#Asuustrike: We Are Not Sure When It Will End – ASUU President, Fagge Says

My dear students, go and find better things to do with your time. Learning a hand work is not a bad idea. Its just for the time being...

The President of Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Dr. Nasir Isa Fagge has said that although the Union has begun consultations among its members following discussions with Vice President, Namadi Sambo, it cannot confirm when it will call off the ongoing strike.
Fagge spoke with journalists in Makurdi shortly after the Union’s congress meeting at the Benue State University.

According to him, the body’s position would be made known to the public after consultations are concluded.
President Jonathan had two weeks ago delegated his Deputy, Sambo, to take over negotiation with ASUU after several efforts by Benue state Governor, Gabriel Suswam-led Needs Assessment Implementation Committee failed.

C-O-N-F-U-S-I-O-N!!! Obi Of Onitsha Angry With Ngige’s Rally In Onitsha After Warnings

**it was very disrespectful for a political party, in spite almost one year notice for the Ofala, to fix their rally the same day.
**anyone who disrespected the land would be hunted by it, and should not run away when the land begins to take revenge on him.
**a true Igbo son, Dr. Ngige would allow his party to fix rally on the same day the Obi of Onitsha was performing Ofala festival.


The Obi of Onitsha, Dr. Alfred Achebe, the Igwe of Onitsha has expressed unhappiness with Senator Chris Ngige, following the insistence of his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, to hold their flag- off campaign on Tuesday in Onitsha, despite the traditional Ofala festival being celebrated by the monarch.

The Ofala festival is a yearly celebration in Onitsha where the monarch of the town is celebrated, and Igwe Achebe was to round up the ceremony Tuesday but was surprised that Ngige took his campaign flag off to the town to disrupt the event.

While rounding up his Ofala festival Tuesday, the angry Obi said it was very disrespectful for a political party, in spite almost one year notice for the Ofala, to fix their rally the same day.

He reminded that anyone who disrespected the land would be hunted by it, and that such a person should not run away when the land begins to take revenge on him.

Commenting on the issue, Gov. Obi also condemned APC rally, expressing surprise that a true Igbo son, Dr. Chris Ngige would allow his party to fix rally at Onitsha the same day the Obi of Onitsha was performing Ofala festival.

I Am Not 36-Year-Old - Actress, Eniola Badmus Cries Out

 Hahaha...Is she scared of getting old?

She only said she is not 36 but she didn't mention her real age. She once tweeted that she was 26 meanwhile, several bios say 7th Sept. 1977, which is still 36...

Does she look older of younger than 36? Read her tweet below;

Ministry urges better treatment of aged people

MINISTER of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Zainab Maina, has called for better treatment of aged people in the country due to their frailty and contribution to the socio-economic development to the nation.

Maina, who noted that support and care of the aged in the rural-urban communities have declined, especially in the face of socio- economic climate, said breakdown of the extended family system, which used to be the bedrock of support for older persons and the rural-urban migration of the younger generations, have greatly and adversely affected the quality of care given to older generations.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja at a briefing to mark the International Day of Older Persons, with the theme “The Future We Want: What Older Persons Are Saying”, the minister said: “You will agree that one of the greatest concerns of older persons today is insecurity. This, together with health, is most frequently mentioned by older persons themselves. In some situations, they are abused and defiled by younger generations.

“The contribution of the elderly to national development cannot be over-emphasised. Their sacrifices, wisdom and experiences have remained and continued to be the pillar of support and stability in our nation. They should, therefore, enjoy a life of rest, comfort, security and active participation in the economic, cultural and political life of their communities. Let us rise to the challenge of integrating our older citizens into the development process of this country as we cannot afford to ignore their numerous potential.”

 Maina further urged non-governmental organisations to organise concrete programmes of intervention for the care of older persons through advocacies and undertakings that will provide income support and security.

She also assured that the government would support any public-private partnership initiative that is focused on promoting the wellbeing of older persons in the country.

“As a responsible member of the United Nations, Nigeria has not only consistently observed this day since its declaration, it has also put in place a number of programmes of intervention to actualise its commitment to the Madrid Plan Action on ageing 2002 and other declarations. We will not rest on our oars but will continue to facilitate and promote the Madrid International Plan of action on ageing, including designing guidelines for policy development and implementation,” she said.

WHY WE RESUMED STRIKE -ASUP

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) at the weekend said it resumed its suspended strike last Friday due to lack of commitment on the part of the Federal Government to growth of the technological sector.

The group vowed that it would not go back on the strike till all its demands are met.
The zonal coordinator (Zone C) Comrade Babatunde Dosumu who spoke on behalf of the South-west chapter of the group in Abeokuta, lamented that despite its ultimatum to government, nothing was done.
“Our efforts have been to call government’s attention and action on the need for constitution of Governing Councils of polytechnics, the migration of the lower cadres on the CONTISS 15 salary scale, the release of the White Paper on the visitations to federal polytechnics, the need for the commencement of Needs Assessment of polytechnics, among others,” he said.
The ASUP South-west coordinator lamented the continued appointment of unqualified persons as rectors and provosts of polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of technologies by some state governments, the imposition of professors from outside the polytechnic sector as rectors and the refusal of most state governments to implement the approved salary packages (CONPCASS).

