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  • Youths receive free vocation training

    An an effort to keep youths out of trouble and empower them, the Rotary Club Metropolitan, division 9119, Ikoyi, Lagos, organised a one-day free vocational training recently for youths in their catchment area in Lagos.

    The annual training according to them is to empower youths become entrepreneurs as the number of youths who are seeking admission into the university is on the increase, while many unemployed graduates are languishing.

    Thus, the training is to “empower these youths to become entrepreneurs and create means of livelihood for them,” said the division president, Rotarian Omo Egoegonwa, who partook in the training.

    How to produce antiseptic, liquid soup and finger food, were what the participants were thought this year.

    Free materials were lso provided for them which they will use to start their own business and certificates of participation will also be awarded to them after two weeks of the training, stated Egoegonwa.

    The few who learnt the vocation were picked in Ikoyi and Obalende area in Lagos State because “we have what we call Community Call. Our catchment area is Ikoyi metropolitan and we are trying to assist our immediate community, which is basically why we chose people from here. We have to tract youths that are unemployed who are interested and they don’t have means of training and we are just going to help, and give that extra hand.

    “The vocational training is an annual Rotary project and is an International Non-Governmental Organisation. The club has five needs and this training is one of the needs,” she said.

    However, the training was not well attended as only 10 out of the 21 qualified youths were present to partake in the training. “Some people say anything that is free is not appreciated but if you have to pay for it you will probably be more committed. If we have known that the attendant would be this low, we would have thrown it open for anybody to attend,” she said.

  • Group distributes free soap to rural dwellers

    To curb the spread of infectious diseases through hand washing, a non- governmental organisation, Thomas O. Women Network (TOWN) has distributed free soap empowered women and children in Ikate community, Lekki, Lagos State.

    Over 1000 rural dwellers were given soaps and other household items at the event tagged “Bathe a child, preserve a life”.

    The brain behind the initiative, Mrs Thomas Ogboja said:”TOWN manufactured soaps and we also collect used soaps left by guests in hotels to reproduce new soaps. Even though soaps usually contain antibacterial ingredients that kill germs, we will also recycle them so that they do not pose as health hazard to our beneficiaries.

    “TOWN is not selling the recycled soaps but distributing them to people free. We intend to educate less-privileged women in the society on the importance and benefit of ensuring they and their children maintain good hygiene.’’

    She noted that with regular hand washing with soap, 1.4 million deaths can be prevented each year and mortality rate will drastically be reduced. Foodstuffs, including rice, salt and clothes were later donated to the beneficiaries during the event.

  • Stallion begins free Nissan service

    Stallion begins free Nissan service

    Stallion Nissan Motors Nigeria (NMN) has begun its third nationwide free service campaign with comprehensive 80-point check-up during a two-week car care clinic from Novemer 3 to ovember 15.

    The campaign slated for designated Nissan cars up to 2012 model year is aimed at extending the advantages of Nissan excellent services to customers and delivering world-class consumer experience to Nissan growing clientele as the yuletide approaches.

    Announcing this incentive in Lagos, Stallion NMN General Manager, After Sales Service, Mr Srinivasa Jayaram, said: “the free service campaign is a thorough examination of the engine, transmission, electrical, under-body, Air Condition, exterior et al with series of discounts on mechanical and body repairs.”

    Stallion NMN will extend the services to three other locations including Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt, where customers will be availed of Nissan car wash, special discounts on oils, select accessories, consumables and other value added services.

    Jayaram said: “We recognise the importance of excellence both in the quality of our vehicles and in after sales service.”

    Stallion NMN in May last year appointed Nissan national sales custodian and has moved swiftly to reposition the brand as Nigeria’s foremost automobile.

  • Ebola-free status: ‘It’s great that we’re able to achieve what even the US has started copying’

    Ebola-free status: ‘It’s great that we’re able to achieve what even the US has started copying’

    There is more to Capt. Shehu Usman Iyal than his official designation as Senior Special Assistant to the President on Aviation. Iyal is a major player in a sector that is critical to the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan. In this interview with a select group of reporters in Abuja, he stresses that every aspect of the aviation sector in Nigeria is already within global standard range. Deputy Editor, YOMI ODUNUGA and Correspondents, AUSTINE EHIKIOYA and FAITH YAHAYA, were there. Excerpts:

    For some reasons, the Aviation sector has been in the news in recent times mostly for the wrong reasons. What really is there to celebrate in such a sector?

