Our leaders cheated us — CHIBOK PARENTS

...towards a better life for the people

ONLINE | www.vanguardngr.com

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VOL. 25: NO. 62198

N150

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

APAPA-OSHODI EXPRESSWAY: EBOLA: Nigeria End of gridlock not in sight, as contractors vacate site >>5,36-38 not out of the woods •FG to move tank farms — Obanikoro

yet — Prof Tomori >>

Pages 49&51

N100M LARGESSE:

Our leaders cheated — CHIBOK PARENTS us •No money was given — Presidency

By Henry Umoru

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BUJA—THE N100 million cash gift allegedly given to parents of abducted Chibok girls when they met President Goodluck Jonathan on July 22 at the Presidential Villa is now causing disquiet among the aggrieved parents. They have re-

Continues on Page 5

Mr & Mrs

The accident scene that claimed El-Rufai's son, Hamza (inset) in Abuja, yesterday. Courtesy FRSC.

Abductors of children to face death penalty in Akwa-Ibom >>14

Pull-out inside

Lunatics take over Zik's N3bn Govt House complex

2— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014—5

POCKET CARTOON

HOMAGE—The Adamawa State Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri (L), with the Lamido of Adamawa, Alhaji Barkindo Mustapha, who paid him Sallah homage in Yola on Monday.

Our leaders cheated us — Chibok girls' parents Continues from page 1 ported ly cried out that they have been cheated by their community leaders in the sharing formula.

The Presidency allegedly handed over the money to leaders of the Chibok community in Abuja for onward presentation to parents of the abducted schoolgirls.

According to a report monitored on Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, however, some of the parents are

now alleging that the Abuja-based community leaders have shortchanged them.

One parent, who was among those who visited the President, told BBC that he got only N200,000.

He said: “I got only N200,000 out of the said N100million allegedly received by our leaders in Abuja. Some of us got N300,000 and some less than that.

He also said that he was not comfortable with

TAKE HEART

BY ELLA RANDLE

Intention is much more powerful when it comes from a place of contentment than if it arises from a sense of lack or need. Stay centered and refuse to be influenced by other people’s doubts or criticisms —Deepak Chopra

Y

OUR higher self knows that everything is all right and will be all right, even without knowing the timing or the details of what will happen.

Most of the time our mind is caught up in thoughts, emotions, and memories. Beyond this noisy internal dialogue is a state of pure awareness that is sometimes referred to as “the gap.” One of the most effective tools we have for entering the gap is prayer, contemplation or meditation which takes you beyond the ego-mind into the silence and stillness of pure consciousness. This is the ideal state in which to plant your seeds of intention.

Once you’re established in a state of restful awareness, release your intentions and desires. The best time to plant your intentions is during the period after tuning within, your awareness remains centered in the quiet field of all possibilities.

the way the money was shared among parents of the kidnapped girls.

According to him: “Our

leaders in Abuja are using the girls to enrich themselves. In fact, some of the parents were screened out of the entourage by the Chibok leaders in Abuja. Many of them are residents of Abuja, not parents of the kidnapped girls”.

Another parent, who was screened out of the delegation that visited the President, said he got only N7,000 out of the money shared.

“I was at the farm when they brought the N7, 000 to my house and I collected it. Some of us got even less, some got N300 and below,” he said.

The parents stressed that they were not selling their daughters and that the money from the President just came to them as they neither asked for, nor expected it.

One of the community leaders, Pobu Bitrus, who is also a member of the House of Representatives and was at the meeting with the President explained to the BBC that after meeting with the President, monies were distributed to the parents in envelopes.

“After we met with the president, the parents were given monies in envelopes and that’s all.

All other things they are saying about N100million, I don’t know about that,” Mr. Bitrus said.

No money was given — Presidency

In its reaction, yesterday, the Presidency however said that it never gave N100 million to parents of the abducted school girls, who were at the Presidential Villa, Abuja last week, saying the story was absolutely false.

In a text message to Vanguard yesterday, Senior Special Assistant to President Goodluck Jonathan on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who noted that the government only took care of the parents’ accommodation and feeding, said “the story is absolute falsehood.

“The President did not give any N100m to the visitors from Chibok.

Government took care of

their accommodation, feeding and transportation.

“Government’s plan is robust rehabilitation and resettlement of the girls who have escaped so they can continue their education.

"The government also plans to rebuild the school and in general terms, repair damaged infrastructure as a result of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.”

Three months after the Chibok girls were abducted, President Jonathan finally agreed to meet with their parents following an appeal by the Pakistan girl-child education activist Malala Yusoufai. The Presidency had faced intense criticism over its handling of the kidnap of the Chibok girls being held by the extremist Boko Haram sect since April 14.

Plans underway to move tank farms from Apapa-Oshodi Road — Obanikoro ....Urges Lagos Govt to provide parking bay for trucks

By Evelyn Usman

L

AGOS—THE Min ister of State for Defenc e, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro disclosed, yesterday, in Lagos that there were plans to relocate the tank farms along the Oshodi/Apapa expressway as a way of finding a lasting solution to the unending gridlock.

Obanikoro, who disclosed this during his visit to Oshodi/Apapa expressway also urged the Lagos State Government to provide a permanent parking bay for trucks, from where drivers could be reached.

Obanikoro, explained that the visit became pertinent following the security implication of allowing trucks to use the road as a park.

He, however, applauded steps taken by the Western Naval Command, WNC, to ease the flow of traffic along the expressway, including other areas witnessing gridlock but added that the WNC’s effort might not be a permanent one since it was not its constitutional duty to control traffic.

According to him: “I am here to familiarise myself with the activities of the Nigeria Navy around the Ports area because I know that for some time now, we have been looking at the security implication of allowing trailers and trucks to use the road as a park.

“There are plans and we are also working with all stakeholders to ensure that the threat to this

corridor is kept under check. It is not easy to just close all these tank farms overnight. What is important now is to call for more vigilance on the part of all the operators.

"I want to assure you that all the security agencies in the country are aware and alert to what is at stake and everything humanly possible is being done to avert any calamity.

“I am happy that, so far, all those trucks have been moved and passage way created so that there could be free vehicular movement around the ports, thus eliminating the security implication of just having trucks and containers littering the entire road.

"This is largely due to the effort of the Western

Naval Command’s ability to engage all the stakeholders.”

He stated that the present administration was doing all it could to handle the situation, pointing out that part of its effort was the ongoing construction of a parking bay for trucks at Tin-Can Island Port.

He, therefore, said that this was not time to trade blames but a time for the Lagos State Government to partner with the Nigerian Ports Authority and other stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the situation.

“I am not going to join Lagos State Government in the blame game. What is important to me is that all of us have a responsibility to the good people of this country and particularly Lagos state."

6—Vanguard , WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY,, JULY 30, 2014

APAPA ROAD: Tanker drivers promise to maintain gridlock-free movement

By Bose Adelaja

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AGOS— IF feelers from Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, is anything to go by, road users in Apapa area of Lagos will soon be having hitch-free movement along the corridor, as the drivers have promised to maintain the existing free road witnessed during the just concluded Eid-el Fitri celebration.

Also, the drivers have said they would not in anyway contravenethe Lagos traffic law which could cause impediment to the ongoing road construction on the only road leading to the nation’s port.

Petroleum Tankers Drivers’ South West Public Relations Officer, Comrade Tayo Aboyeji, said, directives were issued to his members to cooperate with the contractors. ‘’This is due to the union directive that no tanker should be found causing an impediment to the contractor working on the road,” he said.

Aboyeji, who noticed the ongoing palliative measures by the government, also said this would ease traffic congestion after the public holidays. ‘’Yes, traffic will reduce because the road is a bit okay,’’ he said.

He, however, attributed other challenges to lack of parking bay, which he said had remained un-resolved and might affect the existing structure put in place by the drivers to maintain sanity on the road.

Rivers Police arrest man, 10-yr-old boy for witchcraft

By Davies Iheamnachor

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ORT HARCOURT— THE residents of Iwofe, Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State were on Monday, thrown into confusion following the apprehension of a 10-year-old boy said to have turned into a cat to witch-hunt a family in the community.

A resident of the community who spoke to Vanguard said

a cat jumped into a room from nowhere while the occupants were wide awake. The cat was said to have transformed to a boy as they were planning on how to chase out what they thought was a mere cat.

Vanguard gathered that when the cat turned into a young boy, the occupants of the room screamed to attract their neighbours who came to their aid.

The source also said the boy begged his captors that night not to kill him, naming his accomplice as a 48-year-old man said to have sponsored his evil mission to the family.

Meanwhile, the Iwofe Divisional Police Headquarters has arrested the boy and the 48-year-old man. When contacted, a senior police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Actually,

two people have been arrested in connection to witchcraft activity.”

But he declined to give further information on the issue, insisting that it is only the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, that is empowered to do so.

Contacted, the Rivers Police Command spokesperson , ASP Grace Koko, said she was yet to be briefed on the issue.

How robbers unleashed mayhem on Bariga residents during Eid-el Fitri

By Esther Onyegbula

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AGOS — RESIDENTS of Popoola and Ore-ofe Streets, in Bariga area of Lagos State are still in shock over the terror unleashed on them by dare devil robbers who invaded the area during the Eid-el Fitri celebration, Monday night.

According to reports, the robbers, who took advantage of the relaxed security due to the celebration, stormed the area at about 2 am and did not leave until after three hours of robbery and battering.

In spite of the rainfall, the robbers went up and down the streets, smashing vehicles' windscreen, destroying property and burgling shops.

Vanguard gathered that at least three residents were stabbed by the robbers, who were said to be about 25 in number.

A 25-year-old victim (names withheld) was stabbed in the head and back and was rushed to a private hospital in the area for treatment.

According to one of the residents simply called Iya Bukola, who spoke with Vanguard: “The robbers burgled shops. We were caught unawares because of the Eidel Fitri celebration.

One of the streets raided in Bariga “I didn’t leave my supermarket till 9 pm when I closed for the day. All through the night, we could not sleep as the robbers went from house to house. They did not touch some houses where they knew the security was tight and where they could be caught.

“I first thought I had escaped.

But when I got to the supermarket in the morning, everywhere was scattered.

They forced their way in and carted away most of the valuables.”

Narrating his ordeal, another

Young men moving goods for survival at Seme border, Monday. Photo: NAN.

resident told Vanguard: “The robbers got to our house around 4 a.m. About four of them entered the building and we could hear the voices of several others on the road.

“Threatening to kill whoever did not ‘cooperate’ with them, they stole everything — money, phones, laptops, and other valuables.

“The most agonizing thing was that they began to machete the resident. My neighbour, a 25year-old man, was unlucky, as he sustained injury in his head and back. He was bleeding all over

when they left. We quickly rushed him to a private hospital at dawn to save his life.”

Some of the residents told Vanguard that policemen from Pedro Police Division were called during the robbery, they did not show up early to save the situation, Police sources, however, said the policemen got to the scene immediately they were notified.

Efforts to reach the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, were unfruitful, as calls made to her phone lines were unanswered.

A hawker and her child taking a nap at Seme border in Badagry, Monday.

Photo: NAN

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014—7

I swindled job seekers of N403.6m —Suspect •As NSCDC arrests employment scammer

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AGOS — THE employment scammer arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for duping job seekers under the guise of recruitment into the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS; Nigeria Customs Service and the NSCDC, among others, have confessed committing the crime after defrauding applicants to the tune of N403,624,992.

A statement by the spokesman for the corps, Okeh, Emmanuel, yesterday, said: “The suspect, Mr. Michael Ogun, on whom several documents, including fake appointment letters of various services including that of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, were retrieved from his mobile phones and laptop, at the time of arrest, admitted committing the crimes during the interrogation at the weekend. .

“Other details of incriminating things associated with him include 50 bank accounts with different names in different banks and over N955, 996,893.50, passed through the accounts as proceeds from the fake recruitment exercise as well as other crimes involving money laundry which he also owned up to.

“Ogun, who earlier denied the allegation and claimed he was set up, admitted that he was only trying to put up a defence before the press and for his family members and friends to see him as being innocent of the charges against

him.

“However, he did not know the extent to which the case will go. To him, he thought he will just have his way by denying the offence.”

Impersonator also nabbed

Similarly, the corps was said to have arrested one Mr. Patrick Thomas for illegal possession of a firearm in Awka, Anambra State.

According to the state commandant, Mr. Ben Dikuro, the suspect was arrested at Bridge head, Onitsha with 25 calibre pistol while parading himself as a personnel of the corps to extort money from unsuspecting members of the public.

“Patrick Thomas has never served in the corps and the public should be aware of such fraudsters by reporting them to the corps for appropriate action to avoid denting the image of the service,” Dakuro said.

In the same vein, CallistusNnebife, a 38-yearold man from Ebenebe in Awka North and a graduate of Electrical Engineering was arrested at Amansea with 26 gallons of adulterated diesel (AGO) meant to be supplied to a rice and garri processing mill in Awka.

Nnebife, who admitted his offence, gave an excuse that he did not know that apart from operating licence for filling station that peddlers

of petroleum products are also required to obtain licence.

The Commandant General of the corps, Dr. Ade Abolurin used the opportunity of the arrests to warn applicants to beware that people with sinister motives like Michael Ogun are still within the society parading themselves as employment agents to deceive desperate job seekers by promising them recruitment into the corps and other services.

“Therefore, applicants should note that the corps is not recruiting, no replacement, whether under ground, small or above the ground as it is often being referred to,” Abolurin said.

Gully erosion on 8.5km Balle-Bangi Road in Sokoto State on Monday. Photo: NAN.

CONTINUOUS RAINFALL: Lagos traders, transporters lament low patronage

By Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AGOS — AS the rainfall persists for several days in Lagos metropolis, business owners, especially traders and commercial transport operators, are experiencing low patronage.

The state government had earlier in the year predicted 263 days of rainfall with severe thunderstorms in the year.

The state has in the last few days experienced persistent rainfall, even as residents joined Muslims all over the world to celebrate the Eid-elFitri.

Vanguard gathered that the persistent downpour compelled Muslim faithful to shift their Rakat prayers, originally scheduled for praying grounds, to their respective mosques.

It also forced many residents to spend the two-day public holidays indoors.

Vanguard visited some of the motor parks and markets to ascertain the situation.

Some of the markets and motor parks visited were Boundary market, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government; Ojo market, Ojo Local Government; Agbara market, Olohunda Local Council Development Area, LCDA. While some of the motor parks were Mile 2, Okoko motor park in Iba Local Council Development Area, LCDA, Ikeja, Iyana-Ipaja in Alimosho Local Government among others.

Mr. Michael Silvanus, a commercial driver lamented: “I got to the park at about 6:00 am today (yesterday), as this has been my practice. But I am yet to embark on my first trip.

I had to sleep because there was no passenger for the vehicles who arrived earlier.”

Silvanus added that the rain had failed to stop and that was why “I decided to go home after my first trip. I cannot wait in the park for the passengers that will not come.”

Mr. Wasiu Olanrewaju, a tricycle operator, said he expects more patronage as residents should seize the opportunity of the public holidays to visit their relatives.

According to him, “but the

residents chose to celebrate the festival indoors. And this is because the rain has not ceased. Its intermittent style has affected patronage.”

Mrs. Patricia Onuoha, a petty trader, said: “We expect residents to shop for the week but the rain has kept them away from the market. On public holidays, we get more patronage. Residents use such days to shop, but it was not so this time.”

Ogun Police arrest 3 robbers, recover loot, arms

By Daud Olatunji

A

BEOKUTA — THE Ogun State Police Command said yesterday, that the antirobbery team attached to Ajuwon Division of the command has arrested three suspected robbers after robbing a man at Olumoro Street, Olambe in Ajuwon area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this.

According to him, the police team responded to a distress call put across while on patrol that some robbers robbed the victim and carted away some amount of money and his valuables.

“The police team chased the robbers towards Olambe junction and arrested three of them and recovered N50,495 stolen from the victim (names withheld), some guns and mobile phones.

“The robbers had fired some shots at the victim injuring him before they escaped from the scene. He was taken to the hospital by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ajuwon Division and he is responding to treatment.

“The suspects arrested include Victor Akindele, 24, of Ojodu Isheri; Muritalah Ahmed, 27, of Alagbole Ojodu area and Afolabi Olatunji, 32, also of Alagbole Ojodu area. The suspects came on motorcycles for the robbery operation.

“The Commissioner of Police Ogun state CP Ikemefuna Okoye has directed that the suspects be taken to the Department of Criminal Investigation Eleweran Abeokuta for thorough investigation."

An accident scene on Abuja-Lokoja Road in Gwagwalada in Abuja, y e s t e r d a y.

Photo: NAN.

8—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Group plans mega rallies for Jonathan

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HE MAJOR voice behind current positive propagation of the numerous achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan, under the aegis of Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria (TAN) has concluded plans to organise rallies in support of his re-election efforts nationwide.

This was disclosed at a national stakeholders' meeting in Awka, yesterday, by the group’s director of Public Communications/Strategy, Udenta O. Udenta She bemoaned what she saw as ‘’the almost near absence of coverage of President Jonathan’s very many achievements nationwide; that the negative antics of the few traducers of the administration were visibly unconscionably allowed to dominate the airspace."

The director, therefore, urged citizens to carefully take a dispassionate look at the very many unique achievements of President Jonathan.

She listed the achievements sector by sector, to include oil/gas, roads, agriculture, power, sports, railway and women/youth empowerment.

Others are housing, port reforms, electoral reforms, aviation, port reforms, automobile industry and the National Conference, among others.

"And to speed up things and ensure effectiveness in some sectors, a transparent Public Private Partnership (PPP) scheme was brought in.

"Today, there is a housing scheme for construction of affordable houses for Nigerian workers in the 36 states including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The port reforms saw to the rehabilitation and reconstruction of 22 airports. Five new airport terminals were constructed at the Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja airports. Six cargo terminals were also approved and constructed.

"The port reforms was conceived with the ultimate goal of a 48-hour goods clearing policy within all the nation’s sea ports. This vision is now realizable," she said.

On the 35 per cent affirmative action for greater women empowerment as set out by the 1995 Beijing Conference was first actualised under Jonathan, she said.

New IGP: Jonathan, Police council settle for Suleiman Abba

By Kingsley Omonobi

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BUJA — INDICATIONS emerged, yesterday, in Abuja, that President Goodluck Jonathan and the Police council made up of the 36 state governors and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Mike Mbama Okiro (IGP, rtd) have settled for the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 7, Mr. Suleiman

Abba as the next Inspector General of Police when incumbent, Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar retires tomorrow after attaining the mandatory 35 years in service.

It was gathered that the authority settled for AIG Abba following convincing arguments that the leadership of the nation’s security forces will be concentrated in a particular zone of the country should the new IG be appointed from the list of names

earlier submitted to the President.

Sources told Vanguard that President Jonathan was also under pressure by the North, who insisted that appointing the next IGP from the South-South geopolitical zone would be counter-productive, especially with the security challenges facing the nation.

They argued that with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General K. T. J. Minimah from South-

HOMAGE: Adamawa Acting Governor, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri (left), discussing with the Hama Bachama, Mr. Honest Irimiya, who paid him homage to mark the end of Eid el Fitr, in Yola, Monday.

Adamawa acting gov accuses Nyako of mismanaging N82bn

By Umar Yusuf with agency report

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OLA — ADAMAWA State Acting Governor, Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, yesterday, accused the former Governor of the state, Murtala Nyako of allegedly mismanaging N82 billion during his tenure, saying that the government had concluded arrangements to probe the former governor.

“The panel is to synergise with all anti-graft agencies in the country to recover the state’s stolen funds and through effective positive, publicity to bring to public notice the abuses that necessitated and justified the change of government in the state,” Fintiri said in his maiden broadcast to the state.

Fintiri alleged that the former administration plundered the state’s funds, adding that, “never in the history of Adamawa State had executive stealing and institutionalised corruption been elevated to the level of statecraft as in the past adminis-

tration.”

According to him: “The high level of mindless plundering of the state treasury, the shameless and outrageous executive stealing that took place was on a scale far worse than the ravages that the insurgents had perpetrated in the North East."

In his reaction however, the former governor in a statement by his Director of Press and Publicity, Ahmad I. Sajoh denied the allegation against him.

According to the statement, “we have received the news of a plan to probe Murtala Nyako as one of the expected outcomes of the illegal process that culminated in his forceful removal from office by the combined forces of opposition in both Abuja and Yola.

“To say Murtala Nyako left a liability of 82 billion Naira is to say the least ridicoulus. How much did the State get as income over the period? It is not even half of the amount quoted.

What role did the State House of Assembly play in accumulating such a huge debt profile?

The 2012 Budget of Adamawa State was presented to the House of Assembly by the Speaker as Acting Governor

and no where was such an alarm raised as to the absence of projects or a litany of liabilities.

“We are therefore convinced that the amount mentioned and the planned probe are part of the script written with the intention of justifying the illegalities involved in the impeachment process and to also malign Governor Murtala Nyako as well as set the public against him.

South, Police Service Commission Chairman, Okiro from the South-South, an IGP from same zone would have been interpreted to mean deliberate ploy to use security forces to clamp down on the opposition expected from the North in the 2015 elections.

Five senior officers were said to have been considered as the new IGP and they include one Deputy Inspector General of Police from South-South, another DIG from North West, and three AIG’s, from North West, South – South and North Central zones.

During debates at the meeting for a new police boss, a group argued that Abba’s appointment will amount to favouring a particular zone since he is from the zone as his predecessor as well as former IGP Hafiz Ringim.

Another group, however, countered that during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former IGP Tafa Balogun and the Chief of Air Staff then came from the same zone. Eventually, everybody agreed on the choice of AIG Suleiman Abba as the new IGP. Abba had served as the Commissioner of Police in charge Rivers State, Deputy Force Sec, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Deputy Force Sec), Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of State CID, FCT Police Command.

He was also ADC to Mrs. Abacha during the tenure of General Sani Abacha as military head state.

The incumbent IGP Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar, whose tenure expires tomorrow, July 31, 2014, was appointed the 16th indigenous IGP in January 2012.

Vanguard was further informed that President Jonathan feels comfortable with the AIG zone 7, Suleiman Abba, having worked with him in Abuja for almost two years now. Abba is an alumnus of the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPPS, Kuru.

The new IG will be announced today after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided

by President Jonathan.

Boko Haram kills 8 in Yobe

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IGHT PEOPLE have been confirmed killed by suspected members of the radical Boko Haram sect in Katarko town in the outskirts of Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

Katarko is 22 kilometres south of Damaturu and a community in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, which is the state’s stronghold of the Boko Haram insurgents.

Residents said the insurgents stormed the town around 7:30p.m. and first attacked the

military base in the town before moving to residential houses killing eight residents in an attack that lasted over seven hours. The insurgents reportedly left at 2.30a.m. and encountered no resistance.

According to a resident in Damaturu, “they came here and launched an unsuccessful attack on the military base before embarking on some selective killings within the town, leaving us with eight casualties currently being prepared for burial."

Vanguard, WEDESDAY, JULY 30, 2014—9

Jonathan, Tambuwal, Okonjo-Iweala, others condole El Rufai ...over son's death

By Henry Umoru & Ben Agande

A

BUJA — PRESIDENT Jonathan has commiserated with former Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, over the death of his son, Hamza.

El-Rufai had announced on his Facebook page at about 8.00a.m. that Hamza died in a motor accident,Tuesday morning, in Abuja.

Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala and Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka; chairman, Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki were among the first callers to the Aso Drive, Abuja residence of erstwhile Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mallam Nasir ElRufai to commiserate with him over the death of his son, Hamza.

Also at El- Rufai’s No. 12, Mambilla, Aso drive residence to sympathise with him were former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Lawal Uwais, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Audu Ogbe, ex - Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri, among other Nigerians.

Nasir El-Rufai, a chieftain of APC lost his son yesterday in a car crash, the second child to die in three years. Hamza El-Rufai died on Tuesday morning in Abuja and he was buried at Gudu Cemetery in the nation’s capital city according to Islamic rites.

El-Rufai, who broke the unfortunate news on his faceboook page at about 8am, said, “From Allah we came and to Him we shall return. Please, join our family in praying for the repose of the soul of my son Hamza El-Rufai who died this morning in a motor accident in Abuja.”

Hamza attended the University of Virginia and the United World College of the Atlantic, according to information on his Facebook page.

The former minister had in November 25, 2011 lost his eldest daughter, Yasmine who suddenly passed away in her London apartment The 25-year-old Yasmine was said to have suffered neurological attack while leaving her bathroom and was unable to reach her medicine on time.

The late Yasmine had a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Bath, UK and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics . She also

had a law degree from the University of London.

Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Mukhtar Ramalan Yero and his Ogun State counterpart, Senator Ibikunle Amosun have also, expressed deep sadness over the tragic death of Hamza.

A statement by Dr Reuben Abati, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said Jonathan received the news with “a deep sense of grief and shock.

“On behalf of himself, his family and the Federal Government, Jonathan extends his heartfelt commiserations to Malam el-Rufai and all members of the el-Rufai family.

“The President says, although,

no amount of words can fill the deep gap created by the loss of Hamza, the outpouring of support by friends and associates will comfort El-Rufai.

“Jonathan prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the departed and also for God=s blessing, comfort and protection for El-Rufai and the rest of his family," the statement said.

Meanwhile, in a condolence message signed by the Director General, Media and Publicity, to Governor Yero, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, he said he received news of the death of Hamza with shock and profound grief.

His words: “The demise of

Hamza; a young intelligent young man with bright prospects is a huge loss to the entire country, especially to us in Kaduna State.

“I urge the entire El-Rufai family; friends and associates to take solace in the fact that the late Hamza lived a short but eventful life full of positive narrations.”

On his part, Governor Amosun in a release by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mrs Olufunmilayo Wakama, described the demise of young Hamzat, a graduate of University of Virginia and United World College of the Atlantic, who died in an auto crash in Abuja, as “most regrettable and unfortunate."

PRESENTATION: From Left, Mr. Abiola Adebayo,Operations Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc; Mr. Opeyemi Adediran, winner of the 'MyAstymin World Cup Predict and Win Contest,' with Mr. Olatunde Olanipekun, Finance Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, and Mr. Ola Ijimakin,General Manager, Marketing, during the final prize presentation of the contest, at Fidcomns head office, Lagos. Photo: Joe Akintola, Photo Editor

NiMet sees cloudy weather for today

A

BUJA — THE Nige rian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, Tuesday, predicted cloudy weather with localised rains and thunderstorms in the country for July 30.

This is contained in a Weather Outlook issued in Abuja by NiMet's Central Forecast Office, CFO. In it, NiMet predicted that central states would experience cloudy conditions with chances of localised rains over the high ground and the eastern part in the morning and afternoon.

According to the forecast, thunderstorms are expected over the western part in the afternoon and evening.

It predicted that the northern states will experience cloudy conditions with chances of localised thunderstorms over the northeast in the morning.

Similarly, prospects of localised thunderstorms are also expected over the western part in the afternoon and night, it said.

It added that cloudy conditions are expected in the southern coastal areas with chances of localised rains over the western part in the morning.

“Chances of localised rains are expected over the eastern part in the afternoon and evening.

“Cloudy conditions are expected in the inland area with localised thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, it added.

Military lifts ban on vehicular movement in Maiduguri

By Ndahi Marama

M

AIDUGURI — THE 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Maiduguri the Borno State capital has lifted the ban on vehicular movement earlier imposed on Maiduguri and its environs, following intelligence report that the Boko Haram sect planned to disrupt the Eid el Fitr celebrations with multiple bomb explosions.

The lifting of the ban, according to a statement sby the spokesman of the Division, Colonel Muhammed Dole takes effect from today.

Dole, in the statement said: "On behalf of the acting General Officer Commanding, Brigadier General Ibrahim Mohammed, I congratulate the good people of Borno State on successful completion of the Ramadan fast and the hitch-free Sallah celebrations in Maiduguri in particular and

other parts of the state.

"The Division also wishes to register its profound gratitude and appreciation for the support, cooperation and understanding with due regards to proactive security measures put in place by the Divisional Headquarters to forestal the evil plan of the terrorists to carry out bombings in

Maiduguri metropolis during the Sallah celebrations.”

"The GOC equally salutes the resilience and collaborative efforts of the youth vigilante group for their active participation in the fight against insurgents in the state.

"He is also urging the leadership of youth vigilante group to ensure the firm control and dis-

cipline of their colleagues while performing their duties in collaboration with the security agencies.

"He, however, requested the general public to remain vigilant and alert at their surroundings and to report any suspicious objects, persons and movements to the security agencies for further action."

APC lauds Muslim faithful on Eid el Fitr

A

LL Progressives Con gress (APC) has congratulated the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Fitr celebrations marking the successful conclusion of the month-long period of fasting.

In a statement issued in Kaduna on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party hailed its Muslim broth-

ers and sisters for their self-deprivation and spiritual supplication to God, and urged them to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan in their daily lives, far beyond the fasting period. ‘’That we are able to celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Fitr at all is a sign that the Almighty has accepted our supplication and shown mercy on us and our nation. By averting what could have plunged our nation into

deep turmoil, the Almighty has shown us that our fasting and prayers were not in vain. ‘’How could we have been celebrating if former Head of State Gen. Muhammadu Buhari or the renown Cleric Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi had been felled by the agents of darkness who targeted their convoys in Kaduna last week?’’ Indeed, God loves Nigeria and the least we can do is to love ourselves too,’’ it said.

10—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Envoy had no contact with ebola disease victim — LAGOS GOVT ...As US warns Americans against travelling to affected West African countries

By Sola Ogundipe, Olasunkan-

Why we don't want non-doctors appointed consultants — NMA

mi Akoni & Chioma Obinna

L

AGOS—LAGOS State Government yesterday said Nigeria's Ambassador to Liberia, Mrs. Chigozie Obi-Nnadozie was not one of the persons that had contacts with the late Liberian victim of Ebola disease, Mr. Patrick Sawyer, as earlier reported, blaming official of the Federal Government for the error.

Mr. Sawyer died in Lagos last Friday after flying into the country from Monrovia.

A statement by Lagos State government said it had since discovered that, rather it was the representative of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS President that travelled with the victim to Nigeria.

The state government, in a statement by Mr. Hakeem Bello, Special Adviser to the Governor Babatude Fashola on Media, apologised to Mrs. Obi-Nnadozie for the inconveniencies the error might have caused her as an individual and as a high official of government.

The statement read in part “We wish to correct the error that Nigeria’s Ambassador to Liberia, Mrs. Chigozie Obi-Nnadozie, was one of the persons that had contacts with the late Liberian with Ebola virus, who died in Lagos last Friday after flying into the country from Monrovia. We have since learnt that the official who travelled to Nigeria with the victim and who was mistaken for the Nigerian Ambassador to Liberia was actually a representative of the ECOWAS President.

“We hereby tender our unreserved apologies to Her Excellency for the inconveniencies this may have caused her both as an

By Chioma Obinna

L

SUMMIT: From left; Rev Sam Tukura; Pastor Ngozi Igbokwe and Pastor Enyi Igbokwe at the Open Heaven Miracle Summit at Harvesters City In Lagos. Photo by Akeem Salau. individual and a very high official and Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We, however wish to state here that the error was made by the official of the Federal Government who was at the briefing on Monday and provided the information at the Lagos Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.”

Don't travel to W' Africa, US warns Americans Meanwhile, United States Cen tre for Disease Control, CDC, yesterday warned American health care professionals to avoid non-essential travel to the West African countries with high burden of the Ebola disease to prevent them from contracting it, expressing fear that

the deadly Ebola virus could spread like a forest fire.

Stephan Monroe, Deputy Director of the CDC’s National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, said, “The likelihood of this outbreak spreading beyond West Africa is very low.”

The warning issued in two notices, also warned travellers to avoid contact with blood and bodily fluids of sick people in the affected countries.

The World Health Organisation, WHO estimates that Ebola has killed at least 672 people in West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The CDC also sent out the notice to health care professionals in the U.S, reminding them to find out if patients had travelled to West Africa in the last two

Lay down your arms, NLC begs insurgents, others

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

N

IGERIA Labour Con gress, NLC, yesterday called on those unleashing mayhem on the country in the spirit the just concluded Eidel-Fitri to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace, even as it called on government at levels to recommit to good governance.