END TO DOCTORS' STRIKE DIM

Hopes of a quick end to ongoing industrial action by resident doctors nationwide dimmed Monday after health minister Onyebuchi Chukwu lamented that the strike was “unacceptable.”

This came after the labour ministry, which convened a meeting last Friday to arbitrate between National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) and the health ministry, had earlier expressed hopes that both sides had agreed to “consider” a suspension of the strike, already going to a week.

Fielding questions in Abuja at a retreat for tertiary health institutions, the minister said NARD’s industrial action was “uncalled for because the issues at stake are issues we are already handling after we met the Nigerian Medical Association.”

Among the issues NMA raised are disruption in pay for house officers on account of federal hospitals using a centralized Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

Concerns over IPPIS has since been tabled before a committee chaired by the Head of Service, at which both NARD and NMA are represented.

Despite ongoing talks, at least seven tertiary hospitals using IPPIS still owe their house officers and resident doctors since August, an impromptu question at the retreat revealed.

Chukwu ruled out political motivation as basis for the strike but said resident doctors could have exercised patience, since they took part in ongoing meetings.

“We understand some of the issues have not been resolved but I think we can do well to exercise some patience and not go on strike, because, when we go on strike, people do die,” he said.

WHY SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA REMAINS POOR DESPITE ECONOMIC GROWTH - WORLD BANK

The World Bank Group has attributed the high poverty rate in sub-Saharan Africa despite economic growth to high level inequality in both outcome and opportunities for citizens.

According to the Bank’s study of the continent’s economy tagged 'Africa’s Pulse' released Monday an estimated 413 million Sub-Saharan Africans live on less than $1.25 a day as at 2010 compared to 379 million in 1999 and the sub-region is likely to have most of the world’s poor by 2030.

“In addition, the conversion of Africa’s growth into poverty reduction has been hindered by higher initial inequality, the challenges of harnessing growth from minerals exploitation for benefit of the broader population and continuing under performance of its agricultural sector, even though the latter has been showing signs of improvement recently,” the study said in part.

The study said almost one of every two African live in extreme poverty.
“Africa grew faster in the last decade than most other regions, but the impact on poverty is much less than we would’ve liked. Africa’s growth has not been as powerful in reducing poverty as it could have been because of the high levels of inequality. Growth with equity is possible, but it requires a decline in inequality in both outcomes and opportunities,” says Francisco Ferreira, Deputy Regional Chief Economist, World Bank Africa Region.

The study noted that the exports from the sub-region has concentrated on oil and other minerals which the study says makes  countries in the region (including Nigeria) vulnerable to sharp movement in the prices of the commodities.

According to the study after the global financial crisis and recurring climatic volatility on the continent, a growing number of African countries are setting up social safety nets to protect the health and livelihoods of poor and vulnerable people during periods of adversity.

However, 'Africa’s Pulse' notes that safety nets can protect families from the worst effects of crises and also contribute to growth as well by allowing people to raise their incomes.

Man dies stealing fuel from tanker

Sokoto – The decomposed body of a 25-old-man, Zayyanu Abubakar, has been evacuated from inside a petrol tanker compartment where he suffocated and died since Friday, Oct. 4, while stealing petrol.

The deceased fell inside the tank of the vehicle with registration number, XA 640 TBW, parked along Sokoto western bye-pass, loaded with 33,000 litres of petrol.

The deceased was alleged to have earlier on the night of the fateful day, stolen 20 litres from the fuel compartment and had returned for more when he ended up inside.

It took the combined efforts of the officers of the state fire service, the police from Kwanni Division, Sokoto and some good Samaritans, four hours – 8 a.m to 12 noon – to remove the decomposed body from the tankers belly.

Yahaya Mohammed, a relative of the deceased  said at the scene of the incident that Abubakar was warned by his brothers against the act.

“He told his siblings about his earlier successful exploits and they warned him against going back into the vehicle.

“He had told them that he nearly suffocated in the first attempt, but unknown to them, he went back, got trapped and died,” Mohammed said.

A fire serviceman, Zayyanu Jelani said, “we were here since around 8.00a.m when we were alerted about the ugly development.

“This is the first time we are recording this type of unfortunate incident in Sokoto apart from fire incidents on fuel tankers.”

The spokesman of the state police command, DSP Al-Mustapha Sani confirmed the story and added that the police would thoroughly investigate the incident.

NAN reports that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the morgue of Uthmanu Danfodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.

Yobe teachers protest salary cut

Damaturu – The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Yobe, on Monday rejected plans to deduct N13 million from salaries of its members to print Identity Cards.

Chairman of the union in the state, Malam Ibrahim Lawan, told newsmen in Damaturu that his members would embark on strike if the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) insisted on going ahead with the project.

“The decision to deduct the money from teachers’ salaries to finance the identity card project will cause industrial disharmony between teachers and the board.

“Teachers in the state have more pressing issues like promotions, implementation of last promotions and other welfare packages such as housing and accommodation.