    First, let me say that every aspect of human endeavours is bound to face some challenges at one point or the other. In that wise, the Nigerian Aviation sector is not an exception. Having said that, let me, as a form of general introduction, highlight the positive impact and achievements made under the tenure of His Excellency, President Goodluck Jonathan, in the last six years.  We all know that aviation is a very special vehicle for attracting and sustaining investments in every part of the world. If we look at the United Arab Emirates and some other countries, these countries have fully maximised the derivable benefits from that sector to get to where they are today. In Nigeria today, we should be proud of what we have and the improvements made in that sector. For example, we have just sustained and retained our Category One status which we got from the Federal Aviation Administration of United States of America. We got it in 2010 and, just last month, we were able to retain that status. It would interest you to know that India, which is one of the top 10 economies in the world, just lost its own Category One status but Nigeria is able to retain its own.

    As Nigerians, we should also make conscious effort to celebrate our own citizens who get international recognition through a dint of hard work. One of such is Dr. Olumuyiwa Aliu who is the first African to be elected as President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Council. The position really puts us at the top position in the world. Nigeria, today, boasts of the total radar coverage of the entire country called TRACON. Although, the project started some years ago but the completion of the TRACON by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) was realised under the leadership of Jonathan.

    What this means is that, anywhere within the Nigerian airspace, we are able to track any aeroplane that is flying in or out of the airspace of Nigeria. On the Category One attainment, when the Americans give you, they don’t go to sleep, they keep on coming to audit you, examine and monitor you. We were able to attain it during Jonathan’s administration and retain it.

    There is also an improvement of oversight capability because NCAA as it is called is the regulator, it is the policeman of the aviation industry, it tells you what to do, it monitors , corrects. So, it is the duty of NCAA to make sure that we are compliant and we do as we are expected to do by ICAO standard practice. So, the NCAA was able to promulgate the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulation 1 and 2 and it met the ICAO standard, we call it NCAR 1 and 2 and it has been passed into law.

    Beyond these technical details, what exactly has the government done in other aspects to make flying a comfortable experience for Nigerians and others? For example, how conducive are our airports and can we say the passengers get satisfaction for their money?

    As far as this administration is concerned, safety is key and safety is everything. That is why no single aspect of the aviation sector should be ignored. Take, for example, the role the Aviation sector played in the fight against Ebola. Today, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared Nigeria Ebola-free and one shouldn’t underestimate the role played by the sector. Officials of the relevant agencies still play the role of monitoring movements of passengers till now. I was in Lagos some days ago and I was checked in about four or five places before I boarded my flight, I think we should commend ourselves that we were able to achieve something that even the United States of America has started copying. The same thing is done in London Heathrow. This administration has also been able to effect changes for those who are in the domestic operation. The issue of waivers for airline operators of custom duties on aeroplanes and aeroplanes spare parts. I think that has gone a long way in making the operators a bit more comfortable.

    As part of the administration’s desire to change the aesthetics of the airports and bring them up to the international standards, it embarked on a comprehensive remodelling of our airports and the conception of new airports. We can see the visible impact of this as we travel across the country from Lagos to Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano and other states. In the last six years, there has been an appreciable increase in the number of airlines flying into the country. There is also an increment in the number of domestic operators. We have Azman, Discovery, First Nation, Medview and Peace Airlines, which just got their AoC; I think that is something we should be proud of as Nigerians and it has made life much easier for us. Under this same administration, we have new airports in Akwa Ibom, Dutse, Kebbi, Bauchi, Asaba, Gombe and a few other states.

    But there are airports that are yet to benefit from this remodelling initiative of the administration. Why is there any ulterior motive for this?

    No, no one should read any ulterior or political meaning to that initiative aimed at repositioning all the airports in the country. Let me also say that the remodelling of airports is a continuous process. As I talk to you now, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is remodelling the airports in Abuja, Lagos, Benin, Yola, Owerri, Enugu, Jos, Kaduna and Port Harcourt. Again, in this period of insecurity in the world, the government of President Jonathan has also given a lot of attention to the safety of travellers by installing modern equipment for the screening of passengers. The government, through the relevant agencies, installed body scanners at the airports in addition to passengers and staff profiling. There is also the construction of new terminals in states like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu. FAAN has also taken over newly constructed airports that were previously owned by the states. For example, Gombe is an international airport and it is able to do Hajj flight.