NLC in a statement by its President Mr. Abdulwaheed Omar, called on Nigerians, irrespective of class, creed, ethnic, religious or political space, to rededicate themselves to a strong, united and vibrant Nigeria that would be a collective pride.

According to the statement “We enjoin all Muslims across

Nigeria and indeed all over the world to take a lifetime observance of all the lessons learnt during the Ramadan period and continue to humble themselves before Almighty Allah with conscious service to the upliftment of humanity. ''It is indeed unIslamic not to love ourselves as part of the same human race regardless of racial, class, ethnic, political or religious backgrounds. This is what strengthens the labour movement across the world and we believe all other segments of the society, particularly the Nigerian society, can be strengthened by adopting our commitment to unbridled commonality in purpose and focus.

“All Nigerians, no matter

what class, creed, ethnic, religious or political space we belong should rededicate themselves to a strong, united and vibrant Nigeria that will be our collective pride. Though we face several challenges at the moment, but it is our belief that none of these challenges can weaken our zeal for peace, collective progress and a stronger country that is united in all ramifications.

“While we renew our call to all those foisting violence on our country to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace, we call on government at every levels; federal, state and local governments as well as all arms of government to recommit themselves to good governance.''

weeks, to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of Ebola and to isolate any suspected cases.

Most of the exposures to Ebola in health care settings had been through needle sticks and exposure while disposing of the diarrhoea, vomit and blood of sick people, said Monroe.

People are not contagious unless they exhibit symptoms, but often these signs — like fever and body aches — can be mistaken for other diseases like malaria and Lassa fever, experts said.

Also, only about half of cases involve bleeding, despite the perception that Ebola is characterised by widespread hemorrhage.

The State Department said the US was providing “personal protective equipment and other essential supplies” to the affected areas. We’re taking every precaution, of course, as would be expected,” said spokeswoman Jen Psaki, noted that the situation was not expected to affect a planned summit of African leaders next week in Washington.

The CDC said the family members of the American doctor who contracted Ebola, Kent Brantly, had been living with him in Liberia.

“However, by the time he fell ill they had already returned to the United States. As a precaution, they are being monitored for signs of fever for the incubation period of 21 days. An outbreak could not be declared over until two full incubation periods — 42 days — have passed without new cases, he added. ”The concern is that the outbreak can be reseeded, much like a forest fire with sparks from one tree,” said Monroe.

AGOS—STRIK ING medical doctors have given reasons why they do not want non-medical doctors to be appointed ‘consultants’.

Speaking at inaugural briefing of the newly elected executives of the Lagos State Branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Lagos, its Chairman, Dr Tope Ojo said government willingness to grant allied health workers the title of consultant if allowed would create unending anarchy.

According to him, “The title Consultant in medical practice is preserved exclusively for a doctor that has gone through a minimum of six years excruciating full time, postgraduate academic training. The patient is traditionally registered under a consultant, who owns the patient and reserves the right of success or failure in the chain of events. ''We therefore warn the Nigerian people of the inherent danger of this conspiracy to deceive and confuse them as they attend hospitals for their health needs.

“NMA is not against the normal professional advancement of any allied health professional.

Our position is that the situation must not arise where there will be anarchy and disruption of the chain of command that is bound to jeopardise patients’ lives. If allowed, there will be a time when a patient may run into a problem of superiority contest. ''For instance, if a doctor, who is the consultant that owns the patient directs that paracetamol should be given to the patient, a consultant pharmacist may decide to change the drug to another and this also goes for the nurse or the lab scientists, when this happens, it could cause serious mismanagement of the patient.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 —11

PDP not part of plot to remove Ajimobi — ALAO-AKALA

By Daud Olatunji

A

B E O K U T A — FORMER governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, yesterday said members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state House of Assembly were not into any alliance to remove the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi frm office.

Alao-Akala spoke in IjebuIgbo, Ogun State after a reception programme held for 1, 500 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who decamped to the PDP in the state.

The former governor, who held a closed-door meeting with Chairman, Mobilisation and Organisation Committee for PDP in South West, Prince Buruji Kashamu after the reception, told newsmen that he was in Ogun State to felicitate with Kashamu.

There had been insinuations that some members of the Oyo state House of Assembly were forming alliance to impeach the state governor.

According to Alao-Akala “PDP is not part of the plot to remove Ajimobi. Members of the PDP who are in the Assembly are not in alliance to remove anybody from office. We cannot do that.

Why would they remove him?

What has he done? Let him finish his job and go away.

“I am here to felicitate with my brother and friend who is Chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation of the PDP on this salah.”

On the chances of the party in

Oyo State in the coming elections, Alao-Akala said “in Oyo State, there is no APC, I am not bluffing and I am not joking, there is no APC. The man there

is just buying time, he will soon pack his bags and go away.”

When asked whether the PDP is going to form alliance with Accord in the state to oust the

By Dayo Johnson

A

LAUNCH: From right; Evang. Bola Olaoye JP, host and minister in charge; Pastor Abraham Balogun, District Superintendent and Evang. Peter Fasesin, choir master at the Christ Apostolic Church Mountain of Comfort anniversary thanksgiving service Album launch held at Temitope Street, Lagos. Photo by Akeem Salau.

Traffic in Lagos airport as workers resume

L

AGOS— THE Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, yesterday, witnessed a large number of outbound and inbound passengers as a result of the Eidel-Fitri holidays.

Most of the outbound passengers were seen in long queues, waiting to board flights to their destinations, while others waited patiently to pick up their

luggage on arrival.

Some intending travellers were on queues trying to purchase tickets in front of the airline counters.

A passenger, Alhaja Ramota Abdullahi, said that she was returning from Abuja, where she spent the holidays with her relatioves. Abdullahi, who arrived from Abuja, thanked Allah for the journey to Lagos.

Sagbama stakeholders pass vote of confidence on Dickson

S

TAKEHOLDERS of Sagbama local government area have passed a vote of confidence on the Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Seriake Dickson in view of the positive impact his administration has made on the overall development of the state.

Speaking during a meeting of the first Sagbama local government area Stakeholders Forum at Sagbama, headquarters of the LGA, Engr.

Charles Dorgu, Chairman of

the forum, advanced reasons that informed their decision to rally round Governor Dickson to enable him consolidate on his good works in the restoration and transformation of the state.

According to Engr. Dorgu, the restoration government has engendered peace and stability, construction and rehabilitation of dilapidated facilities, construction of roads, bridges, the first flyover, since the creation of the state,

schools and general hospitals across the local government areas of the state.

He also recounted the award of scholarships, provision of housing infrastructure, commercialisation of landed property through the establishment of the Bayelsa geographical information System, BGIS, provision of the necessary commercial and industrial infrastructure to assist private entrepreneurship in the local government areas.

Oyo 2015: ‘We'll prevent repeat of Ekiti loss — APC

By Ola Ajayi

I

BADAN—THE All Pro gressives Congress, APC, in Oyo State, yesterday said it was doing everything possible to prevent a repeat of what happened in Ekiti State where the opposition Peoples Democratic Party won the governorship election against the incumbent governor, Dr. kayode Fayemi..

The party, speaking through one of its chieftains, Mr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, noted that

incumbent governor in the 2015 election, Alao-Akala said “there is nothing like alliance, we are going headlong to face whoever that is coming out.”

Ondo trains emergency medical service agency officers

apart from the fact that Governor Abiola Ajimobi could not be impeached, he would be the first governor to govern the state twice.

Olatunbosun, who is also the Caretaker Chairman of Ibadan North West Local Government, said all 33 local government areas of the state had begun mobilising voters from the grassroots to ensure victory for Senator Abiola Ajimobi come 2015 general elections.

According to him, “Al-

though, Senator Ajimobi has done a lot of laudable projects that can speak for him, we, the caretaker chairmen have agreed to mobilise grassroots voters to ensure he beats the opposition with wide margin in the election. ''We thank God for the time the Ekiti election was held.

We in APC have gone back to the drawing board and I can assure you that what happened in Ekiti will never repeat itself in any of the APC-governed state again.”

She said: “I went for the Ramadan break in Abuja to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitri with my family and loved ones; now I am back to Lagos.”

A civil servant, Mr. Taiwo Alalade, said that he was travelling back to Port Harcourt as work resume today.

Alalade said he had been on the queue for more than an hour to purchase a ticket, expressing surprise at the large turnout of passengers at the airport.

He said: “Today seems to be very busy, as is the case during every festive period in the country. I travel mostly during festive periods, but this time around, it is a little difficult getting a ticket.

“I travelled to Port Harcourt just for the long holidays, not necessarily for the celebration.

But passenger traffic today is very high.”

Mr Damilola Smith, an Abujabound passenger, said he was happy to visit his home for the celebration, stressing that the holidays gave him the opportunity to visit relations and friends.

“I almost missed the flight when I was coming to Lagos on Friday. There were too many passengers at the Abuja airport, coming to Lagos that day,” he recalled.

A cab operator, Mr. Olumide Faleti, said that he was happy with the large number of passengers at the airport.

Faleti noted that business for the period had been profitable, with the increase passenger traffic.

He said that he charged between N5,000 and N7,000 per trip, depending on the route of the passenger.

KURE—ONDO State government has said its Emergency Medical Service Agency, EMSA, will soon commence operation across the state, as training has begun for officers in charge of its operation.

Commissioner for Information, Kayode Akinmade who said disclosed this in Akure, noted that the agency would begin full operation as soon as training ended and that Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju had before the Ramadan holiday declared open one week training for the officers expected to work at the five strategic locations of the agency in the state.

Uphold ethics of law profession, lawyers told

N

IGERIAN Bar Association, NBA, Ijebu-Ode branch, Ogun State, yesterday urged its members to uphold the ethics of the law profession to remain relevant to the society.

The Secretary-General of the association, Taiwo Odumosu, made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ijebu-Ode. He stressed that by adhering strictly to the ethics of the profession, corruption would be eliminated in the dispensation of justice.

GCI old boys want better management of school

I

BADAN—OLD Boys’ Association of the 85year-old school, Government College, Ibadan has called on Oyo State Government to hand the school over to it for better management.

Notable Nigerians like the Nobel laureate, Professor. Wole Soyinka, former Governor Omololu Olunloyo and many others attended the famous school.

12—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

APC, DPP members join PDP in Delta

PDP lawmakers displaying legislative rascality, says Obende

By Simon Ebegbulem

By Festus Ahon

U

GHELLI—THE political fortunes of opposition parties in Isoko South Local Government Area, Delta State, yesterday, dwindled as over 2,000 members from All Progressives Congress, APC, and Democratic Peoples Party, DPP, joined Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. While receiving the new members, leader of the PDP in Irri Ward 10, Chief Emmanuel Ekee, said: “The PDP umbrella is big enough to accommodate everybody and there is no first class or second class citizen; every one of us has equal opportunity in the party.”

Moving a vote of confidence on Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, which was seconded by Mr. Joe Orogun and unanimously adopted, Ekee said PDP was the only party that has the interest of the masses at heart.

He thanked Governor Uduaghan for appointing Mrs Rhoda Ikede as Senior Special Assistant on Education Monitoring, urging the people of the area to continue in their support for the state government.

Mr. Godspower Odueme, who spoke on behalf of the new members, pledged to work with the party to ensure its victory in the 2015 elections in the ward, adding “ we have seen the light in PDP.”

B

ENIN— THE Senator representing Edo North senatorial district of Edo State in the National Assembly, Senator Domingo Obende, yesterday described the gale of impeachment in the country as legislative rascality being perpetrated

by Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. Domingo, who said that the leadership of PDP should be held responsible if the unity of the country was threatened with the way and manner APC governors were being impeached by PDP legislators, warned that the attempt to suppress the opposition in the country was dangerous.

He said: “What is happening is very surprising to some of us.

There is danger around the corner because a political system that ought to be

stable, thrives on impeachment threat and processes. It does not augur well for the country.

“The leadership of the National Assembly is matured, so we look at

By Samuel Oyadongha

Y

E N AG OA — P I R AT E S have attacked the coastal settlement of Ondewari in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, carting away two speedboats. Okpotuwari, Korokorosei and Umbugbene are some communities in the area.

The attack came less than nine hours after octogenarian, Chief Benson Adigio-Eseni, uncle to Chief Timipre Sylva, the former Bayelsa State Governor was kidnapped at Okpoama in Brass Local Government

G

OVERNOR Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has expressed happiness with the progress made in the Calabar Monorail project.

The monorail is designed to link the new development area called the Summit Hills, where the new Calabar International Convention Centre is sited, to the Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort.

Speaking while inspecting the project, Imoke said: “My vision to integrate Tinapa Business Resort, which is about 12 kilometers away from Calabar via a monorail with the Convention Centre, both of which are separated by an artificial lake, is progressively being realised.

“The monorail will provide a wonderful opportunity for guests at the Tinapa Hotel and Tinapa Knowledge City to utilise conferencing facilities across the lake.”

Why I want to govern Delta, by Okocha

D

ELTA State gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Mr. Peter Okocha, has said that his vision to govern the state was borne out of passion to return the state to its pacesetter status in the league of states in the country.

He also said his vision was to ensure that Delta State becomes the best developed state with the highest standard of living in the country.

In a chat with Vanguard, Okocha said government was a continuous progression without break or discontinuity and consequently, his administration, if elected, will consolidate on the good works of the current administration.

where governors who were given mandate by their people are not allowed to exercise their rights.

“There should be a repeal of the sections of the law on impeachment.”

Pirates raid Bayelsa communities

Imoke expresses satisfaction with monorail project

By Gbenga Oke

Nigeria as an entity that must be saved and of course, the whole of Africa is looking up to us. Are we going to be a giant in rascality?

“I see it as a clear parliamentary misbehaviour

He said: “Coming from a private sector, my exposure as an international businessman and my sojourn through extensive political experience, which I gained during the Shagari administration, has prepared me to give my best to Delta State if given the opportunity.”

On his plans for education, he said: “I believe education should be affordable, accessible, functional and driven by the market and I feel strongly it could be provided through government-private sector partnership with in-built mechanisms that cater for the needs of the qualified poor segments of our state.

“Broad objectives shall be realised through massive investments in schools infrastructure, safety and security of schools, while comprehensive fencing of schools in the state will be done.”

Area of the state.

Vanguard learnt that the armed men, who came in two speedboats, stormed Ondewari, which is situated on Ossiama Creek in Olodiama clan of the council about 10.30p.m.

Though no life was lost during the attack, a source from the area told Vanguard that one of the speedboats that was carted away by the hoodlums belonged to an indigene of Ondewari community.

According to the source, the speedboat was tied to a pier at the community waterfront when it was

stolen, but was later found floating on the river with its engine intact; abandoned by the pirates.

The second speedboat, it was learnt, was heading to Amassoma in the same council, when it was snatched from its owner, an indigene of Ikebiri.

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Alex Akhigbe, proved abortive, but an indigene of the community, Mr. Alagoa Morris, expressed concern over the rising crime in the creeks and called on the state government to reinforce security on the waterways.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014—13

ANNIVERSARY: From left— The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM Orhue I; his wife, Doris; and the Otota of Okpe Kingdom, Chief D. E. Uwerhiavwe, at the eighth anniversary celebration of the monarch. PHOTOS: Akpokona Omafuaire.

Chief C. A. Edemenaha (left) and Senator Adego Eferakeya. BACK ROW: Chief Walter Boyo (left) and Omo Omizu.

The Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Oharisi III (left) and HRM Matthew E. Egbi Owhawha II, Okobaro of Ughievwhen Kingdom.

Very Rev. F. A. Mario Ozele (left) officiating at the thanksgiving mass.

‘Rivers saved billions through BPP’ D

IRECTOR General of Rivers Bureau on Public Procurements, RSBPP, Mr. Franklin Nlerum, has said that the people of the state get value for money spent on projects and the provision of infrastructures, as Governor Rotimi Amaechi had made consistent and effective use of RSBPP, which has led to the state saving billions of naira.

Nlerum added that huge savings were made following the Bureau’s insistence that

projects pass through a rigorous test and due process before contractors could get the bureau’s ‘certificate of no objection’ to commence any project.

Speaking during a media chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt, Nlerum said that the Amaechi administration had saved billions of naira from projected costs for various projects across the state through the Bureau’s work.

RSBPP's primary responsibility is to ensure that money for any project in the state is reasonable and adds value to the state.

Nlerum said: “I am always reluctant to talk about savings not because we do not save, but because that is not primarily what the law set us up to do.

“The law set us up to ensure that there is value for money, that Rivers State does not pay more than it should pay for

Ayomanor donates vehicle to Ugborhen Community Vigilante group

C

HIEFTAIN of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Delta State, Chief Lucky Ayomanor, has donated a vehicle to the Elume Vigilante group in Sapele Local Government Area of the state as part of his contribution to the efforts in curbing insecurity in the area.

Ayomanor, while presenting the vehicle, said the gesture was part of his contribution to complement the state government’s efforts in ensuring peace and security in C M Y K

the state.

He said that the gesture was in furtherance of Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s three-point agenda of human capital, peace and security, and i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l development.

Ayomanor advised the leadership of the Elume vigilante group to take good care of the vehicle, adding that he was ready to support the group whenever the need arises.

He also commend the Joint Military Task Force, JTF, in Elume and its environs, saying that their presence had helped a great deal to guarantee the safety of lives and property in the area.

The Divisional Police Officer of Sapele council, Mr. Sale Rijau, advised the vigilante group to take good care of the vehicle.

Mr. Godwin Abule, former Secretary to the Sapele council, thanked Chief Ayomanor for the gesture.

any transaction, that a procurement should be fit for purpose, that there should be competition.

“Now, when you follow the issues, which I consider as procedural regularities, you will find out that there will be savings.”

Nlerum also said the process was part of the reasons the state acquired Automated Road Analysers, ARAN, vehicles, which uses technological means to determine road quality.

Road-monitoring vehicles

He noted that the ARAN vehicles would be used by the BPP in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Works to ensure quality construction and completion of every project.

He said: “We bought the Automatic Road Analyser because we wanted to address a particular problem that is bedeviling not just Rivers State but the entire country, which is roads failing: when do they fail? Do we have any empirical basis of determining when a road is about to fail? What should we do to remedy it?”

WIKE TO MUSLIMS: Pray for Jonathan, Nigeria

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— MINISTER of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has called on Muslims to pray for God to continue to guide President Goodluck Jonathan as he pilots the affairs of the country.

Wike, who spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when members of the Muslim community paid him a courtesy visit, charged Muslims and Christians to continue to live in harmony in the state.

He expressed hope that the challenges posed by the terrorist activities of Boko Haram in some parts of the North would soon be a thing of the past, adding that they should, as Muslims, continue to pray for peace of in country.

14—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

N'Delta groups hold rally for Jonathan

By Dapo Akinrefon

N

O fewer than 500 ethnic and youth groups have so far signed up for the one million Nigerian youths solidarity rally in support of President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda slated for Abuja tomorrow.

The rally, being put together by the Jonathan Youth Vanguard and the Niger Delta Youth Leaders Council, in conjunction with several pro-Jonathan support groups and organisations will take place in four different locations in Abuja.

A leader of the organising team, Mr. George Turnah, told newsmen that aside identifying with the rally, the groups have also endorsed the candidature of President Jonathan for the 2015 presidential election.

He dismissed insinuations that the rally was being bankrolled by the Presidency.

‘No anointed candidate for Delta guber yet'

G

OODLUCK Support Network, GSN, has said it has not anointed any governorship candidate for Delta State.

A statement by GSN National Coordinator, Professor Chukwuma Nwose, said that their attention was drawn to claims by a candidate that he was the anointed governorship candidate, noting that nobody had been nominated as the governorship candidate of GSN.

Abductors of children to face death penalty in A'Ibom

By Tom Moses

U

YO— PERSONS that engage in the

abduction of children in Akwa-Ibom State will henceforth face death penalty under the state’s Child’s

Rights and Anti-Terrorism Act. Governor Godswill Akpabio made the

We must support indigenous oil, gas companies— HOUSE C'TTEE CHAIR

By Simon Ebegbulem

B

ENIN— CHAIRMAN, House of Representatives Committee on Nigerian Content, Mr. Asita Honourable, has charged the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, NCDMB, to ensure the implementation of the Act which ensures support for wholly indigenous companies to invest in the countr y ’s oil and gas sector.

He spoke while inspecting the budding industrial park meant to produce pipes for the oil

and gas industry, which is being constructed by an indigenous company, Technova Nigeria, in Ologbo, Edo State.

The lawmaker stressed the need to give opportunities to young Nigerians, who have invested in the oil and gas sector to stop importation of some of these products.

He said: “One of the reasons why the Nigerian Content Act was promulgated is to encourage businesses such as this. I understand that through the one percent deduction made to the fund from all upstream contracts, the Fund has been able to generate well over

Amaechi, Muslims condemn terrorism

By Jimitota Onoyume

P

ORT HARCOURT— MUSLIMS in Rivers State have condemned the terrorist activities of Boko Haram in the country, saying that they were not Islamic.

Speaking in Port Harcourt, when they paid a courtesy visit on Governor Rotimi Amaechi as part of activities to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, the state Islamic leader and Vice President General, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islam Affairs, Rivers State, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe, said Muslims would continue to condemn terrorist’s acts because it does not reflect the teachings of Allah.

He said: “We join all other well meaning real Muslims and non-Muslims alike to totally condemn the terrorists and what they stand for.”

Earlier, Amaechi charged Muslims in the country to unite against terrorism. He was represented by his deputy, Mr. Tele Ikuru.

He said no Muslim would take the life of another in the name of religion.

$450 million.

“I understand that part of the intervention the board makes is to encourage the training of Nigerians in different aspects of Industry practice.

“I, therefore, would be happy if the board will initiate partnerships with entities like Technova to fund certain aspect of this project that will enable the board use it as a training facility for young Nigerians.”

Chief Executive Officer of Technova, Mr. Norbert Oleah, commended the friendly relationship they had enjoyed with their host community.

disclosure in Uyo, at the 50th birthday celebration of his Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Emmanuel Enoidem, noting that 25 persons arrested for alleged abduction of children by security agents in the state were already facing trial and would face the full weight of the law if found culpable.

Governor Akpabio added that 30 kidnapped children from the state and the neighbouring states had been rescued from their abductors.

According to him, the parents of the children went through trauma while awaiting the return of their children.

He called on the people of the state to report suspicious movements to security agencies and to always be security conscious, adding that five teams of security agencies were currently carrying out investigations to check the trend of child theft in the state.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 — 15

EBOLA: Obiano orders 400 PPE for Anambra health workers

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

O

NITSHA—GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra State has ordered the state Ministry of Health to acquire at least 400 Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, to prevent health workers in the state from contacting the deadly Ebola virus.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Josephat Akabuike, who disclosed this in his office in Awka, said although no case of Ebola virus had been recorded in the state, the ministry had investigated the alarm being raised in some parts of the state about the virus and discovered that it was only a case of gastroenteritis that recently hit some rural communities in the state.

Akabuike emphasised that at the moment, no fewer than 120 suspected cases of gastroenteritis, with five deaths, had so far been reported at Omor and Ifite Ogwari in Anyamelum local government area of the state.

He added adding that the state government had instituted a rapid response team, saddled with the responsibility of responding to emergencies.

Flanked by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr. Chukwudi Okoye

and the Epideologist, Dr. Emma Okafor, Akabuike further disclosed that the state had concluded plans to train physicians on how to manage persons with suspected cases of Ebola virus.

“In Anambra State, we have epidemiologists that monitor the environment and we are planning to purchase mobile ambulances and clinics to move them to areas of

emphasis to enable us respond timely in case of emergencies.

“We are also doing public enlightenment through the media, communities and churches to keep people at alert,” he said.

Akabuike, who is a veteran gynaecologist, identified Ebola virus symptoms to include malaria, persistent diarrhea (gastroenteritis) and

fever, weakness, waist pain and bleeding from nose, ears and eyes, adding that the virus could also be contacted through sexual intercourse.

He said: “Ebola virus disease is incurable but symptomatic treatment can be given to an Ebola patient to rehabilitate the person and that is why Anambra State government has moved to acquire 400 personal protective equipment for health workers to protect them from contracting it.”

PRESENTATION: Prince Arthur Eze, Chairman of Atlas Petroleum (left), presenting a cheque of $1 million to Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State, to strengthen the governor's efforts to cleanse the state of criminals.

ENUGU IMPEACHMENT SAGA: Group flays alleged pressure on dep gov to resign

By Emmanuel Aziken

E

NUGU—A pressure group, Enugu Rescue Group, ERG, has flayed the reported pressure on the deputy governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi, to resign his office, describing the episode as a festival of shame and raw power.

The group in a statement made available to Vanguard, equally chided Enugu PDP stakeholders who are supportive of the removal of the deputy governor from office and accused them of playing the ostrich.

The group in the statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Martin Okenwa, described the meeting of the

2015: Idiga eyes Orlu Senatorial seat Idiga said he believed he could

O

RLU—AN industrialist, Chief Felix Idiga, who indicated his intention for the Senate, said he was compelled to vie for the position to attract proper development and infrastructure for the people of Orlu zone in Imo State.

Chief Idiga stated this, while receiving ward and local government coordinators of his campaign organisation. He disclosed that giving back a good chunk of his wealth to the society through philanthropy and charity had given him joy.

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attract and do more for the people, if given the mandate to represent the zone in the Senate in 2015.

He told the coordinators, drawn from the 12 local councils in Orlu Senatorial District, that he chose them on the merit of their political contributions in their areas in the past.

He enjoined them to partner with him to show that a leader elected to represent the people should be the arrow-head of the development of the people and area through honest distribution of empowerment opportunities and provision of infrastructure.

stakeholders and senior Enugu government officials on July 27, on the issue as contrived to legitimise the unpopular pressure from the governor on his deputy to resign.

It reasoned that asking the deputy to resign or get impeached at the pleasure of one man was unconstitutional and the height of impunity, a n d wondered, “why such a meeting was held without involving the d e p u t y governor to tell his on side of the story.

“It baffles us that rather than see if the a l l e g e d offences of the

deputy governor were true or if they constituted gross misconduct and abuse of office as conceivedbythe1999Constitution, the meeting was more interested in whether the Governor wanted his Deputy or not."

MASSOB, group bicker over true defender of Ndigbo

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

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N I T S H A — MOVEMENT for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB and Igbo GaAdi Nma, yesterday, in Onitsha, Anambra State, engaged themselves in a war of words over who was the true defender of Ndigbo.

Although the remote cause of their grievances are yet to be ascertained, sources said both groups were fighting for the control of the commercial city and accusing each other of extorting residents of the city.

However, the leadership of Igbo Ga- Adi Nma said its group was not illegal as alleged by MASSOB, but an organisation of credible, cultured and progressive Igbo men and women, youths, students, traders, artisans, and professionals, among others.

Coordinator of the group, Mr. Goodluck Oguejiofor, said: “Igbo Ga- Adi Nma is a well oriented Igbo sociocultural organisation established to protect, promote, project and enhance the dignity, integrity, cultural/ political value of Ndigbo.

The statement read: “We don’t associate ourselves with criminalities, acts of violence or social vices as alleged by MASSOB. We advice MASSOB to first remove the dirty plank in their eyes before they can be acceptable in Igboland."

16— Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

2014 EID-EL-FITRI CELEBRATION BY MUSLIM FAITHFUL ACROSS NIGERIA PIX: BIODUN OGUNLEWE, OLA AJAYI, DIRAN OSHE & WUMI AKINOLA

From left: Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, his son, Abubakar Sulu Gambari, Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, former Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, and Secretary to Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, observing Eid-el-fitri Prayer at Eid praying ground, Ilorin.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State (left), addressing Muslim faithful, during the Eid-el-Fitri prayer, at Central Eid praying ground, Osogbo.

Chief Imam of Kano Road Mosque, Alhaji Muhammadu Dan Zaria, delivering a sermon, during the celebration in Kaduna.

Cross section of Muslims praying at the Naawairdeen, Alagbado praying ground, Agbado, Lagos.

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State (left) and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Ismael Alli, praying at the Agodi prayer ground, in Ibadan.

From left: Governor Ramalan Yero of Kaduna State, Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Shehu Umar, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiak Danmahawayi, and Alhaji Yusuf Makarfi, during the Eid-el Fitri prayer, at Murtala Square praying ground in Kaduna.

From left: Professor Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary General, SCIA, Alhaji Rashidi Raji, Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, Imam Liadi Orunsolu, Chief Imam of Egbaland, Alhaji A. Sugar and Imam of Olomu, Chief Ijaye, at the Lantoro praying ground in Abeokuta.

From left: Alfa Jamiu Adbul Ganiy; Alhaji Abdulahi Mustapha, Chief Imam, Surulere Central Mosque and Alhaji Imam Rafiu Idris, during the Eid-el-Fitri prayer, at Surulere Central Mosque, Lagos.

Cross section of Muslim women praying at Ikorodu Central Mosque, Ikorodu, Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014— —17

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18— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 WHAT do we want to do with our prisons? Better still, what do we intend to do with our prisoners? Prisons are not a favourite subject of many. Prisoners are outcasts, considered worse than the scum of society.

Few are interested in what got them into jail. We rarely care about rehabilitating them, or accepting that they can make useful contributions to society.

Shocks at the state of our prisons reflect the depth of a neglect worsened by the fact that we do not expect prisons to count among matters of national importance. It is a further indication of our poor understanding that prisons reform or deform those who pass through them.

Yearly, the prisons are in the news when a Chief Judge or Governor visits and releases some who had been detained for too long. It is on record that about 80 per cent of our prison population is awaiting trial mates. The over-crowding, diseases, malnourishment of inmates, are issues that leave those unfamiliar with our prisons in tears. Degradation of people in our prisons is heart rendering.

Another Look At Our Prisons The authorities adequately address them with words.

The visiting VIP weeps as he renders contrition at the state of the prisons. With carefully chosen words, he sketches the sub-human conditions in the prison. Like the rest of us, he wonders how human beings survive in those settings. He earns his headlines and forgets promises he made to the prisoners.

Other times the prisons are in the news are during jailbreaks. Last year, criminals freed 175 inmates from Akure Prisons.

There had been jailbreaks in Ibadan, Warri, Bauchi, Kano, Abuja (at the anti-

robbery detention centre), and Port Harcourt.

A jailbreak is a high point of criminality.

Its consequences depend on the criminals involved and their motives. What all these point at is that the authorities have failed to realise the importance of securing convicts while they serve their sentences.

There is still a high tendency of dismissing the prison, from the crowded agenda of governments.

Prisons are at the lowest rungs for budgetary allocations. As we fail to pay attention to the prisons, we should not be surprised that prisoners are neglected.

When will we improve the welfare of prisoners? Medical facilities, workshops, schools, living conditions, in prisons, are unfit for human beings.

It is convenient to forget that prisoners are human beings. The conditions of the prisons should be treated as emergency.

The prisons should not be grounds for breeding criminals. As we all wonder about the state of our prisoners, we forget that a society that does not treat its people as humans cannot change its attitude to them because they are in prison.

OPINION

BY FATIMA GONI

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ITH the euphoria, razzmatazz and hullabaloo that greeted the news that a number of advanced nations like the United States of America, France, UK and China have resolved to genuinely assist Nigeria in fighting insurgency, one had thought terrorism would have long ended by now. This highly over-hyped military and technical assistance as promised by these nations rekindled hope that the inglorious days of Boko Haram and its proponents are over. This planned intervention was no doubt needed at that point in time to halt the activities of the Boko Haram group from escalating. The group was becoming ferocious and more daring in their attacks. In their quest to make good their threat to annex some parts of the country, they chose to detonate bombs in places like Jos, Abuja, Kano and Kaduna.

So, considering the frightening dimension the war was assuming, Nigeria sought to approach countries for some form of support and help. Expectedly, the countries approached by the Federal Government didn't only agree to offer technical and military assistance to Nigeria, but pledged to join ongoing global campaign against the Boko Haram group. With these reassuring remarks by these nations, Nigerians waited with bated breath to see how Abubakar Shekau and his men would be fiercely crushed. “Upon arrival, some of these experts, through their embassies in Nigeria outlined areas through which they intend to help Nigeria in winning the insurgency war. The news of their arrival went viral on social media.

