip really was for.

Beyonce

T

Harriet Tubman

T

he feminist movement in America is carrying on a campaign asking government in that country to begin to put women on postage stamps. A recent poll named antislavery activist Harriet Tubman the favorite, ahead of first lady Eleanor Roosevelt.

It wouldn’t be the first time that a woman appeared on America’s money.

Suffragette Susan B. Anthony and Native American Sacagawea graced ill-fated dollar coins.

President Barack Obama indicated his interest in showcasing more women. Republican legislators should take up the challenge and introduce a resolution urging the Treasury to add

on between protesters and the outgoing minister’s teeming fans, who thinks she’s worth it.

“The culture of official corruption and state resource mismanagement were both honored, celebrated, protected and defended under the leadership of Ngozi Iweala as the supervising coordinator of the Nigerian economy,” reads the petition.

Tubman.

There’s nothing sacred about the present currency line-up. After all, America was created by many more people than presidents and other politicians.

Indeed, replacing Andrew Jackson makes a certain sense since he resolutely opposed a federal central bank.

Tubman was born between 1820 and 1822 in Maryland to slave parents. She was hired out and often beaten. After her owner’s death in 1849, which led his widow to begin selling their slaves, she escaped through the Underground Railroad to Philadelphia.

Tubman also was an active abolitionist and lecturer. During the Civil War she

pressed abolition on the Lincoln administration.With greater effect she aided slave refugees, served as a nurse and acted as a scout for the federal army. Long after the war she aided the cause of women’s suffrage.

he beautiful pop diva who put the word bootylicious in the Oxford English dictionary might soon be tweeted out of existence in reaction to a video she recently shot with colleague, Niki Minaj in a song, Feeling Myself, where she empties bottles of champaigne into a bath. the bottles of Ace of Spades champagne range from $300 to $65,000. F ans are harsh and unforgiving of a gesture they refer to as wasteful and selfish.

Commentators are regarding this as the new definition of a ‘bubble bath’.

Stephanie Linus

A

Stephanie

ctress and philantropist Stephanie Linus has jumped on the reality show bandwagon with a one-of-a-kind reality show titled”Make Me Fabulous” a show about real life couples.

According to her, couples should ask themselves questions: Are we spending enough time together? Are we building the family of our dreams? Do I feel wanted in this marriage? Has this union changed me?

Blogosphere hails her as having beauty and brains, a rare combination.

Beyonce

Uche Pedro

A

Tubman C M Y K

lso shared out of control last week are photos of Bellanaija entrepreneur’s new born twins. Earlier, she had released a statement on her website that read: My husband Bode and I welcomed twins today, April 9. We’re so excited about their arrival.

We thank our family and friends for their love, prayers and support throughout our pregnancy and delivery.

Uche

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—35

I did not start out as a designer — Bose Adegunwa, Lawiza boss

By Anino Aganbi

M

ore often than not, people say the power of a woman lies in her husbands’ house.

Interestingly enough, women have stepped out of that age old mold that limits them in being just mothers and wives.

Women in Nigeria today have taken the business world by storm thereby increasing the net-profit the nation gets.

Among such is Mrs Bose Adegunwa, who has taking the fashion business agog. Apart from owning Lawiza Creations, she is also the CEO of lawiza fashion school. To this business woman, fashion designing is not just about stringing pieces of clothing together just for show.

As a business woman, how would you say the fashion industry today is?

The fashion industry is evolving. It is growing into something large. The fashion industry in Nigeria now can compete with any fashion industry in the world. We can say we are getting to the top.

When placing your designs alongside other local and foreign designers, how would you rate your designs?

Well, our work speaks for itself. We take time to do every

piece. We go all the way out to get every thing we need for our designs so we can compete very well with other designers in the world.

What makes your work stand out?

We take particular interests in details.

We do contemporary styles. it does not have to be boring just because it is African. We put our signature in everything that we do.

When you talk of details, can you throw more light on that?

I am talking about the finishing, the fabric, the match-making of which ever piece we want to do. We go out of our way not to use a particular material that would be so common or that people have used. We use the same fabrics as every other person but we bring it out in a way that is different and unique.

We also use a lot of bead work and stones.

How would you improve creativity as a business woman to avoid being labeled a copycat?

Before we bring out anything, we make sure it is our original style. We do not photocopy other peoples work neither do we take credit for other peoples work. We start from the scratch; from the

•Bose Adegunwa

drawings to getting the fabrics, test running, sewing and then embellishing it. We try as much as we can to create every piece we have from our own table.

Just as every other business has its own challenge, how have you been able to overcome the challenges you found in the industry?

Well, the challenges we have

I do not cut corners as a business woman.

We try as much as possible to give people value for their money. We use the best fabrics we can find in the market

in Nigeria are general for all businesses. The moment you have been in it for a long time, you can go around it. If it is light, you get a generator which is a very important part of sewing. We know there is never light in Nigeria so you have to get a good generator that will work properly. Most especially for the industrial machines and all other machines that are used for sewing.

Why did you choose fashion?

I didn’t start out as a designer. I studied sociology in the University. Along the way, I found my calling as I have always been a fashionable person. When I concluded my education, I did a business. I decided not to stick to buying and selling alone but to go into something I loved doing. So I found myself in the fashion industry and have not looked back ever since.

Was it something you inculcated from childhood or did you pick it as you grew up?

From childhood,I have always been a fashionable person. I would go out of my way to pick fabrics and give to a local tailor. When I was younger, I used to experiment with

Woman in Business 26/5/2015

different designs. Upon finishing from school I decided to go back to what I loved doing.

Tell us about your first work……….

When I first started, I had one tailor working along with me. I designed while he sewed. My first work was a dress I made for a friend of mine. I went further by sewing for myself which people loved.

Do you cut corners when creating a piece?

I do not cut corners as a business woman. We try as much as possible to give people value for their money. We use the best fabrics we can find in the market.

Because we test run, there is no way we can sell something that will eventually become useless for the person who bought it. At the end of the day, we would not want to sell something expensive that will not last when they can get it cheaper; that will be a rip off.

Improving productivity business wise……..

We try as much as possible to give our staff incentives to encourage them work faster, harder and better. We do everything possible to improve our work and also satisfy our customers. Our bottom line is not just in making profit but to ensure we work together as a team

36—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

By EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

THE imminent inauguration of General Muhammadu Buhari as president this Friday provokes reminisces of another man who came to office in the same mould – Olusegun Obasanjo.

Like Obasanjo like Buhari presidential election and famously asking reporters, “how many presidents will you make of me”, Buhari, after three attempts at the presidency between 2003 and 2011, was also known to have also renounced further efforts at a comeback.

However, both men were to succumb subsequently to entreaties from political associates when they were

I

N his first days in office as a military dictator in 1984, Gen. Buhari severally claimed that his administration was an offshoot of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime.

That was until an infuriated Obasanjo came out to denounce any relationship between him and the new regime. In his second coming as Nigerian leader, Buhari, now a more matured man is not expected to walk in the image of another man as every indication is that he intends to answer his own name. But the similarities between the political adventures of Obasanjo and Buhari are real.

General Obasanjo became military head of state of Nigeria in February 1976 following the assassination of the then head of state, Gen. Murtala Muhammed during a failed coup attempt. Obasanjo was in office as military dictator until October 1979 when he stepped handed over power to President Shehu Shagari at the beginning of the Second Republic.

Remarkably, Shagari’s government was ousted in a

•Obasanjo: 1976 to 1979

•Buhari: 1984 to 1985

military coup initiated by some officers who beckoned on Buhari, then the General Officer Commanding the 3rd Armoured Division of the Nigerian Army to lead the government. Buhari after twenty months, however, did not have the privilege of exiting on his accord as he was forced out in an internal coup initiated by some officers within his junta.

However, the inconsistency in their entry and exit out of power does not remove from the fact that the two men sit positioned as potentially the only two men to have successfully governed this

country twice – ironically both as military dictators and as democrats.

Obasanjo’s re-emergence as civilian president in 1999 was upon the broad support of the country’s political class, and especially retired military officers. It is almost in the same way that Buhari is again being relocated to the peak of power as a civilian upon the broad support of the civilian political class on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Just like Obasanjo who after his release from prison dismissed reports linking him to the 1999

That both men are strongly opinionated on issues of corruption is not in any doubt and both men are known to have a strong repulsion of corruption

seemingly projected as the Messiah needed to move the country forward at difficult periods respectively in 1998 and 2015.

However, given the experience of President Obasanjo in office between 1999 and 2007 when he in the view of some, acted with impunity, fears that Buhari may act in a similar manner has exercised some within the ranks of the political class, and particularly, in the APC. Would Buhari follow Obasanjo’s alleged steps in impunity?

That both men are strongly opinionated on issues of corruption is not in any doubt and both men are known to have a strong repulsion of corruption.

Obasanjo’s efforts in fighting corruption were highlighted by his remarkable efforts in enacting new legislation to combat vice.

The first effort was the enactment of the Independent Corrupt Practises and other related offences Commission Act, which was one of the first legislative proposals introduced by his administration to the National Assembly in 1999.

Another landmark effort by his administration was the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Establishment Act,

Continues on page 37

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—37

Amaechi’s lessons at 50

By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

“The lesson in my story is that all Nigerians must have part of my spirit which is resistance,” Governor Rotimi Amaechi yesterday told dignitaries that gathered for his 50th anniversary at a lecture in PortHarcourt.

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T was indeed fitting that in the epic struggle by rivals of President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of the 2015 presidential election, that they found a fitting mould in the person of Governor Rotimi Amaechi to lead the fight against the titanic Peoples Democratic Party, PDP which had projected itself to lead the country for 60 years in the first instance.

The choice of Amaechi to lead the presidential campaign of the All Progressives Congress, APC was indeed helped by his own past struggles in the trenches outside government. Even in government, his populist crusades for the enthronement of an egalitarian society that have seen rich and poor in Rivers State access the same standards of education and healthcare were indicators of a rebel in Government House.

Amaechi’s exposure to class struggle came first as a student activist when he fought against perceived harsh government policies. Remarkably, one of his most prominent struggles against authoritarian government policies were his agitations as an official of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS during which

he fought in the trenches against the policies of the Muhammadu Buhari regime.

By the time he graduated in 1987 from the University of Port Harcourt, with a degree in English and Literature, he had also served as the President of the National Association of Rivers State Students (NURSS).

His introduction into partisan politics had to wait until the onset of the Third Republic on the banner of the National Republic Convention, NRC and he subsequently became the Special Assistant to the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Peter Odili.

Ahead of the commencement of the Fourth Republic, Amaechi became the state Secretary of the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) caretaker committee and following that, at the death of General Sanni Abacha, Amaechi joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP on whose ticket he was elected to the State House of Assembly.

Amaechi was to emerge as the speaker of the House of Assembly and won the record of being the only man to serve two straight terms as speaker in any of the 36 state Houses of Assembly.

Amaechi’s political fibre was demonstrated in the days leading to the 2007 governorship election when after winning the ticket of the PDP he was removed on the assertion of him or his ticket having a K-leg. Amaechi fought back and in the process, the once solid relationship he had with his one-time political mentor, Dr. Odili was severed.

Amaechi’s doggedness eventually paid off in late

October 2007 when the Supreme Court upheld him as the valid holder of the PDP ticket who should have been sworn in as governor.

He may have been the last of the 2007 set of governors to have taken office, however, Amaechi’s blueprint on taking office put him indisputably among the leaders in terms of performance in office. The about 500 primary schools he built are comparable to the best in the world, the model secondary schools would put many local universities to shame, the 128 primary health care centres dwarf the prestige and sophistication of many hospitals, and the agricultural

•Amaechi: Now in the Golden Age Club

At 50, Amaechi has indeed put behind him the life of hustle-bustle, putting on the dignity that comes with life on the Golden plane

Like Obasanjo like Buhari Continues on page 36 which was enacted to strengthen the corruption battle even outside the public sector.

However, as a civilian president, reports of Obasanjo disregarding acts of corruption affecting his political allies was well reported. His indulgence of his political allies was especially highlighted by the allegedly skewed efforts of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC towards politically exposed persons. The EFCC it is alleged, acted decisively in the N54 million bribe for budget scam involving the Senate Committee on Education on the supposition that Senator Adolphus Wabara was planning to run for the presidential election in 2007 at a time the Third Term script was allegedly being scripted.

The decisiveness in the case

of the N54 million education budget scam was, however, lacking in the widely reported N50 million third term bribe collected by senators and members of the House of Representatives who were enrolled into the third term plot.

Would Buhari be selective in his prosecution of corruption?

Close aides and most associates disagree. Indeed, a high ranking official of the APC in a chat with some reporters acknowledged the trepidation among party officials as he said that Buhari was looking for the first person in his cabinet to go to jail for corruption.

The seeming difference in the way the two men may fight corruption was signposted by the revelation that Buhari would publicly declare his assets and require his aides to do the same.

In making his assets public, the

incoming president would have put public scrutiny and transparency to a high level that would inevitably only put those who are above board to show a willingness to serve in his administration.

Assertions that Buhari would not protect his associates involved in corruption is a fact many associates are now admitting.

The ongoing struggle by some party chieftains to position their favourite godsons in key positions in the National Assembly some allege, is one way they also hope to check Buhari from moving against them should he consider taking his anti-corruption battle to within the top hierarchy of his party.

But the question as to whether Buhari would act with impunity in imposing his will on the

revolution he stimulated through the Songhai scheme are laudable achievements that put Amaechi on the pinnacle of history as among the best governors to have passed through Rivers State.

His achievements in the first term, his accusers allege, were tempered by the politics he played outside the state.

His insistence on assuming his mandate for a second term in office as the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum,

political class as some allege that Obasanjo did in his years between 1999 and 2007 is another matter.

Obasanjo was widely acknowledged to have foisted his will in the election of the leadership of the National Assembly during his time, a development that led to much instability in the two chambers of the National Assembly in that period.

Buhari has, however, promised not to follow that path saying that he has learnt from the lessons of the instability that shadowed the National Assembly during the Obasanjo period.

Given his inclination towards law and order, Buhari is expected to bring a sense of discipline in the conduct of government business in a way that is expected to inspire emulation among aides and bring fear and dread to those who have until now indulged in trampling on the will of the people.

NGF was a reflection of his initial struggle for his governorship mandate in 2007.

Again, in his battle with President Goodluck Jonathan over the leadership of the NGF, Amaechi showed doggedness and unwavering commitment to the principles of democracy seemingly putting the president and his associates to pressure in their struggle to prove that 16 was a greater number than 19.

There is no doubt that the emotions that flowed from that struggle inevitably led to the defection of the five governors from the PDP, a development that nearly everyone now acknowledges signposted the defeat of President Jonathan and his party in the recent round of general elections.

Amaechi is, however, an ordinary man. He wins some and loses some. He may have lost the governorship battle in Rivers State with the victory of his one-time subordinate and chief of staff, Nyesom Wike in the recent governorship election. But it was a victory that came through a process that has been described by some as flawed by opponents of the PDP. That seeming dent was not regarded as a defect for Amaechi yesterday. As he said, victory achieved at the cost of one human life is no victory.

At 50, Amaechi has indeed put behind him the life of hustlebustle, putting on the dignity that comes with life on the Golden plane.

38—VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

DEPUTY GOV: Ezeilo in Enugu MRS. Cecilia Ezeilo's emergence as the first female deputy governor in Enugu State has gender activists excited that barriers against women are being broken down.

By Francis Igata

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REATED in 1991, Enugu State has never had a woman occupy the exalted office of governor or deputy governor, the two top positions in the state that have essentially been dominated by men who relegated women to the background.

It was as such a matter of excitement among women activists at the end of last year when the announcement of Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo was announced as the running mate to Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi when he emerged as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate.

Observers quickly poured encomiums and eulogies on Ugwuanyi’s decision which they said was a strategic political masterstroke to woo majority of the electorates who comprised of women and youths mostly.

But political pundits were however not astonished at Ugwuanyi’s decision to run with a female deputy hinging their stance on Ugwuanyi’s political prowess to galvanise the needed support for their victory.

Another school of thought maintained that Ugwuanyi was mindful of the wind of change billowing across the country as more women have occupied sensitive positions in government hitherto reserved for the men.

During President Goodluck Jonathan’s visit to Enugu for his presidential rally at the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium last November, Ugwuanyi had described Ezeilo as a gift to the people of Enugu State insisting that his administration will have a human face having a mother as his deputy who would provide the soothing balm of peace and progress to calm politically frayed nerves.

Ezeilo, a lawyer and widow of late Chief Malachy Ezeilo, a traditional ruler and a one-time Commissioner for Works during the old Anambra State learned the robe and shot to limelight riding on her husband’s crest.

Ezeilo's strides She was elected into the Enugu State House of Assembly in 2011.

During her stint at the House, she served as the Chairman, House Committee on Judiciary where she adopted the Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism, ADRM, as a faster and better means of resolving public disputes arising from numerous public petitions sent to her committee.