    Presently, we are able to airlift Nigerian pilgrims from Dutse in Jigawa, from Bauchi state, from Kebbi state and Enugu which has been upgraded to an international airport. With this development, the stress and hustle we used to face in taking and bringing pilgrims in and out of the holy land is over because we now have more carriers and also carriers with capacity and our carriers are being sought for all over the world to do additional flights in West Africa. MaxAir, Kabo, Medview and they all have what we call white bodied aircraft; white bodied aircraft means any airplane that can carry more than 300 passengers and we have them and even in excess capacity. All the opportunities that we are enjoying now were made possible within the last six years of Jonathan’s administration. Already, we have brought quite a number of our pilgrims contrary to what we used to do before.

    There is also the infrastructural rehabilitation of the airports. We have the perimeter fencing in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano and the resurfacing of the runway. There was a little bit of discomfort some few months ago when we were resurfacing Abuja airport but it is better to be safe to land than to have a runway that has potholes that can affect the aeroplanes. FAAN, I must note, has gone beyond just infrastructure maintenance or rehabilitation. Under this administration, it has procured a lot of fire fighting equipment while also embarking on the training and retraining of personnel that can handle the equipment. There is also an establishment in FAAN called the Safety Audit Department, which looks into all these things to make sure that they are compliant with the International Civil Aviation (ICAO) standard.

    Has the government taken any concrete step to ensure discipline in that sector, especially by the staff of all the agencies?

    Aside the statutory responsibilities of the Safety Audit Department, there is what I can call a ministerial intervention. The latest of such is the directive by the Hon. Minister, Osita Chidoka, a dynamic young man with a lot of vision, that, henceforth, every airport manager will be held responsible for the happenings, activities, improvement and anything that happens within his airport. I think this will certainly improve performance and accountability and at the end of the day, Nigerians and indeed the travelling public will be the beneficiaries of this.

    Some critics have said that the Aviation Intervention Fund disbursed by this administration did not yield the expected results, as most airlines that collected the money did not utilise it well. What can you say about this?

    I do not believe that is true. Let us look at the bigger picture instead of dwelling on one or two beneficiaries that misapplied the funds. Of course, the relevant agencies are looking into the application of the fund by the concerned airlines. What I know is that, that fund yielded results as most of those that applied for it did make good use of it. Most of the airlines are still flying today due to that fund which came at the right time. In all, a total of N87billion was disbursed under the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan to the various airlines. The fund was disbursed at a generous rate of between two per cent to seven per cent as against the 18 per cent to 20 per cent that was the going market rate at that time. There was also a moratorium of six months with extended repayment term of between 10 and 15 years. You should also note that it was unprecedented in the history of the sector that some of the airlines were granted a working capital of between N500million and N1billion, which represents 20 per cent of their previous year’s turnover. We should be able to commend the President for this decision as it helped in stabilising the sector.

    Do you think the nation is lagging behind in harnessing of cargo potentials?

    Not really. The administration is rising up to that challenge. We are now constructing agriculture and cargo terminals whereby the products of the farmers can be easily moved to where they are going to be sold.  These airports are being constructed in Lagos, Makurdi and Jos and some of them have reached very advanced stages of completion, which is a very good thing for the agricultural sector. It will also boost the creation of jobs for Nigerian farmers and other people associated with it.

    Could you tell us what the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency brings to the table in the transformation going on in the sector?

    Currently, NAMA has the automated Aeronautical Information System (AIS) and it has also complied with WGS84; it is a satellite-based navigation. With this, there will be efficiency, safety and it reduces cost for the operators. We also have brand new Control Towers, which were also called the Safe Tower Project and here, we have the automatic data recording to capture communications between the tower and the aeroplane and also, if there is low level wind shear, it can be detected and the control tower can advise the pilot to avert eventualities. I am saying all these because if we don’t blow our trumpet, somebody will not only blow his own, but he will also take away our trumpet just to blow his own. The air traffic management of NAMA is as good as anywhere in the world because it is of international standard. Some six months ago or so, I was in Cairo, Egypt and they have what they call training school where people from all over the world are undergoing training and the Egypt Air people were kind enough to take me to the school to see some Nigerians. There were about 15 to 20 Nigerians and the three best students they had in that class were from Nigeria and that is why I said there is an aggressive manpower development.