“Our  members,  about 13,000, have expressed concern over the proposed deduction of N1,000 each from their salaries, and are willing to put down tools if the decision was not rescinded,” he warned.

Lawan, who is also the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, said teachers had the right to reject any illegal and forceful deduction from their salaries.

Some teachers, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on condition of anonymity, described the identity card project as unnecessary.

“Our current identity cards are still valid. We do not see any reason for the production of another at the expense of the teachers.  We don’t need any other card.” said one of them.

In his response, the Chairman of SUBEB in Yobe, Alhaji Gagarau Bizi, said the identity cards would only be produced with the consent of the union and the teachers.

“If they are not interested and they do not want it, then we close the chapter and consider the project dead,” he told newsmen .

FG sets up c’ttee to tackle collapse of federal roads

ENUGU—The Federal Government, weekend, inaugurated a committee charged with the responsibility of checking frequent collapse of federal roads and strengthen their lifespan.

The committee known as Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action Against Road Abuse, is expected to identify locations grossly abused, carry out public enlightenment to bring a stop to such abuse.

Membership of the committee was drawn from the Nigeria Police, the Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

File: Benin-Ore road

Others are the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers, Federal Road Maintenance Agency and the National Orientation Agency.

While inaugurating the committee for the South-East zone at the weekend, FERCSARA, National Chairman, Mr. Kelvin Onuoha, said offenders apprehended by the committee would be made to pay fines.

Such road abuse, he said, included excessive axle loading by commercial trucks and trailers, cutting of road or road shoulder for pipe or cable laying and burning of tyres on the road.

Onuoha also identified mechanics and vulcanizers using road media or road shoulder as workshop, villagers digging on bridge embankment for sharp sand, dumping of waste on drainage, refuse dump growing fat along highways as bad habits that accelerate road failure.

He said: “Defacing of road signs using campaign posters, erecting shops on top of drainage line, vandalizing bridge railings, street light poles, abandoning broken down vehicles on road shoulders are other alarming road abuse that make the federal highway very unsafe.”

According to him, preventable bad habits had become a major challenge on the roads in the zone.

Centenary Village to cost N3.2 trn – Abubakar

Abuja – The proposed Centenary Village, an ultra-modern city within the FCT to mark the 100 years of the Nigerian nationhood, will cost N3.2 trillion, retired Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar said on Monday.

Abubakar, who is Chairman of the Board of Centenary Village Plc, disclosed this while presenting a report to President Goodluck Jonathan at the State House in Abuja.

The Centenary Village Plc is a public liabilities company to be jointly set up by the private companies which will finance the project.

FROM LEFT: FORMER HEAD OF STATE AND CHAIRMAN, BOARD OF CENTENARY CITY, GEN. ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR; PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONTHAN AND VICE-PRESIDENT NAMADI SAMBO, DURING THE VISIT OF THE BOARD TO THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA IN ABUJA ON MONDAY (7/10/13).

The former military Head of State, who led other members of the company’s board to the Presidential Villa, said the Centenary Village would be wholly financed by the private sector.

Abubakar said the board had in the report also requested President Jonathan to grant certain concessions to the private investors who are willing and ready to be part of the project.

“Specifically, government should make the land for the project available with the status of an export free zone.

“Tax holiday should also be granted to the investors for equipment and materials to be imported for the projects, among others,’’ he said.

President Jonathan thanked Abubakar and other members of the company’s board for the work done so far.

He said the presentation by Abubakar was not only “fascinating’’ but reassuring that “our dream that we will get a city better than Abuja is gradually coming to fruition’’.

Jonathan said the centenary city would be planned in a way where the infrastructure would be centralised.

“People living there will not need to drill borehole or get personal cylinder for gas, and the management of solid waste and other environmental issues will be centralised,’’ he said

“It is a big dream but we are hopeful that we are getting close.

“With the board’s commitment and the commitment of government, we will get there.’’

Jonathan assured that he would consult with relevant cabinet ministers on the requests made by the company’s board before giving approvals and directives.

Meanwhile, Abubakar in an interview with newsmen after the presentation, said he was in support of the national dialogue being planned by the federal government.

“It is better to `jaw-jaw’ than to `war-war’,’’ he had said.

NAN recalls that Jonathan had in a broadcast on Oct. 1 to mark Nigeria’s 53rd Independence Day Anniversary announced the setting up of an advisory committee on a national dialogue.

Oshiomhole faults resident doctor’s strike

BENIN CITY—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, has faulted the ongoing strike by a section of doctors in public health institution in the country, under the aegis of Association of Resident Doctors, saying that same negates their professional ethics.

Oshiomhole spoke when he received National President of Nigeria Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele in his office, Benin City, weekend. He said that “part of the problem of Nigeria’s medical practice has to do with resident doctors. I was watching television and I learnt that resident doctors are on strike. Resident doctors are considered as student doctors in other environment. As student doctors, they cannot be behaving as if they have become experts already.

“And because they are students, they are supposed to go through certain routine that are rigorous. In the United States, the resident doctors, even if he become a chief resident, his or her pay may be about half until when he becomes a consultant.”