It was during her rein that the legislature and judiciary experienced a pronounced

industrial harmony as separate arms of government.

Her instincts as a mother may have inspired her motion while she was in the House for a bill to cater for the needs of people with special needs.

Her quest to empower and ensure jobs for the teeming unemployed women, youths in Enugu State, again, motivated her to move a motion for the reactivation of the moribund Cashew •Ezeilo: Women have arrived in Enugu

Her instincts as a mother may have inspired her motion while she was in the House for a bill to cater for the needs of people with special needs

Industry, Ezeagu as a panacea to the plight of women and youths of the state.

The soaring rate of auto crashes in around the state caught her attention as she also, moved a motion at the House which sought to ensure that vehicle drivers undergo driving examinations before drivers license are issued to them.

The idea behind the motion was to reduce the death rate associated with auto crashes in the state.

Elated residents Expectedly, the emergence of a female deputy governor has provoked joy among gender activists who are naming the yet to be inaugurated Ugwuanyi as the most gender friendly government in the annals of Enugu history.

Mrs. Mary-Jane Mbagwu who was visibly elated said, “May 29 will open a new horizon for women empowerment in the state. Her position as deputy

governor will add impetus for more women to aspire and attain more sensitive government positions.

“Ugwuanyi’s choice of female deputy has broken a jinx in the state and has endeared him to women and youths who form the greater majority of the electorates.

His choice of female deputy is a Midas touch that will galvanise his re-election bid come 2019 when Enugu State will experience the most keenly contested election given the presence of an All Progressives Congress, APC, led administration at the centre.”

Another respondent, Mrs. Ngozi Ossai charged the deputy governor-elect not to lower her guard but to rather, up the ante to justify the confidence reposed on her in the cause of discharging her duty.

According to her, “Ezeilo should roll her sleeves and brace up for the task ahead. She is carrying on her shoulders, the expectations of over 3 million women and children of the state. Issues of women empowerment, child rights, women battery, rape, child abuse, girl child education, maternal healthcare services among others should be prominent in her agenda.

“She should walk in the path of late Prof. Dora Akuyili, Oby Ezekwesili among others to etch her name in gold.”

Only time will tell if she will serve as a rallying point towards women emancipation in the scheme of things in Enugu State to bring the state at par with others like Lagos, Ekiti, Anambra among others where women had held sway as deputy governors.

REPS SPEAKER: The quest by Northern minorities

By Mohammed Abubakar

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T is no longer news that the 2015 general elections has united Nigerians especially northerners, who had never voted in the same pattern.

For the first time since independence, northern Christians and Muslims voted perhaps for the same party and presidential candidate.

Some of us (northern Muslims) had given up hope of seeing a united north as envisioned by the late sage, Sir Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto. However, the 2015 elections has rekindled our hope that in our life time, Sardauna‘s dreams is a reality.

Muhammudu Buhari’s goodwill united northerners. This is why Engineer Buba Galadima, Senator Saidu Dansadau and many other people have voiced their concerns over attempts to scheme out northern Christians from holding one of the presiding positions of the National Assembly.

It is even more worrisome and disturbing when on Saturday 23rd May, 2015, former Minister of Defence, Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.) condemned the manner in which northern Christians were always humiliated and disgraced out of public offices for no just cause.

Now there is an opportunity to correct the many wrongs of the past and assauge the fears expressed

by Danjuma and the likes by ensuring that the number four position is ceded to a north eastern minority Christian.

Already, Senator Bukola Saraki, a northern Yoruba Muslim from Kwara state is angling for the senate presidency.

Therefore, the most reasonable and sensible thing to do, is to zone the Speakership to the North East since there is a ranking northern minority Christian member from that region contesting for the position.

However, if the All Progressives Congress, APC, as a political party does not follow in the path of the Peoples' Democratic Party (PDP), it still behoves on the leaders to facilitate and encourage the emergence of a northern Christian as Speaker.

Having agreed to unite under same political roof, northern Christians and minority tribes need to be compensated and carried along in this dispensation so as to further cement this new political order in the north. This should be encouraged by all concerned.

I must, however, warn that there are many implications and consequences if the present political leaders of the APC fail to

adhere to words of wisdom.

It will mean that, in the future, northern Muslims will not have the moral stance to ask for northern minorities’ support in elections.

However, while I appreciate the efforts of some APC leaders, who are working tirelessly to ensure that these segments of the Nigerian society are carried along, others that can best be described as disgruntled elements are bent on ruining this feat.

As we get to understand, quite a number of them, both within and outside the National Assembly have been fanning the embers of religious and ethnic sentiments in order to sprout their political nest.

It is the most uncharitable thing to do in these times of national rebirth.

I am however, not advocating that merit be sacrificed on the altar of political compensation as in this instance, there is coincidence of merit, competence and the need for political compensation.

As it is now, a son of the North East, Hon. Yakubu Dogara from Bauchi State is in the race for the Speakership and he is ably qualified. As I read in the newspaper, he is a ranking member of the House of Representatives and a lawyer with 22 years experience in legal practice. In addition to this, he is humble, intelligent and highly

charismatic. This makes him to be ably qualified for the number four position in the land.

Sadly, it now appears that his religious affiliation is being used by some people in a desperate move to edge him out. In the spirit of consolidating on the gains of the Northern union, it is expedient that the north maintains the current regional cohesion, by carrying our Christian counterparts along.

Dogara is a legislator of great standing, he has to his credit a number of bills and peopleoriented motions.

In an era of change, his legislative aspiration aimed at repealing obsolete legislation will certainly facilitate the enactment of relevant legislation that will ensure the actualization of the incoming government’s anti-corruption endeavors as well as other people oriented policies.

Coming from an ethnic minority tribe, Dogara certainly feels the pulse of the masses and also identifies with the yearnings of the ethnic nationalities. Hence, he is strategically positioned to serve the interest of the generality of Nigerians. APC, especially the north should not miss this golden opportunity.

Abubakar wrote in from No. 10 Club Road, Bompai, Kano.

VANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, MA Y 27, 2015—39 ANGUARD, WEDNESDA MAY

I don’t really fancy him

Should I watch porn with my wife?

Dear Bunmi, Recently, my wife confessed she always had a desire to watch porn with me. I’m thrilled but a little confused.

I’ve often watched alone or with my close friends for a laugh.

What sort of porn would be suitable for both of us to watch? And what do I do whilst she’s watching it? Do I look at writhing figures on the screen or at her?

Will she get upset if I get turned on looking at the girls on screen? Am I supposed to say she looks hotter than they do, even if she doesn’t?

Should we then make love immediately after?

Augustus, by e-mail.

Dear Augustus, I laughed when I read your mail. Why don’t you calm down for a start? Commend your girl for wanting to try something new and involve her in choosing what you watch.

A good pointer is to go for a film made by a female director. The men are better looking (standard boy porn tends to feature very average

looking guys) and they have female friendly storylines.

As for what to do, have it playing in the background and if in doubt, concentrate on her rather than the girls in the film. Watching her get aroused will probably be

enough of a turn on.

You don’t need to tell her she’s hotter than the girls on the screen (unless she asks, in which case, of course, she’s hotter.) You’ll be surprised how naturally things will fall into shape.

He wants me to talk dirty Dear Bunmi, My husband of six years is suddenly trying to show a side he never let me see even in our courting days. He wants me to talk dirty to him whenever we’re making love.

This kind of talk is so out of character for me, and it would make me upset and uncomfortable. What should I do?

Mandi, by e-mail.

Dear Mandi, You might find talking dirty in the bedroom to be a shocking or abnormal behaviour but many couples see it as big turn-on. It doesn’t mean you’re a wayward person.

I would never tell you to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. I don’t think it

would cause any harm if you try it out. Why don’t you start by creating a character role to play?

Pretend you’re trying to seduce and charm your husband, or simply describe to him how what he’s doing feels to you. You can just whisper all this into his ear.

You may not think talking dirty is your style, you won’t know for sure until you try. It could enhance your sex life once you get used to it.

However, if you try it and don’t feel comfortable, tell your husband you want to stop.

He should understand, and you two can continue to experiment until you find something erotic that turns you both on equally. He is after all your better half, and who best to let go with?

Should married women fancy other men?

Dear Bunmi, My husband and I are happy in our marriage. We have two little girls and a satisfactory sex life.

Lately however, I’ve found myself fantasizing about other men, particularly my husband’s closest friend. He’s recently been separated from his wife and I find myself thinking about him all the time.

I even become jealous when he talks about women he fancies. Is this a symptom of deeper problems in my marriage? I’m thinking of having a bite of this particular forbidden fruit!

Yinka, by e-mail.

Dear Yinka, Your wondering eyes are not at all unusual, it is completely normal. As a matter of fact, the most virtuous, faithful, pure-minded woman can’t control her thought and lust all of the time because part of a woman’s make-up is a very strong sex drive.

Don’t, under any circumstance, let guilt

pressure you into irrational, possibly damaging actions, including your jumping into bed with this man simply because you find him sexually appetizing!

Whatever you do, don’t tell your husband about your attraction to other men or give him any reason to suspect you’re lusting after one. It would be irksome to both of you if he became anxious or

jealous because of your revelations. It would certainly disrupt his relationship with his friend.

Any flirting between you and your husband’s friend must be kept under control. It is natural for you to warm to him and enjoy his affection, but know where to draw the line. Warmth between two people does not have to end in sex.

Whatever you do, don’t tell your husband about your attraction to other men or give him any reason to suspect you’re lusting after one; it would be irksome to both of you if he became anxious or jealous because of your revelations

Dear Bunmi, My boyfriend has been keen on me for ages and a few months ago, I started going out with him, partly because he’s made so much effort.

But the relationship is going nowhere as far as I’m concerned.

I don’t love him at all and would love to end the relationship. How do I let him down without hurting his feelings?

Vanessa, by e-mail.

Dear Vanessa,

Breaking up is hard to do but if you’re not into this relationship then honesty is the best policy and you have to be cruel to be kind.

It is horrible to be left by a lover but sometimes it is harder being the one who takes the responsibility to end a relationship that’s going nowhere, especially when your lover is as hopeful as this man appears to be.

It’s flattering to have somebody chasing you so hard, but if you respect him, let him go and find a woman who can return his love.

He should understand, and you two can continue to experiment until you find something erotic that turns you both on equally

She has no qualms about lying Dear Bunmi, My girlfriend is an incurable liar.

She can’t help exaggerating events and making boastful claims to make herself big in front of her friends.

She’ll lie to others in my presence even though she knows I know the truth. When I challenge her, she claims everybody does it.

But I don’t agree with her and sometimes wonder whether I can trust her about our relationship when she’s told so many lies.

Faruk, by e-mail.

Dear Faruk, Your girlfriend must feel insecure if she has to lie to boost her self-esteem. My guess is a lot of her friends may be as tired of her lies as you.

Give her reassurance that she doesn’t need to make her life appear more impressive – you love her just as she is.

Give her time to let this message sink in. It usually takes time for braggarts to stop!

Should I try again with my ex?

Dear Bunmi, I got married two years ago when I hadn’t completely fallen out of love with my exgirlfriend.

I met my wife on the rebound after my ex left me for another man. But the relationship didn’t work out and she’s started ex-mailing me.

My wife is kind, gentle and good company but I now realize that my ex is the love of my life. My marriage is currently childless. What should I do?

Smart, by e-mail.

Dear Smart,

Before you do anything rash, like throwing away your marriage, stop and think about your real feelings for your ex.

It’s easy to look back at a past relationship with rosetinted glasses, but she was the one who chose to finish with you and must have had her reason, which may well still exist.

I would try to make your marriage work, if I were you.

Don’t rush back to your ex without being sure she’s not also settling for you on the rebound.

What happens if what she considers a better option shows up – again?

Share your problems and release your burden. Write now to Dear Bunmi, Vanguard Newspapers, P.M.B 1007, Apapa, Lagos, or bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk

40 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

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n Sunday, May 10, 2015, Vanguard Features, VF, visited Malkohi Settlement, about 25km from Yola, Adamawa State capital, to see victims of Boko Haram insurgency freed from the Sambisa forest enclave of the dreaded Boko Haram terror group. They had been freed by the joint military task force currently battling to free all the territories captured by the insurgents in their six-year reign of terror. Happy to have come out of the proverbial Lion’s den alive, Amina Suleiman and Farida Audu (not real names), two young women from Gumsiri village (about 30km from Chibok)in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State, relay their horrible experiences to VF. The Sambisa forest with an area of 60,000 square kilometers, stretches from Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Bauchi, Jigawa to some parts of Kano State.

Invasion and abduction Amina, sitting comfortably on the double-bunk bed in the dormitory was the first to speak: “It was 4.00pm on a Friday during the call for muslim prayers when Boko Haram insurgents invaded our village, shooting sporadically as they entered.

They killed some people, mostly men, and led us - women and children - to the front court of the palace of the village head.

Some of the insurgents were busy setting houses on fire while others were shooting and killing people. There was confusion all over the place. At a point, we were ordered to start walking towards the forest. In the course of the journey to a village close to ours, five men were slaughtered in our presence; their stomachs ripped open while their heads were tucked in the bleeding flesh. A man who was supposed to be among the murdered five escaped into the bush with bullet wounds.”

Journey into the forest “We continued the journey and got to Bita, (a village bordering Damboa and Gwoza local government areas of Borno State) where we spent the night.

We were about 300 in number.

Those that had wrappers spread them on the ground and laid down, while those of us who had nothing laid on bare ground covered with shrubs and other plants with sharp edges.

“The following day, we continued to Gwoza. Our children were thirsty, hungry and tired. We spent three months in Gwoza and when they heard that soldiers were coming, they moved us to the outskirts of the town and abandoned us there under some trees in the forest.”

Feeding

*Some of the children rescued from Sambisa forest, about two weeks after their rescue. *Soldiers around the Sambisa forest on rescue mission

*Part of the dreaded Sambisa forest

BOKO HARAM:

We knew we were alive but didn’t understand how — Rescued victims

By Ebele Orakpo Continued Amina in her small voice: “They gave us very little food consisting of stale maize flour stolen from farmers and brought into the forest. The flour was black and unfit for human consumption. For soup, they gave us dry okra or kuka (dry baobab leaves) with little seasoning; no protein at all. So, many of us, especially the children, fell sick. At a point, I had to dig some swampy areas looking for fish and luckily, I got four boneless fish usually found underground. The water was not good for consumption even though we forced ourselves to take it to remain alive.”

In contrast, she said the insurgents slaughtered cows, rams and chickens on daily basis.

Talk about George Orwell’s Animal Farm where although all animals were equal on paper but some were more equal than

others in reality!

“We lived one day at a time, praying to God for deliverance,” said Farida who was breastfeeding her baby.

On the move again “One Tuesday evening, they heard that the military was

Slaughtering of human beings was very common and it was done with so much brutality; it was as if chickens had more prestige and importance

coming and they asked us to move again, vowing that we will not secure our freedom because they were equal to the task and even if they were over-powered, they would not go down alone as we would be used as human shields.

“We started moving further into the forest on empty stomach. As we walked, they followed behind to ensure we didn’t escape. We walked until about 2.00am the following day before we were allowed to stop and rest. But before daybreak, they woke us up to continue the journey further into the forest. We walked until 7:30 pm when it was time for the last Muslim prayer of the day.”

The forest Asked to describe the Sambisa forest, Amina said: “It’s a bush.

There are no houses, so when the sun is up, it is unbearably hot and at night, it is very cold and uncomfortable. As a result,

many of the children fell ill. The insurgents would put up temporary tents where they stay with their wives. Sometimes we didn’t even get the opportunity to pray and we stayed three, four days without praying. The insurgents claim they are doing the work of God but that is not true. They prayed with boots on and enter the mosque with shoes. Maybe they were doing that so as to be ready at any point in time to move or fight the soldiers.”

Fowls more valuable than humans “Slaughtering of human beings was very common and it was done with so much brutality. It was as if chickens had more prestige and importance.

“Any time we had the opportunity to pray, we always called on God to have mercy

Continues on page 41

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 —41

We knew we were alive Continues from page 40 o n us and deliver us.

Sometimes we fasted.

One day, we got news that the military was coming thanks to a small radio we got at Gwoza. Usually, one of us will hide under a tree to listen to news and tell the rest of us all that had been said.”

Rape Said Farida: “No one was raped in our camp.

May be it happened in some other camps because we were kept in different camps. Our captors have rules they adhered to. If one is caught stealing, his limbs are cut off. If he commits adultery or fornication, he is killed and if he lies, he is beaten severely.

We were not taken into the interior of the forest. No one in our camp was forcefully given out in marriage but they always insulted and cast aspersions on us, calling us infidels and threatening to slaughter us, especially those of us who were not pregnant.

Sometimes they would tell us they want to marry us out, and we told them we won’t enter any marriage contract that God has not ordained. By this time, we had lost all sense of fear.

Although this usually made us feel depressed but we never lost hope in God. We saw ourselves breathing but dead inside. We knew we were alive but didn’t know nor understand how.”