Even the conventional media wasn't left out,

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Boko Haram, Chibok girls and over-hyped foreign intervention as most national dailies adorned their front pages with pictures of foreign troops arriving the country. A number of these countries promised to offer expertise, while others agreed to send in military professionals that will study, analyse and review the activities of our military after which they'll offer advice on the way forward. It is now more 100 days of abduction of the Chibok girls and more than a month since these foreign nations 'deployed' their troops and other terrorism experts into the country to assist Nigeria to end insurgency, yet nothing tangible has been heard of their contributions. The question on the lips of many is, did these nations truly match their words with actions or their move was only an attempt to earn some respect? I share in the concern of those who feel nothing much has been heard about these 'helpers' months after their arrival. Obviously relying on their military strength and expertise, they had boasted, fumed, bragged and vowed to crush the Boko Haram sect within weeks.

Four months after, they have not been able to make any significant difference. One hardly hears about them. We don't read about them and their 'activities' in the media, not even in our burgeoning social media. Is it that these foreign soldiers and security experts are working behind the scene and wouldn't want to be heard or seen? There are obviously more questions than answers on their 'engagements'.

Now let's reflect on the activities of our own home-grown military vis-a-viz the entire security community. What in the first place warranted the coming of security experts from

foreign nations? Was it that our own security guys were not doing well or lack what it takes to defeat terrorism? Answers to these posers aren't far-fetched. Our security men are the best you can find anywhere around the world.

We have heard or read beautiful stories of how our military and policemen had performed brilliantly in a number of global peacekeeping missions. They have several awards in their kitty to show for their efforts at such interventions. Truth be told, despite the challenges these men go through, they still do their very best to discharge their duties effectively. Speaking recently on Nigeria's preference to foreign military to our indigenous military men, a security expert, Max Gbanite said: "But what really pains my heart as a Nigerian is that the same members of the international community that allege that our military are incompetent have not demonstrated their own competence". Continuing, Mr Gbanite stated: "Another thing that disturbs me is the manner that the media bandits figures and throw it in the air without being very sure of the number of casualties. Those things are part of Boko Haram’s strategic communication pattern.I have lost count of the number of security men so far lost since the war against insurgency began in 2009. Soldiers, policemen, SSS and para-military establishments all have bitter stories to tell in their determination to tackle insurgency in the country. Unfortunately, these guys who are perennially out there trying their best to protect lives, property and watch against external

aggression hardly get any form of commendation or support from Nigerians. I think we have to really work on ourselves. We hardly appreciate or have considerable confidence in ourselves. While we sincerely need the assistance of advanced nations to overcome some of our challenges, especially insecurity, we shouldn't expect them to do that at the expense of their country. Were we expecting the USA to deploy half of her troops to Nigeria to fight Boko Haram? Very impossible! The most these foreign nations can probably do is to just complement whatever effort put in place by our government. Do we expect them to completely takeover the terror war? Unfortunately, our military men rarely get applause from Nigerians whenever they attack the Boko Haram group. People sit in the comfort of their rooms to summarily write off the military as an organisation not worth its name. These men are waging serious war against terror elements. Sadly, since the military busies itself with the task of constantly engaging terrorists in fierce battles, some wrongly feel it should be more visible in the media than at the war front.

We must resolve to encourage and support members of our local intelligence community to discharge their duties effectively. Insurgents are our common enemies, let's do our best to crush them. *Ms. Goni, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Kano.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014— —19

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LOT seems to be h a p p e n i n g all at once. Amid huge celebrations of major milestones all around, times when the sun never seems to set, there are the dark streaks. In Nigeria, the trouble of insurgency only escalates. It now looks like a matter entirely out of hand, beyond the capacity of Abuja to contain. Lethal explosives are going off with the rapidity with which children throw Christmas bangers. There is death on the right. There is death on the left.

In front and behind death stalks many, especially the innocent.

Impunity walks on all fours as outlaw elements increase their profile. Mass death has never been cheaper.

Not even alleged sympathisers of insurgency such as General Mohammadu Buhari are spared the madness of marauding homicidal characters. President Jonathan may not think much of Buhari's sermonising that Nigeria is on the brink of anarchy. He may see Buhari as an agent of provocateur. But the killer beasts on the prowl don't think much of Buhari's perceived support. Either this or they wouldn't have gone

after him in the manner they did last week. They ran their deadly cargo of explosive devices into him on his way to his home town of Daura. He escaped by whiskers. The madness of this ongoing terror is surely without method.

Nigerians also marked, last week, 100 days since the school girls of Chibok were forcibly taken into Sambisa forest. Nothing has come of their abduction beyond the rhetoric of politicians trading accusations as to who is doing or not doing what about bringing the girls back. The entire issue has been turned into a point of political debate that generates more heat than light. But the Pakistani teenager and fast rising icon of girl freedom, Malala Youfsafsai, succeeded in injecting some life into the lingering saga of the unfortunate girls of Chibok.

She snatched victory from the jaws of defeat as her visit appeared to have finally forced a meeting between President Jonathan, the Chibok girls that escaped from their abductors, and their parents. It was all going to be another debacle when the girls didn't show up at the presidential villa following an arranged meeting. But eventually they did

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go to the mountain that is Jonathan since Jonathan wouldn't go to them.

There have also been the celebrations. One of these, the 80th harvest of Kongi, was reported in our last encounter here. The many months of preparation and eventual celebration of Wole Soyinka on his 80th birthday came to a climax on July 13, 2014. It was a celebration well worth it. But just as Nigerians were celebrating this global icon of creativity, just as the sun turned in his direction, so was it setting on the life of another global icon of creativity and freedom. Nadine Gordimer, the South African Nobel Prize winning writer and anti-apartheid crusader, took her mortal leave of the world on that same Sunday Wole Soyinka was being justly celebrated. It's not every day that writers show their admiration or respect for fellow writers. But Gordimer was different. She was very generous in the manner she celebrated or praised those writers she admired. She was an admirer of Soyinka, just as she was of Achebe. Which is the same thing as saying she was an admirer of Nigerian literature.

She was in Nigeria in 2006 to

Challenges before Chidoka

BY ADEWALE KUPOLUYI

P

ERHAPS, if there is any sector of the Nigerian economy that requires urgent attention, the aviation industry should top the list even though there is hardly any facet of our national life that is not in comatose and critically distressed. This is the burden the new helmsman in the Aviation Ministry should be ready to bear. The former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Mr. Osita Chidoka, the new minister could offer Nigerians a good opportunity to save its aviation industry, if he decides to entrench his name in the sands of time. Chidoka, though may not have had much experience in the industry, would indeed have to learn fast and take firm decisions that would bail out the sinking sector.

It is sad that despite the enormous available opportunities, the industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product is still very small and insignificant. Hence, there are a number of issues that should be addressed in the frantic bid to revamp this sector without further delay.

While all the challenges facing the aviation sector cannot be discussed in this piece, we should nonetheless realise that it is high time we overhauled this diseased area of our national life, to cut down on crashes and avoidable deaths that have been the lot of our airspace. It has been one disaster after the other.

To restore the confidence of air travellers, the government should wholistically enforce the existing regulations and adopt stricter global standards. Efforts should be made to ensure the welfare of the pilots, engineers and crew in the industry, is enhanced. Also, an arrangement whereby the Federal Airports

Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, monopolises over 20 airport management in the country is not only wrong but counter-productive. For now, our airports lack basic and functional facilities, which are taken for granted by even smaller nations. Aviation regulation is still highly unregulated and corrupt. Unlike the former Minister, Ms. Stella Oduah, who was accused of usurping the powers of the agencies under her ministry, the new helmsman should toe a different path by reversing the tide by ensuring that they are truly independent and be allowed to focus on their statutory duties. He should work assiduously to ensure that substantive heads are appointed without further delay.

There is need to remove partisan politics from pure technical and strategic matters that touch on the safety of the people. The aviation industry under Chidoka should behave more maturely and responsibly by separating politicking from the operations of our airspace. It will be difficult to forget many of such ugly cases. For example, the messy encounter in which the Bombardier Global Express aircraft that was billed to convey the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, from the Akure Airport from a trip to Ekiti State, but was unceremoniously stopped by the NCAA without any justifiable reason. This unethical practice should not be allowed to repeat itself in any part of the country. These incidents - that involved other top government officials, including the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole - not only generate avoidable controversies between the states and the Federal Government, they cast a bad image on our aviation industry.

There is an urgent need for infrastructural upgrade. Paramount among infrastructure

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Remembering those who left lately

We must always remember those who, by personal example, sacrifice and dedication, remind us that there is more to life than the primitive acquisition of material gains

celebrate 20 years since Wole Soyinka won the Nobel Prize.

There she was in Oduduwa Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, a quietlooking, soft-spoken, petite lady.

Although Gordimer was already over 80 at this time, she sat through the keynote lecture of the event delivered by Professor Biodun Jeyifo. She also witnessed the performances and had kind things to say about Soyinka as she had done on other occasions. At a time when it was fashionable to treat Blacks as dregs of the South African society, Nadine Gordimer, a member of the supremacist race, elected to be on the side of the oppressed and brought the full weight of her literary might to bear on the struggle for a free South Africa. She put her livelihood and safety on the line as her works were banned. But she remained resolute and lived to see a free South Africa. It's a last farewell to this daughter of a jeweler, the effacing woman of letters, whose long life of the mind has enriched the world she came into in 1923.

As with Gordimer, so it was for Bamidele Aturu, the human rights crusader and lawyer whose remains were buried last weekend in Ogbagi-Akoko, Ondo State. Aturu's death was a shocker that came just out of the blues. One of the more effacing and dedicated of the group of younger lawyers who followed the Gani Fawehinmi crusading style of jurisprudence, Aturu first came into national limelight after he rejected a handshake with Lawal Gwadabe and thus an award rightly earned following distinguished performance during his national service year in Niger State. This was in the late 1980s when the military was

It is sad that despite the enormous available opportunities, the industry’s contribution to the gross domestic product is still very small and insignificant

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deficit is the dearth of functional search and rescue equipment. Among other facility problems is the current state of navigational lightnings at the many unutilised airports in spite of their high maintenance costs, while the ministry’s accumulated indebtedness of N153 billion is worrisome. Aside this, many airports still lack perimeter fencing. The fallout of this deficiency and porous nature of our airports once caused Air France A-330 aircraft to run into a herd of cattle in Port Harcourt.

Similarly, a mentally-deranged man was found sleeping in one of the aircraft while boy Daniel Oikhena cleverly hid himself in the wheel of an Arik Air plane’s dangerous flight from Benin to Lagos.

Apart from the archaic, embarrassing and umbersome security checks that are still being deployed in our airports, the cooling systems are completely broken down. Local flights are rescheduled and cancelled anyhow. It is in our country that airport officials would resort to cutting of jerry cans to trap water leaking from the roof of the remodeled terminals while raindrenched passengers themselves scamper through pools of water and bump against each other during torrential rains. It is a common feature to see touts move freely without any

in power and government, and the word of a soldier was law.

Gwadabe was the military governor of Niger State. A mere 'corper', Aturu's rejection of a handshake with a governor was an act of courage. His discharge certificate was seized as a consequence. But his personal loss in this instance was Nigeria's gain.

He had studied physics at Adeyemi College of Education in Ondo, coming tops of his class.

But he returned to school to study law as a result of the seizure of his certificate. He would again rise to prominence as a lawyer, proving that his winning the NYSC award in Niger State and topping his class as a student of physics were no fluke efforts. He became a prominent lawyer but his prominence was not of the cheap, attention-seeking type, as many of our so-called human rights lawyers are prone to doing these days. He used the law in a manner that at once suggested and confirmed that he had his very heart in what he preached. The passing of Aturu marks a serious and grievous depletion of the rank of public-spirited Nigerians who look beyond the self in the everyday challenge of living in Nigeria and being Nigerians.

As Nigerians live through the trauma of these times; the foolishness of politicians who take their personal greed for public gain and cannot see beyond the immediate gratification of their desires, we must always remember those among our country people and others from around the world who, by personal example, sacrifice and dedication, remind us that there is more to life than the primitive

official control whatsoever.

Another area requiring serious attention is the need to put a stop to very old planes from flying our airspace. It is incontestable that many planes operating in Nigeria are not less than 25 years old and ordinarily should not be allowed to fly again. This crisis is not unconnected with the proliferation of small airlines that rely on refurbished, old and secondhand aircraft, many of which do not meet current international safety standards.

Even though it has been argued that age does not really matter, it is commonsensical that the cost of maintaining a new aircraft will surely be less than that of overhauling old ones.

Again, the proliferation of private jets is another source of concern. It is estimated that private aircraft have grown exponentially from about 20 in year 2000 to close to 200 now, which are either leased or operated by Nigerians. To hide the identities of owners, such aircraft are registered in other jurisdictions. This largely account for why a sizeable number of private jets in the country carry foreign registration.

Hence, for security reasons and to ensure that only authorised business entities or persons operate private aircrafts, real owners of private jets should be encouraged to come forward.

Another policy worth reviewing is the revised National Civil Aviation Policy, NCAP, 2013.

This policy had barred private jet owners from flying friends and associates on their aircraft, while companies with private jets are permitted to carry only employees or members of the boards of directors.

Under this discriminatory provision, passengers on board will be subjected to an Air Traffic Control, ATC, clearance while operators will be made to declare the identities of all passengers on non-revenue charter.

20 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Police harassment:

Send offenders to Borno State

BY EBELE ORAKPO

rider of the Lawanson, Surulere“ THE bound tricycle, popularly called Keke

*Some of the beneficiaries taking turns to receive their items at the occasion

For eight challenged Deltans, it’s time to walk

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N the Bible, Jesus Christ was portrayed as the miracle worker.

Among His many miracles was making the lame to walk. It is a miracle many who believe in Him also claim to have performed merely by invoking His name.

But just recently James Ebiwou Manager, the Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, accomplished what could pass as the miracle of making about eight persons who are lame to ‘walk’. This he did through his empowerment programme to show appreciation for the mandate and support the people had given him. The event attracted over 1,000 people from his constituency who came to show solidarity even though they were not among the beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme.

As early as 10 am, the Warri Stadium was filled to capacity with people from the eight local government areas that make up the constituency.

Though the programme slated for 12 pm did not start till 4pm because of other political engagements of the state governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who had indicated interest to be part of the event, the mammoth crowd of youths waited patiently, with some carrying placards with different C M Y K

inscriptions expressing appreciation for the quality representation of Senator Manager and to appeal to him to also contest in the 2015 election so that they would continue to benefit from him.

Speaking before the distribution of the items to the beneficiaries, Governor Uduaghan, who was represented by his deputy, Professor Amos Utuama, described Manager as a

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BY JOHNBOSCO AGBAKWURU

he got to the Senate in 2003.

Manager further explained that he was not involved in the selection of the beneficiaries as that was done by the leaders in various wards and local government areas that made up the senatorial district.

Expressing surprise over the mammoth crowd at the stadium, he said that he only invited the state

The event attracted over 1,000 people who came to show solidarity even though they were not among the beneficiaries of the empowerment scheme

politician with a large heart who had touched lives of many people and had used his good office in the National Assembly to attract development to his area.

Also speaking while handing over the empowerment equipment worth over N200 million, Senator Manager who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, said the gesture had nothing to do with the 2015 elections as that, for him, was in the hands of God. He said the empowerment programme was targeted at the vulnerable groups in the society and his first public distribution of empowerment items since

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governor for the programme, even as he disclosed that some of his political friends and associates who got wind of the programme called him to ask why he did not inform and or invite them.

The “creek man” who oversees the amnesty programme described himself as “Mr. Empowerment” who hates to blow his trumpet, noting that he had silently touched the lives of many people in his constituency in many ways since he became senator.

According to him: “People are surprised that I am doing this at this point in time. I have discovered that I need to come to the public and show them what we are doing for the people. It has become

fashionable to do that; otherwise, I am Mr. Empowerment and the people know because I have come a long way together with them. I have given out vehicles, houses, scholarship awards, and other valuable items to empower people on many occasions.”

Speaking on behalf of the physically challenged who benefited from the items, Chairman of the Delta State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Isaac Omoh, pledged that his people would use the items to empower themselves.

Omoh said eight of his members that got a tricycle would give them out to riders through the association’s cooperative society so that they can assist others with part of the proceeds from the daily returns.

He said: “Among other items we have received are eight tricycles for each of our members from the eight local government areas that made up the senatorial district. Already we have a cooperative arm in the association and we are going to ensure that these tricycles are put into good use by ensuring that capable and sincere people handle them for us. ”We will ask the riders to manage them for us by using them for commercial purposes and bring proceeds back to the association so that the money can be used to further empower other members.”

Marwa, was trying to avoid the many potholes on the road already filled with water from incessant rainfall so that the vehicle will not topple over.

“Oga, please be careful. You know Keke Marwa is not balanced, it loses the little balance it has and topples at the slightest upset,” said Tony.

Replied the Keke rider good naturedly: “This my Keke stand gidigba, nothing dey happen!”

“Abeg make I hear word. Okada is more balanced on the ground than Keke. Take it or leave it!” Dan said in answer to the Keke rider.

“That is a fact. Even the breeze from a fast moving trailer or lorry can cause Keke Marwa to topple over. I have seen it happen. The thing simply doesn’t have weight,” said Audu.

“Hey, stop there,” barked a policeman at a bus driver who immediately brought his vehicle to a halt in obedience to the policeman’s orders.

Said Tony: “All this barking is just to extort N100 from the driver! If you know how much I hate these people, especially the ones on the Itire-Lawanson axis; I hate them with passion.

All they know how to do is to stop commercial bus drivers and okada riders to extort money from them and if they fail to pay, they may be shot dead and accused of being criminals.” “ Hmm, here they arrest any vehicle they do not know the owner and extort money from the driver. That is their job along this route,” said the Keke rider.

“It’s so sad. Many innocent people have lost their lives because of this. It was so rampant before the coming of the present InspectorGeneral of Police who banned illegal checkpoints,” said Audu.

“Yes, but now they are gradually returning.

Although you hardly see illegal check-points on our roads now, but they still stop vehicles to extort money from the drivers,” stated Dan. “But, are these guys not paid to do their job of maintaining law and order? Are they paid to extort, maim and kill people? I tire oo!” said Tony.

Said Dan: “Honestly, if I were the President or the Inspector-General of Police, very early on a Monday morning, I will send two or three luxury buses and ask all of them to enter and they would be taken straight to Borno State to go and face the Boko Haram insurgents instead of harassing innocent citizens here.”

Replied the Keke rider: “For where? They will all disappear! In fact, most of them will prefer to resign rather than go to Sambisa to maintain law and order.”

“That is if they are told before hand where they are being taken to. There should be an element of surprise,” said Dan. “No, the job of the police is to maintain law and order, that presupposes that there is already order so they are to maintain it. In the NorthEast, there is war so the army will have to restore order before sending the Police to maintain it,” said Tony.

Replied Dan: “All that na grammar! Since they do not want to face their job strictly in Lagos and other places, they should be sent to the war zone to help restore order. After all, they find it very easy to shoot and kill innocent unarmed citizens, so they should be sent to face the insurgents.”

“Good talk!” said the Keke rider.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 — 21

CUSPA DEBATE: From left, Marketing Director, Africa, Family Nutrition at GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Plc (GSK), Lampe Omoyele; Director, Corporate Communications & CSR at Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah; Director, Membership Development, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management of Nigeria (CIPM),Toyin Naiwo-Ojudun and Head, Customer Service Management, Enterprise Bank, Nduka Mba-Uzoukwu, discussants at the Customer Service Practitioners Association (CUSPA) maiden Customer Experience debate, in Lagos.

NPC to offer technical support to boost Nigeria’s tourism sector

By Emmanuel Elebeke

I

N a bid to develop the Nigerian tourism sector, the National Planning Commission, NPC says it will offer technical support in the area of training, data collection and capacity building to the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, NTDC. The Secretary to the commission, Barrister Ntufam Fidel Ugbo, made the pledge in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the NPC by the Director General of the NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo.

Barrister Ugbo, said that the

commission will assist the NTDC through one of its parastatals, National Bureau of Statistics, NBS to capture data of visitors in flow, identify the kind of visitors they are expecting and what the visitors would want.

“NPC has parastatals. One of the them the NBS will partner with your NTDC to record visitors in flow, identify what kind of visitors you are expecting and what they want.”

In the area of training, he stated that the commission would offer overseas and local training to the staff of NTDC in a bid to help them perform better in their duties, which will in the long run facilitate in the rapid development of the sector in the areas such as security, administration, websites and tour guides.

The Secretary also promised to assist the NTDC in getting development partners that will

Stakeholders urge corporate organizations to maintain professionalism

By Chioma Obinna

1.55

179.85

3,193.00 -5.00 17.14

0.09

108.13 1.06 101.89 0.02 CURRENCY BUYING CENTRAL SELLING DOLLAR 154.73 STERLING 263.2576 EURO 208.5296 FRANC 171.541 YEN 1.5222 CFA 0.2986 WAUA 237.2832 RENMINBI 24.9757 RIYAL 41.2569 KRONA 27.9609 SDR 237.9593

155.23 264.1083 209.2035 172.0953 1.5271 0.3086 238.0499 25.0569 41.3903 28.0512 238.7282

155.73 264.959 209.8773 172.6497 1.532 0.3186 238.8167 25.138 41.5236 28.1416 239.4972

CBN Exchange rate as at 29/07/2014

help them as well as ensuring that the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) department of the commission offer assistance too.

Earlier in his speech, the Director General of NTDC, Mrs. Sally Mbanefo who led the delegation on the visit, requested for a working collaboration in the area of capacity building for staff.

She explained that the objective of the NTDC is

S

TAKEHOLDERS have called on corporate organisations to maintain professionalism at all times in order to boost the image of the country.

Speaking at the Directors Forum hosted

by Poise Nigeria, the nation’s premier total personality development consultancy, which celebrated its 15th year of strengthening corporate Nigeria, Professor Pat Utomi, Chairman of the company emphasized that one formidable trait professionals must imbibe to stay relevant is the ability to keep to promises irrespective of the economic tide.

He asserted that the Nigerian economy can only be sustained on professionalism and credibility on the part of both business executives and leaders.

In defining class, Mrs .Mavi Isibor, the Group Chief Executive Offer, CEO Poise Nigeria stated that class is an aura of confidence, a state of mind and selfdiscipline. In other words it is the ability to attract others to you. The etiquette icon

engaged the audience in a practical session on table cutlery, this vehemently arouse excitement among the audience.

Also speaking, Mr Chidi Okoro, the General Manager, AFRICA Lucozade Ribena Suntory emphasized the need for CEOs to be focused on addressing issues that are toxic to staff productivity.

In his words, “it is the responsibility of a CEO to make the mission (values and vision) of the organisation clear to all staff. He advised that when the mission was clear, the strategy design would be easier, effort would be better channeled and there would be consistency of purpose.

Also at the Directors’ forum, Poise Nigeria launched its Executive Club. Designed as a partnership between the company and other organisations, membership of the Executive Club allows all alumni of Poise Nigeria a discount on products and services purchased at the businesses of partnering organisations of the company. The goal of the concept is to improve the lifestyle of Poise alumni.

Representatives of Airtel Nigeria and Unity Bank expressed their appreciation for the laudable project.

focused on three goals which include: Rebuilding of NTDC, Growing the tourism locally for job creation and income generation for the Country, and also Reinventing the Nigerian tourism sector.

Mrs. Mbanefo, further mentioned some initiatives and projects that NTDC under her watch has embarked upon since she took over as the DG of the corporation as; domestic tourism promotion, establishing information desks at Nigerian Airport to provide tourism calendar, creating National tourism calendar, visit to tourist sites in the six- geo - political zones in the country and embarking on the green city project. She lamented that Nigeria has an amazing 7,000 tourism sites across the country with only few of them being developed, harping on the need for all Nigerians to join in promoting the Nigerian tourism sector which she said has the capability of creating jobs, revenue generation and also empowering the grass roots as the sites are located in rural areas, which will in turn discourage rural urban migration

Nigeria’s packaging industry growing at 12% yearly — REPORT

N

igeria’s packaging industry has accounted for

12 per cent of the $4billion recorded by Middle East and African markets in the last five years, according to a survey carried out by PCI Film Consulting.

Meanwhile, Propak West Africa has concluded plans to hold trade exhibition , which is supported by the Institute of Packaging Nigeria, IOPN, World Packaging Organisation, WPO, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, the chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria, CIPPON and the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC . The exhibition will hold between September 2 through 4, 2014 in Lagos, organised by Montgomery West Africa.

In a statement signed by the Managing Director, Montgomery West Africa, Tori Abiola, said the second edition of the show will attract experts from the packaging, food processing, plastic, labeling and printing trade show tagged: Propak West Africa 2014 will feature international and local product leaders, regional and international experts and stakeholders that influence and shape West Africa’s packaging, print, plastics and labeling industry.

The show will also feature five seminars stream.

22 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

INSURAN Niger Insurance strives for robust ICT base ... pays 3.5k dividend

M

anagement of Niger Insurance Plc has said it h a s restrategised to transform the company into a world class insurance firm driven by robust information Communication Technology system of operation.

The company also said its dream is to see that in the next five years, it would have advanced so far in ebusiness that its customers can transact business anywhere they can see the sky.

Managing Director of the company, Mr. Kolapo Adedeji who disclosed this at the pre- Annual General Meeting of the company held in Lagos said through this, the company has planned to grow its balance sheet by 100 per cent.

He said Niger Insurance has established an e-commerce department and is currently using ICT to drive its operations. ‘’We have adopted e- payment systems for premium collection, we will continue to build business alliances and embark on more aggressive marketing,” he said.

He said five years back, Niger had embarked on a major transformation programme with emphasis on enhanced speed and efficient service delivery disclosing that the transformation agenda has started yielding positive results. ‘’We are pleased to inform you that this hub of transformation agenda has started yielding positive results we

have been able to review most of our business operations and in turn, there are clear indices of improved operating performance. This is evident in our financials under review we are ready to key into the various programmes of the federal government and its agencies to maximise our income and add more value to our shareholders and other stakeholders,” he stated.

Adedeji also said Niger during this period has planned to launch new products, repackage the existing ones to suit its various clientele as well as upgrade its information technology to integrate its regional and branch offices.

The company said it has put in place sound reinsurance treaties with local and foreign first class reinsurance companies. These comprehensive securities ensure financial stability and exude confidence in its services to both present and prospective customers. Niger transacts all classes of insurance business and offers a wide range of innovative and customeroriented products and services to its growing clientele.

The company is to pay 3.5 kobo dividend to its customers for 2013 business outing. The dividend is to be paid to the shareholders for every 50 kobo share held. This is improvement of 50 kobo from the 3 kobo dividend paid by the company in 2012.

Life c'ttee to consolidate on training of insurance personnel

T

he life offices Committee of the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) has said that it will consolidate on the achievements of the insurance industry regulator and other arms of the industry in the area of enlightenment of Nigerians through what it described as impactful advertisement in the grassroots and schools to catch Nigerian future leaders young in insurance knowledge and awareness.

Chairman of the committee Mrs Bola Odukale who stated this in her report to the association on the activities of the committee in 2013 said the committee will henceforth devote time to training and retraining of members to attain high professionalism in all underwriting endeavours in line with global best practice.

She said the committee will go into

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more collaboration with the association on matters affecting the life offices in general, engage in more awareness campaign for all life offices especially as it relates to annuity business.

She spoke on the activities of the committee in the passing year saying anchored the training and enlightenment of members by ensuring that quarterly trainings are conducted for members.

She however said a major challenge faced by the committee during the period under review was representation of member companies by officers below the rank of head of department.

He also said the committee was confronted by the challenge of inability to fully annex the great business opportunity in the annuity market.

BUDGET REVIEW: From left: Wale Onaolapo, MD/CEO, Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc Apiafi, Managing Partner, Decision Process International, DPI, and Samuel Ogbodu, E Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc at the owners, managers meeting/half year budget review of the underwriting firm, in Lagos.

Insurer warns operators to cautious of foreign partner

By Favour Nnabugwu

A

GAINST the backdrop of the geographical and cultural factors that may interfere with the smooth running of any company’s operations that is into a cross-border partnership, Managing Director of Staco Insurance, Mr. Shakiru Oyefeso has warned insurance companies on the need to choose the right and suitable foreign partners for their organisations Oyefeso admonished that it is important for underwriting firms to make the right choice of partner which is critical to the success of any insurance company that desire to partner with foreign insurer.

He said, “Many International insurance companies and broking houses are looking to establish a local

,

By Cynthia Chimezie

It is important for underwriting firms to make the right choice of partner which is critical to the success of any insurance company that desire to partner with foreign insurer

,

presence via joint ventures with local companies as business partner that will offer access to the market and an understanding of the local business culture” He said, “Choosing the right partner is vital and many companies find operating under a joint venture can be more complex than they had imagined.

Structural differences and variations in local business practice can provide significant m a n a g e m e n t challenges for global businesses that are not used to operating on this basis”.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 —

23

CE & YOU

; Kalada ED/COO, w session

be rs

In spite of acknowledging the fact that foreign partnership comes with its attendant benefits, he said the selection process of foreign partnership can be time-consuming and sometimes difficult, adding that it is most of the time, worth the while at the long run as long as it is the right partner.

According to him, “The international insurance industry is keen to grow its business in the country and the local market is developing too” He said foreign partners most of the time have intimate knowledge of the target market and may have business and political contacts to make market entry faster and more successful for the local partner.

He said foreign partner comes handy in the light of the significant infrastructure projects going on across Nigeria which often times need the expertise of foreign firms.

“As a result of local government and foreign investment, the construction industry across the country is experiencing a marked resurgence. There are

some significance infrastructure projects planned over the next few years such as the Eko Atlantic City and reconstruction of airports across the country which was initiated by former Aviation Minister Stella Oduah.

“Those projects are worth hundreds of billions of dollars, which will require considerable capacity and local insurance expertise to underwrite and broker.

“Other areas predicted to grow include renewable energy, education,

tourism and health, all of which will require sophisticated insurance support if they are to take off in the way that government leaders would like them to.” Oyefeso stated.

For this and many other purposes, he said, “Brokers with the ability and locally based experience to provide due diligence and risk reviews can help companies to streamline their insurance portfolio, so that cover provided ensures full asset protection at a reasonable and proportionate cost.

“Insurance brokers have an important role to play in the future success of the country providing insights, advice, specialism and risk management advice. If everyone is committed to training and developing local talent, the country’s insurance is set to grow from strength to strength.

“Insurance brokers will provide a vital link between the client and the market, not just helping to place business, but also educating and working alongside risk managers and other insurance buyers helping them to understand the breadth of insurance protection available and advising them on the latest development in risk management and best practice corporate governance,” he said.

On the side of insurance companies, Oyefeso said, “We, as insurance marketers need to evolve strategies, structures and capabilities to ensure that we align our selling processes with the latest technology in order not to lose significant income to technological advancement.

“We must all reckon with the fact that the Insurance industry has remained underdeveloped because we have over the years placed more emphasis on large government and corporate accounts, leaving the grassroots unattended to.

“There is a growing middle class with a greater understanding of insurance and its benefits. Our future market lies in this class and we have to imbibe them. Underwriter must have a relationship.

Pension operators should focus retirees health —Ideva

By Rosemary Onuoha

T

here is need for Pension Fund Administrators, PFAs, to show interest in the health status of retirees whose pension is under their management, so as to have healthy retirees in the country.

Managing Director of Premium Pension Limited who made the assertion noted that it is imperative that the pension industry have healthy retirees that would continue to enjoy their pension for a long time and in good health.

Accordingly, Ideva said that his company has been carrying out basic medical check-ups on retirees whose pension is managed by the company.

This medical evaluation is carried out during retirees’ interactive forums that have been taking place across the country. Retirees’ for ums are interactive events organised by the company across the various geopolitical zones of the country to essentially identify avenues of further consolidating and even enhancing the quality of the rendition of pension fund administration by the company.

It is also a way evaluating the success of the contributory pension scheme in the country.

Ideva pointed out that the programme has served to further concretise the cordial relationship existing between the company and the retirees, majority of whom are on monthly programmed withdrawal.

From right: MD/CEO Staco Insurance, Mr. Shakiru Oyefeso; President, Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, Mr. Ayodapo Shoderu and Miss Insurance, Funmi Ogunsola at an event in Lagos.