‘Even children are not immune from cancer attack’

Health experts have called for collective efforts in tackling the rising incidence of childhood cancer in Nigeria, stating that the disease is almost assuming epidemic level.

Speaking in Lagos, the President, Children Living With Cancer Foundation,  CLWCF, Dr. Nneka Nwobbi, posited that checking the scourge of childhood cancer required collective efforts because of the huge amount of money involved. Nwobbi, who spoke during a Cancer Awareness Walk to enlighten the public on the need for cancer screening and early detection, advised sufferers not to see the disease as a death sentence.

“Childhood cancer is not a death sentence.  It is curable though expensive to manage; but there should be enough money to make cancer treatment free for children in this country. If about 10,000 people contribute N1,000 monthly, with N10 million, it would go a long way to bringing relief to parents because access to drugs is not the problem, but affordability,” she said.

Nwobbi explained that, that can lead to effective treatment and save lives especially in children.

The CLWCF boss lamented that her experience collaborating with individuals, organisations and institutions on cancer indicates that most cancer cases that eventually lead to death are those detected at late stages.

She therefore stated that all should support groups and individuals involved in the fight against cancer in order to successfully tackle the challenges of cancer disease, which, she said, threatens the entire human race.

Consultant pediatrician at LUTH, Dr. Edamisan Olusoji Temiye, underscoring the seriousness of the issue, noted: “Childhood cancer treatment is very expensive. For example, a complete treatment for kidney cancer (nephroblastoma), which lasts for less than six months and is not as costly as cancer of the blood, will cost parents of an affected child nothing less than N1 million. And we will have to monitor the child up to five years before we can say he is okay.

It takes between N7 million and N10 million to cure blood cancer, which lasts two or three years. “So, it’s not feasible for an average Nigerian family to afford the cure for cancer. That is one of the reasons why our cure rate is very, very low because there’s a lot of treatment abandonment. The parents come and when they see the enormous cost, they just go away. And the next time you see them, they tell you the child died at home.”

Agagu: NCAA grounds Associated Airlines

Following the ill-fated crash that occurred on Thursday involving Associated Airline Embraer 120 aircraft that crashed at the Joint Users Hydrant Installation Tank Farm killing 13 passengers with seven survivors, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority NCAA, Saturday grounded the operations of Associated Airline at the Murtala Muhammed Airport MMA, Lagos.

While answering questions from newsmen at the General Hospital Ikeja after paying a visit to injured passengers, Director General of NCAA, Capt Fola Akinkuotu announced the suspension of all operations of the airline.

The ill-fated plane: The Embraer 120RT Brasilia, registration number 5N-BJY, before it crashed.

He said: “Associated airlines, their operations has been suspended by the NCAA. Let me say for the purpose of clarity,  I said their operations, I mean all their operations of Associated airlines have been suspended by the NCAA. I did not say any certification was cancelled but all operations.”

Bomb scare at PDP National Secretariat

NATIONAL secretariat of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was yesterday thrown into pandemonium and state of total confusion as both senior and junior staff ran for safety following   fear of planted bomb by an undisclosed group.

As the news went round the Wadata Plaza, the PDP National Secretariat,   top party officials were scampering to leave the secretariat, just as some directors hurriedly discharged their Staff for the week end.

It was also difficult for staff to drive out of the premises because of the tight nature of the available packing space and middle and junior level officials without cars who were apparently disturbed especially as the news broke out barely twenty four hours after the Lagos Plane crash   were seen in groups discussing the matter.

Some principal officials like the National Auditor, Chief Adewole   Adeyanju,   departmental directors , among others who got wind of the news had to rush out of the premises, even as PDP national chairman,Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and the new National Secretary, Professor Adewale   Oladipo were not in the office.

Moves by anxious   journalists to get to the top of the story, however revealed that a report was relayed to the party secretariat Thursday night disclosing a verified report of a credible threat to attack the secretariat starting from Friday.

A director of the party was said to have received the report and then informed all the necessary directors and officials within the leadership and this   was later leaked to the general Staff who took the news and reacted very fast yesterday.

A top security official of the party who confirmed the development, said, “yes, the threat is real and we are all aware of the situation”

The Agagu tragedy: How Deji Falae,others boarded ill-fated aircraft

Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. —William Shakespeare

HOW else will you describe the disaster that befell the Agagu family, their friends and relations and indeed Nigeria on Thursday when Associated Airline plane conveying Dr Agagu’s remains to Akure for burial  crashed  near a fuel dump located at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, killing thirteen out of twenty  people on board?

Is there ever any compensation for life? How will you compensate a woman who not only lost her husband in the crash but also the opportunity to say a final goodbye?

CRASHED: Fuselage of the crashed aircraft Embraer 120RT Brasilia, registration number 5N-BJY.

What story would calm a woman who had waited with anticipation for her husband to conclude the business of the day and return home to her warm embrace only to be told he had gone forever?

Would a young man who drove his own brother to the airport and  watched him board  the flight only to hear a big crash that claimed the life of his brother feel the same ever again?