What the insurgents looked like “They are human beings like us; most of them are dirty, smelly, with unkempt hair and beards, and some go bare-footed. Some of them are like walking corpses as a result of hunger. Many are in the group without knowing or understanding the ideology. Some people voluntarily take themselves to the group and request to be initiated. Some move without ammunition and carry only sticks as weapons. Most of them are young men between the ages of 15 and 30.

Some braid their hair and have longer hair than some women. When they raid towns or villages, they steal everything, including clothes, and after selection, the ones

*Some of the returnees relaxing under a tree, while some were in Church. INSET: Makeshift stall put up by some returnees to meet the needs of fellow IDPs.

they don’t like are burnt.

Some have their heads completely shaved and look very neat and wear good clothes. We never saw anyone above 40 years or even up to that age,” stated Farida.

Mode of operation “Usually, when they attack villages, they either kill the men or conscript them into the group, especially teenagers, as the men in most cases are killed. When they came to our village, there was a boy of about 12 years who was captured. Before the arrival of the soldiers, they killed him.

Sometimes when they go to a village and make a request for a number of boys, if their request is not met, they threaten bloodshed.”

Initiation “After the boys are captured, they are given a blood-like liquid mixed with palm dates (dabino) to drink. The insurgents would raise the cup

containing the drink above their heads and then pass it to the boys to sip one after the other.

After taking the drink, the boys would start behaving like the terrorists in thought and deed. They would try to defend themselves, telling us that people have accused them of drinking blood and

Our captors have rules they adhere to; if one is caught stealing, his limbs are cut off; if he commits adultery or fornication, he is killed and if he lies, he is severely beaten

eating flesh but that it is all lies,” said Farida who insisted she had witnessed the initiation.

Brainwashing Said Amina: “Sometimes they would gather us together and tell us that anybody who wants a quick visa to paradise sho u l d c o m e and they would strap some devices on her body (Improvised Explosive Devices) and she would go to Maiduguri, Abuja and other big towns to kill people , but we refused.”

Deliverance “One day, we heard the sound of a helicopter hovering over the forest; after sometime, a bomb was released into the forest and there was confusion everywhere.

The wives of the terrorists tried to convince us to run with them, claiming that the soldiers were pagans and would kill us too but

we refused to be deceived because we had enough information on radio on what was going on. Moreover, we had been praying for the soldiers to come and free us. So some young boys were asked to keep an eye on us.

“Before we knew what was happening, the soldiers were in the forest. When some of the terrorists who couldn’t escape saw this, they came into our midst to use us as human shields because they wanted us dead. What we did was to lie flat while the soldiers engaged them in fierce battle and killed many of them. Some were smashed by armoured tanks. We were screaming that we were not part of them but abducted victims. That was how we were saved.”

The former captives are slowly but steadily making progress, thanks to the efforts of NEMA, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency and other nong o v e r n m e n t a l organisations who are doing so much to make life comfortable for these innocent victims. Already,

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

No ethnicity, Delta State for us all, Okowa assures

By Festus Ahon & Akpokona Omafuaire

A

SABA—DELTA State governor-elect, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has assured Deltans that he will run the affairs of the state as a detribalised Deltan, saying he had put the pre-election issues behind him.

Okowa also appealed to Deltans to exercise patience with his incoming administration, taking cognisance of the huge problems facing the country.

The governor-elect, who played host to political leaders of Warri-Ijaw from Warri North, Warri South and Warri SouthWest Local Government Areas, said: “I must thank you and assure you that Delta State is for us all. I will not resort to the issue of ethnicity that played out in the primaries.

Ex-militant leader warns against castigating amnesty programme

By Onozure Dania

A

Niger Delta exmilitant leader, Mr. Ayakpo Niekebi of Niger Delta Advocate for Peace, NDA, with membership from Ijaw, Urhobo and Itsekiri ethnic nationalities, has warned Mr Michael Johnny, Bonny Gawei and Francis Muturu to desist from inflammatory statements against the Presidential Amnesty Programme or incur the wrath of Egbesu.

Niekebi, who spoke in Warri, Delta State, warned that any further antiKingsley Kuku comments from the trio, ex-militants from the region would have no option but to excommunicate them.

Niekebi noted that the trio were on their own and do not represent the views of the people of the Niger Delta region, advising youths to be mindful of the antics of Johnny, Gawei and Muturu.

According to him, they want to rock the boat after gaining immensely from the amnesty programme, adding that such cheap means of seeking to gain favour from the incoming administration of General Muhammadu Buhari will not work in the interest of the region.

“Ijaw people supported my candidacy, so I decided to choose an Ijaw man of Warri as my running mate. I was led by God before I chose him and I don’t regret picking him because the Ijaws of Warri have done well.

“Let us all continue to think of Delta State as a whole always. We are coming in at a time of huge burden but God will help us because he will not send us out for nothing. This is

a tough time but God will do it for us. People should be patient with us but we will remain committed to our electoral promises. We may not be the best but it would have been worse if an inexperienced person was chosen.”

Earlier, Chief Dan Ekpebide, said: “We are here to say you have done well. We thank you for choosing our son as your deputy despite the vast majority of qualified Deltans. We didn’t

want to wait too long to come.

We know your works and are aware of the role you played in resolving the Warri crisis. We know your contributions along with James Ibori.

“We are happy today because Ibori saved the situation. We want you to know that some of the issues are still there."

Leader of the delegation, Bosin Ebikeme, assured Okowa of the support of the Ijaw people and promised to always be behind the government in ensuring a peaceful state.

UNVEILING: Cross River State governor, Sen. Liyel Imoke,(3rd left); his Edo State counterpart Mr. Adams Oshiomhole; Cross River governor-elect, Prof. Ben Ayade and his Deputy, Prof Ivara Esu; Deputy governor-elect of Rivers State, Ipalebo Banigo; Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Efiok Cobham (right) and the Chairman, Cross River State Traditional Rulers Council, Etinyin Etim Okon Edet and the Ndidem of the Qua, Ndidem Patrick Inok Oqua, at the unveiling of the 5,000 seating capacity CICC, yesterday.

Why we set up NDDC project review committee in Bayelsa —Dickson

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N A G O A — GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, said that the setting up a committee to review projects being executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, in the state, was not to witch-hunt anybody, but to ascertain if the state was getting its fair share from the intervention agency.

Dickson, in Yenagoa after receiving an interim report from the committee, expressed delight that the committee’s findings would assist the current administration determine the extent to which the commission had contributed to the development of the state.

Appreciating the Federal Government for establishing the NDDC, Dickson noted that the activities of the commission would go a long way in complementing the developmental efforts of the affected states, if well coordinated.

The governor also commended the chairman and members of the committee for doing what he described as a painstaking and

diligent job and assured them of the government’s determination to study the report with a view to implementing it for the collective wellbeing of Bayelsans.

He said: “This state must be in a position to determine whether we are getting our fair share of NDDC intervention funds.

Secondly, we are also interested in seeing to it that, those who are selected by the NDDC as contractors to execute intervention jobs in Bayelsa, actually do so. That is why this committee was put together, and I appreciate the painstaking job you have done.”

Regard Asari’s utterance as mere threat —Urhobo youths

By Perez Brisibe

U

GHELLI—URHOBO youths under the aegis of Urhobo National Youth Council, UNYC, have urged the incoming administration to regard recent utterances of the leader of Niger Delta Peoples Salvation Front, NDPSF, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, on returning to the creeks as a mere threat. They called on Dokubo to desist from making inciting utterances against the incoming Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Assuring the incoming administration of peace in the region, UNYC National

President, Monday Oyeghe, said that contrary to threats by Asari on the resumption of a “Niger Delta struggle,” the people of the region would support Buhari in achieving the needed change in Nigerian.

He explained that Dokubo's utterances should be discarded as a mere threat, adding: “No youth of the Niger Delta region would resort to arms struggle against the incoming administration, rather, we would work towards the success of the incoming administration especially in ensuring that the administration implements its development plan for the area."

Edo APGA elects new exco

A

LL Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Edo State chapter, has elected a new state executive at its state congress held in Benin City.

Elder Godfrey Ehimen emerged chairman; Emmanuel Ani, deputy state chairman; Godwin Ogudu and Paul Ukonga as Edo Central and North senatorial districts vice chairmen respectively; Mr. E m m a n u e l Ayfuobhokhan, Secretary and Isaac Nwanbure, Treasurer.

Others are: Ebere Oguibe, Asst. secretary; Samson Iyoha, Financial Secretary; Paul Okolie, Publicity Secretary; Asemota Aimiennwinye, Legal Adviser; Mrs. Iyamu Helen, Welfare; Samuel Eze, Organising Secretary; Mrs. Magdalene Uwadia, Woman Leader and Osaro Akhigbe, as state Youth Leader.

DESOPADEC commissions more roads in Delta community

By Tare Youdeowei

T

HE commissioner representing Ndokwa nation on the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas D e v e l o p m e n t C o m m i s s i o n , DESOPADEC, Sir Kenny Okolugbo, yesterday commissioned key roads in Ukwani Local Government Area of the state.

Okolugbo, during the commissioning of Uguna Road, Obiogene, in Ebedei, said that he was grateful to God and the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, for the privilege and magnanimity which had placed him in the position of attracting democratic dividends to his people.

In his welcome speech, the Onotu-Uku of Obiogene community, Chief James Obi thanked Governor Uduaghan for finding the Obiogene community worthy to be part of his success story.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015— 43

Lagos kicks off 2015 power kids’ initiative, June 1

TRIBUNAL: Ekwunife appeals for free, fair

judgment

By Enyim Enyim

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By Olasunkanmi Akoni

NITSHA—THE senatorelect for Anambra Central senatorial district, Mrs. Uche Ekwunife, has called on the election petition tribunal sitting in Awka to ensure a free and fair judgment in the petitions filed by candidates from various political parties’ candidates contesting the April 11 National Assembly poll.

Speaking to reporters in Awka shortly after she filed her reply to the petition brought against her victory by Chief Victor Umeh of All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, at the tribunal, Ekwunife said she won the senatorial election convincingly, adding that Umeh had no reason to challenge the result of the election.

Ekwunife, a serving member representing Njikoka, Anaocha and Dunukofia Constituency in the House of Representatives, noted that her party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, defeated Chief Victor Umeh roundly in all elective positions in Anambra

L

AGOS STATE Electricity Board, LSEB, has concluded plans to hold the 2015 annual Lagos Power Kids Programme, LAPK, Monday, June 1.

The programme is one of the youth energy development initiatives which the state government administered through LSEB and has been running for the last three years.

The programme, entitled 'Solar Energy,' is expected to have about 1,000 students selected from 50 junior and senior secondary schools that are part of Lagos solar project.

They have been chosen to participate in the interactive and engaging solar energy boot camp at the LSEB, Ikeja.

According to LAPK Coordinator, Mrs. Yewande Olagbende, the 2015 edition will enhance the students’ experience more than the previous editions.

“The students will have the opportunity to visit the Lagos Energy Academy, Lagos Solar enclosure and the Mainland Power Plant which all offer them something unique to learn about,” she said.

General Manager, LSEB, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, said the programme was designed for public secondary school students to understand solar energy, instil an energy awareness culture from a young age and make the students energy ambassadors.

Central senatorial district.

According to her, despite the hate campaigns against her and all efforts made by the state government to frustrate her ambition through letters to presidents-general, traditional rulers, religious bodies as well as

market leaders, the people came out in their numbers to vote her into office.

She expressed confidence that the Election Petitions Tribunal, headed by Justice Aganaba, would do justice to the petition brought against her, insisting that

Ohanaeze youths urge ex-Gov Kalu to stop attack on Orji

By Anayo Okoli

U

M U A H I A — OHANAEZE Youth Council has condemned the serial media attacks and campaign of calumny against the outgoing governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji, by his predecessor and estranged political mentor, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, saying it was time the former governor put a halt to the unnecessary attacks.

The group accused the former

governor of being on a vendetta mission to rubbish his successor and urged him to toe the line of a statesman by commending the governor where he had done well.

The group, in a statement by Mr. Chetachi Ikpe, deputy chairman, regretted that ‘’it was unfortunate for a past governor to sustain a vitriolic campaign of calumny against his successor in this manner.”

Accusing the former governor of being on a vendetta mission,

Touts take over Owerri, extort money from citizens

By Chidi Nkwopara

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WERRI—TOUTS have taken over the streets of Owerri, Imo State capital, harassing and extorting money from unsuspecting citizens.

While scores of the red-eyed, stick-carrying touts claim to be staff of Environmental Transformation Commission, ENTRACO, others storm private business outfits, forcing them to pay varying sums of money as tax.

Vanguard investigation revealed that the municipality had been carved out into various segments and given to some individuals to collect the

the election was free, fair and credible.

“I have faith in the tribunal. The matter is not a complicated one because everything is clear enough to prove that I won the election,” she said.

tolls.

Although it was not clear at press time the person, local government or ministry the touts were working for, they have taken over the entire space.

A man, who gave his name simply as Vincent, said he was accosted, yesterday, by the rampaging touts at the Control Post, Owerri, and virtually made to cough out N10,000 for parking near the NNPC Mega Station to buy banana.

“These touts pounced on my car as soon as I stopped to buy fingers banana. They claimed that they were working for ENTRACO and before I knew what was happening, they fleeced me of N10,000.

“Heaven was almost let loose when I asked for a receipt to cover the money collected for the state government,” he said.

Another woman, Madam Bertha Ngozi Iwuajoku, lamented that she barely managed to make a living from the sale of fruits.

“These people (touts) came to my stand, yesterday, and slammed a N3,000 bill on me.

The entire fruits on my table was not worth that much but they never cared to know.

“If this is how the state government will handle the citizens in the next four years, then we are all in serious trouble,” she said angrily.

the group said that it was uncharitable for former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu to continue his tirades and mudslinging, even to the end of the administration of his successor.

The group was reacting to a publication in one of the national dailies, entitled 'Governor T. A. Orji: Crumbling dynasty and Karma.'

“Ordinarily, we would not have bothered to react over the write-up but since the allegation is to tarnish the image of our patron and foremost Igbo leader and Nigerian patriot, it will be a disservice if we fail to react over the issues raised.

“It is obvious that the former governor’s effusions portray a man that is on a vendetta mission to rubbish his successor,” the group said.

It pointed out that Governor Orji needed accolades rather attacks by the former governor, having given Abians quality leadership and a new lease of life.

The group accused the former governor of embarking on the serial media attacks because he was allegedly denied opportunity to control the finances of the state by proxy, contending that Governor Orji had changed a lot in Abia compared to what the former governor did during his time.

By Bartholomew Madukwe (08102479985) nwamad@yahoo.com

PEOPLE SPEAK

Should petroleum products subsidy be removed or stay?

I

f we encourage investors to set up refineries, the price can crash. Then refiners may not sell as high as we have today because competition will come. I do not really see what people are afraid of in removal of subsidy except it is being politicized. -Mr. Joseph Ubiagba, Administrator

I

am of the opinion that subsidy has to go. I see that our oil marketers want to hold on to the monopoly and therefore, they misinform the populace through gullible trade unions. Since we have been on the subsidy, don't we still buy fuel at high rate? -Miss Anasithesia Ezeka, Worker

I

s it proper for us to have this natural resource and not being able to afford it? I wonder why some greedy political or public office holders will just sit back at home and think of measures to jeopardize our economy. Subsidy should go. -Mr. Cletus Chinedu, Computer Engineer

I

f we go on strike at the end nothing changes because the few that hold power are holding it to stop us from wresting it out of them.

I strongly agree with the NLC, what should be curbed is corruption and not fuel subsidy. -Mr. Peterside Onwuta, Businessman

S

ubsidy of one form or the other is operated by virtually every country. I know my point may not go well with some on this forum, but there is nothing wrong with any country subsidizing some products for the sake of low income people. -Mrs. Morayo Simeon, Worker

N

o one seems to be concerned on why subsidy increased from N260 billion to N1.3 trillion over night, even amidst occasional fuel scarcity. Did the vehicles and population of Nigeria quadruple in one year? No! That defies logic. -Mrs. Ayomide Odekanyin, Journalist

44—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Lamido slams APC over campaign promises D

By Aliyu Dangida

UTSE—GOVERNOR Sule Lamido of Jigawa State has criticised the incoming administration of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for giving excuses for its inability to implement its campaign promises even before taking over power, saying that Nigerians would not tolerate any failure on its part.

Lamido spoke while performing his last public function in Dutse, the state capital where he commissioned the N302 million Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission, JSIEC office.

His words: “We heard them asking Nigerians for patience on their inability to implement their electoral promises even before assuming office. They also said that they can’t achieve everything overnight and that everything should be done gradually. Which gradually? Is it now that they know that everything should be gradual?