    Again, we are part of the world and we are able to introduce what is called Standard Instrument Departure and Standard Terminal Arrival that goes to improve the safety and efficiency. We also have Nigeria Meteorological Services (NIMET) and they do the installation of the low level wind shear and land system. NIMET received certification as aeronautical meteorological service provider and got its International Standard Organisation ISO9001 by an ICAO accredited auditor. The construction of the National Weather Forecast Centre and research centre in Abuja is going on. Part of it is functional and we have highly improved weather forecast and prediction by the agency. In March this year, they did weather prediction and to a reasonable extent, their predictions and forecast were helpful to us and their service is not only for the aviation industry but also to the farmers, marine industry but their main attachment is aeronautical. They are also doing aggressive training for Nigerians.

    The Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), which most of us are products of; today unlike what it used to be some years ago when it was moribund and almost dead, has been totally rehabilitated and overhauled. Today, the school has two helicopters and it is commencing training in helicopter pilot; with this, we will be able to create more jobs, we will be able to do more things at home and we will save money that we would have used to send our people outside to do the training. They have introduced the HND programme. When you pass out, you will have a Higher National Diploma (HND) and that will go a long way in case you decide not to even go into the field, if you want to go into the academics, it will help. They train pilots, engineers and air traffic controllers, cabin crew and dispatchers, aviation managers, airline transport license; I think we are starting that of aeronautical information officers. Additionally, under the presidential youth development programme, the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta, Honourable Kingsley Kuku, has trained 66 pilots and 61 engineers. Some of the pilots have undergone Advanced Commercial Pilot Training on instrumental flying and already employed, while others are at various stages of advanced training. Most of the engineers are rated on engine and frames and have equally been gainfully employed.

    The Nigerian Air Force, in collaboration with private investors, has also under the present regime initiated and set up a pilot training school in Enugu for both civil and military helicopter pilots. There is also another flying school in Ilorin, Kwara State, that is equally graduating pilots and all these were achieved within the past six years of this regime. So, you can see that President Jonathan has provided all the support and enablement to transform the sector for good. Also, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has, for the first time under the watch of President Jonathan, released its findings to the public so that we all will know what happens and why it happened. AIB has a simulator in Abuja that is able to process, download and analyse flight data recorders; so, that saves time and money. They are also able to proactively simulate what would have been an accident or a very serious incident and we all know how aviation accidents can be. In summary, I make bold to say that, in the last six years, the aviation industry under the guide of President Jonathan has moved very positively. We have attained a status that is world standard and that we need to be proud of. We are in a position today to beat our chest as Nigerians to say yes; we are getting there.

    What is keeping the Federal Government from announcing the national carrier for the country or have they decided not to embark on having it again?

    On the national carrier, the minister spoke about it and I think he is taking it very seriously. He is in the best position to shed light on the national carrier.

    Can you update us on the second runway in our airport?

    The President has approved and directed the second runway project to be immediately revisited. It is being revisited and I am proud to inform you that I am part of the committee on the second runway and it is going to be treated as a priority. There will be a second runway in Abuja for safety, for security and efficiency. When a president gives an order, it shows that it is very soon and we are working on it. I can assure you of the commitment of the President on that project.

  • Senate blames free trade zones’ failure on weak laws

    Senate blames free trade zones’ failure on weak laws

    The Senate yesterday blamed the inefficiency of free trade zones (FTZs) in the country on weak regulatory framework guiding their operations.

    Chairman, Senate Committee on Trade, Senator Odion Ugbesia, made the observation during a public hearing on a bill seeking to amend the Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Authority Act 2011.

    Ugbesia said  it was obvious that free traden zones in the country were far from achieving the purpose for which they were established.

    He said: “Our free zones are far from achieving the purpose for which they were established and there are serious doubts as to whether Nigeria has indeed benefited from the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zones beyond the benefits accruable to an industrial area.

    “This is because of weak regulatory framework guiding the operation of Free Zones in Nigeria.”

    He said the amendments to the Act were proposed to ensure that the country benefited maximally from the huge investments in the FTZs.

    Ugbesia said the most attractive feature of an FTZ anywhere in the world, is the tax holiday which investors enjoy as incentive and encouragement for investment which the proposed amendment provides for.