“Many retirees now look forward to this medical test organised by our company during retirees’ interactive forums. As a result of the success of the contributory pension scheme, some retirees now look healthier than they were during their working days. They stand to enjoy enhanced longevity if they adhere to the professional medical advice they are getting,” he said.

Mrs. Edith Okwuaka, one of the retirees who attended the forum in Owerri, said, “This should be further scaled up beyond the basic. There should be more in-depth tests, analyses and prescriptions to enhance the quality of life of retirees.”

Okwuaka further advised that the programme should include regular advice on the necessary steps towards detecting and managing more serious geriatric health challenges, adding, “For instance, serious prostrate related diseases which have become rampant could be avoided in men through timely and regular Prostrate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screening” she said.

“Premium Pension has continued to maintain its tradition of ensuring unmatched customer satisfaction especially in retirement. We now have almost 347 billion Naira under management. We have so far paid almost N63.2 billion as retirement benefits while 13, 350 retirees receive pension every month,” Ideva said.

CIIN, NCRIB collaborate to reposition insurance industry

T

he Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria, CIIN, and Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers, NCRIB, have renewed their commitment to closely work together for effective repositioning of the insurance industry.

The two arms of the industry entered into agreement during a courtesy visit of the NCRIB’s Governing Board, led by the President Ayodapo Shoderu to the newly elected President of the CIIN Bola Temewo in Lagos.

Shoderu said the ascension of Temowo as CIIN president at this time will enhance the steady progress and professionalism of the industry laid down by his predecessors, adding that Temowo is one of the respected upwardly mobile insurance professionals that operators could be proud of all the time.

He noted that aside from

enhancing intra-industry collaboration, the visit was also intended to bring to the front burner the challenges and issues that the two bodies could work on and ultimately profit from.

He called on the CIIN to assume the duty of continually motivating intra-industry collaboration especially between insurance brokers and underwriters.

“As the professional arm of the industry, the institute owes it a duty to continually motivate intra industry collaboration especially between insurance brokers and underwriters,” he said.

President of the CIIN pledged to enlist brokers’ support in joining hands with the institute to ensure that the goals and objectives of the institute and the industry as a whole remain on course.

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24 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Fidelity Bank posts N9.43bn PBT in six months

By NKIRUKA NNOROM

F

IDELITY Bank Plc has an nounced profit before tax of N9.43 billion for the first half of the year ending June 30, 2014.

The figure released on the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, represents a growth of 12 percent over N4.45 billion recorded in quarter one in 2014.

The bank said in a statement that it is on track to achieve its 2014FY and medium term ROE target going by the result six months result.

Gross Earnings grew by one percent from N62.9 billion recorded in H1 2013 to N63.3 billion in H1 2014. Net interest income grew by 32 percent to N24.8 billion in H1 2014 compared to the N18.7 billion recorded in H1

2013 driven by a steady growth in the loan book and re-pricing of deposits and risk assets.

The bank’s cost to income ratio increased from 68 percent in H1 2013 to 73 percent in H1 2014; average cost of customer deposits improved from 7.7 percent in FYE 2013 to 6.4 percent in H1 2014, while average yield on earning assets improved from 12.3 percent in FYE 2013 to 14.0 percent in H1 2014 The capital adequacy ratio (CAR), which measures a bank’s financial strength and capacity for future expansion, was 27.0 percent; well above the regulatory threshold of 10 percent. This, according to the bank, provides it the right platform to implement its expansion strategy as well as build capacity to grow sharehold-

ers value.

Also, the liquidity ratio, which measures a bank’s solvency and ability to meet maturing obligations, was 35.3 percent as at June 30, 2014; well above the regulatory threshold of 30 percent.

In his remarks on the result, the MD/CEO, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said: “In the half year ended June 30, 2014, we have begun to see a gradual impact of some of the transformation initiatives we commenced at the beginning of the financial year with PBT growing by 12 percent in the second quarter and net interest income improving by 32 percent between June 2013 and June 2014.

Portland cement, pricing and building collapse (2)

T

HE previous week, we identified that according to European Commission nomenclature, CEM I and CEM II are the types of cement produced in Nigeria. CEM I is ordinary portland cement whilst the local production of CEM II is portland limestone cement.

We identified the three strength classes, 32.5, 42.5 and 52.5. The strength of any cement is determined from tests on concrete made with the cement.

Concrete is made by mixing cement, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate and water in specified proportions. The fine aggregate used locally is usually sharp sand whilst the coarse aggregate is crushed granite. For reinforced concrete, it is usual to have a nominal maximum aggregate size of 20mm. There is a chemical reaction between the cement and water to form a calcium-silica-hydrate, the cement paste subsequently hardens binding the fine and coarse aggregates together.

In order to obtain the best results, the wet concrete must be fully compacted to make it dense, the strength of the concrete develops with the hardening and the hardened concrete must be cured. Methods of curing are designed to maintain the concrete in a continuously moist condition for several days, either by preventing evaporation or keeping the surface of the concrete continuously wet. Curing allows the initial reaction between the cement and water to take place over an appropriate period.

Thus, if cement is not applied properly, the strength that would be observed in the concrete would not correspond with the strength class of the cement. Essentially, the coarse aggregate in concrete should be twice as much as the fine aggregate and by increasing the

,

The cement manufacturers should join hands with the Building Collapsed Prevention Guild and others in getting the workmen to understand and to adopt the correct practices and standards

FROM LEFT: General Manager Consumer Products Division, L’Oreal Central West Africa, Sekou Coulibaly, Head of Education, Titilola Igri-Offor and the Group Brand Manager, Ogbemi Kesiena at the launch of Dark & Lovely Braids and Weaves in Lagos.

GTBank partners Forte Oil for more GTExpress locations G

UARANTY Trust Bank Plc has launched “GTExpress”; a comprehensive Agent Banking Service at Forte Oil locations nationwide as part of its efforts to bring banking services closer to its existing and potential customers.

Through this partnership with Nigeria’s foremost energy solutions provider, GTBank will leverage the extensive reach of Forte Oil to further bring banking services such as Account Opening, cash deposit and withdrawal via ATMs, customer enquiries, bills payment and funds transfer closer to the people.

The bank has rolled out in 14 Forte Oil locations including, Western Avenue, Surulere; Bank Road, Ikoyi; Local Airport Road, Ikeja; Festac; Olorunsogo, Mushin; Shomolu, Ikorodu Road, Apapa-Oshodi/ Mile 2 Expressway; Boundary Road Ajegunle; Campos Square Lagos Island; Jebba, Ebute Metta; Old Apapa Road; Wharf Road and Kingsway Road, Apapa.

GTBank formally launched this service in November 2013 at Ebeano Supermarket in C M Y K

Lekki, Lagos and has recorded tremendous success at this location since inception. Basic banking services and any other activity as the Central Bank of Nigeria may prescribe from time to time, can be carried out at these agent locations.

GTExpress is banking via agent locations such as supermarkets, schools, cinemas, markets and restaurants. It is an initiative to reach out to the underserved and unbanked segments of the population in a cost efficient manner through the use of non-banking retail outlets.

According to the Managing Director of GTBank, Segun Agbaje, “The unbanked sector of the economy presents a significant growth area for banks in emerging markets. Our objective is to offer banking products and services to this segment via nonbanking outlets thus breaking down barriers to financial inclusion such as accessibility and cost. This is a great step in achieving a more inclusive financial services industry”.

,

quantities of cement applied to a specified quantity of fine and coarse aggregates, one would obtain increasing concrete strengths. In building construction, we often specify concrete made with 1 to 2 to 4 mixture of cement to fine aggregate to coarse aggregate. This would correspond to having 350kg of cement in a cubic metre of concrete.

This should be the minimum specification for building construction.

The major elements in a building structure are the foundations, the columns, the beams and suspended floor slabs all built with reinforced concrete. I have often observed that when concrete is being mixed and placed for a suspended floor slab, the workmen feeding the concrete mixer do not put the cement, sharp sand and granite in the correct proportions. There is always a tendency to put too much sharp sand.

On one occasion, I asked one of the workmen why one had to be correcting them repeatedly as to the quantities of the materials fed into the concrete mixer. The response was that the concrete would be too heavy to carry if the specified proportions were fed into the mixer. I then suggested that the quantities of concrete put into each head pan could be reduced and the response was that it would take longer to complete the work for that day.

The cement manufacturers should join hands with the Building Collapsed Prevention Guild and others in getting the workmen to understand and to adopt the correct practices and standards. When a blockmaker learns that there is a cement that gives him a higher strength the tendency would be to increase the quantities of sand in the cement/sand mixture such that more blocks are produced from one 50kg cement bag than previously. Sand/cement blocks from the block makers are not tested for strength and blockmakers should be encouraged to make blocks having a higher density through the adoption of equipment that incorporates a hydraulic press in addition to the vibrating plate which supports the block.

The portland limestone cement that is available from local manufacturers is marked either CEM II A-L or CEM II B-L on the cement bag. A corresponds to 80% to 94% ordinary portland cement clinker and 6% to 20% limestone. With CEM II B-L marking, B corresponds to 65% to 79% ordinary portland cement clinker and 21% to 35% limestone.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 — 25

BY PRINCE OSUAGWU

Over 25m payment cards in Nigeria at risk

DIARY z World

congress on computational intelligence

International Convention Center Beijing,China

06 Jul - 11 Jul 2014

z Cisco Connect Sun City, South Africa Nov. 2 - 4, 2014

Preview

New inventions shaping life and living

3D controller that uses squeezable user interface tech

R

ecently Cambridge Consultants have presented one of their most interesting inventions - Suma sensor controller, a prototype 3D controller that is based on so-called “squeezable” user-interface technology.

Duncan Smith, the company ’s spokesman, said that the new invention works by conveying the 3D deformation of a squeezed item into a software-readable form.

High sensitive control is provided by finger movements and wholehand grip; thus the user can easily manage various programs, informs TG Daily. The new invention could be used by companies that develop different products and applications, be it gaming and design or creative arts.

Smith believes that till now the full possibilities of the human hand have not yet been explored.

“Emerging trends like 3D displays and augmented reality are bound to stimulate interest in Suma’s unique capabilities,” said Smith.

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*As Windows Server 2003 ends life circle in 2015

By Prince Osuagwu

U

NLESS quick measures are put in place, your digital wallet, particularly the payment cards which you so much treasure, may sadly be like the proverbial basket used to store water. If recent developments are anything to go by, only God will prevent hackers from being smarter than you.

Do you know why? Microsoft server 2003 and 2003 R2, which supports the platform, will come to the end of their life circles by July 2015. This is a normal support life cycle policy for Microsoft.

The implication of this expected development is that over 25 million electronic payment cards issued by 23 Nigerian banks could be at risk of malicious and targeted attacks by cyber criminals.

With unconfirmed reports that banks in Nigeria, already lost N40 billion to online fraud cases in 2013 alone, when Microsoft’s extended support period for these products cuts off, next year, which means that there may not be updates and patches for combating security issues, loss of compliance and regulatory certifications for

I N S I D E

Three new Solo phones debut

banks, vulnerability may widen.

Industry practitioners have also expressed fears that the end of support period will also mean that support on applications and programmes will come to an end for any organisation, datacentre or server running this Operating System (OS) after the stipulated date.

This lack of compliance, according to them, may come with a huge risk for local financial services partnership with global Payment Platforms like Visa, MasterCard among others.

Meanwhile, of the 25million e-payment cards in circulation, 18 million were issued by Verve, a local card operator, which has over the years built up strategic partnerships with MasterCard and Visa, for various co-branded cards.

However, all hope is not lost for organisations

that are proactive. Chief Executive Officer, Wragby Business Solutions & Technologies Limited, Mr Gbenga Iluyemi, admitted that the end of Windows 2003 support life circle will impact on payment platforms that run on the Operating System, but added that it is only if they did not quickly migrate to the latest version.

According to him, there is need for organisation to conduct critical assessment on their networks and payment platforms “Payment cards, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in the country that run on Windows Server 2003 will be impacted, security wise, if they are not migrated to a latest technology platform. Between now and 2015, it is crucial for companies to make adequate plans. They will need to migrate to Windows 2008 or Windows 2012 R2. But there is also need for them to conduct critical assessment of their respective Informa-

Continues on pg 26

Presidency to MDAs: Comply with harmonised identity management directives

NCS highlights Nigeria’s huddles to building knowledge based economy

26 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Glo crashes International call rates

By Richard Udofia

N

Solo phones out with three brands

M

OBILE devices man ufacturers, Solo phones may have erased the gap between the rich and poor with its three new offerings in the market. The devices come in low and high ends but with almost uniform prices.

The devices include the Solo S400 which is the low end offering of the lot. It spots a 4-inch display, 4GB internal memory 512MB RAM, 1.2 GHz Dual Core processor, a 1500mAh battery, a 3.2 MP primary camera and a VGA front camera.

The Solo S410 comes with a more premium build and has very similar specs to the S400, with a few improvements – a quad-core processor and a 5MP

•Solo phones primary camera.

The Solo S500 caters to the high end. It is a slim device with a 5-inch HD display, 1GB RAM, 8GB of internal memory, an 8 MP primary camera with

flash and 2 MP front camera.

But all three devices get equal access to Solo Music and Solo and may retail at 13k for the low end and a fraction higher for the middle and high end ones.

Presidency to MDAs: Comply with harmonised identity management directives

By Emmanuel Elebeke

T

HE Federal Government has warned all its Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, to take the directive on harmonisation of identity management systems seriously because it forms the bedrock of the country’s plans to accelerate socio-economic development to remain globally competitive.

The warning was contained in the directive presented to the MDAs by the Secretary to the Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim in Abuja last week.

Titled 'Presidential Directive on the Alignment of Data Capture, Verification and Authentication activities in government ministries, departments and agencies,' Anyim said there was need for a single version of truth on all personal information in the national Identity database, which all the MDAs can rely upon.

He added that the future of such infrastructure lies in the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders.

The SGF said since the Federal government believes that since Nigeria is a global player in the new world, where systems evolve every day, there was no other option than to deploy the sophisticated modern technologies to make it indispensable in global market.

He tasked all government ministries, departments and agencies to take up the challenge of ensuring a seamless harmonization of the ongoing national identity management scheme to give Nigerians a world class identity management infrastructure.

For Anyim, “the integration of diverse data capture processes and seemingly ubiquitous databas-

es in MDAs is an idea which time is overdue. The deployment of a seamless system of identity data capture and its management in a unique manner has become a national challenge, which must be addressed properly to realize the harmonization goal of the present administration.

“The establishment, management and multiplication of identity databases in the past by different government agencies no doubt served their purposes but managing them in various demography unique to these MDAs made the data overlapping and

burdensome to government.

“In a changing world, systems evolve every day. With sophisticated modern technology and a competitive global environment, Nigeria as a global player has no choice but to use identity management as a reliable tool of accelerating socio-economic development,” he added.

Anyim however warned the MDAs that the presidency will neither entertain excuses and analyses on why the policy cannot work nor listen to why more time is needed to adopt the directive or even any justification why every MDA should have its own separate database.

FLAG-OFF: Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of Salt & Einstein MTS with Managing Director, Mr. Lai Labode, at the flag-off of the National Health Insurance Scheme of which Salt & Einstein MTS is a prime mover.

IGERIA’s second National Telecom carrier, Globacom recently crashed international call rates with the introduction of new international direct dial bundles tagged, IDD Pack.

The company’s Commercial Director, Mr. Ajay Mathur, at the launching in Lagos, said that the company launched the combo to offer customers attractive rates to call specific countries at will.

He said the IDD packs offer lower IDD call rates to customers once they subscribe to the service.

He added that these packages were available for customers making calls to U.K, U.S, India, China and Canada.

Marthur said that the prevailing call rate in the market goes for 20k Per sec, but with Glo IDD, customers can enjoy making calls for as low as 10k/sec to international countries.

According to him, “cost effective communication is imperative now that the world is truly a global village with people either living, working or vacationing in various part of the globe. Globacom has consistently brought innovation and quality of service delivery to its subscribers since the company rolled out in 2003. The IDD package is not an exemption”. Marthur reiterated that customers are bound to enjoy good reception and enjoy quality service as well on countries to the destination too.

... unveils Ringa package

I

n a related development, the company recently unveiled another package it called Glo Ringa.

Head, business support Group, Globacom, Mr. Yomi Ogunbamowo, said at the event that Glo Ringa is a tariff plan that delivers array of opportunities to subscribers on family and friends list.

“Glo Ringa uses business environment to build better business relationships at 11k per seconds to all networks. This Family and Friends is open to large subscribers in the telecom space. Glo Ringa has made cost easy at seemly and qualitative service”, Ogunbamowo added.

Manager ,Mobile Data Devices and Partnership, Globacom, Mr. Dafe Akenejola also said that the company keeps updating its data bank to avoid overcrowding of network by customers.

25m payment cards in Nigeria at risk Continues from page 25 tion Technology environments before embarking on a migration process."

He said that organisations that may be affected by this unfortunate development would need to do an assessment of how many servers are running on their platform, may need to understand how many apps are sitting on their server. And thereafter, do a risk assessment before deciding which of the latest platform to adopt.

Meanwhile Microsoft’s PR Lead, West Africa Anglophone, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade, in a recent interview, had warned that running WS03 after the product’s end of support date may expose the customer’s business to compliance and security risks.

He said “as the threat landscape evolves, unsupported and unpatched environments are vulnerable to security risks. As a frame of reference, 37 critical updates were released in 2013 for WS03. if a company is still using WS03, this may result in an officially recognised control failure by an internal or external audit body, leading to suspension of certifications, and/or public notification of the company’s inability to maintain its systems and customer information. Staying put on the old platform costs more in the end. Hardware maintenance and advanced security systems will drive up costs.

“Failing to take advantage of new technologies and application opportunities can hinder a company’s success”, he added. Microsoft believes that traditional methods of modernising applications - reinstalling, upgrading the machine or rebuilding are more complex, expensive and time consuming than migrating applications onto a new operating system. Besides, it introduces high risk to critical line-of-business applications, and add no value when it comes to modernising the infrastructure, increasing security and compliance risks.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 — 27

NCC vows to unleash ICT against social vices in universities

By Emmanuel Elebeke

T

From left: Executive Director, Sidmach Technologies Limited, Michael Olajide, Managing Director, Infographics Ltd, Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Director, Business Environment, USAID Trade Hub, Dr. Sola Afolabi, Chief Technology Officer, Computer Warehouse Group, James Agada of Computer Warehouse and CEO, Venema Advies Nigeria Ltd, Dick Venema at the just concluded NCS national Conferece held in Enugu state last week

NCS highlights Nigeria’s hurdles to building knowledge based economy I

F Nigeria must build its economy on the basis of knowledge and skill as prevalent in developed worlds, there are certain huddles that must be taken out of the way. These were some of the problems that 2014 Nigerian Computer Society, NCS conference which held in Enugu last week, highlighted.

Part of these huddles include adequate legal framework for a knowledge based economy, data security, infrastructure, IT literacy, among others.

Although speakers at the event agreed that there were convincing signals currently in the country towards building a knowledge based economy, they however pointed to the need for the country to latch on the digital revolution to escape being a digitally colonized state.

Participants at the event noted that a number of initiatives by the government, including, broadband plan, IT parks, growing number of tech startups, among others, needed to be improved upon.

They also saw the need to protect critical key IT infrastructure in order not to allow foreign vendors continue to control Nigerian cyber space.

Any society, according to the conference that does not possess enough wealth to research, build and produce technology on its own, will be left behind technologically.

For a successful transition to a knowledge based economy, the forum believed that IT literacy was key. This is even as participants discussed other industry issues including security issues in knowledge based economy, e-government solutions, application of IT and lo-

cal content development, broadband access, among others.

Apprehensive of the fact that the cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving with lack of appropriate legal frame work, the 25th NCS national conference noted that there was need for Nigeria to be more proactive and take urgent practical steps to ensure that IT infrastructure is secured.

Speaking shortly after he received an award of Excellence and achievement in Information Technology deployment from the NCS, former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi warned that there was need to face the challenges ahead with right investment in IT. Obi said, “We have missed industrial and agricultural era,

,

By Emeka Aginam

We have missed the industrial and agricultural era, we have to invest in IT to be part of the new economy

,

we have to invest in IT to be part of the new economy. We have the human resources and everything in our disposal to get it right. Because I know that IT is the future, I took a bold step when I was governor, in ensuring that our children are retooled in the right way through ICT by acquiring 70,000 computers for ICT education. That was my own way of building a knowledge based

economy which is the theme of this conference” Earlier in his welcome address, the President of NCS, Prof. David Adewumi urged the Federal government to invest more in the installation of Close Circuit Television, CCTV in strategic places across the nation to stem the tide of insecurity in the country.

According to him, Nigeria cannot be talking of knowledge based economy when key IT infrastructure are not protected against cyber attacks, adding that there should be IT governance model to ensure a secured computing environment.

He advised government to establish a national biometric database programme to tackle insecurity in the country.

In his own contribution, immediate past President of Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), Mr. Chris Uwaje in representation of the ISPON President, Pius Okigbo Jr, raised fresh alarm over vulnerability of critical government data. According to him, “we may not attain knowledge based economy if critical infrastructure are not protected’ he said.

The immediate past President of NCS, Sir Demola Aladekomo who chaired the first plenary session on ‘Broadband and knowledge Technologies’ told the gathering that IT literacy is vital to the success of digital economy. “We must promote IT literacy. IT literate workforce is critical for the new economy” he said.

Also in her own contribution, during the first plenary session, the President of Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, CPN, Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, said that, “we cannot have digital economy without adequate security measures”.

HE Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has promised to use the instrument of Information and Communications Technology, ICT at its disposal, to help fight cultism and exam malpractices in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Eugene Juwah, made the promise when the National Association of Delta State Students, NADS visited him in Abuja.

Juwah, stressed the need for Nigerian youths to join hands with the government to transform the society and assured that the Commission would go a step further in waging war against cultism and violence in the higher institutions of learning by empowering the students through the ICT. He also pointed out that youths are the foundation of any society, adding that they must be supported to realise their aspirations and dreams in life.

Earlier in his address, the President of the association, Obiri Ebilade, explained that the leadership of the Student body felt concerned about the rising wave of vices in the higher institutions and launched an action plan to curb the nagging issues of cultism and examination malpractices and other vices in the higher institutions of learning.

He said that the visit was aimed at recognising the immense contributions of the commission to the development of Nigeria and seeking the commission’s support to the action plan.

‘Nigeria should make economy competitive with Science & Tech’

BY EMMANUEL ELEBEKE

A

Professor of Development Economics in the De partment of Economic Policy Research, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, NISER, Ibadan, Prof. John Adeoti says that to transform Nigeria from a consumer nation to a diversified, industrial and competitive economy requires growth driven by investments in science, technology and innovation, STI. Prof. Adeoti spoke in Abuja, at the Senior Experts dialogue on Science, Technology and Innovation and the African Transformation Agenda entitled: Making New Technologies work for Africa’s Transformation” Delivering a lecture: Science, Technology and Innovation Profiles and African Economic Transformation, Adeoti said that Nigeria’s emerging economy has in recent years demonstrated that sustainable growth is possible if flexible strategies are adopted.

To hit the ground running, the Don submitted that such strategies will include: a technology acquisition orientation in STI, policy process and implementation; monitoring technological progress through a biennial country STI readiness reports; continuous learning from the experiences of transforming economies; a drive towards knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy; up-grading or strengthening institutions for industrial and STI policies; and sustained investments in research and development as well as promotion of entrepreneurship and innovation.

He acknowledged that African economies have been impressive at about five percent per annum in the past ten years with the exception of a few countries such as South Africa, Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, but argued that Nigerian economy has remained commodity-based and largely undiversified.

Prof. Adeoti pointed out that most developed countries have well-structured and regularly reviewed STI profiles, which have shaped their economic transformations.

“Since the mid-1990s, most developed economies have concentrated investments more on knowledge accumulation than in machinery and equipment.

The trend in other emerging and developing economies also recorded significant improvement in the different indices of STI profiles. Nigeria must toe same line now” he advised

28 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Tech transfer holds key to national development — General Electric

By Prince Osuagwu

P

RESIDENT and Chief Ex ecutive Officer of General Electric GE, Mr. Lazarus Angbazo last week said that keying into the federal government’s transformation agenda has helped his company build blocks that would soon become the pillar of national development.

Part of the building blocks according to Angbazo included an appreciable technology transfer system and local content initiatives which have seen Nigerians doing at a cheaper rate, what ordinarily would have required expatriates, at a huge cost.

Angbazo said the company owed all to the federal government’s foresight in giving GE partnership opportunity in the

transformation agenda.

Recall that in January 2013, GE, signed an agreement with the Federal Government of Nigeria to invest N157 billion ($1 billion) in the country over five years.

The funds were meant to be invested in a manufacturing factory that will help pursue Nigeria’s diversification objectives.

That agreement, according to Angbazo, has helped GE to expand manufacturing footprint which resulted in the establishment of an investment project in Calabar to the tune of $250 million.

According to him, “We are hoping that in 2016, we will have finished and launched.

This will create over 2000 jobs directly and indirectly. Another area the agreement has

helped us is in skill acquisition, training and capacity building. We have trained and engaged scores of Nigerians who are doing wonderful things now. It has saved us money that would have be expended on hiring expatriates, “Again, our commitment to local content development is unwavering. We have developed relationship and partner many Nigerian companies which supply us various needs.

Most of those things we would ordinarily have imported are today supplied to us from within and I think it’s all part of the benefits of the transformation agenda” He also recounted exploits his company has made in other sectors of the economy including power, health and transportation sectors, saying

•NIGERIA’S TANGLED POWER SYSTEM… Can GE untangle this?

those exploits make the company very proud and committed to the well being of the country.

Angbazo said that two of the major areas Nigerians should understand with and support government are on transformation of the power and rail systems.

According to him,”You cannot sustain a 7 percent GDP growth without developing the rail system. You cannot properly harness potentials of the country’s agricultural prowess without linking the north on rail with other parts of the country where major crops are produced. That is why I feel that the transformation agenda on these areas are on point.

These will bring about proper industrialization of the country.

“The problem with the power sector is that everybody seems to want everything to work like magic.

Much as I do not blame Nigerians for their high expectations on the transformation of power in the country, I must say that it is not easy to turn around the power sector. There is a lot to do, so much to understand and also a lot of time needed to be able to apply what has been understood.

Building infrastructure takes time. It’s not buying and selling. The regulatory framework, the tariff, and all must be in place. To repair a turbine takes a year, to build a power line takes at least 5 years, even in America. But we can only say that we are close to getting it right. There may, however, be issues, here and there, but I can say the momentum is there and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. He added.

2014 Imagine cup: NITDA supports Team Nigeria with digital tools

BY EMEKA AGINAM

C

OMMITTED to retooling young technology startups for global competitiveness, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has supported Team Nigeria with digital tools such as Laptops, windows mobile devices as well as other incentives that will enable them do well at the ongoing 2014 Microsoft Imagine Cup which kicked yesterday in Seattle, Washington, the United States.

Members of Team High Rise including Adefioye Temidayo, Faleye Benjamin, Oyebisi Jemil and Ibraheem Bello, who are competing with other students at the global stage had emerged national winners of this year’s Microsoft Imagine Cup

challenge.

Imagine Cup competition is part of Microsoft’s YouthSpark initiative aimed at giving opportunity to young entrepreneurs, innovators and developers to conceive an idea, create a product, and set a clear business plan that will take their product to market.

Following their amazing performance with the solution “CATARA”, which serves the purpose of drastically reducing the rate at which cataract causes total blindness in humans, NITDA was excited to encourage and equip them so as to be globally competitive..

The Director-General of NITDA, Mr. Peter Jack who was represented by Engineer Iorver Ape, Principal Scientific Officer,

(PSO) of the agency in Lagos office during the presentation of the IT tools in Lagos at the weekend explained that, “One of our goals at NITDA is to develop globally competitive manpower in IT and having observed a competition of this nature which encourages creativity in innovative apps development that closely aligns with our objective, the agency decided to honour these promising youths by providing them with the necessary tools to develop their apps so that it can become universally marketable.”

Beyond being national winners, Team High Rise, according to him, has gone on to become world semi-finalists and will join the duo of Egypt and Uganda to fly the African

flag at the global finals holding this July in Seattle, Washington, USA. “Getting an opportunity to compete with some of the best brains in the world is no small accomplishment. We are excited to be a part of this commendable project and wish the Nigerian team the best of outing and sincerely hope they bring honour to the country by becoming the world champion so that Nigeria can enjoy pride of place in world technology” he added.

Also speaking, Okafor Chukwuemeka from the Director General’s office urged the Nigerian Team to showcase software Nigeria well in the world.

Synapse recounts how new tech helps laboratory services

By Prince Osuagwu

A

S technology plays a major role in transformation of almost all sectors of the economy, the laboratory and science sector also has a beautiful story to tell. In fact it did so recently through a Nigerian based technology company, Synapse Technologies Nigeria Limited.

The company in an engagement seminar organised in collaboration with one of the world’s leading premier measurement company Agilent, says that laboratory services have become so standardized lately due to sophisticated new technologies in offer.

Recall that Agilent is also a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, diagnostics, electronics and communications and so Synapse says that with the collaboration, it was well positioned to benefit Nigeria by improving the country’s analytical and laboratory community.

Addressing select ICT editors after the seminar, Group Managing Director of Synapse technology, Mr Etim Amana said his company was capable of providing innovative technologies specifically designed to meet the needs of professionals in various sectors of the economy.

He flaunted a long standing relationship with Agilent technologies as capable of helping his company exceed the expectations of customers.

He recalled that “Agilent is the best analytical manufacturer in the world. There is a lot of awareness about safety and quality in the country at moment. We have the capability to provide technologies for laboratory services to improve the wellbeing of Nigerians” Amana also said that the company had strong plans of improving the quality of education in Nigeria specifically in the area of science and technology, adding that his company can address the challenges of universities with the dearth of laboratory equipment for students in the sciences, by providing quality technologies.

The company, according to him, is involved in the implementation of large scale analytical test and measurement in medical projects, telecommunications, oil Industries and government.

He claimed to have provided services that helped activities of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control,NAFDAC, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, and oil and gas companies particularly in quality control Synapse delivers services and solutions, including: Turnkey test and measurement, medical equipment implementation, Systemsbased chemical analysis implementation, medical equipment implementation, and environmental monitoring solutions.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014— —29

C M Y K

30— VANGU ARD, ANGUARD,

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WEDNESD AY, JUL Y 30, 2014 WEDNESDA JULY

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 —31

32 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Stories By Tony Ubani

Okagbare targets Commonwealth tre

Ndanusa teases Jamaica’s athletics boss J

amaica, no doubt, remains the king of athletics and her athletes walk with their noses in front in all international competitions.

With such great names like Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell, Shelly Ann Fraser, Yohan Blake, Veronica Campbell Brown etc, they deserve all the accolades.

But the table turned Monday when Blessing Okagbare blew away not only the Jamaicans but also the competition with a Games record of 10.85 seconds in the women’s 100 m final.

The atmosphere at Hampden Park was electric as Nigerians and many more countries who were tired of seeing and hearing the Jamaican national anthem at all times joined Nigeria in celebration.

Blessing Okagbare was graceful after beating Veronica Campbell-Brown and Keron Stewart.

Away from the stadium, another rivalry race took place at the prestigious Hilton Hotel which houses all the National Olympics Committees, NOC, bigwigs.

Engineer Sani Ndanusa who has endured many Jamaican domination of Nigerian athletes had the last laugh over his Jamaican counterpart, Dr Warren Blake, President of Jamaica Athletics. Ndanusa teased the Jamaican and told him that Nigeria had taken their pound of flesh. ‘’It’s wonderful. I’m now the President of the fastest woman in the Commonwealth Games.

I’ve told my Jamaican friend that the men are coming after Jamaica, too. I’m soaked in victory and that girl is a Blessing to Nigeria”, Sani M Ndanusa, president of Nigeria Olympic committee proudly said.

W

ere it not for the track and field schedule, Blessing Okagbare could almost be expected to be going for four medals at the Commonwealth Games.