“As Nigerians too we are not going anywhere; we will keep tracking the government’s failures as there will be no tolerance and we must shout at them and they must work for Nigerians. Our government turned Nigeria into a new world; Jigawa State in particular but

because of selfish interests they kept sabotaging, blackmailing and intimidating our government” Lamido further said that he had no regrets leaving office after two terms of eight years as governor, saying that the people of the state should thank God for giving them a trustworthy and

honest leader who had transformed the state to the envy of all, stressing that he was not afraid of being probed by the incoming administration as his records of achievements would be written in gold.

He said that posterity would judge his good deeds aright, explaining that the PDP

administration under which he served during its 16 years reign suffered a lot of setback and intimidation, particularly from the APC in the name of expressing their views as the then opposition pointing out that the party must deliver as his party (PDP) would never tolerate any failure of leadership from top to bottom.

SCHOLARSHIP: Mr. Peter Smith Onoriobe, Chaiman, Peter Mission for the less privileged in Nigeria (2nd right), presenting bookks and other materials to pupils at Otor Iyede, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State, during his award of scholarships to 10 pupils in the LGA.

Dangote initiates N4.2bn philanthropic projects in Kano

K

ANO—THE Dangote Foundation has so far spent about N4.2 billion on its philanthropic works supporting the Kano State government, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the foundation, Zouera Youssoufou has said.

Of this amount, N1.2 billion was spent annually on a feeding project, a special purpose vehicle designed by the foundation to reduce hunger and extreme poverty among the down trodden in the state.

The CEO spoke at a meeting with the state governor, Rabiu Musa Kwakwanso, during a working visit to Kano State.

He, however, commended its founder, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and the management for their interest in seeing that the state was transformed in line with the policy direction of the government.

Youssoufou explained that her mission to Kano was to monitor the various ongoing projects being undertaken by the foundation to assess their stages of completion and ensure they were in conformity with design and expectation of the people they were meant for.

She assured the governor that Dangote Foundation as a global institution would ensure that all the projects were of international standard, adding that some of the projects were being redesigned in line with new developments and realities.

According to Youssoufou, the

Foundation’s Micro-Grant pogramme for empowerment for women and other vulnerable groups in the state had gulped about N880 million, with 88,000 women so far benefiting while the Animal Traction Programme executed through a revolving

loan to farmers, had cost the Foundation about N160 million.

In the areas of provision of clean water, the CEO explained that the foundation had contracted out the construction of borehole facilities for 220

communities across the 44 Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state at the cost of N110 million.

Meanwhile, the first set of 66 boreholes across six local LGAs have been completed for the use of the people of the areas.

NAFDAC destroys N27bn counterfeit drugs in five years

M

By Peter Duru

AKURDI—THE National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has said that it had confiscated and destroyed counterfeited drugs valued at over N27 billion in the last five years.

The Director General of the agency, Dr. Paul Orhii made this known yesterday in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, at the flag off of his scholarship scheme for Benue indigenes in universities across the country.

Orhii said NAFDAC had taken the fight against manufacturers of drugs and food in the country to a different dimension because those in the illicit trade were becoming daring and adventurous.

According to him, “the people in this evil trade are daily expanding their network, though in the last five years we have confiscated fake drugs worth over N27 billion they have not

relented in their evil business.

“In spite of their ungodly activities, we have introduced several cutting edge technologies in our fight against the trade, and today, we can proudly boast that over 80 million drugs users in Nigeria can authenticate the potency and genuineness of the drugs and food they consume.”

Orhii then cautioned students against social vices just as he urged them to resist the temptations of being influenced by those he described as the masterminds of the evil trade in the country, explaining that he initiated the scholarship scheme to help the students and their parents defray the cost of acquiring university education.

Election tribunal begins pre-hearing of petitions in Kogi

By Boluwaji Obahopo

L

OKOJA—THE Kogi State National and State House of Assemblies Election Petitions Tribunal has commence prehearing of petitions.

The three-man panel mandated to handle the petitions submitted by the aggrieved candidates which was inaugurated on April 19, has 28 petitions to deal with.

The chairman of the tribunal,

Justice A.B. Ikpeme, said the extension of the deadline of the submission of petitions was due to some re-scheduled elections in the state which gave room for fresh petitions to be submitted.

However, out of the 28 petitions three are for the Senate; meaning that all the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, senatorial candidates filed petitions against their All Progressives Congress, APC, counterparts who won the three senate seats.

Peter Mission offers scholarships to 10 pupils

A

SABA—PETER Mission for the less privileged has offered scholarships to ten indigent pupils in Otor Iyede town in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. The joy of the parents of the pupils knew no bound as they saw their children receiving awards for free primary and secondary education.

The award is one of the many displays of benevolence by Mr. Peter Smith Onoriobe, Chairman of Peter Mission for the less privileged in Nigeria. In addition to the scholarship, the NGO also donated over 400 notebooks and pen to about 400 primary school pupils in the area.

The parents of the beneficiaries were full of praises and thanks to God for the favour as they prayed for showers of God’s blessings upon Mr. Onoriobe and Peter Mission for the less privileged.

Onoriobe also congratulated the pupils and reaffirmed his mission’s commitment to the less privileged people.

....As Techno gives scholarships to 3 pupils in Lagos

By Emeka Aginam

L

AGOS—AHEAD of the 2015 Children’s Day celebrations, smart phone manufacturer, Tecno has in recognition of the important roles children played in the society, concluded arrangements to give out N100,000 scholarship each to three children from public schools in Lagos.

Similarly, Tecno said it would also provide educational materials and stationeries to the selected schools in a bid to assist parents of the kids to provide basic and educational needs of their children.

The four selected public schools included Ijaiye Okokoro Primary School, Tonia Primary School, Ebenezer Primary School, and Meiran Memorial School.

Speaking during the weeklong event, the Marketing Executive of Tecno, Mr. Richard Ugo said: “Tecno Mobile is investing in the future of Nigeria through its corporate social responsibility initiative, Give Children A Future.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—45

College, Ikoyi, 70th anniversary/fund raising gala night; Dame Abimbola Fashola, First Lady of Lagos State, and Mrs. Bukola Tunde-Oshunrinde, President, Holy Child College Old Girls Association, at the event in Lagos.

CONGRATS: Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, Chairman, Northern Governors Forum, NGF, (right) welcoming Mr. Abdullahi Burndi Bulama, a cyclist who rode 600 kilometres in six days from Biu through Gombe, Damaturu to Maiduguri, to congratulate the governor on his victory at the polls, yesterday. Photo: Ndahi Marama.

NMA CONFAB: From left— Dr. Babatunde Olatunji, Chairman, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Oyo State; Dr. Nneoma Idika, Global Hygiene Council and speaker for Dettol, and Mr. Oladipupo Ogundele, Brand Manager, Dettol, at 55th annual general conference and delegate meeting of NMA in Ibadan, Oyo State.

REWARD: From left—Adamu Nahuta (middle), receiving a cheque of N500,000 from Maijidda Modibbo (left) of Corporate Communications, Dangote Group. With them is Nike Sanmi Adebayo, Customer Care, Dangote Cement, for helping to arrest a Dangote truck driver involved in illegal haulage in the ongoing campaign by the group against the use of its truck for illegal work.

OLD GIRLS: From left— Mrs Adeola Azeez, Chairperson, Holy Child

From left— Sheikh Mohammed Sharbatly, Deputy Chairman; Ms. Beth Mandel, Director, both of Smile Telecoms Holdings, and Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi, Chairman, Smile Communications Nigeria, during the firm's board meeting in Lagos.

INSURANCE: From left— Olaniyi Onifade, Managing Director, Wapic Life Assurance; Olufemi Obaleke, Executive Director, Wapic Insurance Plc; Ashish Desai, Group Managing Director, Wapic Insurance Plc, and Bode Ojeniyi, Group Deputy Managing Director, at the product launch for Wapic Insurance MOOV (Motor Insurance) and group life policy in Lagos. PHOTO: Akeem Salau.

EGENDA FOR POLICE: From left— Mr. Emeka Nwanevu, National Coordinator, Initiative for Public Safety, Security and Educational Development in Nigeria IPSSED; Mr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, National Coordinator, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria, NOPRIN and Mcdonald Azuju, Director of Programmes, IPSSED, during a briefing on the reform of the Police and agenda for the new Inspector General, Solomon Arase, in Lagos, yesterday.

LAUNCH : From left— Elder Olusegun Adeniran, Evangelist Oluwabamisawe Alaka and Elder Olusanjo Adeniran at the launching of Alaka's new album entitled Duro De Oluwa (wait on the Lord) in Lagos.

MEETING :

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46—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—47

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—49

Dickson alleges plan to truncate peace in Bayelsa

By Samuel Oyadongha

B

AYELSA State Government, yesterday said it had uncovered plans by ‘some evil-minded’ elements to truncate the prevailing peace in the state by unleashing terror on the law abiding people of the state to achieve political gains.

Dickson, at the 29th Security Council meeting in Yenagoa, said that reports at his disposal indicated that those behind the sinister plan were making moves to mobilise cultists and other criminals with a view to creating an atmosphere of insecurity in the state.

Expressing concern over the resurgence of pockets of cultrelated activities in the state in recent times, the governor charged investors and people of the state not to entertain any fear as regards the security of their lives and property.

He said the government will do everything within its power, not only to maintain the existing secure environment for socio-economic activities to thrive unabated, but to ensure that whoever is caught perpetrating any crime and violence was made to face the

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wrath of the law.

The governor maintained that the government was aware of ongoing efforts to secretly recruit and camp unrepentant cultists to carry out acts of brigandage and violence at a later period to discredit the

current administration of the gains it had recorded in the area of security. He warned people of the state to resist the temptation.

He said: “I like to use this opportunity to caution those who feel they can instigate

crisis in our state under the guise of politics. Let me also caution our young people in particular, who are misguided clearly into thinking that they can engage in one form of brigandage or criminality in the name of politics."

6 AGIP oil wells shut down in Bayelsa T

HE people of Egbebiri Community in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area, Bayalsa State, have shut down six oil wells operated by Nigerian Agip Oil Company, NAOC, alleging neglect of its Cooperate Social Responsibilities.

The aggrieved community members, comprising youths and women, blocked all access roads leading to the affected oil wells with logs.

The paramount ruler of Egbebiri, Chief Aniedima Nicholas, said that they disrupted the oil production because of NAOC's refusal to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the community.

Nicholas said the maiden MoU

signed in 2001 lapsed in 2005, but efforts to get the oil firm to renew the MoU proved abortive.

He said: “Our grievances are due to the insensitive posture of Agip to our developmental needs. Our needs and expectations are captured in that agreement and if you look at the few amenities we have here, they are products of the first MoU. “From 2005 till date, Agip abdicated its role and that stagnated development here. The road you see was from that MoU. We have waited for too long and decided to take this final step. We are prepared to go to any length to bring them to the negotiation as pay us our outstanding liabilities for jobs done by the

community for more than one year.

“Our surveillance jobs on their pipelines have continued despite heavy debts owed us as well as pending compensation for oil spills since 2010,” Nicholas said.

The Chairman, Ijaw Youths Council in Egbebiri, Mr John Aniedima, said the youths had sacked security operatives deployed to safeguard the facilities after shutting down the flow of oil.

“We have taken over the wells to compel Agip to come to a negotiating table with community leaders. We are neither against the Federal Government nor state government, but we want to put an end to the neglect of our development needs," he said.

Imoke bags UNICEF award

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OVERNOR of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke, has been presented with an award by UNICEF in recognition of the state’s fruitful partnership in promoting the rights of children and women.

The state is the first in the country to attain the feat and be so awarded by the global agency.

UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Jean Gough, who presented the award to Imoke, said tremendous impact had been recorded in Cross River State between 2007 and 2015, when Imoke assumed office as the governor of the state, which has built a strong and wonderful relationship between them.

According to Gough : “The governor’s effort and contributions have resulted in a lot of successes which is an indication of his commitment to the strong partnership that exists between the state and the agency."

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 YOUR LUCK TODAY

LEISURE

By Joshua Adeyemo Phone 08056180139

CANCER; Many of you’ll find it relatively difficult to ignore romantic feelings within and attractive invitation from outside. Some’ll travel for love actually.

LEO; Happenings within your base of operation must not be allowed to weigh you down to the point of missing good opportunity at work before 2.17pm VIRGO; Financial success is closer to you but if you misplace your priority then, that’s another thing entirely. Heated argument can not help your cause today.

LIBRA. If good advice comes your way don’t be too arrogant to take it. Travelling for love or business will bring you the desired results. Be cautious before 2.17pm SCORPIO; Success is boldly printed on your cards today and much will depend on what your priorities are. But your star desires mostly today is financial success .

SAGITTARIUS;. The moon continues it’s operation from your Star and enhances your prospects for success further. The more friendly you are the better for your cause.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

By Richard Eromosele

T

HERE is only one thing that humans don’t want in life and that is change. But whether we like it or not, change will come.

It either comes on its own or is provoked. Of all the things in life, change is the only constant.

It is

The Change Factor senseless to work against change. For everyone that works against change either ends up consumed or destroyed by change.

For change to be effective, we must act

TERROR MUDA

the change as individuals and as a collective. If our attitude, our lifestyle, our values, our ethics and etiquettes remain essentially the way they have been, then

in “Never say goodbye”

we are not sincere.

Change means new ways, new things. If i change and you change, then Nigeria will change. Do you deserve a change?

Then be the change you desire.

Think about it!

By Lanre Kehinde

CAPRICORN;. Don’t rely too heavily on friends today, especially before 2.17pm when Moon fluctuates. Learn how to consolidate on your recent progress.

AQUARIUS; If you must take advantage of your magnetic personality before too long this is the right time to do just that as Venus’ll soon leave positive angle to you Star. Think of your image in all you do now. Watch carefully before 2.17pm PISCES; Tomorrow ’ll bring more challenges through friends. Try your best to accomplish more along your career line today. Be very practical before 2.17pm

KAPTAIN AFRIKA

in

“Pretty Lunatic’

By Andy Akman

ARIES; Better than yesterday. And there are people willing to give you the needed co-operation. Don’t allow your love life to degenerate to laughing stuff with friends.

TAURUS;. As the saying goes “hard work pays” you will see evidence of the popular saying today as you’re rewarded according to your efforts at work.

GEMINI; Good luck’ll knock at your door today.

Those with burning desire for romantic pleasure are in for an exciting day with lots of satisfaction. Be loving..

ASTROLOGICAL COUNSELLING Send yyour our dat th ttoo the As tr ological datee and place of bir birth Astr trological Counselling, PP.M.B .M.B 1100 00 7, Apapa, Lagos 007,

Basic characteristics of Scorpio Scorpio - the eighth of twelve zodiac signs, stands for secret, sex, sin, death, jealousy and regeneration. You can see that sex and death have powers to compel any earth’s inhabitant to surrender. Thus, Scorpio is the most powerful of all the 12 zodiac signs. That is why you are endowed with strong will powers that can be used to regenerate either yourself or those close to you.

Scorpio is a water sign. It’s natives are emotional types with powerful intuition. They are of inclination to protect their loved ones and/or the people with weaker personality, however, if they have any cause to doubt the loyalty or sincerity of such person/persons, they tend to become jealous and the strong love they have for the person can turn to hatred. And as they are the type capable of intensive love and bitter hatred, it is not good to incur their wrath.

Scorpio-being a member of fixed signs, it’s natives are not keen lovers of change. That is why you always love to make success of any important project of yours before consideration can be given to another one. And by so doing, you make yourself a reliable person.

The water element of Scorpio makes them highly mysterious personalities who intuition (and emotion) can be regarded as extra-ordinary.

Although, other influence in your natal horoscope can tempt some people to think that you are very open; the truth is, you can be highly secretive person who knows what he wants and how to get it.

Your being secretive has many advantages, thus, you are encouraged not to be tempted to open up unnecessarily whenever it comes to manipulation of unseen forces or psychic energies. Let it be known that African Scorpio born person that refuses to acknowledge the reality of occult forces heads for failure.

Whoever tries to jeopardise your interest and/or anything that is important to you and yours will be met with resistance.

Equally, Scorpio tends to nurse grudge; that is why some people will say natives of this powerful zodiac sign are truly good friends but dangerous enemies.

Pluto’s ruling influence over Scorpio makes Scorpio’s desire for unknown to be strong.

VIRGINIA

HOME & ABROAD

dadadekola@yahoo.com

By Lawrence Akapa

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—51

Jonathan restates why he conceded defeat zSays his 8 years in office was a big school

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By Ben Agande

BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan again explained that he conceded defeat in the just concluded Presidential Election because he was not prepared to be part of those who would want the disintegration of Nigeria.

The President stated this when he was conferred with the Peace Loving Global Citizen Award by the Universal Peace Federation.

According to President Jonathan, he took the decision to concede defeat because he did not want to be an unhappy man presiding over the country in the midst of bloodshed.

He said: “I took that decision because I told people around me that no matter the ambition, you must have the nation at heart. Even if I was going to be President for the next 25 years, I won’t be happy if Nigerians are killed. Even among siblings, some turn to armed robbers while others turn into priests.