  • Why I offer free reconstruction surgery for the poor, by Modupe Ozolua

    Why I offer free reconstruction surgery for the poor, by Modupe Ozolua

    Thirteen years ago, when Modupe Ozolua ventured into the world of beauty enhancement therapy, many Nigerians were quick to dismiss her projects. But years after, with many body reconstruction and humanitarian activities, Ozolua is set to move into the next phase. Seun Akioye reports.

    There is something that glows about Modupe Ozolua, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Body Enhancement Limited and Founder, Body Enhancement Foundation.

    It also leaves one with conflicting emotions about her identity and personality. At least that was the consensus in 2001 when she appeared on the social scene and announced that her company would be involved in helping women enhance their bodies, especially the breasts.

    There were as many Nigerians that dismissed the gorgeous Ozolua as there were that embraced her body enhancement therapy. She held on to the belief that women who are not satisfied with their bodies deserve a second chance at looking young and beautiful.

    In the years following the opening of her cosmetic surgery centre, her clientele grew in leaps and bounds, many of them society women and business tycoons who wanted the anti-ageing therapy that Ozolua offers.

    But two years after opening the first cosmetic surgery centre in Nigeria and West Africa, she jolted her critics by doing the unusual: she founded the Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery (BEARS), a charity organisation which specialised in helping the indigent in need of life-saving body reconstruction.

    Ozolua’s charity endeared her to many Nigerians who began to see her in another light. Her motive, she said, was to help the poor and the needy regain their lost body features.

    In the 11 years that BEARS existed, the organisation helped many indigent children and adult reconstruct either the face or other body parts. It was like regaining their humanity, pride and life. Using modern day medical technology, technique and skills to safely perform reconstructive surgical procedures to restore the lives of thousands of underprivileged people suffering from various types of physical congenital, developmental deformities, such as Vesico Vagina Fistula (VVF), cleft lip, cleft palate, burns and lacerations, cataract extractions, hernias, removal of tumors, cysts and fibroid.

    BEARS was also engaged in other humanitarian activities outside surgery, such as provision of relief materials and donation of food and clothes.

    This year, Ozolua again changed her strategy by changing the name of her highly successful humanitarian organisation from BEARS to Body Enhancement Foundation to better reflect the connection to her body enhancement company.

    “There isn’t a better time to draw people’s attention to what BEARS Foundation actually stood for. The acronym BEARS represented Body Enhancement Annual Reconstructive Surgery. Many people didn’t realise it was the charity arm of Body Enhancement Ltd, the company that pioneered cosmetic surgery in Nigeria, 13 years ago,” Ozolua said.

    But she insisted that the group did not change its name but only shortened it. She said: “When you look at what the acronym BEARS stood for, you will realise the name did not actually change, but has been shortened to Body Enhancement Foundation. In addition, as we conduct various types of humanitarian activities outside of surgeries, such as donations of items, exchange of skills, etc., and these are done more than once a year; it makes sense for the change.”

    The organisation has had its hands full in its 11 years of operation, especially from those in need of one body reconstruction or the other who can’t afford to pay for the usually expensive operation. Using volunteer doctors and funds from her other businesses, Ozolua has immersed herself in this life-saving venture, giving hope and life back to the poor and the needy.

    Her foundation is not only involved in free reconstructive surgeries, but also in helping other organisations cater for the poor and the needy. She said: “In the last few years, we have been quietly supporting other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in their causes by donating money, books, toys and clothing to them. We also send money to different parts of the country to pay the hospital bills of patients who can’t afford to pay them. This year is no different. Our dedication to helping the underprivileged in our society still remains the primary focus of this foundation.”

    The beauty therapist also has a consideration for the victims of bomb blasts and her organisation is open not only to treat them but to feed them. “We come in and identify those who can benefit from us and try to impact their lives as positively as we can. Not just surgical, but means of feeding too. After all, a bed ridden person cannot go to work and earn an income.”

    Ozolua has memories of some of her clients. There was baby Funmi who had a cleft lip, Jude, a young boy with severe burns all over his body and Sulaiman who had a terrible and unusual growth at the back of his head. They all came and were restored. Operations like these, Ozolua said, give her happiness.

    But an experience with a particular patient had stuck with her for a long time. She was only a little girl with cleft palate problems which had been operated on several times.