The 25-year-old scorched to a commanding victory in the women’s 100-metre at Hampden Park on Monday, timing a Games record of 10.85 seconds, the sole sprinter in a strong field including Jamaica’s duo of Veronica Campbell-Brown and Kerron Stewart to dip

under the 11 secs barrier.

Okagbare, eighth in the 100 metres at the London Olympics but a long jump bronze medallist in Beijing in 2008 at the age of 19, was quick to point to a potential treble, as she also plans to compete in her favoured 200 metres as well as the 4x100-metre relay.

“Everything this year has been really based on the Commonwealth Games,” said the US-based athlete, who confirmed her promise when winning long jump silver and 200-metre bronze at the World Championships in Moscow last year.

“This year for me is like an off year but at the same time I wanted to come here and ac-

tually put on a good show.

“I am happy that my training led to these Games and everything came out well and to break the Commonwealth record is an amazing feeling.

“Every preparation has been made for the Commonwealth Games. My previous meets were not that fast but I just had to trust that I was going to be ready and everything fell in place.”

Okagbare added: “This is my first Commonwealth Games and I wanted to go out and first of all have fun but at the same time I wanted to win a gold medal.

“It does take the pressure off a little bit but it doesn’t mean I can sit down and do no more.

NSC bows to pressure, pays athletes six days allowances

T

he National Sports Commission (NSC) has paid Nigeria athletes at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, six days competition allowances following complaints from different quarters.

The DirectorGeneral of t h e commission, Gbenga Elegbeleye, who made the disclosure in Glasgow on Tuesday, said the issue of athletes’ allowances was blown out of proportion.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Sports, Tammy Danagogo, on Friday ordered the immediate payment of the allowances after the athletes and

officials complained of nonpayment.

Elegbeleye, who is also the Chef de Mission of Team Nigeria to the Games said that the pressure from the media necessitated the payment of the allowances, a development which, he said, went contrary to earlier plans.

He explained that the initial plan was to pay the athletes the allowances in bulk after

*Gideon Aigbefoh

the Games as was done in May during the 2014 African Youth Games in Gabarone, Botswana.

“It is you journalists that rushed us into paying them; we did not want to pay earlier because it will cause a lot of distractions for t h e athletes.

“The money is right here with us, but when you people (media) keep writing that they are suffering and that they have not been paid, then we have no option but to pay them.

“You are in the Games Village; did you see any Supermarket here? what will they use the money for? Food is free here; so why do we have to give them money now?

“We only thought of what we considered safest for them

until the end of the G a m e s . “ Elegbeleye said.

The DirectorGeneral said that the commission had enough money to meet the welfare needs of the athletes and o f f i c i a l s representing the country at the competition.

Elegbeleye said that athletes, who had won medals for the country at the ongoing games so far, had been paid their allowances plus their winning bonuses at a mini c e r e m o n y organised in Glasgow to encourage other athletes.

I just have to keep working hard to keep in shape in these Games.”

On that note, Okagbare said: “Is it possible that I could be going for a treble gold [100 metres, 200 metres and relay]? I would say yes.”

Unfortunately for Okagbare, qualification for the long jump and 200 metres are both today, with the finals of the two events slated for tomorrow evening, meaning a tilt at the long jump is extremely unlikely.

Heats for the 4x100 metres relay, however, are on Friday, with the final on Saturday.

“The 200 metres is a little easier for me to digest,” Okagbare said when asked what her favourite event was.

“The 100 metres is so fast and

any you m hard up for The N will b she can form thro the 2016 in Rio d where he ity could her ha chance o ing one o of the tra “I’m goi pare an thing a plan to and aim ympics,” training the US’s world c from 20 melita Je “As long healthy the best must stay my shap

We’ll make Nigeria pro “I – Paralympians adding, any challen I have no .Team departs Thursday

A

member of the Nigeria Paralympic team for the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports(IWAS) Junior Games, David Ombugudu has promised that he and his colleague would do the nation proud at the end of the games.

Omgbugudu who is one of two wheelchair athletes taking part in the games holding at Stoke Mandeville Stadium in the UK, said the games will present a perfect stage for them to prove their worth to the rest of the world and to their country men and women in particular. The Nigerian team departs Thursday, July 31 to UK, for the Games which will hold between August 1 and 8.

“To me disability is a function of mindset,” Omgbugudu said,

still make out of my even do b someone th Ombugud vying for ho Table Ten while Godwin wi in powerl athletes ar polio surviv living tes that sayin the ability i The contingent

by Rotary I Polio Amb Nigeria, an Sir E Foundatio EmekaOffo

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 — 33

Mark promises good package for team Nigeria

eble

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja

T

Alexander Al Ameen

mistake make is so to make r.”

Nigerian be hoping keep her ough until Olympics e Janeiro, er versatild well see ave the of becomof the stars ack. ng to prend do my nd yes I push on for the Ol” said the partner of 100-metre hampion 011, Careter. g as I stay and train t I can. I y on top of e.”

he Senate President, Senator David Mark has assured the Nigerian athletes and officials in the ongoing 2014 CommonWealth games in Glasgow, Scotland that the federal government will reward them with handsome welfare package for making the country proud.

Senator Mark in his solidarity message to the Nigerian contingent in the competition called ‘team Nigeria ‘ and commended them for the superlative performance so far.

He expressed joy that the athletes were flying the

Governor of Delta State (L) Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, r. Sani Ndanusa at the Eng , ent and NOC Presid Henry Unini competition venue. Photo:

Samson Idiata

nation’s flag very high in G l a s g o w .

According to him, the medals being won by Nigerian athletes especially in weight lifting and the women 100metres by Blessing Okagbare “are clear manifestation that the nation has come of age in international sports”.

Assuring that the federal government will do the needful in appreciation of their efforts, the Senate President urged them not to rest on their oars in the medal chase.

He added that the National Assembly will continue to give adequate budgetary allocation to sports development saying that sports remain a potential ingredient for our unity as a p e o p l e .

Senator Mark in the goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Paul Mumeh pointed out that sports is not just for entertainment but a yardstick for measuring a nations’ socio- economic and political strength .

It will be recalled that before the Nigerian representatives left for Glasgow, on July 23, 2014, Senator Mark had told them to rise to the challenges of rekindling the winning spirit of the nation in international sporting c o m p e t i t i o n .

He told the President, Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) Sani Ndanusa to leave no stone unturned in the quest for medals for Nigeria at the Glasgow Games.

Ndanusa had promised that the athletes would do the nation proud “because we had good training with modern sporting facilities”.

Besides, he said government will not compromise the welfare of the athletes and officials.

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Glasgow 2014 Games Flicks

By Tony Ubani, Glasgow, Scotland

Messing around!

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or a first time traveler flying into Heathrow airport could be a nightmare. Heathrow remains the busiest airport in the Europe and the fifth busiest airport in the world in total passenger traffic, handling more international passengers than any other airport around the world. The massive Arik plane had landed and headed to terminal 5 and passengers streamed unto their different terminals for connecting flights and onward movement. Snaking around and connecting a train was another plight as I ran into a first time traveler who got swallowed in the crowd. One bad thing is that people hardly help others except you go to the help desk. Almost everything is done by the computer. My African brother needed to get a boarding pass to connect a flight but was directed to do that on the machines that were everywhere. I lent a hand and he was relieved and rained blessings on me. That was where my own trouble started. I had missed my connecting flight to Glasgow because of the delay in Lagos which was occasioned by Presidential movement(Nigeria is so good that once the President flies, airspace is closed to other travelers). Sleeping at the departure hall was difficult with many passengers on the floor. Once the man by my side started belting out his snoring, I knew I was in for it. Sooner than later, others joined and it produced synchronized sounds. Suddenly, a booming sound startled us and a lady quickly apologized that her tummy was churning. We exchanged glances and endured the smell.

I always thought that it was men who were at liberty at unleashing farts. They remain the biggest perpetrators and make no apologies and feel no embarrassment. Yet again, she emitted a loud, long fart, the type of sound you hear from those rickety exhausts of vehicles in Lagos or the vulcanizer inflating a tyre. I moved to a far corner, away from the booming sounds. But I felt pity for her. But like Jonathan Tropper said ‘’Pity, I’ve learned, is like a fart. You can tolerate your own, but you simply can’t stand anyone else’s”. Early in the morning, my own tummy rumbled and I let out a quiet fart. After all, my own is not different.

She is a Blessing to Nigeria

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lessing Okagbare had given an indication that she was here for a golden run. Not many took notice of her dyed golden hair. She chose the golden colour. After powering to a finish that crowned her as the Commonwealth Games Queen, her golden hair stood her out as much as her performance.

She was graceful and radiated beauty. The victory was so sweet so much as to see Jamaicans duo of Veronica CampbellBrown and Keron Stewart play second fiddle and third fiddle(sic). At least, the memory of London Olympics has been clearly wiped out.

If alcohol is your enemy, love your enemy!

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I’m fulfilled — Ogba P

resident of Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Evangelist Solomon Ogba had been on the edge before the 100m race yesterday.

For a man who carries the burden of the nation on his shoulders, Ogba knew that a little mistake could smother whatever expectation from Blessing Okagbare. But once out of the blocks, Ogba looked up to the heavens as if to draw

here are many things to associate Scotland with like tartan, haggis, golf or Robert Burns. But the most outstanding is whisky. It is a national drink and it has been produced here for centuries. The Commonwealth Games is an opportunity to taste the finest Scot Whisky and savor it even after the Games. Frank Sinatra once said that alcohol may be man’s worst enemy, but the Bible says love your enemy. Indeed, alcohol is like love.

The first kiss is magic. The second is intimate. And the third one is routine. Thereafter, you plunge deeper.

Solomon Ogba

strength from God. ‘’First, I thank God for his mercies. I feel great. I feel fulfilled. I was nervous all through the race. One mistake would have scuttled everything. I thank God for everything”, a relieved and fulfilled Ogba said.

The AFN president

confirmed that Okagbare would partake in the 200m but could not confirm on the Long Jump as he said that they were studying things. ‘’She has not been jumping but we are studying things”, Ogba said

* Ojo Onaolapo

34—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Hafsat Bako

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Marilyn Ogar

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HE Department of State Service on Monday said that the claim by a former Minister of Education and Bring Back Our Girls campaigner, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, that she was arrested and later released by operatives of the agency amounted to arrogating undue importance to herselfaccording to spokesperson of the DSS, Marilyn Ogar, who said that there was nothing untoward about quizzing Ezekwesili at the airport.

Ogar said it was part of the statutory obligations of the DSS at airports to screen all passengers travelling out and coming into the country.

Ezekwesili had early on Monday raised the alarm via her Twitter handle that operatives of the DSS were about preventing her from travelling out of the country to the United Kingdom.

Moremi So yinka Soyinka Onilaja

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HILE Kongi glows in the glory of 80th birthday, it’s been a breath of fresh air to have another member of his family trending online.

The lovely Moremi, his daughter, is being much spoken about after an interview she granted about her famous old man hit blogosphere, in which she admitted the Nobel Laureate was anything but a usual father.

Even outside the country, we were always worried about dad, knowing that various attempts were even made to harm him while abroad and also, we were worrying about the members of our family that were left behind and still worrying about how we would settle down in a strange land.

CCORDING to a post on the Facebook wall of the National Orientation Agency Nigeria, an accomplice and informant of terror sect, Boko Haram, Hafsat Bako, has been arrested. Details of her arrest are still sketchy. Commentators, especially the ladies, are furious.

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Patience Jonathan

he wife of the Jonathan, is

NIGERIAN First Lady, Dame Patience back to trending on the Nigerian cyberspace as she voiced her concern over the delay in the release of the abducted Chibok girls by members of the Islamic terrorist organization, Boko Haram.

During a meeting with the Nigerian community in Windhoek, Namibia, she said that the girls will soon be released while also recognizing the efforts of security agencies in trying to bring the abducted girls back home.

As a mother, I am very worried over the abduction of these girls; I share the pains of the mothers whose children were abducted, she said. We women of Nigeria, we have fasted and prayed that wherever they are, they will be released safely and that God will touch the minds of members of the sect.

We need to support our security forces, because if our soldiers can go to Mali, Somalia, Liberia and fight and conquer, then they will conquer Boko Haram soon.

Surely, no one could fault that.

JK Rowling

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Olasunkanmi Ajala O

F all the superstar singer 9ice’s many women, the one he was thought most likely to marry was the mother of the twin girls, since his divorce from Toni Payne. However blogosphere is buzzing with news of a new lady who is pregnant with the crooner ’s kid. Reports say he and the 32 year old Lagos State University graduate and event planner, Olasunkanmi Ajala, already refer to each other as husband and wife but the real Nikkai ceremony has been planned for later this year- after the birth of the baby is in the United States.

EARLY seven years after publishing the final book in the Harry Potter series, J.K. Rowling has given fans an update on the beloved wizard in new writing published to her website In the new story, Harry is now a 30-something with a mysterious cut on his cheek, as well as “a couple of threads of silver” in his hair.

He is also married to Ron Weasley’s sister, Ginny Potter, who is now a journalist. Ron, of course, is married to Hermione Granger, while Skeeter writes that his “famous ginger hair appears to be thinning slightly.”

Job-wise, it appears that the three friends all worked together in the Ministry of Magic, though Ron left his job to “comanage the highly successful wizarding joke emporium Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes.”

Meanwhile, Hermione — “the femme fatale of the group,” according to Skeeter — is the deputy head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

The update appears in a series of Quidditch World Cup pieces that Rowling has posted to Pottermore to coincide with the World Cup in Brazil. However, this is the first time Rowling has written about her beloved characters as adults since the final Potter book. Harry Potter enthusiasts are lapping it up.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 — 35

So many businesses do not deserve to die —Nneka Okekearu, Deputy Director, Enterprise Development Centre

BY JOSEPHINE IGBINOVIA

ur personality on this edition isn’t just a woman in business. Mrs Nneka O Okekearu is a teacher and advisor to entrepreneurs of great repute. The delectable Deputy Director of the PanAtlantic University Enterprise Development Centre, EDC, in Lagos, Nneka is the co-host of the prestigious Women in Africa Conference which seeks to mentor and develop businesses, especially those owned by women. In this interview, she fields questions on the building blocks for sustainable business growth and highlights the ills of multiple taxation on businesses in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State.

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hat’s the idea behind your urge to inspire businesswomen to lead a legacy?

The idea behind this stems from the fact that Nigeria is a very entrepreneurial country with a lot of opportunities. This informs why the theme of our last Women in Africa Conference was ‘Leading a Legacy’. Imagine our population and the numerous opportunities. However, we notice so many businesses suffer premature death. We dug deeper and realised many people do not know how to set up a business that will outlive them, take care of their passion and at same time lead a legacy. But the problem is that a lot of people venture into business as a glorified hobby; to pay bills, buy business class international tickets, etc. which makes them feel they’ve arrived.

Business goes beyond that. You must lead a legacy and that’s what we at EDC are trying to impress upon women.

What are those critical issues a business owner must address?

The first is corporate governance.

Every business owner must first and foremost separate herself from her business. But a lot of women do not do that. Whatever money comes into your business should not be your personal spending money; it must be separated. Another question is who are you accountable to? A lot of women doing business do not want to have a board. But it is necessary because these are people that will let you know when you’re about to derail. The next is structures, systems and processes. You must do things with standards and must have a Standard Operating Procedures, SOPs, which will help anyone who comes to your company. Finally, what is our culture, vision and mission? These are critical because passion alone will not run a business C M Y K

for you.

For a business owner who thinks she is already soaring, how do you convince her on the need for these building blocks?

Is doing well the fact that you have 10million naira in your bank account? I tell you, doing well is when she decides she’s going for a three-year academic programme overseas and is certain her business will run successfully without her presence. However, 99% of businesses cannot boast about that.

That brings us to the issue of succession planning; you’ll agree that quality trust is required to leave ones business in the hands of another...

In Lagos for example today, you have issues with all sorts of touts masquerading as tax collectors.

You pay your Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency,LASAA, fee for example, you’re moving from Eti-Osa and by the time you get to Ajangbadi, you would have met 15 other people on the road, asking you for the same fee.

Another challenge is the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, and National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control, NAFDAC. The problem is that regulatory bodies do not have personnels that are adequately informed and thus do not realise the impact of their job on the society. That’s why sharing information and being customer-centric is important. Small businesses are the ones driving this country, not oil and gas, and until we realise this, we will not understand why we must encourage them to thrive. How many people can the Federal Government and all these parastatals recruit? Very minimal. But if you have a hundred entrepreneurs employing four persons each, that’s 400 people off the streets. So, whether government likes it or not, it has to structure the regulatory framework; tax forces and regulatory bodies need to get their acts together. I say this because if you want to set up a business and you walk into an office to ask for all the taxes you need to pay, you can’t get the list because even if they hand it to you, along the line when crisscrossing the streets of Lagos, you’ll still get harassed by other funny tax collectors. That makes things difficult because if I *Nneka don’t know I’m supposed to pay something which I eventually find Do you run any business out is a lie, it affects my bottom line aside being Deputy Director at and drains me of positive energy. In EDC? the end, I waste useful positive I have several businesses; energy on what I should do on furniture, real estate and something innovative with dealing telecommunication. I’m a second with people who behave like generation entrepreneur. My common criminals. Otherwise, why grandparents were entrepreneurs should they be sealing up people’s and my parents retired as premises when they have paid their entrepreneurs from a furniture taxes? Even if they haven’t paid factory which is a family business. their taxes, what have you done to My husband and I have some family make them understand the taxes businesses as well. So, I speak both they ought to pay? They connive as an entrepreneur and a teacher. I amongst themselves to dupe small businesses and these acts are seriously crippling these businesses.

If every second your employees are looking for you, it’s not a business. It means the business is controlling you...because business is supposed to give you more time for yourself.

Yes, people have disappointed but that is life and there are no guarantees in life. If you don’t learn to trust, you cannot give and if you cannot give, you cannot get. It’s a simple formula and it’s starts with trusting people with very small things. If every second your employees are looking for you, it’s not a business. It means the business is controlling you instead of you controlling it because business is supposed to give you time for yourself.

teach because I know what women in business are facing and want to help them navigate through those waters.

Talking about navigating through those waters, how challenging has it been as an experienced business owner?

It’s been very challenging. One of the most challenging issues though has been the problem of regulation.

You’re building on a business empire already established by your family...

(Cuts in) With my parents, yes, but with my husband, no. My husband and I actually started our real estate and communication business from the scratch. I’m a very passionate person; I’m passionate about business, building up things and about development. All that have added up to my success as a business owner and teacher.

Let us wrap-up by knowing more about your background...

I’m in my forties. I have degrees in Banking & Finance, Marketing and I’m doing my Doctorate in Entrepreneurship. I’m married with two wonderful children to my best friend and we’ve been married for almost twenty years.

36 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Apapa-Oshodi Expressway:

End of traffic gridlock not in sight as contractors vacate site •Why we left site—Julius Berger

By Jude Njoku & Monsuru Olowoopejo

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AVE you ever wondered what travelling through the Biblical valley of shadow of death would be like? The answer may not be far to seek.

If you live in Lagos, just drive through the Oshodi-Apapa express way any time between 7am and midnight and the interpretation of that scripture will become very clear. In fact, going to Apapa from any part of Lagos is akin to travelling through the biblical “valley of the shadow of death.”

The reason for this description is not far-fetched. Apapa is home to the nation’s busiest seaports, hence the traffic snarl on virtually all the roads leading into and out of the town.

Besides, it is commonplace to find heavyduty trailers and articulated vans stuck on the highway for several hours, thereby impeding the free flow of traffic in that axis.

Traffic gridlock

Lamentations galore: Vanguard Features VF checks show that many Lagos residents fix their appointments on weekends and public holidays, due to the light nature of the traffic. Contractors handling road projects in the state, also use these “free” days to mobilise their heavy

•Apapa Traffic

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The traffic gridlock along the axis has been directly linked to the congestion in both the Apapa and Tin-Can ports. The congestion which is a fallout of the snail-speed offloading of containers by the port terminal operators and acute shortage of space for the trucks to park while waiting to discharge their consignments, worsened recently with the ongoing reconstruction of the ever-busy express way. The contractor, Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has not helped matters as they go on vacation on public holidays and weekends when they ought to utilise the fairly light traffic to work on the everbusy road.

The gridlock on the Apapa expressway is a major security risk; the constant traffic on that road could cost us several human lives; how can the Federal Government fail to manage that road when Boko Haram insurgents take advantage of issues like that

equipments to site. This would not have been possible due to the heavy traffic which has become the hallmark of the city on week days. Many Lagosians were therefore shocked to discover that Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor handling the construction of the busy ApapaOshodi express way, went on

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holidays and abandoned their construction equipment which further impeded vehicular traffic on the road. They also blocked most of the access roads including the one to the corporate headquarters of Vanguard Media Limited.

The contractor closed about 400 metres of the ever busy road between Second Rainbow

Bus Stop and Mile Two, forcing motorists to make use of the service lane. The most visible indicator that the contractor was once on site, was the huge traffic signpost erected at the Second Rainbow Bus Stop which informed motorists that the road has been reduced from five lanes to two lanes.

The reduction compels motorists to spend hours in the traffic while commuters who cannot withstand the heat, trek long distances to their d e s t i n a t i o n s .

At the Mile Two end of the road, men of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA and Federal Roads Safety Corps, FRSC, were conspicuously absent to manage the traffic. Their

absence compounded the traffic snarl in the area.

VF investigations showed that the worsening traffic was aggravated by a failed portion of the road, which motorist said should have been repaired before the closure of the road.

A petty trader, Mr. Muhammed Abubakar, decried the abandonment of work on the road during the weekend and public holidays. “When they (contractor) started, we were happy that they will block the road to carry out the construction works. But with the strategy adopted by the contractor, I am beginning to reconsider my stand because I cannot say when the road will

Continues on page 37

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

that we will deliver ahead of the scheduled completion date,” he said.

The engineer in charge of the reconstruction of the ever-busy express way, Mrs AdigomVivienne Aniagor disclosed recently that the project has attained 65 percent completion.

She told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that Julius Berger is working on various sections of the project simultaneously to facilitate completion. The staggering of construction, she explained, is done in a way that it would be easy to manage the traffic.

“We are doing the drains, we are working from the end of the project at Cele Bus Stop, from the beginning at Beach Land.

We are also working in the Mile Two area; we are working at Sanya; so we are working in different sections,” he said.

Mrs Aniagor explained that milling, stone base laying, construction of drainage channels, asphalting, grading, sand cement stabilisation and other works are going on concurrently.

• Road closed... construction workers not in sight

be opened to motorists,” he said.

Continuing, Abubakar stated that “what the contractor has left at the Mile Two end of the road, are heaps of asphalt.

They should have made use of the holidays when traffic is light.”

An artisan, Mr. Bashir Olatunde summed up his frustration in these words.

“When I came to the office this morning, the traffic was light.

This was because residents were still indoors. But now, it is building up and one cannot envisage what the outcome will b e . ” For Mr. Matthew Tochukwu, a motorist, the traffic was light because it was a holiday. “You can see the traffic today is light

Traditional rulers wade in Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Ijora in the Apapa Local Government area, Oba Abdulfatai Ojora has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the traffic snarl in Apapa and environs, is urgently addressed.

The Ojora of Ijora described the traffic gridlock as a security risk to residents of the neighbourhood ‘’The gridlock on the Apapa express way is a major security risk. The constant traffic on that road could cost us several human lives. How can the Federal Government fail to manage that road when Boko Haram insurgents take advantage of issues like that?

We are appealing to the Federal government to come to our aid before we start losing lives on that road. It is high time the government came in

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because work is yet to resume. When work resumes on Wednesday, this place will be totally locked down. This is the major road that leads to the ports, hence its reconstruction should be done in an ordered manner.

“This is my route, and I want the contractor to repair the bad portion of the road which delays vehicular movement,” he said. He enjoined the state government to deploy LATSMA officials to manage the traffic flow in the area.

As much as we want to meet the deadline, which we have always done on our projects, it must be appreciated that our staff and machinery also need rest, even if it is for one day and whenever there is an opportunity like that, we observe a little rest and then continue

before things start getting worse,” he said.

The Ojora recalled that about eight years ago, the Family donated a parcel of land to the Lagos State government at Orile to build a terminal for the tankers. He regretted that rather than use the terminal, the tanker drivers preferred to park along the Apapa road.

We feel the pains —Julius Berger Reacting to the stoppage of work on the road during the holidays, the Public Relations Advisor of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr Clement Iloba explained that construction work resumed on Monday. He promised that despite the apparent delays, the company will still deliver the project on or before the completion deadline.

“At Julius Berger, we are concerned about the movement of people in the communities where we are working. We don’t enjoy seeing people suffer along the path of our works. We apply expertise in all our works... You must understand that

— 37

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construction is not easy; it involves meticulous planning and execution,” he said.

Mr Iloba pleaded for patience on the part of the road users, given the peculiar nature of Lagos topography and the rainy season.

“As much as we want to meet the deadline, which we have always done on our projects, it must be appreciated that our staff and machinery also need rest, even if it is for one day and whenever there is an opportunity like that, we observe a little rest and then continue. Ordinarily, it is tough to move around in Lagos with all the construction works going on and the rains, but we are working assiduously on the project and I want to assure you

FG’s reaction The Federal Controller of Works in charge of Lagos, Mr Godwin Eke, an engineer, told Vanguard Features, VF, that he met the contractors at their place of work on Monday, when we went out for routine inspection. Eke who said he keeps a constant tab on the activities of the construction giants, explained that the entire Apapa area is waterlogged, making it impossible for work to go on at a fast pace.

The Controller who said his inspection vehicle, a Hilux Van, almost got stuck in the process, explained that the contractors are currently using stones to fill the holes.

On the Trucks Terminal which is still under construction, Mr Eke attributed the delay in completing the project to the construction of Liverpool Bridge and dearth of funds. He however assured that the project is still on course, adding that when completed, some of the trucks that park along the express way, will make their abode in the terminal.

38— Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

The protesters.

Apapa residents stage protest over bad roads R

ESIDENTS of Apapa suburb in the Apapa Local Government of Lagos State, came out last Tuesday in large numbers to protest the deplorable state of the Apapa-Oshodi expressway and the indiscriminate parking of trailers and trucks that has affected their economy and social life.

The protest march kicked off from the Apapa Local Government Council headquarters through the Creek Road to the Apapa Quay and back to Apapa Roundabout. The protest terminated at the Liverpool Bridge.

Vanguard Features VF learnt that the residents embarked upon the protest because they were fed up with the perennial traffic jam along the express way.

The protesters who sang solidarity songs carried placards, some of which read: “Save Apapa road,” “Feed the hen that lays the golden eggs, ” Apapa deserves better roads, ” “Remove the death traps on Apapa roads.” While the staff of some companies trooped out in solidarity with the protesters, others who were less busy in their offices, actually joined the protest.

At the Sapele junction near the Apapa Quay, a crater which was water-logged as a result of the rain which fell three days before the protest, reduced the space and the enthusiasm of the

Vanguard Features found out that the deep craters from the Roundabout to Liverpool on the express way, were filled with stones on the orders of the Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Mr. Ayodeji Joseph, who provided the funds.

A Supervisor in the Council’s Works and Housing Department, Mr. Wahaab Olatunji who disclosed this said; “ In a bid to ameliorate the situation, the The protesters who sang solidarity chairman gave songs carried placards, some of which us moral and f i n a n c i a l read: “Save Apapa road,” “Feed the assistance to work hen that lays the golden eggs, ” Apapa on the bad deserves better roads, ” “Remove the portion of the Creek Road. We death traps on Apapa roads have been carrying out who have an urgent call of nature, palliative repairs on both state and patronise the makeshift toilets. The federal roads in Apapa for three years stench emanating from the human now”. waste is nauseating that passersby and The Chairman of the Community residents of the neighbourhood resort Development Committee, CDC, Mr. to covering their nostrils.

Bolaji Laja, an engineer, attributed the A trailer driver who simply identified traffic gridlock in the area to the himself as Musa, told VF that bad spots presence of tank farms and the parlous on the road have affected their state of the express way. According to productivity. Pointing to a deep crater, him, the gridlock has adversely he noted that a truck can easily get stuck impacted on the economy of people there. “The bad road has affected our living in Apapa. productivity in the sense that it delays “This traffic is very terrible; it has delivery of empty containers to the made a lot of companies to relocate from quay,” he said. protesters, yet they remained undeterred.

VF discovered that a section of the road had been turned into makeshift toilets for tanker drivers and their conductors who remain on the queue for endless hours, with no place provided for them to answer the call of nature. Even those who decide to trek as a result of the traffic lock down and

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By Fredrick Okopie

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Apapa. Economically, it has affected us, people hardly come to Apapa again.

Why should they build tank farms in a residential area like Apapa,” he queried. He regretted that the social life of the people has also been adversely affected. “Business men are relocating their drinking joints, bars and even clubs due to low patronage,” he said. He charged the Federal government to fix the roads in Apapa.

“They should spend the revenue they are generating from the ports on Apapa roads,” he said.

The protest climaxed at Liverpool Roundabout when vehicles and pedestrians stopped to read the messages boldly written on the placards.

Some of them joined the protesters.

Addressing them (protesters), the Chairman the Council, Mr. Ayodeji Joseph noted that “the state of roads in Apapa is terrible. “It is shameful that the Federal government abandoned Apapa in-spite of the billions of Naira they generate from the three ports monthly.

All these roads are Federal roads. As you can see, the local government is doing some palliative works to ease the suffering of our people. I saw the protest coming. In a situation where you abandon your responsibility, the people will complain. Another problem we are facing is the tank farms. Everywhere on Creek Road is tank farm,” he lamented, adding that tanker drivers also constitute a nuisance in the area.

“A lot of people have left Apapa because of this. We really need to work with the police and probably the Navy, if that is the only way to get a temporary solution,” he said.

VANGU ARD, WEDNESD AY, JUL Y 30, 2014 —39 ANGUARD, WEDNESDA JULY

His affairs are too public Dear Bunmi, Y husband has got the reputation of being his office Romeo. last year, he had an affair with a woman at work which was so public that I got to hear of it. That really broke my heart but he said it was nothing, that he was not prepared to give up over rs of marriage and our children for an affair. He promised it wouldn’t happen again. But It has!

Towards the end of last year, I got a phone call that two women in the office actually fought over him and they were suspended. When I asked him to change jobs, he said he liked what he does and getting a good job at his age was almost impossible. He’s 48 and it seems he values life at the office better than the life we lead at home.

Bola, by e-mail

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It's been long I made love Dear Bunmi, BOUT four years ago, my husband walked out on me and our three young children to go and live with a rich widow in his hometown. He was my first boyfriend and the only man that I’d ever had sex with.

There hasn’t been anyone I liked enough to sleep with since he left me, until now.

This man is everything my husband never was - loving and caring to my children.

He is a widower with four children and I’m in love enough to have sex with him.

What I’m really worried about is the fact that I’m sexually out of practice and I’ve let my body go after our third child. How can I overcome my fears and get this relationship going? I love the man and I’m prepared to give what it takes.

Jumoke, by e-mail

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Dear Jumoke, There are times in life when caution has to take a back seat to courage. You must

not allow your fear to drive you into missing this opportunity. Your ex-husband might be the only lover you’d had, but he’s moved on to greener pastures and you need to move on with your love life too. Take the physical part of your relationship slowly if you’re afraid. Let your new man know how you feel. Being a widower, he might probably be just as

Husband turns rapist Dear Bunmi, E have lived in one of the government highrise buildings for years and are friendly with most of our neighbours. My husband had a regular job before he was retired but now works from home and is doing well.

A few weeks ago, I came home to find one of our neighbours and she was hopping mad.

She said her sixteen-year-

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Hubby won’t forget I had an affair Dear Bunmi, did something foolish a year ago by sleeping with an ex-boyfriend who pressurized me into having an affair.

I left him for my current husband and I felt guilty that he hadn’t been able to settle down since then. Unfortunately, he told a few people about us sleeping together and my husband eventually got to know. I felt so ashamed and I begged for his forgiveness for days before he relented and took me back.

The problem is, whenever we

I

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So, next time your husband questions you, try to get him talking about how upset and angry he is.

Then encourage him to have a talk with you, so you could really make him understand why the affair happened in the first place and assure him it will never happen again

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apprehensive as you are.