"God did not create me that way and I could not have fit in.

Anything could have made the prediction of Nigeria’s disintegration happen. I cannot be a party to the disintegration of this country.

We only pray that the incoming government will appreciate the contribution of everybody irrespective of creed, religion or tribe.”

My 8 years in office was a big school

He noted that his eight years in office as the Vice President, Acting President and finally as the President of the country was a big school which cannot be found anywhere in the world.

“There is no school bigger than being in the Presidency for eight years. When I leave, I will dedicate my

time to the unity of this country,” he said.

The president said his party, the PDP, as well as his Vice President deserve commendations too because of the roles they played in entrenching democracy.

He called on the incoming administration to carry every Nigerian along in other to ensure that "we build a strong, united Nigeria for the future generation of this country."

Earlier in his remarks, leader of the group, Mike Ozekhome, said the award was in recognition of the President’s contribution to the entrenchment of democracy in the country.

Ozekhome also disclosed that President Jonathan had been invited to deliver a speech at the Global Peace Ambassadors Conference holding in Seoul, South Korea in August this year.

INAUGURATION: From left: Mr Olaseni Ajala, representing Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Mrs Ingrun Alsleben, Head of Regional Coordinator, EMEA Bayer; Mr Mohammed Jimoh, Managing Director, Bayer Middle Africa; Mr Jorg Steckhan, Deputy Consul General Head of Corporate Service, Germany Embassy in Nigeria; Mr Michael Konig, Bayer AG Board member, and Mr Amaechi Nwachukwu, during the inauguration of Bayer Middle Africa Limited, in Lagos. Photo: Kehinde Gbadamosi

...seeks Senate confirmation of Bello as FCT Chief Judge zAs Senate passes desertification bill into law zTo present report on Fuel scarcity next Tuesday

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke

A

BUJA — PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has forwarded the name of Justice Ishaq Usman Bello to the Senate seeking for his confirmation as the Chief Judge of High Court, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

Meantime, the Senate has passed the Bill for the establishment of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall into law, just as the Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources, Upstream and Downstream has promised to present the report on the fuel scarcity next Tuesday.

President Jonathan in his letter for the nomination of Justice Bello as a Chief Judge of FCT High Court, dated May 21 and addressed to the Senate President, David Mark, said his request was in line with Section 249 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines

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the composition of a Federal High Court.

He said the Constitution provides “that the Federal High Court shall consist of a Chief Judge and such number of Judges as may be prescribed by Act of the National Assembly.”

The nomination of Justice Bello was to fill the gap created as a result of the voluntary retirement of Justice Ibrahim Bukar from service on March 31 as the Chief Judge of the High Court, FCT, Abuja after the National Judicial Commission had recommended the appointment of the most senior judge at the High Court of the FCT. The Senate at the plenary, yesterday, upon the presentation of report of the Joint Committees on Agriculture and Rural Development and Environment and Ecology, passed the Bill for the

establishment of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall into law.

In his lead debate, Chairman of the Joint Committee, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha, stated that the Executive Bill seeks to establish the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.

According to him, the bill if finally assented to by the

President, would facilitate implementation of the provisions of the Convention on the Great Green Wall programme in Nigeria which include management of draught as well as control of desertification and afforestation.

He explained that the frontline states to benefit from the programme include Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara, Adamawa, Katsina and Gombe.

OUR ERROR In our story, “Oil workers, NNPC trade blames… Power supply drops to all-time low of 1,327MW,” published on Page 24 of Vanguard newspaper of May 26, 20015, the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. OhiAlegbe, was quoted to have spoken in a statement on the recent strike embarked upon by the NNPC chapters of NUPENG and PENGASSAN. We have since discovered that Mr. Alegbe did not issue a statement on the subject, rather, the quotes were taken from another newspaper.

We regret any inconvenience this might have caused Mr Alegbe and the NNPC. — Editor

Adoke begs Nigerians for forgiveness zUnveils new criminal justice Act

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

A

BUJA— THE AttorneyGeneral of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN, yesterday, begged Nigerians to forgive him for whatever wrong he committed while discharging the mandate of his office.

The AGF, who tendered his “unreserved apologies” while unveiling the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, E.T.C) Act, 2015, which was recently passed into law by the National Assembly, also thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for giving him the opportunity to serve as the chief law officer in the country for five years.

“I tender my unreserved apologies to those who I may have offended in the discharge of my duties,”the AGF pleaded.

Adoke maintained that the administration of President Jonathan made it possible for Nigerians to believe that the process of governance could be conducted in a free, credible and transparent manner.

“I am pleased to observe that a lot of progress has been made in the implementation of the reform agenda, for instance, there is now an enhanced process for accessing of information within Ministries and MDAs. The Freedom of Information Act, 2011, has impacted positively in this regard.

“I am pleased to note that public servants are gradually imbibing the new ethos of the Act and appreciating the need for an open government.”

He said the two legislations that were unveiled yesterday would enhance capacity of the incoming administration to prosecute complex crimes such as terrorism and economic crimes.

“This can be seen from the high profile cases that the Ministry of Justice is currently prosecuting under the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2011, as amended in 2013,” he said.

52—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Children’s day:

UNICEF worries over engagement of children as suicide bombers

By Chioma Obinna

A

S Nigeria commemorates this year’s Children’s Day, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has said that Nigerian children living in the northern part of the country bear the highest burden of violence even as it expressed concern that the increasing use of children as suicide bombers could lead to children being perceived as potential threats in the future.

In a statement to celebrate the Day, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Jean Gough said the conflict in the Northern part of the country has severely constrained full scale provision of health services thereby threatening their right to survival.

“In Borno State children have not been to school for more than one year.”

According to Gough, the use of children as suicide bombers and the increase in the numbers of suicide bombings is an alarming and appalling trend in the perpetration of violence against children.

Children are not instigating these suicide attacks; they are used intentionally by adults in the most horrific way

• Cross section of children rescued by the Nigerian Army from the Boko Haram hideout in Sambisa Forest. reportedly used to carry out the attacks.

“More children and women have been Girls and women have been used to used as suicide bombers in Northeast detonate bombs or explosives belts at Nigeria in the first five months of this crowded locations, such as market places year than during the whole of last year, and bus stations.

“Children are not instigating these according to reports collated by suicide attacks; they are used intentionally UNICEF. “In 2014, 26 suicide attacks were by adults in the most horrific way,” Gough recorded compared to 27 attacks as of stated.

Since July 2014, nine suicide incidents May 2015. In at least three-quarters of these incidents, children and women were involving children aged between

approximately 7 and 17 years – all of them girls – have been reported. Their identity and exact ages have not been verified, as estimates are based primarily on eyewitness accounts.

An estimated 743,000 children have been uprooted by the conflict in the three most affected states in Nigeria; the number of unaccompanied and separated children could be as high as 10,000, according to UNICEF estimates.

Gough added that many children have been separated from their families when they fled the violence, and have no one to look after them.

“Without the protection of their families, these children are at greater risk of exploitation by adults, and this can lead to involvement in criminal or armed group activities.”

UNICEF representative expressed concern that the increasing use of children as suicide bombers could lead to children being perceived as potential threats, which would put all children associated with armed groups at risk of retaliation and would impede their rehabilitation and reintegration in the community.

UNICEF and its partners are working with national authorities to reduce children’s vulnerability by identifying children who are without parents or relatives, and providing them with appropriate care.

In addition, over 35,000 children have been reached with psychosocial support so they can cope with the acute distress they have suffered as a result of the conflict.

Sudden chest pain A

couple of recent deaths has necessitated this reminder about acute onset pain in the chest.

Both were young men, fit , agile and seemingly in good health.

Perhaps because of a false sense of youthful security, both men had missed regular physical checkups.

The first started complaining of pain in left side of the chest mid morning. He took ordinary analgesics and rested. The pain went away but returned late afternoon, this time in the chest and lower back. He decided he would visit his Doctor.....tomorrow. Sadly tomorrow never came.

Soon after dinner, while watching television, he collapsed and died.

The other man, in his thirties, athletic and muscular, was on a treadmill in the gym. He felt a slight tightness in his chest, rested a minute, and continued his workout.

Twenty minutes later (enough time to have got to a hospital emergency room), he grasped his chest and slumped on the treadmill rails.

The sensation of squeezing, crushing or pressure on the chest could indicate many things – from “harmless” stress and indigestion to something as serious as an impending heart attack or angina.

Angina pain: Angina is chest pain that arises from beneath the sternum and is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart due to blockages in the main coronary arteries. Angina pain is usually a warning sign of coronary artery disease.

Symptoms of angina:

C M Y

Chest pain – a few minutes of feelings of heaviness, tightness or crushing pressure beneath the sternum.

Triggers include emotional stress, strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.

The most common angina pain – stable angina – lasts only a few minutes and occurs during physical exertion such as climbing the stairs, or during mental or emotional stress. Symptoms disappear immediately with rest or medication. It does not indicate an impending heart attack.

Unstable angina is more serious than stable angina and it can occur even at rest. The chest pain could last as long as 30 minutes and does not go away with rest or medication. It may progress to a heart attack when complete blockage of the coronary artery occurs.

Heart attack chest pain: Chest pains associated with an impending heart attack are more intense than angina pain and last longer than 15 minutes. Rest cannot bring relief.

During a heart attack chest pain may be associated with nausea and vomiting, sweating, breathlessness, chest muscle pain, fast irregular heartbeats, dizziness and may spread to the neck, arms and shoulders.

Chest wall pain is generally harmless and felt as sharp pain or tenderness in the bones, cartilage or muscles that make up the chest wall. It may be due to an acute viral or bacterial inflammation, gastrointestinal tract problems, or even allergy.

Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in a lung artery – a condition called pulmonary embolism – could also cause

doctor@lagospainclinic.com sudden, sharp chest pains. This occurs when the legs are immobilised for a long time as in long distance travel in a coach or plane. A clot forms in the veins of the leg, dislodges and travels into the arteries of the lungs where it causes a blockade. The chest pain of PE is often accompanied by breathlessness and a fast heartbeat. It worsens with cough or deep breaths.

Aortic dissection: This is due to splitting of the layer of the wall (dissection) of the aorta, the main artery in the body and is usually related to very high blood pressure.

The pain is usually described as a tearing pain in the chest, radiating to the back. The dissection may extend into the origin of the aorta and block off one or more of the coronary arteries, leading to a heart attack. This is likely what happened with the first patient described above.

Keep a close tab on your cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Don’t ignore the chest pain that suddenly hits you while at rest or during walking or exercising.

Sudden, severe and recurring chest pain unrelieved by rest is a (treatable) medical emergency.

If the chest pain lasts more than 15-20 minutes at rest or if it is accompanied by nausea, sweating, shortness of breath or loss of consciousness.....get medical attention fast.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015—53

bo m Eyo a S y B

ka

Alile’s wife becomes first female apostle of SJCCG

By Sam Eyoboka

T

WO years after it ordained the first set of female ministers following the leading of the Holy Spirit, the wife of the Spiritual Leader of Saint Joseph’s Chosen Church of God, SJCCG, Apostle Hayford Alile became the first female apostle of the spiritual church which began in a farm settlement, Cowan Estate, Ajagbodudu in today’s Delta State 69 years ago.

The consecration of Patience Nohuoma Alile and six others as apostles and 31 others as pastors, headlined this year’s 57th annual conference of the church which held for the first time, at its new SJ Christian Conference Centre, Sapele, on the Sapele-Warri Expressway, a few kilometers from its original home of Ajagbodudu.

The other candidates whom ‘God had graciously’ elevated to the posts of apostles in a very colorful ceremony, last Sunday afternoon, included the church’s General Secretary, Levi Okwukwe Ogbonna, Ezekiel Ahamefule, Kenneth Osanebi, Geoffrey Owiriwa, George Ogbondamati and Peter Okwute Apugo.

In response to the phenomenal growth of the church, the leadership decided to staff some 36 pastors who were ordained two years ago and ordained another 31 pastors to address manpower challenge currently facing the church at different levels.

After their decoration and completion of the ordination process, the Oath of Allegiance was administered on the new ordainees by the church’s legal adviser, Barrister Anthony Onabaifo as Apostle Wilson Omoregie presented certificates of Ordination and prayed for them. Apostle Godwin Ikponmwosa prayed for the spouses of the ordainees.

Be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ

Addressing the new ministers, the officiating minister and Spiritual Leader of the church, Apostle Hayford Alile who recently marked his 72nd birthday with a public lecture in Lagos, in his sermon entitled: ‘The journey so far, Where do we go from here?’, enlightened the newly ordained ministers on their call, their office and their special duties to the Church of God and the general public.

Praying God Almighty to shower His spiritual and physical blessings upon the ordainees, Alile charged them to be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ on earth, reminding

•Apostle Pat Alile being anointed by Spiritual Leader, Apostle Hayford ALILE. them that the church is a spiritual church where the Holy Spirit speaks and reveals events/issues to ministers and the church through the prophets, prophetesses, and seers and dreamers.

According to him, “the church believes in and accepts Divine health and Divine healing as a way of life,” adding “the garment, rod or staff and the method of ordination in the church were all given to us directly by God. The late Elect of God, Apostle Joseph Ikechiuku was a foreman at Cowan Estate, Ajagbodudu Palm Platation in today’s Delta State of Nigeria when God called him in 1937.”

Continuing, Alile listed the cardinal responsibilities of the ministers, as the official sherphards of the church, to I nclude the following: “You are the representatives of our Lord Jesus Christ and through you, His finished works are made manifest to the church and the entire world. In other words, you are His ambassadors.

“As a perculiar person, you radiate the light of God to the entire world without which the world cannot see. Without you, the world cannot be sweet. You are a soul winner or fisher of men as well as a seeker of the lost,” he maintained, stressing that they must live a blameless life; live always in the spirit, fight in the spirit and clothe in the spirit, soul and body with the whole armour of God for both offensive and defensive attacks.

Alile reminded the ordainees of what he called, the Golden Rule, saying “Jesus Christ in His sermon on the Mount summarized

the most powerful human relation strategy in the history of the world, when he said: ‘In everything, do to others as you would have them to do you.’ If you practice this principle, it can produce valuable, golden results. We are to honour others as inherently valuable (spiritual) beings, as miraculous unique creations, no matter how seemingly imperfect and unworthy they may appear to you.”

Earlier, the church’s head of Finance, Ms. Dosike Akporiaye read the church reports for the year, outlining the progress made in several areas to include the emerging new camp ground on Sapele-Warri Expressway near Sapele, educational institutions, stating that the process of establishing the church-owned university has begun with the acquisition of 206.406 hectares of land free of charge from the Obadan

One of the highlights of this year’s conference was the public presentation of the Box of Covenant, said to be the great power, pride and boldness of the church, which was said to have been constructed by the founder in 1946

Community, 33 kilometers Benin-Auchi Road.

Obadan University

According to her, the name Obadan University, Obadan has already been accepted by the Corporate Affairs Commission, pointing out that with the support of the Spiritual Leader, the Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomohle has consented with a promise to approve the Certificate of Occupancy free of charge. The journey to the Nigerian University Commission, NUC, for an operational lincence, she maintained, has commenced.

Similarly, she reminded the gathering that the church had also acquired two parcels of land measuring 1.5 hectares and 1.4 hectares along the Airport Road in Kuje, Abuja for the construction of a cathedral in the Federal Capital Territory, appealing to members and public spirited groups to assist the church to accomplish some of the ongoing giant strides aimed at developing the nation.

One of the highlights of this year ’s conference was the

public presentation of the Box of Covenant, said to be the great power, pride and boldness of the church, which was said to have been constructed by the founder in 1946. According to the Charles Nkebakwu, the contents of the Box of Covenant are two small pieces of stones and a piece of thunderbolt as God directed the founder, warning that the colour of the Box must not be changed nor renewed.

Indeed, there were shrill cries as spirit-filled members scrambled to touch the Box. Despite loud instructions from Apostle Nosa Obasuyi for the people in three different queues to just touch the Box and go, there was near stampede as worshippers wanted to stay on to pray holding the box.

Minister in charge of Children Ministry, Pastor (Mrs.) Star Abache challenged the church leadership to recognize the place of children by building befitting places of worship for them I n every station, stressing that “if we want to grow the church then we must make conducive learning atmospheres available for the young ones in the church. Every faithful adult today is a product of a well nurtured children ministry of yesterday.”

She therefore opposed suggestions that the new 230 feet by 70 feet tent currently in place at the Christian Conference City together with 2,000 plastic chairs, should be thrown open for all manner of people to raise funds for the construction of a befitting edifice, arguing that as a church organisation, “we must not compromise our cherished God-given ordinances at the expense of the spiritial development of the church’s young ones.”

The pastor of the church at Ajagbodudu, Sunny Anyanwu acknowledged that the original church built by the founder in 1937 had collapsed with age but a new one was established in 2008 to replace it. According to him, life is not as pleasant in the place any more because the new owners of the farm settlements had abolished markets in the place and as a result the Itsekiri and Urhobo settlers in the place have to travel long distances before they can make food for their families.