    ”She must have been about eight years old when we did her surgery. About three years later, her mother brought her to visit me in the office. I will never forget how beautifully dressed she was and how big she had grown. I thought she wouldn’t recognise me as the woman who had been part of the team that restored her body to wholeness and who was in the operating room with her; but as soon as she saw me, she ran straight into my arms and held me tightly,” she recollected.

    Ozolua also held on to her tightly and to confirm she recognised her, the child said: “You are Aunty Modupe who did my surgery.” Such experiences, she said, were clear reminder that though many people may not appreciate her efforts, but for the little girl, for Jude and Sulaiman, ”all effort and sacrifices on our part is worth it”.

    Also in addition to the name change, the Foundation has a new Board of Trustees, which include the Director-General, National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr Paul Orhii; Minister of Special Duties, Kabiru Turaki (SAN); the Adviser, World Bank, Edith Jubunoh and Prince Oluwaseun Ozolua.

    Archbishop Desmond Tutu is the patron of the Foundation. The new website address is: www.b-efoundation.org.

    Ozolua said her foundation is open for business of saving lives and restoring pride to the poor. “We will soon start publicised advertisement of our treatments,” she said.

  • Towards free and fair election in Osun

    Towards free and fair election in Osun

    The Osun election is about to commence in the next few days. The preparation has long been undertaken by various political parties and various interest groups.  Attention is now shifted to Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) a body assigned to conduct elections in the country. But the disturbing news coming out of the last month gubernatorial election in Ekiti State about the alleged electronic rigging of the said election make for proper investigation by independent bodies and media men in order to avoid future occurrence if the allegation is true. Rigging of election in Nigeria has been a recurrent decimal, but the scientific aspect is new to some of us. However, there was this study titled “System Integrity Problem” where allegations by Bev Harris said that Debold Software was designed to facilitate fraud. The software is said to keep two Microsoft Access data tables of voting results. The two tables are identical copies of votes collated from all polling stations and one could be hacked and altered to produce fake election result without affecting spot check reports derived from the first result. Some of these malpractices have raised its ugly heads in some states in the United States of America.

    Other reports have it that with new technology, ballot papers can be sexed in a way that the result, regardless of actual voting, can be predetermined. It is further revealed that “through a combination of invisible and disappearing inks, “such fraud is feasible.

    The new Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun in a radio interview by Unique Radio, dismissed such scientific rigging by saying that all old ink in their stores have been thrown away. Nevertheless, one can recall a Zimbabwe newspaper story by Nasini CEO, Lucia Mordi that wrote “From our findings so far, we are 99.9 percent convinced the election was rigged via ballot paper. A special watermarked ballot paper was used to give President Mugabe a resounding victory. The ballot paper had a water X against Mugabe’s name such that if ink is placed on the paper, the substance on the paper will react and remove the ink and activate the watermarked X into print”. We must therefore not dismiss the allegation that there is a scientific rigging device in existence in Nigeria.

    Our business as the conscience of the nation is to ask the question; is this true and if it is true, we must also find out the company and country that produces such ballot papers. There is also the need to raise the question on the culpability of INEC in the allegation. The battle against scientific election rigging must be fought with totality, for if we neglect to fight, we are simply sitting on the keg of gunpowder and the implication on Nigeria’s future is that we shall not be able to change our leader through constitutional means, that is through the ballot boxes and the danger is that while other African countries are making progress in democratic process, we are likely to be descending into  the state of anarchy and consequent upon this is political instability and the effect on the economy that may make life worse for the citizens to live normal lives.

    It is the responsibility of everyone of us to gear towards the means by which we can ensure that the people’s vote count and we can only succeed if we express our opinion now that the election is about to come. Section 120 of the Electoral Act 2010 enunciated that it is an offence for anybody to sell, buy or have more than one Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC). The provision of this Electoral Act can only be meaningful if every one of us maintain vigilance and report any culprits to the law enforcement agents and to follow it up and see that law take its effect on the violators. The opposition party in the state is so desperate that some of them have been arrested for buying voters cards, not only that, a form was designed and given out to would-be beneficiaries of financial assistance for members who must give their voter’s card, pin number and swear  an oath to keep mute over the arrangement. Thus far, the case has become an open secret in the state but the law enforcement agents are yet to apprehend those behind the pin number collectors even though the Electoral Act, section 120, sub section c and d make it an offence. It is hoped that INEC must ensure that those who are caught with PVC must be prosecuted so as to serve as deterrent to others.