Forget the shape of your body - when you’re ready for sex, it will come naturally and your body will remember what to do.

If he really loves you, lovemaking will be beautiful and exciting. In the meantime, treat yourself to some nice underwear and anything else that makes you feel good about yourself.

have sex, he keeps on asking if my ex is better and wants me to tell him exactly what happened sexually between us. I just want to put this unfortunate incident behind me but my husband is not helping. Why can’t he just forget it?

Alero, by e-mail

Dear Alero, Your husband can’t move on from what happened as he hasn’t worked through the pains of an affair that became public knowledge. He feels humiliated and sees the affair as a huge dent to his ego and the only way he could regain some sort of control is to try and find out what actually drove you to what he sees as an emotional betrayal.

Unfortunately, the way forward isn’t to keep going over the incident, but to start exploring the emotions. So, next time your husband questions you, try to get him talking about how upset and angry he is. Then encourage him to have a talk with you, so you could really make him understand why the affair happened in the first place and to assure him it will never happen again. You need to give him a little more time, but don’t stop talking with him and don’t exonerate yourself from this fiasco.

old daughter was asked to buy a packet of cigarettes by my husband. When her daughter returned with the cigarettes, my husband lured her to the bedroom and raped her. She said her husband had gone for the police.

It was a shock. I felt so humiliated and when my husband came in, he showed no remorse whatsoever. He said he’d watched the teenage girl fleeting in and out of the flats, offering sex. All he wanted was a piece of the action. I felt so ashamed I didn’t know which hurt more - my husband’s remorseless admission or my own humiliation.

Since he was retired from the force, the police were a bit lenient with him and urged that the dispute be settled amicably. It took a while, but we did just that. Only now, I see my husband as a pervert and wouldn’t allow him to touch me. He said I was being silly, that the girl wasn’t even a virgin. Is this the end of my marriage?

Ndidi, by e-mail

Dear Ndidi, One thing you should never be surprised about is the fact that men and women can sometimes behave in ways that are depraved. I quite understand your shock and consternation, but your husband’s indifference shows that cheap thrills mean nothing to him and his only remorse would be that he was caught.

If you love your man and he is still interested in the marriage, you just let him see the moral implication of what he has done. Don’t put him through the third degree as if he were on trial, but let him see how much he’s humiliated you.

For the sake of your marriage, I hope he has a change of heart, otherwise he might just do it again.

Dear Bola, It’s not surprising that your husband loves his job so much. It sounds if he’s living every single man’s dream - working his way through the female members of staff. But isn’t he forgetting something? He has a wife and children at home who love and need him. Your husband is a selfish man and you have every right to feel betrayed and upset. But how many chances are you prepared to give to him?

As long as he knows he can talk you round to forgiving his greed, he won’t put a stop to it.

Unfortunately, the problem isn’t work - it’s your husband. Even if he left his job, he’d probably cheat again. Men like him never change.

Short of getting out of the r,elationship whilst you still have your pride, I’m afraid you have to accept his recklessness with women and learn to share him!

Too shy for love?

Dear Bunmi, am in my early twenties, tall and attractive, but extremely shy. I attended a few parties with fiends but I seem not to attract the right men. My friends simply go for what they fancy and I envy them. Is there a technique to it?

Dupe, by e-mail

I

Dear Dupe, Our eyes are supposed to be among our most powerful signalling mechanisms. If you’re going to connect successfully with someone, romantically or socially, you normally make eye contact. In some situations though, it is important to have a look around and survey the scene before making a move.

According to The Little Book of Flirting by Heskell, when you want to scan a room, try looking only at the top of people’s heads. You’ll get a peripheral view of everyone and they won’t know you’re looking at anyone in particular.

If you want to look at an individual, imagine a circle round their face and run ypur eyes round the edge of it. You won’t be making direct eye contact and they won’t know what you’re doing. You can also defocus your eyes and look behind someone, which enables you to get an impression on them.

Once you’ve spotted someone you’d like to get friendly with, use eye contact with a smile to say ''hi, I'm here.'' Good luck to you.

Should I leave him for my child’s dad?

Dear Bunmi, ’M a single mother of a two-year-old and I’m 26. I’ve been with my current boyfriend for a year and I love him. Recently, on one of his rare visits to his son, my ex made it clear he would love us to get back again. We were an item for three years.

My fear now is that I might discover I love him more than my current boyfriend. Yet my ex has two sides - he’s loving, caring and loads of fun most of the time, but he’s also been known to be a skirt chaser and I’m really confused as to what to do. Can you help?

Linda, by e-mail

I

Dear Linda, .

A woman in love with two men has to be really cautious. Allow yourself to get to know your new man better but encourage your ex to be a caring father to you on. As t e months pass, it will become apparent whether he can love and unconditionally or not. Just as.you once accepted that he’d had sex with other women, so will he neetl to acce~t that you continue to have sex with another man whom you met when the two of you broke up.

In the end, you may even discover you don’t love either of them in a way that will endure. True love is clear on your having no choice but to love a partner completely, with no doubts whatever.

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— VANGU ARD, ANGUARD,

WEDNESD AY, JUL Y 30, 2014 WEDNESDA JULY

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014— —41

C M Y K

42—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Houses of Assembly:

Valour or Vanity?

A

few years ago, the majority of state Houses of Assembly in the country for the fear of their governors voted against the constitutional amendment granting them autonomy. It is thus puzzling that the state legislative houses have in the last few weeks commenced a series of impeachments directed at governors and deputies. From whence is the boldness?

BY EMMANUEL AZIKEN, Political Editor

I

N terms of content and car riage, the Enugu State House of Assembly could certainly not be primed as a very productive legislative house.

The present House since it was inaugurated in 2011 has only managed to pass one private member bill.

It was as such a surprise to many when the House last week, in its avowed claim to the pursuit of good governance, served an impeachment notice on the deputy governor of the state, Mr. Sunday Onyebuchi. The twolegged motion to impeach the deputy governor was founded on the claim that Mr. Onyebuchi is operating a poultry in his official residence and his alleged refusal to carry out delegated responsibilities from the governor, Mr. Sullivan Chime.

The diligence of the House was reflected in the adoption of the allegation of insubordination of the deputy governor especially in the allegation that Onyebuchi refused to represent the governor at the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of the second Niger Bridge late last year. The thoroughness of the House was brought into question with the publication of pictures of the deputy governor at the ceremony.

Chicken Impeachment

The process against Mr. Onyebuchi which has now been dubbed the Chicken Impeachment is not an exception in the unfolding manifestation of the state legislatures.

Adamawa State House of Assembly under the leadership of Ahmadu Fintri on July 15 impeached Murtala Nyako as governor of the state in a conspiracy laced process that equally saw the exit of the deputy governor, Mr. Bala Ngilari even if the later was not found guilty of any misconduct. Ngilari’s apparent

problem with the House of Assembly was the local political face off between him and the speaker over local issues.

It is instructive that many of the issues raised against Nyako by the House of Assembly were issues flowing from previous years which the House of Assembly had itself failed to tackle in its supervisory role over the executive branch of government.

The impeachment bug has also taken hold in Oyo and Borno states. However, in the later, the majority of the members of the state House of Assembly were quick to denounce the alleged plan to impeach Governor Kashim Shetima surreptitiously for political reasons.

In Nasarawa State, the House of Assembly which is dominated by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has for long allegedly held the governor hostage willingly appropriating for itself budgetary provisions the governor is constrained to implement. The impeachment process launched against Governor Umaru Almakura is now entangled in 2015 politics as chieftains of the PDP ponder on how the impeachment could better or batter their 2015 permutations.

Abuse of impeachment power The impeachment bug has meanwhile drawn the attention of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) which on Sunday upbraided state legislative houses over what it claimed was their reckless use of the power of impeachment of governors and deputy governors.

CISLAC, one of the country’s foremost non-governmental legislative advocacy groups in a statement made available to Vanguard questioned the credibility of some of the impeachment actions recently initiated by some state legislative houses saying that most of them lacked credibility and were conceived to undermine the democratic process.

The statement issued by CIS-

•Fintiri: Beneficiary of Nyako's removal

LAC’s executive director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, while noting that it had in the past urged state legislative houses to be up and doing in their supervision of the executive arm of government, CISLAC, however, said the legislators had in their recent actions proceeded on the wrong path.

“CISLAC had always been and continues to advocate for strong legislatures with capacity to make laws for peace, security and good governance at both federal and state levels and hold the executive accountable

•Musa: Legislators are misusing their powers

sponsible manner to serve the interest of justice fairness and the electorate and not vindictively or to score cheap political points.”

“We are however concerned that the ongoing spate of impeachments may not pass the test of credibility, popularity and rationality, if closely examined.

Without prejudice to the right, duties and powers of state legislatures to impeach erring executives, we are worried that many of the reasons invoked are either belated or flimsy. Others are indulgent and ridiculous with the procedures flawed and

A misused weapon Impeachment should be a sacred weapon to be used as a last resort in checking the excesses and lapses of executive office holders.

Section 188 (2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution provides that the process of impeachment shall be initiated when a governor or deputy is alleged to be guilty of “gross misconduct in the performance of the functions of his office, detailed particulars of which shall be specified.”

But in Nigeria, it has almost turned into a weapon of political-cum-financial blackmail and intimidation.

ROLL CALL •Nasarawa •Enugu •Borno •Adamawa •Oyo through effective oversight and representation, including invoking the power of impeachment where the need arises, in a transparent and re-

hurried in a manner that casts doubts as to the motives behind the actions.”

“CISLAC wonders why legislators would overlook acts of cor-

ruption or having failed to discharge their functions of oversight effectively or worse still, benefitted from such corrupt practices and looked the other way, suddenly awake retroactively to exhume such corrupt practices and use them as allegations for which a governor should be impeached.” “We consider this an indictment of the concerned legislators, an abuse of power and process and a betrayal of the trust reposed in them by the electorate.”

“We wish to note that with the spate of insecurity on some parts of our nation, which is spreading gradually, avoidable impeachment of executive governors few months to the end of their tenure may not be the most progressive actions law makers can take at this point of our national development. We are convinced that precious legislative time can be deployed into more constructive and people-impacting interventions.”

“We call on members of states Houses of Assembly to concentrate on using their positions to promote community development, peace-building and citizens’ welfare through effective oversight and representation rather than engage in issues that could further polarizes the people, heat up the polity, create acrimony and fuel intolerance and conflict.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014—43

Amaechi has always defended our interests in Rivers —Rep. Nwuke R

ep Ogbonna Nwuke, former director of Press Affairs to River State Governor and member representing Etche/Omuma Federal Constituency of Rivers State in the House of Representatives, in this interview, speaks on wave of insecurity in the country, gains of the National Conference and the frosty relationship between Governor Chibuike Amaechi and President Goodluck Jonathan among others. Excerpts:

BY LIVINUS NWABUGHIOGU It is the third year of the 7th House of Representatives.

How may you assess the Assembly?

I think the National Assembly has done what is expected of it. The National Assembly exists mainly to enhance governance through law making and to that extent, the 7th Legislature has done creditably well in terms of law making, oversight and dealing with issues that are primarily, national. At the last count, the National Assembly has over 300 Bills that are receiving attention. Luckily, people have said so much about the PIB. You saw that at the level of the House, the Bill has gone to third reading and because so many people do not understand; it is not at plenary that some of these issues, particularly relating to laws are being treated. They are handled at the committee stage

where inputs are made by experts, where law is properly tinkered with in order to make it sustainable. Gradually but steadily, the National Assembly has pointed in the right direction.

It appears that the current leadership of the House has enjoyed more support of the members than the previous ones...

I think the point that we must make here is that the leadership has shown effective leadership and then the followership has become increasingly mature. The issues that in the past divided the assembly and gave vent to power changes do not exist. I think that there has been a more open system of administration.

People understand the agenda of the leadership. Take the House of Reps for example. When we came in 2011, there was a road map and that road map clearly expressed the anticipated direction of the house and thus

•Nwuke: Now everyone wants state police

far, Speaker Aminu Tambuwal and those that he is working with have not deviated from that agenda.

His take on happenings at the National Conference What most Nigerians thought was that the National Conference would concern itself with issues which affect our common unity, which will define our future relationship with one another and come up with clear positions. There has been, for example, a salutary pronouncement on rotational

presidency, the fact that every part of this country should have the opportunity at any given time to present a president. I think that given the level of our political development that is one good news that has come from the confab. Now, beyond that, some of the issues that the confab concerned itself with were not issues that they ought to have dealt with Issues of administration, agriculture and even power and all that were not supposed

to be issues to be discussed at the confab. We have a government which has a mandate to provide those services.

Are you excited that the confab has adopted the proposal for the creation of state police?

Yes, they are calling it multipolicing but it doesn't depart from what it is: state police. In other democracies, you have clear police system that are national, state and one that is metropolitan. When my Governor (Amaechi) raised the issue of state police, a lot of people said he was challenging the president. But it was simply a suggestion that was designed to help and enhance Nigerian security as it is. It is clear that the Nigerian police force, for example is not well positioned given its number now, to police the entire country and that it needs help. Now, what we should do is to tinker with the idea, trim more the rough edges and to make sure we have systems that work not for persons but for institutions or government. I am glad that at the end of the day, reason has prevailed.

His take on the relationship between President Goodluck Jonathan and Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State The issues are beyond the relationship of the two men. They are issues that affect long, short

Continues on page 44

Pulling politicians back from the brink BYMARIE-THERESE NANLONG.

J

OS - History of politics and elections in Nigeria is replete with cases of diverse factors which hinder good governance and inability of political office holders to deliver dividend of effective leadership to the electorates.

Some of these factors include lack of sound policy formulation and execution, lack of effective competition which reduces the freedom of choice, religion, ethnicity, absence of political ideology, weak and inconsistent parties policy positions among others.

To address these recurring problems and prepare for successful 2015 general elections, the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP and Democratic Governance for Development, DGD set up the Political Parties Leadership and Policy Development Centre.

The aim of the Centre is to help develop capacity of

political parties in order to improve the quality of political engagement as political parties are crucial for the stability and dynamics of a democratic political system.

To achieve this aim, the centre has conducted workshops for national officers of the 26 registered political parties in the country. The ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the major opposition, All Progressive Congress, APC, have, however, always recorded low turnout in each phase of the workshops.

It was in continuation of this that the director of the DGD, Mr. Daouda Toure paid a courtesy visit on the DirectorGeneral of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Prof. Tijani Mohammed-Bande.

The visit coincided with the training workshop for National Youth Leaders of registered political parties in Nigeria, a workshop facilitated by NIPSS supported by the UNDP and Democratic Governance for Development, DGD. Mr. Toure noted that the minds of politicians and their supporters should be

•Deme

addressed because that is where conflict starts and conditioned so that the culture of peace is enthroned there.

His words, "The UNDP/DGD is in partnership with NIPSS to strengthen the leadership and organizational capacities of political parties as institutional foundation of Nigeria's democracy and ensure that political parties are policy-oriented, responsive, inclusive and more accountable to their members and the society.

"As Nigeria prepares for the

general elections next year, we need a strong Nigeria in Africa, though losers in Africa are not always willing to accept defeat, wait and get ready for the next election but we need a change of attitude."

He commended the series of training which political parties' leaders in registered parties are receiving at NIPSS and asked for such to be replicated in other African countries for effective repositioning of political landscape in the continent.

However, the DG of NIPSS, Prof. Muhammed-Bande reiterated that the partnership with the United Nations has been beneficial as they collaborate to strengthen political parties to develop good policies.

He stated, "The task of politics congeal what policies political parties carry out, the Institute in partnership with UNDP/DGD is working to strengthen political parties to develop policies, better organized and understand their roles in governance. We help political parties learn how to develop policies that impact positively on the people."

Similarly, the Project Director of DGD, Dr. Mourtada Deme said Nigerian politicians had been learning democratic process since 1999 so democracy and governance should not be compressed into a voting act performed every four or five years.

Dr. Deme pointed out that free, fair and meaningful elections are essential but not enough stressing that words like "do or die" should never be expressed regarding the conduct of elections in a nation seeking to strengthen its democracy.

Meanwhile, the Director, Research and Chief Operative Officer of the Centre, Prof. Olu Obafemi decried the near absence of the vulnerable groups like women, youths and the physically challenged in active political activities and called for a change.

Prof.

Obafemi also recommended that political parties should "implement measure such as promoting internal democracy, diversifying their sources of funding and encourage participation of vulnerable groups in all aspects of party affairs."

44 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Oyo 2015:

Ibadan as an issue

OLA AJAYI, IBADAN

I

badan, one of Africa’s largest cities has consistently sought to dominate its political landscape and tried to put other geopolitical zones in Oyo State such as Ogbomoso, Ibarapa, OkeOgun and Oyo to play second fiddle.

O

•Akala: Refused a second term At the end of the meeting, they issued a five-paragraph communiqué signed by Elder (Dr) Wole Oyelese, former Minister of Power and Steel, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, former Deputy Governor of the state, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, former Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Professor Soji Adejumo, Senator Teslim Folarin, former Senate Leader, Engr Seyi Makinde and Dr. Azeez Adeduntan.

Immediate past governor of the state, Alao-Akala reacting to the resolution said their agenda did not mean well for the party.

"What they are saying is that they (Ibadan indigenes) are the only ones in PDP. People like us who were not invited to the meeting are not PDP members. They are not serious. They are myopic".

The State chairman of the party, Yinka Taiwo also denied knowledge of the meeting.

"They are all entitled to their opinion. Other people from other zones can do the same".

The communiqué read, "that we unanimously agreed to work together as a team to ensure victory for our party in 2015 elections and deliver Oyo State for President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s re-election.

"That given the political reality on ground, the PDP candidate who by the grace of Almighty God will be the next governor of Oyo State must come from Ibadan land".

"That the body takes cognizance of the importance and political interest of other zones and resolved to work assiduously with them to

•Olaosebikan: Running on his credibility

,

F the seven men that governed Oyo State in its former or present configuration, only Chiefs Bola Ige and Adebayo AlaoAkala came from outside Ibadan. The rest Omololu Olunloyo, Chief Kolapo Ishola, Alhaji Lamidi Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and the incumbent, Senator Abiola Ajimobi hailed from Ibadan, a city that has consistently sought to safeguard political power for itself.

When in 1983 after governing the old Oyo State, Ige sought a second term, Ibadan political elites led by the national chairman of the now defunct National Party of Nigeria, NPN, Chief Adisa Akinloye were able to rally round to install an Ibadan son in the person of Dr. Omololu Olunoyo.

Before the electoral body announced the results that shocked many, Akinloye came on air to say “omo wa ni e je ko se e”, meaning, the winner is our kinsman, allow him to govern us.

That was when the slogan, “Ibadan people don’t serve a governor twice,” was first chorused. It is telling that since then no governor has had the opportunity of serving two terms in the state.

It is thus not surprising that ahead of the 2015 gubernatorial elections that political heavyweights in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP are beginning to put the Ibadan factor into consideration in the emergence of a candidate to confront the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. For Governor Abiola Ajimobi, despite his internal challenges is the presumed nominee of the ruling party.

Indeed, the reconciliatory efforts by the national leadership of the party is currently being threatened by the alleged gang up of some Ibadan aspirants against non-indigenes in the race who are insistent that the PDP candidate must be an Ibadan man.

Some Ibadan-born aspirants alongside political stakeholders recently met to press their desire for an Ibadan candidate.

Their claim is that Ogbomoso, Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and Oyo put together don’t have the numerical strength to edge out Ibadan in any election.

One of the major PDP aspirants, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan even though an Ibadan indigene, was quick to dissociate himself from the meeting

,

achieve victory for our great party at all levels.”

"That we appreciate the patience of our teeming and loyal supporters and indeed the good people of Oyo State for enduring all the inhuman treatments inflicted on them by the current APC administration and we assure them of a responsible and responsive government as from May 29 2015".

"That we appeal to our teeming and loyal supporters of the party to work together and for those who have defected from the party to return into the fold for a collective victo-

ry".

One of the major PDP aspirants, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan even though an Ibadan indigene, was quick to dissociate himself from the meeting pledging that his aspiration would be actualised without gang-up.

Senator Lekan Balogun another chieftain of the party who is also from Ibadan also warned that the move could be counter-productive.

“I don’t believe in gang ups.

I want the best aspirant to emerge. The meeting in question was a private initiative. I am not in any way bothered

about the meeting as they only called those they felt they could control.

“I am more politically relevant and productive than any of them. Check out all the aspirants, none, including the sponsor of the meeting delivered his booth to PDP in the last elections; while I did not just only deliver my booth but won my wards (overwhelmingly) for the PDP in all the elections.

"Politically, and talking grassroots, I am not in the same class with any of them.

I understand and play decent and people oriented politics more than any of them. I am very close and appreciated by the masses, the elites, the students, civil servants, teachers and market women.”

"I have every confidence that I will clinch the PDP ticket and eventually win the gubernatorial election by the grace of God. I am well positioned", he said.

Amaechi has always defended our interest in Rivers Continued from page 43 and mid term interest of Nigerians. At every point in time, my governor has spoken not as a partisan but a patriot of Nigeria. And so, as the leader of Governors Forum, the issues they discussed were issues that affect Nigeria. They were not personal.

Now, back home the issues that affect us more are the resources that have been taken from us and given to our neighbour and when the governor was sworn in, he swore an oath to protect the interest of Rivers State and Rivers people. The issues that the governor has handled; his reactions to issues have purely been driven by that fact: the protection of the long term interest of Rivers state.

So, it is not a matter between him and the President

as some apologists of the president would want Nigerians to believe. If there are differences at all, they are differences that originated from the way power has been used; the relationship which exists between the federal and state not the relationship that should exist between President Jonathan and Governor Amaechi.

On the spate of insecurity in the country It is so sad and disturbing. People are dying everyday and it is not something that should happen in a system where there is law and order and appropriate security. I think there is disconnect. Something is wrong and we need not to play politics with it. We need to address those issues.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014—45

Nigeria heading for disintegration over derivation, says Abe

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

A

BUJA — SENATOR Magnus Abe has raised the alarm that the threat posed by oil derivation in the country was capable of splitting the country into different parts.

Senator Abe, who represents Rivers South East senatorial district, who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Petroleum Downstream, said with the way things were going in the country, he did not have the conviction that Nigeria would continue to remain as a united entity.

He noted that the struggle over oil derivation, negligence of other important sectors of the economy and wastages had made life so difficult and unbearable for the citizenry.

Abe said: “Before I used to be convinced that Nigerians have made up their minds to be together, I don’t have that conviction anymore. If we are not careful, this country can blow up and split into different parts all over the issue of oil.

“At the end of the day, even those who think they will gain from that will lose, I believe Nigeria will do better as a united, progressive, democratic country, where everybody’s right is respected, where people are treated fairly and justly,

where if you contribute something you will be rewarded for your contribution and others are encouraged to contribute than bicker and fight and end up destroying ourselves. ”If you talked to me two months ago, I used to tell people that Nigerians want to live together.

As I am sitting down now, I cannot say that with same conviction; I said it two months ago. ”I think the issue challenging this country is beyond the issue of resource control or rather issue of resource generation to run this

country. What we are currently having in Nigeria is sharing economy where everybody depends on whatever comes from oil. ”There are countries in this world who produce absolutely nothing and they are still making money by managing the quality of human being in their country, but in this country, the quality of our human being has begun to deteriorate everyday. ”The quality of education is falling, the standard of living is falling and the quality of life and

quality of citizens are falling. The most important, that which we should concentrate on, is getting the least attention in this country.

What is getting the most attention is oil.

“If you seat with people who think and analyse what we are doing in this country, what we are wasting in this country, what we can convert, what we are not touching in this country, what we can get our human being to do, you will be amazed on how far we are sliding.”

From left, Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, Captain Ado Sanusi, Dr. Michael ArumemiIkhide; Group Chief Executive Officer/President; Rev. Father Raphael Adebayo, Church of Resurrection, Magodo, and the Managing Director, Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue, during special prayer to herald Arik Air Dubai route, at their corporate headquarter, in Lagos.

Political int erest, unem plo yment cause of tterr err orism interest, unemplo ployment errorism in Nigeria —Poll

By Emmanuel Elebeke

L

ATEST SECURITY snap poll results released by NOIPolls Limited, yesterday, indicated that Nigerians consider political interest and unemployment as major causes of terrorism in the country.

In the survey conducted on July 21, 2014, 26 per cent of the sampled population identified political interest or election issues as major cause of terrorism in Nigeria, while 21 per cent attributed it to unemployment.

These were followed by bad government/leadership with 10

per cent and poverty with eight per cent.

More findings revealed that about 99 per cent of the respondents are aware of the recent activities of terrorist groups; just as 98 per cent confirmed their awareness of the abduction of 200 Chibok school girls in Borno State.

FG inaugurat es c'tt ees on mor tgage inaugurates c'ttees mortgage ref ormation reformation

By Caleb Ayansina

A

BUJA — THE Federal Government has inaugurated three ministerial committees to ensure a successful take-off of the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company, NMRC. The three committees are the Ministerial Committee on Presidential Initiative on the Delivery of 10,000 Housing Units under the NMRC Housing Finance Scheme; Ministerial Committee on Verification and Auditing of FG Lands and Landed Property in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, and Ministerial Committee on National Housing Survey.

Inaugurating the committees in

Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mrs. Akon Eyakenyi, said the committees were put in place to bring to reality promises of home accessibility and ownership through news products and services made

by President Goodluck Jonathan at the beginning of the year.

The President had, on January 16, 2014, launched NMRC to enhance home accessibility and ownership through the new products and services offered by the company to increase mortgage penetration in the country.

Eyakenyi further pointed out that the inauguration would ensure proper utilisation of the Federal Government’s lands and

landed property, with a view to getting maximum value from prime property and freeing under-utilised land for new housing projects.

She stressed that the effort would go a long way to reduce the current 17 million housing deficit in the country.

“It is worthy to note that the inauguration ceremony, which we are here to witness today, is also another giant step towards actualising the vision of Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, for a repositioned and vibrant housing and urban development sector that will contribute more positively to the development of our great country,” she said.

Also, 46 per cent of the respondents are of the opinion that government and security agencies are not doing enough to rescue the abducted girls; while 54 per cent believe they are doing enough.

Furthermore, the result reveals that the 66 per cent of the respondents believe that the abduction of the girls can potentially hinder girl-child education, especially in the North-East.

Finally, top suggestions proffered by Nigerians to tackle terrorism include 25 per cent of respondents saying government should beef up security across the country, 18 per cent said it should create more jobs, while 17 per cent called for prayers.

Key findings The report considered security as critical in ensuring growth and development of any nation, noting that in present day Nigeria, the plight of Nigerians had been characterised by ethnic genocide, with Fulani herdsman, bloodshed with recent bombings and insecurity mainly due to the activities of Boko Haram which had created unrest in the country.

HND/DEGREE DICHOTOMY: Agency reviews curriculum

By Victoria Ojeme

A

BUJA — THE Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria, HRORBN, has commenced a review of its curriculum between holders of Higher National Diploma, HND, and their bachelor's degree counterparts, with a call on lecturers in the school of health records across the country to upgrade their qualifications or face sack.

The agency, however, doused apprehensions over expected job losses in the health records units of hospitals and other institutions in the health sector because of the revolution in ICT. The Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of HRORBN, Alhaji Mohammed Mami, issued the threat during a press briefing in Abuja to update the public on certain innovations taking place in line with global best practices.

He said: “We are now improving on the number of people being admitted into the programme. It is one thing to employ these people, it is another thing to get them employed. The only way to bridge that gap is to put the right people in the right places ”But there is nowhere we can give out what we don’t have. We agree that we have that challenge of manpower and we’ve seen the need to bridge that gap.

That is why we have now agreed to review the training curriculum.

“We will be having our coordinators’ meeting exclusively for heads of schools in which we are going to give them a deadline that for anybody who wants to remain in the school as a teacher, instructor or lecturer, they must upgrade their academic qualifications. ”Already, we have given the specification of qualification. There is no way you will be parading HND and you will also be lecturing HND level. So they must have a minimum of a master's degree and a PostGraduate Diploma or Certificate in Education.”

Mami premised the action on the need to inject professionalism and improve on the quality of Health Records Officers being produced by schools.

46— Vanguard , WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Ilorin monarch worries over spate of insecurity I

By Demola Akinyemi

LORIN—EMIR of Ilorin and Chairman Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, yesterday expressed concern over the spate of insecurity in some parts of the country even as he cancelled the traditional sallah homage (Hawa’n Barike) to the government house.

In continuation of the Eid el Fitr Sallah celebration marking the end of the month of Ramadan, the monarch in company of his Chiefs and community leaders, was expected to pay homage to the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, at the Government House among other activities.

However, the Emir cancelled the journey over alleged insecurity in the country.

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari noted with displeasure that the period which was meant to mark the end of the glorious month of Ramadan was used by some people to kill and maim innocent innocent people in the society.

“We have decided to celebrate this year’s sallah in low key to commiserate with the nation as well as the families of those who lost their loved ones in the

disasters. We have also cancelled this year ’s Sallah homage on the Governor to further express our deep concern towards happenings across Nigeria.

“Whatever happens in other states also concerns us as a people and community with high sense of humour and tolerance. We therefore pray

Allah to restore peace in the country and foster unity among our people,” the Emir said.

The Emir however commended President Goodluck Jonathan for appointing Dr. Abubakar Suleiman as the Minister for National Planning, stressing that it was a sign of the

significance of the community to the growth and development of the nation.

He therefore warned youths to resist all forms of temptation that can make them succumb to being used as political thugs before, during and after the forthcoming general elections.

HOMAGE: Chairman, Central Working Committee, Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria, Kaduna chapter, Alhaji Tiamiyu Suleiman (left) and Secretary, Mr. Abdulrahaman Hassan, during the Eid-el-Fitr Sallah homage to the inmates of the Kaduna Central Prison, yesterday. Photo: Olu Ajayi.

In America, film on Nigerian immigrant experience premiers in Abuja

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By Ndahi Marama

AIDUGURI—“In America: The Story of the Soul Sisters”, that won the “Best Film by an African Abroad” at the 2011 African Movie Academy Award, will be shown in Abuja on August 7, 2014 at the National Press Centre, Radio House.

The film, being sponsored by the Ministry of Information and Oracle Films, has been shown at many schools in the United States, including Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Hampton University, and many others.

Students from Nigeria and other African countries have reportedly found it very entertaining and inspiring.

According to Rahman Ladigbolu, a Nigerian film maker based in Boston, United States: “In America: The story of the Soul Sisters

needs to be seen by our youths at home in Nigeria. The lure of life abroad has been confusing to many of us, and, for many who are able to travel

out, they painfully learn that life abroad does not always justify its promise.”

Ladigbolu, the maker of the film lamented “in the past

they were forcing us into slaver y, but today we’re voluntarily selling ourselves into it”?

2015: Ortom joins Benue guber race

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By Peter Duru

AKURDI—MINISTER of State, for Trade and Investments, Dr. Samuel Ortom has formally declared his intention to contest the 2015 governorship election in Benue State.

He said he was motivated to join the race because of his earnest desire to add value to the lives of the people of the state through purposeful leadership.

Ortom who spoke in an interview with newsmen yesterday at Makurdi said: “Having consulted with the people at all levels, I am declaring my interest in the

position, not to seek bread and butter, but to give service to our people.

“All I am seeking to do is to bring my experience and the goodwill I enjoy from around the globe to bear in the socioeconomic development of Benue State.

“Having served at the local, state and recently at the federal level, and with the experience I have gathered over the years, I know that as governor of our state I will add value to the lives of our people if given the opportunity to serve.”

The Minister added further that, “ we all know that

Governor Gabriel Suswam has done his very best in his service to the people of the state, despite the daunting challenges that faced his administration, adding that ‘’all I seek to do is to continue from where he would stop because government is a continuum and it is all about building the blocks of development and growth.”

Ortom, who debunked rumours making the rounds in the state that he was at loggerheads with Suswam, said, “those peddling such rumours are ignorant of my relationship with the Governor.

Military needs support to defeat insurgents —Obanikoro

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AGOS—MINISTER of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, has urged Nigerians not to wane in their support of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, so as to win the war against terrorism.