Olutola inaugurates new TAC area

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RESIDENT of The Apostolic Church Nigeria and chairman, Lagos Western and Northern Areas (LAWNA), Pastor Gabriel Oladele Olutola is expected to inaugurate The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Morogbo Area next Sunday.

The new area with headquarters at Church Street, Olorunda, Morogbo, Lagos State, was carved out of the old Badagry Area on January 1, this year and the combined inauguration/induction ceremony will begin at 9.00 a.m.

Highlighting activities lined up for the event, the first Area Superintendent of the Morogbo Area, Pastor Isaac Gbenga Awotanmi said time will also be devoted for serious prayer sessions for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

54—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

African countries urged to look within for devt resources

Participants at AfDB confab advocate ‘Africa without borders’ z“Africans need visas for half of continent's countries”

By Omoh Gabriel

By Omoh Gabriel

A

FRICAN countries have been asked to look within to mobilise resources for development because the resources are available.

During The Future of Financing for Development in Africa session at the 50th annual meeting of the African Development Bank, AfDB, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, two of the speakers reiterated the need for African countries to develop the capacity to mobilise resources locally instead of looking to raise financing for development from outside their countries.

Emmanuel Nnadozie of the Africa Capacity D e v e l o p m e n t Foundation, ACDF, said if African countries strengthened their tax collection capacities, as much as $500 million can be mobilised.

Other areas include the stock market and sovereign bond market.

He noted that African countries need to build sustainable capacity in resource mobilisation and countries need capacity in knowledge and information access.

Ekpan gets new devt c'ttee

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A R R I — E K PA N community in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State has sworn in new members of Ekpan Development Committee to oversee the affairs of the community for the next three years.

Those inaugurated were Silva Ofugara, Chairman; Richard Akaighe, Vice Chairman; Blessing Sakutu, Secretary; and Joseph Uruere Uwaye, PRO. Others are Onajeme Adjenughure, Treasurer; Benson Amada, Assistant Secretary; John Agbone, Welfare Officer; Samson Orokuku, Provost, and Beauty Ekpuda, Legal Adviser.

P

ARTICIPANTS at the ongoing 50th annual meeting of Africa Development Bank, AfDB, in Abidjan, have said the idea of an integrated and prosperous Africa would remain a pipe dream if African countries fail to open their borders to free movement of people, goods and service.

This was the central theme of a seminar entitled Africa Without Borders: What Will it Take? In Abidjan on Monday.

Discussants at the meeting argued that simplifying visas to unlock the movement of talent would play a significant role in boosting Africa’s competitiveness and integration.

Data from research on Unlocking Africa: Simplifying Visas to Allow the Free Flow of talent, a collaboration between the World Economic Forum’s Network of Global Agenda Councils, AfDB and McKinsey, presented at the seminar, revealed that Africans require visas to travel to half of the countries on the continent.

The statistics also show that only 14 African countries offer liberal access to all African citizens.

returns from visa fees are among the reasons cited to justify expensive visa requirements for Africans to visit African countries, according to the presentation made by Acha Leke, Director, McKinsey & Company, South Africa.

Some of the recommended solutions include ensuring positive reciprocity between countries, encouraging more visa-free regional blocks, scaling up visa-on-arrival programmes for African citizens, or launching regional block visas.

Others include offering multi-year visas after assessing the applicant, simplifying the visa application process and the possibility of offering an ‘Africa passport’ to Africans (such as businessmen and women who travel extensively across the continent) who meet a set of

SA firm justifies visa requirement

Issues related to national security, impact of the influx of foreigners on the local economy and financial

Rodney Jordan, 20 others to address HR conference

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ODNEY Jordan, Deputy Director of Employee Communications at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is billed to address delegates at the upcoming HR Leaders Africa 2015 Conference in Lagos, holding from June 8 to 11.

In a statement, the Foundation said Rodney will join more than 20 leadership experts at the conference to share insights on unlocking the potential of human capital in Africa.

“Rodney will join to discuss rethinking HR and how internal communications can drive employee engagement,” the statement said.

“In addition to Rodney, the fourth edition of the four-day conference will also feature the ultimate gathering of HR leaders across Africa, including HR directors at Shell, Arcelormittal, Dangote, GlaxoSmithKline, Chevron, Vodafone Ghana, MTN, Flour Mill Group, British American Tobacco, GT Bank and Stanbic, among others,” said the statement.”

key requirements.

AfDB’s efforts

The bank’s Vice-President for Infrastructure, Private Sector and Regional Integration, Solomon Asamoah, spoke about the institution’s regional trade policy and the efforts being made to encourage the free movement of people across the continent.

He said the seminar at the bank’s annual meeting was organised with a view to informing the bank’s efforts to promote integration.

Nkosana Moyo, Director of the Mandela Institute for Development Studies and former AfDB Vice-President and Chief Operations Officer, spoke on the need to facilitate travel for African businessmen and women across the continent in the same way African politicians use diplomatic passports to

facilitate travel across the continent with relative ease.

He also emphasized the need to be more objective on African immigration by trying to understand and manage people’s movements and expectations across borders.

He said conducting reliable skills audits, for example, would make it possible to determine the job openings that can be filled by migrants in a particular country.

The Director General of Rwanda’s Directorate of Immigration and Emigration, Anaclet Kalibata, briefed the seminar on how his country has been able to manage its open borders scheme for visiting Africans.

The success of the scheme, he said, derives from the confidence in the belief that most immigrants are not bad people and government’s ability to manage the process efficiently.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 55

El-Rufai vows to recover all stolen Kaduna money K

By Luka Binniyat

ADUNA—KADUNA State governor-elect, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai yesterday vowed that he will recover all the money stolen by members of the outgoing administration in the state on assumption of office Friday, adding that any person who stole government’s money must return the loot or face “impolite” consequences.

El-Rufai who won the election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, also said that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had almost taken Kaduna State to its ‘’grave.’’

The governor-elect who spoke in Kaduna while receiving the report of his party’s Transition Committee, lamented what he described as the decay his incoming government would inherit, but promised to do his best to turn the situation around.

He said: “I have said this before and I am going to say it again.

No one who stole Kaduna State money will go free. We shall politely ask the person to return the money within a time frame. If he refuses, then we shall take actions against that person that may not be polite. Nobody has a right to steal and go scot free. We shall ensure that we get back our stolen money. Some people say, lets forget what has happened.

That was the past. I want to disagree with such thinking. As far as we are concerned on stolen money, the past is the future.

“We are inheriting a lot of rot.

And today, it has been established that if you don’t work well, after four years, the people will vote you out. I have told my colleagues that we don’t have any choice than to work to the satisfaction of the electorate.

“The PDP in the state has

almost taken Kaduna State to the grave. Thank God for our timely arrival. The task ahead of us is enormous, and I want to thank the members of the transition committee for the great job they have done, and for free. This is the kind of sacrifice we expect.

And, believe me, we are going to call a few of you again and entrust them with more responsibilities as we form our government.”

Earlier, the chairman of the committee, Mr Balarabe Lawal, had said that the report was made up of 18 chapters that dealt with different sectors of the state administration.

He said: “This report provides the incoming administration with information needed to make strategic policies, budgetary, and personnel decisions prior to the inauguration of the new government.”

VISIT: Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State (2nd left), with Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Anambra State chapter, Comrade Jerry Nnubia (2nd right), Comrade Ignatius Okafor (left) and Chief of Staff to the governor, Prof. Joe Asike, during a visit to the Governor, at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, yesterday.

Aliyu wants FG to remove fuel subsidy

By Wole Mosadomi

M

INNA—NIGER State governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu has asked the Federal Government to deregulate the oil sector by removing subsidy on petroleum products.

Aliyu spoke while commissioning a N620 million three-star hotel jointly developed by the Niger State Development Company Limited, NSDC, and the State Sure-P, adding that the removal of the subsidy would cut the wings of the Mafia in the industry, thus giving room for free and regular flow of the commodity to all parts of the country.

The subsidy on petroleum product, Aliyu argued, was currently being enjoyed by only a section of the society who had the necessary connections to be importers of the commodity. ‘’Unless fuel subsidy is removed and we go back to the real market, we will continue to have the type of problem facing the country at the moment. Is it not an irony that we sell crude oil and end up buying refined petroleum from the international market?’’ Aliyu said.

On power supply, the governor suggested the regionalism approach in the distribution of power instead of making all parts of the country to be on the national grid.

Aliyu said it was also sad to note that states that had the resources to construct power

plants were being asked to plough the energy generated to the national grid and in return

get less than the mega watts they have generated for their state.

Wada counsels newly elected Kogi Assembly members

By Bluwaji Obahopo

L

OKOJA—THE newly elected members of the Kogi State House of Assembly have been admonished to make good laws that would ensure rapid development of the state, rather than engaging in unnecessary political bickerings with other arms of the government.

The state governor, Capt. Idris

Wada, rtd, who gave the advice yesterday in Lokoja during the opening ceremony of a five-day retreat organised by the outgoing sixth Assembly, urged the members -elect to join hands with the executive and the judicial arms of government towards moving the state to greater heights in terms of physical and human resources transformation.

Wada was represented on the occasion by his deputy, Mr Yomi Awoniyi.

He urged the memberselect to see their new calling as one requiring hard work, dedication to duty, transparency, accountability and loyalty by contributing their quota towards uplifting the state from the level they met it.

APC's victory, divine mandate to move Nigeria forward

O

By Tare Yuodeowei

JI—ALL Progressive Congress, APC, chieftain, Chief Iyke Kenechukwu, has described recent changes in the nation’s political landscape as a divine mandate that will help the country move forward.

Addressing stakeholders in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, Kenechukwu urged the people of the area to embrace the party to be rescued

from years of neglect by the successive administrations who he noted refused to address many challenges the masses face, such as infrastructural decay, unemployment and poor health facilities.

Kenechukwu, a Lagos-based businessman, also used the occasion to congratulate the APC South East zonal leader, Owelle Rochas Okorocha for his foresight and doggedness in winning the last governorship election in Imo

State.

He further gave Kudos to Enugu State Chairman of the party, Ben Nwoye and the party chairman in Oji-River, Chief Benson Eze for their outstanding leadership in piloting the affairs of the party, as he used the opportunity to congratulate the Presidentelect, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, who he noted would bring about the change the country deserves.

5 million Nigerians traumatised over insurgency —UNHCR

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By Suzan Edeh

AUCHI—THE United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, has said that over five million persons were traumatized in the North East region due to the activities of insurgents.

The UNHCR, Representative for West Africa, Liz Ahua gave the figure yesterday during an interview with officials of Bauchi State E m e r g e n c y Management Agency, SEMA. She said that UNHCR was concerned about the plight of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, and refugees in the neighbouring countries.

Ahua said UNHCR was experiencing challenges in handling such cases because it was difficult to reach the affected victims.

“Nigeria is currently having over 3,000 refugees in Cameroon Republic who are willing to return to the country but are afraid of the uncertainties.

“UNHCR started working in Nigeria since 1963, and therefore, would not afford to handle such issues with laxity,” she said.

Meanwhile, a Pastor and resident of Sabon Kaura in Bauchi Local Government of Bauchi State, Joshua Unaliya yesterday said that he was currently hosting over 300 Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs. Unaliya made this known while receiving the UNHCR representative, Ms Ahua, who visited the IDPs in his house.

He said that he had in December 2014, received 107 IDPs from states affected by insurgency adding that 64 of them later left for their towns when the situation became calm, pointing out that some of them returned some few days later when there was a renewed violence in the North East geopolitical zone.

According to him, 200 of the IDPs were in his church which was some distance away from the house.

Responding, Ahua said that some of the IDPs were from vulnerable states within the North East region affected by the insurgency.

56 — VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 , 2015

Israel uncovers 2,000year-old water supply system in Jerusalem

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ART of an ancient aq ueduct built more than 2,000 years ago to transport water into the city of Jerusalem was uncovered during a recent construction project, according to the Israel The Islamic State Antiquities Authority.

The operation is backed seized large parts of Anthe launch of a major A section of the soby Shiite militias and bar in early 2014 and military operation to called Lower Aqueduct Sunni pro-government captured Ramadi earlier drive the Islamic State was discovered in the from the western Anbar fighters, the Iraqi state TV in May — a fall that modern-day neighborreported, without providmarked a major defeat for province and retake the hood of Umm Tuba, in Sunni heartland where ing further details. There Iraqi forces, which had East Jerusalem, during was no indication of any been making steady the extremist group capefforts to construct a new tured the provincial cap- immediate movements on progress against the ex- sewer line. The Lower the ground following the tremists over the past ital, Ramadi, earlier this Aqueduct was originally announcement. months. month. built more than 2,000 years ago by kings in the Hasmonean dynasty, who ruled Judea and its surrounding regions from about 140 B.C. to 37 B.C., and preceded King Herod the Great.

The sprawling, 13-milelong (21 kilometers) aqueduct carried water to the capital, and “operated intermittently until about 100 years ago,” Ya’akov Billig, director of the aqueduct excavation with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), said Local residents and Sunni tribal fighters welcome newly-arriving Iraqi Shi- in a statement. [The Holy Land: 7 Amazing Arite Hezbollah Brigade military

Iraqi, Syrian forces intensify attacks on ISIL I

RAQI security forces and Shia fighters renewed efforts to retake the western Iraqi city of Ramadi on Monday, as ISIL send more fighters into the city that it claimed a week ago.

Police sources said Iraqi forces had regained ground east of the city since launching a counter offensive on Saturday, and on Monday has retaken parts of alTash, 20km south of Ramadi, which is only a short distance from Baghdad.

Ramadi residents said trucks carrying ISIL fighters arrived on Sunday evening before spreading out across the city.

In Syria, the Syrian air force launched strikes on Monday at buildings captured by ISIL in the historic city of Palmyra.

ISIL has reportedly killed hundreds of people since it moved into the Palmyra area 10 days ago, and its occupation of the city has raised fears that its fighters will destroy its famed Roman ruins.

Syrian state TV reported that about 400 civilians had been killed by the group since Wednesday, while activists in Palmyra said ISIL fighters hunted down President Bashar al-Assad’s troops and loyalists, killing up to 300 of them.

The seizures of Iraq’s Ramadi and Syria’s Palmyra were the group’s biggest successes since a US-led coalition launched an air attack against it last year.

Iraq also announced

chaeological Finds] The Lower Aqueduct fed from the En Eitam spring, which is located near three ancient reservoirs known as Solomon’s Pools that are about 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Bethlehem.

As water passed through the channel, it flowed down a gentle slope to Jerusalem, passing through the modern-day neighborhoods of Umm Tuba, Sur Bahar, East Talpiot and Abu Tor, according to the IAA. For nearly 2,000 years, the Lower Aqueduct remained one of Jerusalem’s principal sources of water, IAA officials said, which is why city rulers kept the structure so well preserved. About 100 years ago, the channel was replaced by an electrically operated waterd i s t r i b u t i o n system.Forces in Iraq and Syria are bolstering their offensives on the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group, in a bid to retake key cities in both countries.

Obama says Russia adopting ‘increasingly aggressive posture’

U

S President Barack Obama accused Russia of toughening its battlefield stance yesterday, as he met with the NATO secretary general to discuss the rolling crisis in Ukraine.

“We had a chance to discuss the situation in Ukraine and the increasingly aggressive posture that Russia has taken,” Obama said, after Oval Office talks with Jens Stoltenberg.

Both men stressed the need for parties to respect a largely-ignored February ceasefire agreement, which Stoltenberg said could

•Obama still be a “path to peace.”

The deal, between European powers, Russia and Ukraine was aimed

at ending a 13-month war that has claimed nearly 6,300 lives and left well over a million people homeless.

IAA worker near aqueduct bridge (Photo: Assaf Peretz, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority

Climate change: UN says World must decarbonize

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•Christiana Figueres t

ESPONDING to climate change in the next 15 years is the world’s “mega development project”, given the need to invest trillions of dollars in infrastructure, creating jobs and economic stability, the United Nations’ top climate change official said on Tuesday.

“It makes fundamental economic sense” for

countries to push forward on tackling climate change because of the benefits it will bring in terms of food, water and energy, as well as employment,” Christiana Figueres told a carbon market conference in Barcelona.

This, together with the speed at which businesses are acting on climate change and efforts to put a price on

carbon, mean “a decarbonized world is now irreversible, irrefutable,” the head of the U.N. climate change secretariat told the conference.

“We are going to do it, because frankly we don’t have any other option,” she said.

Decarbonization refers to shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, and

improving energy efficiency, in order to cut planet-warming emissions to a net zero.

Rachel Kyte, the World Bank’s special envoy for climate change, said to decarbonize economies, “ we will need to begin with extraordinary ambition at the end of this year” in Paris where countries are due to agree a new global deal to tackle climate change.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 , 2015 — 57

Burkina Faso exhumes Sankara’s bones B

ONES have been recovered from a grave believed to contain the remains of Burkina Faso’s assassinated ex-president Thomas Sankara, a lawyer for his family told AFP yesterday.