    However, where the umpire is seen to be compromising its position, we must not keep quiet but raise our voice over such occurrence.

    The State of Osun is ready for the coming gubernatorial election but we need to ask if the INEC is fully prepared for the election? INEC’s readiness in terms of voters’ card distribution in recent time has led to brick back between the body and the political party in power in the state. The good news is that the umpire has come out denying the allegation of discriminative distribution of PVC in the state. It is important to serve warning to INEC on the Osun election. The people know who they want in power, if by omission or commission the election is manipulated to favour a wrong candidate, the people will react, no matter the number of soldiers and policemen that may be brought for the election. We must remember that President Goodluck Jonathan has declared that no one’s blood is worth his political ambition, we must not just take the statement literally but take the words into our hearts; bearing in mind that those who shed the blood of the innocent in order to prosper in this life if they ever succeed, it is temporarily, as posterity will one day catch up with such people

    On the using of soldiers for election monitoring, only those that are benefitting from the usage are praising INEC and the president over it. However, we must not tolerate illegality for the sake of political exploitation. It is the police that are constitutionally assigned to be involved in election process as they are the body that are to see to the security of lives and properties in the country. The military can only be involved when there is an internal crisis that is beyond the control of the police or where there is external attack. But a situation where the Presidency laid a siege over a state such as it was in Ekiti during the 21st June election is highly condemnable. What I saw in Ekiti before and during the election, where nearly 40,000 military men were deployed to monitor election is dangerous for the survival of our democracy. We must get it right by now so that we would not continue to use the soldiers for elections in the foreseeable future. To do otherwise would amount to riding on the tiger’s tail and will certainly end up in its stomach.

    The Second Republic was truncated by the foolishness of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) under Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Shagari’s administration that muscled the oppositions to the extent that both the police and the soldiers were freely used to rig the 1983 General Election; at the end of the day, they claimed that their popularity and acceptability had earned them “landslide victory”. But the puerile victory was short-lived. Within three months after the so called landslide victory, the very soldiers they used chased them out of office and for the next 16 years, the military did not only send the politicians to jail, some of them ran to exile; others died in the prison and some became bankrupt till date. Now, our politicians are yet to learn from history and from the look of things, it appears that history may repeat itself if care is not taken.

    Stomach infrastructure has become a new political terminology in Nigeria. It used to be called egunje before but every day we, as a people, descend in value and we ridicule our ourselves before the comity of nations. In our 1999 constitution, bribery and corruption is an offence. The Electoral Act, section 130 states as follows; (a) A person who corrupt by himself or by any other person at any time after the dates of an election has been announced,  directly or indirectly gives or provides or pays money to or for any person for the purpose of corruptly influencing that person or any other person to vote or refrain from voting at such election, or on account of such person or any other person having voted or refrained from voting at such election, or (b) being a voter, corruptly accepts or takes money or any other inducement during any of the period stated in paragraph (a) of this section, commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of #100, 000 or 12 months imprisonment or both. Laudable as the law provides but the impunity at which politicians go about influencing voters as if there is no law that frown at such practices, leaves much to be desired.

    Just few days ago, the newspapers reported that the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Adamu Muazu, said that as they gave the Ekiti electorate rice and N10, 000 to secure their votes the same practice will be repeated at Osun to secure their party or candidate’s victory come 9th of August. We ought to be thoughtful about the desecration of our value system, as we threw caution to the wind each time we are aspiring for political office, the tendency will be there that we may eventually be robbing the people to build self empire. Nigeria is rated as one of the most corrupt countries in the world, and yet our leaders never give a thought to the future implication and we are today worse for it. Perhaps, that explains why we live by the River Niger and yet we are washing our hands with spittle, but it cannot continue like this. It is either we change through persuasion or we snowball into revolution. We must let our vote count and stop unnecessary “stomach infrastructure syndromes”. Let’s build a future where our children will be proud of, through honest and fair engagement in the course our nation building.

     

    •Obaditan is a political analyst and legal practitioner 

  • Free summer camp for teens

    Insipring Aspiration Media invites children for the 2014 Summer of Dream Camp tagged the Talented and the Intellectuals. It is a mentorship class programme for teenagers in Nigeria.