He gave the admonition in Lagos at the Eid-El-Fitri prayers to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting observed by Muslims.

Obanikoro, who commiserated with the families of those affected in the Kaduna and Kano bomb blasts, as well as victims of other terror attacks in the country, said President Goodluck Jonathan is totally committed to winning the war in order to ensure a lasting peace in all parts of Nigeria.

His words: “We will never relent in our efforts to conquer these terrorists.

Citizens should remain vigilant and continue to support our security forces by promptly giving information of suspected terrorist hideout. For every Nigerian citizen they have maimed or murdered in cold blood, we will find them, we will get them and we will make them pay.’’

Aregbesola receives honour in letters

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AGOS—THE INTELLECTUAL Sharpshooters Group and APC National Grassroots Mobilisation League, will on Thursday July 31, present and launch a book titled, “Oramiyan Phenomenon and the Trinity of Progressivism,” in honour of the Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The book, which presentation is tagged: “A great book for great minds,” was authored by Mmuen Kpaganee. It will be launched at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja by 10:00am, with Gov. Aregbesola as the special guest of honour.

The former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa will be the chairman on the occasion, while Professor Tam David West will be the guest speaker. Chief launchers will include all APC governors.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 —47

Seme Customs seizes N5m contraband poultry products

By Ifeyinwa Obi

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AGOS — UNRELENTING in its anti-smuggling campaign, the Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), weekend, made a seizure of prohibited frozen poultry products worth N5 million in the bush paths of Seme border.

In an attempt to beat the dragnet routinely deployed through the various patrol teams of the NCS Seme Area Command, the smugglers, it was learnt, sought to bring the contraband products through bush paths, which are unapproved routes, and were intercepted by vigilant Customs operatives.

The Customs Public Relations Officer of the command, Superintendent Ernest Ollottah, said: “On sighting our operatives from afar in the bush, the smugglers tried to reverse to Republic of Benin, and not being able to do so, fled into the bush, abandoning their wares and the three vehicles conveying the banned goods.”

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the command, Comptroller Willy Egbudin, who supervised the destruction of the seized poultry products, described the seizure as a warning signal to desperate smugglers, who, according to him, during every period of festivities, push their unlawful trade far by daring the resolve of the Customs.

Egbudin warned that the law is no respecter of persons, and that its full weight will be brought to bear on those involved in the smuggling act, even as the command has commenced investigations aimed at getting the suspects arrested.

He said: “This seizure is a warning signal to anyone who attempts to dare us during festivities or any other time of the year.

Because we are aware of their antics, our men are deployed in the bushes while normal patrol and manned approved check points are sustained."

IMPEACHMENT: I'll appear before probe panel —Al-Makura

By Abel Daniel

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AFIA — GOVERNOR Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State, yesterday, said he would appear before the impeachment panel set up by the state House of Assembly, even as he described the panel as illegal.

The embattled governor had earlier condemned the House for embarking on what he described as "unconstitutional and grossly illegal" impeachment process aimed at ousting him from office.

He said he would appear before the panel to clear himself of the allegations levelled against him.

He spoke at the Presidential

Lodge when traditional rulers in the state and some of his permanent secretaries paid him Sallah homage.

According to him, “I have made up my mind to appear before the panel of inquiry constituted in accordance with the constitution of Nigeria to clear myself of any allegation against me and to publish the outcome on any medium I will choose at the end.”

Al-Makura had told his supporters during a solidarity rally at the Government House last week that the impeachment process was illegal, adding that the Assembly had not served him

with any impeachment notice.

However, the opposition PDP had earlier faulted the constitution of the panel, saying the wife of the panel’s Chairman, Yusuf Usman, was Al-Makura’s wife, Salamatu Umaru Tanko AlMakura.

Rev. Joel Galadima, a member of the board of Nasarawa State Christian Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and other members of the panel were also said to be cardcarrying members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, which the opposition said could water down the findings of the panel.

INVESTITURE: From left: District Governor Dele Balogun, Rot Gabriel Onyema, President Rotary Club of Festac; Rot Collins Onyenze, outgoing President and PDG Richard Giwa-Osagie during the investiture of Rot Gabriel Onyema as the 35th President of Rotary Club of Festac Town, in Lagos. Photo: Biodun Ogunleye.

POLIO: Efforts on to immunise internally displaced children in Bauchi —PHCDA boss

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AUCHI —NEW Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, PHCDA, Dr Adamu Gamawa, said, yesterday, that efforts had been intensified to immunise children of internally displaced persons living in the state against polio virus.

Gamawa told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Bauchi that although he inherited an agency that had worked hard to ensure that the state was free of the wild polio virus, his greatest challenge was the influx of persons from neighbouring states facing security challenges.

He said: ”I met an organisation that is functional and willing to work but the major challenge we have is that of internally displaced persons from some neighbouring states. ”People are moving and because of the security challenges, you cannot be sure that all their children had been vaccinated against the wild polio virus.”

The chairman stated that as a step towards ensuring that all children were captured, the agency had to be extending Immunisation Plus Days .

He said: ”We had to be staggering immunisation far beyond the Immunisation Plus

Days to take care of all those areas that have challenges and difficult terrain. ”We equally have plans for nomadic people that move across the state; we make sure that they are immunised."

Ojora tasks Jonathan on Mile 2Apapa road gridlock

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By Dotun Ibiwoye

HE traditional ruler of Ijora, Ojora of Ijora, Oba Abdulfatai Ojora has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure that the gridlock in Apapa and its environs, is addressed to discourage the situation from being exploited.

He also proposed for a summit of all traditional rulers in Nigeria, adding that the war against Boko Haram insurgents would be won through grassroots efforts.

Ojora spoke yesterday in Lagos during the Eid-elFitri celebration.

His words: ‘’The gridlock on the Apapa expressway is a major security risk. The constant traffic on that road could cost us several human lives. How can the Federal Government fail to manage that road which leads to the nation’s major ports where ernomous revenue is generated for the country?

“We are appealing to the Federal Government to come to our aid before we start loosing lives on that road. The traditional rulers are at the grassroots and are the ones that everybody sees. It is wrong when the government plays politics with human lives.

“About eight years ago, my family donated a piece of land to the Lagos State government at Orile for the tankers but the tanker drivers are not using the land. This is surprising. I do not know why that land is not being used. Governor Babatunde Fashola commissioned that land."

Imperial College alumni mourn Lukman

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HE Imperial College Alumni Community has mourned the demise of its alumnus, Dr. Rilwanu Lukman.

The alumni association’s President, Engr. Olugbenga Adelana and Chairman, BoT, Engr. Edet Ama in a release said "the death of Lukman at this time is indeed a great loss to Nigerian people as a whole and in particular to the Nigerian Imperial College Alumni Community.

"This is so, especially as the association is going through incorporation, with a view to creating a robust forum that will galvanise alumni efforts to continue to make mark on the socio-economic and

technological landscapes of Nigeria.

“On behalf of the entire Nigerian alumni community of The Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine London, the Executive Committee and Board of Trustees hereby offer our heartfelt condolence to the family of the late Rilwanu Lukman, the government and people of Kaduna State and indeed the Federal Government and entire Nigerian nation. ”We are, however, comforted by the fact that this great alumnus of our great college brought to the world stage the time tested

attributes of humility and dedication to service of excellence. His example is worthy of emulation and must remain a source of inspiration for current and future Nigerian alumni of the college and indeed all Nigerian citizens. ”However, as fellows of Nigerian Alumni of Imperial College London, we are most proud of the honour this great alumnus brought to us, in being the first African to be conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of Imperial College. In fact, it was the conferment of the FIC on him that galvanised Nigerian alumni to form the Imperial College Alumni Association of Nigeria."

48—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

AWARD: Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed Abubakar presenting an award to Deputy Commissioner of Police Federal SAS, DC Chris Ezike during the 2013 honours' award to officers and men of Criminal Investigation Department in Abuja, yesterday.

GRADUATION: From left; Mrs Abiodun Arole, Proprietress, The Potters Schools, Ikorodu; Master Momobu Tochukwu; Master Olatunde Samod; Ms Shamaki Zayna recieving their gifts fromPastor Adegbola Arole, Chairman, during the school's valedictory and graduation ceremonies of the class of Beamers. Photo by Shola Oyelese.

SYMPOSIUM: From left; (Front row) Director of South-East Biotechnology Centre, UNN, Prof Carl Okezie; Research Coordinator of ACCAI-UNN, Prof. Eric Eboh; Executive Director, Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED)Abuja, Ewah Eleri; Director, Centre for Africa Climate Change Adaptation Initiative, UNN, Prof (Mrs) Anthonia Achike; Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Polycarp Chigbu; Executive Director, African Technology Policy Studies, (ATPS) Kenya, Prof. Kevin Urama and the incoming Director of ATPS, Dr. Nicholas Ozor at the Experts Symposium on optimising Research Impact for Climate Change held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

COMMISSIONING: Ijeoma Iroegbu, Lagos State Co-ordinator for Young Ambassadors of Peace (right) decorating Mr Mpakaboari LongJohn, CEO MLJ Marine Oil and Gas. With them is Chief Lawal Femi Africas, Consultant, Pin Foundation during the commissioning of the duo as Peace Ambassadors in Port Harcourt. Photo by Nwankpa Chijioke.

HONOUR; Chief Solomon Ayansina Leader, Accord Party; Hon Jide Oke aspirant to state House of Assembly, Accord and Mr Adebayo Fadare, Leader during the hosting of the party's leaders in Ibadan South East local Government to a get together by Hon. Oke on Tuesday. Photo by Dare Fasube.

GRADUATION: From left; Engr L. O. Binitie Cassidy; Dr (Mrs) L. O. Binitie, proprietress, Lyncrest School, Ikorodu delivering her address and Capt. Okhaishie Callistus during the school's graduation and award giving ceremonies at the school premises. Photo by Shola Oyelese.

BELOW: Senator Gbenga Ashafa's team presenting some hospital equipment and medical supplies to the medical team of Ibeju-Lekki General Hospital, in commemoration of Senator Ashafa's birthday at Akodo, Ibeju-Lekki.

VALEDICTORY SERVICE: From left; Principal, Baptist Academy, Mrs. Bosede Ladoba; Guest Minister, Revd. Dr. Gabriel Adebayo; Director, Baptist Mission Schools, Mr. Joshua Oyetunji and Zonal Education Administrator Mr. Olusoji Alamu at the valedictory service and Prize Giving Day Ceremony of Baptist Academy in Lagos.

(LEFT) PROMO: From left; Marketing Manager, Home Entertainment Division, LG Electronics West Africa operations, Mr. Paul Mba; Winner, Mr. Hope Igberase; and Manager Digital/PR, LG Electronics, West Africa operations, Mrs Esther Fagbola, during the LG X-BOOM PRO ‘Pose & Win’ online photo contest presentation ceremony, in Lagos.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 —49

Ebola: Nigeria is not out of the woods yet — Prof. Oyewale Tomori, President, Nigeria Academy of Science Since the confirmation and subsequent death of a Liberian man who was the first to be diagnosed with the Ebola Virus Disease on Nigerian soil, anxiety, shock and fear have been expressed by a wide section of the populace. Although several assurances have been given by officials of the Federal and state governments, the generality of Nigerians remain worried and doubtful about their safety.

Foremost virologist and Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, President of the Nigeria Academy of Science, Prof.

Oyewale Tomori, is of the view that Nigeria’s effort in containing the first reported Ebola case was commendable. However, Tomori, who is currently the regional virologist with the World Health Organisation Africa Region and a Fellow of the Nigeria Academy of Science, the College of Veterinary Surgeons of Nigeria and the Royal College of Pathologists of the United Kingdom, warns that as far as Ebola is concerned, Nigeria is not yet out of the woods. He speaks to Sola Ogundipe. Excerpts .

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HAT should be the best step for monitoring passengers entering Nigeria by air, land and sea from Ebo-

la affected countries? Do they need to be quarantined?

Not necessarily. The Port Health staff needs to screen

passengers coming into Nigeria from Ebola affected countries, by checking for anyone ill with fever plus signs and symptoms of Ebola fever. The screening can be done using a prepared investigation form for taking details of the passenger – name, age, contact address, travel history (which countries visited, for how long and which part of the country, etc), plus any history of illness or sickness over the last 2-3 weeks. Those who are sick, like the Liberian case, must be taken for observation to hospital with isolation facilities. Others must be let off, but monitored and contacted DAILY by phone to check if they fall sick over the next 3 weeks

Prof. Oyewale Tomori covering the incubation period of Ebola infection. They should be carefully monitored by competent health staff From what we have witnessed in the handling of the first Ebola victim, is Nigeria in any way up to the task of containing a possible outbreak of Ebola?

I will say that the health staff – federal, state and the hospital where the case was admitted and the laboratory staff have performed creditably well. However, the detection of the case was purely fortuitous and not because we had our preparedness machinery in place. We should count ourselves lucky that the Liberian case came into Nigeria already sick and landed in Lagos too sick to continue his journey to Calabar. He ar-

which case he would not have been admitted into a private hospital, where there are fewer contacts).

So, I am saying we were able to detect the case through fortuitous circumstances and not because of our preparedness.

We were simply lucky. In spite of our national penchant for declaring ourselves always on top of the situation, we were plain lucky on this occasion, not because we were prepared. Next time, we may not be so lucky. We must, however, commend staff of the Federal and State Ministries of Health and of the private hospital where the case was admitted for being alert and taking prompt action as soon as suspicion was raised. Another point about this issue which made me proud was the laboratory support within the country.

The lab in LUTH under Prof Omilabu received samples on July 22nd and the next day provided results of a pan-FILOVIRUS family diagnosis, that is evidence of presence of a virus belonging to the family of Ebola virus (including Marburg, Ebola-Zaire, Ebola-Sudan Bundibugyo virus, Reston virus, and Taï Forest virus). Samples were also sent to Prof. Happi’s lab at the Redeemer’s University (RUN), late on July 23. The Happi team worked and tested and confirmed that the virus was the specific EbolaZaire type virus early on July 25, 2014. All these happened before confirmation came in from Dakar. I understand the RUN lab will commence sequencing studies pretty soon.

My congratulations to our colleagues in LUTH and RUN for a great job.

What should we be doing currently that we are not in terms

Every such person must be monitored for the duration of the incubation period of Ebola virus infection that is up to 21 days from point of contact rived at a time when our government hospitals were operating at “half mast” because the doctors were on strike. We might have had a bigger problem in our hands, assuming this case was well enough to get to Calabar - (in which case he would have mingled with more passengers at the local airport a n d i n Calabar) or that government hospitals were in full operation, (in

of (a) preparedness (b) response?

We are certainly not out of the woods yet, until we ensure that we monitor and ascertain that every of his contact is free from infection. We must trace all the passengers in the plane that brought him to Nigeria, to those in contact with him at the Lagos airport, and all those who attended to him, in the hospital where he was treated.

Every such person must be monitored for the duration of the incubation period of Ebola virus infection that is up to 21 days from point of contact. We must get in touch with them on a daily basis to find out if they fall sick, with fever and showing the signs and exhibiting the symp-

Continues on page 51

50 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 —51

Ebola: Nigeria is not out of the woods yet — Prof. Oyewale Tomori, President, Nigeria Academy of Science Continues from page 49 toms of viral hemorrhagic fever.

This must be carried out thoroughly, efficiently and rapidly.

I repeat, we are not out of the woods yet.

One other issue we should take note of is to find out the itinerary of the ASKY flight that brought the case to Nigeria. Did the flight come direct from Liberia or were there stops on the way say, Lome, etc., and who had contact with the case?

We need to contact other countries where ASKY might have landed and is still landing. I hear also that other airlines Arik does direct Abuja-Monrovia-Freetown flights. If that is so, then we must also mount our surveillance not only on

Lagos, but also on Abuja, Not forgetting Idi-Iroko, Seme borders.

In the event of detection of subsequent confirmed cases of Ebola, what would be the implication and how should we respond to such?

Any suspected case arising from new comers into Nigeria or should any of the contact of the Liberian case become ill, the case should be admitted immediately into a hospital with isolation facilities and barrier nursing instituted.

Isolation facilities This is why the monitoring at the border must not be scaled down. So long as we are still

having people coming in from the affected West African countries, we must be on top alert with our border monitoring.

Are there any issues regarding the hospital where the victim was admitted and eventually died?

I am very pleased to say that the staff of the private hospital acted professionally in every aspect of the treatment and eventual containment of the case. I understand that the hospital has been decontaminated and closed for a period of time.

What is your last word on this?

As I mentioned earlier, the detection of the case was purely fortuitous and not because we had our preparedness ma-

chinery in place.

We should have had our border monitoring in place soon after we learnt of the first case in Guinea.

Again, so long as ASKY or any other airlines are bringing in passengers from Liberia, Prof. Oyewale Tomori Sierra Leone or Guinea, our border monitoring must remain in place until the countries are declared free and for another 2-3 weeks after the declaration

NGO plans 1m jobs in 1 yr

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HE Transformation Ambassadors of Nigeria, TAN, a non-governmental organization, has unveiled plans to roll out more than one million jobs within the next one year in its efforts to better the lives of Nigerians in line with President Jonathan's Transformation Agenda.

According to its Director of Research, Dr Aminu Sanni, the group which is the foremost promoter and marketer of Jonathan’s achievements intends to achieve the feat through the proposed six industrial parks/cities in each of the 6 geopolitical zones in the country in a space of 12 months.

Dr. Sanni said the project will take off in no distant time as part of the packages and programmes in appreciation of the great achievements of Jonathan through Transformation Agenda.

He urged Nigerians to appreciate the efforts of the President Jonathan administration by contributing to remedy the plight of the down trodden, women and the restive youths nationwide, especiially as that Jonathan alone cannot solve the problem of the people.

Hear him, “In TAN we believe in what President Jonathan has achieved in Education, Oil and Gas, Road, Sports, Aviation, Women empowerment, and Agriculture that are there for everybody to see.

They have to be appreciated by the citizens. In TAN we believe that we have to appreciate Jonathan by contributing to the cause of the welfare of the people and by so doing the country will certainly get better”

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54—Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Police nab suspected female cultist, 10 others

By Emma Amaize

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SABA— POLICE from the “A” Division, Asaba, Delta State, have raided a group of suspected cultists during an initiation ceremony at Umudaike Quarters, Off Ibusa Road, Asaba, and arrested 11 persons, including a 27-year-old woman.

Police Public Relations Officer, Celestina Kalu, said police swooped on the cultists following information received by the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of the police station.

She said: “A patrol team swiftly moved to the area and arrested 10 of them, and a female, aged 27 years.

“Items recovered from them include one cut-tosize locally-made pistol, one live cartridge and one battle axe. The suspects will be arraigned in court at the end of investigations.”

NDN lauds Jonathan, Mu'azu

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group, Niger Delta Network, has passed vote of confidence on President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Ahmadu Mu’azu, saying that their leaderships were the best ever in the country.

The group, in a statement by its President, Chief Lucky Ayomanor at its biannual meeting in Calabar, Cross River State, said the President had performed creditably well and deserves a second term in office.

He said the President’s achievements were there for everyone to see as his “Transformation Agenda” has brought good tidings to the entire country, particularly in infrastructural development, which he said was unprecedented.

He said no other fact demonstrates the ability of Mu’azu to lead the party to greatness than the outcome of Ekiti gubernatorial election, where the PDP candidate, Chief Ayo Fayose, defeated the incumbent governor.

EBOLA: Experts advocate emergency response mechanisms T

By Uche Ike

HE Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Cross River State branch, has called on the Federal Government to ensure that effective emergency response mechanism is put in place to prevent the possible outbreak of the Ebola virus in some parts of the country.

The state Chairman of the association, Ms Gloria Archibong who spoke at a one-day workshop for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Calabar, said it had become imperative for the Nigerian public to be properly educated as the threat was on the increase daily.

Ms Archibong said: “If it has come as close as Ghana and there has been report of another Liberian who flew into the country through Lagos, then it is only wise to put effective emergency response mechanism in place and also enlighten the people on its prevention because the virus has no cure for now.

“I also want to believe that the virus is not here.

But the reason why Cross River State may be at risk is because we actually have bat-eating communities and we are a bush meateating people too.

“Fruit bats and monkeys are the major reservoirs of the virus, so there is need to sensitise our people. I want to appeal to both the Federal and state governments to make sure emergency response mechanism is put in place as soon as possible.”

Microbiologist speaks

A consultant medical microbiologist at the University of Calabar, Professor Michael Useh, who spoke with Vanguard on the development, said: “It is high time we took the virus serious. It was discovered in 1976 and has since been occurring and reoccurring. It is important we put measures in place to nip in the bud any

form of outbreak.

“If it can come as close as Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ghana, then we must be prepared; we must rigorously enlighten Nigerians because the mortality rate of the virus is about 90 percent and it has no known cure for now.

“For the fact that some species of bat are vectors, even though we have not

EMPOWERMENT: From left— Rivers State First Lady, Dame Judith Amaechi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Tony Okocha and Obio/Akpor Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Lawrence Chukwu, during the empowerment of over 250 women in the council.

EPZ BROUHAHA: Itsekiri won't give up heritage, ICM tells Ijaw

By Daniel Gumm

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ARRI—THE Itsekiri socio-cultural group, Itsekiri Consolidated Movement, ICM, has faulted the Ijaw of Gbaramatu over their threat to resort to self-help if the Delta State Government does not inaugurate an Export Processing Zone, EPZ, Interface Committee for Ijaw, warning

that Itsekiri will not concede her heritage no matter the threat.

ICM in its reaction to media reports credited to Gbaramatu Ijaw, calling for two different EPZ Interface Committees to be created for Gbaramatu Ijaw and for Ogulagha, said that Ogulagha was not part of communities hosting the $16 billion Ogidigben EPZ in Warri South-West Local Government

Australia seeks govt reforms in Nigeria through education, says envoy

By Austin Ogwuda

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SABA—THE Australian Government says it was keen on promoting reforms and good governance in Nigeria and other African countries through its educational programmes, noting that more than 13,000 African students were currently studying in Australian universities and colleges.

Australia High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Richardson, said this in Asaba, during the official launch of the Australia Alumni

carried out epidemiology test, we have high rain forest zones and when this virus was first discovered, it was carried by bat in a rainforest zone.

“We must establish centres where the virus can at least be diagnosed; we must educate Nigerians on the symptoms due to our porous borders, especially now that a carrier of the virus was contained in Lagos.”

Association of Nigeria within the South-East and SouthSouth zones.

He said: “As part of our increased engagement with Africa, the Australian government is keen to promote the foundations for economic growth, reform and good governance and you, the Australian alumni, play a key role in this engagement by helping to foster important links between Australia and Africa.

“It is through specialised knowledge and skills, leadership and enthusiasm that our alumni can effect positive change and contribute

to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria and across the continent.

“The Australian Government is committed to strengthening engagement with our alumni in Africa, so that there are opportunities to work together on common professional challenges.

“There are more than 2.5 million former international students, who have gone on to make a difference after studying in Australia and some of these students are among the world’s finest minds.”

Area of the state.

Interface c’ttees

ICM, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Oritsegbemi Besidone, said rather than create fresh interface committees for the Ijaw, the Delta State Government should consider the inauguration of another interface committee to take care of other host Itsekiri communities of the EPZ aside the Ugborodo Interface Committee chaired by the Delta State Government representative, Mr. Austin Oborogbeye.

The group said that the “crude way of being part of a project that does not have direct bearing on the Ijaw is over.

“Should the state government fall for the blackmail by Gbaramatu people, it should as well as set up an office for such committees in Government House.”

The Gbaramatu Ijaw, led by Chief Godspower Gbenekama in the latest publication, had claimed that the nominees for their proposed Interface Committees had since been sent to Delta State Government and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

VANGU ARD, WEDNESD A Y JUL Y 30, 2014— VANGUARD, WEDNESDA JULY

Why 11m Sabbatarians may not vote in 2015 —Clerics

By Ikenna Asomba

S

EVEN months to the 2015 general elections, clerics under the aegis of the United Voice of Sabbath Churches in Nigeria (UVSCN), have expressed deep concern that over 11 million members of the Seventh-day Sabbath across the country, will again be disenfranchised.

Speaking separately last Saturday, during a re-unification joint service of Sabbath Assemblies in Lagos State, at Glorious Covenant Assembly (GCA), Ajegunle, Lagos, the clerics lamented that during the Presidential/National Assembly and Governorship/State Assemblies elections slated for Saturday, February 14 and 28, they will be at their various churches observing the Sabbath.

The clerics blamed the peren-nial disenfranchisement of their members to the disunity among the Seventh-day Sabbath which has been in the country for over 99 years.

Archbishop Agwaniru said for Seventhday Sabbath churches should be recognised and carried along in developments in the country as stakeholders in the Nigerian project.

“It is glaring from INEC's time table for next year's elections that over 11 million Sabbatar-ians will again be disenfranchised, as the elections are billed for Saturdays, when we will all be at our various churches observing the Sabbath. For this unfortunate trend to be corrected, we need to be united and speak with one voice,” he said.

The joint service was attended by executive officers drawn from no fewer than 50 Sabbath churches including national officers; Archbishop Hyacinth Agwaniru,

former chairman, Board of Trustees, UVSC Nigeria; Rt. Rev. Joseph Omameh, national vice president, who represented the president, Rt. Rev. Raphael Egbunna; Rev. Ugochukwu Ofobuike, national secretary; Rev. Emma Nwadiaru, national public relations officer among others.

Earlier in his welcome address, the general secretary, UVSC, Lagos chapter, Snr. Elder Izuyah Okafor said the joint service marks a remarkable date in the history of Sabbath Churches in Nigeria, noting that the coming together is unprecedented and aimed at forging a united front of all denominations of the faith.

He used the occasion to commend the national body for their several relentless efforts to ensure peace, unity and love among Seventh-day Sabbath keepers and

foster oneness among members of UVSC. Speaking on “The Holy Spirit is Unity,” Rev. Ofobuike noted that for Seventh-day Sabbath churches to be recognised by Nigerian authorities and accepted as an integral part of the Christendom, Sabbatarians must come together as one.

According to him, for Sabbath churches to be united, they must eschew perennial barriers hindering their unity such as scrambling for leadership positions, quarrels, divisions, factions, lack of respect for constituted authorities, covetousness, anger, malice, slander, resistance to the Holy Spirit, failure to acknowledge the truth and true prophecies, failure to acknowledge the voice of Yahweh for peace to reign among others.

T was pomp and pageantry at the headquarters of World Evangelism Bible Church (WEBIC) following the elevation of one of the ministers to a higher prophetic office for the expansion and evangelization of the work of God, reports KINGSLEY ADEGBOYE Ordained as the first prophet in the church’s 19 years of existence, outside the founder who was the only prophet until his wife was ordained a prophetess in the ministry five years ago, the 67-year old Ezekiel Folorunso Amusan received the WEBIC spiritual leader’s insignia: the anointing oil and laying on of hands.

The consecration service featured prayers and ministrations, dispensing of Holy Communion with a large number of church faithful from different parts of Lagos in attendance.

The spiritual leader and general overseer of the church, Prophet Samsom Ayorinde, who delivered the message at the consecration service and assisted by his wife, Prophetess Mercy Ayorinde, told the congregation that the church had already moved forward and dedicated labourers were needed in the Lord’s vineyard.

Ayorinde enjoined Amusan not to rely on his strength in the discharge of his spiritual responsibilities but to trust in the grace and power of God, as well as pray earnestly for God’s Holy Spirit to direct his path in his new office as prophet, urging him to live a life of ho-

GKS urges terrorists to retrace their steps for their own spiritual good

M

INISTERS of God’s King dom Society (GKS) have concluded their annual conference with an unreserved condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and a passionate appeal to abductors of the Chibok schoolgirls to release them immediately “for the sake of God and humanity”.

While praying God to touch the hearts of the terrorists “so that they may see reason and backtrack from their atrocious ways”, the ministers warned of dire spiritual consequences of kidnapping, abduction and murder; and charged those involved to retrace their steps for their own spiritual well being.

They also advised people generally to be vigilant and prayerful, being guided by the words of our Lord Jesus Christ who stated, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves as stated in Matthew 10:16.

GKS publicity secretary, Brother Benedict Hart, in a statement, said the ministers attributed the rise in terrorist activities around the world, in spite of the deployment of vast resources in terms of men and equipment, to the devil, “who is moving religious fanatics, political extremists, and sundry rogue elements…to trouble the earth relentlessly”.

Report of the conference Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, Anglican Bishop of the Diocese on the Niger (middle) and his wife, Dr Elsie Nwokolo (4th right), during his visit to Chapel Of Restoration, Onitsha Prisons, Monday. With them are the Anglican Bishop of The Diocese on the Niger. in Anambra State.

WEBIC uplifts Amusan to prophetic ministry

I

55

liness and uprightness to attract God’s unlimited blessings.

The WEBIC general overseer expressed the hope that the new prophet would give himself wholly to the service of God, so that he may daily follow the ministry and teachings of Jesus Christ with the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

“I bring you before the Throne of Grace as you step into this special level of assignment in God’s kingdom. However, it is important for you to be a spiritual risk taker who continually and relentlessly make exploits and go extra miles to ensure the growth of the church. I also pray that God would each day enlarge and strengthen your understanding of the scriptures so that you may grow stronger and more mature in your

ministry,” Ayorinde admonished.

The new minister thanked the leadership of the church on the trust they repose in him, stressing that one of his major preoccupations is to promote unity within WEBIC worldwide while encouraging dialogue with other Christian churches in the country.

“The office of a prophet is a special one. A prophet is sent to the Body of Christ and to the nation. I am happy today for this glorious opportunity. The church has had prophets before now and the office of the prophet is in existence today and will still be before Christ comes back. However, people must be able to identify who a true prophet is before handing out criticism,” Amusan said.

Christian group endorses Ikuforiji for governor

A

RELIGIOUS organisation, Christian Coalition Against Corruption, (CCAC) has thrown its weight behind the aspiration of Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, to vie for the position of governor of the state in 2015, reports EBUN SESSOU. Chairman of the Christian anti-corruption body, Bishop Francis Shopekan disclosed this while presenting the Outstanding Leaders Award to the

Speaker in his Alausa, Ikeja office. According to him, "We have been reliably informed that you want to be governor of the state; we will like to be one of those who will give you support for this project.’’ He, however, explained that having observed the Speaker and how he has been leading the House of Assembly for a long time, he has come to realize that ‘‘You are a good man contrary to the negative impression some people have about you.’’

The report of the conference, held at Salem City, Warri, the church headquarters, exhorted all Christians and all people of goodwill to continue to exercise strong faith in God Who "maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth” and Who "maketh the storm to calm, so that the waves thereof are still."

Moreover, the church decried the growing multi-million dollar trade in human organs for transplants, illicit experimentation and for ritual purposes, saying that the traffickers were thereby committing murder on a daily basis. “Donations of organs should be done voluntarily in order to save lives, and should not be done for commercial purposes” the ministers said, adding “those who deceive people to remove their organs will certainly not be happy if someone else does it to them or to their loved ones”.

The recommendation by the National Conference that Churches should be taxed, the statement said, was flawed as churches are set up as charity institutions, meaning that it is not the church that should be asked to pay taxes to the government but “the government that should be supporting the true or genuine churches because of the spiritual functions they perform”.

On next year’s general elections, the ministers declared that it is imperative that the process be reasonably free from coercion, intimidation, manipulation, corruption, and other vices and that the choice of candidates for elective positions should emphasize character, honour and integrity, track record; not group interests and the goodwill of "godfathers."

56— VANGUARD,

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

OSUN GUBER FACE-OFF THE electioneering campaigns ahead of the governorship election in Osun State has gathered steam. Already the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have engaged in war of words over attempts to manipulate the electoral process in their favour. In two separate interviews, chieftains of the two parties bare their minds on the elections and throw mud at each other.

Aregbesola too desperate — Odeyemi PRINCE Diran Odeyemi is Director of Media and Strategy for the Omisore Campaign Organisation.

Stories By Dapo Akinrefon

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OW do you see the electioneering campaigns in the state?

For us in PDP, it has been very tedious and hard. This is so because of the polling booth campaign strategy adopted by the party and the candidate Senator Iyiola Omisore. We realised that to win the election in a one man one vote policy of INEC our campaign has to be issue based, it has to be carried to where the votes are and it involves identifying with the electorate. This has taken us to the nook and cranny of the state and it has been very interesting knowing the abject poverty and neglect in the state.