Questions, questions, questions! These were some of numerous questions that demanded answers as relations  of people that perished in the ill-fated Associated Airline  flight trooped to the crash site; LASUTH   or at the Airline’s office at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

It was, indeed, heart-rending as emotions ran high for hours . Some came crying, others registering their protests as they all demanded answers from the officials of the airline and airport officials concerning their beloved ones who were in the Akure-bound flight that Thursday morning.

The tears, the pains, the expression of anger, the visible apprehension, the feelings of hopelessness were all natural expectations from people so anguished by the cruel tragedy.

Who do you calm? The widow, the widower and the orphans whose circumstances were created by the crash? Would some relations of these victims ever get over the agony, the psychological trauma of losing their loved ones?

How would parents who lost their  sons or daughters ever recover from the reality that their wards whom they waited for at the Akure  end of the airport  would never land to their embrace? Could anything  have saved the pilot from embarking on  that ill-fated  journey?

Indeed, there are no answers. Only questions and more questions. It was a pitiful sight at the corporate headquarters of Associated Airline and the crash site as relatives of the dead got nothing but words of consolation coming from the airline’s officials who were also mourning because even their beloved ones also died in the crash.

Saturday Vanguard was at the airport  and came face-to-face with the bereaved families, friends and associates.There was this  feeling of emptiness by the distinct families that they did not  get the opportunity for the last goodbye. We  bring to you the grief, agonies and views of the affected families:

Twin tragedy

IT would be an understatement to say that what happened on October 3 in Ondo state was  a twin tragedy and unprecedented in the  history of the state since its creation 37 years ago. The immediate former governor, Dr Olusegun Agagu who died on September 13 in Lagos while attending a Political meeting was to be given a State burial to be preceded by a Lying- in- State in Akure, the State capital.

But the Lying- in- state organised by the state government was abruptly aborted following an ugly incident. The 20 passenger chartered Associated Airline engaged by the family of the deceased family crashed few minutes after taking off from the airport.

The Associated Airlines charter flight took off at about 9:30 am on Thursday from the domestic terminal at Lagos’s Murtala Mohammed International Airport. It was going to Akure but few minutes after taking off the  engine reportedly failed and it crash-landed and burst into flames,”.

Those on board the ill fated aircraft include the corpse of the former governor, a delegation of the state  government led by the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Deji Falae,  a Protocol officer Bernard Daji and two other officials in the state liason office in Lagos.

Deji Falae

Others include the first son of the deceased governor Feyi Agagu, a son-inlaw Femi Akinsanya amongst others. The Akure airport was jampacked with both Chieftains of the ruling Labour Party led by the Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko while the ‘celebrants,’ the PDP were present to receive the corpse of their leader.

Another private plane owned by the business mogul Jimoh Ibrahim had earlier brought the wife of the former governor Olufunke and her two daughters Solape and Omowunmi from Ibadan to Akure that morning. Leaders of the two political parties threw banters and the joyful mood at the airport was however aborted abruptly via an unpalatable news that the plane conveying the corpse of the leader and family members had crashed.

It started like a rumour but within some minutes, it became a reality and the joyous mood at airport turned into sorrow.
Governor Mimiko who was waiting to receive the corpse got the information from his Chief of Staff Dr Kola Ademujimi and he wept profusely. He was immediately rushed into his car and was driven back to the government House. He wept through the 15 minutes drive from the airport to the government house.

The family of Agagu led by the wife was equally rushed away from the airport when the situation was becoming unbearable as tears flowed freely.

The venue of the lying in state became rowdy as guests already seated got wind of the development and there was stampede. Within 30 minutes, the guests had dispersed while musicians and other people invited to add colour to the ceremony left the venue with long faces while both the young and old could not control their emotions. Leaders of the two parties gathered in groups to discuss the unfortunate incident.

For over two hours, it was evident that leaders of the two political parties were totally confused not knowing the next line of action.

It was like a dream that should never come true. Immediately the news of those that died in the crash filtered out, the journey to  their  families  houses started as hundreds of people from both political divides visited to sympathise with them.

The 76 year old father of the Culture and Tourism Commissioner Deji Falae, Chief Olu Falae who is a Leader of Afenifere and former Secretary to the Federal Government and Presidential candidate of AD/APP in 1999 witnessed an unprecedented number of visitors including the Governor, Dr Mimiko.

Chief Falae who could not utter a word was being consoled by clergymen including the new Bishop Simeon Borokini, former Bishop of the Anglican Diocese, Rt Bishop Bolanle Gbonigi, Chief Korede Duyile, top government functionaries, some Pastors from his Church- St David’s Anglican Church. Also said to have visited include Afenifere Leader, Chief Rueben Fasoranti, Sehinde Arogbofa and other leaders of the Yoruba socio political group.

Leaders of Akure, mostly traditional title holders were seen surrounding  Chief Falae late Thursday, consoling him.

He however remained speechless throughout just as he gazed aimlessly at nobody in particular. Some members of the Saint David’s Anglican Church were also present at his residence.  The women group of the Church concentrated on the wife of Chief Falae who was shaking her head and  praying.