    The programme is aimed at encouraging learning, expression and play.

    According to the Director Inspiring Aspiration Media, Marcellina Ehidiamen, said that we are looking at online reading and we will be given free books as well as certificates to teenagers.

    The summer camp will hold on 21st July-25th July, 2014 and 4th Auguts-8th August, 2014 at SMILE Resource Centre, 3, Titi Esho Close, Ramat, Ogudu, GRA, Lagos.

    The programme will feature

    •Craft with Ankara

    •Tech coding for kids

    •Mathematics

    •Financial literacy

    •Empathy for kids

    •Creative writing and story telling

  • Pitan, friends commence free medical mission for Lagosians

    Pitan, friends commence free medical mission for Lagosians

    Former Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Dr.  Leke  Pitan,  and his friends, under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (AGPMPN) and Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN) Lagos State Chapters, will from Monday, August 4, commence a free medical outreach to all 20 local government Areas and 37 local council development areas of the state.

    The programme will be run by qualified, experienced and specialist doctors from the three medical professional bodies. They will attend to  various health challenges of the general public and dispense drugs to them free of charge at each location.

    The team will also include experienced eye specialists who will conduct on-the-spot eye screening, dispense drugs and give glasses free of charge to residents in the various communities.

    In addition, there shall be free cancer screening, hypertension and diabetes screening, urine tests, general check-up and body mass index verifications.

    Shedding light on the initiative at his Ikeja office at the weekend, Dr. Pitan described the exercise as his own way of giving back to the society from his God-given area of knowledge and specialisation.

    “This is not the first time my friends and I are undertaking this sort of community assistance. So when my friends came up with this idea again, I naturally said yes since it’s obvious it will benefit a large number of our people, especially at the grassroots, and on a long time basis. This is clearly beyond politics. It’s a practical way of adding value to people’s lives beyond the immediate. I am very proud of my friends for offering themselves freely to improve the health status of all Lagosians,” he said.

    It will be recalled that the  NMA and AGPMPN have just endorsed the political aspiration of Dr. Pitan at separate ceremonies.

    Dr. Pitan is one of the leading aspirants under the banner of the All Progressives Congress(APC), jostling for the governorship ticket to contest the 2015 elections in Lagos State.

    The NMA, at its just concluded 54th Annual Congress, unanimously passed a motion moved by Dr. Adedamola Dada to endorse the gubernatorial ambition of Dr. Pitan.

    Also, the AGPMPN, at its special congress held recently, has also endorsed the political aspiration of Dr. Pitan.

    The Annual General Meeting of the NMA is the highest decision-making body of the association. It comprises all the executive members and elders of the association.

    Dr. Pitan is a National Honours Rolls Awardee of the NMA.

    The free medical mission will kick off in the Alimosho Federal Constituency on August 4. The exercise will have  Dr. Pitan  personally leading  the team.

  • Govt promises Lagosians free BRT, BFS ride on Eid-el-Fitr

    Govt promises Lagosians free BRT, BFS ride on Eid-el-Fitr

    The Lagos State Government is offering Lagosians free bus ride on Monday July 28 to ease traffic around the state on the Eid-el-Fitr.

    Commuters on the Mile 12 to CMS BRT route will enjoy the free ride, same as those on the Bus Franchise Scheme (BFS) route from Ikotun to Igando-Iyana-Ipaja-Ikeja.

    A statement signed by the External Relations Specialist for the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Mr Kolawole Ojelabi said LAMATA’s Managing Director, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, urged Nigerians to do everything in moderation during the holiday period and ensure that accidents do not occur on the roads.

    He called on all to use the holiday to reflect on the current security challenges being faced in the country and pray for its quick resolution.

    Mobereola also called for prayer for the safe return of the Chibok girls abducted over 104 days ago as well as the prosperity and development of the country.

    Mobereola called on all Lagosians to be vigilant and be security and safety conscious. He said any suspicious movement or activity by any person or group of persons should be reported to the security agencies.

    As a public transport planning, franchising and implementation Agency of Lagos State, Dr Mobereola said LAMATA remain committed to promoting the achievement of an integrated multi-modal transport system in the state.

    He urged the public to keep faith with the government in all its transport projects aimed at making life and movement easier for all Lagos residents.