“I can confirm that in the tomb believed to be that of Thomas Sankara, remains have been exhumed,” said lawyer Benewende Stanislas Sankara, who is not related to the former leader.

Thomas Sankara was a Marxist army captain who seized power in 1983 and implemented radical leftist policies in the former French colony of Upper Volta.

He was hastily buried on October 15, 1987, after being assassinated in a coup that brought to power Blaise Compaore, who was forced out from power in 2014 by a popular uprising. Sankara’s remains were said to be buried in Dagnoen cemetery in the capital Ouagadougou, but his family and supporters doubt his body is actually there.

Throughout his years

in power, Compaore refused to allow an investigation into his predecessor’s death.

But in March the interim government appointed after Compaore’s ouster ordered Sankara’s corpse to be exhumed so it could be formally identified.

On Monday, two doctors from Burkina Faso and one from France — working under the supervision of a government official and an investigating magistrate — began exhuming graves

*Thomas

Sankara

believed to contain the remains of Sankara and 12 allies.

Sankara, the lawyer, said “a few bones” and red garments with black stripes were found in the

AU obser observver erss declare Ethiopia

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FRICAN Union observers said yesterday that Ethiopia’s parliamentary election held on Sunday was credible except for a few irregularities, but the opposition dismissed the vote as marred by violations including ballot box theft.

Provisional results in Africa’ second most populous nation are due later this week and few expect anything but a

landslide for the ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition, in power since ousting dictator Mengistu Haile Mariam in 1991. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who took over after EPRDF’s long-serving leader Meles Zenawi died in 2012, has pushed on with EPRDF’s highlycentralized statist economic model credited with turning around the

Fresh evidence shows foreigners fighting for Boko Haram

*ISIS fighters displaying their flag and victory sign

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IDEO footage found in captured Boko Haram camps by Nigeria’s military and seen by Reuters seems to give some of the clearest indication that foreign fighters hold positions of power within the Nigerian Islamist militant group.

The military says it is analyzing the footage to identify fighters and study the group’s internal dynamics. The Nigerian government has previously spoken of foreign influence within the ranks of the jihad-

ex-president’s grave.

Part of a tracksuit was found in another and “two teeth, part of a jaw and remnants of a tracksuit” in a third, relatives of the victims told AFP.

ists but lacked hard evidence to back up its assertion.

“They (foreigners) carry arms and fight alongside the other terrorists,” a senior military source, who declined to be identified, said.

“They are also experts and trainers.”

Reuters was not able to establish how many other foreigners were at the filmed event or what percentage of the militants’ fighting force they account for overall.

In 2012, Boko Haram was reported to be re-

ceiving training from al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), although there has been little to back up claims of foreigners at the core of the group beyond anecdotal evidence from civilians who escaped or soldiers who fought them.

Boko Haram, which loosely translates as “Western education is sinful” in the northern Hausa language, began an insurgency in 2009 to establish a state adhering to strict sharia law. The footage shows Boko Haram administering sharia judgments in front of a big crowd in a field stained with blood with a man speaking in Sudanese Arabic.

“God ordered all believers to enforce his punishments,” the man, whose face is completely covered by a white turban, says to camera.

“God ordered us to cut off the hand of the thief and flog the adulterer and adulteress.”

fortunes of a country once ravaged by war and famine.

But the opposition — which has one seat in the outgoing 547-member parliament — accuses the government of crushing dissent, limiting free speech, and muzzling the press. The EPRDF denies this, saying the political space is open for all.

“The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) concludes that the parliamentary elections were calm, peaceful, and credible as it provided an opportunity for the Ethiopian people to express their choices at the polls,” former Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, the head of the AU mission, said.

Kenyan lawyer woos Obama’s daughter with livestock

A

Kenyan lawyer has offered US president Barack Obama 50 cows and other assorted livestock in exchange for his 16-year old daughter Malia’s hand in marriage, a report said yesterday.

Felix Kiprono said he was willing to pay 50 cows, 70 sheep and 30 goats in order to fulfil his dream of marrying the first daughter.

“I got interested in her in 2008,” Kiprono said, in an interview with The Nairobian newspaper.

At that time President Obama was running for office for the first time and Malia was a 10year-old.

“As a matter of fact, I haven’t dated anyone since and promise to be faithful to her. I have shared this with my family and they are willing to help me raise the bride price,” he said.

Kiprono said he intended to put his offer

*Malia Obama and her father, Barack

Burundi slams opposition to presidential bid

B

URUNDI’s government has condemned mounting diplomatic pressure over President Pierre Nkurunziza’s controversial bid to stand for a third consecutive term, signalling it would not bow to international criticism.

The condemnation came as security forces cracked down on protests against Nkurunziza in and around the capital Bujumbura yesterday.

“The government of Burundi is profoundly preoccupied by the current diplomatic activi-

of marriage to Obama and hopes the president will bring his daughter with him when he makes his first presidential visit to Kenya, the country where his father was born, in July. Obama’s Kenyan grandmother, who is in her early 90s, still lives in Kogelo, in western Kenya, home to a number of the president’s relatives.

“I am currently drafting a letter to Obama asking him to please have Malia accompany him for this trip. I hope the embassy will pass the letter to him,” he said. Kiprono dismissed the notion he might be a gold-digger.

“People might say I am after the family’s money, which is not the case. My love is real,” he insisted.

The young lawyer, whose age was not revealed, said he had already planned his proposal, which would be made on a hill near his rural village.

ty which could undermine and denigrate our republican institutions and constitution,” government spokesman Philippe Nzobonariba said on state radio.

He said the Burundian government had “red lines”, indicating that Nkurunziza was still unwilling to compromise even though the political crisis has already sparked weeks of civil unrest, an attempted coup, a refugee crisis and international isolation.

“The Burundian government will not negotiate and will not dis-

cuss matters that undermine our institutions,” he added.

Reports from a protest site in Bujumbura yesterday, said that police appeared to have fired live rounds, in addition to tear gas, to disperse demonstrators who were trying to march in the centre of the city.

She also said that demonstrators used cars to form a barricade in the street, in a bid to protect themselves from being shot at by security forces.

Opposition and rights groups say that Nkurunziza’s bid for a third fiveyear term violates the constitution, as well as the terms of a peace deal that ended a 13year civil war in 2006.

58—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Nigerians in China applaud effort to woo more investors to Nigeria

By Vera Samuel Anyagafu

N

igerians in China have applauded the steps taken by Benue State Govenor-Elect, Mr. Smauel Ortom, who visited China in the bid to woo more Chinese investors to Nigeria.

Ortom whose visit was solely to capture more investors from China disclosed that his office will ensure a more industralised Nigeria and Benue state.

During his visit to a number of notable Power Plants in Henan Province, China, in the company of Chief Audu Ogbeh and BlueDiamond Group of Companies Chairman, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, including a team of delegates from Benue state, the Benue state's governor-elect promised that his tenure would enable progressive industrialization in Nigeria.

According to him, we shall intensify efforts to improving agriculture, energy as well as e n s u r i n g industrialization of Benue state and Nigeria, adding that he is optimistic that many Nigerians in China have concluded plans to extend their investments back home for a better Nigerian economy.

He said, “It is imperative to start work now, so as to make sure all plans for the state and the country come to fulfillment before the end of the 4 year tenure.

It is also important that we engage our people to work according to priorities, as we shall remain committed to issues that will only move the state and country forward as well as create jobs for majority of the Nigerian youths.”

The business meeting in China which also disclosed strategies to make Nigeria the largest economy in the world also promised to consolidate on efforts to woo reputable Chinese investors to Nigeria.

Also speaking at the meeting, Chief Audu Ogbe, who shared the same view with the Benue state governorelect, said that Nigeria should focus more on agriculture, which he

noted has the capacity to meeting up the growing population of the country.

According to Ogbe, Nigeria’s population in 2050 may hit 450 million, and the expectation is enough to make Nigerians worry about the future of the Nigerian children in terms providing them with food.

He also said that there is urgent need for mechanised agriculture in the country, since many young Nigerians appear reluctant and less interested in manual labour.

He, therefore, suggested that both countries governments can partner in the area of mechanized farming for the growing population of Nigeria.

Similarly, Blue Diamond boss, Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, expressed satisfaction at

It is important for us as a nation to optimally utilise our abilities to sustaining our democracy and ensure that Nigeria is not constrained

the meeting, saying that the Benue state governorelect’s visit to China is encouraging.

He told Vanguard Consular Advisory that Mr. Ortom’s visit has lifted the spirit of a good number of Nigerian investors in China who are eager to also establish industries in Nigeria, as well as Chinese businessmen who are interested in investing in Nigeria.

According to Festus who is a strong advocate ofsteady power supply in Nigeria, in addition to consistent power supply, which is still viewed as a key problem in Nigeria, there is urgent need for Nigeria to diversify their economy and engage deeper into agriculture.

Stating that over 70 per cent of the country ’s problem is lack of energy power, which if not tackled is capable of crippling the intended mechanized agriculture, the Blue-Diamond boss, urged the in-coming government to be more proactive in matters that will enable progression in the country, otherwise the bid to bring in more investors from other countries across the globe may be bleak.

“It is important for us as a nation to optimally utilise our abilities to sustaining our democracy and ensure that Nigeria is not constrained,” Mbisiogu added.

Lifemate, promoting interior décor in Nigeria

By Ijeoma Okafor

T

HE management of Lifemate, one of Nigeria’s reputable interior décor firms has called for the participation of more professionals in the décor industry in Nigeria.

The call came following the dearth of professionals in the Décor industry in the country, as majority of those who are involved in interior decor business in the country are not professioals.

Speaking to Vanguard recently, the Chief Executive Officer, Lifemate Interior Décor, Mrs. Alice Pan said that the Nigerian government has to find better ways of encouraging young people’s participation in the industry for pro-

ductive economic process.

According to Alice who spoke at the event marking Lifemate interior décor’s 7th year anniversary ceremony in Lagos, there is need for Nigerians to take a new approach to building a more conducive environment through employing the services of interior decors.

She stressed that, in today’s hypercompetitive fast moving market, it is imperative to follow the trend and ensure that one’s family is made to feel at home, adding that touching peoples’ emotive sense is one of the basics to actualising a peaceful society, hence, there is need for Nigerians to subscribe to the services of professional interior decors.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 59

Costa dropped from Spain squad C

HELSEA striker Diego Costa has been omitted by Spain boss Vicente del Bosque from his 24-man squad for a friendly against Costa Rica and a Euro 2016 qualifier away to Belarus next month.

Sevilla duo Sergio Rico and Aleix Vidal are rewarded for their fine form with the Europa League finalists with their first call-up.

However, there was also disappointment for Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera and Bayern Munich’s Thiago Alcantara as they too miss out.

Costa returned to action for Chelsea’s two final Premier League games after over a month out with a recurring hamstring problem, scoring a penalty in the English champions’ 3-1 win over Sunderland on Sunday to take his tally for the season to 21.

The Brazilian born striker has failed to replicate that form for his adopted country, though, scoring just once in seven appearances for Spain.

“It is a specific case. He

has played two games, but not 90 minutes,” said Del Bosque.

“He has just overcome some muscular problems and we didn’t think he was in the best condition for a key game against Belarus so we have preferred players whose fitness isn’t in doubt.”

Del Bosque has also called up five promising youngsters in Jose Antonio Gaya, Juanmi, Jonny, Saul Niguez and Ruben Duarte to train with the squad with the Barcelona players and Juventus’ Alvaro Morata not set to join up with their teammates until just two days before the game against Costa Rica.

ESEARCH Model Primary School, Kawo Kaduna State will confront Eyeanugie Primary School, Benin City, Edo State in the final of the 2015 Channels Kids Cup. The final which will climax 7 days of thrilling display of football skills by primary school pupils

Oshoala Continues from BP Liverpool Ladies in January 2015 Oshoala, who was the youngest player to be shortlisted, was the tournament’s leading scorer and was voted best player at the Under-20s World Cup in Canada last summer.

Her performances led Nigeria to the final, where they were narrowly beaten by Germany and she was also a major influence in the senior Nigeria team who won the African Women’s Championship in October.

That ensured their qualification for this summer’s World Cup in Canada, which begins on 6 June with full coverage on the BBC. Oshoala said the honour was a big lift for Nigeria ahead of the World Cup and would help inspire young players in her homeland.

She said: “It’s a really good thing for us as a team because we now know that we have something great and now we want to go at the trophy. We can do it, we did it in 2014 we can also

P

•Costa

Research Model, Eyeanugie set for 2015 regulation time.

Channels Kids Cup final For Enyeanugie

R

do it this year as well.

“There is going to be a lot of motivation for women’s football in Nigeria now because of this award because there are a lot of fans out there.

“Support for women’s football in Nigeria is now growing very high.

“I know my Liverpool Ladies coach is going to be happy right now.

Before I left the UK he called me and said to me ‘don’t worry I hope you win the award and we’re going to celebrate it when you come back’.”

Oshoala signed for Liverpool Ladies in January 2015, becoming the first African to feature in the Women’s Super League, with manager Matt Beard calling her “one of the world’s top young footballers”.

Mary Hockaday, controller of BBC World Service English, paid tribute to Oshoala.

“At still only 20, she’s proved herself a formidable talent on the pitch,” she said. “I’m proud BBC World Service is supporting the women’s game and thrilled with the interest in the award.”

Payporte to boost Nigeria Pitch Awards

takes place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos at 3pm today, which coincides with the Childrens’ Day celebrations.

Research Model needed a penalty shootouts to beat Christ The King Primary School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State 5-4 after the enthralling encounter had ended 1-1 at

Continues from BP

AYPORTE Global System, has thrown its full weight behind the Nigeria Pitch Awards, an initiative of Matchmakers Consult international in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).

Bassey Eyo, a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Payporte said this was the first time his company would be getting involved in football because ‘the Nigeria Pitch Awards provides the right platform to reach players, award voters, football journalists and football fans. We have also looked at the award process and are confident that the results will emerge from a transparent and

credible process.’

In a related development, the Kaduna State GovernorElect Mallam Nasir El-Rufai has confirmed that he will grace the Award Ceremony as Special Guest of Honour.

The event is billed to hold on Saturday 13 June, just hours after the NigeriaChad AFCON qualifiers in Kaduna.

Shina Philips, CEO of Matchmakers Consult International expressed the appreciation of the Nigerian football community to Payporte for its support stressing that the company has rightly positioned itself to attract the attention of millions of football lovers who are also followers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards.

Primary School, the battle for a place in the final against Nana Primary School of Delta state was a fierce encounter.

Enyeanugie held on to record a well deserved 3-2 victory at regulation time .

Nana will face Christ The king in the third place match also today starting at 1pm.

Messi

Liga Player of the Season award.

Messi came first in the poll after receiving 55.87 percent of the vote, with Ronaldo finishing in second with 35.37 percent.

The Argentina international helped Barca to lift the Primera Division title this season, while he also topped the league’s assists charts with 18.

His impressive tally of 43 La Liga goals for the campaign, however, was not enough to beat Ronaldo, who found the back of the net 48 times.

Ronaldo scored 61 goals in all competitions — a

personal record for goals in a season for the forward.

The Portugal international, who created 16 league goals this season, was joined in the top three by Madrid teammate James Rodriguez.

Rodriguez, who received 5.89 percent of the vote, struck 13 times during his debut La Liga campaign, while also racking up 13 assists.

Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and Barca’s Neymar finished fourth and fifth respectively, with the former claiming 1.7 percent of the vote and the latter 1.17 percent.

F/Eagles Continues from BP than 25 hours.

The weather in New Plymouth is chilly and raining as this is the beginning of winter in New Zealand. Locals say it is colder than Auckland.

Manchester City forward Kelechi

Iheanacho, who arrived New Zealand the previous day from his English base, was on the flight to New Plymouth with the rest of the team.

Hungary, who will share the Quality Hotel in New Plymouth with their first round foes Nigeria, are expected to check in today.

HANDS OF FELLOWSHIP . . . Shina Philips, CEO Matchmakers and Bassey Eyo, CEO Payporte

Manu Continues from BP didn’t make the Germany training camp.

“I said that because the players who have been training with us understand our philosophy and have undergone all the trainings, but you can’t take away anything from Success, who is playing for a club like Granada and he is injury free and doing well.

“Moses is the most important player at Belgian club Gent.

Kelechi has been on superb form. He is one player who can be relied upon if he is free of injury and I believe he has recovered from that injury.

“I believe their inclusion in the team will go a long way in adding more strength to the team,” he said.

Manu went on to state that he has no fears whatsoever, explaining that they already understand the team’s philosophy, but adds that none of them have an automatic starting berth.

“I don’t have any fear because these players have been with us. Even Moses Simon was with us in the early part of the U17 team before he went on to play for the U20 team. He may not know our philosophy, but for Kelechi and Success, they know how we play right from the U17s.