His Obaile residence was jampacked with political associates who revealed that the old man was short of words.
His deceased son,Deji was  a lawyer. He was  married with three children and was in his early 40s before his death.

He was a product of ObafemiAwolowoUniversity, Ile Ife.

He was appointed Commissioner after his ambition to go the House of Representatives was not achieved.
His re-appointment as Commissioner by Mimiko during the second term in office is a manifestation of the confidence the governor reposed in him during his first two years of steering the ship of the Culture and Tourism Ministry.

His former staff in the Ministry wailed and rolled on the floor when the news that he did not survive the plane crash came.

His colleagues in the State Executive Council described him as easy going, loving and unassuming.
However, report had it that the family of the deceased governor insisted that the burial plans would not be altered despite the death of many passengers in the ill-fated plane.

The wife of the former governor Mrs Olufunke Agagu according to report approved that the burial should still hold as scheduled.

Consequently, the corpse of the former governor was after the crash conveyed by road to Iju-Odo, his country home last night. A solemn wake keep was organised on the day of the crash at his country home.

Speaking with Saturday Vanguard on the plan to continue with the burial despite the casualties and grief the death of the other passengers had caused their families, the PDP state Chairman Hon Ebenezer Alabi confirmed that the burial plan would not be altered.

Alabi said: “the decision to go ahead with the burial was taken after a meeting with the members of the family.

“We just consulted with the family and the family has decided to go ahead with the burial moreso that the son of the former governor survived, the son-in-law survived  and the son of  Olusegun Obasanjo survived and the casket was not scratched at all.

“So, while the family sympathised with the those that lost their lives and the their loved ones, they have decided to go ahead with the burial as was initially planned”.

The PDP in the state described the plane crash  as shocking and called for sober reflection.
In a statement by Director of Publicity, Mr. Ayo Fadaka said, “We received with absolute shock the news of the crash involving the corpse of Dr Olusegun Agagu and prominent citizens of the State.

“This development to say the least is incomprehensible and unprecedented in the annals of our history as a State.

“In view of the development, we appeal to our party members and the people of OndoState to remain calm”.

The state government in a statement  signed by  Governor Mimiko’s Chief Press Secretary, Eni Akinsola said that “A commissioner, family members, associates and other top government officials were also involved in the crash.

Information available indicates that there were casualties and a few survivors of this unfortunate crash. We are however still expecting more information.

“No doubt, this is an unfortunate disaster in the life of our dear State. We can only pray that God will visit the State with mercy and give us all the strength to bear these unfortunate losses.

“We ask all residents to be in a sober and prayerful mood at these trying times as God is indeed the only person we should call upon in this period.

“Government assures that further and better information will be released as soon as they are available.
The burial programme

The burial event  announced by the burial committe in conjuction with the family members of the former governor led by his brother Femi Agagu and first child Feyi Agagu is  a 3-day programme.

It kicked  off at the International Conference Centre, University of  Ibadan being a tribute Day.
On the 3rd of October, the body of the late politician  would leave   Lagos to  arrive  the AkureAirport by 9am in the morning, while he would lie in state at the Democracy Park Akure.

Another  lying in state cum wake-keep  was scheduled to  take place on the same day begining from 5pm at the Civic Centre Iju-Odo, Okitipupa Local Government.

A burial service was scheduled   for the deceased on the Friday, 4th of October at St Paul’s Anglican Church, Iju-Odo also in  Okitipupa Local Government  by 11 am while the remains of the Late Dr Agagu would be interred at the same venue and   reception follows at Manuwa Memorial Grammar School in the same town.

Speaking with  Anglican Bishop of the Diocese On the Coast, Rt. Revd. J.E. Ogunele, he  described the late Dr Agagu as a highly principled, disciplined , dilligent and intelligent leader.

“The death is shocking and devastating. Agagu’s death is a colossal loss to Nigeria, OndoState and the Ikales.
“He will be greatly missed by everybody including his political rivals who know him to be an intellectual and Administrator per excellence.
“He  proved to us that one can  be in a position  and serve the people rightly without cheating or defrauding them.

“He proved that one can serve the people sacrificially without looking for immediate reward.
“His political opponents only opposed him to win election and not to prove him wrong. God will reward his generations for good and grant his family and the entire Diocese the fortitude to bear this colossal loss.
“He did his very best for the Church where he was born as he raised fund for the Diocese on two different ocassions.”

Governor Mimiko  who  had earlier  declared a 7-Day of mourning  in honour of the late  Agagu described the late Agagu whose demise he said is an irreparable loss to the people of the state and Nigeria,  as a colossus of intellectual and political capabilities, who  achieved so much greatness in  his life time.

The deceased he stressed contributed immensely  to the state and national development during his tenure as minister, deputy governor and governor of the State.

Also prominent leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and religious leaders  paid tributes to the late  Dr Agagu, describing him as the best that ever happened to the state.

Former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni described Agagu as a person who used his intellect to develop both the PDP and the country while he served as Minister of Aviation, Power and Steel and governor of the state.
The Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, Revd. Simeon Borokini said people should prepare for death as nobody can stop it when it is time.