This has further opened our eyes to what to do in government as fulfillment of our promises. While we detest campaign of calumny, the APC has been the opposite of our belief. Our party, supporters and the candidate have been the subject of verbal and physical attack but we believe in peace.

This has endeared us to the people and the outcome of the election on August 9, will prove me right.

•Odeyemi Accusations and counter-accusations of attacks have trailed the campaigns, who Your party has been accused of planning should be held responsible because to rig the election with the support of INEC accusing fingers point at your party?

It will be wrong to accuse PDP of violence and the Federal Government? Is it true?

How possible is this? INEC to us is the because the records are there that no single incidence of violence was recorded in all referee and umpire that we believe craves the places we visited while it was in the for credibility in its task. The Federal news that we were attacked by APC thugs Government business is not beyond otherwise called “state boys” by Governor providing enabling environment for a fair, acceptable and credible election.

Aregbesola.

International observers from all over the world will be in attendance and Nigerians Record of are focusing on Osun. attack How do you rig election monitored by We did not campaign in Ilesa East because the voters in each 310,000 polling we were attacked almost immediately we booths. It is not possible to rig where completed our campaign in Ilesa West and security agencies are policing. APC like APC felt humiliated with the support we to accuse others of what they intend to got in a place considered to be Aregbesola’s do and in some instances lay preamble strong hold. When he commenced his for failure. It is their style which failed campaign in Ife, they had a field day with in Ekiti and it will suffer defeat in no record of attack anywhere. So who is Osun.

What informed your party’s decision to violent in this case? expel some of your members? Don’t you 187 Osun APC thugs were arrested in Anambra, 200 in Ekiti and one see it as counter-productive?

In every political party you have many commissioner was arrested in Delta recently with a bullion van loaded with money to judases and political dealers. The recruit militants for the election. So who is people we expelled belonged to these categories. The Holy books even violent?

Senator Omisore has replied that his encourage the removal of whatever will ambition does not worth the blood of anybody stop you from salvation. They are like in Osun, so who is violent? Aregbesola rotten eggs that needed to give way for recently in the papers told reporters that he sanity in our party. We even celebrated does not look like a governor but a street boy their exit because God has a way of and will fight dirty so who is violent? Omisore removing whoever does not worth has a pedigree and was properly brought taking party in his glory. Like Segun up in a royal way, he is not cut out for Oni in Ekiti, they are paperweight and violence. It is the APC and Aregbesola that nonentity that will not be missed just are too desperate and have resorted to wait till August 10, like a prostitute they will beg to come back. violence not PDP or Sen Omisore.

is doing that.

As if that was not enough, through the feeding programme, government also employed over 3000 caterers who cook for these pupils, some of the caterers through the job feed their families, then O-REAP for farmers and OSCHOOLS, where government is building new schools.

What is your view that most of the people in Aregbesola cabinet are from Lagos?

No, they are not Lagosians, they may be living in Lagos, the Attorney-general is from Ikirun and we all know them. Assuming we don’t even know them at home, does that mean we should allow them to die on foreign land?

We want to bring them home. I believe there is no point in that, they are all from Osun state, and they may be living in Lagos. What of Aregbesola himself, but people prefer his government to every other government they have seen in the state than that of people who have been living in the state, whereas he was in Lagos before, that should not be an excuse at all.

As the August 9 gubernatorial election approaches, what is your expectation?

We are going to win the election; •Lawal the other candidates will lose their deposits.

Do you not fear the military scenario that was enacted in Ekiti last month?

We have no fears as far as that one is concerned. Our people will be educated, we have been telling them should it be soldiers or CHIEF Gbadamosi Okunlola Lawal was a police, that they have member of the old Oyo State House of Assembly only come to protect between 1979 to 1983. He had a stint as the them and not to harass them and the party is chairman Ikirun District Council between 1959 to doing much on that 1961. In this interview, he speaks on the before the election.

Aregbesola administration and the forth-coming There is no compound election in the state among other issues. Excerpts: in this state where you will not get a graduate, AVING been a progressive in the we will use them to educate people that politics of Osun, what soldiers are meant to protect them and we differentiates the progressives in the will also advice every security officer that APC from others in the state? will be drafted to Osun to play according to To start with, I have been in politics since the rules of the game.

1954, I contested as a Councilor in 1954 What is your assessment of Aregbesola’s and I won that election. administration, will you say it has affected The APC in Osun for example is truly positively on the masses? a progressive party, since Aregbesola got I have said that before, is it the children back his mandate, he has been doing a that he is giving free meals that you want lot of things that we have not witnessed me to talk about? Go to town and listen to in this state, if it is for him to get money the songs on their lips, “daddy, mummy, he wouldn’t have come to Osun at all, all uncle and sisters you must vote for what the governor is doing are pointers Aregbesola” nobody taught them. We have to the fact that he is a progressive. Within no fear about the election, as far as we are his first 100 days in office, he employed concerned it is going to be victory all the 20,000 youths under Osun Youth way, because our people are not ingrate.

Empowerment Scheme (OYES).

The positive transformation of Osun by This scheme costs government N200 Aregbesola will translate to massive votes million a month. After that, is the O-meals by our people, come August 9, victory is programme where primary school pupils certain. are being fed every day, there are some Osun cannot be left in the hands of people pupils before now who attended school who are going to set it back, the without taking any good meal from home, consequences will be so great that the but now, pupils are eager to go to school children coming behind will suffer for it, because of the free meal. It has also and they will not forgive us, Aregbesola has increased enrolment because most of these brought genuine development and he pupils live with their grandparents who can deserves to continue his purpose driven hardly take care of them, but government government.

Even our children are chorusing Aregbesola — Lawal

H

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 —57

We ensure stress-free visa to Nigerians—Indonesian envoy

BY VERA SAMUEL ANYAGAFU

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TOP official of the Republic of Indonesian embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Pontas Tobing, has assured Nigerians who seek various categories of visa to Indonesia, a stress free visa processing.

The promise came, following complaints from a large number of Nigerians demanding that the embassy intensifies efforts to ensure that a Consulate is reinstated in Lagos, in order to reduce the stress of having to travel as far as Abuja just to get consular services.

Tobing who is the Director, Indonesian Trade Promotion, Lagos centre, assured Nigerians that the embassy would look into the issue, promising that hence forth, Nigerians would have no reason to complain about visa processing and procurement, given the fact that Nigeria and Indonesia have long enjoyed the best of bi-national relationship, especially in the area of visa issuance.

The statement came on the heels of the conference held in preparation of Indonesia’s 29th Trade Expo holding from October 8 to 12, 2014 which is expected to accommodate more than 10,000 visitors from all over the world, with the largest number coming from Nigeria.

Economic values Pontas also pointed out that the upcoming trade expo is an event that intends to increase Nigeria and Indonesia economic values, adding that, it would provide a platform for interested Nigerian visitors to explore myriad information from over 2,000 exhibitors from all over Indonesia.

The ITPC Director also assured Nigerians of the embassy’s commitment towards ensuring that visa processing is made easier and carried out in a more conducive environment to the delight of the teeming number of intending migrats to Indonesia. He said, ‘I have noted your complaints and I assure you that the embassy will

not relent in efforts to maintain the cordial binational relationship shared with Nigeria.

We regret whatever inconveniences caused you in the course of acquiring visa to Indonesia and plans are in place to accommodate demands of the majority of Nigerians who are intending migrating to Indonesia for different purposes.”

Pontas said the government and citizens of Indonesia were willing and ready to welcome investors from Nigeria, following the good and progressive diplomatic ties both countries share, adding that, Nigeria was Indonesia’s most cherished partner.

Acknowledging that Nigeria and Indonesia have some similarities, especially in the area of trade and investment, Pontas said that the Republic of Indonesian embassy in Nigeria would partner with interested Nigerian investors and ensure that visa are made available to them.

In that respect he said, both countries are able to enhance products export, bridge and connect the potential traders in Nigeria and Indonesia.

Also speaking at the conference, the Indonesia Deputy Director, Mr. Bona Kasuma advised prospective travellers on the need to be in possession of a valid passport that will have at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival in Indonesia.

He also said that it is important for intending travelers to contact the embassy and or consulate for proper guidance and or current regulations prior to departure. "In respect to the Trade Expo, most business visitors will be welcomed at the airport

by Directorate General of National Export Development (DGNED) staff. Visitors will also have a reception and information desk to guide them throughout the period of stay in Indonesia”, he added.

UK places restriction on immigrants

BY PRISCA SAM-DURU with agency reports

B

RITISH Prime Minister, David Cameron has announced Britain’s readiness to cut down on the number of immigrants into the country as a way of ensuring that only individuals who are ready to contribute to the country ’s growth are allowed entry.

“We’re building an immigration system that puts Britain first, we will close bogus ‘colleges’, cut benefits to jobless arrivals and stop advertising jobs abroad,” he said.

According to him,“The success of the nation was built by millions of hands, many from overseas – doctors, teachers, inventors, academics, businesspeople" adding that "succeeding in the decades to come means staying open to those who can really contribute.

"This Government has a long-term economic plan to secure a better future for Britain and controlling

immigration is a vital part of it. Under Labour, 2.5 million more people came to this country than left.

There was a failed points system, which allowed socalled “highly skilled” workers to come for up to three years to look for work; often, they ended up stacking shelves.

There was an increasingly generous, no-questions-asked welfare system which drew migrants to Britain for the wrong reasons.

“And unforgivably, while we had the highest rates of migration in our modern history, we also had well over five million people of working age on out-of-work benefits. Over the past four years, we have been singlemindedly turning this around. Our goal is clear: an immigration system that puts Britain first.

Achieving that means doing three things: clamping down on abuses of the system; making sure the right people are coming here for the right reasons; and ensuring the British people get a fair deal.”

58 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

By Ifeanyi Okolie

P

RIOR to the Eid-el-Fitri celebrations, the Lagos State Police Command, in a bid to ensure a crime-free celebration, raided major black spots and other vulnerable areas around the state and apprehended gangs of armed robbers operating in different parts of the state.

Crime Alert gathered at the weekend that a total of 13 suspects said to be members of four different notorious gangs terrorizing the state for long, were arrested. Two vehicles, cash and other valuables were recovered from them.

Command Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide, in a statement said the first set of robbers were apprehended at Bariga area of Lagos when a team of policemen attached to Bariga Police Station accosted three armed robbers on a motorcycle, robbing people of their belongings on Odunsi Street.

Braide added that the police team engaged the robbers in a gun battle and in the process, one of the robbers fell from the motorcycle and was arrested. A cut-to-size double-barrel gun, two expended cartridges and three handsets were recovered from the suspect.

The Police spokesperson further stated that policemen from Alakara Division, in Mushin, while on stop-and-search duty at Olosa area, arrested four men — Afeez Oyebanji, Abbas Lasisi, Wasiu Salami and Ottohor Benson in a Toyota Camry saloon car with registration number EPE 685 CD. One locally- made pistol and one live cartridge were recovered from the hoodlums.

SALLAH CELEBRATIONS:

Lagos Police raid criminal hideouts zArrests 13 suspected notorious criminals cash sum of about eighty-six thousand seven hundred and eighty-five Naira (#86,785.00), one Navy cap, one flash drive, six necklaces, four rings, one ECOWAS passport, two travelling bags and weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa.

At Ejigbo, she disclosed that policemen from the division, acting on a tip-off at Mosalasi area arrested one Obieze Asumba aged 21 zCP Umaru Manko of Lagos State with a Hyundai saloon car displayed for sale.

She also said policemen from The suspect had changed the Isheri Division arrested four colour of the vehicle and removed suspects including a woman, the number plates for easy sale. while on patrol along Lagos- The case is under investigation Ibadan Expressway. The at Ejigbo Division. identities of the suspects were At Suru-Alaba area of Lagos, given as Victor Anoechi two suspected armed robbers Chimayan, George Onyemaechi namely; Evans Matthew of Equanumhu, Oyebisi Afeez and No.23, Mission Street, Alafia, Chidinma Onwe, all of no fixed Suru-Alaba and one Aliu Sanni address with a Toyota Camry car of no fixed address, were rescued with registration number LSD 568 from a mob and re-arrested by CZ, at Berger area. Items policemen attached to FESTAC recovered from the suspects Division. The suspects attempted include one locally-made pistol to rob Big Treat Supermarket with one live cartridge, one laptop, located along First Avenue, one I-pad, eight telephone Festac Town and are now handsets, seven wrist watches, a

responding to treatment in a nearby hospital.

The Police Public Relations Officer also said a fake soldier,

David Siman, with no fixed address who claimed to be a soldier attached to 9 Brigade Headquarters, Ikeja, was arrested at Fagba, Iju by one Ajaji Jonathan, an Air Force warrant officer with the support of policemen attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Alausa, on pin down duty at Fagba, Iju. The suspect allegedly operates with a gang of hoodlums terrorizing Iju area. Two Army identity cards with the tag of 2nd Lieutenant, army camouflage trousers, military belt, a jack-knife and weeds suspected to be cannabis were recovered from him. The case is under investigation at Iju Division.

Royal father honoured as Peace Ambassador

His Royal Highness, Igwe Patrick C. Okolo, Chukwunweze 1 of Nkpunator, Nsukka, Enugu State, was recently honoured as an Eminent Peace Ambassador by International Association of World Peace Advocates. Pix shows the royal father with Lolo Grace Okolo receiving the certificate of honour from the Representative of Area Commander, Nsukka Police, ACP Haladu while the representative of Association for Anti-Human Behaviour in Nigeria, Capt. Yakubu rtd and others watch.

Motorcycle parts dealer nabbed with 11.06kg of cannabis says:

‘I wanted to use the profit to buy motorcycle parts in China’

BY EVELYN USMAN

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39-year-old motorcycle parts dealer in Nnewi, Anambra State, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for attempting to smuggle 11.06kg of dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis to China.

The suspect, Ogbodo Chibuzor David, was said to have concealed the drugs in various food items in his luggage, prior to discovery at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

NDLEA commander at the airport, Mr. Hamza Umar said

•The suspect that the suspect was to board a Qatar Airline flight when he

was nabbed. Umar said: “ We have apprehended one Ogbodo Chibuzor David with dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis. The suspect was found with twenty one parcels of cannabis hidden inside his bags on his way to China.

His travel route, as contained in his ticket, is Lagos to Doha, and from Doha to Guangzhou.”

The suspect on his part, told operatives that he wanted to sell the drugs and use the proceedsto buy motorcycle parts in China. According to Ogbodo: “I gave a business partner the sum of 30,000 dollars to supply me goods and he disappeared. That brought my

business to its knees and I have been struggling to take care of my wife and child since a year ago. I met many people for financial assistance but nobody was willing to help until I was wrongly advised by a friend who told me to smuggle cannabis to China. “I bought the cannabis for N200,000.

My friend told me that I would have made a profit of 10,000 dollars selling the cannabis in China. I was only interested in getting money for my motorcycle parts business, “ the suspect stated.

Chairman/CEO of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, who ex-

pressed delight over the arrest noted that the suspect would have faced capital punishment if caught with the drugs in China. “Drug trafficking is criminal and many traffickers have died prematurely. I am glad that we prevented the suspect from facing capital punishment in China,” Giade stated.

Calling on members of the public to avoid drug trafficking, the NDLEA boss assured that the Agency would continue to protect lives of the citizens, informing that the suspect would be charged to court soon.

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014—59

doctor@lagospainclinic.com

This thing called pain THAT

•The Aedes mosquito which sreads the Zika virus.

Zika virus: New threat from tiger mosquito

BY SOLA OGUNDIPE

W

HILE the West African sub-region is currently battling the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease, an equally old health threat known as “Zika Fever ”is making a silent return to the African continent.

Zika, which belongs to the group of viruses that includes dengue and chikungunya, was first isolated in the 1970s, but did not come into prominence until 2007 for the virus to show its epidemic capacity, with 5,000 cases in Micronesia in the Pacific, and then especially, at the end of 2013 in Polynesia, where 55,000 people were affected.

Recently, researchers from IRD and the CIRMF in Gabon restarted work on the concomitant dengue and

No benefit from double mastectomies, says study

D

OUBLE mastectomies offer almost no survival benefit for breast cancer patients, it has been revealed.

A new 20-year study from the University Of Minnesota School Of Medicine proves that mastectomies motivated by fear, not by practical, hopeful prevention at the cellular level, is not strategic at real prevention at the cellular level and feeds a medical industry corrupt to its core.

The study spanning found that the survival benefit for women who had their healthy breasts removed compared to those who kept their breasts was less than 1 percent in all cases studied.

The study's lead researcher, Dr. Todd Tuttle, said, "We found fairly convincing evidence that there really is no meaningful long-term survival benefit for the vast majority of women with breast cancer by having their opposite breast removed."

chikungunya epidemic that occurred in 2007 in the capital, Libreville, and which affected 20,000 people. Showing almost the same symptoms as its two dreaded cousins, did zika pass unnoticed by the researchers.

Now an emerging threat to human health, the virus is spread by Aedes albopictus, mosquito, or Tiger mosquito, the same insect vector of dengue and chikungunya. Studies show it is the predominant species in Libreville, where it represents more than 55 percent of the mosquitoes collected. The tiger mosquito prospers in small bodies of standing water such as in broken bottles, tins, flowerpots, abandoned used tires, etc.

Originally from Asia, the tiger mosquito was introduced to Africa in 1991 and detected in Gabon in 2007, where its arrival undoubtedly contributed to the emergence of dengue, chikungunya, and as shown by this new study, zika. The rapid geographic expansion of this invasive species in Africa, Europe, and America allows for a risk of propagation of zika fever around the world, including in the south of France.

S

O, at the time I write this, our statistic for the Ebola virus is ONE. The protective and preventative actions now taken by our Health authorities to contain Ebola is welcomed, but , perhaps, it could have been instituted earlier, before statistic ONE crossed the Nigerian border. After all, the spread from Guinea, to Liberia and eastwards was quite obvious.

Many may not know that two great Nigerian scientists (Prof. Tomori and Prof. Fabiyi ) were behind early pioneering research on viruses like Ebola and Lassa fever.

My talk however is about pain, and the statistic I would like to highlight is this:

Chronic pain

One out of every five people reading this article now probably is suffering or has experienced chronic pain; add to it acute, temporary pain, and the numbers rise.

There is more chronic pain sufferers than diabetics, stroke and cancer patients added together.

Indeed, each of the conditions listed is itself a cause and a category of chronic pain!

In 2012, the American

Academy of Pain Medicine published figures that showed 27 percent of reported pain was backache, 15 percent was neck pain, 15 percent was for severe headaches and 4 percent for facial pain. The same publication stated that among chronic pain sufferers, 86 percent report poor sleep, 75 percent report depression, 74 percent complain of low energy, 70 percent report poor concentration and 59 percent complain of decreased enjoyment of life.

Studies have shown that pain can drive you crazy, and pain can kill!

Low back pain

Low back pain remains the outstanding cause of disability and loss of productivity worldwide.

Another strange pain condition is what we call fibromyalgia. I have started seeing a few of cases now among Nigerian females. Often, the patients come to me with the self made diagnosis, after internet searches, convinced they have fibromyalgia. Of course, they fail to consider the fact that their pain may be due to the medicines they are taking, e.g. statins, or to parasitic infections which are

•A dirty water front which is ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other vectors.

quite common in Nigeria.

Some medical experts actually believe fibromyalgia is our fancy word for "chronic widespread pain".

Pain management is further complicated by gender differences in reactions to pain, and cultural variations in the way different people express pain.

Prescriptions

We, the pain experts, then confuse our patients further by using prescribing strange drugs and advising surprising modalities to treat their pain.

How can you (our patients ask) use antidepressants when I am not depressed? Why are you giving me anticonvulsants when I don't have epilepsy? You tell me to take a non steroidal drug (nsaids) and then you say you want to inject steroids into me!

What use is asking me to go for physiotherapy, psychology sessions, hydrotherapy, exercises and nutrition counseling....? "Is my doctor one of those quack ducktors we read about?"

Most chronic pain patients just want to be listened to, heard and understood. They want empathy, not sympathy.

They want a doctor who is committed to their care and will guide and support them through the complexity of their care. And most doctors want a patient who will report their symptoms honestly and straightforwardly, cooperate and comply with medical directives, be motivated and accept responsibility for their health issues, and, most of all, respond favourably to treatment.

I will end with the words of John Dryden: "For all the happiness mankind can gain, it is not in pleasure, but in rest from pain."

60 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Amalaha fails dope test S

IXTEEN-YEAR old Nigerian Weightlifter Chika Amalaha has failed a dope test at the ongoing 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,Scotland.

Amalaha had on Friday won a gold medal in the women’s 53Kg weightlifting event,but after being tested following the feat, the Nigerian was found to have doped.

Chief executive of the Commonwealth Games Federation, Mike Hooper revealed on Tuesday that the Nigerian teenager tested positive for diuretics and masking agents.

Amalaha’s B sample will be tested today after her A sample revealed traces of the banned substances.

At the last Commonwealth Games in New Delhi,two other Nigerians tested positive to banned substances,Damola Osayemi and Folashade Abugan which led to the withdrawal of the medals they won.

If Amalaha’s B sample turns out to be positive, she will be stripped of the gold medal she won last week.

Amalaha competed for Ebonyi State in the last Sports Festival. She won three gold medals at the last African Youth Games held in Botswana. And

Before: Amalaha (centre) celebrates winning women’s weightlifting 53kg class gold was a sure bet for the Youth Olympics billed for China in August.

knowingly take any performance enhancing drugs.

I'm ready for anybody in Glasgow, says Onaolapo has boosted his confident

A

FTER causing the biggest upset to earn Nigeria the golden bronze in the men’s team event of table tennis at the ongoing

Glasgow Commonwealth Games, former junior sensation, Ojo Onaolapo believes the victory over India’s Sharath Achanta

Samson Idiata competes in the qualifying round of the men's long jump athletics event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. AFP PHOTO

FG Continues from BP attention to our gold, silver and bronze medalists in this Games.

Once we finish from this Games, we are going to monitor medalists to ensure that they are in shape ahead of other engagements. We are going to design a monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for them so that we keep tab of everything they do.

If we handle them this way, I am sure that we will be in a position to use them to win medals in the forthcoming Olympics and other Games in the future,” he said.

He said “The expectations of Mr. President and the rest of Nigerians is that we win

Amalaha told Nigerian authorities yesterday that she did not

more medals at the Games. We are proud of our athletes for what they have done for the country so far and the government is prepared to give them all the necessary supports they need to succeed”.

The minister who expressed satisfaction at the performances of athletes in the weight lifting and Table Tennis categories said he was very optimistic that Nigeria would win more medals in the tournament.

Oluwatoyin Adesanmi on Sunday, won another gold medal for Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games in the women’s 63kg weightlifting while Obioma Okoli won the

silver bringing Nigeria’s number of medals to seven as Blessing Okagbare won the women’s 100m gold on Monday.

“I feel happy and hopeful that we will win more medals” Dr. Danagogo said, noting that the performances of the athletes in the weighlifting catergory has “rekindled our hope that we have the capacity to win more medals in this tournament”.

“If we keep up with this tempo, I am very optimistic that we are going to win more medals and I am urging our athletes to keep up the tempo so that we can continue harvesting more gold, silver and bronze medals,” he said.

to tackle any opponent in Scotland.

Onaolapo became the toast of fans at the venue of the third place match after the young Nigerian stunned the Indian star rated 44 in the world 3-1 to earn Nigeria its first medal in the last eight years of the games.

“I’m excited, I’m happy to win; in table tennis if you are dominant you can beat anybody," he said.

Continues from BP is bent on reclaiming his mandate during the Extra-ordinary Congress of the NFF, where he hopes that delegates, especially those from the northern section of the country will fault his impeachment process last Thursday by some members of the Executive Committee in Abuja and return him to office.

It was learnt from another reliable insider that Maigari, who is the Bauchi State FA Chairman, has already swung into action by allegedly telling northern delegates that his impeachment was spearheaded by southern elements, who planned on enthroning their own dynasty, a strategy, which we gathered, has been bought hook line and sinker by some FA chairmen and secretaries

NFF Congress unlikely

T

HE emergency Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation originally billed for Thursday in Abuja may not hold after all.

Sports Vanguard heard that the meeting may have been shelved because it coincides with the semi final fixtures of the Federation Cup. NFF Acting President, Chief Mike Umeh had hinted in a chat with Sports Vanguard that the Federation Cup was too important to be relegated to the background.

“We want to assure all that the Federation Cup is a very serious competition in the annals of the country’s football history.

We will accord it the seriousness it deserves.

ARS national finals kick of f today

T

HE national finals of the Airtel Rising Stars Season 4 kick off today at the Yaba College of Technology football pitch today with male and female teams from five zones.

The zonal representatives include the male and female teams from Enugu, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Ilorin, Oyo and Lagos.

The national champions in both categories will represent the country in the African championship billed for Gabon in August.

Elegbeleye Continues from BP record with her 10.85secs win.

“You can see that it was not an easy thing and that makes this gold the mother of all gold medals. Don’t forget also that she beat the best in the World to breast the tape first. We are talking of Jamaica’s Veronca CampbellBrown and Keron Stewart. These are World beaters on their own.

I’m short of words. I am

Maigari from the northern region.

“Maigari is not going to give up easily in his fight to overturn his impeachment as he has already reached out to delegates from the north, prompting them to believe that his impeachment was orchestrated by ethnic elements and begging them to overturn it at the next Congress.

This message is gaining grounds amongst these delegates, most of whom feel pity for him and want to help him regain his mandate”, said a reliable source, who spoke to Sports Vanguard on condition of anonymity.

Another pro-Maigari force said last night that Maigari was going to use everything within his resources to get his mandate restored, adding that “ we also

proud. I’m happy and we are proud of Blessing Okagbare”, Elegbeleye who is also the Director General of the National Sports Commission, NSC, said.

He also noted that all medals won at the Games deserve respect and praised Team Nigeria athletes who have been wonderful in fighting for honours for their fatherland out of the 71 nations at the Commonwealth. need to fight back with our might, which Maigari has promised to make available”.

But as Maigari is strategising ahead of the next Congress, those who orchestrated his impeachment are also plotting to seal his fate once and for all.

An arrowhead FA Chairman from the South-South, told Sports Vanguard last night that there was no way Maigari can get his impeachment upturned at the Congress, adding that Maigari was impeached for genuine reasons and that the impeachment was for the interest of Nigerian football and not on NorthSouth divide.”

“Maigari thinks he can get his impeachment overturned at the Congress by bringing tribal sentiments. We have gone beyond that.”

Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014— —61

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62 — Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

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Vanguard, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014 — 63

Van Gaal sanctions Fellaini, Kagawa's exit M

•Fellani

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ANCHESTER United are willing to sell Marouane Fellani to Napoli, after indications from new manager Louis van Gaal that last summer ’s £27.5m signing will not feature in his plans.

Van Gaal may also be ready to allow Shinji Kagawa to leave, with Borussia Dortmund ready to take back a player who made his name there before leaving for Old Trafford, where he has not flourished.

A Fellaini move to Napoli will be contingent on United accepting a loan deal for the player, though they are very keen for a sale to recoup the huge outlay on their fourth most expensive signing.

The player would also need to take a considerable cut in the £100 salvage something

from a desperate transfer window, last summer. Napolids, are not awash with cash, which is why they want a loan.

Di Maria in £63m PSG switch

M

ANCHESTER United and Arsenal target Angel di Maria looks set to leave

Nigerians celebrate Thunder Balogun

A

CREAM of sportsmen and women, administrators, fans and sporting organisations from different parts of Nigeria have paid glowing tributes to the family of Teslim ‘Thunder Bolt’ Balogun as they mark the 42nd Memorial Service of their father on Wednesday (today).

Son of the late player, Kayode Balogun, said some of these tributes came from Chairman CFAO, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas (OFR); former Super Eagles

coach, Adegboye Onigbinde; President General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rauf Ladipo; and former Chairman, Lagos Isalnd East LCDA, Nosiru Kadiku Okoya-Thomas said the late Balogun was a hero whose fascinating exploits motivated a lot of companies to float clubs in Lagos. He also described the exinternational as a perfect header, who scored most of his goals with the head.

Real Madrid for Paris Saint Germain this summer in a stunning £63m deal - according to reports in Spain.

Madrid newspaper Marca, claim the Argentina international will become Real’s most expensive ever departure - a record currently reserved for Mesut Ozil after his £42.5m switch to Arsenal last summer.

PSG will have Financial Fair Play to adhere to, however, after already signing David Luiz from Chelsea for £50m earlier in the transfer window.

One way the Parisian club could get around the problem would be signing the 26-year-old on loan before completing the deal in twelve months time.

VANGUARD, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2014

Maigari splits NFF

BY JOHN EGBOKHAN

I C’wealth Games:

Okagbare targets treble — P.32 FG plans big for C’wealth Games medalists T

SOLIDARITY: Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State (middle) celebrating with with Delta State weightlifters of Team Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games. From Left: Rasak Tanimowo, Nkechi Okpara, Yinka Ayinuwa, (2nd right) and Ndidi Eze when the governor visited the weight lifting venue in Glasgow-Scotland, yesterday. Photo: Henry Unini

Amalaha fails dope test — P.60

HE Nigerian Government has said that it will pay special attention to any athlete who wins a medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, Scotland.

Minister of Sports, Dr. Tanmmy Danagogo made this disclosure while speaking on the victory of Nigeria athletes who have won medals for the country’, at the Commonwealth Games, in Glasgow, Scotland..

Dr. Danagogo said “the government is going to pay special

Continues on Page 60

MPEACHED President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Aminu Maigari is leaving no stone unturned to overturn his ouster from the Glass House.

Maigari, we gathered from a close confidant

Continues on Page 60

Stories by TONY UBANI Glasgow

This is mother of all GOLD medals —Elegbeleye

C

HEF de mission of Team Nigeria, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye has hailed the spectacular performance of Blessing Okagbare in winning the 100 m gold medal at the Commonwealth Games describing the

•Elegbeleye gold medal as ‘’mother of all gold medals”. ‘’This is the Mother of all gold medals. She has broken her personal best record on her way to winning the gold.

She also shattered her Season’s best before also erasing the Games Continues on Page 60

QUICK CROSSWORD

TODAY'S

PUZZLE

YESTER DAY'S YESTERDAY'S

ANSWERS

ACROSS: 2 Clutch (5) 7 Stock (5) 8 Brace (5) 10 Horrify (5) 12 Equipment (3) 13 Wear (5) 15 Quickly (7) 17 Guard (6) 19 Breach (3) 20 Twisted (7) 23 Pitcher (4) 25 Stupor (4) 26 Extending (7) 30 Nothing (3) 31 Kitchen (6) 34 Embraced (7) 37 Regal (5) 38 Epoch (3) 39 Soiled (5) 40 Tally (5) 41 Consumed (5) 42 Twirl (5)

DOWN: 1 Gaze (5) 2 Class (5) 3 Regret (6) 4 Tower (4) 5 Barred (7) 6 Instrument (5) 9 Free (3) 11 Insulation (7) 13 Bordered (5) 14 Tender (5) 16 Friend (3) 18 Swung (7) 21 Cleaner (5) 22 Gemstone (5) 24 Pillage (7) 28 Sock-support (6) 29 Unsoiled (5) 32 Faithful (5) 33 Keen (5) 35 Skill (3) 36 Bowl (4)

YESTERDAY'S SOLUTIONS ACROSS: 2, Pitch 7, Taxi 8, Unsure 9, Glade 11, Die 13, Gem 15, Eddy 16, Mum 18, Cane 19, Careful 20, Alto 22, Plea 23, Idiotic 25, Lend 27, Rot 28, Move 30, Tag 31, Nod 33, Snoop 36, Centre 37, Aged 38, Water.

DOWN: 1, Valid 2, Pig 3, Tea 4, Hue 5, Asp 6, Green 10, Dour 11, Default 12, Editing 13, Galleon 14, menaced 16, Major 17, Merit 18, Cup 21, Odd 24, Torn 26, Eased 29, Voter 32, Sty 33, Sew 34 Out 35, Par.

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.

C M Y K

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