Kelechi even played the qualifiers.

“But we are also not saying these players will come in automatically to the first team, they will be coming in gradually for them to find a synergy with the other players.

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

GTCF supports Channels kids cup John Egbokan

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HE Greater Tomorrow Children Foundation (GTCF) has unfolded plans to support the finals of Channels Kids Cup,holding on Children’s Day, May 27 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

The Channels Kids Cup, an under-age national soccer competition is fast becoming one of the reference points for youth soccer competition in the country as young and exciting talents have come through the football milling factory of Channels Television, the nation’s foremost news television station.

Channels have won the

best television station award in the country for an unprecedented ninth time and its foray into youth soccer development, although fraught with challenges is soon gaining wide acceptance and credibility amongst football fans, chief of which are the Nigeria Football Federation and Eko Football, who are the partners of the competition.

Moved by the competition’s potentials to touch the lives of youths, the Greater Tomorrow Children’s Foundation, founded by 1984 AFCON silver-medalist, Paul Okoku decided to reach out to the organizers to see ways that the founda-

tion, which primary aim is to give succor to underprivileged kids who have talents in sports can support the worthwhile programme.

Speaking to reporters from his base in Atlanta, United States of America, Okoku, a product of the country’s age-group football system said that it was important for the foundation, whose board of directors comprise exinternationals Nathaniel Ogedegbe and Godwin Odiye, who are committed donors of the foundation to support a worthy project like the Channel Kids Cup and help alleviate youth suffering in the land.

Dikko seeks policy framework for football business

T

HE in-coming administrations at federal and state levels have been urged to invest in football through the league by upgrading existing stadium facilities that meet modern requirements of the game as a sport and an entertainment vehicle.

Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Mallam Shehu Dikko made the call in Lagos over the weekend during an interactive session with Sports Editors and said the football industry could generate huge jobs with a properly articulated policy to support the business aspects of football.

Dikko cited the example of the United Kingdom under former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher which in the

1990’s produced the framework that supported the English Premier League to evolve into a huge industry that has come to be a major revenue earner for the British people.

“Football is a national asset. It has sustained so many other industries where it has been properly harnessed such as in the UK. It supports the beverage, apparels, hotel and restaurant, souvenir manufacturers, transportation legal and media industries amongst others.

Governments need to invest in football not by being club owners but by providing infrastructure, upgrading existing stadiums to meet standards for broadcast, good play, leisure and business”.

On capital flight to European clubs, he said

One of the kids at Channels Kids Cup

Family remembers Ikpeazu, 10 years after THE family of late Justice Chuba Ikpeazu, two-time Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) marked with fanfair his 10th year memorial service at his residence in Onitsha, Anambra State.

Friends, family and a large number of admirers flocked to the residence on Sunday to be part of the service.

The late jurist and football icon died in 2005 at the age of 92.

The late Ikpeazu was appointed NFA chairman by the late Head of Government, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa in 1964, a position he held until outbreak of the Nigeria-Biafra Civil War in 1967.

He was reappointed chairman in 1987 by a former President, Ibrahim Babangida.

In a sermon at the service, Pastor Onyechi

Late Justice Chuba Ikpeazu Mbamali of the Lunch Hour Fellowship, Lagos described Ikpeazu as “a man who pursued his dreams of excellence in law practice and sports to its logical conclusion”.

He said that Ikpeazu would be remembered for his contributions toward the growth of both football and legal profession in the country. “He was a legend”.

CBN Open: It’s a dream come true — Otu

W

•Dikko the LMC may seek through the NFF to have a legislation that will compel companies doing business in Nigeria and investing in clubs abroad to pay a percentage of the value of the deal to the league here.

“We think it is important to show domestic credentials of supporting sports before going abroad and some of the wealthy foreigners investing in English football already

L-r: Captain of the Rochas Okorocha Foundation College football team, Master Chimaobi Obi; Director General, National Sports Commission, Mallam Alhassan Yakmut; General Manager Gas, Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Ubaka Emelumadu; and Public Affairs Officer, Nigeria Petroleum Investment Management Services, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson, during the presentation of the trophy to the winner of the 2015 NNPC-Shell Cup at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos... on Sunday.

INNER of the men’s singles title of the just-concluded 37th Central Bank of Nigeria Open Tennis championship, Thomas

out has said his victory did not come as a surprise to him.

“I worked hard for it and all I can say is that the title is a product of hard work.”

In all his toils and sweat

Savannah All Stars win 2015 DStv All Star Game

W

ITH heavy down pour in Lagos on Saturday, thunder struck twice at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos as the Savannah Conference All Stars won their 2nd straight DStv Premier Basketball league AllStar game, with a flamboyant display of long range shots, alley hoops and high octane slam dunks.

Powered by reigning All Star MVP Abubakar Usman’s 31 points off seven, 3 points shot and Kano Pillars team mate Ibrahim Yusuf ’s 18 points including 4 from behind the arc, the Savannah conference All Stars put up a shooting clinic on their way to a 102-66 points victory over the Atlantic conference Allstar team.

Despite boasting of the likes of legendary Tunji Awojobi who was limited to just 9points, Ben Uzoh (11points) and William Ndoumbe

•Tijani Umar, NBBF President

(9points) all on their roster, the Atlantic conference All Stars were dominated in the 2nd and final quarter (10-26) & (1630),despite starting with a blast trailing by one (18-19) in the opening quarter and put up a strong fight back after the break in the 3rd (2227).

Mark Mentors Azuoma Dike who in previous seasons stared for the Atlantic conference team added 9 points from the bench with a perfect 3/3 from behind the arc.

the young Boki-born tennis player said, “I have waited patiently for this and I believe the time has finally come. It’s a dream come true.”

Thomas out came from behind to beat Michael Moses 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to emerge the 37th Central Bank of Nigeria men’s singles champion, while unseeded Russian-born Nigerian, Melissa Ifidzhen outclassed the women’s defending champion, Christy Agugbom 6-2, 6-4 to clinch the title in that category.

In the men’s doubles, the pair of Albert Bikom and Sunday Maku defeated Moses Michael and Christian Paul 6-2, 46, 17-15 to win the title just as new women tennis sensation, Melissa paired with Esther Adegoke to beat Aminat Quadiri and Aanu Aiyegbusi 6-3, 6-1 to lift the women’s doubles trophy.

•Melissa

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 61

C M Y K

62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

Qatar Footballer of the year pockets $100,000 from FA

BY ONOCHIE ANIBEZE

H

ASSAN Khalid Haydos of Al Sadd walked out of the prestigious Qatar National Convention in Doha $100,000 richer.

He had just been crowned the Player Of The Year and the crown was worth $100,000 courtesy of the Qatari Football Association whose members should be proud of their success during the 2014/ 2015 football season that ended at the weekend with a superb Emir Cup. Khalid Haydos was instrumental to the success of his team, Al Sadd at the Emir Cup final on Saturday. He was also brilliant throughout the season and this earned him the title.

In a spectacular Emir Cup final, they beat El Jaish 21 to win the most prestigious cup in Qatar. It was their 15th victory. They had to work hard to beat the

C M Y K

•Hassan Khalid Haydos team trained by former French international and one time Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi who has added his impetus to the team since arriving last December.

Luiz Guilherme

Muriqui’s two strikes won Al Sadd the cup although Romarinho Da Silva pulled one back in the stoppage time. Muriqui scored in the 2nd and 76th minutes.

Great celebration followed especially with the pres-

ence of H H Sheikh Tamin Bin Hamad Al Thani. The fireworks were a beauty.

“I couldn’t have done this without my teammates,” Haydos said while receiving the award. The award proper did not last more than one hour. But before it started there was a cocktail tradition which enabled guests to interact at the venue while being served sumptuous chops and drinks. The lighting and the aesthetics in the venue were a different attraction. The atmosphere thrilled with players, officials, football technocrats, invited members of the public and journalists exchanging banters amidst appetizing refreshments.

The awards proper did not take all the night. “It was like FIFA Awards. Our people should come and see how they organise awards without boring guests with speeches,” a guest from Ghana said.

There were awards for the best coach, best young player, best fan club etc.

The Qatar Convention Centre is a piece of beauty and when Haydos, in a fitting traditional outfit, walked the stage to receive his award he was cheered on.

“First, I must thank God for this award,” he said of the day.

“Then, I must thank my teammates. Without them this would not have been possible. Hopefully, it is the beginning of many good things that will follow. I thank the organisers, I thank the fans and I thank everybody here.”

Ovation followed. President of the football association, Hamad Bin Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Thani walked taller than his height, proud of the success of the awards that marked the end of an equally successful season.

Qatar are preparing for the 2022 World Cup and are assessing their organisational ability with every major sports event they hold. The Emir Cup was one and the FA ensured it was exciting.

Completion of elite athletes hostel excites Yakmut

BY JUDE OPARA, Abuja

D

IRECTOR General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Alhassan Yakmut has assured Nigerian youths that the federal government will continue to strive to provide conducive sporting infrastructure for them to express their God given talents, even as he charged them to aspire for the best in their desire to serve the country in the area of sports.

Yakmut who spoke at a press conference to herald the commissioning of the 53 rooms High Performance Hostel located at the Package B of the Abuja National Stadium said international best practices were followed in constructing and equipping of the centre which he equally claimed would not only expose the athletes to the best of facilities but also curtail unnecessary spending by the Commission.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015 — 63

De Gea gives three words about his future Hazard stays at Chelsea M E ANCHESTER United goalkeeper David de Gea is keeping tight-lipped about his future.

The 24-year-old is expected to join Real Madrid when the summer transfer window opens, but gave nothing away as he was hounded by a Spanish journalist.

Asked by a reporter whether he had anything to say about Madrid, De Gea responded: “I can’t talk.”

The persevering journalist then followed the Spaniard down a high street before asking: “Would you like to play in Madrid or not?”

De Gea didn’t respond

to that question, which will leave United fans fearing for the future of their star player.

However, despite the uncertainty surrounding him, Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal is confident De Gea will stay in Manchester.

Prior to Sunday’s draw with Hull, Van Gaal said: “I still believe David will stay. And I want to play him against Hull, because I want to play my strongest team. And I think my strongest team must include David.”

De Gea ended up missing the clash with Hull with a hamstring injury as his countryman Victor Valdes, 33, made his full debut for United.

DEN Hazard wants to stay at Chelsea for years and join football’s elite by leading the club to Champions League glory.

The Belgium midfielder swept the board in the end-of-season awards after starring in Chelsea’s first Premier League title success since he joined from Lille in 2012.

Hazard’s arrival was announced shortly after Roberto Di Matteo had led the club to a first Champions League, and the double footballer of the year is des-

•De Gea

•Hazard perate to match that achievement to be considered among the world’s greats.

Falcao wants to join Chelsea •Willing to scale back £265k-a-week wages

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•Falcao

AC Milan want Marco van Ginkel on loan AC Milan coach Filippo Inzaghi wants to keep on-loan Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel for another season.

The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder impressed in Sunday’s 3-0 win over Torino but has been limited by injuries for much of the campaign and Inzaghi believes he can make a huge difference if he gets the chance to return.

“Unfortunately he is C M Y K

not our player,” said Inzaghi. “But he has grown a lot.

“He has played seven or eight games in a row and we are starting to see a great player.

“He does really well in training.

“Chelsea have great midfielders and he is in need of playing.

“My will would be if possible to keep him because he can give us a big hand.”

ADAMEL Falcao is willing to take a massive pay cut to join Chelsea.

Mirror Sport revealed in March the Colombian wants to stay in the Premier League and ideally wants a club in London.

Falcao’s representatives have already sounded out Chelsea after Manchester United decided not to take up the option to sign him permanently.

They have made it clear they are willing to scale back his huge £265,000-a-week wages from his parent club Monaco if it makes a deal happen.

Arsenal were keen last August but have seen him flop at Old Trafford while Tottenham are likely to baulk at the finances involved. Valencia and Liverpool have also shown an interest.

But Chelsea are looking for top quality backup and competition for Diego Costa and Loic Remy after Didier Drogba announced he was leaving.

Vanguard Football Team, Kirikiri Warrior pose before their friendly match with Global Football Academy, Agboju, Lagos recently.

Kane: My future is at Tottenham

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ARRY Kane has re affirmed his commitment to Tottenham after reports of interest from Manchester United. The PFA Young Player of the Year faced questions about his future after landing in Malaysia ahead of Spurs’ friendly against a Malaysia XI. And the 21-year-old made it clear he intends to stay put and build on a breakthrough season under Mauricio Pochettino that saw him score 21 Premier League goals and net on his senior England debut.

•Kane

Bale drops Madrid hint

G

•Ginkel

ARETH Bale has giv en a strong indication that he expects to remain with Real Madrid next season.

There has been speculation that the 25-year-old could leave the Bernabeu this summer and return to the Premier League, following reports of a clash with Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo -

Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the former Tottenham forward.

However, a day after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked as Real manager, Bale tweeted: “Not the end of the season we had hoped for, we always want to win trophies! Will be working hard in the off season and

looking forward to coming back next season stronger.

•Bale

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2015

F/Eagles train in N/Zealand T

HE Flying Eagles will have their first training in New Zealand today at 1pm local time, which will be 12 midnight in Nigeria

as New Zealand is 11 hours ahead of Nigeria.

The Nigeria U-20 finally settled down at the Quality Hotel Plymouth International

Tuesday night ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup after an exerting trip across three continents, which spanned more Continues on Page 59

Oshoala wins BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Shortlist for award Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria & Liverpool), Veronica Boquete (Spain & FFC Frankfurt); Nadine Kessler (Germany & VFL Wolfsburg); Kim Little (Scotland & Seattle Reign FC) and Marta (Brazil & FC Rosengard)

N

IGERIA and Liverpool forward Asisat Oshoala has been named as the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.

The 20-year-old forward is the first player to win the new award from the BBC World Service, voted for by football fans around the world.

She beat Spain’s Veronica Boquete, German Nadine Kessler, GANGLING — Oshoala Scot Kim Little and Brazilian Marta to the honour.

“I would like to say thank you to the BBC, to Cristiano my fans around the A R C E L O N A Madrid’s forward Lionel Ronaldo to claim AS’ La world and to everyone who voted,” she said.

Messi has beaten Real Continues on Page 59

The award is the first of its kind hosted by a global broadcaster.

Oshoala signed for Continues on Page 59

Iheanacho, Success too good to be dropped – Manu F

Messi beats Ronaldo •Wins AS’ Player of the Year

B

MY AWARD •Oshoala

•Iheanacho

LYING Eagles coach Manu Garba has allayed fears that Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success and Moses Simon would be found wanting at the FIFA U20 World Cup after they all failed to make the team’s training camp in Germany.

All three players were

busy with their respective clubs, hence their failure to make the Germany training camp, but made the final list of 21 and Manu has explained why he included all three players in his team despite his earlier stance that he won’t include players who Continues on Page 59

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

FRI DAY'S FRIDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS 2 Change (5) 7 Muddle (4) 8 Unfasten (6) 9 Revel (5) 11 Mournful (3) 13 Vehicle (3) 15 Excuse (4) 16 Healthy (3) 18 Cheat (4) 19 Bull-fighter (7) 20 Image (4) 22 Cab (4) 23 Hurricane (7) 25 Always (4) 27 Attempt (3) 28 Manage (4) 30 Performed (3) 31 Free (3) 33 Robust (5) 36 Figurine (6) 37 Engrave (4) 38 Power (5)

DOWN 1 Foot-lever (5) 2 Donkey (3) 3 Hill (3) 4 Regret (3) 5 Cunning (3) 6 Fragment (5) 10 Way out (4) 11 Marred (7) 12 Relegated (7) 13 Custodian (7) 14 Abused (7) 16 Swoon (5) 17 Late (5) 18 Spot (3) 21 And not (3) 24 Region (4) 26 View (5) 29 Throw (5) 32 Pig-pen (3) 33 Border (3) 34 Mat (3) 35 Still (3)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 1, Fleet 5, Huddle 8, Niche 10, Casino 11, Lean 14, Pagoda 15, Promise 18, Tet 19, Ear 21, Neck 23, Anger 24, Seer 27, Ten 29, Men 31, Replace 32, Frigid 34, Tale 35, Acumen 38, Allot 39,, Runner 40, Theme.

DOWN: 2, Lea 3, Enigma 4, Tin 5, Help 6, Dragon 7, Embark 9, Consent 12, Eat 13, Note 16, Rose 17, Eager 20, Renewal 22, Chic 24, Suffer 25, Emit 26, Regain 28, Sleuth 30, Nil 33, Dear 36, Cot 37, Elm.

How to Play Sudoku

P

lace a number (1-9) in each blank cell. (No line can have two of the same number).

Each row (nine lines from left to right), column, (also nine lines from top to bottom) and 3 X 3 block within a bold block (nine blocks) contains number from 1 through 9. This means that no number can appear twice in any block, column or row.

No mathematics is involved – no adding, subtraction, division or multiplication, just plain logic and your imagination.

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