He advised the people to always live according to God’s will and shun evil ways as death would come when they are least prepared for it.

Similarly, the Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Yayi Akorede said it was Agagu who helped in the building of Central Mosque in Akure, the state capital and he never failed in his promise to the people.

He described the tenure of Late Agagu as one that brought peace, growth and development to both Christian and Muslim communities in the state.

The Chairman of Amnesty programme of the Federal government, Mr. Kingsley Kuku said it was Agagu that brought the Ijaw who are clearly the minority in the state to the mainstream of the state politics.

However, Kuku said Agagu was the most betrayed among the governors that ever ruled the state as most of those who benefited from his government had left him before his death.

The Director General of National Sports Commission, Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye described the late Agagu as a sport’s man who represented the old Ondo state in lawn tennis in the mid 60s.

Former Minister of Defence, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN, governorship candidate of the party in the last governorship election, Chief Olusola Oke and others said the tenure of Agagu as governor would not be forgotten in a hurry as he would continue to live in the minds of the people who loved him.

The State Chairman of the PDP, Hon Ebenezer Alabi, his predecessors Dr Gbakinro and Dr Tayo Dairo described the late Agagu as a gift to the state and the country. They advised the followers to uphold the legacy of the former governor.

Tense atmosphere at LASUTH

It was just as the song of late Fela Anikulapo which says, “double wahala for dead body and the owner of body, double wahala for dead body, dead body get accident yepa, double wahala for dead body”.

But, about seven people including Feyisayo Agagu, Akinsanya Femi, Akintunde Akeem, Akintunde Taiwo, Samson Hassan, one Felix and one unknown male survived.

They are critically injured and presently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, LASUTH,  Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, GbagadaHospital and NigeriaAirforceBaseHospital, Ikeja.

Even as passengers and crew members of the aircraft were terribly affected, it was gathered that late Agagu’s corpse was not touched or burnt by any means. The corpse as learnt was placed in a safe cabin in the plane.

Officials of the Associated Airline took to their heels as  efforts to get them to address journalists or members of the affected victims proved abortive.

The atmosphere at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Thursday was tense as  family members, friends and  well wishers besieged the Emergency Surgery department of the hospital. They came from far and near wanting to know  the next line of action.

As at Thursday, 13 bodies were confirmed dead and their corpses  deposited at the Lekan Olusola Mortuary at LASUTH while seven others are receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta, GbagadaHospital and NigeriaAirforceBaseHospital, Ikeja.

On how to identify the victims who were burnt beyond recognition, the Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa  said a forensic autopsy examination would be carried out to determine the cause of death and assist with the identification of the victims.

He explained that the Coroner has given the go-head to carry out the autopsy and assured that the result would be ready within the next 72 hours.

He advised those who have relations on board the ill-fated plane to come forward for the identification. Those required are either the parents of the deceased, their children or siblings. “We will take some samples from their mouth. It is not a difficult process; we are not putting needles on them. We will compare it with the DNA of the victims,” he said and assured that the process would be hastened because “we appreciate the urgency and feelings of the various individuals”

I reluctantly escaped death— Wasiu (M.I.C staff)

—as he describes Tunji Okusanya as an easy going man

*The late Tunji Okusanya

The once quiet but busy Odunlami Street, beside CSS Bookshop, Obalende area of Lagos was on Thursday thrown into pandemonium following the death of the Chief Executive officer, M.I.C undertakers, Mr. Tunji Okusanya who was involved in the Agagu family aircrash.

Passers-by who knew how busy the street used to be had no option than to stop and ask what the problem was.

Tears couldn’t stop flowing as some of his workers described him as an easy going fellow with a large heart. If Tunji had the premonition that his intention of joining the entourage of the late former Ondo Governor would lead to his death, he would have taken another decision.

Perhaps, he would have waited for them at  Akure, Ondo state as he used to do for other  clients but as the saying goes, man proposes and God disposes. He never knew that his journey to Ondo state was a journey of no return.  The most painful part of the story was not only that Tunji was involved but as a loving father, he went along with his only son who recently assumed the position of the Managing Director of the company and four members of his staff.

According to a staff named Wasiu, he was so grateful to God for sparing his life as the earlier scheduled flight with his boss to Akure which was later cancelled by the boss, has spared his life. “ I am so thankful to God that I was not part of the team that was assigned to travel with the corpse.

“I was selected by my boss earlier in the morning for the travel but he later sent me to another assignment which I reluctantly carried out, not knowing that I would have been a dead man if I had followed them. I must tell you the truth, a night before this incident, my boss was behaving funny. His mood was very gloomy which surprised all of us. It was so unlike him.

“He was acting as if he had the premonition that something strange was going to happen the next day (Thursday).  He spoke so much parable about death. He was an easy going man with a brave heart,” Wasiu said.

He went further to say that what happened on Thursday morning was very strange  as their boss never  followed the clients on such an event. “Instead, he would prefer to wait for them at the burial scene.

“On a very good day, my boss would not  embark on this kind of journey but I think the reason  he followed was because of the personality that was involved. If my boss had known, he would not have followed the corpse. What he used to do before was to arrange for us to follow and he would join us in another vehicle. It was so unusual for our boss to follow the corpse along with the family members. All the same, whatever God has said, nobody can stop it. The most painful part of the whole story is that, his only son, who he has handed over the management of M.I.C undertakers to, was in the flight with him alongside four other of my colleagues. They all died,” he said.

A minor drama ensued at the office when a female passerby who would not want her name in  print said that Mr. Okusanya has not officially been confirmed dead but that the ring he wore to the airport was found somewhere close to the crash scene. But another woman refuted that saying that the man died alongside his son and some of his staff.

“He got burnt to ashes, he is dead,” she said.

Only Feyi was asked to travel with the corpse—Iron (Agagu security man)

The atmosphere at the Lagos residence of the former Ondo state Governor, Late Agagu at Glover Road, Ikoyi, still retained its normal serenity and quietness. It was as if nothing happened as the Suya seller who operates in front of the gate went about his normal business on Thursday evening when Saturday Vanguard visited. If you were not told, you would hardly believe that another tragedy had befallen the family.

When the gateman who was the only person in the house was approached, he said the family members all travelled weeks back waiting to receive the corpse at Akure and that only Feyi Agagu came back Lagos to accompany the remains. According to Iron, Agagu’s maiguard, “They have all travelled home for the burial. It was only the first son, Feyi, that was asked to travel with the corpse to the village for burial.

He was the only person that travelled with the corpse. His mother, wife and children are in the village. Right now, he is not dead, he was rushed to the hospital for proper medication and I pray he recovers quickly,” Iron said.

When the news first broke, it was reported that the entire Agagu family were in the plane but that information posted online by some online media was false.

I have no idea any member of Falae family died in the crash —Falae’s Lagos Security man

When Saturday Vanguard visited Chief Olu Falae’s Lagos residence  in Victoria Island, there was no relation in the house. The security man told Saturday Vanguard that Chief Falae and the family has not been staying in the house for more than five years and have  rented it out to other people.

Talking about  the crash, the  security guard said he had no idea that any member of the family was involved in the crash. “ I am not aware of anything like that, I know Oga has not been staying here for quiet a long time now,” he said.

Afenifere, Adebanjo express shock

THE Ikoyi residence of late former governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Kokumo Agagu wore a gloomy look on Thursday when the news went round that the aircraft conveying his corpse, his first son, Feyi and others crashed at the Murtala Mohammed international Airport in Lagos.

When Saturday Vanguard visited the Agagu residence, visitors including journalists were prevented from entering the compound as according to the gateman, “that was the instruction given to us.”

When Saturday Vanguard  probed further to know how he got wind of the plane crash, the gateman said it was the “houseboy that informed  me what had happened to Oga.”

Efforts by Saturday Vanguard to get information from the gateman proved abortive as he “does not want to get into trouble.” But a family member, who spoke under anonmity, at the Ikoyi residence, told Saturday Vanguard that Agagu’s eldest son, Feyi, had left home Thursday morning to ensure “their journey to Akure was hitch-free”.

The source added that “Feyi left home, in company of his friend and a mobile policeman to the airport but we later heard of the unfortunate incident. I have spoken with one of my elder brothers who has since gotten in touch with him. We thank God that he is okay but it is a pity that Chief Falae’s son, among others, did not make it.”
It’s a rude shock—Afenifere

In it’s reaction to the plane crash, Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere expressed shock.
Afenifere’s national publicity secretary, Mr Yinka Odumakin, tearfully told Saturday Vanguard that “It is a terrible tragedy that such a bubbling young son of Chief Falae died in the crash. Words are not enough to console him because this is their first promising child, with such energy and zeal.

For him to have died in the plane crash is shocking to the Olu Falae at this point. One can only pray that God Almighty will grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May the soul of the young man rest in perfect peace.”

It is unfortunate—Adebanjo

Another Afenifere topnotch, Chief Ayo Adebanjo expressed sadness saying “it’s unfortunate, it’s a big tragedy to the country. Only God can console the bereaved.”

Also, Afenifere Renewal Group condoled with the Agagu family and others involved in the crash.
ARG’s publicity secretary, Kunle Famoriyo said that “Agagu’s burial rite does not deserve such a terrible ill-fate occasioned by nothing other than the rot and corruption that has bedevilled our nation in an un-restrained manner.”

ARG, however, condemned the spreading rumours, which aim to attribute the obnoxious incident to some unfounded fetishism. Such barbaric utterances could affect the atmosphere needed to ensure the immediate and remote causes of the crash. We therefore urge all Nigerians to replace such rumour with the clamour for transparency and uncompromised upholding of aviation standards and policies.”

It added that “when previous errors are not decisively and wholesomely corrected, there is bound to be a repeat. We cannot confidently say that plane crashes have been handled in such a way that will forestall it, judging from the frequency of occurrence.

”Our heart grieve and we condole with the Agagu family and families of other victims of the plane crash, the government and people of Ondo State, the entire Yoruba land and Nigeria as a whole”, it stated.